JPWO2018051803A1 - Sample management system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a sample management system capable of reliably and efficiently removing microtubes from a tube rack. The sample management system comprises a plurality of microtubes attached with RFID tags storing identification information, a first tube rack holding the plurality of microtubes, a reader for reading identification information from the RFID tags, a microtube, and a reader And identification information of the microtubes, arrangement information in the first tube rack, identification information read by the reader, and arrangement information in the first tube rack. And a controller configured to display only the microtube selected from the plurality of microtubes on the first display unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample management system using an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag.

  A sample management system has been proposed that can manage microtubes containing samples. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management system using a microtube with an RFID tag. In patent document 1, the micro tube with an RFID tag is accommodated in a tube rack, and a tube rack is mounted in a reader | leader. Information is acquired at one time by the reader from the RFID tag of the microtube, and the position of the corresponding microtube is displayed on the display. By indicating the position on the display, it is possible to facilitate the discovery of the microtubes contained in the tube rack.

JP, 2014-078139, A

  However, in Patent Document 1, the corresponding microtube is found from the position indication on the display, and then the corresponding microtube is searched for and taken out of the tube rack. Therefore, there is a concern that the target micro tube may be mistaken. Also, it was necessary to move the line of sight between the display and the tube rack, which was not always efficient.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a sample management system capable of taking out microtubes reliably and efficiently from a tube rack.

  A sample management system according to a first aspect includes: a plurality of microtubes provided with an RFID tag recording identification information; a first tube rack holding the plurality of microtubes; and a reader reading identification information from the RFID tag A microtube, and a first display unit provided in any of the reader, identification information of the microtube and arrangement information in the first tube rack, and identification information read by the reader and arrangement in the first tube rack And a controller configured to display a microtube selected from the plurality of microtubes on the first display unit based on the information.

  In the sample management system according to the second aspect, the control device causes the first display unit to display microtubes that proceed to the next step from the plurality of microtubes or microtubes that do not advance to the next step.

  The sample management system according to the third aspect includes a second tube rack for holding a microtube to be advanced to the next step, and a second display unit, and the control device includes a plurality of microtubes in the second tube rack. The second display unit displays at least one movement position of and the identification information is associated with the arrangement information in the second tube rack.

  In the sample management system according to the fourth aspect, the first display unit can display a plurality of types, and the control device displays one of the plurality of types of display on the first display unit according to the selection criteria. Let

  In the sample management system according to the fifth aspect, the microtube is made of a transparent material.

  In the sample management system according to the sixth aspect, an RFID tag is attached to the microtube.

  In the sample management system according to the seventh aspect, the microtube has a jacket attached to the bottom, and the RFID tag is attached to the jacket.

  In the sample management system according to the eighth aspect, the jacket is provided with a first display unit.

  The sample management system according to the ninth aspect is configured such that the jacket can visually recognize the bottom of the microtube.

  In the sample management system according to the tenth aspect, the first display unit includes a light emitting diode.

  In the sample management system according to the eleventh aspect, the selection is a selection from information recorded for the microtube.

  According to the sample management system of the present invention, the microtubes can be reliably and efficiently removed from the tube rack.

It is an explanatory view showing the composition of the sample management system of a 1st embodiment. It is an explanatory view showing the composition of the micro tube which has an RFID tag. It is an explanatory view showing composition of a tube rack. It is a top view which shows the structure of a reader | leader. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a microtube and a reader | leader. It is a flowchart which shows the process flow which used the sample management system. It is sectional drawing which shows another structure of a microtube and a reader | leader. It is sectional drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the RFID tag in a jacket, and a light emitting diode. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the RFID tag and light emitting diode in a jacket. It is sectional drawing which shows another structure of a microtube and a reader | leader. It is an explanatory view showing the composition of the sample management system of a 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a microtube and a mounting base. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the microtube of 3rd Embodiment, and a reader | leader.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The invention is illustrated by the following preferred embodiments. Changes can be made in a number of ways without departing from the scope of the invention, and other embodiments besides the embodiment can be used. Therefore, all the modifications within the scope of the present invention are included in the claims.

  Here, in the drawings, portions indicated by the same symbols are similar elements having similar functions. Further, in the present specification, when a numerical range is expressed using “to”, numerical values of upper limit and lower limit indicated by “to” are also included in the numerical range.

<Sample management system>
First Embodiment
The sample management system of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the sample management system of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sample management system 1 comprises a plurality of microtubes 10 each attached with an RFID tag 12 (see FIG. 2), and a first tube rack 20 for holding the plurality of microtubes 10; Equipped with

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the microtube. As shown in FIG. 2, the microtube 10 has a cylindrical main body 10A having a bottom 10B and an opening 10C, a flange 10D provided around the opening 10C, and a lid 10E for closing the opening 10C. And. The micro tube 10 accommodates a sample to be tested such as blood and cells. The microtube 10 means a container capable of containing a sample and performing an inspection or the like.

  It is preferable to use a transparent material that easily transmits light for the microtube 10. For example, it is preferable to use a material selected from acrylic resin, polypropylene, or polystyrene as the transparent material for the main body 10A and the lid 10E. The microtube 10 made of these materials preferably has a transmittance of 60% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and 80% or more at a wavelength of 350 nm to 800 nm. preferable. In the present embodiment, the “transmittance” is a value obtained by dividing the transmitted light by the incident light (transmittance = transmitted light / incident light × 100), and for example, the light flux of 100 is transmitted when it is incident. If the luminous flux is 60, the transmittance is calculated to be 60%. In the present embodiment, “transparent” means that the transmittance is 60% or more.

  The shape of the main body 10A is not limited as long as the sample can be stored. As the shape of the main body 10A, for example, a pillar shape having a substantially constant opening area from the opening 10C to the bottom 10B or a tapered cone shape having a decreasing opening area from the opening 10C to the bottom 10B may be applied it can.

  In the microtube 10 of the present embodiment, an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag 12 is embedded in the bottom portion 10B, and the RFID tag 12 is directly attached to the microtube 10. As a method of attaching the RFID tag 12 directly to the microtube 10, for example, a recess or a groove is formed in the bottom 10B other than the embedding method described in the present embodiment, and the RFID tag 12 is removably attached to the recess or the groove. The method can be applied.

  The lid 10E may be separate from the main body 10A or may be integral with the main body 10A, as shown in FIG.

  The RFID tag 12 does not have a built-in power supply, and has an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip and an antenna (not shown), and can read and write information from the IC chip by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, and the like from external devices. It means what is called an IC tag, an electronic tag, and a wireless tag. The RFID tag 12 is also referred to as a passive RFID tag 12 because it does not have a built-in power supply.

  The RFID tag 12 has a UHF band (Ultra High Frequency: 860 MHz to 960 MHz, preferably 920 MHz), an HF band (High Frequency: 3 MHz to 30 MHz, preferably 13.56 MHz), and microwaves (1 to 30 GHz, preferably 2.45 GHz). Etc.) and an antenna. In the present embodiment, it is preferable to apply the RFID tag 12 having frequency suitability to the UHF band.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the first tube rack. As shown in FIG. 3, the first tube rack 20 includes a top plate 20A having a plurality of holes 20B, and a support member 20C that supports the top plate 20A. In the present embodiment, the top plate 20A and the support member 20C are integrally formed. The top plate 20A and the support member 20C can be separated. The first tube rack 20 is preferably, for example, a material selected from acrylic resin, polypropylene, or polystyrene, as in the microtube 10.

  The plurality of holes 20B are arranged in rows and columns. In order to specify the position of each hole 20B, letters indicating the rows and numbers indicating the columns are displayed on the top surface of the top plate 20A of the first tube rack 20. Numbers and letters are used as sequence information indicating the position of the microtube 10. In the present embodiment, a total of 96 holes 20B of 8 (A to H) × 12 (1 to 12) are provided in the top plate 20A. However, the number of holes 20B is not limited to 96, and may be 48, 384, etc., for example.

  The size of the main body 10A of the microtube 10 is smaller than the size of the hole 20B of the top plate 20A. On the other hand, since the size of the flange 10D is larger than the size of the hole 20B and the flange 10D abuts on the peripheral portion of the hole 20B, the microtube 10 can be held by the first tube rack 20. However, the flange 10D and the top plate 20A of the first tube rack 20 need not necessarily be in contact with each other.

  For example, a rack identification mark 20D such as a bar code is displayed on the side surface of the top plate 20A of the first tube rack 20. The rack identification mark 20D enables identification of a specific first tube rack 20 from the plurality of first tube racks 20. The structure of the first tube rack 20 is not limited to the present embodiment as long as the microtube 10 can be held.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sample management system 1 includes a reader 30 that reads information from the RFID tag 12 of the microtube 10, and a personal computer 50 that includes a control device 60. Here, the reader 30 preferably has a writing function in addition to the reading function.

  The personal computer 50 is electrically connected to the reader 30. The personal computer 50 includes a keyboard 52 which is an operation input unit, and a display 54 which is a display unit. A signal is input from the keyboard 52, and the signal is transmitted from the personal computer 50 to the control device 60. The controller 60 operates in accordance with the signal. Also, a signal from the control device 60 is transmitted to the personal computer 50 and the result is displayed on the display 54. The personal computer 50 including the control device 60 controls the overall operation of the sample management system 1. The control device 60 includes an arithmetic unit that performs various processes, various programs, a recording unit for storing data, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the reader, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reader. As shown in FIG. 1, the reader 30 includes a mounting surface 30 </ b> A for mounting the first tube rack 20. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of antennas 32 are provided inside the reader 30 at the same number as the holes 20B of the first tube rack 20 and at positions facing the holes 20B. When the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted on the mounting surface 30A of the reader 30, the information recorded in the plurality of RFID tags 12 attached to each of the plurality of microtubes 10 is It can be read at once from each antenna 32. The read information is transmitted to the personal computer 50 including the control device 60. Although the reader 30 has been described, the reader 30 is preferably a reader / writer capable of writing on the RFID tag 12. The control device 60 preferably writes information to the RFID tag 12 via the antenna 32.

  The reader 30 of the present embodiment is provided with the same number of light emitting diodes 34 as the antennas 32 corresponding to the respective antennas 32. One antenna 32 and one light emitting diode 34 constitute one set. The controller 60 can cause the light emitting diode 34 at any position to emit light among the plurality of light emitting diodes 34. In the present embodiment, the light emitting diode 34 functions as a first display unit. The function of the first display unit will be described later.

  Next, the operation of the sample management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process flow using the sample management system.

  In the preparation step S1, a plurality of microtubes 10 for storing a sample and a first tube rack 20 for holding the plurality of microtubes 10 are prepared. An RFID tag 12 is attached to each microtube 10.

  In the initial setting step S 2, the plurality of microtubes 10 are arranged in the first tube rack 20. The plurality of microtubes 10 are accommodated in the plurality of holes 20B of the first tube rack 20, the position of the microtubes 10 in the first tube rack 20 is determined, and the arrangement information is determined. The arrangement information means position information of each micro tube 10 in the first tube rack 20, and is specified by numbers and characters (A1, A2... H8) displayed on the top plate 20A of the first tube rack 20. Ru. Writing of association (so-called information linking) between the arrangement information and the identification information indicating this group of racks is performed on the RFID tag 12. For example, information from AB1234-A01 to AB1234-H12 is recorded in each.

  The identification information and sequence information of the RFID tag 12 can be input from the sample management system 1 or the control device 60 from the control software of the sample management system 1 or the control device 60 using the keyboard 52 or the mouse. In addition, arbitrary unique identification information may be automatically registered from the control software of the sample management system 1 or the control device 60. It is preferable that identification information of the RFID tag 12 be matched with or linked to a sample number managed in the sample management system 1 and be made into a database to facilitate input of sequence information. At the time of recording in the control device 60, it is preferable to associate and record information related to the sample and incidental information of the processing content (examination type etc.). Also, the identification information may be identical to the rack identification mark 20D.

  Next, the identification information and the arrangement information of the RFID tag 12 recorded in the control device 60 are recorded in the IC chip of the RFID tag 12 in accordance with the program of the control device 60. For example, in the sample management system 1 shown in FIG. 1, information can be transmitted contactlessly via the antenna 32 by using the reader 30 as a reader / writer. Identification information and sequence information are written to the IC chip of the RFID tag 12. For example, information from AB1234-A01 to AB1234-H12 is recorded in the RFID tags 12 of the 96 microtubes 10. In the sample management system 1 of the present embodiment, identification information and sequence information are recorded in both the control device 60 and the RFID tag 12. This completes the initialization process. The initial setting step is not limited to the above-described step as long as the identification information of the RFID tag 12 and the arrangement information of the first tube rack 20 can be associated.

  When the initial setting step S2 is completed, the processing step S3 is performed. In the processing step S3, processing, for example, inspection of a sample, measurement, etc., is performed using the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10. An apparatus for performing the test may include a flow cytometer. A flow cytometer measures forward scattered light from cells, side scattered light, fluorescence, etc. by flowing cells (specimen) to be measured into a fluid and irradiating it with a laser beam etc. It is an apparatus for sorting cells based on it. Staining of cells is preferably immunostaining by antigen-antibody reaction.

  In the flow cytometer, it is possible to sort a plurality of cells by using a first tube rack 20 holding a plurality of microtubes 10.

  In the flow cytometer, optical characteristics of cells such as forward scattered light, side scattered light, and fluorescence are measured, and the measured cells are sorted into the respective microtubes 10. The flow cytometer associates and records the arrangement information of the micro tube 10 in which the cells are sorted and the measurement result (forward scattered light, side scattered light, fluorescence, etc.). These pieces of information are transmitted to the control device 60. The controller 60 records the identification information of the microtube 10, the arrangement information of the first tube rack 20, and the measurement result in association with each other. For example, information related to forward scattered light, information related to side scattered light, and information related to fluorescence are associated with AB1234-A01. The information on forward scattered light is, for example, intensity, width, and the like.

  It is preferable to observe the cells sorted into the microtube 10 after the measurement by the flow cytometer. In the flow cytometer, since the cells are sorted into the microtubes 10 based on the fluorescence characteristics, dust or cells different from the intended purpose may be collected. By observing the microtube 10 with a microscope or the like, it can be determined whether the target cells are collected in the microtube 10. In addition, information on the target cell, such as the fluorescence intensity of the target cell, the distribution of the fluorescence, and the cell shape, is recorded in the control device 60 in association with the identification information of the microtube 10 and the sequence information in the first tube rack 20 Is preferred. In addition, when observing the microtube 10, the microtube 10 is preferably transparent.

  In the display step S4, of the plurality of microtubes 10 held by the first tube rack 20, the light emitting diodes 34 at positions corresponding to the specific microtubes 10 are caused to emit light.

  In the display step S4, the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted on the mounting surface 30A of the reader 30. Identification information and arrangement information are collectively acquired from the plurality of RFID tags 12 by the reader 30, and the identification information and arrangement information are recorded in the control device 60 as microtube information. The microtube information is information on the microtubes 10 housed in the first tube rack 20. For example, the control device 60 displays the acquired information on the display 54. Identification information and sequence information of the microtube 10 mounted on the reader 30 can be confirmed. In addition, the accompanying information associated with the identification information and the arrangement information of the microtube 10 can be displayed.

  As described above, the readers 30 are provided with the light emitting diodes 34 at positions corresponding to the holes 20B of the first tube rack 20, respectively. When mounting the first tube rack 20 on the reader 30, the holes 20B located in A01 of the first tube rack 20 are aligned with the positions where the light emitting diodes 34 corresponding to A01 provided in the reader 30 oppose each other Preferably. In order to facilitate alignment of the first tube rack 20 with the reader 30, it is preferable to provide positioning pins (not shown).

  The personal computer 50 including the control device 60 incorporates a search program. The search program can search for the microtubes 10 that match the specific conditions from the information recorded for the microtubes 10. For example, as the search condition, the fluorescence intensity of the cell can be input to the control device 60, and the search can be performed on the information of the plurality of microtubes 10 recorded in the control device 60. When a microtube 10 matching the search condition is found, identification information corresponding to the discovered microtube 10 and arrangement information are recorded in the control device 60 as selection candidate information. The selection candidate information is information selected from information recorded on the microtube 10 in the control device 60.

  The control device 60 compares the microtube information acquired via the reader 30 with the selection candidate information after the search. If identification information that matches the selection candidate information after the search and arrangement information are found in the microtube information, the control device 60 determines the light emitting diode 34 corresponding to the corresponding microtube 10 based on the arrangement information. Turn on. That is, the microtubes 10 selected from the plurality of microtubes 10 can be displayed by the light emitting diode 34 which is the first display unit. In addition, the control device 60 can also display the position information of the corresponding microtube 10 in the first tube rack 20 on the display 54. The selection in this embodiment is preferably a selection from the information recorded for the microtube 10.

  The position of the first tube rack 20 in which the discovered microtube 10 is accommodated is indicated by the lighting of the light emitting diode 34. The microtubes 10 can be easily found from the first tube rack 20, and the corresponding microtubes 10 can be taken out. Since it is not necessary to move the line of sight between the display 54 and the first tube rack 20, it is possible to efficiently take out the corresponding microtube 10.

  As described above, since the control device 60 is provided with a search program, conditions for searching for the microtube 10 can be input. In addition, conditions for proceeding to the next step (for example, amplification step utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) or conditions for not proceeding can be set in advance.

  In this case, when the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted on the reader 30, the control device 60 acquires microtube information (identification information and arrangement information) from the RFID 12. The control device 60 records, as next process candidate information, identification information and array information corresponding to the conditions for proceeding to the next process.

  The control device 60 compares the microtube information with the next process candidate information after the search. When the identification information and the arrangement information matching the next process candidate information are found, the control device 60 turns on the light emitting diode 34 corresponding to the corresponding micro tube 10 based on the arrangement information. Therefore, the microtube 10 to be advanced to the next step can be easily found, and the corresponding microtube 10 can be taken out.

  If the conditions for not proceeding to the next step are set, the microtubes 10 not proceeding to the next step can be easily found, and by taking out the corresponding microtubes 10, the first tube rack 20 proceeds to the next step. Can leave.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitting diode 34 functions as a first display unit, but the first display unit is not limited to the light emitting diode. For example, the reader 30 may be provided with a mechanical lifting device to lift the corresponding microtube 10. The lifting device functions as a first display device.

  The microtubes 10 lit by the light emitting diodes 34 are sequentially taken out from the first tube rack 20. When all the microtubes 10 are taken out, the light emitting diode 34 is turned off. Furthermore, with respect to the microtubes 10 taken out of the first tube rack 20, the controller 60 and the array information recorded in the RFID tag 12 are rewritten into information indicating that they have been taken out. It is possible to track the position of the microtube 10.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the RFID tag 12 is directly attached to the microtube 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 has been described. However, it is not limited to this structure.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration of the microtube and the reader. The same components as those shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 may be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the microtube 10 has a cylindrical main body 10A having a bottom 10B and an opening 10C, a flange 10D provided around the opening 10C, and a lid 10E for closing the opening 10C. ,have. A jacket 36 is attached to the bottom 10 B of the microtube 10. The jacket 36 has a recess for fitting a part of the main body 10A. The jacket 36 has a bottom, and the RFID tag 12 is attached to the bottom.

  The sample management system can also be operated according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 6 for the plurality of microtubes 10 equipped with the jacket 36 to which the RFID tag 12 is attached. In the display step S4, the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 to which the jacket 36 is attached is mounted on the reader 30. The leader 30 shown in FIG. 7 and the leader 30 shown in FIG. 5 are the same.

  When the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted, the light emitting diode 34 provided in the reader 30 is lighted by the control device 60 with respect to the corresponding microtube 10. The micro tube 10 in question is taken out of the first tube rack 20 with the jacket 36 attached.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration of the microtube and the reader. The same components as those shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 7 may be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the microtube 10 has a cylindrical main body 10A having a bottom 10B and an opening 10C, a flange 10D provided around the opening 10C, and a lid 10E for closing the opening 10C. ,have. A jacket 36 is attached to the bottom 10 B of the microtube 10. The jacket 36 has a recess for fitting a part of the main body 10A. The jacket 36 has a bottom, to which the RFID tag 12 and a light emitting diode 34 functioning as a first display are attached.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the RFID tag and the light emitting diode in the jacket, and FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view showing the arrangement of the RFID tag and the light emitting diode in the jacket. As shown in FIG. 9, the RFID tag 12 includes an IC chip 14 and an antenna 15 electrically connected to the IC chip 14. The IC chip 14 and the antenna 15 are disposed on the substrate 16. The IC chip 14 is disposed with the electrode 14 A facing the substrate 16.

  The light emitting diode 34 is disposed on the substrate 16, and the light emitting diode 34 is disposed with the electrode 34 A facing the substrate 16. The IC chip 14 and the light emitting diode 34 are electrically connected by the wiring 17.

  The sample management system can also be operated according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 6 for the plurality of microtubes 10 equipped with the jacket 36 to which the RFID tag 12 and the light emitting diode 34 are attached.

  However, in the display step S4, the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 to which the jacket 36 is attached is mounted on the reader 30 of another configuration shown in FIG.

  The reader 30 shown in FIG. 8 differs from the reader 30 of FIGS. 5 and 7 in that the light emitting diode 34 is not provided. In the display step S4, when the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted, the light emitting diode 34 provided in the jacket 36 lights up with respect to the corresponding microtube 10. Power can be supplied wirelessly from the reader 30 only to the corresponding microtube 10, and the light emitting diode 34 can be turned on by the power. The micro tube 10 in question is taken out of the first tube rack 20 with the jacket 36 attached.

  When observing the microtube 10 with the jacket 36 attached, the jacket 36 preferably has a configuration that allows the microtube 10 to be viewed. For example, when the jacket 36 is made of a transparent material or by providing an opening at the bottom of the jacket 36, it becomes possible to visually recognize the microtube 10.

Second Embodiment
The sample management system of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the sample management system of the second embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment may be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the sample management system 1 includes a plurality of microtubes 10 each having an RFID tag 12 (not shown) attached thereto, a first tube rack 20 for holding the plurality of microtubes 10, and It comprises a reader 30 on which one tube rack 20 is mounted, and a personal computer 50 including a control device 60.

  The sample management system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a second tube rack 70 and a mounting table 80 including a second display unit. The second tube rack 70 has the same configuration as the first tube rack 20, and includes a top plate 70A having a plurality of holes 70B, and a support member 70C that supports the top plate 70A. In order to specify the position of each hole 70B, letters indicating a row and numbers indicating a row are displayed on the top surface of the top plate 70A of the second tube rack 70. For example, a rack identification mark 70D such as a bar code is displayed on the side surface of the top plate 70A of the second tube rack 70. Further, the mounting table 80 is electrically connected to the personal computer 50 including the control device 60.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the microtube and the mounting table. As shown in FIG. 12, the mounting table 80 includes a mounting surface 80A on which the second tube rack 70 is mounted, and a light emitting diode 84 that functions as a second display unit. As shown in FIG. 12, the light emitting diodes 84 are disposed in the mounting table 80 at the same number as the holes 70B of the second tube rack 70 and at positions facing the holes 70B.

  The operation of the sample management system 1 of the second embodiment will be described. In the sample management system 1 of the second embodiment, the microtubes 10 proceeding to the next step are taken out of the first tube rack 20, and the taken out microtubes 10 are moved to another second tube rack 70 and rearranged (see FIG. Also called re-arrangement).

  First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process proceeds to the display step S4. In the second embodiment, when the selection candidate information or the next process candidate information is recorded in the control device 60, the arrangement information (A01 to H12) of the second tube rack 70 of the movement destination is related and recorded.

  When relocating from the first tube rack 20 to the second tube rack 70, in addition to the identification information and the arrangement information, in order to distinguish the first tube rack 20 and the second tube rack 70, It is preferable to record the identification mark 20D and the rack identification mark 70D in the control device 60.

  In the sample management system 1 of the present embodiment, the control device 60 compares the microtube information with the selection candidate information or the next process candidate information. When the controller 60 acquires matching identification information, it turns on a light emitting diode 34 (not shown) corresponding to the corresponding microtube 10 held by the first tube rack 20. Then, the light emitting diode 84 at the movement position corresponding to the hole 70B of the second tube rack 70 to be moved is turned on. The lit microtube 10 is taken out of the first tube rack 20, and the microtube 10 is moved to the hole 70B of the lit second tube rack 70. The movement position is at least one movement position of the plurality of held microtubes 10 of the first tube rack 20.

  When the movement is completed, for example, the end button is pressed to turn off the light emitting diodes 34 and 84. The movement of the microtubes 10 from the first tube rack 20 to the second tube rack 70 is repeated. When the movement of the corresponding micro tube 10 is finished, the operation of the sample management system 1 is ended.

  In the present embodiment, the mounting table 80 on which only the light emitting diode 84 is disposed has been described. However, as the mounting table 80, the reader 30 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be used. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the reader 30 comprises an antenna 32 and a light emitting diode 34. By lighting the light emitting diodes 34, it is possible to light the moving destination in the second tube rack 70.

  Further, by acquiring identification information from the RFID tag 12 attached to the microtube 10 moved to the second tube rack 70 by the reader 30, the control device 60 can confirm the movement of the microtube 10. Become. It is preferable that the identification information acquired from the RFID tag 12 and the arrangement information in the second tube rack 70 after rearrangement are associated with each other and recorded in the control device 60.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, although the case where RFID tag 12 was attached to micro tube 10 was explained, it is applicable also to the micro tube equipped with the jacket provided with the RFID tag.

Third Embodiment
The sample management system of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the microtube and the reader applied to the sample management system of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the reader 30 includes a light emitting diode 38 capable of emitting light of a plurality of colors as a first display unit. With the light emitting diode 38 capable of emitting light of a plurality of colors, the light emitting diode 38 which is the first display portion can perform a plurality of types of display. For example, as the light emitting diode 38 capable of emitting a plurality of colors, a light emitting diode in which two types of light emitting diodes of red light emission and yellow green light emission are incorporated in one package can be mentioned. According to two types of light emitting diodes 38 of red light emission and yellow green light emission as plural kinds of displays, red light emission by red light emitting diode, yellow green light emission by yellow green light emitting diode, red light emitting diode and yellow green light emitting diode The three-color light emission (three types of display) with the orange light emission which is a mixed color of is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of microtubes 10 are selected based on the selection candidate information or the next process candidate information, and displayed by the light emitting diode 38. On the other hand, there is a rank among the plurality of microtubes 10, and it may be desirable to divide and display the ranks.

  This ranking is, for example, a ranking corresponding to the quality of cells. In order to proceed to the next step of PCR, the cells need to be alive. In some cases, cell viability may be ranked by cell shape, tendency strength, etc. A plurality of types of display can be performed by using the light emitting diode 38 of the present embodiment.

  The operation of the sample management system 1 of the third embodiment will be described. In the sample management system 1 of the third embodiment, when the plurality of microtubes 10 are taken out from the first tube rack 20, a plurality of displays according to the rank are performed.

  The sample management system of the third embodiment can be configured the same as the sample management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the sample management system 1 shown in FIG. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process proceeds to the display step S4. In the third embodiment, the control device 60 ranks (A, B, C, etc.) a plurality of pieces of identification information listed in the selection candidate information or the next process candidate information from the inspection result and the like. For example, ranking is performed by the controller 60 as AB1234-A01 (microtube in A01 of tube rack A1234): A, AB1234-A02: B, AB1234-C05: C. In addition, the selection criteria at the time of ranking can be set arbitrarily, and the selection criteria are stored in the control device 60.

  The controller 60 lights the light emitting diode 38 corresponding to A01 of the first tube rack 20 of the reader 30 in red based on the ranking. Similarly, the control device 60 lights the light emitting diode 38 corresponding to A02 of the first tube rack 20 in orange, and lights the light emitting diode 38 corresponding to C05 in the first tube rack 20 in yellowish green.

  By performing a plurality of types of display, it is possible to divide the plurality of microtubes 10 into ranks. According to the plurality of indications, the red-lit microtubes 10 can be removed from the first tube rack 20 and moved to another tube rack (not shown). That is, the micro tubes 10 of the same rank can be collected, and the processing of the next step can be efficiently performed. The controller 60 can automatically determine the arrangement information of the moving destination tube rack.

Reference Signs List 1 sample management system 10 micro tube 10A main body 10B bottom 10C opening 10D flange 10E lid 12 RFID tag 14 IC chip 14A electrode 15 antenna 16 substrate 17 wiring 20 first tube rack 20A top plate 20B hole 20C support member 20D rack identification mark Reference Signs List 30 reader 30A mounting surface 32 antenna 34 light emitting diode 34A electrode 36 jacket 38 light emitting diode 50 personal computer 52 keyboard 54 display 60 control device 70 second tube rack 70A top plate 70B hole 70C support member 70D rack identification mark 80 mounting table 80A Mounting surface 84 Light emitting diode S1 Preparation process S2 Initial setting process S3 Processing process S4 Display process

In this case, when the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted on the reader 30, the control device 60 acquires microtube information (identification information and arrangement information) from the RFID tag 12. The control device 60 records, as next process candidate information, identification information and array information corresponding to the conditions for proceeding to the next process.

Claims (11)

A plurality of microtubes attached with an RFID tag recording identification information;
A first tube rack for holding the plurality of microtubes;
A reader that reads identification information from the RFID tag;
A first display unit provided in any of the microtube and the reader;
Selection from the plurality of microtubes based on the identification information of the microtubes, the arrangement information in the first tube rack, and the identification information read by the reader and the arrangement information in the first tube rack A controller for causing the first micro-tube to be displayed on the first display unit;
Sample management system comprising:   The sample management system according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes the first display unit to display a microtube that proceeds to the next process from the plurality of microtubes or a microtube that does not advance to the next process.   A second tube rack for holding microtubes to proceed to the next step, and a second display unit, the control device is configured to set at least one movement position of the plurality of microtubes in the second tube rack. The sample management system according to claim 2, displayed on a second display unit, and associating the identification information with the arrangement information in the second tube rack.   The first display unit is capable of displaying a plurality of types, and the control device causes one of the plurality of displays to be displayed on the first display unit according to a selection criterion. The sample management system according to any one of the above.   The sample management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the microtube is made of a transparent material.   The sample management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the RFID tag is attached to the microtube.   The sample management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a jacket attached to a bottom of the microtube, and the RFID tag attached to the jacket.   The sample management system according to claim 7, wherein the first display unit is provided on the jacket.   The sample management system according to claim 7, wherein the jacket is configured to allow the microtube to be viewed.   The sample management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first display unit includes a light emitting diode.   The sample management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the selection is a selection from information recorded for the microtube.

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