NL1015304C2 - Automatic sample pre-analysis apparatus, comprises pre-analysis modules and transport system for transferring samples between these modules - Google Patents

Abstract

A transport system (13) is used to automatically transfer samples between various pre-analysis modules (1-12). An apparatus for carrying out an automated pre-analysis of samples present in holders comprises a number of pre-analysis modules and a transport system for transferring samples between these modules.

Description

Title: Assembly for automated pre-analysis work.

The invention relates to an assembly by means of which the pre-analysis activities can be carried out automatically.

In a laboratory, samples are delivered in sample holders. Well-known sample holders, which are often designed as a tube, are supplied under the brand names Vacutainer, Microtainer, Vacuette and Monovette, among others. It is often the case that every analysis device or analyzer processes the sample holders in carriers. Such carriers are usually specific to the analyzer in question. A sample that is in a sample holder usually has to undergo multiple analyzes or determinations and must therefore often be accommodated in different sample holders. These different sample holders must then be placed in the various carriers for the different analyzers. Furthermore, sample containers undergoing the same analysis operations must be collected so that a number of samples can be processed batchwise. Also, the samples often have to be centrifuged for a period of time and sometimes under specific temperature conditions. A number of analysts are now working in the laboratory for all these operations, which entails considerable costs. Moreover, the risk of errors is present, for instance because a certain sample holder is provided with an incorrect identification code, as a result of which the incorrect determinations are carried out.

The object of the invention is an assembly by means of which all these operations can be carried out in an automated manner and for this purpose it provides an assembly for automatically performing a pre-analytical phase for samples stored in sample containers, wherein the assembly is provided with a number of pre-analysis modules and a transport transport system for moving the sample containers between the pre-analysis modules.

With such a device, the sample holders can be prepared in the desired manner for further processing in analyzers. The transport system moves the sample holders to the different pre-1015304 2 analysis modules where the sample holders undergo various pre-analytical operations. After the sample holders have been introduced into the assembly, all pre-analytical operations take place without the need for any further human hands.

According to a further elaboration, it is particularly advantageous if the assembly comprises at least the following pre-analysis modules: - an identification and registration module; - a centrifuge module; - a decopulation module; and 10 - an expansion module;

With an assembly thus performed, the most basic pre-analytical operations can be performed automatically.

Further elaborations of the invention are described in the subclaims and will be further elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the drawing.

Figure 1 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a top view of an input module; Figure 3 shows a front view of the input module shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a top view of a taring module; Figure 5 shows a front view of the taring module shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a top view of a buffer module; Figure 7 shows a front view of the buffer module shown in figure 6; Figure 8 shows a top view of a centrifuge module; Figure 9 shows a front view of the centrifuge module shown in Figure 8; Fig. 10 shows a top view of an assessment module; Figure 11 shows a front view of the evaluation module shown in Figure 10; .1015 3 04 3 figure 12 shows a top view of a cooled buffer module; Figure 13 shows a front view of the cooled buffer module shown in Figure 12; Figure 14 shows a top view of a sorting module; Figure 15 shows a front view of the sorting module shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 shows a top view of an expansion module; Figure 17 shows a front view of the expansion module shown in Figure 16; Figure 18 shows a top view of a retop module; Figure 19 shows a front view of the retop module shown in Figure 18; Figure 20 shows a top view of a distribution module; Figure 21 shows a front view of the distribution module shown in Figure 20; Figure 22 shows a top view of a de-capping module; Figure 23 shows a front view of the de-capping module shown in Figure 22; Figure 24 shows a top view of an empty suction module; Figure 25 shows a front view of the empty suction module shown in figure 24; Figure 26 shows a side view of a manipulator of the transport system; Figure 27 shows a front view of a manipulator of the transport system; Figure 28 shows a top view of a carrier; Figure 29 shows a front view of the carrier shown in Figure 28; and Figure 30 shows a flow chart of a possible operation of the assembly according to the present exemplary embodiment.

The exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the invention shown in figure 1 schematically shows an input module 1, a taring module 2, 1015304 4 two buffer modules 3, two centrifuge modules 4, an assessment module 5, two cooled buffer modules 6, a sorting module 7, an expansion module 8, a retapping module 9, a dispensing module 10, a decapping module 11, an empty suction module 12 and a number of conveying systems 13 each comprising at least one movable manipulator arm 14 for receiving and moving the carriers 15 from one module to another. The manipulator arms 14 are preferably each provided with an identification code reader. Whenever a carrier 15 is picked up by a manipulator arm 14, the identification code is read on the respective carrier 15 and stored in the system controller 21. The transport system 13 and the manipulators 14 make it possible to move the carriers 15 arbitrarily through the assembly , so that some modules can be skipped. As is apparent from the side view of a manipulator 14 shown in Figure 26 and the front view of manipulator 14 shown in Figure 27, manipulator 14 engages centrally on the top side of a carrier 15. The manipulator 14 is movable horizontally along a first guide assembly 33 and vertically along a second guide assembly 34. The manipulator 14 has a fairly long, vertically extending arm 14 that can extend to the bottom of a module.

Figures 28 and 29 show an exemplary embodiment of a carrier 15 for sample containers 16. The carrier 15 is provided with a number of positions 18, in the present example ten positions 18, in which sample containers 16 can be received. A reservoir 17 is provided centrally in the support in which fluid, such as a liquid or a granular mass behaving as a liquid, can be accommodated in order to bring the support 16 which is wholly or partly filled with sample holders 16 to a standard weight. This is important to prevent unbalance in the centrifuge 4 in the centrifuge modules 4 during centrifugation. The fact that the carriers 15 are rotationally symmetrical is advantageous because, by simply rotating the carrier 15, a different sample holder 16 can each time be brought to a fixed position. In addition, carrier 15 is preferably designed to ship in a standard pneumatic tube system. The recess 19 at 1015304 is also clearly visible in any position through which, for example, a barcode or the like identification code applied to the sample holder 16 can be read. The carrier 15 can furthermore be provided with cams 20 with the aid of which the rotational position of the carrier 15 can be determined. All modules to be discussed below are suitable for cooperation with the carriers described above 15.

The identification and registration module shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises at least one computer 21, an identification code scanner 22 and optionally a label printer (not shown). The identification code scanner 22 can scan identification codes which are for instance applied to a label or which form an integral part of the sample holder 16, such as for instance a color coding or a dot coding. The computer 21 can also serve as control of the assembly. A separate computer can also serve as a control. Here, a laboratory employee makes the sample containers 16 known to the assembly and insofar as this has not yet been done, places the sample containers 16 in carriers 15. Preferably, the controller 21 of each sample container 16 stores the following data: patient number; sample number; type of sample holder 16, so that the type, length and diameter of sample holder 20 are known; centrifuge protocol; provisions to be implemented; critical times with regard to the stay in an uncooled state; whether or not to renap after making the provisions; and 25 - store or discard after making the determinations.

When entering the sample holder 16 into the assembly, the laboratory assistant checks whether the data stored with the sample holder 16 is correct. If this is the case, the laboratory assistant ensures that the assembly accepts the relevant sample holder 16 for further processing. Optionally, the computer 21 of the identification and registration module may be linked to a laboratory database or, for example, the patient database of the hospital. In this way, the data 1015304 6 can easily be taken from the database and the results of the determinations can be automatically entered into the database. As is clear from Figure 2, the identification and registration module in the present exemplary embodiment is provided with three positions 69, each of which can rotatably support a carrier. Furthermore, a screen 70 is provided behind which the carriers 15 are arranged. An aperture 71 is provided in the screen 70 at each position 69 through which the laboratory assistant can place a sample holder 16 in the relevant sample holder 15. Preferably, this opening 71 is shieldable with a slide or flap that can be opened and closed automatically. As soon as the control computer 21 has been entered of which type is the sample container 16 to be introduced into the assembly, the slide or valve is opened belonging to the carrier 15 in which sample containers 16 of that type are to be accommodated. For example, it can be effected that in each carrier 15 sample containers 16 are received which have to undergo the same centrifuge protocol.

If a sample holder 16 is not provided with an identification code, a label can be printed with the label printer not shown and can be affixed to the sample holder. Such a label can for instance contain a barcode, a color coding or such an identification code.

The taring module 2 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is provided with a position 24 for supporting a carrier 15. At this position 24 a weighing device 25 is also provided, with the aid of which the total weight of the carrier can be measured. Further, the taring module 2 is provided with fluid supply vessel 26, a pump 27 and an up and down adjustable and rotatable filling syringe 28 by means of which fluid can be dispensed from the fluid supply vessel 26 into the reservoir 17 of a carrier 15 until the weighing device 25 detects that carrier 15 has obtained a desired standard weight.

Figures 6 and 7 show a buffer module 3 in which a large number of carriers 30 can be temporarily stored. For example, it can be accomplished that a number of carriers 15 is collected that must undergo substantially the same pre-analysis and / or analysis treatments, so that batch processing 11015304 7 becomes possible. The buffer module 3 is provided with a number of positions 29, in the present exemplary embodiment twelve positions 29, for receiving carriers 15. Optionally, a buffer module 3 can be provided with different decks 30, each of which is provided with a number of positions 29 for receiving Carriers 15. The cooled buffer module 6 shown in Figures 12 and 13 is thus designed. The two decks 30 contained in the casing are cooled. In the top two decks 30 there is an opening 32 through which the manipulator 14 can move a carrier 15 to a lower deck 30. For the purpose of placing a carrier 15 on the lower deck 30, the openings 32 in the three upper decks 30 must be aligned one above the other.

The centrifuge modules 4 shown very diagrammatically in Figures 8 and 9 comprise a centrifuge known per se with which different centrifuge protocols can be carried out, possibly even under cooled conditions. Such centrifuges are marketed, for example, under the brand name Hettich Rotanta 46. The centrifuges are provided with cups 31 connected to a rotor 31a. The cups 31 are adapted to receive a carrier 15. The carriers 15 are placed in the cups 31 of the centrifuge 4 by means of a manipulator arm 14 of the transport system 13.

The assessment module 5 shown in Figures 10 and 11 is provided with a position 35 for rotatably supporting a support 15. The assessment module 5 further comprises a sample holder manipulator 36 for receiving a sample holder 16, a sensor 37, for example an ultrasonic or optical sensor, and an identification code reader 38. The assessment module 5 is arranged for determining, with the aid of the sensor 37, the type of sample container 16 and the type and / or color of the cap 49 on the sample container 16, the amount of sample material and, if necessary, the sample material. quality of the sample material.

Figures 14 and 15 show the sorting station 7 provided with at least one first position 38 for rotatably supporting a first carrier 15a and at least one second position 39 for rotatably supporting a second carrier 15b. A sample holder manipulator 40 is arranged between a first and an associated second position 38 and 39, respectively, for transferring sample containers 16 from the first carrier 15a to the second carrier 15b for filling the second carrier 15b with sample containers 16 who have to go through essentially the same pre-analytical and / or analytical actions. This can lead to a significant cost reduction, especially with more expensive provisions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sorting module is double-formed, i.e. comprising two first positions 38, two second positions 39 and two sample holder manipulators 40.

Figures 16 and 17 show the expansion module 8 in more detail. The expansion module 8 is provided with a number of positions 41, each of which is adapted to rotatably support a carrier 15. At each rotatable position 41, a manipulator 42 is provided for receiving sample containers 16 from carriers 15 which are arranged on a respective rotatable position 41. At each rotatable position 41, a supply section 43 and a discharge section 44 are provided, which sections 43 and 44, respectively, are arranged for the transport of analyzer-specific sample holder carriers 45 of a type suitable for processing in a particular analysis device. The expansion module 8 is adapted to fill the analyzer-specific sample container carriers 45 which are supplied on the supply path 43 by means of the manipulator 42 and to transfer the analyzer-specific sample holders 45 to the discharge path 44 which follows an input of an analysis device (not shown), such as, for example, an immunochemistry analyzer, a chemistry analyzer or a sedimentation and clotting analyzer. Optionally, the expansion module 8 can also be provided with intermediate storage space 66 for analyzer-specific sample container carriers 45, which intermediate storage space 66 can optionally be cooled.

Figures 18 and 19 show the re-cap module 9 in more detail. The recap module 9 is provided with a position 46 for rotatably supporting a carrier 15, a cap feeder 47, such as, for example, a vibratory feeder, and a manipulator 48 adapted to receive a cap 49 from the cap feeder 47 and place the received cap 49 on a sample holder 16 in the carrier 15 disposed at position 46.

1015304 9

Figures 20 and 21 show the distribution module 10 in more detail. In this distribution module 10, the sample from a single so-called primary sample holder 16a is distributed over a number of secondary sample holders 16b. This is necessary, inter alia, if the sample is to undergo more determinations that cannot be performed on one analyzer. The distribution module 10 is provided with a first position 50 for rotatably supporting a first carrier 15a and with a second position 51 for rotatably supporting a second carrier 15b. Between the first and the second position 50, resp. 51, a pipetting device 52 is arranged to receive sample material from primary sample containers 16a in the first carrier 15a and to deliver sample material to secondary sample containers 16b in the second carrier 15b. The distribution module 10 further includes a supply 67 for empty secondary sample containers 16b and a manipulator 53 for placing the empty secondary sample containers 16b in the second carrier 15b. Furthermore, the distribution module 10 is provided with a device 54 for applying an identification code to the secondary empty sample containers, such as, for example, a barcode label 54. The pipetting device 52 is provided with a supply 55 of clean pipetting tips and a discharge 56 for dirty pipetting tips. Pipetting device 52 is arranged to change pipetting tips each time before picking up another sample material.

Figures 22 and 23 show the de-capping module 11 which is provided with position 57 for rotatably supporting a carrier 15, and with a manipulator 58 with two gripping heads 59, 60. A first gripping head 60 is arranged for engaging the sample holder 16 and a second gripping head 59 is arranged for gripping and removing the cap 49. The decapping module 11 is further provided with a cap receptacle 61. The manipulator 58 is arranged for depositing caps 49 removed from sample containers 16 in the cap receptacle 61.

Figures 24 and 25 show the empty suction module 12 which is provided with a position 62 for supporting a carrier 15. The empty suction module 12 is furthermore provided with an up and downwardly movable and rotatably arranged suction device 63, which is connected via a pump 64 with a 1015304 fluid supply vessel 65. The suction device 63 is arranged for emptying the reservoir 17 of a carrier 15 located at position 62.

Figure 30 shows a flow chart showing which modules a particular sample holder 16 can pass sequentially. A sample holder 16 is introduced into the assembly via the input and registration module 1. There, the sample holder 16 is placed in a carrier 15. Subsequently, the carrier 15 containing the relevant sample holder 16 is centrifuged in the centrifuge module 4. Optionally, the carrier 15 in the taring module 2 is first brought to a desired standard weight in order to prevent unbalance in the centrifuge 4. After centrifuge module 4, the carrier 15 with the relevant sample holder 16 is optionally transported to the evaluation module 5. The carrier 15 with the sample holder 16 is brought to the de-capping module 11. Optionally, the carrier 15 then passes the sorting module 7 to place the relevant sample holder 16 in a carrier 15 in which there are sample holders 15 which must undergo the same operations as the present sample holder 16. After that, the distribution module 10 can be put on. If the evaluation of a sample container 16 in the evaluation module 5 was unfavorable, the sample container 16 is not uncapped and discharged into the distribution module. With a favorable evaluation, the sample holder 16 is uncapped and in the distribution module 10 the sample contained in the sample holder 16 is optionally distributed over a number of secondary sample holders 16b. The primary sample containers 16a and / or the secondary sample containers 16b are placed in the expansion module 8 in the analyzer-specific sample container carriers 45 and the sample contained therein undergoes the desired analysis. After analysis 25, the secondary sample containers 16b may be capped in a retop module 68 and stored for further processing or disposed of directly for waste processing. Optionally, the sample containers 16 can be stored between the different steps in a buffer module 3 or a cooled buffer module 6. After the distribution module 10, the primary sample containers 16 can for instance be transported again to the retop module 9 to be provided there with a cap 49 and subsequently be transported to, for example, a cooled 1015304 11 buffer module 6 for medium-term storage or, for example, to be prepared for transfer elsewhere.

It is noted that the exemplary embodiment shown is only given by way of example. The modules can also be arranged in line or in a circle shape or in any other shape. The modules can also have a different shape, so that different shapes of the assembly can be created. It is also possible that the modules themselves are designed differently.

1015304

Claims (24)

1. Assembly for automatically performing a pre-analytical phase for samples stored in sample containers, the assembly comprising a number of pre-analysis modules and a transport port system for moving the sample containers between the pre-analysis modules. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least the following pre-analysis modules: - an identification and registration module; - a centrifuge module; - a decopulation module; and 10. an expansion module. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that it is also provided with an assessment module. Assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it is also provided with at least one buffer module. Assembly according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that it is also provided with a distribution module. 6. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 2-5, characterized in that it is also provided with a retop module. 7. Assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one buffer module is provided with cooling for keeping the samples at a fixed temperature. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 2-7, characterized in that it is provided with a sorting module. 9. Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it comprises carriers (e. Carriers) which are arranged for carrying a number of sample holders, wherein the transport system is adapted for moving the carriers. 10. Assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the transport system is adapted to move carriers in arbitrary manner between different modules, so that a non-sequential transport of the carriers between the modules is possible. 11. Assembly according to at least claim 9, characterized in that it is provided with a taring module for bringing a carrier at least partly filled with sample holders to a desired standard weight. Assembly according to at least claim 2, characterized in that the identification and registration module comprises at least one computer, an identification code scanner and optionally a label printer. 13. An assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the assembly is provided with a control, which stores the following data for each sample holder: patient number; sample number; type of sample holder, so that the type, length and diameter of the sample holder 15 are known; centrifuge protocol; provisions to be implemented; critical times with regard to the stay in an uncooled state, whether or not to be hopped after making the provisions; and 20 - store or discard after making the determinations. Assembly according to at least claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the sorting module is provided with at least one first position for rotatably supporting a first carrier and at least one second position for rotatably supporting a second carrier, wherein a sample container manipulator is arranged between a first and an associated second position for transferring sample containers from the first carrier to the second carrier for filling the second carrier with sample containers performing substantially the same pre-analytical and / or analytical operations have to go through. Assembly according to at least claims 2 and 9, characterized in that the centrifuge is provided with centrifuge cups suitable for receiving the carriers. 1015304 Assembly according to at least claims 3 and 9, characterized in that the assessment module is provided with a position for rotatably supporting a support, a sample holder manipulator for receiving a sample holder, a sensor, for example an optical or ultrasonic sensor, and a 5 identification code reader, wherein the assessment module is arranged to determine the type of sample holder and the type and / or color of the cap on the sample holder, the amount of sample material and possibly the quality of the sample material. 17. Assembly as claimed in claims 2 and 9, characterized in that the de-doping module is provided with a position for rotatably supporting a carrier and of a manipulator and two gripping heads, the first gripping head being adapted for gripping the sample container and the second gripping head for gripping and removing the cap, the doping module comprising a cap catcher, the manipulator being arranged for depositing caps removed from sample containers in the cap catcher. 18. Assembly as claimed in claims 5 and 9, characterized in that the distribution module is provided with a first position for rotatably supporting a first carrier and with a second position for rotatably supporting a second carrier, wherein between the first and in the second position, a pipetting device is arranged which is adapted to receive sample material from primary sample containers in the first carrier and to deliver sample material to secondary sample containers in the second carrier, the distribution module comprising an inlet for empty secondary sample containers and of a manipulator for placing the empty secondary sample containers in the second carrier. Assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the distribution module is provided with a device for applying an identification code to the secondary empty sample containers. 20. An assembly according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the pipetting device is provided with a supply of clean pipetting tips and with a discharge for dirty pipetting tips, the pipetting device being adapted to change the pipetting tip each time before picking up other sample material. . 21. Assembly according to at least claims 2 and 9, characterized in that the expansion module is provided with a number of positions, each of which is arranged for rotatably supporting a carrier, wherein a manipulator is provided at each rotatable position for receiving sample containers from carriers arranged at a respective rotatable position, with at each rotatable position provided a feed path and a discharge path, which paths are arranged for the transport of analyzer-specific sample holder carriers of a type suitable for processing in a particular analysis device wherein the expansion module is adapted to fill the analyzer-specific sample container carriers which are supplied on the supply path by means of the manipulator and to transfer the analyzer-specific sample containers to the discharge section connecting to an input of an analyzer, such as for example an immunochemistry analyzer, a chemistry analyzer or a sedimentation and coagulation analyzer. 22. Assembly according to at least claims 2 and 7, characterized in that the recap module is provided with a position for rotatably supporting a carrier, a cap supply device and a manipulator arranged for receiving a cap from the cap supply device and and placing the included cap on a sample holder in the support arranged in the position. 23. Assembly according to at least claims 9 and 11, characterized in that each carrier is provided with a reservoir for receiving fluid for bringing a carrier to a standard weight, wherein the assembly 25 is also provided with an empty suction module which is provided with a position for supporting a carrier and with a suction device which can be moved up and down and is rotatably arranged, provided with a fluid supply vessel, which suction device is adapted for emptying the reservoir of the relevant carrier. Assembly according to at least claim 9, characterized in that the carrier has dimensions such that it can be shipped using standard pneumatic tube systems. 1015304