WO2018051803A1

WO2018051803A1 - Specimen managing system

Info

Publication number: WO2018051803A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/031415
Authority: WO
Inventors: 金子　泰久
Original assignee: 富士フイルム株式会社
Priority date: 2016-09-13
Filing date: 2017-08-31
Publication date: 2018-03-22
Also published as: JPWO2018051803A1

Abstract

Provided is a specimen managing system with which it is possible to reliably and efficiently retrieve a microtube from a tube rack. The specimen managing system is provided with: a plurality of microtubes to which RFID tags storing identification information are attached; a first tube rack that holds the plurality of microtubes; a reader that reads the identification information from the RFID tags; a first display unit provided in one of the microtubes and the reader; and a control device that causes the first display unit to display only a microtube selected from the plurality of microtubes on the basis of the identification information of the microtubes and arraying information thereof in the first tube rack, and the identification information read by the reader and the arraying information in the first tube rack.

Description

Sample management system

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

Specimen management systems that can manage microtubes containing specimens have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management system using a microtube with an RFID tag. In Patent Document 1, a microtube with an RFID tag is accommodated in a tube rack, and the tube rack is mounted on a reader. Information is collectively acquired from the RFID tag of the microtube by a reader, and the position of the corresponding microtube is displayed on the display. By displaying the position on the display, it is possible to easily find the microtube accommodated in the tube rack.

JP 2014-078139 A1

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

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sample management system that can reliably and efficiently take out a microtube from a tube rack.

The sample management system according to the first aspect includes a plurality of microtubes including an RFID tag that records identification information, a first tube rack that holds the plurality of microtubes, a reader that reads identification information from the RFID tag, 1st display part provided in any of microtube and reader, identification information of microtube and arrangement information in first tube rack, identification information read by reader and arrangement in first tube rack And a control device that displays 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 a microtube that proceeds to the next process from a plurality of microtubes or a microtube that does not proceed to the next process.

The sample management system according to the third aspect includes a second tube rack that holds a microtube that proceeds to the next process, and a second display unit, and the control device includes a plurality of microtubes in the second tube rack. Is displayed on the second display unit, and the identification information and the arrangement information in the second tube rack are associated with each other.

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 any of the plurality of types of display on the first display unit according to the selection criterion. 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, the 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 an RFID tag is attached to the jacket.

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

In the sample management system according to the ninth aspect, the jacket is configured to 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 specimen management system according to the eleventh aspect, the selection is a selection from information recorded on the microtube.

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

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the sample management system of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the microtube which has an RFID tag. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a tube rack. It is a top view which shows the structure of a leader. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a microtube and a leader. It is a flowchart which shows the process flow using a sample management system. It is sectional drawing which shows another structure of a microtube and a leader. It is sectional drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the RFID tag and light emitting diode in a jacket. 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 leader. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the sample management system of 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 and leader of 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is illustrated by the following preferred embodiments. Changes can be made by many techniques without departing from the scope of the present invention, and other embodiments than the embodiments can be utilized. Accordingly, all modifications within the scope of the present invention are included in the claims.

Here, parts indicated by the same symbols in the figure are similar elements having similar functions. In addition, in this specification, when the numerical range is expressed using “˜”, the upper and lower numerical values indicated by “˜” 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 diagram showing the configuration of the sample management system of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sample management system 1 includes a plurality of microtubes 10 each attached with an RFID tag 12 (see FIG. 2), a first tube rack 20 that holds the plurality of microtubes 10, Is provided.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the microtube. As shown in FIG. 2, the microtube 10 includes 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. The microtube 10 accommodates a specimen to be examined such as blood and cells. The microtube 10 refers to a container that can accommodate a specimen and performs a test 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 manufactured using these materials preferably has a transmittance of 60% or more at a wavelength of 350 nm or more and 800 nm or less, more preferably 70% or more, and further 80% or more. preferable. In the present embodiment, the “transmittance” is a value obtained by dividing transmitted light by incident light (transmittance = transmitted light / incident light × 100). For example, 100 light beams are transmitted when incident. If the luminous flux is 60, the transmittance is calculated as 60%. In the present embodiment, “transparent” means that the transmittance is 60% or more.

As long as the specimen can be accommodated, the shape of the main body 10A is not limited. As the shape of the main body 10A, for example, a columnar shape in which the opening area is substantially constant from the opening 10C to the bottom 10B, or a tapered cone shape in which the opening area decreases from the opening 10C to the bottom 10B is applied. it can.

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

The lid 10E may be separate from the main body 10A as shown in FIG. 2, or may be integrated with the main body 10A.

The RFID tag 12 does not have a built-in power supply, 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, etc. from an external device. Means an IC tag, an electronic tag, or a wireless tag. Since the RFID tag 12 does not have a built-in power supply, it is also referred to as a passive RFID tag 12.

The RFID tag 12 includes 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 a microwave (1 to 30 GHz, preferably 2.45 GHz). ) And the like, and an appropriate IC chip corresponding to the frequency and the antenna are provided. In the present embodiment, it is preferable to apply the RFID tag 12 having frequency suitability for the UHF band.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram 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 may be separated. The first tube rack 20 is preferably made of a material selected from acrylic resin, polypropylene, or polystyrene, for example, like the microtube 10.

The plurality of holes 20B are arranged in rows and columns. In order to specify the position of each hole 20 B, letters indicating rows and numbers indicating columns are displayed on the top surface of the top plate 20 A 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 can be 48, 384, or the like, 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, the size of the flange 10 D is larger than the size of the hole 20 B, and the flange 10 D contacts the peripheral edge of the hole 20 B, so that 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 do not necessarily have to abut.

A rack identification mark 20D such as a barcode is displayed on the side surface of the top plate 20A of the first tube rack 20. The specific first tube rack 20 can be identified from the plurality of first tube racks 20 by the rack identification mark 20D. 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 including 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 that is an operation input unit, and a display 54 that 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 control device 60 operates according to the signal. Further, 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 a calculation unit that performs various processes, various programs, a recording unit that stores data, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the leader, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the leader. As shown in FIG. 1, the leader 30 includes a mounting surface 30 A for mounting the first tube rack 20. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of antennas 32 are provided in the leader 30 in the same number as the holes 20 B of the first tube rack 20 and at positions facing the holes 20 B. When the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted on the placement surface 30A of the reader 30, information recorded on the plurality of RFID tags 12 attached to each of the plurality of microtubes 10 is recorded. The data can be read from each antenna 32 at a time. 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 that can write to the RFID tag 12. Information is preferably written to the RFID tag 12 via the antenna 32 by the control device 60.

The reader 30 of this embodiment includes the same number of light emitting diodes 34 as the antennas 32 corresponding to each antenna 32. One antenna 32 and one light emitting diode 34 constitute one set. The control device 60 can cause the light emitting diode 34 at an arbitrary 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 of 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 specimens 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 S2, a 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 positions of the microtubes 10 in the first tube rack 20 are determined, and the arrangement information is determined. The arrangement information means position information of each microtube 10 in the first tube rack 20, and is specified by numbers and letters (A1, A2,... H8) displayed on the top plate 20A of the first tube rack 20. The An association (so-called information linking) is written to the RFID tag 12 between the array information and the identification information indicating the group of racks. For example, information from AB1234-A01 to AB1234-H12 is recorded in each.

The identification information and arrangement information of the RFID tag 12 can be input from the control software of the sample management system 1 or the control device 60 from the sample management system 1 or the control device 60 using the keyboard 52 or the mouse. Any unique identification information may be automatically registered from the sample management system 1 or the control software of the control device 60. The identification information of the RFID tag 12 is preferably matched with the sample number managed in the sample management system 1 or linked to form a database to facilitate the input of sequence information. When recording in the control device 60, it is preferable to record information relating to the sample and associated information of processing contents (such as the type of examination) in association with each other. Further, the identification information may coincide with the rack identification mark 20D.

Next, the identification information and arrangement information of the RFID tag 12 recorded in the control device 60 are recorded on the IC chip of the RFID tag 12 according to the program of the control device 60. For example, in the sample management system 1 shown in FIG. 1, information can be transmitted in a non-contact manner via the antenna 32 by using the reader 30 as a reader / writer. The identification information and the array information are written on 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. In the sample management system 1 of the present embodiment, identification information and sequence information are recorded on both the control device 60 and the RFID tag 12. This completes the initial setting process. The initial setting process is not limited to the above process as long as the identification information of the RFID tag 12 and the arrangement information of the first tube rack 20 can be associated with each other.

When the initial setting step S2 is completed, the processing step S3 is executed. In the processing step S3, processing, for example, specimen inspection, measurement, and the like are performed using the first tube rack 20 that holds the plurality of microtubes 10. A device that performs the inspection can include a flow cytometer. A flow cytometer measures the forward scattered light, side scattered light, fluorescence, etc. from a cell by irradiating a target cell (specimen) in a fluid and irradiating it with a laser beam. It is a device for sorting cells based on it. Cell staining is preferably immunostaining by antigen-antibody reaction.

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

The flow cytometer measures the optical characteristics of cells such as forward scattered light, side scattered light, and fluorescence, and the measured cells are sorted into each microtube 10. The flow cytometer associates and records the arrangement information of the microtube 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. In the control device 60, the identification information of the microtube 10, the arrangement information in the first tube rack 20, and the measurement result are recorded in association with each other. For example, AB1234-A01 is associated with information about forward scattered light, information about side scattered light, and information about fluorescence. The information regarding forward scattered light is, for example, intensity, width, and the like.

It is preferable to observe the cells sorted into the microtube 10 after measurement with a flow cytometer. In the flow cytometer, since the cells are sorted into the microtube 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 or not the target cells are sorted into the microtube 10. Further, information related to the target cell such as the fluorescence intensity of the target cell, the distribution of fluorescence, and the shape of the cell is recorded in the control device 60 in association with the identification information of the microtube 10 and the arrangement information in the first tube rack 20. Is preferred. In addition, when observing the microtube 10, it is preferable that the microtube 10 is transparent.

In the display step S4, the light emitting diode 34 located at the position corresponding to the specific microtube 10 is caused to emit light from among the plurality of microtubes 10 held by the first tube rack 20.

In the display step S4, the first tube rack 20 holding the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted on the placement 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 identification information and arrangement information are recorded in the control device 60 as microtube information. The microtube information is information relating to the microtube 10 accommodated in the first tube rack 20. For example, the control device 60 displays the acquired information on the display 54. The identification information and sequence information of the microtube 10 mounted on the reader 30 can be confirmed. In addition, accompanying information associated with the identification information and arrangement information of the microtube 10 can be displayed.

As described above, the leader 30 is provided with the light emitting diodes 34 at positions corresponding to the holes 20B of the first tube rack 20. When the first tube rack 20 is mounted on the leader 30, the hole 20B located at A01 of the first tube rack 20 and the light-emitting diode 34 corresponding to A01 provided on the leader 30 are aligned with each other. It is preferred that In order to facilitate the alignment between the first tube rack 20 and the leader 30, it is preferable to provide a positioning pin (not shown).

A search program is incorporated in the personal computer 50 including the control device 60. With the search program, it is possible to search for a microtube 10 that matches a specific condition from information recorded on the microtube 10. For example, as a search condition, the fluorescence intensity of a cell can be input to the control device 60 and the search can be executed for information on a plurality of microtubes 10 recorded in the control device 60. When a microtube 10 that matches the search condition is found, identification information and sequence information corresponding to the found microtube 10 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. When the identification information and the arrangement information matching the selection candidate information after the search are found in the microtube information, the control device 60 selects the light emitting diode 34 corresponding to the corresponding microtube 10 based on the arrangement information. Light up. That is, the microtube 10 selected from the plurality of microtubes 10 can be displayed on the light emitting diode 34 which is the first display unit. Further, 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 the present embodiment is preferably a selection from information recorded on the microtube 10.

The position of the first tube rack 20 in which the discovered microtube 10 is accommodated is displayed by turning on the light emitting diode 34. The microtube 10 can be easily found from the first tube rack 20 and the corresponding microtube 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, the corresponding microtube 10 can be taken out efficiently.

As described above, since the control device 60 includes a search program, conditions for searching for the microtube 10 can be input. Furthermore, conditions for proceeding to the next step (for example, an amplification step using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) or conditions for not proceeding can be set.

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 the microtube information (identification information and arrangement information) from the RFID 12. The control device 60 records identification information and sequence information corresponding to conditions for proceeding to the next process as next process candidate information.

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

When the condition that does not proceed to the next process is set, the microtube 10 that does not proceed to the next process can be easily found, and the microtube 10 that proceeds to the next process is taken into the first tube rack 20 by taking out the corresponding microtube 10. Can leave.

In the present embodiment, the light emitting diode 34 functions as the 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. This 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. Further, the arrangement information recorded in the control device 60 and the RFID tag 12 is rewritten to information indicating that the microtube 10 taken out from the first tube rack 20 is taken out. The position of the microtube 10 can be tracked.

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 FIGS. 2 and 5 may be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the microtube 10 includes 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 flowchart shown in FIG. 6 even in the plurality of microtubes 10 to which the jacket 36 with the RFID tag 12 attached is attached. In the display step S 4, the first tube rack 20 that holds the plurality of microtubes 10 to which the jacket 36 is attached is mounted on the leader 30. The reader 30 shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the reader 30 shown in FIG.

When the first tube rack 20 that holds the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted, the light emitting diodes 34 provided in the reader 30 are turned on by the control device 60 for the corresponding microtubes 10. The corresponding microtube 10 is taken out from 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 denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the microtube 10 includes a cylindrical main body 10A having a bottom portion 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 portion, and the RFID tag 12 and the light emitting diode 34 functioning as the first display portion are attached to the bottom portion.

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 arranged 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 flowchart shown in FIG. 6 even in the plurality of microtubes 10 to which the jacket 36 to which the RFID tag 12 and the light emitting diode 34 are attached is attached.

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

8 is different from the reader 30 of FIGS. 5 and 7 in that the reader 30 does not include the light emitting diode 34. The reader 30 shown in FIG. In the display step S 4, when the first tube rack 20 that holds the plurality of microtubes 10 is mounted, the light-emitting diodes 34 provided on the jacket 36 are lit on the corresponding microtubes 10. Only the corresponding microtube 10 is wirelessly supplied with power from the reader 30, and the light emitting diode 34 can be turned on by the power. The corresponding microtube 10 is taken out from the first tube rack 20 with the jacket 36 attached.

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

(Second Embodiment)
A sample management system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the sample management system of the second embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and description 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 that holds the plurality of microtubes 10, A leader 30 on which one tube rack 20 is mounted and a personal computer 50 including a control device 60 are provided.

The sample management system 1 according to this 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 that of 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 70 B, alphabetical characters indicating rows and numbers indicating columns are displayed on the top surface of the top plate 70 A of the second tube rack 70. On the side surface of the top plate 70A of the second tube rack 70, for example, a rack identification mark 70D such as a barcode is displayed. The mounting table 80 is electrically connected to a 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 therein. As shown in FIG. 12, inside the mounting table 80, the light emitting diodes 84 are arranged in 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 microtube 10 proceeding to the next process is taken out from the first tube rack 20, and the taken out microtube 10 is moved to another second tube rack 70 and rearranged ( (Also called relocation).

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 as the movement destination is recorded in association with each other.

When rearranging from the first tube rack 20 to the second tube rack 70, in order to distinguish between the first tube rack 20 and the second tube rack 70 in addition to the identification information and the arrangement information, the rack 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 control device 60 acquires the matching identification information, the light emitting diode 34 (not shown) corresponding to the corresponding microtube 10 held in the first tube rack 20 is turned on. Next, the light emitting diode 84 at the movement position corresponding to the hole 70B of the second tube rack 70 at the movement destination is turned on. The lit microtube 10 is taken out from the first tube rack 20, and the microtube 10 is moved to the hole 70 B of the lit second tube rack 70. The movement position is at least one movement position of the plurality of microtubes 10 held by 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 microtube 10 from the first tube rack 20 to the second tube rack 70 is repeated. When the movement of the corresponding microtube 10 is finished, the operation of the sample management system 1 is finished.

In the present embodiment, the mounting table 80 in which only the light emitting diodes 84 are arranged 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 includes an antenna 32 and a light emitting diode 34. By turning on the light emitting diode 34, the destination in the second tube rack 70 can be turned on.

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

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the case where the RFID tag 12 is attached to the microtube 10 has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a microtube equipped with a jacket provided with an RFID tag.

(Third embodiment)
A sample management system according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same configurations as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a microtube and a 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 that can emit a plurality of colors as a first display unit. By the light emitting diode 38 capable of emitting a plurality of colors, the light emitting diode 38 as the first display portion can display a plurality of types. 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 cited. According to the two types of light emitting diodes 38 of red light emission and yellow green light emission as a plurality of types of display, 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, It is possible to perform three-color light emission (three types of display) with orange light emission, which is a mixed color of.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of microtubes 10 are selected based on the selection candidate information or the next process candidate information, and are displayed by the light emitting diodes 38. On the other hand, there are ranks in the plurality of microtubes 10, and it may be desired to display them divided into ranks.

This ranking is, for example, ranking corresponding to cell quality. Cells must be alive to proceed to the next step of PCR. The possibility that a cell is alive may be ranked according to the shape of the cell, the strength of the tendency, and the like. By using the light emitting diode 38 of this embodiment, a plurality of types of display can be performed.

The operation of the sample management system 1 of the third embodiment will be described. In the sample management system 1 according to the third embodiment, when a 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 have the same configuration 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.) the selection candidate information or the plurality of identification information mentioned in the next process candidate information from the inspection result or the like. For example, the ranking is performed by the control device 60 as AB1234-A01 (microtube in A01 of the tube rack A1234): A, AB1234-A02: B, AB1234-C05: C. Note that the selection criteria for ranking can be arbitrarily set, and the selection criteria are stored in the control device 60.

The control device 60 lights the light emitting diode 38 corresponding to A01 of the first tube rack 20 of the leader 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 of the first tube rack 20 in yellow green.

It is possible to divide a plurality of microtubes 10 into ranks by performing a plurality of types of display. According to the plural types of displays, the microtube 10 that is lit in red can be taken out from the first tube rack 20 and moved to another tube rack (not shown). That is, the micro tube 10 of the same ranking can be collected, and the process of the next process can be performed efficiently. The control device 60 can automatically determine the arrangement information of the destination tube rack.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Specimen management system 10 Microtube

10A Main body

10B Bottom part 10C Opening 10D Flange

10E Cover body 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 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 step S2 Initial setting step S3 Processing step S4 Display step

Claims

A plurality of microtubes with attached RFID tags recording identification information;
A first tube rack holding the plurality of microtubes;
A reader for reading identification information from the RFID tag;
A first display unit provided in any of the microtube and the reader;
Based on the identification information of the microtube and 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, selected from the plurality of microtubes A control device for displaying the microtubes on the first display unit;
A sample management system comprising:
2. The sample management system according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes the first display unit to display a microtube that proceeds from the plurality of microtubes to a next process or a microtube that does not proceed to the next process.
A second tube rack for holding the microtube to proceed to the next step; and a second display unit, wherein the control device determines at least one movement position of the plurality of microtubes in the second tube rack. The sample management system according to claim 2, wherein the sample management system is displayed on a second display unit and associates the identification information with the arrangement information in the second tube rack.
The first display unit can display a plurality of types of display, and the control device causes the first display unit to display any one of the plurality of types of display according to a selection criterion. The sample management system according to any one of the above.
The specimen management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the microtube is made of a transparent material.
The specimen 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 being attached to the jacket.
The specimen management system according to claim 7, wherein the first display unit is provided on the jacket.
The specimen management system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the jacket is configured to visually recognize the microtube.
The sample management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first display unit includes a light emitting diode.
The specimen management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the selection is a selection from information recorded with respect to the microtube.