WO2023162969A1 - Inspection system - Google Patents

Inspection system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023162969A1
WO2023162969A1 PCT/JP2023/006224 JP2023006224W WO2023162969A1 WO 2023162969 A1 WO2023162969 A1 WO 2023162969A1 JP 2023006224 W JP2023006224 W JP 2023006224W WO 2023162969 A1 WO2023162969 A1 WO 2023162969A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unit
sample
inspection system
nucleic acid
dispensing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2023/006224
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
友希男 岩▲崎▼
尚吾 久保田
佳祐 宮下
昴大 塩谷
Original Assignee
川崎重工業株式会社
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Publication date
Application filed by 川崎重工業株式会社 filed Critical 川崎重工業株式会社
Publication of WO2023162969A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023162969A1/en

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M1/00—Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to an inspection system.
  • Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-023185 discloses an inspection system that performs PCR inspection.
  • This test system includes a preprocessing unit that preprocesses a sample collected from a subject before measurement, and a sample measurement unit that measures the preprocessed sample.
  • the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are provided in a movable elongated box body.
  • the present disclosure provides an inspection system capable of suppressing an increase in installation area and simplifying the system configuration depending on the intended use.
  • An inspection system is an inspection system that measures and inspects a sample collected from a subject, and includes a preprocessing unit that performs processing prior to measurement of the received sample; and a sample measurement unit that measures the processed sample, and the layout of the preprocessing unit and the sample measurement unit can be changed.
  • the layout of the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit can be changed as described above.
  • it is possible to arrange the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit in the installation positions by incorporating the devices required for processing into the layout and excluding the devices that do not perform processing from the layout according to the intended use. can.
  • the layout of the inspection system can be changed according to the shape of the installation position, the inspection system can be arranged by effectively using the space of the installation position.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first example layout of an inspection system according to one embodiment
  • FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the uncapped dispensing unit according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a nucleic acid extraction unit according to one embodiment;
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a PCR measurement unit according to one embodiment;
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of a reagent preparation unit according to one embodiment; It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the overall control panel according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a second example layout of an inspection system according to one embodiment;
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a third layout example of an inspection system according to one embodiment;
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a fourth layout example of an inspection system according to one embodiment;
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a fifth layout example of an inspection system according to one embodiment;
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another layout example of the inspection system according to a modified example of one embodiment;
  • FIG. 1 The configuration of an inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.
  • FIG. 1 The configuration of an inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.
  • the inspection system 100 measures and inspects the specimen collected from the subject.
  • the inspection system 100 measures a specimen by, for example, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) inspection.
  • the inspection system 100 includes an uncapped pipetting unit 1 , a nucleic acid extraction unit 2 , a PCR measurement unit 3 , a reagent preparation unit 4 , and an overall control panel 5 .
  • the uncapped dispensing unit 1 pretreatment for measurement is performed on the sample.
  • nucleic acid extraction unit 2 nucleic acid is extracted from the specimen as pretreatment of the specimen.
  • PCR measurement unit 3 a process of measuring whether or not the sample contains an infectious virus is performed by RT-PCR test.
  • the reagent preparation unit 4 prepares reagents used in the PCR test.
  • a control panel, a switchboard, a PC (Personal Computer), and the like are arranged on the overall control panel 5 .
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1 and the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 are examples of the "pretreatment unit”
  • the PCR measurement unit 3 is an example of the "specimen measurement unit”.
  • the uncapped dispensing unit 1 performs processing prior to measurement on the received sample. As shown in FIG. 2, the uncapped dispensing unit 1 includes a robot 11, a sample supply section 12, a DWP supply section 13, a chip supply section 14, a chip table 14a, and a chip disposal section 14b. ing. The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes a PC/NC table 15 and a dispensing workbench 16 . The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes reagent supply units 17a, 17b and 17c. The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes a sample capper section 18 and a barcode reader 19 .
  • the uncapped dispensing unit 1 is also surrounded by walls 10a and 10b. Further, the wall portion 10a is provided with shutters 10c and 10d. Further, the wall portion 10b is provided with shutters 10e, 10f, 10g and 10h. In the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the space is divided into a space 1a partitioned by the wall 10b, a space 1b partitioned by the walls 10b and 10a, and a space 1c partitioned by the wall 10a. ing.
  • the robot 11 processes or transports the specimen.
  • the robot 11 has, for example, a vertical articulated robot arm.
  • the robot 11 transports the sample container 121 supplied by the sample supply section 12 .
  • the robot 11 holds and transports the sample container 121 with the sample transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the sample container 121 .
  • the robot 11 transports the PC and NC on the PC/NC table 15 by the sample transport hand.
  • the robot 11 transports a DWP (deep well plate) 131 supplied by the DWP supply unit 13 . Specifically, the robot 11 holds and transports the DWP 131 with the DWP transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the DWP 131 .
  • DWP deep well plate
  • the robot 11 performs a dispensing process of aspirating the sample from the sample container 121 and discharging the sample to the DWP 131 . Specifically, the robot 11 dispenses the sample with the dispensing hand attached to the tip of the robot arm. Also, the robot 11 dispenses the reagent to the DWP 131 using the dispensing hand.
  • the robot 11 transports the tip rack 141 supplied to the tip supply section 14 . Specifically, the robot 11 grips and transports the tip rack 141 with the chip transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the tip rack 141 .
  • the tip rack 141 accommodates a plurality of dispensing tips to be attached to the dispensing hand during dispensing.
  • the sample supply unit 12 receives the sample container 121 containing the sample and takes it into the uncapped dispensing unit 1 .
  • the sample supply unit 12 includes a tray on which a plurality of sample containers 121 can be placed, and a transport unit that moves the tray. Two sample supply units 12 are arranged side by side. Further, the specimen supplying section 12 moves the tray between the space 1b and the space 1c via the shutter 10c.
  • the sample supply unit 12 has a sample container 121 placed on a tray in the space 1c.
  • the DWP supply unit 13 supplies the DWP 131 for processing the sample into the unplugged dispensing unit 1 .
  • the DWP supply section 13 includes a tray on which a plurality of DWPs 131 can be placed, and a transport section for moving the tray. Two DWP supply units 13 are arranged side by side. Also, the DWP supply unit 13 moves the tray between the space 1b and the space 1c via the shutter 10c. In the DWP supply unit 13, the DWP 131 is placed on a tray in the space 1c.
  • the tip supply unit 14 takes the tip used when dispensing the sample or reagent into the uncapped dispensing unit 1 .
  • the chip supply section 14 includes a tray on which a chip rack 141 containing a plurality of chips can be placed, and a transfer section for moving the tray. Two chip supply units 14 are arranged side by side. Further, the chip supply section 14 moves the tray between the space 1b and the space 1a via the shutter 10g.
  • the tip supply unit 14 has a tip rack 141 installed on a tray in the space 1a.
  • the tip rack 141 supplied to the tip supply unit 14 is conveyed and placed on the tip stand 14a.
  • the robot 11 attaches a tip to the dispensing hand from the tip rack 141 placed on the tip table 14a and uses it for dispensing.
  • the chip disposal unit 14b discards used chips. In other words, the robot 11 discards the tip attached to the dispensing hand to the tip discarding section 14b after dispensing.
  • a PC (positive control) and an NC (negative control) containing samples for quality control of specimen measurement are placed on the PC/NC stand 15 .
  • the PC and NC are measured by the PCR measurement unit 3 every predetermined number of measurements or every predetermined time in order to manage the accuracy of the measurement. Therefore, the PCs and NCs placed on the PC/NC table 15 are dispensed to the DWP 131 and sent to the measurement process every predetermined number of measurements or every predetermined time.
  • a DWP 131 is placed on the dispensing workbench 16 .
  • samples and reagents are dispensed to the DWP 131 placed thereon.
  • Reagents to be dispensed to the DWP 131 of the dispensing workbench 16 are supplied to the reagent supply units 17a, 17b and 17c.
  • the ProK reagent is placed on the reagent supply section 17a.
  • a reagent containing magnetic particles is placed on the reagent supply unit 17b.
  • a solubilizing liquid reagent is placed on the reagent supply section 17c.
  • the specimen capper section 18 opens the lid of the specimen container 121 . Also, the sample capper unit 18 closes the lid of the sample container 121 . The specimen capper unit 18 also opens and closes the lids of the PC container and the NC container.
  • the barcode reader 19 reads the barcode attached to the sample container 121 transported by the robot 11 . Identification information of the sample is acquired from the barcode read by the barcode reader 19 .
  • the wall portion 10a is arranged on the outer periphery of the unplugged dispensing unit 1 on the side where the sample supply portion 12 and the DWP supply portion 13 are arranged.
  • the wall portion 10b is arranged on the outer periphery of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 on the side where the tip supply portion 14 is arranged.
  • the walls 10a and 10b surround the entire uncapped dispensing unit 1 by being connected.
  • the walls 10 a and 10 b also cover the top and bottom of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 .
  • the atmospheric pressure is controlled within the unit. Specifically, in the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the atmospheric pressure is controlled so that the internal atmospheric pressure is lower than the external atmospheric pressure.
  • the shutter 10c is opened when moving the tray of the specimen supply section 12 between the spaces 1b and 1c. Further, the shutter 10c is opened when moving the tray of the DWP supply unit 13 between the spaces 1b and 1c. Shutter 10c is otherwise closed.
  • the shutter 10d is opened when placing a sample on the tray of the sample supply unit 12 moved to the space 1c.
  • the shutter 10c is closed.
  • the shutter 10d is opened when placing the DWP on the tray of the DWP supply unit 13 moved to the space 1c.
  • the shutter 10c is closed.
  • the shutter 10e is opened when the DWP 131 containing the processed specimen is carried out.
  • the processed DWP 131 is transported by the robot 11 and carried out through the opened shutter 10e.
  • the shutter 10f is opened when reagents are supplied to the reagent supply units 17a, 17b and 17c.
  • the shutter 10g is opened when moving the tray of the chip supply section 14 between the spaces 1b and 1a.
  • Shutter 10g is otherwise closed.
  • the shutter 10h is opened when placing the tip rack on the tray of the tip supply section 14 moved to the space 1a. When the shutter 10h is opened, the shutter 10g is closed.
  • the robot 11 transports the sample container 121 to the sample capper section 18 in order to open the lid of the sample container 121 . Further, the robot 11 aspirates the sample from the sample container 121 whose cap is opened by the sample capper section 18 and dispenses the sample to the DWP 131 on the dispensing workbench 16 .
  • the robot 11 transports the sample container 121 into which the sample has been aspirated to the sample capper section 18 and closes the lid of the sample container 121 . Then, the robot 11 returns the capped sample container 121 to the tray of the sample supply section 12 .
  • the robot 11 dispenses the reagents from the reagent supply units 17 a , 17 b and 17 c to the DWP 131 on the dispensing workbench 16 . Then, the robot 11 carries out the DWP 131 into which the sample and reagent have been dispensed through the opened shutter 10e.
  • the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 performs processing prior to measurement on the received sample.
  • the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 includes a robot 21, a chip supply section 22, a chip placement table 22a, and a chip disposal section 22b.
  • the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is provided with a carry-in table 23 , a stirring section 24 and a magnetism collecting section 25 .
  • the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 also includes a reagent supply section 26 and a heating section 27 .
  • the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is surrounded by walls 20a and 20b. Further, the wall portion 20a is provided with shutters 20c, 20d and 20e. A shutter 20f is provided on the wall portion 20b. Further, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is divided into spaces 2a and 2b partitioned by a wall portion 20a.
  • the robot 21 processes or transports the specimen.
  • the robot 21 has, for example, a vertical articulated robot arm.
  • the robot 21 transports the DWP 131 loaded onto the loading table 23 .
  • the robot 11 holds and transports the DWP 131 with the DWP transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the DWP 131 .
  • the robot 21 performs a dispensing process of aspirating the reagent contained in the DWP 131 and discharging it onto the specimen of the DWP 131 .
  • the robot 21 dispenses the reagent with the dispensing hand attached to the tip of the robot arm.
  • the robot 21 transports the tip rack 221 supplied to the tip supply section 22 . Specifically, the robot 21 grips and transports the tip rack 221 with the chip transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the tip rack 221 .
  • the tip rack 221 accommodates a plurality of dispensing tips to be attached to the dispensing hand during dispensing.
  • the tip supply unit 22 takes in the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 a tip used when dispensing the sample or reagent.
  • the chip supply section 22 includes a tray on which a chip rack 221 containing a plurality of chips can be placed, and a transfer section for moving the tray. Two chip supply units 22 are arranged side by side. Also, the chip supply section 22 moves the tray between the space 2a and the space 2b via the shutter 20c.
  • the tip supply unit 22 has a tip rack 221 installed on a tray in the space 2b.
  • the tip rack 221 supplied to the tip supply section 22 is conveyed and placed on the tip stand 22a.
  • the robot 21 attaches a tip to the dispensing hand from the tip rack 141 placed on the tip table 22a and uses it for dispensing.
  • the chip disposal unit 22b discards used chips. In other words, the robot 21 discards the tip attached to the dispensing hand to the tip discarding section 22b after dispensing.
  • the DWP 131 carried out from the uncapped dispensing unit 1 is placed on the carry-in table 23 .
  • the stirring unit 24 vibrates the DWP 131 to stir the specimen in the DWP 131 .
  • the magnetic flux collector 25 collects the magnetic particles supplied to the specimen inside the DWP 131 . Specifically, the magnetism collecting unit 25 collects the magnetism by causing the magnet to act on the specimen of the DWP 131 in a state where the DWP 131 is placed.
  • a reagent is placed on the reagent supply unit 26 .
  • the heating unit 27 heats the specimen of the DWP 131.
  • the wall portion 20a is arranged on the outer circumference of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 on the side where the reagent supply portion 26 is arranged.
  • the wall portion 20b is arranged on the outer circumference of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 on the side where the carrying-in table 23 is arranged. Walls 20a and 20b are connected. The walls 20a and 20b also cover the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 above and below.
  • the air pressure inside the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is controlled. Specifically, the air pressure of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is controlled so that the air pressure inside the unit is lower than the air pressure outside.
  • the shutter 20c is opened when moving the tray of the chip supply section 22 between the spaces 2a and 2b. Shutter 20c is otherwise closed.
  • the shutter 20d is opened when the tip rack 221 is placed on the tray of the tip supply section 22 moved to the space 2b. When the shutter 20d is opened, the shutter 20c is closed.
  • the shutter 20 e is opened when the reagent is supplied to the reagent supply section 26 .
  • the shutter 20f is opened when the DWP 131 is loaded.
  • the DWP 131 is transported by the robot 11 of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 and loaded onto the loading table 23 via the opened shutter 20f.
  • the PCR measurement unit 3 performs measurement of pretreated specimens. As shown in FIG. 4 , the PCR measurement unit 3 has a robot 31 and a tube supply section 32 . The PCR measurement unit 3 also includes a carry-in table 33 , a chip supply section 34 , and a PCR measurement device 35 . The PCR measurement unit 3 also includes a bubble removing device 36 , a tube discarding section 37 , and a lid closing device 38 . Moreover, the PCR measurement unit 3 is surrounded by a wall portion 30a. Further, the wall portion 30a is provided with shutters 30b, 30c and 30d. A shutter 20f is provided on the wall portion 20b. Further, the PCR measurement unit 3 is divided into spaces 3a and 3b partitioned by a wall portion 30a.
  • the robot 31 processes or transports the specimen.
  • the robot 31 has, for example, a vertical articulated robot arm.
  • the robot 31 transports the DWP 131 loaded onto the loading table 33 .
  • the robot 31 holds and transports the DWP 131 with the DWP transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the DWP 131 .
  • the robot 31 performs a dispensing process of aspirating the sample stored in the DWP 131 and discharging it into the tube 321 for PCR measurement. Specifically, the robot 31 dispenses the sample with the dispensing hand attached to the tip of the robot arm.
  • the robot 31 transports the tube 321 supplied to the tube supply section 32 . Specifically, the robot 31 holds and transports the tube 321 with the tube transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the tube 321 . Also, the robot 31 sets the capped tube 321 in the PCR measuring device 35 .
  • the tube supply unit 32 takes into the PCR measurement unit 3 a tube 321 containing a sample and used for PCR measurement.
  • the tube supply section 32 includes a tray on which a plurality of tubes 321 can be placed, and a transport section for moving the tray. Two tube supply units 32 are arranged side by side. Further, the tube supply section 32 moves the tray between the space 3a and the space 3b via the shutter 30b. Further, the tube supply section 32 moves the tray between the space 3b and the outside of the PCR measurement unit 3 via the shutter 30c.
  • the tube 321 has a plurality of storage portions, and can store a plurality of specimens for PCR measurement.
  • the loading table 33 is loaded with the DWP 131 loaded from the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 .
  • a tip rack 341 containing a plurality of tips is placed on the tip supply unit 34 .
  • the robot 31 attaches a tip to the dispensing hand from the tip rack 341 placed on the tip supply unit 34 and uses it for dispensing.
  • the PCR measurement device 35 performs PCR measurement on the nucleic acid extracted from the sample.
  • a plurality of PCR measurement devices 35 are provided.
  • the tube discarding unit 37 discards the tube 321 for which PCR measurement has been completed.
  • the lid closing device 38 closes the lid of the tube 321 into which the sample is dispensed.
  • the wall portion 30a is arranged on the outer periphery of the PCR measurement unit 3. Moreover, the PCR measurement unit 3 is not provided with a partition wall between it and the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the space 2a of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the space 3a of the PCR measurement unit 3 are connected.
  • the wall 30a of the PCR measurement unit 3 is connected to the walls 20a and 20b of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the wall 30a, the wall 20a, and the wall 20b connect the PCR measurement unit 3 and the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 as a whole. surrounds the
  • the air pressure of the PCR measurement unit 3 is controlled within the unit. Specifically, the air pressure of the PCR measurement unit 3 is controlled so that the air pressure inside the unit is lower than the air pressure outside.
  • the shutter 30b is opened when moving the tray of the tube supply section 32 between the spaces 3a and 3b. Shutter 30b is otherwise closed.
  • the shutter 30c moves the tray of the tube supply section 32 moved to the space 3b to the outside of the PCR measurement unit 3, and also moves the tray of the tube supply section 32 moved to the outside of the PCR measurement unit 3 to the space 3b. Can be opened for transport.
  • the shutter 30c is opened, the shutter 30b is closed.
  • the shutter 30d is opened when the tip rack 341 containing the tips is supplied to the tip supply section 34 .
  • the reagent preparation unit 4 prepares reagents for PCR measurement. As shown in FIG. 5, the reagent preparation unit 4 includes a robot 41, a tip supply section 42, and a freezer 43. The reagent preparation unit 4 also includes a reagent capper section 44 and a tube supply section 45 . The reagent preparation unit 4 also includes a dispensing cooling section 46 and a reagent preparation cooling section 47 . Further, the reagent preparing unit 4 is surrounded by a wall portion 40a. Further, the wall portion 40a is provided with shutters 40b, 40c and 40d. Further, the reagent preparation unit 4 has an internal space 4a formed by a wall portion 40a.
  • the robot 41 prepares reagents.
  • the robot 41 has, for example, a vertical articulated robot arm.
  • the robot 41 transports reagent containers containing reagents. Specifically, the robot 41 holds and transports the reagent container with the reagent transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the reagent container.
  • the robot 41 transports the tube 321 supplied to the tube supply section 45 . Specifically, the robot 41 holds and transports the tube 321 with the tube transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the tube 321 .
  • the robot 41 performs a dispensing process of aspirating the reagent from the reagent container and discharging it into the tube 321 . Specifically, the robot 41 dispenses the reagent with the dispensing hand attached to the tip of the robot arm. The robot 41 dispenses multiple types of reagents into the tubes 321 to prepare the reagents.
  • a tip rack 421 containing a plurality of tips is placed on the tip supply unit 42 .
  • the robot 41 attaches a tip to the dispensing hand from the tip rack 421 placed on the tip supply unit 42 and uses it for dispensing.
  • the freezer 43 freezes and stores reagents.
  • the reagent capper part 44 opens the lid of the reagent container. Further, the reagent capper part 44 closes the lid of the reagent container.
  • the tube supply unit 45 supplies a tube 321 containing a specimen and used for PCR measurement.
  • the dispensing cooling unit 46 cools the tubes 321 on which the reagents are dispensed.
  • the reagent preparation cooling unit 47 cools the reagent on which the reagent container is placed.
  • the wall portion 40a is arranged on the outer periphery of the reagent preparation unit 4 and surrounds the reagent preparation unit 4 as a whole.
  • the wall portion 40a also covers the reagent preparing unit 4 above and below.
  • the air pressure inside the reagent preparation unit 4 is controlled. Specifically, the air pressure of the reagent preparation unit 4 is controlled so that the air pressure inside the unit is higher than the air pressure outside.
  • the shutter 40b is opened when the tube 321 is supplied to the tube supply section 45.
  • the shutter 40c is opened when conveying the work.
  • the shutter 40 d is opened when the tip rack 421 containing the tips is supplied to the tip supply section 42 .
  • the general control panel 5 controls the inspection system 100 as a whole. Further, the general control panel 5 accepts operations by the operator.
  • the general control panel 5 includes a control section 51, a display section 52, a power source 53, and an air pressure source .
  • a general control panel 5 is provided in common for the uncapped pipetting unit 1 , the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 , the PCR measurement unit 3 and the reagent preparation unit 4 .
  • the control unit 51 includes a computer system including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory). .
  • the computer system may realize the function of the computing unit by having the CPU execute the program recorded in the ROM using the RAM as a work area.
  • Some or all of the functions of the arithmetic unit may be realized by the computer system described above, or may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit such as an electronic circuit or an integrated circuit. It may be realized by a combination.
  • the control unit 51 controls temperature management of each unit of the inspection system 100 .
  • the controller 51 manages the cooling temperature of the cooling device of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 .
  • the control section 51 manages the heating temperature of the electric heater and temperature controller of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 .
  • the control unit 51 manages the cooling temperature of the cooling device of the PCR measurement unit 3 .
  • the control section 51 controls the cooling temperature of the cooling device of the reagent preparing unit 4 .
  • control unit 51 controls the air pressure management of each unit of the inspection system 100 .
  • control section 51 controls the atmospheric pressures of the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3 to be negative pressures.
  • control unit 51 controls the pressure of the reagent preparing unit 4 to be positive.
  • control unit 51 manages information on samples to be tested by the test system 100 .
  • the display unit 52 displays information about the state of the inspection system 100.
  • the display unit 52 also displays a screen for operating the inspection system 100 .
  • the power supply 53 supplies power to the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, the PCR measurement unit 3, the reagent preparation unit 4, and the overall control panel 5.
  • Power supply 53 includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
  • UPS uninterruptible power supply
  • the air pressure source 54 generates high and low pressure air for adjusting the air pressure of each unit.
  • Air pressure source 54 includes an air compressor.
  • the layout of the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 can be changed.
  • the inspection system 100 has an uncapped dispensing unit 1, a nucleic acid extraction unit 2, a PCR measurement unit 3, and a reagent preparation unit 4 laid out.
  • a nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and a PCR measurement unit 3 are arranged so as to be adjacent to the uncapped dispensing unit 1, and a reagent preparation unit is arranged on the opposite side of the PCR measurement unit 3 from the uncapped dispensing unit 1. 4 is placed.
  • the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit. In the first layout example shown in FIG.
  • the inspection system 100 has an uncapped dispensing unit 1, a nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and a PCR measurement unit 3 laid out.
  • the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the uncapped pipetting unit 1
  • the PCR measurement unit 3 is arranged on the opposite side of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 from the uncapped pipetting unit 1.
  • the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit.
  • the reagent preparation unit 4 is not provided because the reagents used by the PCR measurement unit 3 are prepared by the operator. This layout is effective when the number of samples to be measured is relatively small and it is more efficient for the operator to prepare reagents for PCR measurement.
  • the uncapped dispensing unit 1 and the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 are laid out in the inspection system 100 .
  • the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the uncapped pipetting unit 1 .
  • the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit.
  • the third layout example shown in FIG. 8 is an effective layout when nucleic acid extraction of the sample is performed, and then PCR measurement is performed at another location or by an operator's work.
  • the inspection system 100 has two uncapped dispensing units 1, two nucleic acid extraction units 2, two PCR measurement units 3, and one reagent preparation unit 4 laid out. It is The uncapped pipetting unit 1 , the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to one reagent preparing unit 4 . Also, the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit.
  • the fourth layout example shown in FIG. 9 is a layout that is effective when the number of samples to be measured is relatively large, and many sample pretreatments and sample measurements are performed.
  • the uncapped dispensing unit 1 and the PCR measurement unit 3 are laid out in the inspection system 100 .
  • the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit.
  • the fifth layout example shown in FIG. 10 is a layout that is effective when using a PCR measurement device that does not require pretreatment of a sample and can directly perform PCR measurement.
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are pressure controlled within each unit. Specifically, air is sent to the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 from the general control panel 5, and the air pressure is controlled to be negative pressure.
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are each surrounded by a wall, and the air pressure is individually controlled within each unit. That is, by individually sending air from the common air pressure source 54 to each unit, the air pressure in each unit is individually controlled.
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are respectively provided with robots 11, 21, and 31 for processing or transporting samples. and 30a are used as control walls to control entry from the outside to the inside of each unit.
  • the walls 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b and 30a include an outer peripheral wall provided on the outer peripheral part of the unit.
  • the plurality of units are surrounded by the outer walls. That is, by connecting the walls 20a and 20b of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the wall 30a of the PCR measurement unit 3, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3 are surrounded by the walls 20a, 20b and 30a.
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are partitioned by a partition within each unit, and the air pressure is individually controlled for each region within the unit.
  • the uncapped dispensing unit 1 is partitioned into spaces 1a, 1b and 1c.
  • the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is partitioned into spaces 2a and 2b.
  • the PCR measurement unit 3 is partitioned into spaces 3a and 3b. In each unit, air is sent from the general control panel 5 to each partitioned space.
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 can independently perform pretreatment and sample measurement.
  • the reagent preparation unit 4 can be added to the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3, and the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit. 3 and the reagent preparation unit 4 can change the layout.
  • the layout of the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 can be changed.
  • the devices required for processing are incorporated into the layout, and the devices that are not processed are excluded from the layout, and the opening and dispensing unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit are arranged. 3 can be placed in the installation position.
  • the layout of the inspection system 100 can be changed according to the shape of the installation position, the inspection system 100 can be arranged by effectively using the space of the installation position.
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are pressure controlled within each unit. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide a room for controlling the atmospheric pressure at the installation position of the inspection system 100 .
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are each surrounded by a wall, and the air pressure is individually controlled within each unit. As a result, it is possible to control the inside of the unit to a positive pressure in units where the inflow of air from the outside is to be suppressed, and to control the inside of the unit to be a negative pressure in the units where the outflow of air from the inside is to be suppressed.
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3 are respectively provided with robots 11, 21 and 31 for processing or transporting samples.
  • the robots 11, 21, and 31 can process or transport the samples, thereby reducing the processing burden on the operator.
  • the wall portion for controlling the atmospheric pressure and the regulation wall can be used as both, the number of parts can be reduced and the system configuration can be simplified compared to the case where they are provided separately. can.
  • the wall part includes an outer peripheral wall provided on the outer peripheral part of the unit, and by connecting the outer peripheral walls provided on each unit, the plurality of units are surrounded by the outer peripheral wall.
  • the outer peripheral wall can be provided according to the layout of each unit, so that the configuration can be simplified.
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are partitioned by a partition within each unit, and the air pressure is individually controlled for each region within the unit.
  • the atmospheric pressure can be individually controlled within the same unit, so that the atmospheric pressure for each region can be stably controlled.
  • An overall control panel 5 including a display section 52, a common power supply 53 and a common air pressure source 54 is provided in common for the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3.
  • the overall control panel 5 including the display unit 52, the common power supply 53 and the common air pressure source 54 can be arranged in common for each unit, thereby simplifying the system configuration.
  • wiring and piping can be provided in the general control panel 5, the wiring and piping configuration can be simplified.
  • the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 can independently perform pretreatment and sample measurement. As a result, the operator can insert the specimen in the middle of the treatment or take out the specimen in the middle of the treatment, so that the desired treatment can be performed for each specimen. In addition, since each unit performs pretreatment and sample measurement independently, the degree of freedom in arranging each unit can be increased. This makes it possible to easily change the layout of each unit.
  • a reagent preparation unit 4 for preparing a reagent is provided, and the reagent preparation unit 4 can be added to the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3. , the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, the PCR measurement unit 3, and the reagent preparation unit 4 can be changed in layout. As a result, when reagent preparation is performed by an operator, the reagent preparation unit 4 can be omitted, so that the inspection system 100 can be laid out with the reagent preparation unit 4 added according to the intended use. can.
  • the reagent preparation unit 4 is provided with a robot 41 that prepares reagents. As a result, the reagent can be prepared by the robot 41, so that the processing burden on the operator can be reduced.
  • test system measures the sample by PCR test
  • specimens may be measured by methods other than PCR testing.
  • analytes may be measured by flow cytometry.
  • each unit has been shown in the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this.
  • at least one unit may be equipped with a robot, and some units may not be equipped with a robot.
  • the present disclosure is not limited to this.
  • a general control panel may be provided in either unit.
  • the overall control panel 5 may be provided in the uncapped dispensing unit 1 as a pretreatment unit.
  • ASICs Application Specific Integrated Circuits
  • a circuit or processing circuit that includes a combination of A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits.
  • a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the recited functions.
  • the hardware may be the hardware disclosed herein, or other known hardware programmed or configured to perform the recited functions.
  • a circuit, means or unit is a combination of hardware and software where the hardware is a processor which is considered a type of circuit, the software being used to configure the hardware and/or the processor.
  • a test system for measuring and testing a sample collected from a subject a preprocessing unit that processes the received sample prior to measurement; a sample measurement unit that measures the preprocessed sample, The inspection system, wherein the preprocessing unit and the specimen measurement unit are changeable in layout.
  • each of the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit is provided with a robot that processes or transports a sample; 4.
  • Item 5 Item 3 or 4, wherein the wall portion includes an outer peripheral wall provided on an outer peripheral portion of a unit, and a plurality of units are surrounded by the outer peripheral wall by connecting the outer peripheral walls provided on the respective units. Inspection system as described.
  • the pretreatment unit includes an uncapped dispensing unit that uncaps the sample container and dispenses the sample, and a nucleic acid extraction unit that extracts nucleic acid from the sample, 7.
  • the inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the uncapped pipetting unit, the nucleic acid extraction unit, and the specimen measurement unit can change layouts at installation positions.
  • (Item 8) 8. The method according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising an overall control panel including a display unit, a common power source, and a common pneumatic pressure source provided in common for the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit. inspection system.
  • (Item 10) further comprising a reagent preparation unit for preparing a reagent; the reagent preparation unit can be added to the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit;
  • the inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein layouts of the pretreatment unit, the sample measurement unit, and the reagent preparation unit can be changed.

Abstract

An inspection system (100) measures a specimen collected from a subject to examine the same, and comprises: an unplugging/dispensing unit (1) and a nucleic acid extraction unit (2) that perform preprocessing for the measurement of the received specimen; and a PCR measurement unit (3) that measures the preprocessed specimen. The layout of the unplugging/dispensing unit (1), the nucleic acid extraction unit (2), and the PCR measurement unit (3) can be altered.

Description

検査システムinspection system
　本開示は、検査システムに関する。 This disclosure relates to an inspection system.
　従来、検査システムが知られている。たとえば、特開２０２２－０２３１８５号公報には、ＰＣＲ検査を行う検査システムが開示されている。この検査システムでは、被検者から採取した検体に対して測定を行う前の前処理を行う前処理ユニットと、前処理が行われた検体の測定を行う検体測定ユニットとを備えている。そして、前処理ユニットおよび検体測定ユニットは、移動可能な細長形状の箱体内に設けられている。 Conventionally, inspection systems are known. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-023185 discloses an inspection system that performs PCR inspection. This test system includes a preprocessing unit that preprocesses a sample collected from a subject before measurement, and a sample measurement unit that measures the preprocessed sample. The pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are provided in a movable elongated box body.
特開２０２２－０２３１８５号公報JP 2022-023185 A
　特開２０２２－０２３１８５号公報に記載されるような従来の検査システムでは、移動可能な箱体内に前処理ユニットおよび検体測定ユニットが設けられているため、検査のための設備を備えない場所においても検査の一連の処理が可能である環境を構築することができる。しかしながら、箱体内に検査の一連の処理が可能なように前処理ユニットおよび検体測定ユニットが設けられているため、たとえば、使用用途によっては、一連の処理の全てを行う必要がない場合もあり、この場合でも、従来では、処理を行わない装置も設置位置に配置される。この場合、検査システムの設置面積が大きくなるとともに、システム構成を簡素化することが困難である。そこで、使用用途に応じて、設置面積が大きくなるのを抑制することが可能であるとともに、システム構成を簡素化することが可能な検査システムが望まれている。 In the conventional inspection system as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-023185, since the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are provided in a movable box, even in a place without equipment for inspection, It is possible to construct an environment in which a series of inspection processes can be performed. However, since the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are provided in the box so that a series of processing of the test can be performed, for example, depending on the intended use, it may not be necessary to perform the entire series of processing. Even in this case, conventionally, devices that do not perform processing are also arranged at the installation position. In this case, the installation area of the inspection system becomes large, and it is difficult to simplify the system configuration. Therefore, there is a demand for an inspection system capable of suppressing an increase in the installation area and simplifying the system configuration according to the intended use.
　本開示は、使用用途に応じて、設置面積が大きくなるのを抑制することが可能であるとともに、システム構成を簡素化することが可能な検査システムを提供する。 The present disclosure provides an inspection system capable of suppressing an increase in installation area and simplifying the system configuration depending on the intended use.
　本開示の一の局面による検査システムは、被検者から採取した検体の測定を行い検査する検査システムであって、受け入れた検体に対して測定を行う前の処理を行う前処理ユニットと、前処理が行われた検体の測定を行う検体測定ユニットと、を備え、前処理ユニットおよび検体測定ユニットは、レイアウトを変更可能である。 An inspection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an inspection system that measures and inspects a sample collected from a subject, and includes a preprocessing unit that performs processing prior to measurement of the received sample; and a sample measurement unit that measures the processed sample, and the layout of the preprocessing unit and the sample measurement unit can be changed.
　この開示の一の局面による検査システムは、上記のように、前処理ユニットおよび検体測定ユニットは、レイアウトを変更可能である。これにより、使用用途に応じて、処理を行うのに必要な装置をレイアウトに組み込み、処理を行わない装置についてはレイアウトから除外して、前処理ユニットおよび検体測定ユニットを設置位置に配置することができる。その結果、使用用途に応じて、設置面積が大きくなるのを抑制することができるとともに、システム構成を簡素化することができる。また、設置位置の形状に応じて、検査システムのレイアウトを変更することができるので、設置位置のスペースを有効に利用して、検査システムを配置することができる。 In the inspection system according to one aspect of this disclosure, the layout of the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit can be changed as described above. As a result, it is possible to arrange the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit in the installation positions by incorporating the devices required for processing into the layout and excluding the devices that do not perform processing from the layout according to the intended use. can. As a result, it is possible to prevent the installation area from increasing and to simplify the system configuration depending on the intended use. Moreover, since the layout of the inspection system can be changed according to the shape of the installation position, the inspection system can be arranged by effectively using the space of the installation position.
　本開示の技術によれば、使用用途に応じて、設置面積が大きくなるのを抑制することが可能であるとともに、システム構成を簡素化することが可能な検査システムを提供することができる。 According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an inspection system capable of suppressing an increase in the installation area and simplifying the system configuration depending on the intended use.
一実施形態による検査システムの第１のレイアウト例を示す平面図である。1 is a plan view showing a first example layout of an inspection system according to one embodiment; FIG. 一実施形態による開栓分注ユニットの構成を示す平面図である。FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the uncapped dispensing unit according to one embodiment. 一実施形態による核酸抽出ユニットの構成を示す平面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a nucleic acid extraction unit according to one embodiment; 一実施形態によるＰＣＲ測定ユニットの構成を示す平面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a PCR measurement unit according to one embodiment; 一実施形態による試薬調製ユニットの構成を示す平面図である。FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of a reagent preparation unit according to one embodiment; 一実施形態による全体制御盤の構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the overall control panel according to one embodiment. 一実施形態による検査システムの第２のレイアウト例を示す平面図である。FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a second example layout of an inspection system according to one embodiment; 一実施形態による検査システムの第３のレイアウト例を示す平面図である。FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a third layout example of an inspection system according to one embodiment; 一実施形態による検査システムの第４のレイアウト例を示す平面図である。FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a fourth layout example of an inspection system according to one embodiment; 一実施形態による検査システムの第５のレイアウト例を示す平面図である。FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a fifth layout example of an inspection system according to one embodiment; 一実施形態の変形例による検査システムの他のレイアウト例を示す平面図である。FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another layout example of the inspection system according to a modified example of one embodiment;
　図１から図１０までを参照して、本実施形態による検査システム１００の構成について説明する。 The configuration of an inspection system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG.
　検査システム１００は、被検者から採取した検体の測定を行い検査する。検査システム１００は、たとえば、ＰＣＲ（Ｐｏｌｙｍｅｒａｓｅ　Ｃｈａｉｎ　Ｒｅａｃｔｉｏｎ）検査により検体を測定する。図１に示すように、検査システム１００は、開栓分注ユニット１と、核酸抽出ユニット２と、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３と、試薬調製ユニット４と、全体制御盤５と、を備えている。開栓分注ユニット１では、検体に対して測定を行うための前処理が行われる。核酸抽出ユニット２では、検体の前処理として、検体から核酸の抽出が行われる。ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３では、ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ検査により検体中に感染性ウイルスが含まれているかを測定する処理が行われる。試薬調製ユニット４では、ＰＣＲ検査において用いられる試薬の調製が行われる。全体制御盤５には、制御盤、配電盤、ＰＣ（Ｐｅｒｓｏｎａｌ　ｃｏｍｐｕｔｅｒ）などが配置されている。開栓分注ユニット１および核酸抽出ユニット２は、「前処理ユニット」の一例であり、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、「検体測定ユニット」の一例である。 The inspection system 100 measures and inspects the specimen collected from the subject. The inspection system 100 measures a specimen by, for example, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) inspection. As shown in FIG. 1 , the inspection system 100 includes an uncapped pipetting unit 1 , a nucleic acid extraction unit 2 , a PCR measurement unit 3 , a reagent preparation unit 4 , and an overall control panel 5 . In the uncapped dispensing unit 1, pretreatment for measurement is performed on the sample. In the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, nucleic acid is extracted from the specimen as pretreatment of the specimen. In the PCR measurement unit 3, a process of measuring whether or not the sample contains an infectious virus is performed by RT-PCR test. The reagent preparation unit 4 prepares reagents used in the PCR test. A control panel, a switchboard, a PC (Personal Computer), and the like are arranged on the overall control panel 5 . The uncapped pipetting unit 1 and the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 are examples of the "pretreatment unit", and the PCR measurement unit 3 is an example of the "specimen measurement unit".
（開栓分注ユニット）
　開栓分注ユニット１の具体的な構成について説明する。開栓分注ユニット１は、受け入れた検体に対して測定を行う前の処理を行う。図２に示すように、開栓分注ユニット１は、ロボット１１と、検体供給部１２と、ＤＷＰ供給部１３と、チップ供給部１４と、チップ置台１４ａと、チップ廃棄部１４ｂと、を備えている。また、開栓分注ユニット１は、ＰＣ／ＮＣ置台１５と、分注作業台１６と、を備えている。また、開栓分注ユニット１は、試薬供給部１７ａ、１７ｂおよび１７ｃを備えている。また、開栓分注ユニット１は、検体キャッパー部１８と、バーコードリーダー１９とを備えている。また、開栓分注ユニット１は、壁部１０ａおよび１０ｂにより取り囲まれている。また、壁部１０ａには、シャッタ１０ｃおよび１０ｄが設けられている。また、壁部１０ｂには、シャッタ１０ｅ、１０ｆ、１０ｇおよび１０ｈが設けられている。また、開栓分注ユニット１は、壁部１０ｂにより仕切られた空間１ａと、壁部１０ｂおよび１０ａにより仕切られた空間１ｂと、壁部１０ａにより仕切られた空間１ｃとに、空間が分けられている。 (Opening dispensing unit)
A specific configuration of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 will be described. The uncapped dispensing unit 1 performs processing prior to measurement on the received sample. As shown in FIG. 2, the uncapped dispensing unit 1 includes a robot 11, a sample supply section 12, a DWP supply section 13, a chip supply section 14, a chip table 14a, and a chip disposal section 14b. ing. The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes a PC/NC table 15 and a dispensing workbench 16 . The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes reagent supply units 17a, 17b and 17c. The uncapped dispensing unit 1 also includes a sample capper section 18 and a barcode reader 19 . The uncapped dispensing unit 1 is also surrounded by walls 10a and 10b. Further, the wall portion 10a is provided with shutters 10c and 10d. Further, the wall portion 10b is provided with shutters 10e, 10f, 10g and 10h. In the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the space is divided into a space 1a partitioned by the wall 10b, a space 1b partitioned by the walls 10b and 10a, and a space 1c partitioned by the wall 10a. ing.
　ロボット１１は、検体を処理または搬送する。ロボット１１は、たとえば、垂直多関節ロボットアームを有している。ロボット１１は、検体供給部１２により供給される検体容器１２１を搬送する。具体的には、ロボット１１は、検体容器１２１を搬送用の検体搬送ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、検体搬送ハンドにより検体容器１２１を把持して搬送する。また、ロボット１１は、検体搬送ハンドにより、ＰＣ／ＮＣ置台１５のＰＣおよびＮＣを搬送する。 The robot 11 processes or transports the specimen. The robot 11 has, for example, a vertical articulated robot arm. The robot 11 transports the sample container 121 supplied by the sample supply section 12 . Specifically, the robot 11 holds and transports the sample container 121 with the sample transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the sample container 121 . Also, the robot 11 transports the PC and NC on the PC/NC table 15 by the sample transport hand.
　また、ロボット１１は、ＤＷＰ供給部１３により供給されるＤＷＰ（ディープウェルプレート）１３１を、搬送する。具体的には、ロボット１１は、ＤＷＰ１３１を搬送用のＤＷＰ搬送ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、ＤＷＰ搬送ハンドによりＤＷＰ１３１を把持して搬送する。 Also, the robot 11 transports a DWP (deep well plate) 131 supplied by the DWP supply unit 13 . Specifically, the robot 11 holds and transports the DWP 131 with the DWP transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the DWP 131 .
　また、ロボット１１は、検体容器１２１から検体を吸引して、ＤＷＰ１３１に検体を吐出する分注処理を行う。具体的には、ロボット１１は、分注用の分注ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、分注ハンドにより、検体を分注する。また、ロボット１１は、分注ハンドにより試薬をＤＷＰ１３１に分注する。 Also, the robot 11 performs a dispensing process of aspirating the sample from the sample container 121 and discharging the sample to the DWP 131 . Specifically, the robot 11 dispenses the sample with the dispensing hand attached to the tip of the robot arm. Also, the robot 11 dispenses the reagent to the DWP 131 using the dispensing hand.
　また、ロボット１１は、チップ供給部１４に供給されるチップラック１４１を、搬送する。具体的には、ロボット１１は、チップラック１４１を搬送用のチップ搬送ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、チップ搬送ハンドによりチップラック１４１を把持して搬送する。チップラック１４１には、分注の際に分注ハンドに取り付けられる分注用のチップが複数収容されている。 Also, the robot 11 transports the tip rack 141 supplied to the tip supply section 14 . Specifically, the robot 11 grips and transports the tip rack 141 with the chip transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the tip rack 141 . The tip rack 141 accommodates a plurality of dispensing tips to be attached to the dispensing hand during dispensing.
　検体供給部１２は、検体が収容された検体容器１２１を受け取り、開栓分注ユニット１の内部に取り込む。検体供給部１２は、複数の検体容器１２１を載置可能なトレイと、トレイを移動させる搬送部とを含んでいる。検体供給部１２は、並んで２つ配置されている。また、検体供給部１２は、トレイをシャッタ１０ｃを介して空間１ｂと空間１ｃとの間で移動させる。検体供給部１２は、空間１ｃにおいて、検体容器１２１がトレイに設置される。 The sample supply unit 12 receives the sample container 121 containing the sample and takes it into the uncapped dispensing unit 1 . The sample supply unit 12 includes a tray on which a plurality of sample containers 121 can be placed, and a transport unit that moves the tray. Two sample supply units 12 are arranged side by side. Further, the specimen supplying section 12 moves the tray between the space 1b and the space 1c via the shutter 10c. The sample supply unit 12 has a sample container 121 placed on a tray in the space 1c.
　ＤＷＰ供給部１３は、検体を処理するためのＤＷＰ１３１を開栓分注ユニット１の内部に供給する。ＤＷＰ供給部１３は、複数のＤＷＰ１３１を載置可能なトレイと、トレイを移動させる搬送部とを含んでいる。ＤＷＰ供給部１３は、並んで２つ配置されている。また、ＤＷＰ供給部１３は、トレイをシャッタ１０ｃを介して空間１ｂと空間１ｃとの間で移動させる。ＤＷＰ供給部１３は、空間１ｃにおいて、ＤＷＰ１３１がトレイに設置される。 The DWP supply unit 13 supplies the DWP 131 for processing the sample into the unplugged dispensing unit 1 . The DWP supply section 13 includes a tray on which a plurality of DWPs 131 can be placed, and a transport section for moving the tray. Two DWP supply units 13 are arranged side by side. Also, the DWP supply unit 13 moves the tray between the space 1b and the space 1c via the shutter 10c. In the DWP supply unit 13, the DWP 131 is placed on a tray in the space 1c.
　チップ供給部１４は、検体または試薬を分注する際に使用されるチップを開栓分注ユニット１の内部に取り込む。チップ供給部１４は、複数のチップが収容されたチップラック１４１を載置可能なトレイと、トレイを移動させる搬送部とを含んでいる。チップ供給部１４は、並んで２つ配置されている。また、チップ供給部１４は、トレイをシャッタ１０ｇを介して空間１ｂと空間１ａとの間で移動させる。チップ供給部１４は、空間１ａにおいて、チップラック１４１がトレイに設置される。 The tip supply unit 14 takes the tip used when dispensing the sample or reagent into the uncapped dispensing unit 1 . The chip supply section 14 includes a tray on which a chip rack 141 containing a plurality of chips can be placed, and a transfer section for moving the tray. Two chip supply units 14 are arranged side by side. Further, the chip supply section 14 moves the tray between the space 1b and the space 1a via the shutter 10g. The tip supply unit 14 has a tip rack 141 installed on a tray in the space 1a.
　チップ置台１４ａは、チップ供給部１４に供給されたチップラック１４１が搬送されて載置される。ロボット１１は、分注を行う際に、チップ置台１４ａに載置されたチップラック１４１からチップを分注ハンドに取り付けて、分注に用いる。 The tip rack 141 supplied to the tip supply unit 14 is conveyed and placed on the tip stand 14a. When performing dispensing, the robot 11 attaches a tip to the dispensing hand from the tip rack 141 placed on the tip table 14a and uses it for dispensing.
　チップ廃棄部１４ｂは、使用済みのチップが廃棄される。つまり、ロボット１１は、分注を行た後に、分注ハンドに取り付けらているチップをチップ廃棄部１４ｂに廃棄する。 The chip disposal unit 14b discards used chips. In other words, the robot 11 discards the tip attached to the dispensing hand to the tip discarding section 14b after dispensing.
　ＰＣ／ＮＣ置台１５には、検体測定の精度管理用のサンプルが収容されるＰＣ（ポジティブコントロ―ル）およびＮＣ（ネガティブコントロール）が配置される。ＰＣおよびＮＣは、所定の測定回数毎、または、所定の時間毎に、測定の精度を管理するために、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３により測定が行われる。このため、ＰＣ／ＮＣ置台１５に配置されたＰＣおよびＮＣは、所定の測定回数毎、または、所定の時間毎に、ＤＷＰ１３１に分注されて、測定処理に送られる。 A PC (positive control) and an NC (negative control) containing samples for quality control of specimen measurement are placed on the PC/NC stand 15 . The PC and NC are measured by the PCR measurement unit 3 every predetermined number of measurements or every predetermined time in order to manage the accuracy of the measurement. Therefore, the PCs and NCs placed on the PC/NC table 15 are dispensed to the DWP 131 and sent to the measurement process every predetermined number of measurements or every predetermined time.
　分注作業台１６には、ＤＷＰ１３１が載置される。分注作業台１６では、載置されたＤＷＰ１３１に対して、検体、試薬が分注される。 A DWP 131 is placed on the dispensing workbench 16 . On the dispensing workbench 16, samples and reagents are dispensed to the DWP 131 placed thereon.
　試薬供給部１７ａ、１７ｂおよび１７ｃには、分注作業台１６のＤＷＰ１３１に分注される試薬が供給される。たとえば、試薬供給部１７ａには、ＰｒｏＫ試薬が載置される。また、試薬供給部１７ｂには、磁性粒子を含む試薬が載置される。また、試薬供給部１７ｃには、可溶化液試薬が載置される。 Reagents to be dispensed to the DWP 131 of the dispensing workbench 16 are supplied to the reagent supply units 17a, 17b and 17c. For example, the ProK reagent is placed on the reagent supply section 17a. A reagent containing magnetic particles is placed on the reagent supply unit 17b. A solubilizing liquid reagent is placed on the reagent supply section 17c.
　検体キャッパー部１８は、検体容器１２１の蓋を開栓する。また、検体キャッパー部１８は、検体容器１２１の蓋を閉栓する。また、検体キャッパー部１８は、ＰＣの容器およびＮＣの容器の各々の蓋の開栓および閉栓を行う。 The specimen capper section 18 opens the lid of the specimen container 121 . Also, the sample capper unit 18 closes the lid of the sample container 121 . The specimen capper unit 18 also opens and closes the lids of the PC container and the NC container.
　バーコードリーダー１９は、ロボット１１により搬送された検体容器１２１に貼付されたバーコードを読み取る。バーコードリーダー１９により読み取られたバーコードから検体の識別情報が取得される。 The barcode reader 19 reads the barcode attached to the sample container 121 transported by the robot 11 . Identification information of the sample is acquired from the barcode read by the barcode reader 19 .
　壁部１０ａは、検体供給部１２およびＤＷＰ供給部１３が配置される側の開栓分注ユニット１の外周に配置されている。壁部１０ｂは、チップ供給部１４が配置される側の開栓分注ユニット１の外周に配置されている。壁部１０ａおよび１０ｂは、連結することにより、開栓分注ユニット１の全体を取り囲んでいる。壁部１０ａおよび１０ｂは、開栓分注ユニット１の上方および下方も覆っている。 The wall portion 10a is arranged on the outer periphery of the unplugged dispensing unit 1 on the side where the sample supply portion 12 and the DWP supply portion 13 are arranged. The wall portion 10b is arranged on the outer periphery of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 on the side where the tip supply portion 14 is arranged. The walls 10a and 10b surround the entire uncapped dispensing unit 1 by being connected. The walls 10 a and 10 b also cover the top and bottom of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 .
　開栓分注ユニット１は、ユニット内において気圧が制御されている。具体的には、開栓分注ユニット１は、外部の気圧よりもユニット内の気圧が低くなるように、気圧が制御されている。 In the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the atmospheric pressure is controlled within the unit. Specifically, in the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the atmospheric pressure is controlled so that the internal atmospheric pressure is lower than the external atmospheric pressure.
　シャッタ１０ｃは、検体供給部１２のトレイを空間１ｂと１ｃとの間で移動させる場合に開けられる。また、シャッタ１０ｃは、ＤＷＰ供給部１３のトレイを空間１ｂと１ｃとの間で移動させる場合に開けられる。シャッタ１０ｃは、それ以外の場合は、閉じられている。 The shutter 10c is opened when moving the tray of the specimen supply section 12 between the spaces 1b and 1c. Further, the shutter 10c is opened when moving the tray of the DWP supply unit 13 between the spaces 1b and 1c. Shutter 10c is otherwise closed.
　シャッタ１０ｄは、空間１ｃに移動された検体供給部１２のトレイに対して、検体を載置する場合に開けられる。シャッタ１０ｄが開けられる際には、シャッタ１０ｃは、閉じられている状態である。また、シャッタ１０ｄは、空間１ｃに移動されたＤＷＰ供給部１３のトレイに対して、ＤＷＰを載置する場合に開けられる。シャッタ１０ｄが開けられる際には、シャッタ１０ｃは、閉じられている状態である。 The shutter 10d is opened when placing a sample on the tray of the sample supply unit 12 moved to the space 1c. When the shutter 10d is opened, the shutter 10c is closed. Further, the shutter 10d is opened when placing the DWP on the tray of the DWP supply unit 13 moved to the space 1c. When the shutter 10d is opened, the shutter 10c is closed.
　シャッタ１０ｅは、処理された検体が収容されたＤＷＰ１３１を搬出する際に開けられる。処理されたＤＷＰ１３１は、ロボット１１により搬送されて、開けられたシャッタ１０ｅを介して、搬出される。シャッタ１０ｆは、試薬供給部１７ａ、１７ｂおよび１７ｃに試薬が供給される際に開けられる。 The shutter 10e is opened when the DWP 131 containing the processed specimen is carried out. The processed DWP 131 is transported by the robot 11 and carried out through the opened shutter 10e. The shutter 10f is opened when reagents are supplied to the reagent supply units 17a, 17b and 17c.
　シャッタ１０ｇは、チップ供給部１４のトレイを空間１ｂと１ａとの間で移動させる場合に開けられる。シャッタ１０ｇは、それ以外の場合は、閉じられている。シャッタ１０ｈは、空間１ａに移動されたチップ供給部１４のトレイに対して、チップラックを載置する場合に開けられる。シャッタ１０ｈが開けられる際には、シャッタ１０ｇは、閉じられている状態である。 The shutter 10g is opened when moving the tray of the chip supply section 14 between the spaces 1b and 1a. Shutter 10g is otherwise closed. The shutter 10h is opened when placing the tip rack on the tray of the tip supply section 14 moved to the space 1a. When the shutter 10h is opened, the shutter 10g is closed.
　ロボット１１は、検体容器１２１の蓋を開栓するために、検体容器１２１を検体キャッパー部１８に搬送する。また、ロボット１１は、検体キャッパー部１８により開栓された検体容器１２１から検体を吸引し、分注作業台１６上のＤＷＰ１３１に検体を分注する。 The robot 11 transports the sample container 121 to the sample capper section 18 in order to open the lid of the sample container 121 . Further, the robot 11 aspirates the sample from the sample container 121 whose cap is opened by the sample capper section 18 and dispenses the sample to the DWP 131 on the dispensing workbench 16 .
　ロボット１１は、検体を吸引した検体容器１２１を検体キャッパー部１８に搬送して、検体容器１２１の蓋を閉栓させる。そして、ロボット１１は、閉栓された検体容器１２１を、検体供給部１２のトレイに戻す。 The robot 11 transports the sample container 121 into which the sample has been aspirated to the sample capper section 18 and closes the lid of the sample container 121 . Then, the robot 11 returns the capped sample container 121 to the tray of the sample supply section 12 .
　また、ロボット１１は、試薬供給部１７ａ、１７ｂおよび１７ｃの試薬を分注作業台１６上のＤＷＰ１３１に分注する。そして、ロボット１１は、検体および試薬が分注されたＤＷＰ１３１を、開けられたシャッタ１０ｅを介して搬出する。 Also, the robot 11 dispenses the reagents from the reagent supply units 17 a , 17 b and 17 c to the DWP 131 on the dispensing workbench 16 . Then, the robot 11 carries out the DWP 131 into which the sample and reagent have been dispensed through the opened shutter 10e.
（核酸抽出ユニット）
　核酸抽出ユニット２の具体的な構成について説明する。核酸抽出ユニット２は、受け入れた検体に対して測定を行う前の処理を行う。図３に示すように、核酸抽出ユニット２は、ロボット２１と、チップ供給部２２と、チップ置台２２ａと、チップ廃棄部２２ｂと、を備えている。また、核酸抽出ユニット２は、搬入台２３と、撹拌部２４と、集磁部２５と、を備えている。また、核酸抽出ユニット２は、試薬供給部２６と、加温部２７と、を備えている。また、核酸抽出ユニット２は、壁部２０ａおよび２０ｂにより取り囲まれている。また、壁部２０ａには、シャッタ２０ｃ、２０ｄおよび２０ｅが設けられている。また、壁部２０ｂには、シャッタ２０ｆが設けられている。また、核酸抽出ユニット２は、壁部２０ａにより仕切られた空間２ａおよび２ｂに、空間が分けられている。 (Nucleic acid extraction unit)
A specific configuration of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 will be described. The nucleic acid extraction unit 2 performs processing prior to measurement on the received sample. As shown in FIG. 3, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 includes a robot 21, a chip supply section 22, a chip placement table 22a, and a chip disposal section 22b. In addition, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is provided with a carry-in table 23 , a stirring section 24 and a magnetism collecting section 25 . The nucleic acid extraction unit 2 also includes a reagent supply section 26 and a heating section 27 . Also, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is surrounded by walls 20a and 20b. Further, the wall portion 20a is provided with shutters 20c, 20d and 20e. A shutter 20f is provided on the wall portion 20b. Further, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is divided into spaces 2a and 2b partitioned by a wall portion 20a.
　ロボット２１は、検体を処理または搬送する。ロボット２１は、たとえば、垂直多関節ロボットアームを有している。ロボット２１は、搬入台２３に搬入されるＤＷＰ１３１を搬送する。具体的には、ロボット１１は、ＤＷＰ１３１を搬送用のＤＷＰ搬送ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、ＤＷＰ搬送ハンドによりＤＷＰ１３１を把持して搬送する。 The robot 21 processes or transports the specimen. The robot 21 has, for example, a vertical articulated robot arm. The robot 21 transports the DWP 131 loaded onto the loading table 23 . Specifically, the robot 11 holds and transports the DWP 131 with the DWP transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the DWP 131 .
　また、ロボット２１は、ＤＷＰ１３１に収容された試薬を吸引して、ＤＷＰ１３１の検体に吐出する分注処理を行う。具体的には、ロボット２１は、分注用の分注ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、分注ハンドにより、試薬を分注する。 In addition, the robot 21 performs a dispensing process of aspirating the reagent contained in the DWP 131 and discharging it onto the specimen of the DWP 131 . Specifically, the robot 21 dispenses the reagent with the dispensing hand attached to the tip of the robot arm.
　また、ロボット２１は、チップ供給部２２に供給されるチップラック２２１を、搬送する。具体的には、ロボット２１は、チップラック２２１を搬送用のチップ搬送ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、チップ搬送ハンドによりチップラック２２１を把持して搬送する。チップラック２２１には、分注の際に分注ハンドに取り付けられる分注用のチップが複数収容されている。 Also, the robot 21 transports the tip rack 221 supplied to the tip supply section 22 . Specifically, the robot 21 grips and transports the tip rack 221 with the chip transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the tip rack 221 . The tip rack 221 accommodates a plurality of dispensing tips to be attached to the dispensing hand during dispensing.
　チップ供給部２２は、検体または試薬を分注する際に使用されるチップを核酸抽出ユニット２の内部に取り込む。チップ供給部２２は、複数のチップが収容されたチップラック２２１を載置可能なトレイと、トレイを移動させる搬送部とを含んでいる。チップ供給部２２は、並んで２つ配置されている。また、チップ供給部２２は、トレイをシャッタ２０ｃを介して空間２ａと空間２ｂとの間で移動させる。チップ供給部２２は、空間２ｂにおいて、チップラック２２１がトレイに設置される。 The tip supply unit 22 takes in the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 a tip used when dispensing the sample or reagent. The chip supply section 22 includes a tray on which a chip rack 221 containing a plurality of chips can be placed, and a transfer section for moving the tray. Two chip supply units 22 are arranged side by side. Also, the chip supply section 22 moves the tray between the space 2a and the space 2b via the shutter 20c. The tip supply unit 22 has a tip rack 221 installed on a tray in the space 2b.
　チップ置台２２ａは、チップ供給部２２に供給されたチップラック２２１が搬送されて載置される。ロボット２１は、分注を行う際に、チップ置台２２ａに載置されたチップラック１４１からチップを分注ハンドに取り付けて、分注に用いる。 The tip rack 221 supplied to the tip supply section 22 is conveyed and placed on the tip stand 22a. When performing dispensing, the robot 21 attaches a tip to the dispensing hand from the tip rack 141 placed on the tip table 22a and uses it for dispensing.
　チップ廃棄部２２ｂは、使用済みのチップが廃棄される。つまり、ロボット２１は、分注を行た後に、分注ハンドに取り付けらているチップをチップ廃棄部２２ｂに廃棄する。 The chip disposal unit 22b discards used chips. In other words, the robot 21 discards the tip attached to the dispensing hand to the tip discarding section 22b after dispensing.
　搬入台２３は、開栓分注ユニット１から搬出されるＤＷＰ１３１が載置される。 The DWP 131 carried out from the uncapped dispensing unit 1 is placed on the carry-in table 23 .
　撹拌部２４は、ＤＷＰ１３１を振動させて、ＤＷＰ１３１内の検体を撹拌する。 The stirring unit 24 vibrates the DWP 131 to stir the specimen in the DWP 131 .
　集磁部２５は、ＤＷＰ１３１内の検体に供給された磁性粒子を集める。具体的には、集磁部２５は、ＤＷＰ１３１が載置された状態で、磁石をＤＷＰ１３１の検体に磁石を作用させることにより、集磁する。 The magnetic flux collector 25 collects the magnetic particles supplied to the specimen inside the DWP 131 . Specifically, the magnetism collecting unit 25 collects the magnetism by causing the magnet to act on the specimen of the DWP 131 in a state where the DWP 131 is placed.
　試薬供給部２６には、試薬が載置される。 A reagent is placed on the reagent supply unit 26 .
　加温部２７は、ＤＷＰ１３１の検体を加温する。 The heating unit 27 heats the specimen of the DWP 131.
　壁部２０ａは、試薬供給部２６が配置される側の核酸抽出ユニット２の外周に配置されている。壁部２０ｂは、搬入台２３が配置される側の核酸抽出ユニット２の外周に配置されている。壁部２０ａおよび２０ｂは、連結されている。また、壁部２０ａおよび２０ｂは、核酸抽出ユニット２の上方および下方も覆っている。 The wall portion 20a is arranged on the outer circumference of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 on the side where the reagent supply portion 26 is arranged. The wall portion 20b is arranged on the outer circumference of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 on the side where the carrying-in table 23 is arranged. Walls 20a and 20b are connected. The walls 20a and 20b also cover the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 above and below.
　核酸抽出ユニット２は、ユニット内において気圧が制御されている。具体的には、核酸抽出ユニット２は、外部の気圧よりもユニット内の気圧が低くなるように、気圧が制御されている。 The air pressure inside the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is controlled. Specifically, the air pressure of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is controlled so that the air pressure inside the unit is lower than the air pressure outside.
　シャッタ２０ｃは、チップ供給部２２のトレイを空間２ａと２ｂとの間で移動させる場合に開けられる。シャッタ２０ｃは、それ以外の場合は、閉じられている。シャッタ２０ｄは、空間２ｂに移動されたチップ供給部２２のトレイに対して、チップラック２２１を載置する場合に開けられる。シャッタ２０ｄが開けられる際には、シャッタ２０ｃは、閉じられている状態である。 The shutter 20c is opened when moving the tray of the chip supply section 22 between the spaces 2a and 2b. Shutter 20c is otherwise closed. The shutter 20d is opened when the tip rack 221 is placed on the tray of the tip supply section 22 moved to the space 2b. When the shutter 20d is opened, the shutter 20c is closed.
　シャッタ２０ｅは、試薬供給部２６に試薬が供給される際に開けられる。 The shutter 20 e is opened when the reagent is supplied to the reagent supply section 26 .
　シャッタ２０ｆは、ＤＷＰ１３１を搬入する際に開けられる。ＤＷＰ１３１は、開栓分注ユニット１のロボット１１により搬送されて、開けられたシャッタ２０ｆを介して、搬入台２３に搬入される。 The shutter 20f is opened when the DWP 131 is loaded. The DWP 131 is transported by the robot 11 of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 and loaded onto the loading table 23 via the opened shutter 20f.
（ＰＣＲ測定ユニット）
　ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の具体的な構成について説明する。ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、前処理が行われた検体の測定を行う。図４に示すように、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、ロボット３１と、チューブ供給部３２と、を備えている。また、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、搬入台３３と、チップ供給部３４と、ＰＣＲ測定装置３５と、を備えている。また、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、気泡除去装置３６と、チューブ廃棄部３７と、蓋閉め装置３８と、を備えている。また、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、壁部３０ａにより取り囲まれている。また、壁部３０ａには、シャッタ３０ｂ、３０ｃおよび３０ｄが設けられている。また、壁部２０ｂには、シャッタ２０ｆが設けられている。また、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、壁部３０ａにより仕切られた空間３ａおよび３ｂに、空間が分けられている。 (PCR measurement unit)
A specific configuration of the PCR measurement unit 3 will be described. The PCR measurement unit 3 performs measurement of pretreated specimens. As shown in FIG. 4 , the PCR measurement unit 3 has a robot 31 and a tube supply section 32 . The PCR measurement unit 3 also includes a carry-in table 33 , a chip supply section 34 , and a PCR measurement device 35 . The PCR measurement unit 3 also includes a bubble removing device 36 , a tube discarding section 37 , and a lid closing device 38 . Moreover, the PCR measurement unit 3 is surrounded by a wall portion 30a. Further, the wall portion 30a is provided with shutters 30b, 30c and 30d. A shutter 20f is provided on the wall portion 20b. Further, the PCR measurement unit 3 is divided into spaces 3a and 3b partitioned by a wall portion 30a.
　ロボット３１は、検体を処理または搬送する。ロボット３１は、たとえば、垂直多関節ロボットアームを有している。ロボット３１は、搬入台３３に搬入されるＤＷＰ１３１を搬送する。具体的には、ロボット３１は、ＤＷＰ１３１を搬送用のＤＷＰ搬送ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、ＤＷＰ搬送ハンドによりＤＷＰ１３１を把持して搬送する。 The robot 31 processes or transports the specimen. The robot 31 has, for example, a vertical articulated robot arm. The robot 31 transports the DWP 131 loaded onto the loading table 33 . Specifically, the robot 31 holds and transports the DWP 131 with the DWP transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the DWP 131 .
　また、ロボット３１は、ＤＷＰ１３１に収容された検体を吸引して、ＰＣＲ測定用のチューブ３２１に吐出する分注処理を行う。具体的には、ロボット３１は、分注用の分注ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、分注ハンドにより、検体を分注する。 In addition, the robot 31 performs a dispensing process of aspirating the sample stored in the DWP 131 and discharging it into the tube 321 for PCR measurement. Specifically, the robot 31 dispenses the sample with the dispensing hand attached to the tip of the robot arm.
　また、ロボット３１は、チューブ供給部３２に供給されるチューブ３２１を、搬送する。具体的には、ロボット３１は、チューブ３２１を搬送用のチューブ搬送ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、チューブ搬送ハンドによりチューブ３２１を把持して搬送する。また、ロボット３１は、閉栓したチューブ３２１を、ＰＣＲ測定装置３５にセットする。 Also, the robot 31 transports the tube 321 supplied to the tube supply section 32 . Specifically, the robot 31 holds and transports the tube 321 with the tube transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the tube 321 . Also, the robot 31 sets the capped tube 321 in the PCR measuring device 35 .
　チューブ供給部３２は、検体を収容してＰＣＲ測定に用いるためのチューブ３２１をＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の内部に取り込む。チューブ供給部３２は、複数のチューブ３２１を載置可能なトレイと、トレイを移動させる搬送部とを含んでいる。チューブ供給部３２は、並んで２つ配置されている。また、チューブ供給部３２は、トレイをシャッタ３０ｂを介して空間３ａと空間３ｂとの間で移動させる。また、チューブ供給部３２は、トレイをシャッタ３０ｃを介して空間３ｂとＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の外部との間で移動させる。チューブ３２１は、複数の収容部を有しており、複数の検体を収容して、ＰＣＲ測定を行うことが可能である。 The tube supply unit 32 takes into the PCR measurement unit 3 a tube 321 containing a sample and used for PCR measurement. The tube supply section 32 includes a tray on which a plurality of tubes 321 can be placed, and a transport section for moving the tray. Two tube supply units 32 are arranged side by side. Further, the tube supply section 32 moves the tray between the space 3a and the space 3b via the shutter 30b. Further, the tube supply section 32 moves the tray between the space 3b and the outside of the PCR measurement unit 3 via the shutter 30c. The tube 321 has a plurality of storage portions, and can store a plurality of specimens for PCR measurement.
　搬入台３３は、核酸抽出ユニット２からＤＷＰ１３１が搬入されて載置される。 The loading table 33 is loaded with the DWP 131 loaded from the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 .
　チップ供給部３４には、複数のチップが収容されたチップラック３４１が載置される。ロボット３１は、分注を行う際に、チップ供給部３４に載置されたチップラック３４１からチップを分注ハンドに取り付けて、分注に用いる。 A tip rack 341 containing a plurality of tips is placed on the tip supply unit 34 . When performing dispensing, the robot 31 attaches a tip to the dispensing hand from the tip rack 341 placed on the tip supply unit 34 and uses it for dispensing.
　ＰＣＲ測定装置３５は、検体から抽出された核酸に対して、ＰＣＲ測定を行う。ＰＣＲ測定装置３５は、複数台設けられている。 The PCR measurement device 35 performs PCR measurement on the nucleic acid extracted from the sample. A plurality of PCR measurement devices 35 are provided.
　チューブ廃棄部３７は、ＰＣＲ測定が終了したチューブ３２１が廃棄される。 The tube discarding unit 37 discards the tube 321 for which PCR measurement has been completed.
　蓋閉め装置３８は、検体が分注されたチューブ３２１の蓋を閉栓する。 The lid closing device 38 closes the lid of the tube 321 into which the sample is dispensed.
　壁部３０ａは、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の外周に配置されている。また、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、核酸抽出ユニット２との間に隔壁が設けられておらず、核酸抽出ユニット２の空間２ａと、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の空間３ａとはつながっている。ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の壁部３０ａは、核酸抽出ユニット２の壁部２０ａおよび２０ｂと連結されており、壁部３０ａ、壁部２０ａおよび壁部２０ｂにより、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３および核酸抽出ユニット２の全体を取り囲んでいる。 The wall portion 30a is arranged on the outer periphery of the PCR measurement unit 3. Moreover, the PCR measurement unit 3 is not provided with a partition wall between it and the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the space 2a of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the space 3a of the PCR measurement unit 3 are connected. The wall 30a of the PCR measurement unit 3 is connected to the walls 20a and 20b of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the wall 30a, the wall 20a, and the wall 20b connect the PCR measurement unit 3 and the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 as a whole. surrounds the
　ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、ユニット内において気圧が制御されている。具体的には、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、外部の気圧よりもユニット内の気圧が低くなるように、気圧が制御されている。 The air pressure of the PCR measurement unit 3 is controlled within the unit. Specifically, the air pressure of the PCR measurement unit 3 is controlled so that the air pressure inside the unit is lower than the air pressure outside.
　シャッタ３０ｂは、チューブ供給部３２のトレイを空間３ａと３ｂとの間で移動させる場合に開けられる。シャッタ３０ｂは、それ以外の場合は、閉じられている。シャッタ３０ｃは、空間３ｂに移動されたチューブ供給部３２のトレイをＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の外部に移動させる場合、および、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の外部に移動されたチューブ供給部３２のトレイを空間３ｂに移動させる場合に開けられる。シャッタ３０ｃが開けられる際には、シャッタ３０ｂは、閉じられている状態である。 The shutter 30b is opened when moving the tray of the tube supply section 32 between the spaces 3a and 3b. Shutter 30b is otherwise closed. The shutter 30c moves the tray of the tube supply section 32 moved to the space 3b to the outside of the PCR measurement unit 3, and also moves the tray of the tube supply section 32 moved to the outside of the PCR measurement unit 3 to the space 3b. Can be opened for transport. When the shutter 30c is opened, the shutter 30b is closed.
　シャッタ３０ｄは、チップ供給部３４にチップが収容されたチップラック３４１が供給される際に開けられる。 The shutter 30d is opened when the tip rack 341 containing the tips is supplied to the tip supply section 34 .
（試薬調製ユニット）
　試薬調製ユニット４の具体的な構成について説明する。試薬調製ユニット４は、ＰＣＲ測定を行うための試薬を調製する。図５に示すように、試薬調製ユニット４は、ロボット４１と、チップ供給部４２と、冷凍庫４３と、を備えている。また、試薬調製ユニット４は、試薬キャッパー部４４と、チューブ供給部４５と、を備えている。また、試薬調製ユニット４は、分注用冷却部４６と、試薬調製用冷却部４７とを備えている。また、試薬調製ユニット４は、壁部４０ａにより取り囲まれている。また、壁部４０ａには、シャッタ４０ｂ、４０ｃおよび４０ｄが設けられている。また、試薬調製ユニット４は、壁部４０ａにより内部の空間４ａが形成されている。 (reagent preparation unit)
A specific configuration of the reagent preparation unit 4 will be described. The reagent preparation unit 4 prepares reagents for PCR measurement. As shown in FIG. 5, the reagent preparation unit 4 includes a robot 41, a tip supply section 42, and a freezer 43. The reagent preparation unit 4 also includes a reagent capper section 44 and a tube supply section 45 . The reagent preparation unit 4 also includes a dispensing cooling section 46 and a reagent preparation cooling section 47 . Further, the reagent preparing unit 4 is surrounded by a wall portion 40a. Further, the wall portion 40a is provided with shutters 40b, 40c and 40d. Further, the reagent preparation unit 4 has an internal space 4a formed by a wall portion 40a.
　ロボット４１は、試薬の調製を行う。ロボット４１は、たとえば、垂直多関節ロボットアームを有している。ロボット４１は、試薬が収容された試薬容器を搬送する。具体的には、ロボット４１は、試薬容器を搬送用の試薬搬送ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、試薬搬送ハンドにより試薬容器を把持して搬送する。 The robot 41 prepares reagents. The robot 41 has, for example, a vertical articulated robot arm. The robot 41 transports reagent containers containing reagents. Specifically, the robot 41 holds and transports the reagent container with the reagent transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the reagent container.
　また、ロボット４１は、チューブ供給部４５に供給されるチューブ３２１を搬送する。具体的には、ロボット４１は、チューブ３２１を搬送用のチューブ搬送ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、チューブ搬送ハンドによりチューブ３２１を把持して搬送する。 Also, the robot 41 transports the tube 321 supplied to the tube supply section 45 . Specifically, the robot 41 holds and transports the tube 321 with the tube transport hand attached to the tip of the robot arm for transporting the tube 321 .
　また、ロボット４１は、試薬容器から試薬を吸引して、チューブ３２１に吐出する分注処理を行う。具体的には、ロボット４１は、分注用の分注ハンドをロボットアームの先端に取り付けた状態で、分注ハンドにより、試薬を分注する。ロボット４１は、複数種類の試薬をチューブ３２１内に分注して、試薬の調製を行う。 Also, the robot 41 performs a dispensing process of aspirating the reagent from the reagent container and discharging it into the tube 321 . Specifically, the robot 41 dispenses the reagent with the dispensing hand attached to the tip of the robot arm. The robot 41 dispenses multiple types of reagents into the tubes 321 to prepare the reagents.
　チップ供給部４２には、複数のチップが収容されたチップラック４２１が載置される。ロボット４１は、分注を行う際に、チップ供給部４２に載置されたチップラック４２１からチップを分注ハンドに取り付けて、分注に用いる。 A tip rack 421 containing a plurality of tips is placed on the tip supply unit 42 . When performing dispensing, the robot 41 attaches a tip to the dispensing hand from the tip rack 421 placed on the tip supply unit 42 and uses it for dispensing.
　冷凍庫４３は、試薬を冷凍保存する。 The freezer 43 freezes and stores reagents.
　試薬キャッパー部４４は、試薬容器の蓋を開栓する。また、試薬キャッパー部４４は、試薬容器の蓋を閉栓する。 The reagent capper part 44 opens the lid of the reagent container. Further, the reagent capper part 44 closes the lid of the reagent container.
　チューブ供給部４５は、検体を収容してＰＣＲ測定に用いるためのチューブ３２１を供給する。 The tube supply unit 45 supplies a tube 321 containing a specimen and used for PCR measurement.
　分注用冷却部４６は、試薬が分注されるチューブ３２１が載置され、チューブ３２１を冷却する。 The dispensing cooling unit 46 cools the tubes 321 on which the reagents are dispensed.
　試薬調製用冷却部４７は、試薬容器が載置され、試薬を冷却する。 The reagent preparation cooling unit 47 cools the reagent on which the reagent container is placed.
　壁部４０ａは、試薬調製ユニット４の外周に配置され、試薬調製ユニット４の全体を取り囲んでいる。壁部４０ａは、試薬調製ユニット４の上方および下方も覆っている。 The wall portion 40a is arranged on the outer periphery of the reagent preparation unit 4 and surrounds the reagent preparation unit 4 as a whole. The wall portion 40a also covers the reagent preparing unit 4 above and below.
　試薬調製ユニット４は、ユニット内において気圧が制御されている。具体的には、試薬調製ユニット４は、外部の気圧よりもユニット内の気圧が高くなるように、気圧が制御されている。 The air pressure inside the reagent preparation unit 4 is controlled. Specifically, the air pressure of the reagent preparation unit 4 is controlled so that the air pressure inside the unit is higher than the air pressure outside.
　シャッタ４０ｂは、チューブ供給部４５にチューブ３２１が供給される際に開けられる。 The shutter 40b is opened when the tube 321 is supplied to the tube supply section 45.
　シャッタ４０ｃは、ワークを搬送する際に開けられる。 The shutter 40c is opened when conveying the work.
　シャッタ４０ｄは、チップ供給部４２にチップが収容されたチップラック４２１が供給される際に開けられる。 The shutter 40 d is opened when the tip rack 421 containing the tips is supplied to the tip supply section 42 .
（全体制御盤）
　図１に示すように、全体制御盤５は、検査システム１００の全体を制御する。また、全体制御盤５は、作業者による操作を受け付ける。 (Overall control panel)
As shown in FIG. 1, the general control panel 5 controls the inspection system 100 as a whole. Further, the general control panel 5 accepts operations by the operator.
　図６に示すように、全体制御盤５は、制御部５１と、表示部５２と、電源５３と、空圧源５４とを備えている。また、全体制御盤５は、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３および試薬調製ユニット４に対して共通に設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 6, the general control panel 5 includes a control section 51, a display section 52, a power source 53, and an air pressure source . A general control panel 5 is provided in common for the uncapped pipetting unit 1 , the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 , the PCR measurement unit 3 and the reagent preparation unit 4 .
　制御部５１は、ＣＰＵ（Ｃｅｎｔｒａｌ　Ｐｒｏｃｅｓｓｉｎｇ　Ｕｎｉｔ）などのプロセッサと、ＲＡＭ（Ｒａｎｄｏｍ　Ａｃｃｅｓｓ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）などの揮発性メモリ及びＲＯＭ（Ｒｅａｄ―Ｏｎｌｙ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）などの不揮発性メモリ等とからなるコンピュータシステムを含んでいる。コンピュータシステムは、ＣＰＵがＲＡＭをワークエリアとして用いてＲＯＭに記録されたプログラムを実行することによって、演算器の機能を実現してもよい。なお、演算器の機能の一部又は全部は、上記コンピュータシステムにより実現されてもよく、電子回路又は集積回路等の専用のハードウェア回路により実現されてもよく、上記コンピュータシステム及びハードウェア回路の組み合わせにより実現されてもよい。 The control unit 51 includes a computer system including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory). . The computer system may realize the function of the computing unit by having the CPU execute the program recorded in the ROM using the RAM as a work area. Some or all of the functions of the arithmetic unit may be realized by the computer system described above, or may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit such as an electronic circuit or an integrated circuit. It may be realized by a combination.
　制御部５１は、検査システム１００の各ユニットの温度管理を行う制御をする。たとえば、制御部５１は、開栓分注ユニット１の冷却装置の冷却温度を管理する。また、制御部５１は、核酸抽出ユニット２の電熱器および温調器の加温温度を管理する。また、制御部５１は、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の冷却装置の冷却温度を管理する。また、制御部５１は、試薬調製ユニット４の冷却装置の冷却温度を制御する。 The control unit 51 controls temperature management of each unit of the inspection system 100 . For example, the controller 51 manages the cooling temperature of the cooling device of the uncapped dispensing unit 1 . In addition, the control section 51 manages the heating temperature of the electric heater and temperature controller of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 . Also, the control unit 51 manages the cooling temperature of the cooling device of the PCR measurement unit 3 . Further, the control section 51 controls the cooling temperature of the cooling device of the reagent preparing unit 4 .
　また、制御部５１は、検査システム１００の各ユニットの気圧管理を行う制御をする。たとえば、制御部５１は、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の気圧を陰圧に管理する制御を行う。また、制御部５１は、試薬調製ユニット４の気圧を陽圧に管理する制御を行う。 In addition, the control unit 51 controls the air pressure management of each unit of the inspection system 100 . For example, the control section 51 controls the atmospheric pressures of the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3 to be negative pressures. In addition, the control unit 51 controls the pressure of the reagent preparing unit 4 to be positive.
　また、制御部５１は、検査システム１００により検査する検体の情報を管理する。 In addition, the control unit 51 manages information on samples to be tested by the test system 100 .
　表示部５２は、検査システム１００の状態に関する情報を表示する。また、表示部５２は、検査システム１００を操作するための画面を表示する。 The display unit 52 displays information about the state of the inspection system 100. The display unit 52 also displays a screen for operating the inspection system 100 .
　電源５３は、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３、試薬調製ユニット４および全体制御盤５に電力を供給する。電源５３は、無停電電源装置（ＵＰＳ）を含んでいる。 The power supply 53 supplies power to the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, the PCR measurement unit 3, the reagent preparation unit 4, and the overall control panel 5. Power supply 53 includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
　空圧源５４は、各ユニットの気圧を調整するための高圧および低圧の空気を生成する。空圧源５４は、空気圧縮機を含んでいる。 The air pressure source 54 generates high and low pressure air for adjusting the air pressure of each unit. Air pressure source 54 includes an air compressor.
　ここで、本実施形態では、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、レイアウトを変更可能である。 Here, in this embodiment, the layout of the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 can be changed.
　たとえば、図１に示す第１のレイアウト例では、検査システム１００には、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３および試薬調製ユニット４がレイアウトされている。また、開栓分注ユニット１に対して隣接するように、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３が配置され、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３に対して開栓分注ユニット１とは反対側に試薬調製ユニット４が配置される。また、全体制御盤５は、各ユニットの外側に配置される。図１に示す第１のレイアウト例は、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３により用いられる試薬を調製する試薬調製ユニット４を設けることにより、測定する検体が安定して多く、ＰＣＲ測定に用いる試薬を安定して多く用いる場合に有効なレイアウトである。 For example, in the first layout example shown in FIG. 1, the inspection system 100 has an uncapped dispensing unit 1, a nucleic acid extraction unit 2, a PCR measurement unit 3, and a reagent preparation unit 4 laid out. In addition, a nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and a PCR measurement unit 3 are arranged so as to be adjacent to the uncapped dispensing unit 1, and a reagent preparation unit is arranged on the opposite side of the PCR measurement unit 3 from the uncapped dispensing unit 1. 4 is placed. Also, the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit. In the first layout example shown in FIG. 1, by providing a reagent preparation unit 4 for preparing reagents used by the PCR measurement unit 3, a large number of samples to be measured are stably provided, and a large number of reagents to be used for PCR measurement are stably provided. This is an effective layout when used.
　また、図７に示す第２のレイアウト例では、検査システム１００には、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３がレイアウトされている。また、開栓分注ユニット１に対して隣接するように、核酸抽出ユニット２が配置され、核酸抽出ユニット２に対して開栓分注ユニット１とは反対側にＰＣＲ測定ユニット３が配置される。また、全体制御盤５は、各ユニットの外側に配置される。図７に示す第２のレイアウト例では、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３により用いられる試薬を作業者により調製するため、試薬調製ユニット４を設けない。このレイアウトは、測定する検体が比較的少なく、ＰＣＲ測定に用いる試薬を作業者により調製する方が効率駅な場合に有効なレイアウトである。 In addition, in the second layout example shown in FIG. 7, the inspection system 100 has an uncapped dispensing unit 1, a nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and a PCR measurement unit 3 laid out. In addition, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the uncapped pipetting unit 1, and the PCR measurement unit 3 is arranged on the opposite side of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 from the uncapped pipetting unit 1. . Also, the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit. In the second layout example shown in FIG. 7, the reagent preparation unit 4 is not provided because the reagents used by the PCR measurement unit 3 are prepared by the operator. This layout is effective when the number of samples to be measured is relatively small and it is more efficient for the operator to prepare reagents for PCR measurement.
　また、図８に示す第３のレイアウト例では、検査システム１００には、開栓分注ユニット１および核酸抽出ユニット２がレイアウトされている。また、開栓分注ユニット１に対して隣接するように、核酸抽出ユニット２が配置される。また、全体制御盤５は、各ユニットの外側に配置される。図８に示す第３のレイアウト例では、検体が核酸抽出されるところまで行われ、その後、別の場所、または、作業者の作業によりＰＣＲ測定が行われる場合に有効なレイアウトである。 In addition, in the third layout example shown in FIG. 8, the uncapped dispensing unit 1 and the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 are laid out in the inspection system 100 . Also, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the uncapped pipetting unit 1 . Also, the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit. The third layout example shown in FIG. 8 is an effective layout when nucleic acid extraction of the sample is performed, and then PCR measurement is performed at another location or by an operator's work.
　また、図９に示す第４のレイアウト例では、検査システム１００には、２つの開栓分注ユニット１、２つの核酸抽出ユニット２、２つのＰＣＲ測定ユニット３および１つの試薬調製ユニット４がレイアウトされている。また、１つの試薬調製ユニット４に対して、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３が対称的に配置されている。また、全体制御盤５は、各ユニットの外側に配置される。図９に示す第４のレイアウト例は、測定する検体が比較的多く、検体の前処理および検体の測定を多く行うような場合に有効なレイアウトである。 In addition, in the fourth layout example shown in FIG. 9, the inspection system 100 has two uncapped dispensing units 1, two nucleic acid extraction units 2, two PCR measurement units 3, and one reagent preparation unit 4 laid out. It is The uncapped pipetting unit 1 , the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to one reagent preparing unit 4 . Also, the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit. The fourth layout example shown in FIG. 9 is a layout that is effective when the number of samples to be measured is relatively large, and many sample pretreatments and sample measurements are performed.
　また、図１０に示す第５のレイアウト例では、検査システム１００には、開栓分注ユニット１およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３がレイアウトされている。また、全体制御盤５は、各ユニットの外側に配置される。図１０に示す第５のレイアウト例は、検体に対して前処理が不要であり、ダイレクトにＰＣＲ測定を行うことが可能なＰＣＲ測定装置を用いる場合に有効なレイアウトである。 In addition, in the fifth layout example shown in FIG. 10, the uncapped dispensing unit 1 and the PCR measurement unit 3 are laid out in the inspection system 100 . Also, the general control panel 5 is arranged outside each unit. The fifth layout example shown in FIG. 10 is a layout that is effective when using a PCR measurement device that does not require pretreatment of a sample and can directly perform PCR measurement.
　また、本実施形態では、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々のユニット内において気圧が制御されている。具体的には、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３には、全体制御盤５から空気が送られて、陰圧となるように気圧が制御される。 In addition, in the present embodiment, the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are pressure controlled within each unit. Specifically, air is sent to the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 from the general control panel 5, and the air pressure is controlled to be negative pressure.
　また、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々のユニットが壁部に取り囲まれており、各々のユニット内において気圧が個別に制御されている。つまり、各ユニットに対して共通の空圧源５４から空気を個別に送ることにより、各ユニット内の気圧が個別に制御される。 In addition, the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are each surrounded by a wall, and the air pressure is individually controlled within each unit. That is, by individually sending air from the common air pressure source 54 to each unit, the air pressure in each unit is individually controlled.
　また、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々に、検体を処理または搬送するロボット１１、２１および３１が設けられており、壁部１０ａ、１０ｂ、２０ａ、２０ｂおよび３０ａは、各々のユニットの外部から内部に入ることを規制する規制壁として用いられる。 The uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are respectively provided with robots 11, 21, and 31 for processing or transporting samples. and 30a are used as control walls to control entry from the outside to the inside of each unit.
　また、壁部１０ａ、１０ｂ、２０ａ、２０ｂおよび３０ａは、ユニットの外周部に設けられた外周壁を含んでいる。また、図３および図４に示すように、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の各々に設けられた外周壁を接続することにより、複数のユニットが外周壁により取り囲まれる。つまり、核酸抽出ユニット２の壁部２０ａおよび２０ｂと、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３の壁部３０ａとを接続することにより、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３が壁部２０ａ、２０ｂおよび３０ａにより取り囲まれる。 Also, the walls 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b and 30a include an outer peripheral wall provided on the outer peripheral part of the unit. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, by connecting the outer walls provided in each of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3, the plurality of units are surrounded by the outer walls. That is, by connecting the walls 20a and 20b of the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the wall 30a of the PCR measurement unit 3, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3 are surrounded by the walls 20a, 20b and 30a.
　開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々のユニット内において仕切部により仕切られており、ユニット内において領域毎に個別に気圧が制御されている。たとえば、開栓分注ユニット１は、空間１ａ、１ｂおよび１ｃに仕切られている。また、核酸抽出ユニット２は、空間２ａおよび２ｂに仕切られている。また、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、空間３ａおよび３ｂに仕切られている。また、各ユニットは、仕切られた各々の空間に対して、全体制御盤５から空気が送られる。 The uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are partitioned by a partition within each unit, and the air pressure is individually controlled for each region within the unit. For example, the uncapped dispensing unit 1 is partitioned into spaces 1a, 1b and 1c. Further, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 is partitioned into spaces 2a and 2b. Moreover, the PCR measurement unit 3 is partitioned into spaces 3a and 3b. In each unit, air is sent from the general control panel 5 to each partitioned space.
　開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々独立して前処理および検体測定を行うことが可能である。 The uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 can independently perform pretreatment and sample measurement.
　また、試薬調製ユニット４は、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３に対して追加することが可能であり、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３および試薬調製ユニット４は、レイアウトを変更可能である。 Further, the reagent preparation unit 4 can be added to the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3, and the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit. 3 and the reagent preparation unit 4 can change the layout.
（本実施形態の効果）
　開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、レイアウトを変更可能である。これにより、使用用途に応じて、処理を行うのに必要な装置をレイアウトに組み込み、処理を行わない装置についてはレイアウトから除外して、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３を設置位置に配置することができる。その結果、使用用途に応じて、設置面積が大きくなるのを抑制することができるとともに、システム構成を簡素化することができる。また、設置位置の形状に応じて、検査システム１００のレイアウトを変更することができるので、設置位置のスペースを有効に利用して、検査システム１００を配置することができる。 (Effect of this embodiment)
The layout of the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 can be changed. As a result, according to the intended use, the devices required for processing are incorporated into the layout, and the devices that are not processed are excluded from the layout, and the opening and dispensing unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit are arranged. 3 can be placed in the installation position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the installation area from increasing and to simplify the system configuration depending on the intended use. Moreover, since the layout of the inspection system 100 can be changed according to the shape of the installation position, the inspection system 100 can be arranged by effectively using the space of the installation position.
　開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々のユニット内において気圧が制御されている。これにより、検査システム１００の設置位置に気圧を制御するための部屋を設ける必要がない。 The uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are pressure controlled within each unit. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide a room for controlling the atmospheric pressure at the installation position of the inspection system 100 .
　開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々のユニットが壁部に取り囲まれており、各々のユニット内において気圧が個別に制御されている。これにより、外部からの空気の流入を抑制したいユニットについてはユニット内を陽圧に制御し、内部からの空気の流出を抑制したいユニットについてはユニット内を陰圧に制御することができる。 The uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are each surrounded by a wall, and the air pressure is individually controlled within each unit. As a result, it is possible to control the inside of the unit to a positive pressure in units where the inflow of air from the outside is to be suppressed, and to control the inside of the unit to be a negative pressure in the units where the outflow of air from the inside is to be suppressed.
　開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々に、検体を処理または搬送するロボット１１、２１および３１が設けられており、壁部１０ａ、１０ｂ、２０ａ、２０ｂおよび３０ａは、各々のユニットの外部から内部に入ることを規制する規制壁として用いられる。これにより、ロボット１１、２１および３１により検体を処理または搬送することができるので、作業者の処理負担を軽減することができる。また、気圧を制御するための壁部と、規制壁とを兼用にすることができるので、別個に設ける場合に比べて、部品点数を減少することができるとともに、システム構成を簡素化することができる。 The uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3 are respectively provided with robots 11, 21 and 31 for processing or transporting samples. is used as a control wall to control entry from the outside to the inside of each unit. As a result, the robots 11, 21, and 31 can process or transport the samples, thereby reducing the processing burden on the operator. In addition, since the wall portion for controlling the atmospheric pressure and the regulation wall can be used as both, the number of parts can be reduced and the system configuration can be simplified compared to the case where they are provided separately. can.
　壁部は、ユニットの外周部に設けられた外周壁を含み、各々のユニットに設けられた外周壁を接続することにより、複数のユニットが外周壁により取り囲まれる。これにより、各ユニットのレイアウトに合わせて外周壁を設けることができるので、構成を簡素化することができる。 The wall part includes an outer peripheral wall provided on the outer peripheral part of the unit, and by connecting the outer peripheral walls provided on each unit, the plurality of units are surrounded by the outer peripheral wall. As a result, the outer peripheral wall can be provided according to the layout of each unit, so that the configuration can be simplified.
　開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々のユニット内において仕切部により仕切られており、ユニット内において領域毎に個別に気圧が制御されている。これにより、同じユニット内において、気圧を個別に制御することができるので、領域毎の気圧を安定して制御することができる。 The uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 are partitioned by a partition within each unit, and the air pressure is individually controlled for each region within the unit. As a result, the atmospheric pressure can be individually controlled within the same unit, so that the atmospheric pressure for each region can be stably controlled.
　開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３に対して共通に設けられた、表示部５２、共通の電源５３および共通の空圧源５４を含む全体制御盤５を設ける。これにより、各ユニットに対して、表示部５２、共通の電源５３および共通の空圧源５４を含む全体制御盤５を共通に配置することができるので、システム構成を簡素化することができる。また、全体制御盤５内に配線および配管を設けることができるので、配線および配管の構成を簡素化することができる。 An overall control panel 5 including a display section 52, a common power supply 53 and a common air pressure source 54 is provided in common for the uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2 and the PCR measurement unit 3. As a result, the overall control panel 5 including the display unit 52, the common power supply 53 and the common air pressure source 54 can be arranged in common for each unit, thereby simplifying the system configuration. Moreover, since wiring and piping can be provided in the general control panel 5, the wiring and piping configuration can be simplified.
　開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３は、各々独立して前処理および検体測定を行うことが可能である。これにより、検体を処理の途中から作業者が挿入したり、処理の途中で作業者が検体を取り出したりすることができるので、検体毎に所望の処理を施すことができる。また、各ユニットが独立して前処理および検体測定を行うので、各ユニットの配置の自由度を高めることができる。これにより、各ユニットのレイアウトを容易に変更することができる。 The uncapped pipetting unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3 can independently perform pretreatment and sample measurement. As a result, the operator can insert the specimen in the middle of the treatment or take out the specimen in the middle of the treatment, so that the desired treatment can be performed for each specimen. In addition, since each unit performs pretreatment and sample measurement independently, the degree of freedom in arranging each unit can be increased. This makes it possible to easily change the layout of each unit.
　試薬を調製する試薬調製ユニット４を設け、試薬調製ユニット４は、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２およびＰＣＲ測定ユニット３に対して追加することが可能であり、開栓分注ユニット１、核酸抽出ユニット２、ＰＣＲ測定ユニット３および試薬調製ユニット４は、レイアウトを変更可能である。これにより、試薬調製を作業者により行う場合には、試薬調製ユニット４を設置しないこともできるので、使用用途に合わせて、試薬調製ユニット４を追加した状態で検査システム１００のレイアウトを行うことができる。 A reagent preparation unit 4 for preparing a reagent is provided, and the reagent preparation unit 4 can be added to the uncapped dispensing unit 1, the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, and the PCR measurement unit 3. , the nucleic acid extraction unit 2, the PCR measurement unit 3, and the reagent preparation unit 4 can be changed in layout. As a result, when reagent preparation is performed by an operator, the reagent preparation unit 4 can be omitted, so that the inspection system 100 can be laid out with the reagent preparation unit 4 added according to the intended use. can.
　試薬調製ユニット４は、試薬の調製を行うロボット４１が設けられている。これにより、ロボット４１により試薬の調製を行うことができるので、作業者の処理負担を軽減することができる。 The reagent preparation unit 4 is provided with a robot 41 that prepares reagents. As a result, the reagent can be prepared by the robot 41, so that the processing burden on the operator can be reduced.
（変形例）
　今回開示された実施形態は、すべての点で例示であって制限的なものではないと考えられるべきである。本開示の範囲は、上記した実施形態の説明ではなく請求の範囲によって示され、さらに請求の範囲と均等の意味および範囲内でのすべての変更（変形例）が含まれる。 (Modification)
The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the above description of the embodiments, and further includes all changes (modifications) within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.
　上記実施形態では、検査システムがＰＣＲ検査により検体を測定する例を示したが、本開示はこれに限られない。たとえば、ＰＣＲ検査以外により検体を測定してもよい。たとえば、フローサイトメトリーにより検体を測定してもよい。 In the above embodiment, an example in which the test system measures the sample by PCR test is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, specimens may be measured by methods other than PCR testing. For example, analytes may be measured by flow cytometry.
　上記実施形態では、各ユニットにロボットを設ける例を示したが、本開示はこれに限られない。たとえば、少なくとも１つのユニットにロボットを設け、ロボットが設けられないユニットがあってもよい。 Although an example in which a robot is provided in each unit has been shown in the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, at least one unit may be equipped with a robot, and some units may not be equipped with a robot.
　上記実施形態では、全体制御盤がユニットの外に設けられている例を示したが、本開示はこれに限られない。たとえば、全体制御盤をいずれかのユニット内に設けてもよい。図１１に示す例のように、全体制御盤５を、前処理ユニットとしての開栓分注ユニット１内に設けてもよい。 Although the above embodiment shows an example in which the general control panel is provided outside the unit, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a general control panel may be provided in either unit. As in the example shown in FIG. 11, the overall control panel 5 may be provided in the uncapped dispensing unit 1 as a pretreatment unit.
　本明細書で開示する要素の機能は、開示された機能を実行するよう構成またはプログラムされた汎用プロセッサ、専用プロセッサ、集積回路、ＡＳＩＣ（Ａｐｐｌｉｃａｔｉｏｎ　Ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃ　Ｉｎｔｅｇｒａｔｅｄ　Ｃｉｒｃｕｉｔｓ）、従来の回路、および／または、それらの組み合わせ、を含む回路または処理回路を使用して実行できる。プロセッサは、トランジスタやその他の回路を含むため、処理回路または回路と見なされる。本開示において、回路、ユニット、または手段は、列挙された機能を実行するハードウェアであるか、または、列挙された機能を実行するようにプログラムされたハードウェアである。ハードウェアは、本明細書に開示されているハードウェアであってもよいし、あるいは、列挙された機能を実行するようにプログラムまたは構成されているその他の既知のハードウェアであってもよい。ハードウェアが回路の一種と考えられるプロセッサである場合、回路、手段、またはユニットはハードウェアとソフトウェアの組み合わせであり、ソフトウェアはハードウェアおよび／またはプロセッサの構成に使用される。 The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be extended to general purpose processors, special purpose processors, integrated circuits, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), conventional circuits, and/or those configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. can be implemented using a circuit or processing circuit that includes a combination of A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the recited functions. The hardware may be the hardware disclosed herein, or other known hardware programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. A circuit, means or unit is a combination of hardware and software where the hardware is a processor which is considered a type of circuit, the software being used to configure the hardware and/or the processor.
　［態様］
　上記した例示的な実施形態は、以下の態様の具体例であることが当業者により理解される。 [Aspect]
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following aspects.
（項目１）
　被検者から採取した検体の測定を行い検査する検査システムであって、
　受け入れた検体に対して測定を行う前の処理を行う前処理ユニットと、
　前処理が行われた検体の測定を行う検体測定ユニットと、を備え、
　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、レイアウトを変更可能である、検査システム。 (Item 1)
A test system for measuring and testing a sample collected from a subject,
a preprocessing unit that processes the received sample prior to measurement;
a sample measurement unit that measures the preprocessed sample,
The inspection system, wherein the preprocessing unit and the specimen measurement unit are changeable in layout.
（項目２）
　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々のユニット内において気圧が制御されている、項目１に記載の検査システム。 (Item 2)
The inspection system according to item 1, wherein the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are pressure controlled within each unit.
（項目３）
　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々のユニットが壁部に取り囲まれており、各々のユニット内において気圧が個別に制御されている、項目２に記載の検査システム。 (Item 3)
3. The inspection system according to item 2, wherein the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are each surrounded by a wall, and the air pressure inside each unit is individually controlled.
（項目４）
　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々に、検体を処理または搬送するロボットが設けられており、
　前記壁部は、各々のユニットの外部から内部に入ることを規制する規制壁として用いられる、項目３に記載の検査システム。 (Item 4)
each of the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit is provided with a robot that processes or transports a sample;
4. The inspection system according to item 3, wherein the wall portion is used as a control wall that controls entry from the outside of each unit to the inside.
（項目５）
　前記壁部は、ユニットの外周部に設けられた外周壁を含み、各々のユニットに設けられた前記外周壁を接続することにより、複数のユニットが前記外周壁により取り囲まれる、項目３または４に記載の検査システム。 (Item 5)
Item 3 or 4, wherein the wall portion includes an outer peripheral wall provided on an outer peripheral portion of a unit, and a plurality of units are surrounded by the outer peripheral wall by connecting the outer peripheral walls provided on the respective units. Inspection system as described.
（項目６）
　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々のユニット内において仕切部により仕切られており、ユニット内において領域毎に個別に気圧が制御されている、項目２～５のいずれか１項に記載の検査システム。 (Item 6)
6. The pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein each unit is partitioned by a partition, and air pressure is individually controlled for each region in the unit. inspection system.
（項目７）
　前記前処理ユニットは、検体容器の開栓を行って検体を分注する開栓分注ユニットと、検体から核酸の抽出を行う核酸抽出ユニットとを含み、
　前記開栓分注ユニット、前記核酸抽出ユニット、および、前記検体測定ユニットは、設置位置において、レイアウトを変更可能である、項目１～６のいずれか１項に記載の検査システム。 (Item 7)
The pretreatment unit includes an uncapped dispensing unit that uncaps the sample container and dispenses the sample, and a nucleic acid extraction unit that extracts nucleic acid from the sample,
7. The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the uncapped pipetting unit, the nucleic acid extraction unit, and the specimen measurement unit can change layouts at installation positions.
（項目８）
　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットに対して共通に設けられた、表示部、共通の電源および共通の空圧源を含む全体制御盤をさらに備える、項目１～７のいずれか１項に記載の検査システム。 (Item 8)
8. The method according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising an overall control panel including a display unit, a common power source, and a common pneumatic pressure source provided in common for the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit. inspection system.
（項目９）
　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々独立して前処理および検体測定を行うことが可能である、項目１～８のいずれか１項に記載の検査システム。 (Item 9)
9. The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are capable of independently performing pretreatment and sample measurement.
（項目１０）
　試薬を調製する試薬調製ユニットをさらに備え、
　前記試薬調製ユニットは、前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットに対して追加することが可能であり、
　前記前処理ユニット、前記検体測定ユニットおよび前記試薬調製ユニットは、レイアウトを変更可能である、項目１～９のいずれか１項に記載の検査システム。 (Item 10)
further comprising a reagent preparation unit for preparing a reagent;
the reagent preparation unit can be added to the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit;
The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein layouts of the pretreatment unit, the sample measurement unit, and the reagent preparation unit can be changed.
（項目１１）
　前記試薬調製ユニットは、試薬の調製を行うロボットが設けられている、項目１０に記載の検査システム。 (Item 11)
11. An inspection system according to item 10, wherein the reagent preparation unit is provided with a robot that prepares reagents.
（項目１２）
　ＰＣＲ（Ｐｏｌｙｍｅｒａｓｅ　Ｃｈａｉｎ　Ｒｅａｃｔｉｏｎ）検査により検体を測定する、項目１～１１のいずれか１項に記載の検査システム。 (Item 12)
12. The inspection system according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the specimen is measured by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) inspection.

Claims (12)

  1. 　被検者から採取した検体の測定を行い検査する検査システムであって、
    　受け入れた検体に対して測定を行う前の処理を行う前処理ユニットと、
    　前処理が行われた検体の測定を行う検体測定ユニットと、を備え、
    　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、レイアウトを変更可能である、検査システム。     A test system for measuring and testing a sample collected from a subject,
    a preprocessing unit that processes the received sample prior to measurement;
    a sample measurement unit that measures the preprocessed sample,
    The inspection system, wherein the preprocessing unit and the specimen measurement unit are changeable in layout.
  2. 　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々のユニット内において気圧が制御されている、請求項１に記載の検査システム。 The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are pressure controlled within each unit.
  3. 　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々のユニットが壁部に取り囲まれており、各々のユニット内において気圧が個別に制御されている、請求項２に記載の検査システム。 The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are each surrounded by a wall, and the air pressure inside each unit is individually controlled.
  4. 　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々に、検体を処理または搬送するロボットが設けられており、
    　前記壁部は、各々のユニットの外部から内部に入ることを規制する規制壁として用いられる、請求項３に記載の検査システム。     each of the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit is provided with a robot that processes or transports a sample;
    4. The inspection system according to claim 3, wherein said wall portion is used as a control wall that controls entry from the outside of each unit to the inside.
  5. 　前記壁部は、ユニットの外周部に設けられた外周壁を含み、各々のユニットに設けられた前記外周壁を接続することにより、複数のユニットが前記外周壁により取り囲まれる、請求項３に記載の検査システム。 4. The wall portion according to claim 3, wherein the wall portion includes an outer peripheral wall provided on an outer peripheral portion of a unit, and a plurality of units are surrounded by the outer peripheral wall by connecting the outer peripheral walls provided in each unit. inspection system.
  6. 　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々のユニット内において仕切部により仕切られており、ユニット内において領域毎に個別に気圧が制御されている、請求項２に記載の検査システム。 The inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit are separated by a partition within each unit, and the air pressure is individually controlled for each area within the unit.
  7. 　前記前処理ユニットは、検体容器の開栓を行って検体を分注する開栓分注ユニットと、検体から核酸の抽出を行う核酸抽出ユニットとを含み、
    　前記開栓分注ユニット、前記核酸抽出ユニット、および、前記検体測定ユニットは、設置位置において、レイアウトを変更可能である、請求項１に記載の検査システム。     The pretreatment unit includes an uncapped dispensing unit that uncaps the sample container and dispenses the sample, and a nucleic acid extraction unit that extracts nucleic acid from the sample,
    2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the opening and dispensing unit, the nucleic acid extraction unit, and the specimen measurement unit are capable of changing layouts at installation positions.
  8. 　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットに対して共通に設けられた、表示部、共通の電源および共通の空圧源を含む全体制御盤をさらに備える、請求項１に記載の検査システム。 　The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising an overall control panel including a display section, a common power supply and a common air pressure source, provided in common for the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit.
  9. 　前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットは、各々独立して前処理および検体測定を行うことが可能である、請求項１に記載の検査システム。 The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the pretreatment unit and the specimen measurement unit are capable of independently performing pretreatment and specimen measurement.
  10. 　試薬を調製する試薬調製ユニットをさらに備え、
    　前記試薬調製ユニットは、前記前処理ユニットおよび前記検体測定ユニットに対して追加することが可能であり、
    　前記前処理ユニット、前記検体測定ユニットおよび前記試薬調製ユニットは、レイアウトを変更可能である、請求項１に記載の検査システム。     further comprising a reagent preparation unit for preparing a reagent;
    the reagent preparation unit can be added to the pretreatment unit and the sample measurement unit;
    2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein said pretreatment unit, said sample measurement unit and said reagent preparation unit are changeable in layout.
  11. 　前記試薬調製ユニットは、試薬の調製を行うロボットが設けられている、請求項１０に記載の検査システム。 The inspection system according to claim 10, wherein the reagent preparation unit is provided with a robot that prepares reagents.
  12. 　ＰＣＲ（Ｐｏｌｙｍｅｒａｓｅ　Ｃｈａｉｎ　Ｒｅａｃｔｉｏｎ）検査により検体を測定する、請求項１に記載の検査システム。 The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the specimen is measured by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) inspection.
PCT/JP2023/006224 2022-02-25 2023-02-21 Inspection system WO2023162969A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2019174369A (en) * 2018-03-29 2019-10-10 シスメックス株式会社 Specimen pretreatment device, robot arm, and specimen pretreatment method
JP2021045096A (en) * 2019-09-20 2021-03-25 三井住友建設株式会社 Equipment that produces or manufactures one of pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, medical devices, processed cells, or those containing genes expressed in the body
WO2021246410A1 (en) * 2020-06-02 2021-12-09 川崎重工業株式会社 Inspection system

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2019174369A (en) * 2018-03-29 2019-10-10 シスメックス株式会社 Specimen pretreatment device, robot arm, and specimen pretreatment method
JP2021045096A (en) * 2019-09-20 2021-03-25 三井住友建設株式会社 Equipment that produces or manufactures one of pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, medical devices, processed cells, or those containing genes expressed in the body
WO2021246410A1 (en) * 2020-06-02 2021-12-09 川崎重工業株式会社 Inspection system

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