A method and device for indicating sample addition for nucleic acid sample testing

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of sampling and adding samples for testing, and specifically to an indicating and adding method and device for nucleic acid sample testing. The indicating and adding method disclosed in the present invention reminds laboratory test personnel of the sample adding location through timely reminders, helping laboratory test personnel to add or place samples in the correct sample placement location, reducing the probability of error and improving the accuracy of nucleic acid testing; the indicating and adding device disclosed in the present invention is easy to implement and low in cost. It cooperates with laboratory test personnel to add samples through sound and light indication or alarm reminders, reducing the pressure on laboratory test personnel during the sample adding process, thereby alleviating the workload of laboratory test personnel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sampling and adding samples for testing, and in particular to an indicating and adding method and device for nucleic acid sample testing. Background Art

[0002] Nucleic acid testing requires obtaining samples and adding them to the corresponding test containers before conducting the corresponding medical tests. When there are a large number of samples and centralized testing is required, laboratory testers are faced with the operation of centralized sampling and adding samples, and need to repeatedly take and add samples at sampling trays, sample racks and other devices. Since the sample containers, sample rack positions and sample sources correspond one to one, each sample should be added to the corresponding container and placed in the correct position on the sample rack. Since the addition and placement of samples is entirely dependent on the individual operation of laboratory testers and the laboratory testers' own judgment, operational errors are inevitable during repeated operations. Once the sample placement is wrong, it will have a great impact on the medical test results.

[0003] Currently, nucleic acid sampling is mainly done manually, and even the widespread use of fully automatic nucleic acid extraction instruments cannot do without manual sampling. A nucleic acid tester in the laboratory has a huge daily workload. The nucleic acid reaction wells are very small, the sample volume is very small, and they are arranged closely. During the sampling process, the laboratory tester's operations include taking the sample tube, attaching the pipette tip, aspirating the sample, and adding the sample to the well of the reaction plate. Because there are no corresponding prompts on the sample addition plate, the laboratory tester can easily add the sample to the wrong well during the sampling process, and even if they do add the sample incorrectly, it is not easy to find. To prevent mistakes, staff currently need to be extremely careful when adding samples, keeping a close eye on the small wells and repeatedly verifying the well positions. This tedious work causes high mental stress when adding samples.

[0004] Therefore, the existing medical sample loading methods and devices lead to low loading efficiency and high labor intensity. There is an urgent need for improvement in this aspect. The loading processing method should be optimized and improved to improve the efficiency and accuracy of loading and reduce the labor intensity of loading. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a more reasonable technical solution to solve the shortcomings of the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to address the defects of the prior art mentioned above, the present invention provides an indicating sample addition method and device for nucleic acid sample testing, which provides prompts throughout the sample addition operation for laboratory test personnel, helping laboratory test personnel to quickly determine the sample addition location, ensuring that no errors occur in sample addition, reducing the difficulty of sample addition, alleviating the mental stress of staff, and improving the accuracy of sample addition.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the technical solution specifically adopted by the present invention is:

[0007] A method for adding an indicator sample for nucleic acid sample testing, comprising:

[0008] A plurality of sample placement positions are set, a sample container is set at each sample placement position, and a detection sensor and a sample indicating device for detecting the sample container are set at each sample placement position; at the same time, a plurality of sample collection positions corresponding to the sample placement positions are set, a sampling container is set at each sample collection position, and a sampling indicating device is set at each sample collection position, and the sample indicating devices are set in a one-to-one correspondence with the sampling indicating devices and switch indication states accordingly;

[0009] When the detection sensor detects that a sample container has been placed at the sample placement position, the sample indication device switches to the first state to indicate that the sample placement position is occupied, and at the same time, the corresponding sampling indication device switches to the first state to indicate that no sample needs to be added; when the detection sensor detects that no sample container has been placed at the sample placement position, the sample indication device switches to the second state to indicate that the sample placement position is empty, and at the same time, the sampling indication device switches to the second state to indicate that the sample needs to be added;

[0010] After adding the sample, the sample container is placed back to the sample placement position in the second state. At this time, the detection sensor detects the sample container on the sample placement position, the sample indication device of the sample placement position switches to the first state, and the corresponding sampling indication device switches to the first state.

[0011] The above-disclosed indicating sampling method is used to select a sample container at a time and add the sample to the sampling container. By marking and detecting each sample placement position, it can monitor in real time whether the sample container is placed on the corresponding sample placement position. When it is detected that there is no sample container, it is judged that the sample container here has been taken away by the laboratory tester, and the sampling indication device is used to prompt the laboratory tester to the exact container position for sample addition, so as to avoid adding the sample to the wrong container; at the same time, the sample indication device prompts the laboratory tester to put the sample container back to the correct position, so as to avoid the laboratory tester making mistakes when putting it back.

[0012] Furthermore, the method adopted in the present invention manages the indicator device and the detection sensor through a unified data and signal management method, which can be implemented in a variety of ways, not specifically limited. Here, an optimization is made and one feasible option is given: a processor is set, and the detection sensor and the indicator device both communicate with the processor. When a sample container on any sample placement position is taken, the detection sensor cannot detect the sample container and sends an empty position signal to the processor. If the processor receives two or more empty position signals, an alarm command is issued. When the number of empty position signals decreases to less than two, the processor issues a stop alarm command. When such a solution is adopted, the accuracy of the device's judgment can be improved. When a laboratory tester takes multiple sample containers, the processor determines that the laboratory tester has taken them by mistake and issues an alarm, reminding the laboratory tester to put the extra sample containers back to the sample placement position. Adding one sample at a time can ensure accuracy.

[0013] Furthermore, the alarm device communicates with the processor and is controlled by the processor. Specifically, the alarm device is configured to communicate with the processor. When the alarm device receives an alarm command, it starts the alarm. When the alarm device receives a stop alarm command, it stops the alarm.

[0014] Furthermore, to more quickly determine the absolute position of each sample placement location and facilitate laboratory testing personnel's search, the sample placement identification method is optimized here. One feasible option is to cite the following: After setting the sample placement location, each sample placement location is uniquely calibrated; sampling is carried out in sequence according to the calibration order. When the sample at a certain location is sampled, the sample indicator at the next sequential location switches to the third state to prompt sampling from this sample placement location. When this solution is adopted, continuous sample addition can be performed, and samples in the sample container are added to the corresponding sampling container in the calibration order, which greatly saves sample addition time.

[0015] Furthermore, the sample placement position can be marked in a variety of ways, including number marking, color marking, shape marking, or a combination of multiple marking methods.

[0016] The above disclosure describes the sample addition method used in the present invention, which is used to improve the accuracy of sample addition during nucleic acid sample testing by laboratory personnel. The present invention also discloses a corresponding sample addition device, which is described in detail as follows:

[0017] A sample adding indicating device for nucleic acid sample testing comprises a main body, a sample rack is provided on the main body, a plurality of sample placement positions are provided on the sample rack, and each sample placement position is uniquely marked, a sample container and a sample indicating device are correspondingly provided at each sample placement position, and a detection sensor is provided at the lower part of each sample placement position; the main body also comprises a sampling rack, a sample collection position is provided on the sampling rack corresponding one-to-one to the sample placement position, and a sampling container and a sampling indicating device are provided at each sample collection position; a control circuit board is provided inside the main body, a processor for signal processing is provided on the control circuit board, and the sample indicating device, the sampling indicating device and the detection sensor are all electrically connected to the control circuit board; the main body is also provided with a plurality of interactive buttons.

[0018] The above disclosed indicating sample adding device detects the placement status of each sample placement position through the detection device and gives prompts through the indicating device. Each sample placement position and sample collection position is uniquely calibrated to facilitate identification and positioning.

[0019] Furthermore, the sample holder of the indicating sample loading device disclosed herein can adopt a variety of convenient placement structures. Here, we optimize and cite one feasible option: the sample holder includes a top support layer with a plurality of wells for placing sample containers. The detection device is positioned directly below each well. This arrangement facilitates placement of test tube-like sample containers. After sampling, the sample container can be inserted into the wells, where the lower portion of the sample container engages with the detection device to complete the test.

[0020] Furthermore, the detection device employed in the present invention can be a variety of devices and is not limited to a single device. Here, optimizations and some feasible options are provided: the detection device may include a distance sensor or a load cell. With a distance sensor, the sample container does not need to be in contact with the distance sensor; the proximity of the sample container to the distance sensor is used to determine whether the sample container is present at the sample placement location. With a load cell, the sample container is in contact with the load cell, and the presence of the sample container at the sample placement location is determined as long as a load is detected.

[0021] Furthermore, the indicator device used in the present invention can be a variety of devices and is not limited to a single device. Here, optimization is performed and one feasible option is given: the sample indicator device and the sampling indicator device both include indicator lights.

[0022] Furthermore, laboratory technicians inevitably make mistakes. To facilitate prompting of these errors, the present invention optimizes the device and provides the following feasible option: an audible and visual alarm device is also provided within the main body, electrically connected to the control circuit board. With this solution, when a laboratory technician removes multiple sample containers, the alarm device activates, reminding the technician to replace any excess sample containers and proceed with the single-use operation.

[0023] Furthermore, the sample rack is divided into several sample placement areas, and different sample placement areas are provided with sample placement positions of different sizes, and the sample placement positions in each sample placement area have the same size.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] The sample adding indication method disclosed in the present invention reminds laboratory test personnel of the sample adding location in a timely manner, helps laboratory test personnel add or place samples in the correct sample placement location, reduces the chance of error, and improves the accuracy of nucleic acid testing; the sample adding indication device disclosed in the present invention is easy to implement and has low cost, and cooperates with laboratory test personnel to add samples through sound and light indication or alarm reminders, reduces the pressure of laboratory test personnel during the sample adding process, and thus reduces the workload of laboratory test personnel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only represent some embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without making any creative efforts.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the process of sample addition method.

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram indicating the internal structure of the sample loading device.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the top view of the main body of the sample adding device.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the top view of the sampling rack of the sample adding device.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply circuit of the control circuit board in Example 3.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection circuit of the processor in Example 3.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection circuit of the alarm device in Example 3.

[0034] Figure 8 A control circuit for multiple indicator lights.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connection circuit of the indicator light.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a circuit connection diagram of a matrix button arrangement on the main body in the embodiment.

[0037] In the above drawings, the meanings of the various marks are: 1. Main body; 2. Control circuit board; 3. Processor; 4. Alarm device; 5. Detection device; 6. Connecting part; 7. Sample container; 8. Top support layer; 9. Sample indicating device; 10. Container hole; 11. Sampling indicating device; 12. Sampling container; 13. Sampling rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0039] It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is intended to aid understanding of the present invention and does not constitute a limitation of the present invention. The specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many alternative forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] In view of the fact that nucleic acid sample addition is prone to errors in the prior art, this embodiment provides an indicating sample addition method to solve the defects in the prior art.

[0042] Specifically, the technical solution disclosed in this embodiment is:

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, a method for adding an indicator sample for nucleic acid sample testing comprises:

[0044] S01: Setting a number of sample placement positions, placing a sample container at each sample placement position, and placing a detection sensor for detecting the sample container and a sample indicating device at each sample placement position; simultaneously setting a number of sample collection positions corresponding to the sample placement positions, placing a sampling container 12 at each sample collection position, and placing a sampling indicating device at each sample collection position, wherein the sample indicating devices are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the sampling indicating devices and switch indication states accordingly;

[0045] S02: When the detection sensor detects that a sample container has been placed at the sample placement position, the sample indication device switches to the first state to indicate that the sample placement position is occupied, and the corresponding sampling indication device switches to the first state to indicate that no sample needs to be added; when the detection sensor detects that no sample container has been placed at the sample placement position, the sample indication device switches to the second state to indicate that the sample placement position is empty, and the sampling indication device switches to the second state to indicate that the sample needs to be added;

[0046] S03: After adding the sample, the sample container is placed back to the sample placement position in the second state. At this time, the detection sensor detects the sample container on the sample placement position, the sample indication device of the sample placement position switches to the first state, and the corresponding sampling indication device switches to the first state.

[0047] The above-mentioned disclosed indicating sample adding method is used to select a sample container at a time and add the sample to the sampling container 12. By marking and detecting each sample placement position, it is possible to monitor in real time whether a sample container is placed on the corresponding sample placement position. When it is detected that there is no sample container, it is determined that the sample container here has been taken away by the laboratory tester, and the sampling indicating device is used to prompt the laboratory tester to the exact container position for sample addition, so as to avoid adding the sample to the wrong container; at the same time, the sample indicating device prompts the laboratory tester to put the sample container back to the correct position, so as to avoid the laboratory tester making mistakes when putting it back.

[0048] The method used in this embodiment manages the indicator device and the detection sensor through a unified data and signal management method. It can be implemented in a variety of ways, which are not specifically limited. In some embodiments, a single indicator device and detection sensor can be used to manage and operate separately. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one of the feasible options: a processor is provided, and the detection sensor and the indicator device both communicate with the processor. When a sample container on any sample placement position is taken, the detection sensor cannot detect the sample container and sends an empty position signal to the processor. If the processor receives two or more empty position signals, it issues an alarm command. When the number of empty position signals decreases to less than two, the processor issues a stop alarm command. When such a solution is adopted, the accuracy of the device's judgment can be improved. When a laboratory tester takes multiple sample containers, the processor determines that the laboratory tester has taken them by mistake and issues an alarm, reminding the laboratory tester to put the extra sample containers back to the sample placement position. Adding samples one at a time can ensure accuracy.

[0049] In this embodiment, the alarm device communicates with the processor and is controlled by the processor. Specifically, the alarm device is configured to communicate with the processor. When the alarm device receives an alarm command, it starts the alarm. When the alarm device receives a stop alarm command, it stops the alarm.

[0050] In this embodiment, to more quickly determine the absolute position of each sample placement location and facilitate retrieval by laboratory personnel, the sample placement identification method is optimized. One feasible option is to uniquely calibrate each sample placement location after setting the sample placement location. Sampling is performed sequentially according to the calibration sequence. When a sample at a particular location is sampled, the sample indicator at the next subsequent location switches to a third state, prompting sampling from this location. This approach allows for continuous sample loading, with samples from sample containers being added to corresponding sampling containers 12 sequentially according to the calibration sequence, significantly reducing sample loading time.

[0051] Preferably, in this embodiment, both the sample indicating device and the sampling indicating device may adopt indicator lights, and the first state is an off state, the second state is a constant state, and the third state is a flashing state.

[0052] In some embodiments, the sample placement position can be marked in a variety of ways, including number marking, color marking, shape marking, or a combination of multiple marking methods.

[0053] Preferably, the present embodiment adopts a numbering method for marking. Specifically, all sample placement positions are arranged in rows and columns, with a total of 8 rows and 12 columns, where the rows are marked with English letters A to H, and the columns are marked with Arabic numerals 1 to 12. In this way, the position of each sample placement position can be clearly marked with a combination of letters and numbers.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] The content of the above embodiment 1 discloses an indication sample addition method for improving the accuracy of sample addition during the addition process of nucleic acid sample testing by laboratory test personnel. This embodiment also discloses a corresponding indication sample addition device, which is specifically described as follows:

[0056] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, an indicating sample loading device for nucleic acid sample testing includes a main body 1, on which is provided a sample rack, on which are provided a plurality of sample placement positions, each of which is uniquely marked, a sample container and a sample indicating device 9 corresponding to each sample placement position, and a detection sensor provided at the lower portion of each sample placement position; further comprising a sampling rack 13, on which are provided sample collection positions corresponding one to one to the sample placement positions, a sampling container 12 and a sampling indicating device 11 provided at each sample collection position; a control circuit board 2 is provided inside the main body 1, on which is provided a processor 3 for signal processing, the sample indicating device, the sampling indicating device 11 and the detection sensor are all electrically connected to the control circuit board 2; and a plurality of interactive buttons are also provided on the main body.

[0057] Preferably, the main body 1 and the sample holder are both made of medical PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) material.

[0058] Preferably, an STM32 series processor 3 is provided on the control circuit board 2 in this embodiment to perform data and signal processing.

[0059] The above disclosed indicating sample adding device detects the placement status of each sample placement position through the detection device 5 and gives prompts through the indicating device 9. Each sample placement position and sample collection position is uniquely calibrated to facilitate identification and positioning.

[0060] The sample holder of the indicating sample loading device disclosed in this embodiment can adopt a variety of convenient placement structures. Here, we optimize and cite one feasible option: the sample holder includes a top support layer 8, which is provided with a plurality of container holes 10 for placing sample tubes. The detection device 5 is positioned directly below each container hole 10. This arrangement facilitates the placement of test tube-like sample containers 7. After sampling is completed, the sample container 7 can be inserted into the container hole 10, and the lower portion of the sample container 7 engages with the detection device 5 to complete the detection.

[0061] Preferably, the sample holder in this embodiment includes a connecting portion 6 and a top support layer 8. The connecting portion 6 is fixed to the main connection, and the top support layer 8 is disposed on top of the connecting portion 6 and is connected and fixed in a detachable manner. Specific detachable means may include various methods, such as snap fasteners, threads, buckles, and snap-fit structures.

[0062] The detection device 5 employed in this embodiment can be a variety of devices and is not limited to a single device. This embodiment optimizes and exemplifies some feasible options. The detection device 5 includes a distance sensor or a load cell. With a distance sensor, the presence of the sample container 7 at the sample placement location is determined by the proximity of the sample container 7 to the distance sensor, without the sample container 7 needing to be in contact with the distance sensor. With a load cell, the presence of the sample container 7 at the sample placement location is determined by the proximity of the sample container 7 to the distance sensor. With a load cell, the presence of the sample container 7 at the sample placement location is determined as long as the sample container 7 is in contact with the load cell and a load is detected.

[0063] Preferably, a distance sensor can be used in this embodiment, and the sensing probe of the distance sensor is facing the sample container 7. When the sample container 7 is placed at the sample placement position, the distance sensor can detect and obtain distance information to determine that the sample container 7 is placed there. When the sample container 7 is taken out, the distance sensor can sense and obtain distance information to determine that there is no sample container 7 there.

[0064] The indicating device 9 used in this embodiment can be a variety of devices and is not limited to a single one. This embodiment is optimized and adopts one of the feasible options: the sample indicating device 9 and the sampling indicating device 11 include indicator lights, which are arranged on the sample rack and correspond to each sample placement position one by one.

[0065] Preferably, in this embodiment, a light emitting diode is provided as the indicator device 9 , and each light emitting diode is electrically connected to the control circuit board 2 and controlled by the control circuit board 2 .

[0066] Preferably, laboratory testers inevitably make mistakes. To facilitate prompting of these errors, this embodiment optimizes the device and employs the following feasible option: an audible and visual alarm device 4 is further provided within the main body 1 and electrically connected to the control circuit board 2. With this arrangement, when a laboratory tester removes multiple sample containers 7, the alarm device 4 activates, reminding the tester to replace any excess sample containers 7 and proceed with the procedure of removing one sample container 7 at a time.

[0067] Preferably, the sample rack is divided into several sample placement areas, and different sample placement areas are provided with sample placement positions of different sizes, and the sample placement positions in each sample placement area have the same size.

[0068] In this embodiment, the sample rack is used to place test tube sample containers 7, so the sample rack is divided into a large test tube sample area and a small test tube sample area. The large test tube sample area is provided with a control button for start and stop, and the small test tube sample area is provided with an indicator light for prompting.

[0069] The power supply and power circuit are set on the control circuit board to supply power to the entire device. Figure 5 shown.

[0070] In this embodiment, the alarm device is an audible and visual alarm device, which can be a buzzer, and its connection circuit is as follows: Figure 7 shown.

[0071] Since there are many indicator lights, each sample container 7 is provided with an indicator light, so an indicator light power supply control circuit is provided, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown.

[0072] In this embodiment, a display is further provided on the main body 1, which is electrically connected to the control circuit board and is used to display detection information of the detection device, prompt information of the prompt device, and alarm information of the alarm device.

[0073] In this embodiment, the buttons provided include a switch button, a sampling start button, a sampling stop button, a sample indicating device start button, etc., wherein a manual operation start button can be provided for each sample indicating device for manual operation, which can synchronously operate the sample indicating device and the sampling indicating device. Figure 10 The circuit connection diagram shown in the figure shows a matrix of 12×8 buttons.

[0074] At the same time, through the sample indicating device and the sampling indicating device corresponding to the buttons, the corresponding Figure 9 The circuit connections shown set each indicator light independently.

[0075] The above are the implementation methods listed in this embodiment, but this embodiment is not limited to the above optional implementation methods. Those skilled in the art can arbitrarily combine the above methods to obtain other various implementation methods. Anyone can derive other various forms of implementation methods based on the inspiration of this embodiment. The above specific implementation methods should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this embodiment. The scope of protection of this embodiment shall be based on the definition in the claims, and the description can be used to interpret the claims.

Claims

1. A method for adding an indicator to a nucleic acid sample for testing, characterized in that: include: A plurality of sample placement positions are set, a sample container is set at each sample placement position, and a detection sensor and a sample indicating device for detecting the sample container are set at each sample placement position; at the same time, a plurality of sample collection positions corresponding to the sample placement positions are set, a sampling container is set at each sample collection position, and a sampling indicating device is set at each sample collection position, and the sample indicating devices are set in a one-to-one correspondence with the sampling indicating devices and switch indication states accordingly; When the detection sensor detects that a sample container has been placed at the sample placement position, the sample indication device switches to the first state to indicate that the sample placement position is occupied, and at the same time, the corresponding sampling indication device switches to the first state to indicate that no sample needs to be added; When the detection sensor detects that no sample container is placed at the sample placement position, the sample indication device switches to the second state to indicate that the sample placement position is empty, and at the same time, the sampling indication device switches to the second state to indicate that a sample is added there; After adding the sample, the sample container is placed back to the sample placement position in the second state. At this time, the detection sensor detects the sample container on the sample placement position, and the sample indication device of the sample placement position switches to the first state, and the corresponding sampling indication device switches to the first state; A processor is provided, wherein the detection sensor and the indicator device are in communication with the processor, and when a sample container on any sample placement position is taken, the detection sensor cannot detect the sample container and sends an empty position signal to the processor. If the processor receives two or more empty position signals, an alarm command is issued. When the number of empty position signals decreases to less than two, the processor sends a stop alarm command. After setting the sample placement position, each sample placement position is uniquely calibrated; when sampling, samples are taken in sequence according to the calibration order. When the sampling operation of the sample at a certain position is completed, the sample indicator at the next sequential position after the position is switched to the third state to prompt sampling from this sample placement position.

2. The method for adding an indicator to a nucleic acid sample for testing according to claim 1, wherein: The alarm device is connected to the processor for communication. The alarm device starts the alarm when it receives the alarm command, and stops the alarm when it receives the stop alarm command.

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