Liquid-based sample processing device and control method

Abstract

This application discloses a liquid-based sample processing device and control method. The liquid-based sample processing device includes: a centrifugation component; a suction component; a driving component for driving the suction component to move; and a controller for: controlling the centrifugation component to perform a centrifugation operation to centrifuge the solution in the sample tube to obtain a target sample and waste liquid above the target sample; after the centrifugation operation is completed, controlling the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position towards the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height, and during the downward movement of the suction component, controlling the suction component to perform a suction operation to suction the waste liquid above the target sample in the sample tube. The liquid-based sample processing device and control method provided in this application can achieve accurate extraction of the waste liquid after centrifugation, improving the retention rate of effective liquid-based samples.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a liquid-based sample processing device and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, liquid-based sample processing devices are commonly used to process cell samples, which are then made into sample slides. The slides are then analyzed to obtain corresponding test results. For example, taking human cells as the cell sample, human cells are processed and prepared into slides, and the human cell slides are analyzed to obtain information about the human health status.

[0003] In liquid-based cytology slide preparation, density gradient separation of the sample is a crucial step. Its purpose is to remove interfering components such as mucus, red blood cells, and inflammatory cells, thereby improving slide quality. Typically, density gradient separation is performed by adding a gradient separation solution to the sample solution and centrifuging. After centrifugation, the supernatant containing interfering components is extracted, retaining the effective liquid-based sample. This effective liquid-based sample contains cells of diagnostic value, which can then be used for liquid-based cytology slide preparation.

[0004] However, during the centrifugation process, the supernatant waste liquid generated during centrifugation is usually removed by a pipetting device. But in the process of removing the supernatant waste liquid, some cells with diagnostic value are often also removed, resulting in insufficient cell count and affecting the analysis results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a liquid-based sample processing device and control method, which aims to achieve precise extraction of supernatant waste liquid and improve the retention rate of effective liquid-based samples.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a liquid-based sample processing device, comprising: a suction-transfer assembly; a driving assembly for driving the suction-transfer assembly to move; and a controller for: controlling the centrifugation assembly to perform a centrifugation operation to centrifuge a solution in a sample tube to obtain a target sample and waste liquid located above the target sample; after the centrifugation operation is completed, controlling the driving assembly to drive the suction-transfer assembly to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height, and during the downward movement of the suction-transfer assembly, controlling the suction-transfer assembly to perform a suction-transfer operation to suction the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube.

[0007] Secondly, a control method for a liquid-based sample processing device, the liquid-based sample processing device comprising a centrifugation component, a suction component, and a driving component for driving the displacement of the suction component; the method comprising:

[0008] The centrifugation assembly is controlled to perform centrifugation to centrifuge the solution in the sample tube to obtain the target sample and the waste liquid above the target sample.

[0009] After the centrifugation operation is completed, the driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move down a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube. During the downward movement of the suction component, the controller controls the suction component to perform a suction operation to aspirate the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube.

[0010] This application provides a liquid-based sample processing device and control method. The device controls a centrifuge to perform a preset centrifugation operation on a centrifuge tube containing a gradient separation solution and the liquid-based sample solution to be processed. After centrifugation, a drive assembly drives a suction needle from a preset position to a preset height below the liquid surface of the centrifuge tube. During the downward movement of the suction needle, a power assembly performs a preset suction operation to aspirate the liquid from the centrifuge tube. The suction needle also aspirates waste liquid from the sample tube during its downward movement. This suction method ensures that the suction needle starts aspirating from the top of the sample tube, and the descent height of the suction needle can be set as needed, thereby minimizing the probability of the suction needle aspirating useful cells and achieving precise extraction of supernatant waste liquid, thus improving the retention rate of effective liquid-based samples.

[0011] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit the disclosure of the embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic structural block diagram of a liquid-based sample processing device provided in this application embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive component and the suction component of the liquid-based sample processing device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a modified structure of the suction and displacement component of the liquid-based sample processing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the liquid-based sample processing device provided in the embodiments of this application performing a suction and transfer operation.

[0017] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the liquid-based sample processing device provided in the embodiments of this application performing the first suction and transfer operation;

[0018] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of the liquid-based sample processing device provided in this application embodiment performing a second suction operation;

[0019] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the steps of the control method for the liquid-based sample processing device provided in this application embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] The flowchart shown in the attached diagram is for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor does it necessarily have to be performed in the order described. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, combined, or partially merged, so the actual execution order may change depending on the actual situation.

[0023] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1 This application provides a liquid-based sample processing device 100 for processing a sample to be tested to obtain a corresponding liquid-based sample. The analysis results of the sample to be tested can be obtained by preparing and analyzing the liquid-based sample.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, the liquid-based sample processing device 100 includes a centrifugation assembly 10, a suction assembly 20, a drive assembly 30, and a controller 40. The centrifugation assembly 10 centrifuges a sample tube 80 containing a gradient separation liquid and the liquid-based sample to be processed to obtain a centrifuged liquid-based sample, i.e., the target sample. For example, after centrifuging the sample tube 80, the waste liquid (such as supernatant) obtained after centrifugation and located above the target sample is aspirated. The target material carried by the sample tube 80 after the waste liquid is aspirated is the liquid-based sample, also called the target sample. The centrifugation assembly 10 performs at least one centrifugation on the liquid-based sample to be processed. Optionally, the centrifugation can be performed twice.

[0026] The suction and transfer assembly 20 is used to aspirate and transfer the waste liquid above the target sample obtained after centrifugation of the liquid-based sample liquid to be processed carried in the sample tube 80 by the centrifugation assembly 10, so as to obtain the target sample.

[0027] The driving component 30 drives the suction and displacement component 20 to move. For example, the driving component 30 can move in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space, thereby driving the suction and displacement component 20 to move in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space.

[0028] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the suction and transfer assembly 20 includes a suction and transfer needle 201, a pipetting line 202 connected to the suction and transfer needle 201, and a power assembly 203 connected to the suction and transfer needle 201 through the pipetting line 202. The power assembly 203 includes, but is not limited to, a pump or a syringe, and is used to provide power for the flow of fluid media within the pipetting line 202.

[0029] It is understood that there is at least one suction needle 201, or multiple suction needles 201, and these multiple suction needles 201 share a single power component 203 to provide suction force. Figure 3 As shown. Optionally, the power unit 203 is a peristaltic pump.

[0030] Optionally, the aspiration assembly 20 further includes a collector 204 connected to the pipetting line 202 and used to collect waste liquid aspirated by the aspiration assembly 20, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the liquid-based sample processing device 100 further includes a first liquid addition assembly 40, which is used to add gradient separation solution into the sample tube 80 and to add the liquid-based sample solution to be processed into the sample tube 80 containing the gradient separation solution. The liquid-based sample solution to be processed can be cervical smears, pleural or peritoneal fluid, puncture fluid, sputum specimens, etc. Using liquid-based cytology, exfoliated cytological specimens that are difficult to process using traditional methods are placed in an intermediate liquid to remove interfering components such as blood and mucus that affect diagnosis, thereby improving the diagnostic rate.

[0032] It should be noted that the first liquid addition component 40 first adds gradient separation liquid to the sample tube 80, and then adds the liquid base sample solution to be processed to the sample tube 80 after the gradient separation liquid has been added. This allows the liquid base sample solution to be processed to be suspended above the gradient separation liquid when it is first added to the centrifuge tube, and to pass through the gradient separation liquid over time, so that different components in the liquid base sample solution to be processed float or settle. Therefore, adding gradient separation liquid to the centrifuge tube first and then adding the liquid base sample solution to be processed can improve the sample separation effect and separation efficiency.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the liquid-based sample processing apparatus 100 further includes a second liquid dispensing assembly 50 for dispensing buffer solution into a sample tube 80 containing a centrifuged liquid-based sample. For example, the second liquid dispensing assembly 50 may dispense buffer solution into the sample tube 80 via a steel needle.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the liquid-based sample processing device 100 further includes a mixing and pipetting assembly 60, which is used to mix the buffer solution in the sample tube 80 and the centrifuged target sample to prepare a target sample solution, and to transfer a quantitative amount of the target sample solution to the sedimentation area of ​​the target sample processing device 100. The target sample solution can be used as a preparatory step for subsequent sample staining.

[0035] For example, the mixing pipetting assembly 60 can mechanically vibrate the sample tube 80 to mix the buffer solution and the centrifuged target sample to prepare the target sample solution. The mixing pipetting assembly 60 can also use a stirring rod to agitate the sample tube 80 to mix the buffer solution and the centrifuged target sample to prepare the target sample solution. The mixing pipetting assembly 60 can also perform aspiration and dispensing operations on the buffer solution and the centrifuged target sample in the sample tube 80 to mix them together to prepare the target sample solution. It is understood that the target sample solution is the target sample to be stained.

[0036] The controller 70 is communicatively connected to at least the centrifugation assembly 10, the suction and transfer assembly 20, and the drive assembly 30 to control the centrifugation assembly 10, the suction and transfer assembly 20, and the drive assembly 30 to work together to centrifuge the liquid sample and obtain the target sample.

[0037] In some embodiments, the controller 70 includes at least a processor 701, a memory 702, a communication interface (not shown), and an I / O interface (not shown). The processor 701, memory 702, communication interface, and I / O interface communicate via a bus. The processor 701 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0038] The memory 702 contains various computer programs, such as the operating system and application programs, for the processor 701 to execute, as well as the data required to execute these programs. For example, during the preparation or centrifugation of liquid-based samples, any data requiring local storage can be stored in the memory 702. The I / O interface includes, but is not limited to, serial interfaces such as USB, IEEE 1394, or RS-232C; parallel interfaces such as SCSI, IDE, or IEEE 1284; and analog signal interfaces composed of D / A converters and converters. Input devices are connected to the I / O interface, allowing users to directly input data into the controller 70. These input devices include, but are not limited to, keyboards, mice, touchscreens, or control buttons. A display device can communicate with the controller 70 through the I / O interface to provide relevant information prompts. The communication interface can be any known communication protocol. The communication interface communicates with the outside world via a network, and the controller 70 can transmit data with any device connected through this network using a preset communication protocol.

[0039] In some implementations, the controller 70 is at least used for:

[0040] The centrifuge assembly 10 is controlled to perform centrifugation to centrifuge the solution in the sample tube 80 to obtain the target sample and the waste liquid above the target sample.

[0041] After the centrifugation operation is completed, the control drive component 30 drives the aspiration component 20 to move down a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80. During the downward movement of the aspiration component 20, the controller controls the aspiration component 20 to perform aspiration operation to aspirate the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube 80.

[0042] Please see Figure 4 For example, the centrifugation assembly 10 is provided with a centrifugation position. After the sample tube 80 is placed in the centrifugation position, the centrifugation assembly 10 performs a centrifugation operation on the sample tube. The sample tube 80 carries a mixed solution of gradient separation liquid and liquid-based sample liquid to be processed. After the centrifugation assembly 10 performs a centrifugation operation on the solution to be processed in the sample tube 80, the target sample and the waste liquid above the target sample are obtained. The waste liquid is also called the supernatant.

[0043] After the centrifugation operation is completed, the control drive component 30 drives the suction component 20 to move down a preset height from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80. During the downward movement of the suction component 20, the control drive component 20 performs a suction operation to remove the waste liquid above the target sample in the sample tube 80, thereby maximizing the retention of the target sample in the sample tube 80.

[0044] For example, the sample tube 80 is placed at a distance H from the reference surface M. Based on the type information of the sample tube 80 and the known amount of liquid sample to be processed and the corresponding amount of reagent added into the test tube, the height H1 of the mixed solution obtained after mixing the amount of liquid sample to be processed and the amount of reagent according to the preset ratio in the sample tube 80 is known.

[0045] Since centrifugation does not cause loss of the solution in sample tube 80, after centrifugation, the solution height in sample tube 80 is H1, and the height of the target sample is H3. Therefore, the height of the supernatant in sample tube 80 is H1-H3, and the solution in sample tube 80 consists of the target sample and the supernatant, with the supernatant positioned above the target sample. Therefore, the preset height by which the aspiration assembly 20 moves downwards from a preset position towards the bottom of sample tube 80 can be set based on the target sample height of H3 within sample tube 80.

[0046] After the centrifugation operation is completed, the control drive component 30 drives the aspiration component 20 to move down a preset height from the preset position H4 toward the bottom of the sample tube 80, for example, to a position H3+H away from the reference surface M. During the downward movement of the aspiration component 20, the control drive component 20 performs aspiration operation to aspirate the waste liquid above the target sample in the sample tube 80. That is, the aspiration component 20 moves down and aspirates liquid at the same time as it moves down into the sample tube 80, gradually removing the supernatant above the target sample. The amount of liquid aspirated by the aspiration component 20 during the aspiration operation can be determined according to the downward movement height. That is, as long as the tip of the aspiration needle 201 of the aspiration component 20 is out of contact with the liquid surface in the sample tube 80, the solution in the sample tube 80 cannot be removed by the aspiration component 20.

[0047] Therefore, if the target sample's deposition height in sample tube 80 is H3 after centrifugation, controlling the descent height of the suction assembly 20 can maximize the retention of the target sample within sample tube 80. That is, the target sample height within sample tube 80 should be as close to H3 as possible. After completing the suction operation, the suction assembly 20 is driven away from the bottom of sample tube 80. Since the closer the suction needle 201 is to the target sample, the higher the probability of carrying the target sample during the suction operation, if the suction needle 201 directly moves down to the preset position and performs the suction operation, it is possible that the suction needle 201 will continuously remove part of the target sample throughout the entire suction operation, resulting in the loss of the target sample.

[0048] Therefore, compared to the aspiration needle 201 moving directly to the preset position and performing the aspiration operation, in this embodiment of the application, the aspiration component 20 moves down and aspirates liquid while moving down to the sample tube 80, gradually removing the supernatant above the target sample. Since the aspiration needle 201 gradually approaches the target sample during the downward movement, the target sample in the sample tube 80 can be effectively preserved.

[0049] It is understandable that the height ratio of the target sample and the supernatant within the sample tube 80 can be predicted based on experiments.

[0050] In some embodiments, the controller 70 controls the drive assembly 30 to drive the suction assembly 20 to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a preset height, including:

[0051] The controller 70 controls the drive component 30 to drive the suction component 20 to move downward from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 at a preset speed and a preset height, so that the amount of waste liquid aspirated by the suction component 20 from the sample tube 80 per unit time is less than or equal to the suction capacity of the suction component 20 per unit time.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, by way of example, when the suction and transfer component 20 performs the suction and transfer operation, the liquid volume absorbed in a unit time T is V. That is, if the suction and transfer needle 201 is always below the liquid surface when the suction and transfer component 20 is working, the suction and transfer component 20 can transfer a liquid volume of V in a unit time T.

[0053] The controller 70 controls the drive component 30 to drive the suction component 20 to move downwards at a preset speed and a preset height from a preset position at a height H4 above the reference surface M toward the bottom of the sample tube 80. During the downward movement, the amount of waste liquid that the suction component 20 aspirates from the sample tube 80 per unit time is less than or equal to the suction capacity of the suction component 20 per unit time. That is, if the suction capacity of the suction component 20 in a unit time T is V, then the amount of waste liquid that the suction component 20 aspirates from the sample tube 80 per unit time during the downward movement is V1, where V1≤V.

[0054] That is, when the aspiration component 20 contacts the liquid surface inside the sample tube 80 and performs the aspiration operation, the height by which the liquid surface of the sample tube 80 drops per unit time T is equal to the height by which the aspiration component 20 moves downward. For example, if the liquid surface of the sample tube 80 drops by H5 per unit time T, then the height by which the aspiration component 20 moves downward is H6, and H6 is equal to H5.

[0055] In this embodiment of the application, the liquid absorption capacity V of the suction and transfer component 20 per unit time T refers to the maximum liquid absorption capacity of the power unit 203 of the suction and transfer component 20 per unit time, such as the amount of liquid that the suction and transfer component 20 can transfer per unit time when the suction and transfer needle 201 of the suction and transfer component 20 extends to a sufficient height below the liquid surface.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, the amount of waste liquid actually transferred by the suction component 20 is affected not only by the suction capacity but also by the downward movement of the suction component 20 towards the bottom of the sample tube 80 at a preset speed. That is, there are two possibilities:

[0057] First, if the downward movement speed of the suction and transfer component 20 is too fast, causing the suction and transfer component 20 to not handle the waste liquid in time, then the tip of the suction and transfer needle 201 of the suction and transfer component 20 will be below the liquid surface.

[0058] Second, if the downward movement speed of the aspiration component 20 is appropriate, such that V1≤V, that is, as soon as the waste liquid comes into contact with the aspiration needle 201, it is aspirated by the aspiration component 20. The corresponding phenomenon is that the liquid surface and the tip of the aspiration needle 201 are at the same height, and the liquid surface in the sample tube 80 drops along with the needle tip, and the dropping speed is basically the same. In some embodiments, the aspiration component 20 includes the aspiration needle 201 and a power component 203 that provides aspiration force to the aspiration needle 201. The controller 70 controls the drive component 30 to drive the aspiration component 20 to move downward from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 at a preset speed and a preset height, so that the amount of waste liquid aspirated by the aspiration component 20 from the sample tube 80 per unit time is less than or equal to the aspiration capacity of the aspiration component per unit time, including:

[0059] The control drive component 30 drives the aspiration needle 201 to move down a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80. During the downward movement of the aspiration needle 201, the controller 70 controls the power component 203 to perform aspiration operation to aspirate waste liquid through the aspiration needle 201. This ensures that the amount of waste liquid aspirated by the aspiration component 20 from the sample tube 80 per unit time is less than or equal to the aspiration capacity of the aspiration component 20 per unit time, thereby making the descent speed of the aspiration needle 201 equal to the descent speed of the waste liquid (i.e., supernatant) in the sample tube 80. On the one hand, since the descent speed of the pipette needle is equal to the descent speed of the supernatant in the sample tube 80, the pipette needle 201 can always remain at a position far away from the target sample. On the other hand, since the descent speed of the pipette needle is equal to the descent speed of the supernatant in the sample tube 80, that is, the position of the pipette needle remains unchanged relative to the supernatant, the preset area of ​​the outer wall of the pipette needle 201 remains in contact with the waste liquid, which facilitates the subsequent cleaning of the pipette needle 201. That is, only the preset area of ​​the outer wall in contact with the waste liquid and the inner wall need to be cleaned.

[0060] In some embodiments, the amount of waste liquid aspirated by the aspiration assembly 20 from the sample tube 80 per unit time is equal to the aspiration capacity of the aspiration assembly 20 per unit time. While keeping the descent speed of the aspiration needle 201 equal to the descent speed of the supernatant in the sample tube 80, the descent speed of the aspiration needle 201 can be maximized, thus saving time for aspirating waste liquid.

[0061] In some embodiments, the controller 70 controls the drive assembly 30 to drive the suction assembly 20 to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a preset height. During the downward movement of the suction assembly 20, the controller 70 controls the suction assembly 20 to perform a suction operation to remove waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube 80, including:

[0062] When the control drive component 30 drives the suction component 20 to move down from a preset position away from the sample tube 80 to a preset distance from the surface of the waste liquid in the sample tube 80, the controller 70 controls the suction component 20 to start the suction operation so as to suction the waste liquid when the suction component 20 contacts the surface of the waste liquid in the sample tube 80.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, exemplarily, the suction assembly 20 initiates the suction operation before contacting the liquid surface of the sample tube 80 during its downward movement, thereby saving time in the suction operation. For example, when the suction needle 201 of the suction assembly 20 is at a preset height H0 from the liquid surface of the sample tube 80, the power assembly 203 of the suction assembly 20 is controlled to operate, so that the suction assembly 20 initiates the suction operation.

[0064] In some embodiments, the controller 70 is also used to control the drive assembly 30 to drive the suction assembly 20 to move down a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80, and then control the drive assembly 30 to stay for a preset time. During the time the drive assembly 30 stays, the controller 70 controls the power assembly 203 to continue performing the suction operation.

[0065] For example, after the suction component 20 moves down a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80, the drive component 30 is controlled to remain for a preset time so that the suction needle 201 of the suction component 20 remains in the sample tube 80 at the preset height. During the dwell time of the drive component 30, the controller 70 also controls the power component 203 to continue performing the suction operation. Due to factors such as liquid tension, when the suction component 20 suctions waste liquid, the liquid below the liquid surface where the tip of the suction needle 201 is located also tends to be suctioned by the suction needle 201. Therefore, the final dwell height of the tip of the suction needle 201 is higher than the liquid surface after the waste liquid is suctioned. That is, if it is required that the liquid surface after the waste liquid is suctioned is H3+H away from the reference surface M, then the final dwell height of the suction needle 201 is H9+H away from the reference surface M. Figure 4 As shown.

[0066] In some implementations, the centrifugation operation includes a first centrifugation operation and a second centrifugation operation;

[0067] After centrifugation, the controller 70 controls the drive assembly 30 to move the aspiration assembly 20 downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a preset height. During the downward movement of the aspiration assembly 20, the controller 70 controls the aspiration assembly 20 to perform aspiration operations to aspirate the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube 80, including:

[0068] After the first centrifugation operation, the control drive component 30 drives the suction component 20 to move down from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a first preset height, and during the descent of the suction component 20, the control drive component 20 performs the first suction operation to suction the waste liquid generated above the target sample after the first centrifugation operation.

[0069] After the second centrifugation operation, the control drive component 30 drives the suction component 20 to move down from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a second preset height. During the descent of the suction component 20, the control drive component 20 performs a second suction operation to suction the waste liquid generated above the target sample after the second centrifugation operation. The first preset height is less than the second preset height.

[0070] Please see Figure 5A and Figure 5BFor example, the target sample obtained from the first centrifugation process may contain some impurities. The second centrifugation operation is to centrifuge the target sample obtained after the first centrifugation a second time, thereby effectively improving the purity of the target sample obtained.

[0071] After the first centrifugation operation, the control drive component 30 drives the suction and transfer component 20 to move down from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a first preset height H7. After the second centrifugation operation, the control drive component 30 drives the suction and transfer component 20 to move down from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a second preset height H8, where H8 > H7, thereby ensuring that the suction and transfer component 20 can remove the supernatant in the sample tube 80 after the second separation.

[0072] In some embodiments, the suction and transfer component 20 performs a first suction and transfer operation to transfer a first waste liquid volume; the suction and transfer component 20 performs a second suction and transfer operation to transfer a second waste liquid volume; wherein the first waste liquid volume is greater than the second waste liquid volume.

[0073] For example, the first centrifugation operation obtains the first target sample, and the second centrifugation operation is a further centrifugation of the first target sample obtained based on the first centrifugation operation. After the second centrifugation operation, most of the effective cells in the solution of sample tube 80 are deposited at the bottom of sample tube 80. In order to ensure that the effective cell components in sample tube 80 are retained to the maximum extent during the second aspiration operation, the amount of second waste liquid aspirated in the second aspiration operation is controlled to be less than the amount of first waste liquid aspirated in the first aspiration operation.

[0074] In some embodiments, the controller 70 controls the drive assembly 30 to drive the suction assembly 20 from a preset position toward the sample tube 80 at a first preset height, including: controlling the drive assembly 30 to drive the suction assembly 20 from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 at a first speed and a first preset height;

[0075] The controller 70 controls the drive assembly 30 to drive the suction and displacement assembly 20 to move downward from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a second preset height, including: controlling the drive assembly 30 to drive the suction and displacement assembly 20 to move downward from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a second speed at a second preset height; wherein, the first speed is greater than the second speed.

[0076] For example, the first centrifugation operation obtains the first target sample, and the second centrifugation operation is to further centrifuge the first target sample obtained based on the first centrifugation operation. After the second centrifugation operation, most of the effective cells in the solution of sample tube 80 are deposited at the bottom of sample tube 80. In order to ensure that the effective cell components in sample tube 80 are retained to the greatest extent when the second aspiration operation is performed.

[0077] During the first aspiration operation, the drive component 30 drives the aspiration component 20 to move downward toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 at a first speed. During the second aspiration operation, the drive component 30 drives the aspiration component 20 to move downward toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 at a second speed. The first speed is greater than the second speed to prevent the effective cells deposited at the bottom of the sample tube 80 from being aspirated due to the excessive downward speed of the aspiration component 20 during the second aspiration operation.

[0078] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 30 includes a stepper motor that drives the suction assembly 20 to move in the vertical direction;

[0079] The controller 70 controls the drive assembly 30 to drive the suction assembly 20 to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube 80 by a preset height. During the downward movement of the suction assembly 20, the controller 70 controls the suction assembly 20 to perform a suction operation to remove waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube 80, including:

[0080] The stepper motor's travel distance is controlled so that it matches the amount of waste liquid being transferred by the suction and transfer assembly 20.

[0081] For example, in this embodiment, the vertical direction is the height direction of the sample tube 80. During the suction operation, the amount of waste liquid carried away by the suction component 20 can be controlled by the downward movement height of the suction component 20 relative to the sample tube 80.

[0082] Therefore, by controlling the number of steps the stepper motor takes, the downward movement height of the suction and transfer component 20 relative to the sample tube 80 can be effectively controlled, thereby controlling the amount of waste liquid carried away by the suction and transfer component 20 during the suction and transfer operation.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, there is at least one suction needle 201, and when there are multiple suction needles 201, the multiple suction needles 201 share a power component 203 to provide suction force. Optionally, the power component 203 is a peristaltic pump.

[0084] Since the amount of waste liquid to be removed from the sample tube 80 is adapted to the number of steps of the stepper motor, a peristaltic pump with low precision can be used to provide the suction power to save costs, and multiple suction needles 201 can share the same peristaltic pump.

[0085] The control method of the liquid-based sample processing device provided in this application embodiment will be described below in conjunction with the working principle of the liquid-based sample processing device 100.

[0086] Please see Figure 6This application also provides a control method for a liquid-based sample processing device, the sample processing device including a centrifugation component, a suction component, and a driving component for driving the displacement of the suction component; the method includes steps S101 to S102:

[0087] Step S101: Control the centrifugation assembly to perform centrifugation operation to centrifuge the solution in the sample tube to obtain the target sample and the waste liquid above the target sample;

[0088] Step S102: After the centrifugation operation is completed, the driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move down a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube. During the downward movement of the suction component, the controller controls the suction component to perform a suction operation to suction the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube.

[0089] In some embodiments, controlling the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height includes:

[0090] The driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move downward at a preset speed and a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube, so that the amount of waste liquid aspirated by the suction component from the sample tube per unit time is less than or equal to the suction capacity of the suction component per unit time.

[0091] In some embodiments, the suction-displacement assembly includes a suction-displacement needle and a power assembly that provides suction force to the suction-displacement needle;

[0092] The control of the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube at a preset speed and a preset height, so that the amount of waste liquid aspirated by the suction component from the sample tube per unit time is less than or equal to the suction capacity of the suction component per unit time, includes:

[0093] The drive component is controlled to drive the aspiration needle to move down a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube. During the downward movement of the aspiration needle, the power component is controlled to perform aspiration operation to aspirate waste liquid through the aspiration needle, so that the amount of waste liquid aspirated from the sample tube by the aspiration component per unit time is less than or equal to the aspiration capacity of the aspiration component per unit time.

[0094] In some embodiments, controlling the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height, and controlling the suction component to perform a suction operation to suction the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube during the downward movement of the suction component, includes:

[0095] When the driving component controls the suction component to move from a preset position away from the sample tube to a preset distance from the surface of the waste liquid in the sample tube, the suction component is controlled to start the suction operation so as to suction the waste liquid when the suction component contacts the surface of the waste liquid in the sample tube.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method further includes: controlling the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height, controlling the driving component to stay for a preset time, and controlling the power component to continue performing the suction operation during the time the driving component stays.

[0097] In some embodiments, the centrifugation operation includes a first centrifugation operation and a second centrifugation operation;

[0098] After the centrifugation operation is completed, the driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height. During the downward movement of the suction component, the suction component is controlled to perform a suction operation to aspirate the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube, including:

[0099] After the first centrifugation operation, the driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move down a first preset height from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube, and during the descent of the suction component, the suction component is controlled to perform the first suction operation to suction the waste liquid generated above the target sample after the first centrifugation operation;

[0100] After the second centrifugation operation, the driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move down a second preset height from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube, and during the descent of the suction component, the suction component is controlled to perform a second suction operation to suction the waste liquid generated above the target sample after the second centrifugation operation;

[0101] The first preset height is smaller than the second preset height.

[0102] In some embodiments, the suction and transfer assembly performs the first suction and transfer operation to transfer a first waste liquid volume.

[0103] The suction component performs the second suction operation to suction the waste liquid in an amount equal to the second waste liquid volume;

[0104] The first waste liquid volume is greater than the second waste liquid volume.

[0105] In some embodiments, controlling the driving component to drive the suction component to move downward from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a first preset height includes:

[0106] The driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube at a first speed and a first preset height;

[0107] The method of controlling the driving component to drive the suction component to move downward from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a second preset height includes:

[0108] The driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube at a second speed and a second preset height;

[0109] Wherein, the first speed is greater than the second speed.

[0110] In some embodiments, the driving component includes a stepper motor that drives the suction component to move in the vertical direction;

[0111] The control of the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height, and during the downward movement of the suction component, controlling the suction component to perform a suction operation to suction the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube, includes:

[0112] The stepper motor is controlled to move a certain number of steps so that the number of steps moves is matched with the amount of waste liquid that the suction and transfer assembly is suctioning.

[0113] In some embodiments, the suction-displacement assembly includes at least one suction-displacement needle and a peristaltic pump that provides suction force to at least one of the suction-displacement needles.

[0114] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the control method of the liquid-based sample processing device described above can be referred to the corresponding working process of the aforementioned liquid-based sample processing device, and will not be repeated here.

[0115] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0116] It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations. It should be noted that, herein, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or system that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or system that includes that element.

[0117] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. The above descriptions are merely specific implementations of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid-based sample processing device, characterized in that, include: Centrifuge assembly; Suction and displacement components; A driving component is used to drive the displacement of the suction and displacement component; and Controller, used for: The centrifugation assembly is controlled to perform centrifugation to centrifuge the mixed solution in the sample tube containing the gradient separation liquid and the liquid-based sample solution to be processed, so as to obtain the target sample and the waste liquid above the target sample. After the centrifugation operation is completed, the driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move down from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube at a preset speed and a preset height, so that the amount of waste liquid aspirated by the suction component from the sample tube per unit time is less than or equal to the suction capacity of the suction component per unit time. During the downward movement of the suction component, the controller controls the suction component to perform a suction operation to aspirate the waste liquid in the sample tube located above the target sample, so that the suction component is kept at the liquid surface to aspirate the waste liquid. The preset height can be set according to the deposition height of the target sample in the sample tube.

2. The liquid-based sample processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction and displacement assembly includes a suction and displacement needle and a power assembly that provides suction and displacement force to the suction and displacement needle; The controller controls the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube at a preset speed and a preset height, so that the amount of waste liquid suctioned by the suction component from the sample tube per unit time is less than or equal to the suction capacity of the suction component per unit time, including: The controller controls the driving component to drive the aspiration needle to move down a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube. During the downward movement of the aspiration needle, the controller controls the power component to perform aspiration operation to aspirate waste liquid through the aspiration needle, so that the amount of waste liquid aspirated from the sample tube by the aspiration component per unit time is less than or equal to the aspiration capacity of the aspiration component per unit time.

3. The liquid-based sample processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller controls the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height. During the downward movement of the suction component, the controller controls the suction component to perform a suction operation to aspirate the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube, including: When the drive component drives the suction component to move from a preset position away from the sample tube to a preset distance from the surface of the waste liquid in the sample tube, the controller controls the suction component to start the suction operation so as to suction the waste liquid when the suction component contacts the surface of the waste liquid in the sample tube.

4. The liquid-based sample processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is also used to control the driving component to drive the suction component to move down a preset height from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube, and then control the driving component to stay for a preset time. During the time the driving component stays, the controller controls the power component to continue to perform the suction operation.

5. The liquid-based sample processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The centrifugation operation includes a first centrifugation operation and a second centrifugation operation; After the centrifugation operation is completed, the controller controls the drive assembly to move the aspiration assembly downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height. During the downward movement of the aspiration assembly, the controller controls the aspiration assembly to perform aspiration operations to aspirate the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube, including: After the first centrifugation operation, the driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move down a first preset height from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube, and during the descent of the suction component, the suction component is controlled to perform the first suction operation to suction the waste liquid generated above the target sample after the first centrifugation operation; After the second centrifugation operation, the driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move down a second preset height from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube, and during the descent of the suction component, the suction component is controlled to perform a second suction operation to suction the waste liquid generated above the target sample after the second centrifugation operation; The first preset height is smaller than the second preset height.

6. The sample processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The suction and transfer component performs the first suction and transfer operation to transfer the waste liquid in an amount equal to the first waste liquid volume; The suction component performs the second suction operation to suction the waste liquid in an amount equal to the second waste liquid volume; The first waste liquid volume is greater than the second waste liquid volume.

7. The liquid-based sample processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller controls the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a first preset height, including: The driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube at a first speed and a first preset height; The controller controls the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a second preset height, including: The driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move from the preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube at a second speed and a second preset height; Wherein, the first speed is greater than the second speed.

8. The liquid-based sample processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component includes a stepper motor that drives the suction component to move in the vertical direction; The controller controls the driving component to drive the suction component to move downwards from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube by a preset height. During the downward movement of the suction component, the controller controls the suction component to perform a suction operation to aspirate the waste liquid located above the target sample in the sample tube, including: The number of steps of the stepper motor is controlled so that the number of steps of the stepper motor is adapted to the amount of waste liquid being transferred by the suction and transfer assembly.

9. The liquid-based sample processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The suction assembly includes at least one suction needle and a peristaltic pump that provides suction force to the at least one suction needle.

10. A control method for a liquid-based sample processing device, characterized in that, The sample processing device includes a centrifugation component, a suction component, and a driving component for driving the displacement of the suction component; The method includes: The centrifugation assembly is controlled to perform centrifugation to centrifuge the mixed solution in the sample tube containing the gradient separation liquid and the liquid-based sample solution to be processed, so as to obtain the target sample and the waste liquid above the target sample. After the centrifugation operation is completed, the driving component is controlled to drive the suction component to move down from a preset position toward the bottom of the sample tube at a preset speed and a preset height, so that the amount of waste liquid aspirated by the suction component from the sample tube per unit time is less than or equal to the suction capacity of the suction component per unit time. During the downward movement of the suction component, the controller controls the suction component to perform a suction operation to aspirate the waste liquid in the sample tube located above the target sample, so that the suction component is kept at the liquid surface to aspirate the waste liquid. The preset height can be set according to the deposition height of the target sample in the sample tube.

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