A sample analysis device, system

Abstract

A sample analysis device, system and method, during a test process, a second type of reagent remaining amount is acquired; it is judged whether the second type of reagent remaining amount is less than a threshold value; when judging less, then the next item detection timing is acquired; according to the next item detection timing, it is judged whether to issue a non-stop replacement prompt for the second type of reagent.The present application can realize non-stop replacement of reagent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of in vitro diagnostics, and more specifically to a sample analysis device, a sample analysis system, and a sample analysis method. Background Technology

[0002] A sample analysis device, or in vitro diagnostic equipment, refers to an instrument that obtains clinical diagnostic information by testing human samples (such as blood, body fluids, and tissues) outside the human body. Sample analysis devices generally obtain test results by adding reagents to the sample and then performing a specific detection method on the mixed sample.

[0003] Therefore, the sample analysis device continuously consumes reagents during testing, and replenishment is necessary when reagents are insufficient. Generally, when a certain reagent runs out or is insufficient, the instrument will alarm and shut down, waiting for the user to replace the reagent before restarting the test.

[0004] How to efficiently and quickly replenish reagents is a problem that technicians are constantly researching. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention proposes a scheme and strategy for changing reagents without shutting down the testing process, which is described in detail below.

[0006] According to a first aspect, one embodiment provides a sample analysis device, including a sampling unit, a first type of reagent unit, a second type of reagent unit, a residual detection unit, a reaction unit, a project detection unit, and a controller;

[0007] The sampling unit is used to acquire a sample and then deliver the sample to the reaction unit;

[0008] The first type of reagent section is used to supply the first type of reagent to the reaction section;

[0009] The second type of reagent section is used to store the second type of reagent and to supply the second type of reagent to the reaction section;

[0010] The remaining quantity detection unit is used to detect the remaining quantity of the second type of reagent in the second type of reagent unit;

[0011] The reaction section includes a first type of reaction section and a second type of reaction section; the first type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and a first type of reagent supplied by the first type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a first type of item; the second type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and at least a second type of reagent supplied by the second type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a second type of item.

[0012] The project testing department includes a first type of testing department and a second type of testing department; the first type of testing department is used to test the samples of the first type of project and calculate the test results of the first type of project; the second type of testing department is used to test the samples of the second type of project and calculate the test results of the second type of project.

[0013] The controller is used to obtain the timing sequence of the next project detection and to obtain the remaining amount of the second type of reagent from the remaining amount detection unit; when it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than the threshold, the controller determines whether to issue a non-stop replacement prompt for the second type of reagent according to the timing sequence of the next project detection.

[0014] In one embodiment, if in the subsequent test sequence, starting from the first test item, N consecutive tests are all of the first type, then the controller issues a prompt to replace the second type of reagent without shutting down the system.

[0015] In one embodiment, N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0016] In one embodiment, when a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent is issued, the controller also acquires the blank time period of the second type of reagent, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine during the blank time period; wherein the blank time period of the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point when the second type of reagent is drawn for the first second type of item in the subsequent item detection sequence and the current time point.

[0017] According to a second aspect, one embodiment provides a sample analysis device, including a sampling unit, a first type of reagent unit, a second type of reagent unit, a residual detection unit, a reaction unit, a project detection unit, and a controller;

[0018] The sampling unit is used to acquire a sample and then deliver the sample to the reaction unit;

[0019] The first type of reagent section is used to supply the first type of reagent to the reaction section;

[0020] The second type of reagent section is used to store the second type of reagent and to supply the second type of reagent to the reaction section;

[0021] The remaining quantity detection unit is used to detect the remaining quantity of the second type of reagent in the second type of reagent unit;

[0022] The reaction section includes a first type of reaction section and a second type of reaction section; the first type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and a first type of reagent supplied by the first type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a first type of item; the second type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and at least a second type of reagent supplied by the second type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a second type of item.

[0023] The project testing department includes a first type of testing department and a second type of testing department; the first type of testing department is used to test the samples of the first type of project and calculate the test results of the first type of project; the second type of testing department is used to test the samples of the second type of project and calculate the test results of the second type of project.

[0024] The controller obtains the remaining amount of the second type of reagent and the timing of subsequent test items;

[0025] The controller controls the execution of the corresponding project detection according to the subsequent project detection sequence;

[0026] The controller also determines whether the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than a threshold based on the amount remaining.

[0027] When it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than the threshold, the controller issues a prompt to replace the second type of reagent without shutting down the system.

[0028] When it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than the threshold, the controller also obtains the blank time period of the second type of reagent according to the next item detection sequence, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine during the blank time period; wherein the blank time period of the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point of the first second type of item in the next item detection sequence and the current time point.

[0029] In one embodiment, when issuing a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent, the controller also controls the second type of reagent unit to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the controller also maintains the unlocked state of the second type of reagent section during the blank period.

[0031] In one embodiment, the sample analysis device further includes a display component for displaying and updating the blank time period of the second type of reagent in real time; when the blank time period is less than a preset duration after being updated, the controller issues an alarm.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second type of reagent unit further includes a door component, which allows the user to replace the second type of reagent when the door component changes from a closed state to an open state.

[0033] When the second type of reagent section is in an unlocked state, the door component can be opened; when the second type of reagent section is in a locked state, the door component cannot be opened.

[0034] In one embodiment, the threshold is the amount that can support the detection of a preset number of second-type items; the preset number is 1, or the preset number is greater than 1.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first type of reagent unit includes a liquid supply line, which connects a first type of reagent container to the reaction unit, so as to supply the first type of reagent (hemolysin and dye, etc.) stored in the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit through the liquid supply line;

[0036] The second type of reagent section includes a reagent needle (which may be a reusable sample needle); the second type of reagent section is used to carry a second type of reagent container, and to draw a second type of reagent (latex reagent) from the carried second type of reagent container through the reagent needle and add it to the reaction section.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first type of reagent includes hemolytic agents and / or fluorescent reagents; the second type of reagent includes latex reagents.

[0038] According to a third aspect, one embodiment provides a sample analysis system, comprising:

[0039] Multiple sample analysis components, wherein at least one of the multiple sample analysis components is a multi-item analysis component; the multi-item analysis component is capable of preparing a sample of a first-item item using a sample and a first-item reagent, and is capable of preparing a sample of a second-item item using a sample and a second-item reagent; the multi-item analysis component is also capable of detecting the remaining amount of its second-item reagent;

[0040] Tracks are used to connect the various sample analysis components;

[0041] A scheduling device is used to schedule samples transported via the track to the corresponding sample analysis components;

[0042] The reagent storage section is used at least to store the second type of reagents;

[0043] A robotic arm is used to transfer the second type of reagents from the reagent storage section to the multi-item analysis component, so as to replace the second type of reagents in the multi-item analysis component;

[0044] A control device is used to obtain the remaining amount of the second type of reagent in the multi-item analysis component. When it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than a threshold, the device obtains the blank period of the second type of reagent in the multi-item analysis component and controls the robot to replace the second type of reagent in the multi-item analysis component during the blank period.

[0045] In one embodiment, the blank period of the second type of reagent in the multi-item analysis component is the time interval between the time point when the second type of reagent is drawn for the first second type of item in the subsequent item detection sequence of the multi-item analysis component and the current time point.

[0046] In one embodiment, the multi-item analysis component includes a sampling unit, a first-type reagent unit, a second-type reagent unit, a residual detection unit, a reaction unit, and an item detection unit;

[0047] The sampling unit is used to acquire a sample and then deliver the sample to the reaction unit;

[0048] The first type of reagent unit includes a liquid supply line, which connects the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit through the liquid supply line, so as to supply the first type of reagent (hemolytic agent and dye, etc.) stored in the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit through the liquid supply line;

[0049] The second type of reagent section includes a reagent needle (which may be a reusable sample needle); the second type of reagent section is used to carry a second type of reagent container, and to draw a second type of reagent (latex reagent) from the carried second type of reagent container through the reagent needle and add it to the reaction section;

[0050] The remaining quantity detection unit is used to detect the remaining quantity of the second type of reagent in the second type of reagent unit;

[0051] The reaction unit includes a first type of reaction unit (blood routine test) and a second type of reaction unit (specific protein test); the first type of reaction unit is used to receive the sample delivered by the sampling unit and the first type of reagent supplied by the first type of reagent unit to prepare a sample for a first type of item; the second type of reaction unit is used to receive the sample delivered by the sampling unit and at least the second type of reagent supplied by the second type of reagent unit to prepare a sample for a second type of item.

[0052] The testing unit includes a first type of testing unit (complete blood count) and a second type of testing unit (specific proteins); the first type of testing unit is used to test the samples of the first type of items and calculate the test results of the first type of items; the second type of testing unit is used to test the samples of the second type of items and calculate the test results of the second type of items.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first type of reagent includes hemolytic agents and / or fluorescent reagents; the second type of reagent includes latex reagents.

[0054] According to a fourth aspect, one embodiment provides a sample analysis method applied to a sample analysis apparatus, the sample analysis apparatus comprising a first reagent section for supplying a first reagent and a second reagent section for supplying a second reagent, wherein samples of a first type of item can be obtained by processing the sample with the first reagent, and samples of a second type of item are obtained by at least processing the sample with the second reagent; the sample analysis method includes:

[0055] During the test, obtain the remaining amount of the second type of reagent;

[0056] Determine whether the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than the threshold;

[0057] If the result is less than 1, then the detection sequence of the next item is obtained.

[0058] Based on the subsequent test sequence, determine whether to issue a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent.

[0059] In one embodiment, if N consecutive items in the item detection sequence are all of the first type, starting from the first item, a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent is issued, where N is a positive integer.

[0060] In one embodiment, when it is determined that a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent is issued, the blank time period of the second type of reagent is also obtained, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine during the blank time period; wherein the blank time period of the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point when the second type of reagent of the first second type of item in the item detection sequence is absorbed and the current time point.

[0061] According to a fifth aspect, one embodiment provides a sample analysis method applied to a sample analysis apparatus, the sample analysis apparatus comprising a first reagent section for supplying a first reagent and a second reagent section for supplying a second reagent, wherein samples of a first type of item can be obtained by processing the sample with the first reagent, and samples of a second type of item are obtained by at least processing the sample with the second reagent; the sample analysis method includes:

[0062] Obtain the remaining amount of the second type of reagent and the testing sequence for the next item;

[0063] Based on the subsequent project testing sequence, control the execution of the corresponding project tests; among which:

[0064] Determine whether the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than the threshold;

[0065] When the value is less than the specified value, a prompt will be issued to replace the second type of reagent without shutting down the machine.

[0066] When the determination is less than, the blank time period of the second type of reagent is also obtained, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine during the blank time period. The blank time period of the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point when the second type of reagent of the first second type of item in the item detection sequence is absorbed and the current time point.

[0067] The sample analysis apparatus, system, and method according to the above embodiments can achieve reagent replacement without shutting down the system. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analysis device according to one embodiment;

[0069] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first type of reagent section according to one embodiment;

[0070] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first type of reagent section according to one embodiment;

[0071] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of reagent section according to one embodiment;

[0072] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of reagent section according to one embodiment;

[0073] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of reagent section according to one embodiment;

[0074] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of reagent section according to one embodiment;

[0075] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analysis device according to one embodiment;

[0076] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analysis device according to one embodiment;

[0077] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the project detection timing for one embodiment;

[0078] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analysis system according to one embodiment;

[0079] Figure 12 A flowchart of a sample analysis method according to one embodiment;

[0080] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a sample analysis method according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0082] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0083] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0084] Stopping the testing machine to replenish and replace reagents consumes a significant amount of time, especially when there are many samples, which can greatly impact testing efficiency. This invention proposes a scheme and strategy for replacing reagents without stopping the machine during continuous sample or test testing.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the sample analysis device includes a sampling unit 10, a first-type reagent unit 20, a second-type reagent unit 30, a residual detection unit 40, a reaction unit 50, a project detection unit 60, and a controller 70.

[0086] The sampling unit 10 is used to acquire a sample and deliver it to the reaction unit 50. For example, the sampling unit 10 may include a sampling needle for drawing a sample from a sample tube located at the aspiration position and delivering the drawn sample to the reaction unit 50.

[0087] The first type of reagent section 20 is used to supply first type of reagents to the reaction section 50. The second type of reagent section 30 is used to store second type of reagents and supply second type of reagents to the reaction section 50.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first type of reagent may be a latex reagent of a specific protein, and the second type of reagent may be a latex reagent of another specific protein. For example, the first type of reagent may include a latex reagent of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the second type of reagent may include a latex reagent of serum amyloid protein (SAA).

[0089] In some embodiments, the first type of reagent may include a hemolytic agent and / or a fluorescent agent.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second type of reagent may include a latex reagent of one or more specific proteins.

[0091] The following is an explanation of the relevant structure of the reagent section.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first type of reagent unit 20 includes a liquid supply line 21, through which the first type of reagent unit 20 connects a first type of reagent container (e.g., a reagent bucket) to the reaction unit 50, so as to supply the first type of reagent stored in the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit 50 through the liquid supply line 21.

[0093] In some specific embodiments, the liquid supply line 21 may include at least one branch, and a valve assembly and a pressure source disposed on the branch, wherein the valve assembly is used to open or close the branch, and the pressure source is used to generate pressure for the liquid to flow in the branch. Figure 3 For example, in this case, the valve assembly includes a solenoid valve SV01, the pressure source includes a pump P1, and the branch includes a reagent branch 22. One end of the reagent branch 22 is connected to a first-type reagent container, and the other end is connected to the reaction section 50. The reagent branch 22 is also equipped with the solenoid valve SV01 and the pump P1. When reagent supply is required, the controller 70 controls the solenoid valve SV01 to open to conduct and controls the pump P1 to operate, so as to transport the first-type reagent from the first-type reagent container to the reaction section 50.

[0094] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The second type of reagent section 30 includes a reagent needle 31 (which may be a sampling needle from the reused sampling section 10); the second type of reagent section 30 is used to hold a second type of reagent container, and to draw a second type of reagent (e.g., latex reagent) from the held second type of reagent container through the reagent needle 31 and add it to the reaction section 50. Please refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the second type of reagent unit 30 further includes a door component 32, which allows the user to replace the second type of reagent when the door component 32 changes from a closed state to an open state. Figure 5 Door component 32 is in the closed state. Figure 6 Door component 32 is in the open state.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments, the second-type reagent section 30 has N compartments 30a, each compartment 30a capable of holding one second-type reagent container 3, where N is a positive integer. When there are multiple compartments 30a, the second-type reagents in the second-type reagent containers 3 placed in each compartment 30a can be the same (e.g., the same type of latex reagent) or different (e.g., latex reagents containing different specific proteins). In the schematic diagram of this embodiment, the second-type reagent section 30 with two compartments 30a is illustrated as an example.

[0096] The second type of reagent section 30 includes a bracket 33 and N-1 (when N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) first partitions 34. The N-1 first partitions 34 are connected to the bracket 33 and are spaced apart. The bracket 33 and the N-1 first partitions 34 cooperate with each other to form N compartments 30a.

[0097] In some embodiments, N=2 is used as an example for illustration. When N=2, the second type of reagent section 30 includes a first partition 34, and the bracket 33 cooperates with the first partition 34 to form two compartments 30a. When the compartments 30a are used to place the second type of reagent container 3, the bracket 33 can accommodate and fix the second type of reagent container 3. In some embodiments, the second type of reagent section 30 has a refrigeration space 35, and a door component 32 can seal the refrigeration space 35. The door component 32 is fixed to the bracket 33. The door component 32 has a first state in which it cooperates with the second type of reagent section 30 to seal the bracket 33, the first partition 34, and the second type of reagent container 3 placed in the compartment 30a within the refrigeration space 35, i.e. Figure 5 As shown, the door component 32 also has a second state in which it is separated from the second type of reagent section 30, i.e. Figure 6 The state shown is described. The second type of reagent section 30 is also provided with a through hole 36 penetrating the refrigeration space 35. The number of through holes 36 is equal to the number of compartments 30a, and each through hole 36 corresponds to one compartment 30a. The through hole 36 allows the reagent needle 31 to pass through to draw the second type of reagent from the second type of reagent container 3 in the compartment 30a. In some embodiments, the door component 32 also has a groove 38. The second type of reagent section 30 also includes a second partition 37. The second partition 37 has N-1 spaced slits 37a, which penetrate two opposite surfaces of the second partition 37 and allow one end of the first partition 34 to pass through. The second partition 37 and the first partition 34 cooperate to fill the groove 38. The second partition 37 and the first partition 34 cooperate to be installed in the groove 38.

[0098] The above are some explanations of the second type of reagent section 30.

[0099] Understandably, in some embodiments, the first type of reagent section 20 may also be employed. Figures 4 to 7 The structure shown in any of the embodiments.

[0100] The remaining quantity detection unit 40 is used to detect the remaining quantity of the second type of reagent in the second type of reagent unit 20. The remaining quantity detection unit 40 can be implemented in various ways. For example, the remaining quantity detection unit 40 can obtain the initial measurable quantity of the item in the second type of reagent container, and then, each time the second type of reagent in the second type of reagent container is used for item testing, the measurable quantity of the item is decremented by one, thus continuously updating the measurable quantity of the item in the second type of reagent container in real time. Another example is that the remaining quantity detection unit 40 can set a liquid level sensor on the reagent needle 31. When the reagent needle 31 draws the second type of reagent from the second type of reagent container, the remaining quantity detection unit 40 can obtain the liquid level height information of the second type of reagent container, further convert it into the liquid volume in the second type of reagent container, and represent the remaining quantity of the second type of reagent by volume.

[0101] Please refer to Figure 8 The reaction unit 50 includes a first type reaction unit 51 and a second type reaction unit 53; the first type reaction unit 51 is used to receive the sample delivered by the sampling unit 10 and the first type reagent supplied by the first type reagent unit 20 to prepare a sample of the first type of item; the second type reaction unit 53 is used to receive the sample delivered by the sampling unit 10 and the second type reagent supplied by at least the second type reagent unit 30 to prepare a sample of the second type of item.

[0102] In some embodiments, the sample prepared by the first type of reaction unit 51 is a sample for measuring a specific protein. In some embodiments, the sample prepared by the second type of reaction unit 53 is also a sample for measuring a specific protein, except that the specific protein measured by the first type of reaction unit 51 is different from the specific protein measured by the second type of reaction unit 53. For example, the sample prepared by the first type of reaction unit 51 is CPR, and the sample prepared by the second type of reaction unit 53 is SAA.

[0103] In other embodiments, the sample prepared by the first type of reaction unit 51 is a sample for measuring a complete blood count, and the sample prepared by the second type of reaction unit 53 is used to measure a specific protein. In some embodiments, the second type of reaction unit 53 can be used to prepare a sample for measuring one specific protein, and in other embodiments, the second type of reaction unit 53 can be used to prepare a sample for measuring multiple specific proteins. For example, the second type of reaction unit 53 can prepare a sample for measuring CPR and also a sample for measuring SAA.

[0104] The project testing department 60 includes a first type of testing department 61 and a second type of testing department 63. The first type of testing department 61 is used to test the samples of the first type of project and calculate the test results of the first type of project; the second type of testing department 63 is used to test the samples of the second type of project and calculate the test results of the second type of project.

[0105] In some embodiments, the sample for the first type of item is a complete blood count (CBC) sample. Accordingly, the first type of detection unit 61 is used to detect the CBC sample to obtain the CBC test results. The CBC test results may include, for example, one or more of the following: white blood cell count, white blood cell differential (three-part, four-part, or five-part), red blood cell count, reticulocyte count, nucleated red blood cell count, platelet count, and hemoglobin concentration. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first type of detection unit 61 may be one or more of the following: a DIFF detection unit, an RBC detection unit, an HGB detection unit, an NRBC detection unit, and a RET detection unit; the DIFF detection unit is used to detect four-part white blood cell differential, the HGB detection unit is used to detect hemoglobin concentration, the RBC detection unit is used to detect red blood cell count and / or platelet count; the RET detection unit is used to detect reticulocyte count, and the NRBC detection unit is used to detect nucleated red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and basophil count.

[0106] In some embodiments, the sample for the second type of item is a sample of a specific protein. Accordingly, the second type of detection unit 63 is used to detect the sample of the specific protein and calculate the content of the specific protein in the sample.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 9 In some embodiments, the sample analysis apparatus may also include a display component 80 for display.

[0108] After the sample analysis device starts testing, each item will be tested sequentially, which forms the item testing sequence, for example... Figure 10 Here is an example, where 1 represents the first type of project and 2 represents the second type of project.

[0109] In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller 70 is used to acquire the detection sequence of the next item and to acquire the remaining amount of the second type of reagent from the remaining amount detection unit 40; when it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than a threshold, the controller 70 determines whether to issue a non-stop replacement prompt for the second type of reagent based on the detection sequence of the next item. In some specific embodiments, when the next item detection sequence consists of N consecutive items of the first type, starting from the first item, the controller 70 issues a non-stop replacement prompt for the second type of reagent; where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In some embodiments, the threshold is the amount that can support the detection of a preset number of second type items; the preset number is 1, or the preset number is greater than 1.

[0110] Understandably, since N consecutive items in the subsequent test sequence are all of the first type, the second type of reagents are not required. At this time, the second type of reagent unit 30 can be used by the user to change the reagents, and the sample analysis device is in a non-stop state, that is, the test is continued according to the subsequent test sequence.

[0111] In some embodiments, when it is determined that a non-stop replacement prompt for the second type of reagent is issued, the controller 70 also obtains the blank period of the second type of reagent, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine during the blank period; wherein the blank period of the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point when the second type of reagent is aspirated in the first second type of item in the subsequent item detection sequence and the current time point.

[0112] For example, we might as well use Figure 10 For example, the first "2" represents the current item, and the subsequent detection sequence is 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1...; We can see that the next three are all Category 1 items, and only the fourth is a Category 2 item. Therefore, the blank period is the time interval between the time point when the Category 2 reagent is drawn for the fourth item and the current time point.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second type of reagent section 30 is locked during the measurement process, meaning that the user cannot operate it to replace the reagents therein; therefore, when the prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent is issued, the controller 70 also controls the second type of reagent section 30 to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine.

[0114] In some embodiments, the controller 70 also maintains the unlocked state of the second reagent section 30 during the aforementioned blank period.

[0115] Taking the second reagent section 30, which has a door component 32, as an example, its locked and unlocked states will be explained. When the second reagent section 30 is in the unlocked state, the door component 32 can be opened, allowing the user to replace the second reagent; when the second reagent section 30 is in the locked state, the door component 32 cannot be opened, preventing the user from replacing the second reagent.

[0116] In order to enable users to keep track of the replacement time of the second type of reagent, in some embodiments, the display component 80 is used to display and update the blank period of the second type of reagent in real time; when the blank period is less than a preset duration after being updated, the controller issues an alarm.

[0117] As can be seen from the above, when the test process finds that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is insufficient, and the next project or several consecutive projects do not involve the use of the second type of reagent, a prompt can be issued to replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine. When the user replaces the second type of reagent in the second type of reagent section 30, it will not cause the machine to stop or interrupt the normal testing of the next project.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller 70 acquires the remaining amount of the second type of reagent and the sequence of subsequent test items. On one hand, the controller 70 controls the execution of corresponding test items according to the sequence of subsequent test items; on the other hand, the controller 70 also determines whether the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than a threshold; when it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than the threshold, the controller 70 issues a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent, and also acquires a blank period for the second type of reagent according to the sequence of subsequent test items, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the system during the blank period; wherein the blank period for the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point when the second type of reagent is drawn for the first second type of test item in the sequence of subsequent test items and the current time point. In some embodiments, the threshold is the amount that can support the detection of a preset number of second type of items; the preset number is 1, or the preset number is greater than 1.

[0119] In some embodiments, the second reagent section 30 is locked during the measurement process, meaning that the user cannot operate it to replace the reagents therein; therefore, when a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second reagent is issued, the controller 70 also controls the second reagent section 30 to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state so that the user can replace the second reagent without stopping the machine.

[0120] In some embodiments, the controller 70 also maintains the unlocked state of the second reagent section 30 during the aforementioned blank period.

[0121] Taking the second reagent section 30, which has a door component 32, as an example, its locked and unlocked states will be explained. When the second reagent section 30 is in the unlocked state, the door component 32 can be opened, allowing the user to replace the second reagent; when the second reagent section 30 is in the locked state, the door component 32 cannot be opened, preventing the user from replacing the second reagent.

[0122] In order to enable users to keep track of the replacement time of the second type of reagent, in some embodiments, the display component 80 is used to display and update the blank period of the second type of reagent in real time; when the blank period is less than a preset duration after being updated, the controller issues an alarm.

[0123] As discussed above, some sample analysis devices can issue a prompt to replace Type II reagents without stopping the system when insufficient Type II reagents are detected during testing. Even if the first test in the next testing sequence is a Type II test requiring Type II reagents, the available time between Type II reagent replacements is sufficient to allow users to replace them without interruption or downtime. For example, if the first Type II test is a complete blood count and the second Type II test is a specific protein test, this is a combined analysis device for complete blood count and specific proteins. If insufficient Type II reagents, such as latex reagents, are detected, some devices can handle this situation even if the first test in the next testing sequence is a Type II test (e.g., a specific protein test) requiring latex reagents. The available time between these tests can be 20 to 30 seconds, while replacing Type II reagents typically takes about 10 seconds, which is relatively fast. Figures 4 to 7 The second type of reagent section 30 also makes it very convenient for users to quickly change the second type of reagent.

[0124] Some embodiments of the present invention also disclose a sample analysis system. Please refer to... Figure 11 In some embodiments, the sample analysis system includes multiple sample analysis components 100, a track 110, a scheduling device 120, a reagent storage unit 130, a robotic arm 140, and a control device 150, which are described in detail below.

[0125] Of the plurality of sample analysis components 100, at least one is a multi-item analysis component 100; the multi-item analysis component 100 can be used to prepare samples of a first type of item using a sample and a first type of reagent, and can be used to prepare samples of a second type of item using a sample and a second type of reagent; the multi-item analysis component can also be used to detect the remaining amount of its second type of reagent. For example, the multi-item analysis component 100 can be a combined analysis component for blood routine and specific proteins. In some embodiments, the multi-item analysis component 100 includes a sampling unit 10, a first type of reagent unit 20, a second type of reagent unit 30, a remaining amount detection unit 40, a reaction unit 50, and an item detection unit 60. Further descriptions can be found in the description of the corresponding components in the sample analysis device, and will not be repeated here.

[0126] Track 10 connects the various sample analysis modules 30. The scheduling device 20 is used to schedule the samples transmitted through track 10 to the corresponding sample analysis modules 30.

[0127] The reagent storage unit 130 is used to store at least the second type of reagents. The robotic arm 140 is used to dispatch the second type of reagents in the reagent storage unit 130 to the multi-item analysis component 100 for replacing the second type of reagents in the multi-item analysis component 100. Specifically, the control device 150 is used to obtain the remaining amount of the second type of reagents in the multi-item analysis component 100. When it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagents is less than a threshold, the control device 150 obtains the blank period of the second type of reagents in the multi-item analysis component 100, and during the blank period, controls the robotic arm 140 to replace the second type of reagents in the multi-item analysis component 100.

[0128] In some embodiments, the threshold is the amount that can support the detection of a preset number of second-type items; the preset number is 1, or the preset number is greater than 1.

[0129] In some embodiments, the blank period of the second type of reagent in the multi-item analysis component 100 is the time interval between the time point when the second type of reagent of the first second type of item is drawn in the subsequent item detection sequence of the multi-item analysis component 100 and the current time point.

[0130] Some embodiments of the present invention also disclose a sample analysis method, which can be applied to a sample analysis device, such as the sample analysis device of any embodiment herein. Please refer to... Figure 12 The sample analysis method in some embodiments includes the following steps:

[0131] Step 1000: During the test, obtain the remaining amount of the second type of reagent.

[0132] How to determine the remaining amount of reagent has been explained in detail above, and will not be repeated here.

[0133] Step 1100: Determine whether the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than the threshold.

[0134] In some embodiments, the threshold is the amount that can support the detection of a preset number of second-type items; the preset number is 1, or the preset number is greater than 1.

[0135] Step 1200: When the result is less than, obtain the timing sequence of the next item detection.

[0136] Step 1300: Based on the following test sequence, determine whether to issue a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent.

[0137] In some embodiments, if N consecutive items in the item detection sequence are of the first type, starting from the first item, then step 1300 issues a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent, where N is a positive integer.

[0138] In some embodiments, when it is determined that a non-stop replacement prompt for the second type of reagent is issued, step 1300 further obtains the blank period of the second type of reagent, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine during the blank period; wherein the blank period of the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point when the second type of reagent of the first second type of item in the item detection sequence is absorbed and the current time point.

[0139] Please refer to Figure 13 The sample analysis method in some embodiments includes the following steps:

[0140] Step 2000: Obtain the remaining amount of the second type of reagent and the sequence of subsequent test items.

[0141] Step 2100: Based on the subsequent project inspection sequence, control the execution of the corresponding project inspections; where:

[0142] Step 2110: Determine whether the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than the threshold.

[0143] Step 2120: When the determination is less than, issue a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent.

[0144] Step 2130: When the determination is less than, the blank time period of the second type of reagent is also obtained according to the next item detection sequence, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine during the blank time period. The blank time period of the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point of the first second type of item in the item detection sequence and the current time point.

[0145] Some embodiments of the sample analysis method further include a step of: displaying and updating the blank period of the second type of reagent in real time; and issuing an alarm when the blank period is less than a preset duration after being updated.

[0146] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0147] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, the principles herein can be reflected in a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium pre-loaded with computer-readable program code. Any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), flash memory, and / or the like. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to form a machine, such that instructions executing on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus can generate means for implementing a specified function. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium can form an article of manufacture including means for implementing the specified function. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to perform a series of operational steps on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that instructions executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus can provide steps for implementing the specified function.

[0148] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environmental and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document.

[0149] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0150] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A sample analysis device, characterized in that, It includes a sampling department, a Class I reagent department, a Class II reagent department, a residual detection department, a reaction department, a project detection department, and a controller; The sampling unit is used to acquire a sample and then deliver the sample to the reaction unit; The first type of reagent section is used to supply the first type of reagent to the reaction section; The second type of reagent section is used to store the second type of reagent and to supply the second type of reagent to the reaction section; The remaining quantity detection unit is used to detect the remaining quantity of the second type of reagent in the second type of reagent unit; The reaction section includes a first type of reaction section and a second type of reaction section; the first type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and a first type of reagent supplied by the first type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a first type of item; the second type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and at least a second type of reagent supplied by the second type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a second type of item. The project testing department includes a first type of testing department and a second type of testing department; the first type of testing department is used to test the samples of the first type of project and calculate the test results of the first type of project; the second type of testing department is used to test the samples of the second type of project and calculate the test results of the second type of project. The controller is used to obtain the next item detection sequence and to obtain the remaining amount of the second type of reagent from the remaining amount detection unit; when it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than a threshold, the controller determines whether to issue a non-stop replacement prompt for the second type of reagent according to the next item detection sequence; wherein, when the next item detection sequence consists of N consecutive items of the first type of reagent starting from the first item, the controller issues a non-stop replacement prompt for the second type of reagent, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

2. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent is issued, the controller also acquires the blank time period of the second type of reagent, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine during the blank time period; wherein the blank time period of the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point when the second type of reagent is drawn for the first second type of item in the subsequent item detection sequence and the current time point.

3. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When issuing a prompt to replace the second type of reagent without shutting down the system, the controller also controls the second type of reagent unit to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without shutting down the system.

4. The sample analysis device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When issuing a prompt to replace the second type of reagent without shutting down the system, the controller also controls the second type of reagent unit to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without shutting down the system.

5. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The controller also maintains the unlocked state of the second type of reagent section during the blank period.

6. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a display component for displaying and updating the blank time period of the second type of reagent in real time; when the blank time period is less than a preset duration after being updated, the controller issues an alarm.

7. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The second type of reagent unit also includes a door component, which allows the user to replace the second type of reagent when the door component changes from a closed state to an open state; When the second type of reagent section is in an unlocked state, the door component can be opened; when the second type of reagent section is in a locked state, the door component cannot be opened.

8. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The threshold is the amount that can support the detection of a preset number of second-type items; the preset number is 1, or the preset number is greater than 1.

9. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first type of reagent unit includes a liquid supply line, which connects the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit through the liquid supply line, so as to supply the first type of reagent stored in the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit through the liquid supply line; The second type of reagent section includes a reagent needle; the second type of reagent section is used to carry a second type of reagent container, and to draw a second type of reagent from the carried second type of reagent container through the reagent needle and add it to the reaction section.

10. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first category of reagents includes hemolytic agents and / or fluorescent reagents; the second category of reagents includes latex reagents.

11. A sample analysis device, characterized in that, It includes a sampling department, a Class I reagent department, a Class II reagent department, a residual detection department, a reaction department, a project detection department, and a controller; The sampling unit is used to acquire a sample and then deliver the sample to the reaction unit; The first type of reagent section is used to supply the first type of reagent to the reaction section; The second type of reagent section is used to store the second type of reagent and to supply the second type of reagent to the reaction section; The remaining quantity detection unit is used to detect the remaining quantity of the second type of reagent in the second type of reagent unit; The reaction section includes a first type of reaction section and a second type of reaction section; the first type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and a first type of reagent supplied by the first type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a first type of item; the second type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and at least a second type of reagent supplied by the second type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a second type of item. The project testing department includes a first type of testing department and a second type of testing department; the first type of testing department is used to test the samples of the first type of project and calculate the test results of the first type of project; the second type of testing department is used to test the samples of the second type of project and calculate the test results of the second type of project. The controller obtains the remaining amount of the second type of reagent and the timing sequence of the next test items, and controls the execution of the corresponding test items according to the timing sequence of the next test items; wherein, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than the threshold, the controller issues a prompt for non-stop replacement of the second type of reagent and obtains the blank time period of the second type of reagent, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without stopping the machine during the blank time period, wherein the blank time period of the second type of reagent is the time interval between the time point of the first second type of reagent aspiration in the timing sequence of the next test items and the current time point.

12. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 11, characterized in that, When issuing a prompt to replace the second type of reagent without shutting down the system, the controller also controls the second type of reagent unit to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state, so that the user can replace the second type of reagent without shutting down the system.

13. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The controller also maintains the unlocked state of the second type of reagent section during the blank period.

14. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a display component for displaying and updating the blank time period of the second type of reagent in real time; when the blank time period is less than a preset duration after being updated, the controller issues an alarm.

15. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second type of reagent unit also includes a door component, which allows the user to replace the second type of reagent when the door component changes from a closed state to an open state; When the second type of reagent section is in an unlocked state, the door component can be opened; when the second type of reagent section is in a locked state, the door component cannot be opened.

16. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The threshold is the amount that can support the detection of a preset number of second-type items; the preset number is 1, or the preset number is greater than 1.

17. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first type of reagent unit includes a liquid supply line, which connects the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit through the liquid supply line, so as to supply the first type of reagent stored in the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit through the liquid supply line; The second type of reagent section includes a reagent needle; the second type of reagent section is used to carry a second type of reagent container, and to draw a second type of reagent from the carried second type of reagent container through the reagent needle and add it to the reaction section.

18. The sample analysis apparatus as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first category of reagents includes hemolytic agents and / or fluorescent reagents; the second category of reagents includes latex reagents.

19. A sample analysis system, characterized in that, include: The system includes multiple sample analysis components, at least one of which is a multi-item analysis component. The multi-item analysis component is capable of preparing samples for a first-item category using a sample and a first-item reagent, and is also capable of preparing samples for a second-item category using a sample and a second-item reagent. The multi-item analysis component can also be used to detect the remaining amount of the second-item reagent. Tracks are used to connect the various sample analysis components; A scheduling device is used to schedule samples transported via the track to the corresponding sample analysis components; The reagent storage section is used at least to store the second type of reagents; A robotic arm is used to transfer the second type of reagents from the reagent storage section to the multi-item analysis component, so as to replace the second type of reagents in the multi-item analysis component; A control device is used to obtain the remaining amount of the second type of reagent in the multi-item analysis component. When it is determined that the remaining amount of the second type of reagent is less than a threshold, the device obtains the blank time period of the second type of reagent in the multi-item analysis component, and during the blank time period, controls the robotic arm to replace the second type of reagent in the multi-item analysis component. The blank time period of the second type of reagent in the multi-item analysis component is the time interval between the time point when the first second type of reagent is absorbed in the subsequent item detection sequence of the multi-item analysis component and the current time point.

20. The sample analysis system as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The multi-item analysis components include a sampling unit, a first-type reagent unit, a second-type reagent unit, a residual detection unit, a reaction unit, and an item detection unit; The sampling unit is used to acquire a sample and then deliver the sample to the reaction unit; The first type of reagent unit includes a liquid supply line, which connects the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit through the liquid supply line, so as to supply the first type of reagent stored in the first type of reagent container to the reaction unit through the liquid supply line; The second type of reagent section includes a reagent needle; the second type of reagent section is used to carry a second type of reagent container, and to draw a second type of reagent from the carried second type of reagent container through the reagent needle and add it to the reaction section; The remaining quantity detection unit is used to detect the remaining quantity of the second type of reagent in the second type of reagent unit; The reaction section includes a first type of reaction section and a second type of reaction section; the first type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and a first type of reagent supplied by the first type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a first type of item; the second type of reaction section is used to receive a sample delivered by the sampling section and at least a second type of reagent supplied by the second type of reagent section to prepare a sample of a second type of item. The project testing department includes a first type of testing department and a second type of testing department; the first type of testing department is used to test the samples of the first type of project and calculate the test results of the first type of project; the second type of testing department is used to test the samples of the second type of project and calculate the test results of the second type of project.

21. The sample analysis system as described in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The first category of reagents includes hemolytic agents and / or fluorescent reagents; the second category of reagents includes latex reagents.

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