Test tube testing components, sample analyzer, and sample analysis system

Abstract

This invention discloses a test tube detection component, a sample analyzer, and a sample analysis system. The test tube detection component includes a first test tube rack, a second test tube rack, a shielding element, and a sensor that cooperates with the shielding element. The first test tube rack is provided with a plurality of first holes for placing first type test tubes, and the second test tube rack is provided with a plurality of second holes for placing second type test tubes. The sensor is disposed on the sample injection track of the sample analyzer. The shielding element is disposed in one of the first holes of the first test tube rack and / or one of the second holes of the second test tube rack. When the first test tube rack and / or the second test tube rack move along the sample injection track, the sensor generates different signals according to the different settings of the shielding element to determine whether it is the first test tube rack or the second test tube rack. By distinguishing between the first test tube rack and the second test tube rack, the first type test tube and the second type test tube can be identified. The overall structure is simple, the judgment is accurate, and the subsequent sample detection is ensured to proceed smoothly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sample testing technology, and in particular to a test tube testing component, a sample analyzer, and a sample analysis system. Background Technology

[0002] Physiological and pathological changes in the human body often cause changes in blood composition, and the detection and analysis of blood samples can provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Usually, blood samples are sealed and stored in test tubes after collection. Different types of test tubes are used for blood samples collected from different parts of the body. For example, venous blood, which is collected in larger quantities, is stored in ordinary test tubes, while peripheral blood, which is collected in smaller quantities, is stored in micro-volume test tubes.

[0003] In blood sample testing, the mixing method and the sampling needle puncture height vary depending on the type of test tube. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the test tube type before testing. Most existing testing instruments identify the test tube type by reading the barcode on the test tube. However, the barcode may fall off or be obscured by the test tube rack, causing misidentification and affecting the sample testing process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, a test tube detection component capable of accurately identifying test tube types, a sample analyzer using the test tube detection component, and a sample analysis system are provided.

[0005] A test tube detection assembly, applied in a sample analyzer, includes a first test tube rack, a second test tube rack, a shielding component, and a sensor cooperating with the shielding component. The first test tube rack is provided with a plurality of first holes for placing a first type of test tube, and the second test tube rack is provided with a plurality of second holes for placing a second type of test tube. The sensor is disposed on the sample injection track of the sample analyzer. The shielding component is disposed in one of the first holes of the first test tube rack and / or one of the second holes of the second test tube rack. When the first test tube rack and / or the second test tube rack moves along the sample injection track, the sensor generates different signals according to the different settings of the shielding component to determine whether it is the first test tube rack or the second test tube rack, thereby identifying the first type of test tube and the second type of test tube by distinguishing between the first test tube rack and the second test tube rack.

[0006] Furthermore, the sensor includes a first optical coupler and a second optical coupler arranged vertically, with the shielding member positioned directly opposite the second optical coupler.

[0007] Further, the first optical coupler is a through-beam optical coupler, including a first light emitter and a first light receiver located on opposite sides of the first / second test tube rack, or the first optical coupler is a reflective optical coupler, including a first light emitter and a first light receiver located on the same side of the first / second test tube rack; the second optical coupler is a through-beam optical coupler, including a second light emitter and a second light receiver located on opposite sides of the first / second test tube rack, or the second optical coupler is a reflective optical coupler, including a second light emitter and a second light receiver located on the same side of the first / second test tube rack.

[0008] Furthermore, the shielding element is disposed in the second hole, and the first optical coupler is located longitudinally above the shielding element, the first test tube rack, and the second test tube rack.

[0009] Furthermore, the shielding component includes a first shielding component disposed in the first hole and a second shielding component disposed in the second hole. The upper end of the first shielding component is provided with a first light-transmitting hole, and the lower end of the second shielding component is provided with a second light-transmitting hole. The first optical coupler is disposed opposite to the first light-transmitting hole, and the second optical coupler is disposed opposite to the second light-transmitting hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the sensor includes a light emitter and a light receiver arranged vertically; the shielding member is a prism disposed in the second aperture, the prism is provided with a reflective surface facing the sensor, and the reflective surface reflects the light from the light emitter toward the light receiver.

[0011] Furthermore, the prism is provided with an entrance aperture and an exit aperture, the entrance aperture being positioned directly opposite the light emitter and the exit aperture being positioned directly opposite the light receiver.

[0012] Furthermore, the light emitter and the light receiver are located on the same side of the first / second test tube rack, and the prism has at least two reflective surfaces.

[0013] Furthermore, the sensor is a Hall sensor, and the shielding element is a magnetic element disposed in the second hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the first type of test tube is a regular test tube for collecting venous blood, and the second type of test tube is a micro-volume test tube for collecting capillary blood; during the sample injection process of the sample analyzer, the first and second test tube racks are simultaneously positioned on the injection track.

[0015] Furthermore, the sample injection track is sequentially provided with a test tube detection position, a label identification position, and a sample mixing position; or, the sample injection track is sequentially provided with a label identification position, a test tube detection position, and a sample mixing position; or, the same position on the sample injection track is provided with a label identification position and a test tube detection position, the label identification position is provided with a barcode scanner, and the sensor is provided corresponding to the test tube detection position.

[0016] A sample analyzer includes a sample injection component, a mixing component, a sampling component, a controller, and a test tube detection component. The test tube detection component is connected to the mixing component via the controller. The mixing component includes a first mixing component and a second mixing component, which mix in different ways. The controller activates the first mixing component to perform a mixing operation based on a sensor signal when the first test tube rack moves along the sample injection track; the controller also activates the second mixing component to perform a mixing operation based on a sensor signal when the second test tube rack moves along the sample injection track.

[0017] Furthermore, the test tube detection assembly is connected to the sampling assembly via the controller. When the first test tube rack moves along the sample inlet track, the controller controls the sampling needle of the sampling assembly to descend to a first height based on the signal from the sensor. When the second test tube rack moves along the sample inlet track, the controller controls the sampling needle of the sampling assembly to descend to a second height based on the signal from the sensor. The second height is different from the first height.

[0018] Further, the sampling needle moves above the sample inlet track, and the first type / second type test tube, after being mixed by the mixing component, is punctured and sampled on the first type / second type test tube rack; or, the sampling needle is located inside the sample analyzer, and the first type / second type test tube, after being mixed by the mixing component, is transferred below the sampling needle for puncture and sampling, and then returned to the first type / second type test tube rack.

[0019] A sample analysis system includes at least two cascaded sample analyzers. The sample introduction tracks of the at least two cascaded sample analyzers are interconnected to form a transport path. A test tube rack loading platform and a test tube rack unloading platform are respectively provided at both ends of the transport path. The at least two cascaded sample analyzers share the same test tube detection component, which is located at the end of the transport path where the test tube rack loading platform is located.

[0020] Compared to existing technologies, this invention, by setting a shielding element in the holes of at least one test tube rack, enables the sensor to generate different signals when the two types of test tube racks pass through the test tube detection area, thereby determining the type of test tube rack and the type of test tube. The overall structure is simple and the identification is accurate. It can effectively avoid situations such as insufficient peripheral blood volume caused by subsequent incorrect mixing methods or damage to instruments caused by incorrect descent height of the sampling needle, ensuring the smooth progress of sample testing. At the same time, it can be applied to test tube type identification in different forms of sample injection processes, such as single instruments, dual instruments, and cascaded multi-instrument production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the sample analyzer of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The sample analyzer shown is viewed from above.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube testing assembly of the present invention testing the first test tube rack.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube detection assembly of the present invention detecting the second test tube rack.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shielding component of the test tube detection assembly of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the test tube testing component of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the test tube detection component of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The optical path diagram of the test tube detection assembly is shown.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the sample analysis system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are exemplarily shown in the drawings to provide a more accurate and thorough understanding of the disclosed technical solutions. However, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings of this invention, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] This invention provides a sample analyzer for the detection and analysis of biological samples, particularly blood samples. Figure 1-2 The present invention illustrates a specific embodiment of the sample analyzer 100, which includes a sample injection component 10, a test tube detection component 30, a mixing component, a sampling component, and a sample detection component.

[0033] The sample introduction assembly 10, located outside the housing 20 of the sample analyzer 100, includes a sample introduction track 12. A test tube 50 containing the blood sample to be tested moves along the sample introduction track 12 to the test tube mixing position or puncture position of the sample analyzer 100. In blood sample testing, the test tubes 50 typically include two types: ordinary test tubes 50a and micro-volume test tubes 50b. Ordinary test tubes 50a are used to hold relatively large volumes of venous blood, while micro-volume test tubes 50b are used to hold relatively small volumes of capillary blood. Compared to ordinary test tubes 50a, micro-volume test tubes 50b are much smaller in height and volume. Each test tube 50a and 50b has a label attached near its top, with a QR code, barcode, etc. The sample injection track 12 is equipped with a barcode scanner 40, which scans the label to identify the QR code and barcode, thereby obtaining information about the test tube type and the corresponding personnel, including name, age, contact information, etc.

[0034] like Figure 3-5As shown, the test tube rack 52 is divided into two types: a first test tube rack 52a and a second test tube rack 52b. The first test tube rack 52a is used to place first-type test tubes, and the second test tube rack 52b is used to place second-type test tubes. In this embodiment, the first-type test tube is a regular test tube 50a for collecting venous blood, and the second-type test tube is a micro-volume test tube 50b for collecting capillary blood. Of course, in other embodiments, the first test tube rack 52a can also be used to hold second-type test tubes, and the second test tube rack 52b can also be used to hold first-type test tubes, as long as the same type of test tube is used on the same test tube rack. The structures of the first test tube rack 52a and the second test tube rack 52b are roughly the same. The first test tube rack 52a forms several first holes 54a to receive and position regular test tubes 50a, and the second test tube rack 52b forms several second holes 54b to receive and position micro-volume test tubes 50b. Depending on the different sizes of the ordinary test tube 50a and the micro-volume test tube 50b, the diameter and depth of the first well position 54a and the second well position 54b can be different. Typically, when the ordinary test tube 50a and the micro-volume test tube 50b are placed in their respective test tube racks 52a and 52b, the top of the ordinary test tube 50a is higher than the top of the micro-volume test tube 50b, and the bottom of the ordinary test tube 50a is lower than the bottom of the micro-volume test tube 50b. Preferably, each well position 54a and 54b has openings on both the left and right sides, allowing light to pass through the test tube racks 52a and 52b. Additionally, the openings expose the label, facilitating label reading by the barcode scanner 40.

[0035] The test tube detection assembly 30 includes a first sensor 32a, a second sensor 32b, and a shielding member 34. The shielding member 34 has a shape approximately the same as that of the micro-volume test tube 50b. Figure 5 The shielding member 34 shown is generally cylindrical and is disposed in the second hole 54b at the foremost end of the second test tube rack 52b. The shielding member 34 is made of opaque material and blocks light passing through the second hole 54b. Both the first sensor 32a and the second sensor 32b are optical sensors, such as optocouplers. In this embodiment, the first sensor 32a includes a cooperating first light emitter 36 and a first light receiver 37. The first sensor 32a generates a corresponding signal based on the propagation of light between its first light emitter 36 and first light receiver 37. Similarly, the second sensor 32b includes a cooperating second light emitter 38 and a second light receiver 39, wherein the second light emitter 38 includes a light emitter and the second light receiver 39 includes a light receiver.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, the first sensor 32a and the second sensor 32b are through-beam optical couplers arranged vertically. Vertically, the first sensor 32a is higher than the test tube racks 52a and 52b. The first light emitter 36 and the first light receiver 37 are located on opposite sides of the test tube racks 52a and 52b, and are positioned diagonally above them. The second sensor 32b is at a similar height to the test tube racks 52a and 52b. The second light emitter 38 and the second light receiver 39 are located on opposite sides of the test tube racks 52a and 52b, and are positioned directly opposite them. The height of the ordinary test tube 50a is greater than the depth of the first hole 54a of the first test tube rack 52a. When the ordinary test tube 50a is placed in the first hole 54a, its upper end extends beyond the first test tube rack 52a and is located in the optical path between the first light emitter 36 and the first light receiver 37. The height of the micro-volume test tube 50b is less than that of the ordinary test tube 50a. When the micro-volume test tube 50b is placed in the second hole 54b of the second test tube rack 52b, the top of the micro-volume test tube 50b is lower than the first sensor 32a and directly opposite the second sensor 32b in the longitudinal direction.

[0037] The height of the shielding member 34 is no greater than the depth of the second hole 54b of the second test tube rack 52b, thus ensuring that the shielding member 34 is not exposed outside the second test tube rack 52b. When the first test tube rack 52a moves along the sample inlet track 12 and passes the location of the test tube detection assembly 30, the light emitted by the first light emitter 36 is blocked by the upper end of the ordinary test tube 50a and cannot reach the first light receiver 37; the light emitted by the second light emitter 38 is blocked by the lower end of the ordinary test tube 50a and cannot reach the second light receiver 39. Both the first sensor 32a and the second sensor 32b generate signal changes. When the second test tube rack 52b moves along the sample inlet track 12 and passes the location of the test tube detection assembly 30, the light emitted by the first light emitter 36 is unblocked and reaches the first light receiver 37; the signal of the first sensor 32a remains unchanged; the light emitted by the second light emitter 38 is blocked by the shielding member 34 and cannot reach the second light receiver 39; the signal of the second sensor 32b generates a signal change.

[0038] Thus, when different types of test tube racks 52a and 52b pass through the test tube detection component 30, the detection component 30 can generate different signals, thereby determining the type of test tube racks 52a and 52b, and further determining the type of test tubes 50a and 50b. In this embodiment, when the signals of both the first sensor 32a and the second sensor 32b change, the sample injection tube is determined to be a regular test tube 50a; when the signal of the first sensor 32a remains unchanged but the signal of the second sensor 32b changes, the sample injection tube is determined to be a micro-volume test tube 50b. Preferably, the sample analyzer also includes a controller. The first sensor 32a, the second sensor 32b, the mixing component, the sampling component, etc., are connected to the controller through the controller. The controller receives the signals from the first sensor 32a and the second sensor 32b and determines whether it is a regular test tube 50a or a micro-volume test tube 50b based on the signals, thereby generating corresponding control signals to control the operation of the mixing component and the sampling component.

[0039] The mixing components typically include a first mixing component and a second mixing component. The first mixing component performs mixing operations through methods such as swaying, rotating, and inverting, while the second mixing component performs mixing operations through methods such as vibration. Relatively speaking, the amount of venous blood in a standard test tube 50a is relatively large, allowing for rapid mixing using the first mixing component; the amount of capillary blood in a micro-volume test tube 50b is smaller, allowing for rapid and thorough mixing of the small blood sample using the second mixing component via vibration, without damaging the cell morphology and ensuring the accuracy of blood testing. When the controller determines that the sample injection tube is a standard test tube 50a, it activates the first mixing component; when the controller determines that the sample injection tube is a micro-volume test tube 50b, it activates the second mixing component.

[0040] After mixing, test tubes 50a and 50b are transported to the sampling position, where the sampling needle of the sampling component punctures and collects samples. For the standard test tube 50a, the sampling needle descends to a first height H1; for the micro-volume test tube 50b, the sampling needle descends to a second height H2, where the first height H1 is greater than the second height H2. This means that for the standard test tube 50a, the sampling needle needs to descend deeper to ensure it penetrates the bottom of the test tube 50a or 50b to aspirate a blood sample. This avoids insufficient descent to collect a adequate blood sample, and also avoids damage to the sampling needle or test tubes 50a or 50b due to excessive descent. The aspirated blood sample is injected into the reaction chamber of the detection component, reacting with the corresponding reagents and outputting the test results. Preferably, there are multiple sample detection components, such as WBC detection components, RBC / PLT detection components, HGB detection components, etc. Each detection component performs different tests, and combining multiple test results allows for a more accurate and reliable diagnosis.

[0041] according to Figure 2As shown, test tube racks 50a and 50b move from right to left along the injection track 12 under the action of the injection component 10. Loading area 16 and unloading area 18 are respectively set at the left and right ends of the injection track 12. Test tube racks 50a and 50b, containing test tubes 50a and 50b, are fed into the injection track 12 from the loading area 16 and move along the injection track 12 to the test tube mixing position C. After the mixing component grabs test tubes 50a and 50b at the test tube mixing position C, the test tube racks 50a and 50b continue to move to the unloading area 18 and are sent out in the unloading area 18 to load the next batch of test tubes 50a and 50b. On the sample introduction track 12, before the test tube mixing position C, there are also test tube detection position A, label scanning position B, etc. The first sensor 32a and the second sensor 32b of the detection component 30 are set to test tube detection position A, and the barcode scanner 40 is set to label scanning position B. Test tubes 50a and 50b first pass through the detection component 30 for type identification, and then pass through the barcode scanner 40 for barcode identification. Only after confirming the test tube category and sample information do they reach the test tube mixing position CC.

[0042] Preferably, at test tube detection position A, the test tube detection component 30 first checks whether test tubes 50a and 50b are on the test tube racks 52a and 52b. If test tubes 50a and 50b are not present, subsequent operations are stopped; if test tubes 50a and 50b are present, the test tube type is further checked. At label scanning position B, the scanner 40 can also perform secondary identification of the test tube type by scanning the label. If the identification result of the scanner 40 is the same as that of the detection component 30, subsequent operations continue; if they are different, it indicates that there may be an identification error, incorrect label information, or mismatch between the test tube type and the test tube rack type, etc., and subsequent operations are stopped and the user is prompted to check. In this way, secondary identification can further ensure the accuracy of test tube type identification.

[0043] In some embodiments, the label scanning position B can be set before the test tube detection position A, that is, the barcode of the test tube is identified first and then the test tube rack type is identified, as long as both are before the test tube mixing position C. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the test tube detection position A and the label scanning position B can be set at the same position on the sample injection track 12, in which case the scanner 40 is arranged vertically with the first sensor 32a or the second sensor 32b.

[0044] When using the sample analyzer 100 of the present invention, ordinary test tubes 50a and micro-volume test tubes 50b containing blood samples are first placed on corresponding test tube racks 52a and 52b. The test tube racks 52a and 52b enter the sample injection track 12 from the loading area 16 and move toward the test tube mixing position C. When the first test tube rack 52a containing ordinary test tubes 50a passes the test tube detection position A, the sensors 32a and 32b generate a first signal, and the controller determines that it is an ordinary test tube 50a. After that, the first test tube rack 52a moves to the test tube mixing position C, the first mixing component mixes the ordinary test tubes 50a, and the sampling needle descends a large height to perform puncture sampling. When the second test tube rack 52b, which carries the micro-volume test tube 50b, passes the test tube detection position A, the sensors 32a and 32b generate a second signal, and the controller determines that it is the micro-volume test tube 50b. Then, the second test tube rack 52b moves to the test tube mixing position C, and the second mixing component mixes the micro-volume test tube 50b. The sampling needle descends a small height H2 to puncture and sample the mixed micro-volume test tube 50b.

[0045] In some embodiments, the sampling position of the sample analyzer of the present invention may be located inside the housing 20. In this case, after the test tubes 50a and 50b are identified and mixed, they are transferred to the sampling position by the gripper and / or transfer assembly for sampling. After the puncture sampling is completed, the test tubes 50a and 50b are returned to the test tube racks 52a and 52b by the gripper and / or transfer assembly. In some embodiments, the sampling position of the sample analyzer of the present invention may also be located outside the housing 20, such as on the sample inlet track 12. In this case, the mixed test tubes 50a and 50b can be returned to the test tube racks 52a and 52b by the gripper, etc. The test tube racks 52a and 52b move along the sample inlet track 12 until they are aligned with the sampling needle, and the sampling needle moves down to puncture and sample the test tubes 50a and 50b placed on the test tube racks 52a and 52b. After sampling, 50a and 50b are moved to the unloading platform 18 along with test tube racks 52a and 52b. If a retest is required, test tube racks 52a and 52b can be returned from the unloading platform 18 to the mixing position or any position before the mixing position along the sample injection track 12.

[0046] Figure 6-7The diagram illustrates another embodiment of the test tube detection assembly of the present invention. In this embodiment, the detection assembly 30 includes a first sensor 32a, a second sensor 32b, a first shielding member 34a, and a second shielding member 34b. The first shielding member 34a is disposed within a first hole 54a of the first test tube rack 52a, and the second shielding member 34b is disposed within a second hole 54b of the second test tube rack 52b. The heights of the first shielding member 34a and the second shielding member 34b are less than the depths of the holes 54a and 54b, respectively, and they do not protrude beyond the test tube racks 52a and 54b. A first light-transmitting hole 35a is formed at the upper end of the first shielding member 34a, and a second light-transmitting hole 35b is formed at the lower end of the second shielding member 34b. The first light-transmitting hole 35a and the second light-transmitting hole 35b have a certain height difference in the longitudinal direction. The first sensor 32a and the second sensor 32b are arranged vertically, with the first sensor 32a at the same height as the first light-transmitting hole 35a and the second sensor 32b at the same height as the second light-transmitting hole 35b.

[0047] When the first test tube rack 52a passes the location of the test tube detection component 30, the light from the first light emitter 36 passes through the first light-transmitting hole 35a at the upper end of the first shielding member 34a and reaches the first light receiver 37, while the signal of the first sensor 32a remains unchanged. The light from the second light emitter 38 is blocked by the lower end of the first shielding member 34a and cannot reach the second light receiver 39, causing a signal change in the second sensor 32b. When the second test tube rack 52b passes the location of the test tube detection component 30, the light from the first light emitter 36 is blocked by the upper end of the second shielding member 34b and cannot reach the first light receiver 37, causing a signal change in the first sensor 32a. The light from the second light emitter 38 passes through the second light-transmitting hole 35b of the second shielding member 34b and reaches the second light receiver 39, while the signal of the second sensor 32b remains unchanged. In this embodiment, different types of test tube racks 52a and 52b can generate different signals when passing through the detection component 30, thereby allowing the determination of the test tube type.

[0048] Figure 8-9The diagram illustrates another embodiment of the test tube detection assembly of the present invention. In this embodiment, the test tube detection assembly 30 includes a sensor 32c and a shielding member 34c positioned opposite the sensor 32c. The sensor 32c can be a reflective optical coupler, including a light emitter 321 and a light receiver 323 arranged vertically, with the light emitter 321 and light receiver 323 located on the same side of test tube racks 52a and 52b. The shielding member 34c is a prism, disposed within the second hole 54b of the second test tube rack 52b. The shielding member 34c has multiple reflective surfaces inside, including a first reflective surface 341 and a second reflective surface 343 as shown in the diagram. Light emitted from the light emitter 321 towards the shielding member 34c passes through the first reflective surface 341 and then is directed towards the second reflective surface 343, which reflects the light towards the light receiver 323. Preferably, the shielding member 34c is provided with an entrance hole 345 and an exit hole 347, which are arranged vertically, with the entrance hole 345 facing the light emitter 321 of the sensor 32c and the exit hole 347 facing the light receiver 323.

[0049] When the first test tube rack 52a passes the location of the test tube detection component 30, the light emitted by the light emitter 321 is not reflected on the ordinary test tube 50a, the light receiver 323 does not receive the light, and the sensor 32c generates a signal change. When the second test tube rack 52b passes the location of the test tube detection component 30, the light emitted by the light emitter 321 enters the shielding member 34c through the entrance hole 345, and after multiple reflections by the reflective surfaces 341 and 343, it exits through the exit hole 347 and finally reaches the light receiver 347, and the sensor 32c signal remains unchanged. In this embodiment, different types of test tube racks 52a and 52b can also generate different signals when passing through the detection component 30, thereby determining the test tube type. It should be understood that the shielding member 34c can also be set on the first test tube rack 52a. In this case, the test tube detection component 30 generates a signal change when the first test tube rack 52a passes by, but the signal of the test tube detection component 30 does not change when the second test tube rack 52b passes by, which can also distinguish the test tube type.

[0050] In other embodiments, the sensor can also be a Hall sensor, and the shielding element can be a magnet. When a test tube rack with a magnet passes the location of the Hall sensor, the Hall sensor generates a signal change due to the change in the magnetic field; when a test tube rack without a magnet passes the location of the Hall sensor, the Hall sensor signal does not change. In this way, the test tube detection component generates different signals for different test tube racks to identify the test tube type. In summary, the test tube detection component of the sample analyzer of the present invention, by setting a shielding element in the hole of one type of test tube rack, or setting different shielding elements in the holes of two types of test tube racks, allows the sensor to generate different signals when the two types of test tube racks pass through the test tube detection area, thereby determining the type of test tube rack and the type of test tube. The overall structure is simple and the identification is accurate. It can effectively avoid the occurrence of insufficient peripheral blood dosage due to subsequent incorrect mixing methods, and damage to the instrument due to incorrect descent height of the sampling needle, ensuring the smooth progress of sample testing.

[0051] like Figure 10 As shown, the present invention can also be a sample analysis system composed of multiple cascaded sample analyzers. The sample analysis system as a whole can only have one test tube detection component 30, that is, multiple sample analyzers 100 share one test tube detection component 30. After the test tube detection component 30 confirms the test tube type, the test tubes 50 are distributed to each sample analyzer 100 according to the test tube type and sample item information. The sample analyzer 100 can be a specific protein analyzer (e.g., capable of CRP or SAA detection), a blood cell analyzer, a coagulation analyzer, or an immunoassay analyzer, etc. The sample introduction tracks 12 of each sample analyzer 100 can be interconnected to form a transport path. The two ends of the transport path are respectively provided with a loading platform 16 and an unloading platform 18. The test tube detection component 30 is set close to the loading platform 16. The test tube rack 52 is sent into the transport path by the loading platform 16. After the test tube detection component 30 confirms the test tube type, it is sequentially transported to each sample analyzer 100 along the transport path for corresponding detection. After all the detections are completed, it is unloaded by the unloading platform 18. The delivery path can be formed by the injection track of the injection component shared by multiple sample analyzers, or by connecting the injection tracks of multiple injection components after splicing, or by forming an external track similar to a pipeline connected to the injection tracks of the individual injection components of the sample analyzers through a loading platform and an unloading platform.

[0052] The sample analysis system of the present invention can cascade a corresponding number of sample analyzers 100 as needed. All sample analyzers 100 share a single test tube detection component 30, meaning that only one confirmation of the test tube type is required to complete all subsequent tests. In addition, the sample injection paths 12 of multiple sample analyzers 100 are connected and share a loading platform 16 and an unloading platform 18. For the entire system, only one sample injection is required. Compared with setting up each sample analyzer 100 separately, this can effectively reduce the process and speed up the detection.

[0053] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Based on the inventive spirit of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make other changes, and these changes made in accordance with the inventive spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A test tube detection assembly, used in a sample analyzer, characterized in that, The device includes a first test tube rack, a second test tube rack, a shielding component, and a sensor that cooperates with the shielding component. The first test tube rack is provided with a plurality of first holes for placing a first type of test tube, and the second test tube rack is provided with a plurality of second holes for placing a second type of test tube. The sensor is disposed on the test tube detection position of the sample injection track of the sample analyzer. The shielding component is used to be placed in one of the first holes of the first test tube rack and / or one of the second holes of the second test tube rack. When the first test tube rack and / or the second test tube rack move along the sample injection track, the sensor generates different signals according to the different settings of the shielding component to determine whether it is the first test tube rack or the second test tube rack. The first type of test tube and the second type of test tube are identified by distinguishing between the first test tube rack and the second test tube rack. The test tube detection assembly also includes a barcode scanner, which is located at the label scanning position on the sample injection track of the sample analyzer. The barcode scanner is used to scan the labels of the test tubes on the first test tube rack and the second test tube rack to identify the type of test tube and compare the identification result with the detection result of the sensor.

2. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor includes a first optical coupler and a second optical coupler arranged vertically, with the shielding member positioned directly opposite the second optical coupler.

3. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first optical coupler is a through-beam optical coupler, comprising a first light emitter and a first light receiver located on opposite sides of the first / second test tube rack, or the first optical coupler is a reflective optical coupler, comprising a first light emitter and a first light receiver located on the same side of the first / second test tube rack; the second optical coupler is a through-beam optical coupler, comprising a second light emitter and a second light receiver located on opposite sides of the first / second test tube rack, or the second optical coupler is a reflective optical coupler, comprising a second light emitter and a second light receiver located on the same side of the first / second test tube rack.

4. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The shielding element is disposed in the second hole, and the first optical coupler is located longitudinally above the shielding element, the first test tube rack, and the second test tube rack.

5. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The shielding component includes a first shielding component disposed in the first hole and a second shielding component disposed in the second hole. The upper end of the first shielding component is provided with a first light-transmitting hole, and the lower end of the second shielding component is provided with a second light-transmitting hole. The first optical coupler is disposed opposite to the first light-transmitting hole, and the second optical coupler is disposed opposite to the second light-transmitting hole.

6. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor includes a light emitter and a light receiver arranged vertically; the shielding member is a prism disposed in the second aperture, the prism is provided with a reflective surface facing the sensor, and the reflective surface reflects the light from the light emitter toward the light receiver.

7. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The prism is provided with an entrance aperture and an exit aperture, with the entrance aperture facing the light emitter and the exit aperture facing the light receiver.

8. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The light emitter and light receiver are located on the same side of the first / second test tube rack, and the prism has at least two reflective surfaces.

9. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor is a Hall sensor, and the shielding element is a magnetic element disposed in the second hole.

10. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first type of test tube is a regular test tube for collecting venous blood, and the second type of test tube is a micro-volume test tube for collecting peripheral blood; during the sample injection process of the sample analyzer, the first test tube rack and the second test tube rack are simultaneously located on the injection track.

11. The test tube testing assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sample injection track is provided with a test tube detection position, a label identification position, and a sample mixing position in sequence; or, the sample injection track is provided with a label identification position, a test tube detection position, and a sample mixing position in sequence; or, the same position on the sample injection track is provided with a label identification position and a test tube detection position.

12. A sample analyzer, characterized in that, The device includes a sample introduction component, a mixing component, a sampling component, a controller, and a test tube detection component as described in any one of claims 1-11. The test tube detection component is connected to the mixing component via the controller. The mixing component includes a first mixing component and a second mixing component. The first mixing component and the second mixing component mix in different ways. The controller activates the first mixing component to perform a mixing operation based on the signal from the sensor when the first test tube rack moves along the sample introduction track. The controller also activates the second mixing component to perform a mixing operation based on the signal from the sensor when the second test tube rack moves along the sample introduction track.

13. The sample analyzer as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The test tube detection assembly is connected to the sampling assembly via the controller. When the first test tube rack moves along the sample inlet track, the controller controls the sampling needle of the sampling assembly to descend to a first height based on the signal from the sensor. When the second test tube rack moves along the sample inlet track, the controller controls the sampling needle of the sampling assembly to descend to a second height based on the signal from the sensor. The second height is different from the first height.

14. The sample analyzer as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The sampling needle moves above the injection track, and the first type / second type test tube, after being mixed by the mixing component, is punctured and sampled on the first test tube rack / second test tube rack. Alternatively, the sampling needle is located inside the sample analyzer, and the first / second type test tube, after being mixed by the mixing component, is transferred below the sampling needle for puncture sampling, and then returned to the first / second test tube rack.

15. A sample analysis system, characterized in that, The system includes at least two cascaded sample analyzers as described in any one of claims 12-14, wherein the sample introduction tracks of the at least two cascaded sample analyzers are interconnected to form a transport path, and a test tube rack loading platform and a test tube rack unloading platform are respectively provided at both ends of the transport path, wherein the at least two cascaded sample analyzers share the same test tube detection component, and the test tube detection component is located at the end of the transport path where the test tube rack loading platform is provided.

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