Container storage device, automatic analysis system, and sample container extraction method

Abstract

A container storage device (101), which is connected to an automatic analysis device via a transport path of a transport rack, is provided with: a storage warehouse (204) that stores sample containers; a container transfer mechanism (208) that exchanges the sample containers between the storage warehouse and the shelf (203); and a control unit that performs control such that a plurality of sample containers to be transported in a transport path in a direction from the container storage device toward the automatic analysis device can be transported, the sample containers being transported by the transport path in the transport path, the sample containers being provided with a plurality of container installation positions at which the sample containers are installed, and the sample containers being transported by the transport path in the transport path, after a plurality of sample containers to be transported in which samples for which measurement has been requested from the automatic analysis device can be transported. A carrying-out priority is determined for a plurality of sample containers to be carried out, and a sample container to be carried out having a higher carrying-out priority is mounted at a container installation position on a transport direction side of a transport path in a rack. As a result, the burden of a user on placing a sample is reduced, and the measurement efficiency of the automatic analyzer is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container storage device, an automatic analysis system and a sample container taking out method. Background Art

[0002] Usually, the sample is dispensed into a sample container, and a plurality of sample containers are placed on a transportable rack and placed in an automatic analyzer. If the sample container has an identification element such as a barcode, the automatic analyzer can automatically identify the sample contained in the sample container. Therefore, the user can place the sample container at any position on the rack.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an automatic analyzer that, when a calibrator or control substance required for measurement is not mounted on a turntable of the automatic analyzer, the user is instructed on an operation screen to locate the calibrator or control substance on the turntable or rack according to a predetermined priority order.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-080957 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] The container storage device is a device for storing samples, and is mainly composed of a storage unit and a transport unit. It has a storage function for storing sample containers containing samples, and an automatic transport function for taking out the stored samples and transporting them to an automatic analyzer. In accordance with a measurement request from the connected automatic analyzer, the container storage device automatically performs the following processing: the sample container containing the sample requested for measurement is transferred to a transport rack and then transported to the automatic analyzer.

[0009] Some samples require or recommend that they be measured in a predetermined order, and some samples require that a plurality of samples be measured continuously. If the sample containers transported from the container storage device to the automatic analyzer are loaded on the rack in an arbitrary order, and the identification elements of the sample containers transported by the rack are re-read in the automatic analyzer and rearranged according to the dispensing order of the automatic analyzer, the transport mechanism may become complicated, or the time required from the arrival of the rack at the automatic analyzer to the dispensing of the sample may be prolonged.

[0010] Therefore, when the samples are unloaded from the container storage device to the automatic analyzer, the samples are loaded on the racks in an order that does not reduce the measurement efficiency of the automatic analyzer, and the samples are simply dispensed in the order in which they are placed on the racks in the automatic analyzer. This can avoid reducing the measurement efficiency of the automatic analyzer and reducing the operating efficiency of the inspection room.

[0011] Patent Document 1 automatically specifies to the user the installation positions of the calibration and control materials in the turntable or rack, but according to the example of Patent Document 1, the installation positions of the calibration materials are determined in the order of the item numbers and in the order of the concentration from low to high, and the installation positions of the control materials are determined in the order of the item numbers. However, under such a standard, it is not sufficient from the perspective of the purpose of the container storage device to carry out the sample without reducing the measurement efficiency of the automatic analyzer. In addition, in Patent Document 1, the installation on the turntable and rack is performed by the user's manual operation.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] A method for solving the above-mentioned problems is a container storage device connected to an automatic analyzer via a transport path of a transport rack, the container storage device comprising: a storage room for storing sample containers containing samples to be measured by the automatic analyzer; a container transport mechanism for taking sample containers out of the storage room and putting them into the storage room, or for storing sample containers from the rack into the storage room; and a control unit for controlling the sample containers to be carried out from the storage room, the transport path transporting the rack in a direction from the container storage device toward the automatic analyzer, the rack having a plurality of container setting positions for setting the sample containers, the control unit performing control so that after a plurality of sample containers containing samples requested to be measured by the automatic analyzer can be carried out, a carry-out priority is determined for the plurality of sample containers to be carried out, and a sample container with a higher carry-out priority is placed at a container setting position on the transport direction side of the transport path in the rack.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] By transferring the sample containers to the rack in the order according to the unloading priority determined by the container storage device, the burden on the user to insert the sample is reduced and the measurement efficiency of the automatic analyzer is improved. The following description of the embodiment will make other issues, structures and effects clear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic analysis system including a container storage device.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the basic structure of a container storage device.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a flow chart of the container removal algorithm.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the frame.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an example of the data structure of the management database.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a flow chart of an algorithm for determining sample removal priority based on concentration information.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a sample delivery priority determination algorithm based on measurement item information.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an algorithm for determining the priority of sample removal based on the remaining quantity.

[0024] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart of an algorithm for determining the sample removal priority for each transport destination module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the automatic analysis system including the container storage device is shown. The container storage device 101 stores the sample to be measured by the automatic analysis device 103. The sample container containing the sample to be measured is placed on a rack and is carried into the automatic analysis system from the carrying path 105 of the container carrying in / out device 102. The carried rack is recognized by the container carrying in / out device 102 and is carried to the automatic analysis device (module) 103 through the carrying path 107. The rack carried to the container storage device 101 is carried via the carrying path 107 and the carrying path 108. In addition, when measuring the sample stored in the container storage device 101, the carrying path 107 and the carrying path 108 are also used to reciprocate the rack carrying the sample container containing the sample to be measured between the container storage device 101 and the automatic analysis device 103. The rack unloaded from the automatic analysis system is transported to the unloading path 106 of the container loading / unloading device 102 via the transport path 107 and the transport path 108, and unloaded out of the automatic analysis system. Figure 1 The numbers and arrangements shown as examples may include, for example, a plurality of automatic analysis devices (modules).

[0026] The container storage device 101, the container loading / unloading device 102, and the automatic analysis device 103 are controlled by a system control unit 104. The system control unit 104 includes a display unit that displays information to the user, a receiving unit that receives operations from the user, and a control unit that outputs control instructions corresponding to the operations from the user to the container storage device 101, the container loading / unloading device 102, or the automatic analysis device 103.

[0027] Figure 2 1 shows the basic structure of the container storage device 101. The container storage device 101 is combined with the transport paths of other devices constituting the automatic analysis system to form transport paths 107 and 108, thereby having transport paths 201 and 202 for carrying in or carrying out the rack 203 carrying the sample container. The transport paths 201 and 202 each transport the rack 203 in a predetermined direction. Here, the transport path 201 is set as a carrying path for carrying the rack 203 from the automatic analysis device 103 to the container storage device 101, and the transport path 202 is set as a carrying path for carrying the rack 203 out of the container storage device 101 to the automatic analysis device 103.

[0028] The container storage device 101 has a loading path 205 for loading a sample container from a storage 204 onto a rack 203. The loading path 205 also has a mechanism for transporting the rack 203. The rack 203 is moved between the transport paths 201 and 202 and the loading path 205 by a transport mechanism 206. The loading path 205 has an identification information reader 207 for reading identification information of the rack 203.

[0029] The container transport mechanism 208 stores the sample container from the rack 203 to the storage 204 or takes it out from the storage 204 to the rack 203 for the rack 203 that has arrived at the loading path 205. When the sample container is stored or taken out by the container transport mechanism 208, the identification information of the sample container is read by the identification information reading device 209 for reading the identification information of the sample container.

[0030] The storage room 204 has a plurality of container storage areas 210 for storing sample containers. The storage room 204 also includes a lid having an opening 211 and a shutter 212 having an opening and closing function, and keeps the state inside the storage room 204 constant.

[0031] The container storage device 101 includes a control unit 213, which receives a sample carry-out request from the automatic analysis system, selects a sample container to be taken out from the storage 204, and operates each mechanism to control the carrying out and carrying in of the sample container. The control unit 213 controls the operation of each mechanism of the container storage device 101. In addition, the control unit 213 does not need to be a control unit dedicated to the container storage device 101, and for example, the control unit 213 may be shared with the system control unit 104 of the automatic analysis system.

[0032] The sample container has an identification element having identification information for uniquely identifying the sample stored therein. For example, a barcode can be used as the identification element. The identification information of the identification element is sent to the control unit 213 to identify the sample container storing the sample for which the removal request has been received.

[0033] The storage 204 may be in a tray shape or a shelf shape. The container storage portion 210 provided in the storage 204 may be arranged in a circular shape relative to the storage, or may be arranged in a vertical and horizontal arrangement. In addition, the container may be directly provided in the container storage portion 210, or may be provided via a container cover or the like. The storage 204 includes a structure for maintaining the state of the sample stored in the sample container. Examples of the structure for maintaining the state include a cold storage unit and the like. In order to maintain these effects, a cover or the like may be installed in the storage 204.

[0034] In the container storage device 101 of the present embodiment, the sample containers are automatically transferred from the storage 204 to the racks 203 in descending order of sample carry-out priority, and the racks 203 are carried out to the automatic analyzer 103 . Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the container unloading algorithm implemented by the control unit 213.

[0035] Step 301 indicates waiting for the generation of a measurement request for the sample stored in the container storage device 101 from the automatic analysis system. If no measurement request is generated, the container storage device 101 waits in step 301. When the automatic analysis device 103 issues a measurement request for the sample stored in the container storage device 101, the container storage device 101 receives the measurement request through the control unit 213 (step 302). The control unit 213 obtains the measurement item information from the received measurement request (step 303), and then obtains the sample information that becomes the measurement object (step 304). Next, it is determined whether the rack carrying the sample container to be carried out can be unloaded from the container storage device 101, wherein the sample container to be carried out is a sample container that stores the sample requested for measurement (step 305). The judgment criterion is not particularly limited. For example, when the maximum number of sample containers that can be set in the rack is reached, or when a predetermined time has passed since the initial measurement request was received, it is determined that it can be unloaded.

[0036] If it is determined that the sample cannot be unloaded, the system again waits in the measurement request waiting state (step 301). On the other hand, if it is determined that the sample can be unloaded (including the case of waiting in the measurement request waiting state), the unloading priority is determined based on the measurement request item information and the measurement target sample information obtained for the sample to be measured (step 306). The sample container is taken out from the storage 204 according to the determined unloading priority order, and is loaded on the container installation position of the rack 203 by the container transport mechanism 208 (step 307). After the loading of the unloading target sample container on the rack 203 is completed, the rack 203 is immediately unloaded from the container storage device 101 (step 308).

[0037] Figure 4 The rack 203 is shown in outline. A notch 401 is provided at the right end of the rack 203 to indicate the direction of travel of the rack 203. That is, when the rack 203 is transported through the transport path, it is placed on the transport path in such a manner that the side where the notch 401 is located is located in the transport direction of the transport path. In addition, in this example, there are five container setting positions 402 to 406, but the number of container setting positions of the rack 203 is not limited. In addition, the shape of the notch 401 indicating the direction of travel of the rack 203 is not limited to Figure 4 The shape shown in the figure is not limited to a notch, and the conveying direction may be indicated by a mark or the like, for example.

[0038] The rack 203 is transported through the transport path, and at the dispensing position of the automatic analyzer 103, the sample contained in the sample container mounted on the rack 203 is sucked by the dispensing mechanism of the automatic analyzer 103. The transport path moves only in one direction, so Figure 4 In the case of the rack 203, the sample containers are placed at the container placement positions 402, 403, 404, 405, and 406, that is, in the reverse order of the conveying direction of the conveying path, to the dispensing position of the automatic analyzer 103, and the sample stored in the sample container is dispensed and measured. Therefore, the sample container containing the sample with a higher removal priority is placed at the container placement position on the conveying direction side of the conveying path, that is, the container placement position closer to the notch 401, so that the sample container is placed on the rack 203.

[0039] The number of sample containers that can be placed on one rack is the same as the number of container setting positions. However, if there is a limit on the number of racks that can be placed on each type of sample, the sample types that comply with the limit can be placed on a specified rack. For example, it can be limited to placing only calibrators or quality control samples (QC samples) on the same rack.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the priority of carrying out the samples stored in the container storage device 101 is determined based on the unique information of the samples. Figure 5 501 is an example of the data structure of the management database 500 maintained by the control unit 213. The sample information table 501 registers information of each sample stored in the storage 204. The sample number 502 is a number that identifies the sample container, and the sample ID 503 is an ID that uniquely identifies the sample. In the case where the sample is a calibrator or a QC specimen, a plurality of sample containers storing the same sample may be stored in the storage 204. In this case, a different sample number 502 is assigned to each sample container, but the sample ID 503 is the same. The measurement item number 504 is the measurement item number for which the measurement is requested for the sample. In addition to the above, the sample information table 501 also registers information such as the sample type 505, the concentration 506, the expiration date 507, the registration date and time 508, and the remaining amount 509. In addition, the measurement item number 504 of the sample information table 501 is associated with the measurement information table 510 through the item code 511. The measurement information table 510 contains information such as an item code 511 that uniquely identifies a measurement item, a measurement priority 512, a reaction time 513, a dilution count 514, and a transport destination 515. Regarding a sample, the information registered in the sample information table 501 and the measurement information table 510 associated with the sample information table 501 is sometimes referred to as sample-specific information.

[0041] In this embodiment, the control unit 213 determines the unloading priority for the sample for which the measurement request is received based on the sample-specific information registered in the management database, and automatically transfers the sample container containing the sample to be measured to the rack 203 in the determined unloading priority order. By comparing the sample number 502 registered in the sample-specific information with the identification information of the identification element possessed by the stored sample container, the sample container can be uniquely identified. Thus, the user can not only omit the steps of identifying the sample in the sample container, setting the sample container on the rack, and placing the rack in the automatic analyzer by himself, but also can load the sample container on the rack in the best order according to the sample-specific information, and can improve the measurement efficiency of the automatic analyzer.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Embodiment 1 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal based on sample category information. Sample category information is registered in sample category 505 of sample information table 501. In the case where measurement requests for different sample categories such as calibration products, QC specimens, and general specimens are generated at the same time, the removal priority is determined according to the priority order of the sample categories set in the automatic analysis system. For example, in the automatic analysis system, it is set to prioritize the measurement in the order of calibration products, precision management specimens, and general specimens. In the case where a measurement request is generated for samples of these sample categories, all calibration products for which the measurement request has been generated are first transferred to the rack, and then the QC specimens are transferred to the rack. Similarly, after all QC specimens are transferred to the rack, the general specimens are transferred to the rack. In addition, according to the setting of the automatic analysis system, if there is a restriction on the racks that can be transferred according to the sample category, the restriction is followed.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] Embodiment 2 is an example of determining the sample removal priority based on the sample concentration information. Among the samples measured by the automatic analyzer, there are samples with specified concentration values, such as QC samples. In the same automatic analyzer, when the samples on the same rack are measured continuously in the order of the concentration of the QC samples from high to low, if a phenomenon called carryover occurs in which the sample is mixed into the subsequent sample via the dispensing mechanism, the risk of the mixed sample affecting the measurement result increases. Embodiment 2 reduces such risks. Figure 6 A flowchart showing an algorithm for determining sample discharge priority based on concentration information.

[0046] First, obtain the transport destination of the sample to be measured (step 601). The transport destination information of the sample is registered in the transport destination 515 of the measurement information table 510 associated with the sample information table 501. In addition, this step can be omitted when the automatic analysis system has only one automatic analysis device (module). Next, obtain the concentration value of the sample from the concentration 506 of the sample information table 501 (step 602). For each transport destination, sort according to the order of the obtained concentration values ​​(step 603), and for each transport destination, determine the transport priority of the sample to be measured in order from the lowest to the highest concentration value (step 604). In this way, the influence of the sample carryover on the measurement result can be reduced, and the reliability of the measurement result can be improved.

[0047] Example 3

[0048] Embodiment 3 is an example of determining the sample removal priority based on the expiration date of the sample. Among the samples measured by the automatic analyzer, there are samples with set expiration dates, such as calibrators and QC specimens. The expiration date information of the sample is registered in the expiration date 507 of the sample information table 501. Therefore, the removal priority is determined by referring to the expiration date information from the sample information table 501 so that the samples with shorter expiration dates are used in the analysis in order. As a result, the samples with shorter expiration dates can be dispensed in the automatic analysis system, and the samples with expiration dates approaching expiration dates can be used effectively, which can improve the efficiency of the inspection room.

[0049] Example 4

[0050] Embodiment 4 is an example of determining the sample removal priority based on the sample registration date and time. Among the samples measured by the automatic analyzer, there are samples with the date and time registered in the container storage device 101. The sample registration date and time information is registered in the registration date and time 508 of the sample information table 501. Therefore, the sample information table 501 refers to the registration date and time information, and the removal priority is determined in such a way that the samples with earlier registration dates and times are used in the analysis in order. As a result, the samples with earlier registration dates and times can be dispensed in the automatic analysis system, and even if the same samples are stored in the container storage device 101, the samples registered earlier can be used effectively, and the operation efficiency of the inspection room can be improved.

[0051] Example 5

[0052] Embodiment 5 is an example of determining the sample carrying-out priority based on the measurement item information of the measurement request. Various information related to the measurement request is registered in the measurement information table 510 . Figure 7 A flowchart showing an algorithm for determining the sample delivery priority based on measurement item information.

[0053] First, the measurement priority is obtained from the measurement request information of the sample to be measured, and the obtained measurement priority is sorted in descending order (step 701). The measurement priority of the sample is registered in the measurement priority 512 of the measurement information table 510 associated with the sample information table 501. If there are no other samples with the same measurement priority ("No" in step 702), the removal priority is determined according to the measurement priority. On the other hand, if there are other samples with the same measurement priority ("Yes" in step 702), the samples with the same measurement priority are sorted in descending order of reaction time (step 703). The reaction time of the sample is registered in the reaction time 513 of the measurement information table 510 associated with the sample information table 501. If there are no other samples with the same reaction time ("No" in step 704), the removal priority is determined according to the measurement priority and the reaction time. On the other hand, if there are other samples with the same reaction time ("Yes" in step 704), the samples with the same measurement priority and the same reaction time are sorted in order of the number of dilutions from most to least (step 705). The number of dilutions of the sample is registered in the number of dilutions 514 of the measurement information table 510 associated with the sample information table 501. If there are no other samples with the same number of dilutions ("No" in step 706), the removal priority is determined according to the measurement priority, reaction time and number of dilutions. On the other hand, if there are other samples with the same number of dilutions ("Yes" in step 706), the samples with the same measurement priority, the same reaction time and the same number of dilutions are sorted in order of the item code (step 707), thereby determining the removal priority.

[0054] The measurement priority is determined, for example, according to the measurement priority order of the test items that are entrusted to be measured. Among the test items, there are items that need to be measured in priority over other test items. The sample container containing the sample entrusted with such a high-priority test item is identified as a sample to be carried out with high priority. Thus, the measurements can be carried out in sequence starting from the measurement with high priority. In addition, the measurement time of the measurement items with a long reaction time or a large number of dilutions is long. The sample container containing the sample entrusted with such a test item that takes a long measurement time is identified as a sample to be carried out with high priority. Thus, the measurements can be carried out in sequence starting from the measurement with a long measurement time.

[0055] As described above, the priority of the sample to be measured is determined based on the measurement item information of the sample to be measured. As a result, the user can unconsciously load the sample container on the rack corresponding to the setting of the test item, and can start the sample dispensing for the test item with high priority first. In addition, the dispensing can be started from the item with long measurement time among the entrusted test items, and the measurement can be completed in the shortest time as a whole, thereby improving the measurement efficiency of the automatic analysis system.

[0056] Example 6

[0057] Embodiment 6 is an example in which, referring to the measurement results of calibrators or QC samples related to the measurement items for which the emergency samples are entrusted, when these measurement results are invalid or the measurements have not been performed, the priority for carrying out such calibrators or QC samples is determined to be high.

[0058] Emergency specimens are specimens that are measured with a higher priority than other general specimens. When a measurement request for an emergency specimen is made, the measurement is performed by inserting the general specimens that have not been measured. At this time, if the calibration result of the test item for which the emergency specimen is requested is invalid or the measurement of the QC specimen of the test item has not been performed, the measurement of the emergency specimen may not be performed.

[0059] When receiving a measurement request for an emergency sample, the system control unit 104 checks the calibration and accuracy management status of the measurement request item, and generates a measurement request for the required calibrator or QC sample before the measurement request for the emergency sample as needed. In the container storage device 101, the priority of carrying out the calibrator or QC sample based on such a measurement request is determined to be high. Thus, by starting the calibration and accuracy management related to the measurement item entrusted with the emergency sample in advance, the waiting time until the measurement of the calibrator or QC sample is completed can be reduced, and the measurement of the sample with high urgency can be carried out in advance.

[0060] Example 7

[0061] Embodiment 7 is an example of determining the sample delivery priority based on the measurement item information related to the measurement request. In the case of a measurement request requiring continuous measurement of a plurality of samples, the sample delivery priority is determined based on the measurement order.

[0062] As an example of a measurement request that requires continuous measurement of a plurality of samples, there is real-time QC. In real-time QC, QC samples of different concentrations are continuously measured. In such a case, the carry-out priority is determined according to the order of the QC samples to be measured.

[0063] Thus, samples to be measured continuously are placed at the container installation positions on the rack in the measurement order. Thus, the user can place the sample container on the rack capable of performing measurements requiring a plurality of samples without being aware of the user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0064] Example 8

[0065] Example 8 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal when the remaining amount of samples is insufficient. Figure 8 A flowchart showing an algorithm for determining the sample delivery priority based on the remaining quantity.

[0066] The usage amount of the sample used in the measurement entrusted to the sample as the measurement object is compared with the remaining amount of the sample as the measurement object (step 801). The remaining amount of the sample is registered in the remaining amount 509 of the sample information table 501. If the remaining amount is more than the usage amount, the decision of the carry-out priority based on the remaining amount is not performed. On the other hand, if the remaining amount is less than the usage amount, it is searched whether the same sample is stored in the container storage device 101 (step 802). The sameness of the sample can be determined based on the sample ID 503 of the sample information table 501. If the same sample is not stored, it is set to insufficient remaining amount for the sample, and an alarm is displayed. In the case of storing the same sample, the carrying-out priority of the sample container storing the same sample stored is determined to be the next carrying-out priority of the sample container storing the sample with insufficient remaining amount (step 803). As a result, the unused sample as the measurement object is loaded at the container setting position next to the container setting position where the sample container storing the sample with insufficient remaining amount is set. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of the sample to be measured is insufficient during measurement, the same sample can be used from the sample container set at the next container setting position, so that the measurement efficiency of the automatic analysis system can be further improved.

[0067] In addition, an example is shown here in which the identity of the samples is determined by the sample ID in step 802 . However, in addition to the identity of the sample ID, the samples may be determined to be the same if the batch numbers of the samples are also the same.

[0068] Example 9

[0069] Embodiment 9 is an example of determining the carry-out priority in an automatic analysis system having a plurality of automatic analysis devices (modules). The carry-out priority of the sample is determined for each transport destination, and the sample containers containing the sample to be inspected are placed on different racks in the order of the carry-out priority for each transport destination. Fig. 9 A flowchart showing an algorithm for determining sample carry-out priority for each transport destination module. Although an example is shown here in which the automatic analysis system includes two automatic analysis devices, module A and module B, the number and type of transport destinations are not limited.

[0070] First, the transport destination information is obtained from the measurement request information of the sample to be measured (step 901). The transport destination information of the sample is registered in the transport destination 515 of the measurement information table 510 associated with the sample information table 501. The transport destination is allocated according to the acquired transport destination information (step 902). The sample transported to module A is subjected to the removal priority determination process (step 903). Similarly, the sample transported to module B is subjected to the removal priority determination process (step 904). It is determined whether the allocation of all samples to be measured is completed (step 905). If not completed, it returns to step 902. If completed, the removal priority determination process is terminated.

[0071] Thus, the samples loaded on the same rack can be collected for each transport destination. Thus, the destination of the rack can be limited, and in the process of unloading from the container storage device 101, analysis in the automatic analyzer 103, and loading into the container storage device 101, the time for which the samples unloaded from the container storage device 101 are exposed to room temperature can be reduced, and the quality of the samples can be maintained.

[0072] In addition, in Embodiment 9, an example of using a different rack for each transport destination is described, but one rack can also be used for multiple transport destinations. In this case, for example, when the transport destinations are modules A and B, in one rack used for transport, multiple sample containers to be transported to module A and multiple sample containers to be transported to module B need to be loaded on the rack in the order of transport priority, respectively, and on the other hand, the priority order between modules may not be set. That is, even if the rack is transported in the order of module A and module B, the sample container to be transported to module B may be loaded at a container setting position on the transport direction side of the transport path than the sample container to be transported to module A.

[0073] The present invention has been described above using embodiments. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments are examples described in detail in order to easily explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to having all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be added to the structure of other embodiments. In addition, with respect to a part of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0074] For example, in this embodiment, an example is described in which a container storage device is connected to one or more automatic analyzers (modules) via a transport path to form an automatic analysis system, but the container storage device can also be configured as a block of the automatic analyzer (module). In this case, the sample container is also taken out from the container storage device in the order of transport priority to the rack, and in the subsequent process, there is no need to distinguish the sample by the identification element attached to the sample container, and there is no need for the user to specify the automatic analyzer to identify the sample loaded on the rack. The automatic analyzer can efficiently perform the measurement by only dispensing in the order of loading on the rack in the automatic analyzer. In this case, the control unit of the container storage device or the automatic analyzer performs the control of the transport and removal of the sample container to the container storage device.

[0075] Description of Reference Numerals

[0076] 101···Container storage device, 102···Container carrying in / out device, 103···Automatic analyzer, 104···System control unit, 105···Carry-in path, 106···Carry-out path, 107,108···Transport path, 201,202···Transport path, 203···Shelf, 204···Storage, 205···Loading path, 206···Transport mechanism, 207···Identification information reading device, 208···Container transport mechanism, 209···Identification information reading device, 210···Container storage portion, 211···Opening, 212···Gate, 213 ···Control unit, 401···Notch, 402,403,404,405,406···Container setting position, 500···Management database, 501···Sample information table, 502···Sample number, 503···Sample ID, 504···Measurement item number, 505···Sample type, 506···Concentration, 507···Expiration date, 508···Registration date and time, 509···Remaining amount, 510···Measurement information table, 511···Item code, 512···Measurement priority, 513···Reaction time, 514···Number of dilutions, 515···Transportation destination.

Claims

1. A container storage device connected to an automatic analysis device via a transport path of a transport rack, characterized in that: The container storage device comprises: a storage room for storing sample containers containing samples to be measured by the automatic analyzer; a container transport mechanism for taking out the sample container from the storage to the rack, or storing the sample container from the rack to the storage; and a control unit for controlling the removal of the sample container from the storage, The transport path transports the rack in a direction from the container storage device toward the automatic analyzer. The rack includes a plurality of container placement positions for placing the sample containers. The control unit controls so that after a plurality of sample containers containing samples requested for measurement from the automatic analyzer can be carried out, a carrying-out priority is determined for the plurality of sample containers, and the sample containers with higher carrying-out priorities are loaded at the container setting positions on the transport direction side of the transport path in the rack.

2. The container storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit includes a management database in which unique information of the samples stored in the storage is registered, and the control unit determines the carry-out priority based on the unique information about the plurality of samples for which the measurement request is made. The unique information of the sample is information registered in a sample information table related to the sample and a measurement information table associated with the sample information table.

3. The container storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sample information table contains the type of the sample. The control unit determines the carry-out priority based on the type of the sample for which the measurement request is made.

4. The container storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The concentration of the sample is registered in the sample information table. The control unit determines the carry-out priority based on the concentration of the sample for which the measurement request is made.

5. The container storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sample information table contains the expiration date of the sample or the registration date and time registered in the container storage device. The control unit determines the carry-out priority based on the expiration date or the registration date and time of the sample for which the measurement request was made.

6. The container storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The measurement priority of the sample is registered in the measurement information table associated with the sample information table. The control unit determines the carry-out priority level based on the measurement priority level of the sample for which the measurement request is made.

7. The container storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The samples stored in the storage include calibration products or precision control specimens. When the measurement request is for an emergency specimen and the measurement of the calibration material or the precision management specimen related to the measurement item of the emergency specimen is invalid or the measurement has not been carried out, the control unit determines the carry-out priority of the calibration material used for calibration or the precision management specimen used for precision management related to the measurement item of the emergency specimen to be high.

8. The container storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the measurement request is a measurement item requiring continuous measurement of a plurality of samples, the control unit determines the carry-out priority according to the order of samples to be continuously measured.

9. The container storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The remaining amount of the sample is registered in the sample information table. When the remaining amount of the sample for which the measurement request has been made is insufficient and another sample container containing the same sample as the sample for which the measurement request has been made is stored in the storage, the control unit determines the carry-out priority of the other sample container to be the next priority level after the carry-out priority level of the sample container containing the insufficient remaining amount of the sample for which the measurement request has been made.

10. The container storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The container storage device is connected to a first automatic analysis device and a second automatic analysis device. The automatic analyzer to which the sample is to be transported is registered in the measurement information table associated with the sample information table. The control unit determines the carry-out priority so that a sample container storing the sample requested for measurement from the first automatic analyzer and a sample container storing the sample requested for measurement from the second automatic analyzer are placed on different racks.

11. An automatic analysis system comprising: Automatic analysis equipment; and a container storage device connected to the automatic analysis device via a transport path of a transport rack, It is characterized in that The container storage device comprises: a storage room for storing sample containers containing samples to be measured by the automatic analyzer; a container transport mechanism for taking out the sample container from the storage to the rack, or storing the sample container from the rack to the storage; and a control unit for controlling the removal of the sample container from the storage, The transport path transports the rack in a direction from the container storage device toward the automatic analyzer. The rack includes a plurality of container placement positions for placing the sample containers. The control unit of the container storage device controls so that after a plurality of sample containers for carrying out are able to be carried out and contain samples for which measurement requests have been made by the automatic analyzer, a carrying out priority is determined for the plurality of sample containers for carrying out, and the sample containers for carrying out having higher carrying out priority are placed at the container setting position on the carrying direction side of the carrying path in the rack, The automatic analyzer dispenses the samples stored in the sample containers installed in the plurality of container installation positions of the rack in descending order of the carry-out priorities.

12. The automatic analysis system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The control unit of the container storage device includes a management database in which unique information of the samples stored in the storage is registered, and the control unit of the container storage device determines the carry-out priority based on the unique information related to the plurality of samples for which the measurement request is made. The unique information of the sample is information registered in a sample information table related to the sample and a measurement information table associated with the sample information table.

13. A method for taking out a sample container from a container storage device, characterized in that: The container storage device comprises: a storage room for storing sample containers containing samples to be measured by the automatic analyzer; and a container transport mechanism for taking the sample container out of the storage room and placing it on a rack, or for storing the sample container from the rack into the storage room, wherein the rack has a plurality of container placement positions for placing the sample container, After a plurality of sample containers to be carried out containing samples requested to be measured by the automatic analyzer can be carried out, a carrying out priority is determined for the plurality of sample containers to be carried out; The container installation position of the rack carrying the sample container to be carried out is determined based on the carry-out priority.

14. The sample container taking-out method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The automatic analyzer or the container storage device includes a control unit that controls the sample container to be carried out from the storage. The control unit includes a management database in which unique information of the samples stored in the storage is registered, and the control unit determines the carry-out priority based on the unique information about the plurality of samples for which the measurement request is made. The unique information of the sample is information registered in a sample information table related to the sample and a measurement information table associated with the sample information table.

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