Drug sensitive test sample separation equipment and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a drug sensitive test sample separation device and a control method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of microbiological detection.A turbidity measurement module and a liquid relief module are integrated into the same automatic device, the turbidity measurement module is used for measuring the turbidity of a sample in a sample container, and the liquid relief module is used for transferring liquid to the sample container; the pipetting module is used for preparing a diluent for diluting a sample in a dilution container of a dilution station; then, the pipetting module is used for preparing a liquid medicine-containing culture solution in the culture container of the culture station, finally, the diluted sample in the dilution container is added into the liquid medicine-containing culture solution to prepare a culture sample, and the culture sample can be directly used for a drug sensitivity test; therefore, by adopting the sample separation equipment for the drug sensitive test, the culture sample required by the drug sensitive test can be prepared by the same automatic equipment, the automation degree is relatively high, and the pollution problem occurring in the storage and transfer processes of a bacterial liquid sample and a culture solution can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microbial detection technology, and in particular to a sample separation device for drug susceptibility testing and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is an in vitro test to determine the antibacterial or bactericidal ability of a drug. It requires preparing bacterial suspension samples and a culture medium containing the drug. The bacterial suspension sample is then quantitatively injected into the culture medium to form a culture sample, and the bacterial growth in the culture sample is observed to determine the bacteria's sensitivity to the drug. Currently, the preparation of bacterial suspension samples and drug-containing culture media are done using separate equipment, and another device is needed to inject the bacterial suspension sample into the culture medium. Existing technologies have low levels of automation and also present contamination problems during the storage and transfer of bacterial suspension samples and culture media. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a sample preparation device for drug susceptibility testing and its control method. The same automated device can prepare the culture samples required for drug susceptibility testing, with a high degree of automation, and can avoid contamination problems that occur during the storage and transfer of bacterial samples and culture media.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sample dispensing device for drug susceptibility testing includes: Turbidity measurement module; The sample workstation is equipped with sample containers; Sampling station; The dilution station is equipped with dilution containers. The cultivation station is equipped with cultivation containers; The pharmaceutical workstation is equipped with pharmaceutical containers; The transfer module transfers the sample container from the sample station to the turbidity measurement module for turbidity measurement, and then transfers the sample container back to the sampling station. The pipetting module moves between the sampling station, the dilution station, the culture station, and the reagent station, and performs pipetting on the sample container, the dilution container, the culture container, and the reagent container in the sampling station.

[0005] The drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: It integrates a turbidity measurement module and a pipetting module into a single automated device. The turbidity measurement module measures the turbidity of the sample in the sample container, and the pipetting module prepares a diluent for diluting the sample in a dilution container at the dilution station. Then, the pipetting module prepares a culture medium containing the drug solution in a culture container at the culture station. Finally, the diluted sample in the dilution container is added to the culture medium containing the drug solution to prepare a culture sample, which can be directly used for drug susceptibility testing. Therefore, using the drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device of the present invention, the culture samples required for drug susceptibility testing can be prepared by the same automated device, resulting in a high degree of automation and avoiding contamination problems during the storage and transfer of bacterial samples and culture media.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the turbidity measurement module includes: The detection component is provided with a sample channel for placing the sample container, and the detection component measures the turbidity of the sample in the sample container; An ultrasonic component is disposed around the sample channel and is used to ultrasonically disperse the sample.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic component abuts against the bottom of the sample container, and the turbidimetric module further includes: Mobile components; A clamping assembly is connected to the moving assembly, which drives the clamping assembly to move above the sample channel. The clamping assembly moves in the vertical direction to clamp or loosen the top of the sample container.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sampling station is provided with a clamping mechanism for clamping the sample container, the top of the sample container is provided with a detachable first top cover, and the transfer module is provided with a translation component, a lifting component, a rotating component and a clamping component. The translation component drives the lifting component to translate, the lifting component drives the rotating component to lift, and the rotating component drives the clamping component to rotate. The transfer module includes a first cap-removal mode, which operates according to the following actions: The translation component and the lifting component drive the clamping component to move to the first top cover; The clamping assembly clamps the first top cover, and the rotating assembly drives the clamping assembly to rotate to remove or install the first top cover; The translation component and the lifting component move the clamping component away from the sample container.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the top of the culture container is provided with a removable second top cover, and the culture container is fixed to the culture station; The transfer module includes a second cap removal mode, which operates according to the following actions: The translation component and the lifting component drive the clamping component to move to the second top cover; The clamping assembly clamps the second top cover, and the rotating assembly drives the clamping assembly to rotate to remove or install the second top cover; The translation component and the lifting component move the clamping component away from the culture container.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transfer module transfers the dilution container from the dilution station to the turbidity measurement module for turbidity measurement and then transfers the dilution container back to the dilution station.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drug susceptibility testing sample separation device further includes: The controller is configured as follows: The turbidity measurement module is controlled to measure the turbidity of the sample in the sample container to obtain the actual turbidity of the sample; The pipetting module is controlled to prepare a diluent in the dilution container, and the actual volume of the diluent is obtained. Obtain the target turbidity of the sample for drug sensitivity testing, and calculate the target volume of the sample based on the actual volume, the actual turbidity, and the target turbidity; The pipetting module is controlled to aspirate the sample according to the target volume and inject the diluent to prepare a diluted sample; The pipetting module is controlled to prepare culture medium in the culture container, and the pipetting module is controlled to inject the drug solution from the drug container into the culture medium; The pipetting module is controlled to inject the diluted sample into the culture medium to prepare a culture sample.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control method for a drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device is applied to a drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device, the drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device including a turbidity measurement module and a pipetting module, the control method comprising: The turbidity measurement module is controlled to measure the turbidity of the sample and obtain the actual turbidity of the sample. The pipetting module is controlled to prepare a diluent, and the actual volume of the diluent is obtained. Obtain the target turbidity of the sample for drug sensitivity testing, and calculate the target volume of the sample based on the actual volume, the actual turbidity, and the target turbidity; The pipetting module is controlled to aspirate the sample according to the target volume and inject the diluent to prepare a diluted sample; The pipetting module is controlled to prepare the culture medium, and the pipetting module is controlled to inject the drug solution into the culture medium; The pipetting module is controlled to inject the diluted sample into the culture medium to prepare a culture sample.

[0013] The control method for the sample separation device for drug susceptibility testing according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The turbidity measurement module and the pipetting module are integrated into a single automated device. The turbidity measurement module measures the turbidity of the sample, and the pipetting module prepares a diluent for diluting the sample. Based on the actual turbidity of the sample, the actual volume of the diluent, and the target turbidity of the diluted sample, the target volume of sample to be added to the diluent is calculated. The target volume of sample is then injected into the diluent to obtain a diluted sample that meets the requirements of the drug susceptibility test. Subsequently, the pipetting module prepares a culture medium containing the drug solution. Finally, the diluted sample is added to the culture medium containing the drug solution to prepare a culture sample, which can be directly used for drug susceptibility testing. Therefore, using the sample separation device for drug susceptibility testing according to embodiments of the present invention, the culture sample required for drug susceptibility testing can be prepared by the same automated device, resulting in a high degree of automation and avoiding contamination problems during the storage and transfer of bacterial samples and culture medium.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: The turbidity measurement module is controlled to measure the turbidity of the diluted sample and obtain the dilution turbidity of the diluted sample. Calculate the difference between the diluted turbidity and the target turbidity, and determine whether the absolute value of the difference is less than a threshold. When the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold, the diluted sample is determined to meet the requirements of the drug sensitivity test.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, calculating the target volume of the sample based on the actual volume, the actual turbidity, and the target turbidity includes: The target volume is calculated using the following formula: M1×L1=(L2+L1)×M2; Wherein, M1 is the actual turbidity, L1 is the target volume, L2 is the actual volume, and M2 is the target turbidity. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample separation device for drug sensitivity testing according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a drug susceptibility testing sample separation device control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating how a diluted sample meets the requirements for drug susceptibility testing, as described in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the calculation of the target volume in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Reference numerals: Sample container 10, turbidity measurement module 100, detection component 110, sample channel 111, ultrasonic component 120, moving component 130, clamping component 140, pipetting module 200, transfer module 300, translation component 310, lifting component 320, rotating component 330, clamping component 340, sample station 400, sample container 410, first top cover 411, sampling station 500, dilution station 600, dilution container 610, culture station 700, culture container 710, second top cover 711, reagent station 800, reagent container 810. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms front, back, up, down, axial, circumferential, etc., 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, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, "multiple" means two or more; "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a sample separation device for drug susceptibility testing. The sample separation device for drug susceptibility testing includes a turbidity measurement module 100, a pipetting module 200, a transfer module 300, a sample station 400, a sampling station 500, a dilution station 600, a culture station 700, a reagent station 800, and a controller.

[0024] Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is a laboratory method for detecting the susceptibility of pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi) to antimicrobial agents. It guides clinical practice in the precise selection of effective drugs and avoids antibiotic overuse. Its core principle is to determine the inhibitory or bactericidal effect of drugs on pathogens by observing the growth of microorganisms under the influence of different drugs. One method of antimicrobial susceptibility testing is the dilution method.

[0025] Dilution-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing can be used to quantitatively test the in vitro activity of antimicrobial drugs against a specific bacterium. It is divided into agar dilution and broth dilution methods. During the experiment, the concentration of the antimicrobial drug is usually serially diluted. The lowest drug concentration that inhibits the visible growth of the test bacteria is called the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The test concentration range for a specific antimicrobial drug should include concentrations that can detect the interpretive breakpoints (susceptible, intermediate, and resistant) of the bacteria, and should also include the MIC of the quality control reference strain.

[0026] Therefore, the dilution method for drug susceptibility testing requires diluting the bacterial culture sample, preparing a culture medium for culturing bacteria, and adding the diluted bacterial culture and the drug for drug susceptibility testing to the culture medium to test for specific antimicrobial drugs.

[0027] The turbidity module 100 is a device used to determine the bacterial concentration in a suspension of a bacterial strain to be tested. After the sample is placed in the turbidity module 100, the built-in light source of the turbidity module 100 emits a beam of light, usually a beam of a specific wavelength, which penetrates the sample to be tested. The bacteria and other suspended particles in the sample will scatter the incident light. Generally, the intensity of the scattered light at a 90-degree angle is closely related to the particle concentration (including bacteria) in the water. The scattered light is captured by the photodetector and converted into an electrical signal. The electronic system inside the instrument amplifies and processes the received electrical signal and calculates the turbidity value according to a preset algorithm. Although the McLaurel turbidimeter was not originally designed specifically for bacteria, its principle can reflect all particles in the water that cause scattering, so it can also indirectly assess the bacterial concentration. In order to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the measurement results, the McLaurel bacterial turbidimeter is usually calibrated with a standard turbidity solution and the measurement results are converted into McLaurel units or other turbidity units.

[0028] The turbidity measurement module 100 includes a detection component 110, an ultrasonic component 120, a moving component 130, and a pressing component 140.

[0029] The detection assembly 110 includes a main body, a light source, a transmission detection unit, a scattering detection unit, and a temperature detection unit. The main body serves as the primary load-bearing structure, housing functional modules such as the light source, transmission detection unit, scattering detection unit, and temperature detection unit, and providing various channels for light and samples to pass through. The light source provides the detection light source, while the transmission and scattering detection units work individually or in combination to achieve various detection functions. The temperature detection unit detects the sample temperature.

[0030] Specifically, the main body can be a cubic structure as shown in the figure, with some or all of its surfaces used to connect different components. This allows for the separate installation of each functional component and improves the overall integration, making the structure of the detection assembly 110 more compact. For example, the light source, transmission detection, scattering detection, and temperature detection components are respectively installed on the rear, front, right, and left sides of the main body. It is understood that the main body can also be a cylinder or other shapes.

[0031] The main body has a sample channel 111, a light source channel, a transmitted light channel, and a scattered light channel. The sample channel 111 is used to hold the sample to be tested. Specifically, the sample to be tested is usually held in a sample container such as a test tube. Therefore, the shape of the sample channel 111 can be designed as a cylindrical channel suitable for inserting a test tube. The light source channel is connected to the sample channel 111, and the light emitted from the light source can illuminate the sample to be tested in the sample channel 111 through the light source channel. The transmitted light channel and the scattered light channel are both connected to the sample channel 111. After illuminating the sample to be tested, the light transmitted and scattered from the sample to be tested can be received by the transmission detection unit and the scattering detection unit through the transmitted light channel and the scattering light channel, respectively, to realize the detection function. It should be noted that when the aforementioned functional components are respectively installed on different sides of the main body, each channel corresponding to the functional component extends to the corresponding side of the main body.

[0032] The light source unit is used to form the light source for detection, the transmission detection unit is used to receive and detect the transmitted light emitted from the transmission light exit channel 140, and the scattering detection unit is used to receive and detect the scattered light emitted from the scattering light exit channel 150. The light emission device of the light source unit, the detection device of the transmission detection unit and the scattering detection unit can all adopt known technologies.

[0033] The ultrasonic component 120 is disposed below the detection component 110. The ultrasonic component 120 is used to generate ultrasonic waves and is equipped with a transducer. The sample channel 111 of the main body of the detection component 110 extends downward and the transducer extends into the sample channel 111 from below. The bottom of the sample container 410 placed in the sample channel 111 abuts against the transducer so that the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic component 120 can be released into the sample container 410.

[0034] The moving component 130 is located in the Y-axis direction of the detection component 110. The moving component 130 is connected to the pressing component 140. The moving component 130 drives the pressing component 140 to move along the Y-axis so that the pressing component 140 can move above the detection component 110 or offset from the detection component 110 in the Y-axis direction. The pressing component 140 moves along the Z-axis direction to approach or move away from the detection component 110.

[0035] When measuring the turbidity of the sample in sample container 410, the moving component 130 moves the pressing component 140 above the detection component 110. The pressing component 140 moves downward and presses the top of the sample container 410 in the detection component 110, while the transducer of the ultrasonic component 120 abuts against the bottom of the sample container 410. The outer wall of the sample container 410 is confined in the sample channel 111 of the detection component, thus fixing the position of the sample container 410. Then, the ultrasonic component 120 is used to ultrasonically disperse the sample in the sample container 410. Finally, the turbidity of the sample in the sample container 410 is measured using the detection component 110.

[0036] After the turbidity of the sample in the sample container 410 is measured, the clamping component 140 moves upward and disengages from the top of the sample container 410. The moving component 130 drives the clamping component 140 to move so that the clamping component 140 and the detection component 110 are offset in the Y-axis direction, so that the clamping component 140 can avoid the pipetting module 200, and the pipetting module 200 can move above the sample container 410 of the detection component 110 and pick up the sample in the sample container 410.

[0037] The top of the sample container 410 in the detection component 110 is pressed by the moving component 130 and the pressing component 140 to prevent the sample container 410 from being displaced by the ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic component 120, and to prevent the turbidity measurement of the detection component 110 from being deviated due to the sample container 410 being misaligned.

[0038] Using the ultrasonic component 120 to disperse the sample by ultrasound helps improve the accuracy of the turbidity measurement. Subsequently, the diluted bacterial solution sample is used for drug sensitivity testing, which improves the accuracy of the drug sensitivity test.

[0039] The pipetting module 200 is based on precise and automated liquid control technology. It uses its equipped pipettes or tips to aspirate and dissipate liquids through negative or positive pressure. According to preset parameters, it controls the pipetting parameters, such as aspirate volume, dissipate volume, and aspirate speed, to precisely control the transfer of liquids.

[0040] The pipetting module 200 includes a first X-axis moving component, a first Y-axis moving component, a first Z-axis moving component, a pipetting component, a pipetting tip pick-up and drop component, a pipetting tip placement tray, and a pipetting tip disposal tray.

[0041] The first X-axis moving component is connected to the first Y-axis moving component, the first Y-axis moving component is connected to the first Z-axis moving component, the first Z-axis moving component is connected to the pipetting component, the pipetting component is connected to the aspiration head gripping component, and the aspiration head placement tray and the aspiration head disposal tray are distributed at intervals. The aspiration head placement tray is used to place multiple aspiration heads to be used, and the aspiration head disposal tray is used to discard used aspiration heads.

[0042] The first X-axis moving component drives the first Y-axis moving component to move along the X-axis direction, the first Y-axis moving component drives the first Z-axis moving component to move along the Y-axis direction, and the first Z-axis moving component drives the pipetting component to move along the Z-axis direction. Thus, the first X-axis moving component and the first Y-axis moving component enable the pipetting head picking and placing component to move above the pipetting head placement tray or the pipetting head disposal tray. The first Z-axis moving component drives the pipetting component to move downward, enabling the pipetting head picking and placing component to pick up the pipetting head from the pipetting head placement tray or to discard the pipetting head at the pipetting head disposal tray.

[0043] Furthermore, the first X-axis moving assembly and the first Y-axis moving assembly enable the pipetting assembly to move above the sampling station 500, the dilution station 600, the culture station 700, and the reagent station 800.

[0044] The transfer module 300 is used to transfer the sample container 410 between the sample station 400, the turbidity measurement module 100 and the sampling station 500. The transfer module 300 is also used to transfer the dilution container 610 between the dilution station 600 and the turbidity measurement module 100.

[0045] The transfer module 300 includes a second X-axis moving component, a second Y-axis moving component, and a second Z-axis moving component. The second X-axis moving component is connected to the second Y-axis moving component, and the second Y-axis moving component is connected to the second Z-axis moving component. The second X-axis moving component and the second Y-axis moving component form a translation component 310, and the second Z-axis moving component is a lifting component 320. The transfer module 300 also includes a rotation component 330 and a clamping component 340. The second Z-axis moving component is connected to the rotation component 330, and the rotation component 330 is connected to the clamping component 340.

[0046] The second X-axis moving component drives the second Y-axis moving component to move along the X-axis direction, the second Y-axis moving component drives the second Z-axis moving component to move along the Y-axis direction, the second Z-axis moving component drives the rotating component 330 to move along the Z-axis direction, and the rotating component 330 drives the clamping component 340 to rotate around an axis extending along the Z-axis direction. The clamping component 340 is provided with a driving part and multiple clamping parts. The driving part drives the multiple clamping parts to move closer to each other or further away from each other, so that the multiple clamping parts can clamp the sample container 410 or the culture container 710.

[0047] Furthermore, the second X-axis moving component and the second Y-axis moving component enable the clamping component 340 to move above the sample station 400, above the sample channel 111 of the turbidimetric module 100, above the sampling station 500, and above the culture station 700.

[0048] Multiple sample containers 410 are placed in the sample station 400. Each sample container 410 stores bacterial suspension samples for drug susceptibility testing. The sample station 400 is equipped with a sample rack on which the multiple sample containers 410 are removably and placeably, thus fixing their positions within the sample station 400. This ensures that the transfer module 300 can accurately retrieve and place any one of the sample containers 410 from the sample station 400. In some embodiments, the bacterial suspension samples in the multiple sample containers 410 can be of different types to allow for the separation of multiple types of bacterial suspension samples for drug susceptibility testing.

[0049] The sampling station 500 is equipped with a sampling rack. The transfer module 300 can place the sample container 410 on the sampling rack or the transfer module 300 can pick up the sample container 410 on the sampling rack. The pipetting module 200 can move above the sampling rack so that the pipetting module 200 can draw samples from the sample container 410 in the sampling station 500.

[0050] In this embodiment, the top of the sample container 410 is provided with a detachable first top cover 411, the outer side wall of the top of the sample container 410 is provided with a first external thread, the bottom of the first top cover 411 is provided with a first internal thread, and the first internal thread of the first top cover 411 is connected to the first external thread of the sample container 410.

[0051] A first top cover 411 that can be detached and installed is provided in the sample container 410. The first top cover 411 is used to seal the sample container 410 storing the bacterial liquid sample to prevent the bacterial liquid sample from being contaminated.

[0052] In this embodiment, the sampling placement rack is equipped with a clamping mechanism that clamps or releases the sample container 410. After the clamping mechanism clamps the sample container 410, the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 can clamp the first top cover 411. The rotating component 330 drives the clamping component 340 to rotate, and the second Z-axis drives the clamping component 340 to move along the Z-axis, so that the clamping component 340 can remove or install the first top cover 411.

[0053] The dilution station 600 is equipped with a dilution rack, which has multiple dilution containers 610. The pipetting module 200 can be moved above the dilution rack so that the pipetting module 200 can release liquid into any one of the dilution containers 610 or can draw liquid from any one of the dilution containers 610.

[0054] The culture station 700 is equipped with a culture placement rack, on which multiple culture containers 710 are fixedly mounted, so that the culture containers 710 are relatively fixed to the culture placement rack. The pipetting module 200 can be moved above the culture placement rack so that the pipetting module 200 can release liquid into any culture container 710 or can draw liquid from any culture container 710.

[0055] The culture container 710 is provided with a removable second top cover 711. The outer side wall of the top of the culture container 710 is provided with a second external thread, and the bottom of the second top cover 711 is provided with a second internal thread. The second internal thread of the second top cover 711 is connected to the second external thread of the culture container 710.

[0056] In this embodiment, the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 can clamp the second top cover 711. The rotating component 330 drives the clamping component 340 to rotate, and the second Z-axis moving component drives the clamping component 340 to move along the Z-axis, so that the clamping component 340 can disassemble or install the second top cover 711.

[0057] A second top cover 711 that can be detached and installed is provided in the culture container 710. The second top cover 711 is used to seal the culture container 710 storing the culture sample to prevent the culture sample from being contaminated.

[0058] The pharmaceutical station 800 is equipped with a pharmaceutical placement rack, which is used to place pharmaceutical containers 810 and culture additive containers that need to be tested for drug sensitivity, so that the pipetting module 200 can draw liquid from any pharmaceutical container 810 or culture additive container.

[0059] The drug sensitivity testing sample distribution equipment is also equipped with a diluent bottle for placing the diluent. The pipetting module 200 can be moved above the diluent bottle so that the pipetting module 200 can draw up the diluent.

[0060] The controller is electrically connected to the turbidity measurement module 100, the pipetting module 200, and the transfer module 300. The controller is used to control the operation of the turbidity measurement module 100, the pipetting module 200, and the transfer module 300.

[0061] The controller controls the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 to move above the sample station 400. The clamping component 340 clamps a sample container 410 in the sample station 400. The clamping component 340 moves the sample container 410 to the sample channel 111 of the turbidimetric module 100. The transfer module 300 moves the clamping component 340 so that the clamping component 340 and the turbidimetric module 100 are offset in the X-axis direction.

[0062] The controller controls the moving component 130 of the turbidity measurement module 100 to move the pressing component 140 to the top of the detection component 110. The pressing component 140 moves downward and presses the top of the sample container 410 in the detection component 110, while the transducer of the ultrasonic component 120 abuts against the bottom of the sample container 410. The outer wall of the sample container 410 is limited in the sample channel 111 of the detection component, so that the position of the sample container 410 is fixed. Then, the ultrasonic component 120 is used to ultrasonically disperse the sample in the sample container 410.

[0063] The controller controls the detection component 110 of the turbidity measurement module 100 to measure the turbidity of the sample in the sample container 410, thereby obtaining the actual turbidity of the sample in the sample container 410.

[0064] After the controller controls the turbidity measurement module 100 to measure the turbidity of the sample in the sample container 410, the clamping component 140 moves upward and disengages from the top of the sample container 410. The moving component 130 drives the clamping component 140 to move so that the clamping component 140 and the detection component 110 are offset in the Y-axis direction.

[0065] The controller controls the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 to clamp the sample container 410 in the turbidity measurement module 100 and transfer it to the sampling placement rack of the sampling station 500. The controller controls the clamping mechanism of the sampling placement rack to clamp the sample container 410.

[0066] The controller controls the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 to remove the first top cover 411 of the sample container 410 in the sampling station 500, and the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 carries the first top cover 411 away from the sampling station 500.

[0067] During the above process, the controller also controls the pipetting module 200 to prepare the diluent.

[0068] The pipetting assembly of the pipetting module 200 moves above the pipetting tip placement tray. The pipetting tip pick-up and drop component of the pipetting assembly picks up the pipetting tip from the pipetting tip placement tray. The pipetting assembly moves above the diluent bottle. After the pipetting assembly draws diluent from the diluent bottle, it moves to the dilution station 600. The pipetting assembly uses the pipetting tip to transfer the diluent to the dilution container 610 in the dilution station 600, precisely controlling the volume of diluent released into the dilution container 610, completing the preparation of the diluent, and obtaining the actual volume of the diluent in the dilution container 610.

[0069] The pipetting assembly moves above the tip disposal tray and discards the tip onto the tip disposal tray. The pipetting assembly of the pipetting module 200 moves above the tip placement tray and the tip pick-up and drop assembly of the pipetting assembly picks up the tip from the tip placement tray.

[0070] Thus, based on the above process, the controller obtains the actual volume of the diluent in the dilution container 610 in the dilution station 600 and the actual turbidity of the sample in the sample container 410 in the sampling station 500.

[0071] Before preparing diluted samples, the target turbidity to be prepared needs to be set to the controller, which is the target turbidity of the diluted sample for the drug sensitivity test.

[0072] After the controller obtains the target turbidity, it calculates the target volume of the sample based on the actual volume, actual turbidity and target turbidity. The target volume is the volume of sample that the pipetting module 200 needs to draw from the sample container 410 of the sampling station 500.

[0073] The target volume is calculated using the following formula: M1×L1=(L2+L1)×M2; Where M1 is the actual turbidity, L1 is the target volume, L2 is the actual volume, and M2 is the target turbidity.

[0074] After calculating the target volume, the controller controls the pipetting component of the pipetting module 200 to move to the sample container 410 of the sampling station 500. The pipetting component uses the aspiration tip to draw the target volume of sample from the sample container 410. The aspiration tip of the pipetting component carries the sample away from the sampling station 500. The pipetting component moves to the dilution container 610 of the dilution station 600. The pipetting component uses the aspiration tip to inject the sample into the diluent in the dilution container 610 to prepare a diluted sample.

[0075] After the pipetting assembly leaves the sampling station 500, the controller controls the clamping assembly 340 of the transfer module 300 to move the first top cover 411 to the sampling station 500. The clamping assembly 340 of the transfer module 300 then reinstalls the first top cover 411 onto the top of the sample container 410 in the sampling station 500.

[0076] The pipetting assembly moves above the tip disposal tray and discards the tip onto the tip disposal tray. The pipetting assembly of the pipetting module 200 moves above the tip placement tray and the tip pick-up and drop assembly of the pipetting assembly picks up the tip from the tip placement tray.

[0077] The controller controls the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 to remove the second top cover 711 of the culture container 710 in the culture station 700, and the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 carries the second top cover 711 away from the culture station 700.

[0078] The controller controls the pipetting module 200 to move the pipetting component to the culture additive container at the reagent station 800. The pipetting component uses the aspirator to draw a first preset volume of culture additive from the culture additive container. The aspirator of the pipetting component carries the culture additive away from the reagent station 800. The pipetting component moves to the culture container 710 at the culture station 700. The pipetting component uses the aspirator to inject the culture additive into the culture container 710 to prepare the culture medium.

[0079] The pipetting assembly moves above the tip disposal tray and discards the tip onto the tip disposal tray. The pipetting assembly of the pipetting module 200 moves above the tip placement tray and the tip pick-up and drop assembly of the pipetting assembly picks up the tip from the tip placement tray.

[0080] The controller controls the pipetting module 200 to move the pipetting component to the drug container 810 of the drug station 800. The pipetting component uses the aspiration tip to draw a second preset volume of drug solution from the drug container 810. The aspiration tip of the pipetting component carries the drug solution away from the drug station 800. The pipetting component moves to the culture container 710 of the culture station 700. The pipetting component uses the aspiration tip to inject the drug solution into the culture medium of the culture container 710.

[0081] The pipetting assembly moves above the tip disposal tray and discards the tip onto the tip disposal tray. The pipetting assembly of the pipetting module 200 moves above the tip placement tray and the tip pick-up and drop assembly of the pipetting assembly picks up the tip from the tip placement tray.

[0082] The controller controls the pipetting assembly of the pipetting module 200 to move to the dilution container 610 of the dilution station 600. The pipetting assembly uses the aspirator to draw a third preset volume of diluted sample from the dilution container 610. The aspirator of the pipetting assembly carries the diluted sample away from the dilution station 600. The pipetting assembly moves to the culture container 710 of the culture station 700. The pipetting assembly uses the aspirator to inject the diluted sample into the culture medium in the culture container 710, thus completing the preparation of the culture sample.

[0083] The pipetting assembly moves above the tip disposal tray and discards the tip onto the tip disposal tray. The pipetting assembly of the pipetting module 200 moves above the tip placement tray and the tip pick-up and drop assembly of the pipetting assembly picks up the tip from the tip placement tray.

[0084] After the pipetting assembly leaves the culture station 700, the controller controls the clamping assembly 340 of the transfer module 300 to move the second top cover 711 to the culture station 700, and the clamping assembly 340 of the transfer module 300 reinstalls the second top cover 711 onto the top of the culture container 710 in the culture station 700.

[0085] In some embodiments, during the period after the preparation of the diluted sample and before the pipette assembly aspirates the diluted sample, the controller is configured to proceed as follows.

[0086] The controller controls the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 to move above the dilution station 600. The clamping component 340 clamps the dilution container 610 in the dilution station 600. The clamping component 340 moves the dilution container 610 to the sample channel 111 of the turbidity measurement module 100. The transfer module 300 moves the clamping component 340 so that the clamping component 340 and the turbidity measurement module 100 are offset in the X-axis direction.

[0087] The controller controls the moving component 130 of the turbidity measurement module 100 to move the pressing component 140 above the detection component 110. The pressing component 140 moves downward and presses the top of the dilution container 610 in the detection component 110, while the transducer of the ultrasonic component 120 abuts against the bottom of the dilution container 610. The outer wall of the dilution container 610 is confined in the sample channel 111 of the detection component, so that the position of the dilution container 610 is fixed. Then, the ultrasonic component 120 is used to ultrasonically disperse the diluted sample in the dilution container 610.

[0088] The controller controls the detection component 110 of the turbidity measurement module 100 to measure the turbidity of the sample in the dilution container 610, and obtains the dilution turbidity of the diluted sample in the dilution container 610.

[0089] The controller calculates the difference between the diluted turbidity and the target turbidity, and determines whether the absolute value of the seeding is less than the threshold.

[0090] When the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold, it can be determined that the diluted sample meets the requirements of the drug sensitivity test. After the controller controls the turbidity measurement module 100 to measure the turbidity of the diluted sample in the dilution container 610, the clamping component 140 moves upward and disengages from the top of the dilution container 610. The moving component 130 drives the clamping component 140 to move so that the clamping component 140 and the detection component 110 are offset in the Y-axis direction. The controller controls the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 to clamp the dilution container 610 in the turbidity measurement module 100 and transfer it to the dilution placement rack in the dilution station 600.

[0091] When the absolute value of the difference is not less than the threshold, it can be determined that the diluted sample does not meet the requirements of the drug sensitivity test. The controller will issue an alarm and remind the user to prepare the diluted sample again.

[0092] Therefore, after preparing diluted samples, the turbidity of the diluted samples can be detected to avoid errors caused during the preparation of diluted samples affecting the bacterial concentration in subsequent drug susceptibility tests, thus helping to improve the accuracy of drug susceptibility tests.

[0093] Reference Figure 2As shown in the figure, this embodiment of the invention also provides a control method for a drug susceptibility testing sample separation device, including the drug susceptibility testing sample separation device of the above embodiment, and the control method includes the following steps.

[0094] Step S100: Control the turbidity measurement module 100 to measure the turbidity of the sample and obtain the actual turbidity of the sample; Step S200: Control the pipetting module 200 to prepare the diluent and obtain the actual volume of the diluent; Step S300: Obtain the target turbidity of the sample for drug sensitivity testing, and calculate the target volume of the sample based on the actual volume, actual turbidity and target turbidity; Step S400: Control the pipetting module 200 to aspirate the sample according to the target volume and inject the diluent to prepare a diluted sample; Step S500: Control the pipetting module 200 to prepare the culture medium, and control the pipetting module 200 to inject the drug solution into the culture medium; In step S600, the pipetting module 200 is controlled to inject the diluted sample into the culture medium to prepare the culture sample.

[0095] The turbidity measurement module 100 and the pipetting module 200 are integrated into a single automated device. The turbidity measurement module 100 measures the turbidity of the sample, while the pipetting module 200 prepares a diluent for diluting the sample. Based on the actual turbidity of the sample, the actual volume of the diluent, and the target turbidity of the diluted sample, the target volume of sample to be added to the diluent is calculated. The target volume of sample is then injected into the diluent to obtain a diluted sample that meets the requirements of the drug susceptibility test. Subsequently, the pipetting module 200 prepares a culture medium containing the drug solution. Finally, the diluted sample is added to the culture medium containing the drug solution to prepare a culture sample, which can be directly used for the drug susceptibility test. Therefore, the drug susceptibility test sample distribution device of this embodiment can prepare the culture sample required for the drug susceptibility test using a single automated device, with a high degree of automation, and can avoid contamination problems that occur during the storage and transfer of bacterial samples and culture medium.

[0096] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the control method for the sample separation equipment for drug sensitivity testing also includes the following steps.

[0097] Step S700: Control the turbidity measurement module to measure the turbidity of the diluted sample and obtain the dilution turbidity of the diluted sample; Step S710: Calculate the difference between the diluted turbidity and the target turbidity, and determine whether the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold. Step S720: When the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold, it is determined that the diluted sample meets the requirements of the drug sensitivity test.

[0098] The controller controls the detection component 110 of the turbidity measurement module 100 to measure the turbidity of the sample in the dilution container 610, and obtains the dilution turbidity of the diluted sample in the dilution container 610.

[0099] The controller calculates the difference between the diluted turbidity and the target turbidity, and determines whether the absolute value of the seeding is less than the threshold.

[0100] When the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold, it can be determined that the diluted sample meets the requirements of the drug sensitivity test. After the controller controls the turbidity measurement module 100 to measure the turbidity of the diluted sample in the dilution container 610, the clamping component 140 moves upward and disengages from the top of the dilution container 610. The moving component 130 drives the clamping component 140 to move so that the clamping component 140 and the detection component 110 are offset in the Y-axis direction. The controller controls the clamping component 340 of the transfer module 300 to clamp the dilution container 610 in the turbidity measurement module 100 and transfer it to the dilution placement rack in the dilution station 600.

[0101] When the absolute value of the difference is not less than the threshold, it can be determined that the diluted sample does not meet the requirements of the drug sensitivity test. The controller will issue an alarm and remind the user to prepare the diluted sample again.

[0102] Therefore, after preparing diluted samples, the turbidity of the diluted samples can be detected to avoid errors caused during the preparation of diluted samples affecting the bacterial concentration in subsequent drug susceptibility tests, thus helping to improve the accuracy of drug susceptibility tests.

[0103] Reference Figure 4 As shown, step S300 also includes the following steps.

[0104] Step S310: Calculate the target volume using the following formula: M1×L1=(L2+L1)×M2; Where M1 is the actual turbidity, L1 is the target volume, L2 is the actual volume, and M2 is the target turbidity.

[0105] Obtain the actual volume of the diluent in dilution container 610 in dilution station 600 and the actual turbidity of the sample in sample container 410 in sampling station 500.

[0106] Before preparing diluted samples, the target turbidity to be prepared needs to be set to the controller, which is the target turbidity of the diluted sample for the drug sensitivity test.

[0107] After the controller obtains the target turbidity, it calculates the target volume of the sample based on the actual volume, actual turbidity and target turbidity. The target volume is the volume of sample that the pipetting module 200 needs to draw from the sample container 410 of the sampling station 500.

[0108] After calculating the target volume, the controller controls the pipetting component of the pipetting module 200 to move to the sample container 410 of the sampling station 500. The pipetting component uses the aspiration tip to draw the target volume of sample from the sample container 410. The aspiration tip of the pipetting component carries the sample away from the sampling station 500. The pipetting component moves to the dilution container 610 of the dilution station 600. The pipetting component uses the aspiration tip to inject the sample into the diluent in the dilution container 610 to prepare a diluted sample.

[0109] The embodiments described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of technology and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions shown in the figures do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application, and may include more or fewer steps than shown, or combine certain steps, or different steps.

[0111] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps in the methods disclosed above, as well as the functional modules / units in the systems and devices, can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or suitable combinations thereof.

[0113] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0114] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, and "more than" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0115] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. The apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the above units is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0116] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0117] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0118] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes multiple instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing programs, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0119] The preferred embodiments of the present application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this does not limit the scope of the claims of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and substance of the embodiments of the present application shall be within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A sample separation device for drug sensitivity testing, characterized in that, include: Turbidity measurement module; The sample workstation is equipped with sample containers; Sampling station; The dilution station is equipped with dilution containers. The cultivation station is equipped with cultivation containers; The pharmaceutical workstation is equipped with pharmaceutical containers; The transfer module transfers the sample container from the sample station to the turbidity measurement module for turbidity measurement, and then transfers the sample container back to the sampling station. The pipetting module moves between the sampling station, the dilution station, the culture station, and the reagent station, and performs pipetting on the sample container, the dilution container, the culture container, and the reagent container in the sampling station.

2. The drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turbidity measurement module includes: The detection component is provided with a sample channel for placing the sample container, and the detection component measures the turbidity of the sample in the sample container; An ultrasonic component is disposed around the sample channel and is used to ultrasonically disperse the sample.

3. The drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ultrasonic component abuts against the bottom of the sample container, and the turbidity measurement module further includes: Mobile components; A clamping assembly is connected to the moving assembly, which drives the clamping assembly to move above the sample channel. The clamping assembly moves in the vertical direction to clamp or loosen the top of the sample container.

4. The drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sampling station is equipped with a clamping mechanism for clamping the sample container. The top of the sample container is equipped with a detachable first top cover. The transfer module is equipped with a translation component, a lifting component, a rotating component, and a clamping component. The translation component drives the lifting component to translate, the lifting component drives the rotating component to lift, and the rotating component drives the clamping component to rotate. The transfer module includes a first cap-removal mode, which operates according to the following actions: The translation component and the lifting component drive the clamping component to move to the first top cover; The clamping assembly clamps the first top cover, and the rotating assembly drives the clamping assembly to rotate to remove or install the first top cover; The translation component and the lifting component move the clamping component away from the sample container.

5. The drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The culture container is provided with a detachable second top cover, and the culture container is fixed to the culture station; The transfer module includes a second cap removal mode, which operates according to the following actions: The translation component and the lifting component drive the clamping component to move to the second top cover; The clamping assembly clamps the second top cover, and the rotating assembly drives the clamping assembly to rotate to remove or install the second top cover; The translation component and the lifting component move the clamping component away from the culture container.

6. The drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer module transfers the dilution container from the dilution station to the turbidity measurement module for turbidity measurement, and then transfers the dilution container back to the dilution station.

7. The drug susceptibility testing sample distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drug susceptibility testing sample separation device also includes: The controller is configured as follows: The turbidity measurement module is controlled to measure the turbidity of the sample in the sample container to obtain the actual turbidity of the sample; The pipetting module is controlled to prepare a diluent in the dilution container, and the actual volume of the diluent is obtained. Obtain the target turbidity of the sample for drug sensitivity testing, and calculate the target volume of the sample based on the actual volume, the actual turbidity, and the target turbidity; The pipetting module is controlled to aspirate the sample according to the target volume and inject the diluent to prepare a diluted sample; The pipetting module is controlled to prepare culture medium in the culture container, and the pipetting module is controlled to inject the drug solution from the drug container into the culture medium; The pipetting module is controlled to inject the diluted sample into the culture medium to prepare a culture sample.

8. A method for controlling a sample separation device for drug sensitivity testing, characterized in that, An application is made in a sample separation device for drug susceptibility testing, the device comprising a turbidity measurement module and a pipetting module, and the control method includes: The turbidity measurement module is controlled to measure the turbidity of the sample and obtain the actual turbidity of the sample. The pipetting module is controlled to prepare a diluent, and the actual volume of the diluent is obtained. Obtain the target turbidity of the sample for drug sensitivity testing, and calculate the target volume of the sample based on the actual volume, the actual turbidity, and the target turbidity; The pipetting module is controlled to aspirate the sample according to the target volume and inject the diluent to prepare a diluted sample; The pipetting module is controlled to prepare the culture medium, and the pipetting module is controlled to inject the drug solution into the culture medium; The pipetting module is controlled to inject the diluted sample into the culture medium to prepare a culture sample.

9. The control method for the drug susceptibility testing sample distribution equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control method further includes: The turbidity measurement module is controlled to measure the turbidity of the diluted sample and obtain the dilution turbidity of the diluted sample. Calculate the difference between the diluted turbidity and the target turbidity, and determine whether the absolute value of the difference is less than a threshold. When the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold, the diluted sample is determined to meet the requirements of the drug sensitivity test.

10. The control method for the drug susceptibility testing sample distribution equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of calculating the target volume of the sample based on the actual volume, the actual turbidity, and the target turbidity includes: The target volume is calculated using the following formula: M1×L1=(L2+L1)×M2; Wherein, M1 is the actual turbidity, L1 is the target volume, L2 is the actual volume, and M2 is the target turbidity.

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