Blood analysis system

Abstract

The invention provides a method for controlling a sample analysis system, wherein the workload of a user is small in precise management of substance measurement. A method for controlling a sample analysis system, which is an example of an embodiment, is applied to a sample analysis system including at least one measurement cell. The method comprises the following steps: automatically starting one or a plurality of measuring units contained in the sample analysis system according to a schedule pre-registered by a user, automatically supplying precision management samples to the started measuring units, and measuring the precision management samples through the started measuring units.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application date of March 4, 2022, the application number of 202210206633.2, and the invention name of "Control method of sample analysis system and sample analysis system". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a control method of a sample analysis system and a sample analysis system. BACKGROUND

[0003] A sample analysis system having an analysis device that analyzes a sample including cells derived from a living organism such as blood cells has been known. In such a system, it is necessary to periodically confirm the measurement result of the analysis device to be normal using a precision management material including cells of a known concentration, and to perform measurement precision management.

[0004] Patent Literature 1 discloses a sample analysis system having a plurality of analysis devices and a startup controller. The startup controller selectively starts up a target device among the plurality of analysis devices at a specified time.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-094843 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] In an examination room, the precision management of the analysis device is generally performed by measuring a precision management material before the start of routine examination of a sample. In the system of Patent Literature 1, although the analysis device can be automatically started up, the user needs to prepare the precision management material for measurement in order to perform the precision management before the start of routine examination, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of reducing the workload of the user.

[0010] The present application aims to reduce the workload of the user.

[0011] TECHNICAL MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0012] The control method of the sample analysis system of the present application is a control method of a sample analysis system including at least one measurement unit. The method includes the following operations: automatically starting up one or a plurality of measurement units included in the sample analysis system according to a schedule registered in advance by a user, automatically supplying a precision management sample to the started measurement unit, and measuring the precision management sample by the started measurement unit.

[0013] The sample analysis system of the present application includes one or a plurality of measuring units, a supply unit that stores precision management samples and supplies the precision management samples to the measuring units, a storage unit that stores a schedule registered in advance by a user, and a control unit. The control unit activates one or a plurality of the measuring units in accordance with the schedule stored in the storage unit, and the supply unit automatically supplies the precision management samples to the activated measuring units, and the measuring units measure the supplied precision management samples.

[0014] The control method of the sample analysis system of the present application includes the operation of accepting designation of one or a plurality of devices from a user and shutting down the designated device.

[0015] The sample analysis system of the present application includes a plurality of devices that process samples, and a control unit that accepts designation of one or a plurality of devices from a user and shuts down the designated device.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present application, activation of the measuring units and measurement of the precision management substance can be automated, and thus the amount of work required of the user to start the inspection can be reduced. In addition, according to the present application, the amount of work required of the user to shut down the sample analysis system can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a sample analysis system;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a sample analysis system;

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the connection relationship between the units that constitute the sample analysis system;

[0021] Figure 4 is an oblique view of a sample container and a sample rack in which the sample container is stored;

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the structure of a measuring unit and a conveyance unit that constitute the sample analysis system;

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic view of the structure of a measuring unit and a conveyance unit;

[0024] Figure 7 is an oblique view of a supply unit that constitutes the sample analysis system;

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the structure (internal layout) of the supply unit and a view of the state in which the sample rack is placed on the conveyer section;

[0026] Figure 9is a perspective view of the input portion constituting the supply unit and is a diagram of the state in which the QC sample container is placed in the input portion;

[0027] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the input portion and is a diagram of the state in which the QC sample container is transported to the inside of the storage adjustment unit;

[0028] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the cold storage portion constituting the supply unit and is a diagram of the closed state of the cover;

[0029] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cold storage portion and is a diagram of the open state of the cover;

[0030] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the supply unit;

[0031] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the supply unit and is a diagram of the shelf storage portion viewed from the front side;

[0032] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the supply unit and is a diagram of the shelf storage portion viewed from the rear side;

[0033] Figure 16 is a diagram of the structure (internal layout) of the supply unit as an example of the embodiment and is a diagram of the case in which the QC sample shelf is supplied;

[0034] Figure 17 is a diagram of the structure (internal layout) of the supply unit as an example of the embodiment and is a diagram of the case in which the QC sample shelf is recovered;

[0035] Figure 18 is an example of the main interface displayed on the display screen of the supply unit;

[0036] Figure 19 is an example of the device status interface displayed when the device status icon of the main interface is pressed;

[0037] Figure 20 is an example of the shutdown interface displayed when the shutdown icon of the device status interface is pressed;

[0038] Figure 21 is an example of the QC sample withdrawal interface displayed when the withdrawal icon of the device status interface is pressed;

[0039] Figure 22 is an example of the input interface displayed when the input icon of the device status interface is pressed;

[0040] Figure 23 is an example of the schedule interface displayed when the schedule icon of the main interface is pressed;

[0041] Figure 24 is an example of a schedule registration screen displayed when a registration icon of a schedule screen is pressed;

[0042] Figure 25 is an example of a confirmation screen displayed when a schedule is input in the schedule registration screen and an OK button is pressed;

[0043] Figure 26 is an example of an operation menu displayed when a schedule list of a schedule screen is pressed;

[0044] Figure 27 is an example of a portal screen including a schedule display area and a stock display area;

[0045] Figure 28 is a block diagram of a structure of a supply unit and is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship of the supply unit with a measurement unit and a transport controller together;

[0046] Figure 29 is an example of a database of QC samples stored in a control section of a supply unit;

[0047] Figure 30 is a flowchart of a series of processes of a sample analysis system;

[0048] Figure 31 is a flowchart of a process flow of automatic wakeup;

[0049] Figure 32 is a flowchart of a process flow of automatic QC in a supply unit;

[0050] Figure 33 is a flowchart of a process flow for deciding a combination of QC sample containers used in precision management measurement in automatic QC;

[0051] Figure 34 is a flowchart of a process flow of automatic cleaning in a supply unit;

[0052] Figure 35 is a flowchart of a process flow of storing a QC sample container in a refrigeration section of a supply unit;

[0053] Figure 36 is a flowchart of a process flow of taking out a QC sample container from a refrigeration section of a supply unit;

[0054] Figure 37 is a flowchart of a measurement flow of a sample container in a measurement unit;

[0055] Figure 38 is a flowchart of a measurement flow of a QC sample container in a measurement unit;

[0056] Figure 39is a flowchart of a flow of a cleaning process using a cleaning agent container in a measurement unit;

[0057] Figure 40 is a flowchart of a flow of a process of rack transport and storage;

[0058] Figure 41 is a flowchart of a flow of a process of rack recovery;

[0059] Figure 42 is a diagram of an operation of a supply unit in automatic QC;

[0060] Figure 43 is a diagram of an operation of a supply unit in automatic cleaning;

[0061] Figure 44 is a diagram of an operation of a supply unit when a QC sample container is stored in a cold storage section;

[0062] Figure 45 is a diagram of an operation of a supply unit when an empty rack is stored in a rack storage section;

[0063] Figure 46 is a diagram of a specific example of a combination of QC sample containers;

[0064] Figure 47 is a diagram of a specific example of a combination of QC sample containers;

[0065] Figure 48 is a diagram of a specific example of a combination of QC sample containers;

[0066] Figure 49 is an example of an interface for comparing precision management results of old and new batches displayed on a display screen of a sample analysis system;

[0067] Figure 50 is a flowchart of a process of a supply unit when a shutdown instruction is received;

[0068] Figure 51 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first modification example of a sample analysis system;

[0069] Figure 52 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a second modification example of a sample analysis system;

[0070] Figure 53 is an oblique view of an appearance of a first modification example of a supply unit;

[0071] Figure 54 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first modification example of a supply unit;

[0072] Figure 55 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a second modification example of a supply unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a control method of a sample analysis system and a sample analysis system according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is merely an example, and the present application is not limited to the following embodiment. Further, the present application also includes a plurality of embodiments and modified examples described below, and each structural element of the plurality of embodiments and modified examples can be selectively combined.

[0074] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a schematic view of the overall structure of a sample analysis system 1 as an example of an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sample analysis system 1 has a first measurement unit 10A, a second measurement unit 10B, a conveyance unit 20, and a control unit 30. The first measurement unit 10A and the second measurement unit 10B are analysis devices that analyze a sample including cells derived from a living organism, and are arranged adjacent to each other. Hereinafter, the two measurement units that constitute the analysis devices will be collectively referred to as "measurement blocks". The conveyance unit 20 is arranged in front of the measurement blocks. In this specification, terms indicating the front-rear, left-right, up-down, and the like directions shown in the drawings are used for convenience of explanation.

[0075] The sample analysis system 1 has two modules 10 including the measurement blocks, the conveyance unit 20, and the control unit 30. The two modules 10 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. In the module 10, one control unit 30 is provided with respect to the two measurement units. The first measurement unit 10A and the second measurement unit 10B are configured as devices that count blood cells in a blood sample, and have the same hardware structure. The blood sample is whole blood.

[0076] The sample analysis system 1 has a supply unit 80 in which a sample rack 110 is placed on the upstream side with respect to the two modules 10. The sample rack 110 houses a plurality of sample containers 100. The sample container 100 is a container in which a blood cell measurement blood sample, that is, whole blood is contained. The supply unit 80 is arranged adjacent to one of the two modules 10 that is arranged on the upstream side. The supply unit 80 has a conveyor section 81 for conveying the sample rack 110 to the module 10. In this embodiment, the sample rack 110 is placed in the conveyor section 81 by a user.

[0077] The conveyor section 81 is connected to the transport unit 20 of the module 10, and is capable of transferring the placed sample rack 110 to the transport unit 20. In the supply unit 80, in addition to the sample container 100, a QC sample container 150 in which a precision management substance including cells of a known concentration is placed is also placed, the details of which will be described later. The supply unit 80 is provided with a storage adjustment unit 82 that cools and stores the QC sample container 150, adjusts the temperature of the precision management substance to the measurement temperature, and then sends it out to the conveyor section 81. The precision management substance in the QC sample container 150 is an amount that can be used for a plurality of measurements. For example, one QC sample container 150 contains an amount of precision management substance that can be measured 24 times by the measurement unit. Hereinafter, the amount corresponding to one measurement will also be referred to as "1 test".

[0078] The upstream side of the sample analysis system 1 refers to the side on which the sample rack 110 is placed and becomes the transport departure point, that is, the side on which the supply unit 80 is disposed. Also, the downstream side of the sample analysis system 1 refers to the transport destination side of the sample rack 110. The sample rack 110 is transported to the measurement unit by the function of the transport unit 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the drawings of Figs. 1 to 3, the right side of the paper is the upstream side of the sample analysis system 1, and the left side of the paper is the downstream side of the sample analysis system 1. The sample rack 110 placed in the supply unit 80 is sent to the transport unit 20 and transferred to the measurement unit by the function of the transport unit 20.

[0079] The transport unit 20 is provided with a plurality of rack transport paths, and is capable of supplying the sample container 100 to the first measurement unit 10A and the second measurement unit 10B, respectively. The transport unit 20 is provided with a first transport path 21 for receiving the sample rack 110 from the upstream side (right side) of the sample analysis system 1 and transporting it to the downstream side (left side), and a second transport path 22 that extends in parallel with the first transport path 21 and is disposed on the measurement block side compared to the first transport path 21. The second transport path 22 transports the sample rack 110 in the left-right direction. In the second transport path 22, there is a pickup position P2 (see later-described Figs. 2 and 3) at which the sample container 100 is picked up from the sample rack 110 and taken into the measurement unit. Figure 5 and so on).

[0080] The transport unit 20 is further provided with a third transport path 23. The third transport path 23 extends in parallel with the first transport path 21, and is disposed in front of the sample analysis system 1 compared to the first transport path 21. That is, in the transport unit 20, the three rack transport paths arranged in the front-rear direction are disposed in the order of the third transport path 23, the first transport path 21, and the second transport path 22 from the front. The third transport path 23 transports the rack from the downstream side to the upstream side of the sample analysis system 1, the details of which will be described later. Therefore, when the third transport path 23 is considered as a unit, the left side is the upstream side of the transport path, and the right side is the downstream side of the transport path.

[0081] The sample analysis system 1 further has a processing unit 40, a conveyance unit 50, and a recovery unit 60. The processing unit 40 is a device that produces smear specimens of blood samples. The recovery unit 60 is a device that recovers the sample container 100 (sample rack 110) that has completed use. The processing unit 40 is disposed adjacent to one of the two modules 10 disposed on the downstream side, and the recovery unit 60 is disposed adjacent to the processing unit 40 on the downstream side of the sample analysis system 1 compared to the processing unit 40.

[0082] The conveyance unit 50 has a rack conveyance path for conveying the sample rack 110 to the processing unit 40, and is disposed in front of the processing unit 40. The conveyance unit 50 is connected to the conveyance unit 20 of the module 10 and the recovery unit 60. The sample rack 110, which does not contain the sample container 100 that needs to produce a smear specimen, is conveyed from the conveyance unit 50 to the recovery unit 60 by the processing unit 40.

[0083] In the sample analysis system 1, as units for conveying samples, the adjacent units are connected in the order of the supply unit 80, the conveyance unit 20 corresponding to the modules 10 on the upstream side and the downstream side, the conveyance unit 50 disposed in front of the processing unit 40, and the recovery unit 60 from the upstream side. In addition, the sample analysis system 1 is formed with a continuous rack conveyance path that can convey the sample rack 110 in the left-right direction from the supply unit 80 to the recovery unit 60. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example of the above, the adjacent units are directly connected, and can be other conveyance paths or other units between these units, etc.

[0084] In the sample analysis system 1, the assay block and the conveyance unit 20 are placed on the cart 18. The cart 18 houses a reagent container 19 that has reagents used in the assay unit inside. With respect to the processing unit 40, the conveyance unit 50, the recovery unit 60, and the supply unit 80, a cart 51, 61, 90 is also provided. It is preferable that the carts 18, 51, 61, 90 have the same height or can be adjusted to the same height so that the rack conveyance path is along the horizontal plane. The cart 51 that places the processing unit 40 and the conveyance unit 50 also houses a reagent container 52 that has reagents such as a staining solution inside.

[0085] The sample analysis system 1 also has a transport controller 70 for managing the transport operation of the sample racks 110 and the QC sample racks 160. The transport controller 70 is housed in a cart 90 below the supply unit 80. The transport controller 70 controls the rack transport operation in the rack transport path of each unit by transmitting and receiving signals with the transport units 20, 50, 81 and the recovery unit 60 and the supply unit 80. In the sample analysis system 1, each unit and the transport controller 70 are communicably connected with the host computer 120 via a communication network.

[0086] The sample analysis system 1 is provided, for example, in an examination room of a hospital. At this time, an example of the host computer 120 is a clinical examination information system (LIS: Laboratory Information System) that is connected with a plurality of examination machines and centrally manages sample information and measurement instructions. The host computer 120 has registered therein information related to each sample container 100 and each QC sample container 150.

[0087] In the present specification, a rack that does not house a container is referred to as an empty rack 170 (see FIG. 2, which will be described later Figure 8 and the like). A sample rack 110 that houses the sample containers 100 is referred to as a sample rack 110. A QC sample rack 160 that houses the QC sample containers 150 is referred to as a QC sample rack 160.

[0088] In the sample analysis system 1, the sample rack 110 placed in the supply unit 80 is transported to the first transport path 21 of the adjacent transport unit 20. If the transport destination of the sample rack 110 moved into the first transport path 21 is not the module 10 on the upstream side, the sample rack 110 is transported to the module 10 on the downstream side by the transport unit 20 via the first transport path 21. If the transport destination is the module 10 on the upstream side, the sample rack 110 is transported from the first transport path 21 to the second transport path 22 of the module 10, and primary inspection is performed in the measurement block of the module 10, and reinspection is performed as necessary. The control unit 30 transmits the results of the primary inspection and the reinspection to the host computer 120.

[0089] After the primary inspection and the necessary reinspection of all the sample containers 100 housed in the sample rack 110 are completed, the transport controller 70 inquires of the host computer 120 whether it is necessary to produce a smear specimen in the processing unit 40 for each sample container 100. When the sample rack 110 includes a sample container 100 for which it is necessary to produce a smear specimen, the transport destination of the sample rack 110 is the processing unit 40, and the sample rack 110 is supplied to the processing unit 40 via the transport paths of the transport units 20, 50.

[0090] When the sample container 100 that needs to be made into a smear specimen is not included in the sample rack 110, the sample rack 110 is transported to the recovery unit 60, and the sample rack 110 is transported to the recovery unit 60 via the transport path of the transport units 20, 50. When the smear specimen is to be made in the processing unit 40, the sample rack 110 is also transported to the recovery unit 60 after the smear specimen is made.

[0091] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship of the respective units constituting the sample analysis system 1. As shown in Figures 1-3 , the control unit 30 is communicably connected to the measurement units in the same module 10 and controls the measurement units in the same module 10. The control unit 30, for example, controls the 1st measurement unit 10A and the 2nd measurement unit 10B and controls a part of the transport unit 20. The control unit 30 receives measurement data of the sample from the 1st measurement unit 10A and the 2nd measurement unit 10B and generates a measurement result of the sample corresponding to the measurement item.

[0092] The transport unit 20 includes a 1st transport mechanism 20a controlled by a transport controller 70 and a 2nd transport mechanism 20b controlled by the control unit 30. The 1st transport mechanism 20a includes a portion associated with the rack transport operation of the 1st transport path 21 and the 3rd transport path 23. The 2nd transport mechanism 20b includes a portion associated with the rack transport operation of the 2nd transport path 22, the 1st storage 24, and the 2nd storage 25 (see Figure 5 ). The control unit 30 is communicably connected to the 1st measurement unit 10A, the 2nd measurement unit 10B, the 1st transport mechanism 20a, and the 2nd transport mechanism 20b.

[0093] The control unit 30 is, for example, a personal computer. The control unit 30 has a control section 31. In the control section 31, a processor, a storage section, and an input / output interface are included as main structures. The processor is constituted by, for example, a CPU and controls the operation of each part of the measurement unit and the transport unit by reading and executing a control program installed in the storage section. The processor also executes an analysis program installed in the storage section, thereby analyzing the measurement data transmitted from the measurement unit and counting or quantifying the components in the blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin contained in the sample. The storage section includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, a HDD, a SSD, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The control unit 30 is connected to the measurement unit and the transport unit via a LAN cable.

[0094] The units that constitute the sample analysis system 1 are communicably connected via the hub device 130. The hub device 130 is constituted by, for example, a hub. In the present embodiment, the first transport mechanism 20a, the transport unit 50, the recovery unit 60, the transport controller 70, and the supply unit 80 of the two modules 10 are communicably connected via the hub device 130. Also, as described above, each of the units and the transport controller 70 are communicably connected with the host computer 120. The control unit 30 (control section 31) performs, for example, inquiry of the host computer 120 for measurement instructions, acquires the measurement instructions, and controls the measurement unit based on the acquired measurement instructions.

[0095] The processing unit 40 is provided with a control section 41 and a production section 42. The control section 41 is provided with, for example, a processor and a storage section incorporated into the processing unit 40, and controls the production section 42 based on a control program installed in the storage section. The production section 42 aspirates a sample from the sample container 100 after the sample container 100, which is a production target of a smear specimen, is transported to a certain position of the rack transport path of the transport unit 50, and produces a smear specimen. The operation of the production section 42 is controlled by the control section 41. The recovery unit 60 recovers the sample rack 110 in which the measurement is completed in one of the two modules 10, and the sample rack 110 in which the production of a smear specimen is completed via the processing unit 40. The recovery unit 60 is provided with a rack transport path, which is controlled by the transport controller 70.

[0096] The transport controller 70 is, for example, a personal computer. The transport controller 70 is provided with a control section 71. The hardware structure of the control section 71 is the same as that of the control section 31 of the control unit 30. The control section 71 sends control signals to the supply unit 80, the first transport mechanism 20a, the transport unit 50, and the recovery unit 60 via the hub device 130, and controls the transport operation of the sample rack 110 and the QC sample rack 160. The control section 71 is communicably connected with the control unit 30. The control section 71 grasps the positions of each of the sample racks 110 and each of the QC sample racks 160 in the transport path based on detection signals from sensors of each of the units.

[0097] The control section 82a of the supply unit 80 mainly controls the operation of each of the structural elements of the storage adjustment unit 82. In the present embodiment, the automatic wake-up and the automatic shutdown of each of the units of the sample analysis system 1 are also performed by the function of the control section 82a. The hardware structure of the control section 82a is the same as that of the control sections 31 and 71.

[0098] Figure 4 is an oblique view of the sample rack 110 in which a plurality of sample containers 100 are accommodated. In the present specification, for the convenience of explanation, in the state in which the sample rack 110 is placed in the sample analysis system 1, the front side of the sample rack 110 is the front side toward the front side of the system, and the rear side of the sample rack 110 is the rear side toward the rear side.

[0099] As Figure 4As shown, the sample container 100 has a bottomed tube 101 having a blood sample taken from a subject inside, and a cap 102 that plugs the opening of the tube 101. The tube 101 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical container made of light-transmissive glass or resin. The opening of the tube 101 is plugged by the cap 102 made of rubber, and the inside space that accommodates the sample is sealed. The sample container 100 is further provided with a machine-readable label 103. The machine-readable label 103 is, for example, a bar code label on which a bar code indicating a sample ID is printed, and is attached to the side of the tube 101. The sample ID is identification information that can individually identify the sample.

[0100] The sample rack 110 (empty rack 170) is a box that accommodates the sample container 100 and serves to transport the sample container 100, and has a plurality of accommodation portions 111 that can accommodate the plurality of sample containers 100 in a state in which the plurality of sample containers 100 are erected. The number of the accommodation portions 111 is not particularly limited, and in the present embodiment, ten accommodation portions 111 (1st to 10th) are arranged in one row in the left-right direction. The sample rack 110 is further provided with a machine-readable label 112. The machine-readable label 112 is, for example, a bar code label on which a bar code indicating a rack ID is printed. The rack ID is identification information that can individually identify the sample rack 110.

[0101] The sample rack 110 has a bottom plate portion 113 that is rectangular in a bottom view, and a wall portion 114 that is provided so as to extend in the height direction of the sample container 100 and supports the sample container 100. In the sample rack 110, the sample container 100 is erected substantially perpendicularly with respect to the bottom plate portion 113. The height of the wall portion 114 is lower than the erected sample container 100. The wall portion 114 includes a pair of side walls 115 formed at both end portions of the bottom plate portion 113, a front wall 116 formed along the front end portion of the bottom plate portion 113 and connecting the two side walls 115, and a plurality of partition walls 117 extending from the front wall 116 toward the rear end side of the bottom plate portion 113. The plurality of partition walls 117 divide the accommodation space of the sample container 100, and form a plurality of (ten in the illustrated example) accommodation portions 111. Figure 4

[0102] Figure 4 In the rack exemplified in the illustrated example, nine partition walls 117 are formed, and the machine-readable label 112 as a bar code label is attached to the rear side surface of the partition wall 117 that partitions the 1st and 2nd accommodation portions 111. Each of the accommodation portions 111 is largely opened upward and rearward. Therefore, even in a state in which the sample container 100 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 111, the machine-readable label 103 can be read. The machine-readable labels 103, 112 are not limited to the bar code labels of the one-dimensional type shown in the illustrated example, and can be two-dimensional codes. The machine-readable labels 103, 112 can be IC tags that can be read by an RFID reader. Figure 4

[0103] Hereinafter, the operation of the sample management system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2. Figure 5 and​​Figure 6 The structure of the measurement block and the transport unit 20 is described in detail. Figure 5 In the middle, the sheet 272 of the first delivery unit 27A is in a position where it retracts from the first transport path 21. Figure 6 In the middle, piece 272 exists on the first transport route 21.

[0104] [Measurement Blocks (Measurement Unit 10A, Measurement Unit 2 10B)]

[0105] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first measuring unit 10A and the second measuring unit 10B are adjacent to the transport unit 20 in the front-rear direction and are positioned behind the transport unit 20. The first measuring unit 10A and the second measuring unit 10B remove the sample container 100 from the sample rack 110 of the second transport path 22 transported to the transport unit 20 and perform measurements on the blood sample contained in the sample container 100. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows the structure of the first measuring unit 10A, and the second measuring unit 10B has the same device structure.

[0106] Measurement Unit 10A, for example, can perform CBC and DIFF measurements. CBC measurements include WBC (white blood cell count), RBC (red blood cell count), HGB (hemoglobin level), HCT (hematocrit), MCV (mean corpuscular volume), MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin level), MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), and PLT (platelet count). DIFF measurements include NEUT# (neutrophil count), LYMPH# (lymphocyte count), MONO# (monocyte count), EO# (eosinophil count), and BASO# (basophil count). Measurement Unit 10B, for example, in addition to CBC and DIFF measurements, can also perform RET, PLT-F, and WPC measurements. RET measurements include RET# (reticulocyte count). PLT-F measurements include, for example, PLT# (platelet count). In the WPC measurement, abnormal white blood cells such as blast cells and lymphocytes are detected and labeled.

[0107] In one embodiment, the first measuring unit 10A performs measurements of the CBC and DIFF items as initial inspections. The second measuring unit 10B performs measurements of the CBC and DIFF items as initial inspections, and, as needed, performs measurements of the RET, PLT-F, or WPC items as re-inspections. That is, the first measuring unit 10A is a measuring unit dedicated to initial inspections, and the second measuring unit 10B is a measuring unit capable of performing re-inspections in addition to initial inspections.

[0108] The first measuring unit 10A includes a container transfer unit 11, an information reading unit 12, a sample preparation unit 13, and a measuring unit 14. The first measuring unit 10A includes a robotic arm 15, which removes a sample container 100 from the storage section 111 of the sample holder 110 at a certain removal position P2 on the second transport path 22. The robotic arm 15 vibrates the removed sample container 100 a certain number of times to agitate it, and then places the agitated sample container 100 in the container transfer unit 11. The container transfer unit 11 has a placement section 11a that allows the sample container 100 to be placed upright. The placement section 11a moves forward and backward together with the container transfer unit 11. The information reading unit 12 is positioned on the transfer path of the container transfer unit 11 to the sample container 100 between the setting position of the sample container 100 set by the robot arm 15 and the suction position of the suction tube 13a (described later), and reads the sample ID from the machine-readable tag 103 of the sample container 100 placed in the placement unit 11a.

[0109] The sample preparation unit 13 includes a pipette 13a. The sample preparation unit 13 passes through the cap 102 of the sample container 100, which is placed in the placement section 11a, via the pipette 13a, and transfers the sample through the pipette 13a. The sample preparation unit 13 may include a reaction chamber, in which the transferred sample and reagents are mixed to prepare a sample for measurement. Reagents may include, for example, diluents, hemolysins, and staining solutions. The measurement unit 14 may include, for example, an optical detection unit, a resistive detection unit, and a hemoglobin measurement unit, for measuring the sample. After sample transfer is complete, the sample container 100 is transported forward by the container transfer unit 11 and returned to its original storage section 111 of the sample holder 110 by the robotic arm 15.

[0110] The first measuring unit 10A, the second measuring unit 10B, and the second transport mechanism 20b, which is part of the transport unit 20 (see reference). Figure 3 The control unit 30 controls the initial inspection. During the initial inspection, the control unit 30 queries the host 120 for the initial inspection measurement command based on the read sample ID, and obtains the sample measurement command from the host 120. The control unit 30 stores re-inspection rules for determining whether to perform a re-inspection based on the measurement results of the initial inspection, and generates a re-inspection measurement command when a re-inspection is performed according to the rules.

[0111] During initial inspection, multiple sample containers 100 stored in the sample rack 110 are sequentially taken from the left end to the right end of the storage section 111 and placed into either the first measurement unit 10A or the second measurement unit 10B for sample measurement. At this time, the load on the measurement unit is distributed when deciding which sample container 100 to take. For example, Figure 4 Sample containers 100 with odd-numbered storage locations are taken into the second measurement unit 10B, and sample containers 100 with even-numbered storage locations are taken into the first measurement unit 10A.

[0112] [Transport unit 20]

[0113] As described above, the transport unit 20 is provided with the first transport path 21, the second transport path 22, and the third transport path 23. The three transport paths extend in the left-right direction and are arranged in parallel with each other. The first transport path 21 transports the sample rack 110 from the upstream side to the downstream side (from right to left) of the sample analysis system 1. The second transport path 22 is capable of transporting the sample rack 110 to both the left and right directions, from right to left and from left to right.

[0114] The third transport path 23 transports the QC sample rack 160 from the downstream side to the upstream side (from left to right) of the sample analysis system 1. The QC sample container 150 includes a precision management substance used in a plurality of times of measurement, and the precision management substance needs to be stored in the supply unit 80 while being cooled, and thus is returned to the supply unit 80 after the measurement in the measurement unit ends. In the present embodiment, the sample rack 110 used is transported to the recovery unit 60, and thus the third transport path 23 does not transport the sample rack 110.

[0115] In the transport unit 20, movable stoppers 21c and 23b are provided at the downstream side end portions of the first transport path 21 and the third transport path 23, respectively. Further, a movable stopper 21d is provided at a position between the first transport path 21 and the third transport path 23, and in front and back directions in which the second storage portions 25 described later are arranged. Hereinafter, with respect to the contents common to the transport of the sample rack 110 and the QC sample rack 160, the structure of the transport unit 20 will be described taking the sample rack 110 as an example.

[0116] The first transport path 21, the second transport path 22, and the third transport path 23 are arranged separately in the front and back directions. Between the first transport path 21 and the second transport path 22, the first storage portion 24 and the second storage portion 25, which are spaces capable of storing the sample rack 110, are provided. The right end portion of the second transport path 22 is connected to the upstream side end portion of the first transport path 21 via the first storage portion 24, and the left end portion of the second transport path 22 is connected to the downstream side end portion of the first transport path 21 via the second storage portion 25.

[0117] The transport unit 20 further includes: a plurality of rack delivery portions for transferring the sample racks 110 between the transport paths and between the transport paths and the storage portions; and a plurality of sensors for detecting the positions of the sample racks 110 in the transport paths and the storage portions. The transport unit 20 includes an information reading portion 26 that reads the sample IDs and the rack IDs from the machine-readable labels 103 of the sample containers 100 and the machine-readable labels 112 of the sample racks 110, respectively. The information reading portion 26 is disposed at the central portion in the length direction of the second transport path 22 and is configured to read the machine-readable labels 103 and 112 between the right-side extraction position P2 corresponding to the first measurement unit 10A and the left-side extraction position P2 corresponding to the second measurement unit 10B.

[0118] In the transport unit 20, as the rack delivery portions, there are provided a first delivery portion 27A, a second delivery portion 27B, a third delivery portion 27C, and a fourth delivery portion 27D. The four rack delivery portions are rack transport devices that are movable in the front-rear direction. The first delivery portion 27A pushes out the sample racks 110 from the upstream position of the first transport path 21 toward the first storage portion 24. The second delivery portion 27B transports the sample racks 110 from the first storage portion 24 toward the right-end position of the second transport path 22, and the third delivery portion 27C transports the sample racks 110 from the left-end position of the second transport path 22 toward the second storage portion 25. The fourth delivery portion 27D transports the sample racks 110 from the second storage portion 25 toward the downstream position of the first transport path 21.

[0119] In the transport unit 20, as the sensors for detecting the sample racks 110 in the first transport path 21 and the second transport path 22, there are provided four sensors 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d. As the sensors for detecting the sample racks 110 in the third transport path 23, there are provided sensors 28e and 28f. In the transport unit 20, as the sensors for detecting the sample racks 110 in the first storage portion 24 and the second storage portion 25, there are provided sensors 28g, 28h, and 28i.

[0120] Hereinafter, the respective structural elements of the transport unit 20 will be described along the transport path of the sample racks 110. In Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the module 10, the module 10 disposed on the upstream side of the sample analysis system 1 will be described as an example.

[0121] The first transport path 21 includes transport belts 21a and 21b for transporting the sample racks 110 carried from the supply unit 80 toward the module 10 on the downstream side. The transport belts 21a and 21b are independently driven by corresponding stepping motors. That is, the first transport path 21 includes two transport belts. The transport belt 21b is disposed from the position in front of the second storage portion 25 to the end portion on the downstream side of the first transport path 21. The transport belt 21a is disposed from the end portion on the upstream side of the first transport path 21 to the vicinity of the transport belt 21b.

[0122] The transport operation of the sample rack 110 in the first transport path 21 is performed under the control of the transport controller 70. Specifically, the transport controller 70 sends a control signal to a stepping motor connected to the transport belt 21a, 21b, and the motor is driven based on the control signal. The transport operation of the sample rack 110 in the other transport paths and the rack delivery portion is also performed under the control of the transport controller 70 or the control unit 30.

[0123] The sample rack 110 carried in the upstream position of the first transport path 21 from the supply unit 80 is transported to the downstream side by the transport belt 21a. The sample rack 110 is detected by the sensor 28a, and is delivered to the first storage portion 24 by the first delivery portion 27A. The sensor 28a is, for example, an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are disposed from the front and the back of the first transport path 21. The light emitted from the light emitting portion is blocked by the sample rack 110, and the light receiving level of the light receiving portion decreases, whereby the sensor 28a detects the sample rack 110. The other sensors provided to the transport unit 20 can also be the same optical sensor as the sensor 28a.

[0124] The first delivery portion 27A provided in the upstream position of the first transport path 21 has a piece 271 along the length direction of the first transport path 21 and a piece 272 along the width direction of the first transport path 21 as the engagement portion that engages with the sample rack 110. The pieces 271, 272 are, for example, connected to each other and are disposed in a substantially L shape in plan view. The first delivery portion 27A is movable in the forward and backward directions between a retreat position (refer to Figure 5 ) in which the pieces 271, 272 do not interfere with the transport of the sample rack 110 by the first transport path 21, a stop position (refer to Figure 6 ) in which the sample rack 110 transported by the first transport path 21 is stopped, and a position in which the sample rack 110 is pushed out to the first storage portion 24.

[0125] In a state in which the first delivery portion 27A is in the stop position, as shown in Figure 6 , only the piece 272 is disposed on the first transport path 21. The sample rack 110 transported by the transport belt 21a is stopped by the piece 272. The first delivery portion 27A (the piece 271) is moved to the rear from this state, whereby the sample rack 110 is pushed out to the first storage portion 24. The sample rack 110 transported to the first storage portion 24 is detected by the sensor 28g disposed from the left and the right of the first storage portion 24.

[0126] The first storage section 24 is a space that stores the sample rack 110 received from the first conveyance path 21, and is configured, for example, by providing a plate-shaped member whose upper side surface is parallel to the horizontal surface between the first conveyance path 21 and the second conveyance path 22. The sample rack 110 delivered to the first storage section 24 is detected by the sensor 28g, and is delivered to the second conveyance path 22 at an appropriate timing by the second delivery section 27B. The second delivery section 27B has, for example, engaging portions that abut against the front side surface of the sample rack 110, and pushes the left and right end portions of the front side surface of the sample rack 110 to the rear, to thereby push out the sample rack 110 to the right end position of the second conveyance path 22. The sensor 28c is provided near the right end position of the second conveyance path 22, and the sample rack 110 conveyed to the right end position is detected by the sensor 28c.

[0127] The second conveyance path 22 has two conveyance belts 22a, 22b that independently convey the sample rack 110 in the left and right directions. The conveyance belts 22a, 22b are independently driven by the respective corresponding stepping motors. The conveyance belts 22a, 22b are arranged in the front and rear directions, and extend in the left and right directions from the right end position to the left end position of the second conveyance path 22. Two protrusions 22c, 22d are provided in the conveyance belt 22a, and the sample rack 110 is fitted between the two protrusions 22c. In the conveyance belt 22b as well, two protrusions 22d are provided that allow the sample rack 110 to be fitted therebetween. The sample rack 110 is delivered to the second delivery section 27B and fitted between the above-mentioned protrusions 22c, 22d. The sample rack 110 is conveyed in the left and right directions in the state of being fitted between the protrusions 22c by the driving of the conveyance belts 22a, 22b.

[0128] Two sample racks 110 can be conveyed in the left and right directions, respectively, by the second conveyance path 22. As shown in FIG. 6, two sample racks 110 can be simultaneously carried into the second conveyance path 22. Hereinafter, the sample rack 110 that is carried into the second conveyance path 22 first will be referred to as a "preceding rack", and the sample rack 110 that is carried into the second conveyance path 22 after the preceding rack will be referred to as a "subsequent rack". At this time, the preceding rack can be subjected to the measurement of the sample, and the subsequent rack can also be subjected to the measurement in parallel. Figure 6

[0129] The information reading section 26 has a roller 26a, a roller 26b, and a reading section 26c arranged to sandwich the second conveyance path 22. The rollers 26a, 26b can be moved in the direction of approaching each other, and the roller 26a is rotated in the state of sandwiching the sample container 100 in the front and rear directions. Thereby, the sample container 100 is rotated. The reading section 26c reads the machine-readable label 103 of the rotated sample container 100 from the gap of the roller 26b. The reading section 26c can also read the rack ID of the sample rack 110. The reading section 26c is, for example, a bar code reader. The reading operation of the sample ID and the rack ID, and the sample measurement operation of the measurement unit are performed under the control of the control unit 30.

[0130] ​The sample container 100, which has read the sample ID, is transported to the extraction position P2 corresponding to one of the first measuring unit 10A and the second measuring unit 10B, is extracted from the sample rack 110 by the robot 15, and is carried into the measuring unit. At this time, the measuring unit into which the sample container 100 is carried is determined so that the load of each measuring unit is dispersed. The preliminary inspection is performed in the measuring unit, and after the preliminary inspection is completed, the sample container 100 is returned to the original storage portion 111 at the extraction position P2. After the preliminary inspection and the necessary re-inspection of all the sample containers 100 stored in the sample rack 110 are completed, the sample rack 110 is transported to the downstream side end portion of the second transport path, that is, the rear of the second storage portion 25, and is transported to the second storage portion 25 by the third delivery portion 27C.

[0131] Even if the preliminary inspection of all the sample containers 100 in the front rack is completed, until it is determined whether re-inspection is necessary for all the sample containers 100, the front rack needs to remain in the second transport path 22. At this time, until it is determined whether re-inspection is necessary for the sample container 100 on which the final preliminary inspection is performed, a certain time is required, and therefore, in order to improve the measurement efficiency, the rear rack is transported into the second transport path 22, and the preliminary inspection of the rear rack is started. The front rack in standby is retracted to the left end position of the second transport path 22 so as not to interfere with the transport of the rear rack.

[0132] The sensor 28d is provided near the left end position of the second transport path 22. The sample rack 110, in which the preliminary inspection and the necessary re-inspection are completed, is pushed out from the left end position to the second storage portion 25 provided in front thereof by the third delivery portion 27C. The second storage portion 25 is a space in which the sample rack 110 received from the second transport path 22 is stored, and is configured by arranging a plate-shaped member whose upper side surface is parallel to the horizontal surface, like the first storage portion 24. The sample rack 110 in the second storage portion 25 is detected by the sensors 28h and 28i, and is pushed out to the first transport path 21 at an appropriate timing by the fourth delivery portion 27D.

[0133] The rack in the second storage portion is transported to the first transport path 21 or the third transport path according to the next transport destination determined by the transport controller 70.

[0134] For example, in a case where the rack in the second storage portion is the sample rack 110 in which the sample container 100 is stored, and the next transport destination is the processing unit 40 or the recovery unit 60, the sample rack 110 needs to be transported in the left direction, and therefore, is transported to the first transport path 21. For example, in a case where the rack in the second storage portion is the QC sample rack 160 in which the QC sample container 150 is stored, and the next transport destination is the adjacent measuring block, the QC sample rack 160 needs to be transported in the left direction, and therefore, is transported to the first transport path 21. In a case where the next transport destination is the supply unit 80, the QC sample rack needs to be transported in the right direction, and therefore, is transported to the third transport path.

[0135] To transport the shelf in the second storage section 25 to the first transport path 21, the fourth delivery section 27D pushes the shelf forward in a state where the stopper 21d is raised to a position higher than the conveyer belt of the first transport path 21. The shelf pushed in the forward direction hits the stopper 21d and stops at a position downstream of the first transport path 21. When the conveyer belt 21b is driven in a state where the stopper 21c is lowered, the shelf is transported in the left direction.

[0136] To transport the shelf in the second storage section 25 to the third transport path 23, the fourth delivery section 27D pushes the shelf forward in a state where the stopper 21d is lowered to a position at the same height as or lower than the conveyer belt of the first transport path 21. The shelf pushed in the forward direction passes over the stopper 21d and is delivered to a position upstream of the third transport path 23.

[0137] The third transport path 23 is provided with a conveyer belt 23a. The conveyer belt 23a is driven by a stepping motor, like the conveyer belts 21a and 21b described above. The shelf transported to the third transport path 23 is transported in the right direction by the conveyer belt 23a.

[0138] [Supply unit 80]

[0139] Hereinafter, the structure of the supply unit 80 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figures 7-29

[0140] As described above, the supply unit 80 is a device for supplying the measurement unit with the sample shelf 110 in which the sample container 100 is housed. The supply unit 80 also cools and stores the QC sample container 150 in which the precision management substance is housed, and adjusts the temperature of the precision management substance to the measurement temperature according to the schedule registered in advance by the user. Thereafter, the QC sample container 150 in which the temperature of the precision management substance is adjusted is placed in a shelf, and is transported to the destination measurement unit. The QC sample container 150 is housed in the empty shelf 170, and like the sample shelf 110, the QC sample shelf 160 in which the QC sample container 150 is housed is transported to the second transport path 22 of the transport unit 20.

[0141] The QC sample container 150 differs from the sample container 100 in that the precision management substance including cells of a known concentration is housed. Like the sample container 100, the QC sample container 150 is provided with a tube 101 and a cap 102. In addition, a machine-readable label 103 indicating the sample ID including the batch number, the concentration level, and the expiration date of the QC sample is attached to the side surface of the tube 101. The machine-readable label 103 is a bar code label. The QC sample container 150 can also use a container different in shape from the sample container 100, and the sample container 100 and the QC sample container 150 can each use two or more kinds of containers.

[0142] ​The precision management substance is also generally referred to as a control sample or a QC sample. The precision management substance is used periodically in the sample analysis system 1 to confirm that the measurement results of the analysis device are not abnormal and to manage the measurement precision. The sample analysis system 1, for example, transports the QC sample container 150 to the first measurement unit 10A and the second measurement unit 10B as the analysis device at a frequency of once a day before the start of sample measurement, and performs measurement of the precision management substance. The measured value of the precision management substance, such as the red blood cell count, the white blood cell count, the platelet count, the hemoglobin concentration, and the like, is compared with the upper limit value and the lower limit value stored in advance in the control section 31 of the control unit 30, for example. When the measured value of the precision management substance is within the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, the precision management result is determined to be normal, and when the measured value is outside the range, the precision management result is determined to be abnormal.

[0143] The precision management substance is a control blood suitable for precision management of an automatic blood cell counter, and includes whole blood components adjusted to known concentrations. The whole blood components are, for example, blood cells including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. As the precision management substance, there is XN-CHECK (manufactured by Sysmex Corporation), for example. The precision management substance can also include three kinds of precision management substances adjusted to three concentration levels of low concentration, standard concentration, and high concentration. Hereinafter, the precision management substance of low concentration will be referred to as Level 1, the precision management substance of standard concentration will be referred to as Level 2, and the precision management substance of high concentration will be referred to as Level 3.

[0144] The supply unit 80 cools and stores a plurality of QC sample containers 150, for example. In the supply unit 80, it is preferable to cool and store two or more containers each of which contains a plurality of kinds of precision management substances having different concentration levels.

[0145] Figure 7 is an oblique view of the appearance of the supply unit 80. The supply unit 80 is provided with a first conveyance path 811 (to be described later Figure 8 ) of a conveyer section 81 to which a shelf is accessible from the outside for a user to place. On the front side of the supply unit 80, a first insertion port 831A for placing the QC sample container 150 and a first cover 832A that covers the first insertion port 831A are provided.

[0146] The first cover 832A covers the entire first insertion port 831A and is opened and closed by the user. The first cover 832A is, for example, rotatably supported at the left end portion with respect to the housing and is rotatable to the left. When the first cover 832A is opened, a transfer holder 834 (to be described later Figure 8 , etc.) that transfers and holds the QC sample container 150 toward the inside of the supply unit 80 is exposed. The QC sample container 150 is placed in the transfer holder 834, as will be described later.

[0147] The supply unit 80 is also provided with a cleaning agent container 180 (to be described laterFigure 8 A second insertion port 831B, in which the second cover 832B is placed, is provided adjacent to the right side of the first insertion port 831A. The second cover 832B is, for example, pivotally supported with respect to the housing and rotatable upwardly.

[0148] A display screen 91 is provided on the front side of the supply unit 80. The display screen 91 is, for example, a display device for displaying state-related information of the supply unit 80 including information of the inserted QC sample container 150, information required for the operation of the supply unit 80, and the like. The display screen 91 is constituted by a touch screen which can also be used as an operation section.

[0149] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the internal layout of the supply unit 80. In the supply unit 80, as main structural elements, there are provided a conveyor section 81 and a storage adjustment unit 82. The storage adjustment unit 82 includes an insertion section 83, a refrigeration section 84, a transfer section 85, a heating section 86, an information reading section 87, and a rack storage section 88. In the following description, the common contents in the conveyance of the sample rack 110 and the conveyance of the QC sample rack 160 will be described taking the conveyance of the sample rack 110 as an example.

[0150] [Conveyor section 81]

[0151] The conveyor section 81 includes a plurality of rack conveyance paths for conveying the sample rack 110 within the supply unit 80. The conveyor section 81 is provided with, in order from the upstream side, a first conveyance path 811, a second conveyance path 812, a third conveyance path 813, and a fourth conveyance path 814. These four conveyance paths are connected, and the sample rack 110 placed in the first conveyance path 811 is conveyed to the fourth conveyance path 814 via the second conveyance path 812 and the third conveyance path 813. The fourth conveyance path 814 is connected to the conveyance unit 20 of the module 10, and the sample rack 110 is conveyed from the fourth conveyance path 814 to the first conveyance path 21 of the conveyance unit 20.

[0152] The conveyor section 81 further includes a fifth conveyance path 815 connected to the third conveyance path 23 of the conveyance unit 20, for receiving the QC sample rack 160 returned from the third conveyance path 23 of the adjacent conveyance unit 20. The fifth conveyance path 815 is disposed in front of the conveyor section 81 compared to the fourth conveyance path 814. The fifth conveyance path 815 is a rack conveyance path for returning the QC sample rack 160 to the storage adjustment unit 82, and is connected to the first conveyance path 811.

[0153] In the conveyor section 81, a sixth conveyance path 819 is provided between the first conveyance path 811 and the fifth conveyance path 815. The sixth conveyance path 819 is provided, as will be described later, for conveying the sample rack 110 to the first conveyance path 811 from the fifth conveyance path 815. Figure 49As shown, when the additional supply unit is provided, the sample rack 110 is carried in from the additional supply unit. The 6th transport path 819 has a transport belt 819a that transports the sample rack 110 from right to left. A sensor 819b that detects the sample rack 110 is provided near the left end position of the 6th transport path 819.

[0154] The 1st transport path 811 and the 3rd transport path 813 are arranged parallel to each other. The 1st transport path 811 is a transport path for transporting the sample rack 110 from front to back, and the 3rd transport path 813 is a transport path for transporting the sample rack 110 from back to front. The 2nd transport path 812 is arranged extending in the left-right direction, with the right end of the 2nd transport path 812 aligned with the back end of the 1st transport path 811, and the left end of the 2nd transport path 812 aligned with the back end of the 3rd transport path 813. With this configuration, the 2nd transport path 812 can receive the racks transported from the 1st transport path 811 and transport them in the left-right direction. The 3rd transport path 813 can receive the racks transported to the left end by the 2nd transport path 812.

[0155] The 1st transport path 811 and the 3rd transport path 813 are long in the front-back direction, and can store a plurality of sample racks 110 at a time. The 1st transport path 811 is provided with a stopper 811a for supplying the sample racks 110 to the 2nd transport path 812 one by one. The stopper 811a is a movable stopper that moves in the up-down direction, and is arranged at the boundary with the 2nd transport path 812.

[0156] The stopper 811a can rotate in the front-back direction, and when rotated from back to front, it becomes a state of projecting upward, and when rotated in the opposite direction, it is retracted downward. When the sample rack 110 in the 1st transport path 811 is to be transported to the 2nd transport path 812, the stopper 811a is positioned so as not to project from the upper side. After the operation of transporting the rack to the 2nd transport path 812 is completed, the stopper 811a is rotated in the front direction, and is positioned between the sample rack 110 in the 2nd transport path 812 and the sample rack 110 in the 1st transport path 811. By causing the stopper 811a to enter between the sample racks 110, the two racks are separated. In the 3rd transport path 813, a movable stopper 813a similar to the stopper 811a is also provided at the boundary with the 4th transport path 814.

[0157] The second conveyance path 812, the fourth conveyance path 814, and the fifth conveyance path 815 extend in the left-right direction and are arranged in parallel with each other. The second conveyance path 812 has a conveyance belt 812b capable of conveying the sample rack 110 in both the leftward and rightward directions. The fourth conveyance path 814 is a conveyance path for conveying the sample rack 110 to the first conveyance path 21 of the conveyance unit 20, and the third conveyance path 813 is connected to the right end side of the fourth conveyance path 814. The fifth conveyance path 815 has a conveyance belt 815b capable of conveying the QC sample rack 160 carried in from the third conveyance path 23 of the conveyance unit 20 in the rightward direction.

[0158] The conveyer section 81 has a plurality of rack delivery sections for transferring the sample rack 110 between the conveyance paths, and a plurality of sensors for detecting the position of the sample rack 110 in the conveyance path. The conveyer section 81 also has a first information reading section 817A, a second information reading section 817B, and a third information reading section 817C.

[0159] In the conveyer section 81, as the rack delivery sections, there are a first delivery section 816A, a second delivery section 816B, a third delivery section 816C, a fourth delivery section 816D, and a fifth delivery section 816E. The first delivery section 816A has an engaging section 816f that abuts against the front side of the sample rack 110 and pushes the sample rack 110 in the rearward direction, a drive mechanism that moves the engaging section 816f in the front-rear direction along the first conveyance path 811, and the first delivery section 816A pushes the sample rack 110 out from the first conveyance path 811 to the second conveyance path 812.

[0160] In the first delivery section 816A, as the drive mechanism, there are a conveyor belt 816g arranged along the first conveyance path 811, a link member 816h that links the engaging section 816f and the conveyor belt 816g, and a motor 816i that drives the conveyor belt 816g. The motor 816i uses, for example, a stepping motor. In the first conveyance path 811, the sample rack 110 pushed by the engaging section 816f collides with the preceding sample rack 110 and stops, and therefore a torque sensor 816j that can detect this state is provided in the first delivery section 816A.

[0161] The first delivery section 816A returns the engaging section 816f to the original position after the torque sensor 816j operates Figure 8 The engaging section 816f is pivotally supported with respect to the link member 816h and can rotate in the rearward direction, so that, for example, when returning to the original position, even if the engaging section 816f collides with the following sample rack 110, the sample rack 110 is not pushed in the forward direction. The third delivery section 816C has the same structure as the first delivery section 816A and pushes the sample rack 110 out from the third conveyance path 813 to the fourth conveyance path 814.

[0162] The 2nd delivery part 816B delivers the sample rack 110 from the 2nd transport path 812 to the 3rd transport path 813, and the 4th delivery part 816D delivers the sample rack 110 from the 4th transport path 814 to the 1st transport path 21 of the transport unit 20. The 5th delivery part 816E delivers the QC sample rack 160 from the 5th transport path 815 to the 1st transport path 811.

[0163] In the conveyer part 81, as sensors for detecting the sample rack 110 in the 1st transport path 811, there are provided sensors 818a, 818b. As sensors for detecting the sample rack 110 in the 2nd transport path 812, there are provided sensors 818c, 818e. As sensors for detecting the sample rack 110 in the 3rd transport path 813, there are provided sensors 818f, 818g. Further, as a sensor for detecting the sample rack 110 in the 4th transport path 814, there is provided a sensor 818h, and as a sensor for detecting the sample rack 110 in the 5th transport path 815, there are provided sensors 818i, 818j.

[0164] The conveyer part 81 further has a sensor 818d for detecting a container housed in the rack moving in the 2nd transport path 812. The sensor 818d is provided in the middle portion of the 2nd transport path 812. From the detection information of the sensor 818d, it is possible to know the presence or absence of the container in the rack moving in the 2nd transport path 812, and thus when no container is detected by the sensor 818d, it is possible to determine that the rack of the 2nd transport path 812 is the empty rack 170. The detection information of the sensor 818d is used when determining the transport destination of the rack moving in the 2nd transport path 812.

[0165] The sensors 818a, 818c, 818e, 818f, 818i, 818j use, for example, a reflection type optical sensor in which a light emitting part and a light receiving part are integrated. Further, the sensors 818b, 818d, 818g, 818h use a light interrupter type optical sensor in which a light emitting part and a light receiving part are separated. In the 4th transport path 814, an opening part 814d of a size that does not obstruct the transport of the sample rack 110 is formed, and the light emitting part of the sensor 818h is disposed below the opening part 814d, and the light receiving part is disposed near the right end position of the 4th transport path 814.

[0166] The sample rack 110 placed in the 1st transport path 811 is detected by the sensor 818b, and is transported to the right end position of the 2nd transport path 812 by the 1st delivery part 816A. The sample rack 110 moved into the right end position of the 2nd transport path 812 is detected by the sensor 818c, and is transported to the left end position of the 2nd transport path 812 by the transport belt 812b. The sample rack 110 moving from right to left in the 2nd transport path 812 is detected by the sensor 818d disposed in the middle portion of the 2nd transport path 812 for the presence or absence of the container housed in the rack.

[0167] At the left end of the second transport path 812, the sample holder 110 is detected by the sensor 818e. A first information reading unit 817A and a second information reading unit 817B are located behind the second transport path 812. The first information reading unit 817A and the second information reading unit 817B can move towards each other to sequentially read the sample IDs of the sample containers 100 stored in the sample holder 110. The first information reading unit 817A and the second information reading unit 817B have, for example, the same structure as the information reading unit 87, with two rollers clamping the second transport path 812. Figure 8 To simplify the illustration, the scroll wheel has been omitted.

[0168] First Information Reading Unit 817A Figure 4 The sample IDs of sample containers 100 with storage location numbers 6 to 10 are read by the second information reading unit 817B, and the sample IDs of sample containers 100 with storage location numbers 1 to 5 are read by the first information reading unit 817A. The first information reading unit 817A also reads the rack ID from the machine-readable tag 112 of the sample rack 110.

[0169] The third information reading unit 817C has, for example, a reading unit that functions as a barcode reader, and a reading rack ID. The third information reading unit 817C is located behind the fourth transport path 814.

[0170] Sample rack 110 transported from second transport path 812 to third transport path 813 by second delivery unit 816B is detected by sensors 818f and 818g, and then transported by third delivery unit 816C to fourth transport path 814. Sample rack 110 entering fourth transport path 814 is detected by sensor 818h, and then transported by fourth delivery unit 816D to first transport path 21 of transport unit 20. Sample rack 110 transported to transport unit 20 is retrieved to retrieval unit 60 located downstream of sample analysis system 1 as described above, and therefore does not return to supply unit 80.

[0171] A QC sample rack 160 containing QC sample containers 150 is supplied from the rack storage section 88 to the right end of the second transport path 812. Then, similar to the sample rack 110, it is transported to the first transport path 21 of the transport unit 20 via the second transport path 812, the third transport path 813, and the fourth transport path 814. The QC sample rack 160 is retrieved from the third transport path 23 of the transport unit 20 to the fifth transport path 815. The QC sample rack 160 entering the fifth transport path 815 is detected by sensor 818i and transported by conveyor belt 815b to the right end of the fifth transport path 815. The QC sample rack 160 is detected at the right end of the fifth transport path 815 by sensor 818j and transported by the fifth delivery section 816E to the first transport path 811.

[0172] [Input Department 83]

[0173] As Figure 8 shown, the input section 83 has a first input section 83A that transfers the QC sample container 150 from the first input port 831A to the extraction position P5, and a second input section 83B that transfers the cleaning agent container 180 from the second input port 831B to the extraction section 839. The extraction position P5 is a position at which the extraction section 85 can extract the QC sample container 150, and the rear end of the first input section 83A is the extraction position P5. The extraction section 839 has a transfer piece 839d, a sensor 839h, and the like, and is provided at the rear end of the second input section 83B.

[0174] The first input section 83A has a transfer path 830A for the QC sample container 150 that extends in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the second input section 83B has a transfer path 830B for the cleaning agent container 180 that extends in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the transfer paths 830A, 830B are formed parallel to each other. In the vicinity of the first input port 831A and in the vicinity of the extraction position P5, there are provided sensors 835f, 835g that detect the transfer holder 834. The sensors 835f, 835g use, for example, a magnetic sensor, an eddy current sensor, or the like, as a distance sensor.

[0175] In the first input section 83A, a plurality of sensors 833e are provided in the first input port 831A. In the second input section 83B, a plurality of sensors 836d are provided along the transfer path 830B. The transfer path 830B of the second input section 83B is a passage for transferring the cleaning agent container 180, and also functions as a storage section that stores a plurality of cleaning agent containers 180. Therefore, the sensors 836d that detect the cleaning agent containers 180 present in the transfer path 830B are provided a plurality of times along the transfer path 830B. The number of cleaning agent containers 180 stored in the transfer path 830B can be confirmed from the detection information of the plurality of sensors 836d.

[0176] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is an oblique view of the input section 83. Figure 9 illustrates a state in which the transfer holder 834 is positioned in the first input section 83A, Figure 10 illustrates a state in which the transfer holder 834 is positioned in the extraction position P5. As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the input section 83 is a device in which the first input section 83A and the second input section 83B are integrated, and has a frame 833, 836 that forms the transfer paths 830A, 830B that are inclined from the front to the rear.

[0177] The first insertion portion 83A has a transfer holder 834 and a drive mechanism 835 that moves the transfer holder 834 in the front-rear direction. The transfer holder 834 has a plurality of accommodation portions 834a that can accommodate the QC sample containers 150 one by one. The transfer holder 834 as a whole has a block shape, and the plurality of accommodation portions 834a that are holes into which the QC sample containers 150 can be inserted are formed in the upper side of the transfer holder 834. The depth of the accommodation portion 834a is preferably such that the upper portion of the tube 101 that is held by the arm 85b of the transfer portion 85 protrudes from the upper side of the transfer holder 834 in a state in which the QC sample container 150 is inserted.

[0178] A through-hole 834b that communicates with the accommodation portion 834a is formed in the side surface of the transfer holder 834. The through-holes 834b are formed in both side surfaces of the transfer holder 834 in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, there are three accommodation portions 834a arranged in a row in the front-rear direction, and one through-hole 834b is formed in the left and right with respect to one accommodation portion 834a, and a total of six through-holes 834b are formed. The light emitting portion and the light receiving portion that constitute the sensor 833e are provided in both side surfaces of the frame 833, and light is caused to pass through the accommodation portion 834a via the through-hole 834b. Thus, at the first insertion port 831A, the presence or absence of the QC sample container 150 in each accommodation portion 834a can be detected.

[0179] The drive mechanism 835 has an endless belt 835a that extends along the inclined portion 833c, a link member 835b that links the transfer holder 834 and the endless belt 835a, a motor 835c that includes a rotating shaft on which the endless belt 835a is mounted, a pulley 835d on which the endless belt 835a is mounted, and a guide rail 835e that guides the movement of the transfer holder 834. The transfer holder 834 is mounted to the frame 833 by the drive mechanism 835 and is movable.

[0180] When at least one of the accommodation portions 834a accommodates the QC sample container 150 and the first cover 832A is closed, the transfer holder 834 is automatically moved from the first insertion port 831A to the extraction position P5. After the transfer holder 834 reaches the extraction position P5, the QC sample container 150 is extracted from the accommodation portion 834a by the transfer portion 85 and is transferred to the information reading portion 87. After all of the QC sample containers 150 are extracted from the transfer holder 834, the transfer holder 834 is automatically moved to the first insertion port 831A, for example.

[0181] The first cover 832A that covers the first insertion port 831A is locked and cannot be opened when the transfer holder 834 is not in the Figure 9 indicated position (also referred to as the home position) as described above. After the transfer holder 834 reaches the first insertion port 831A is detected by the sensor 835f, the lock of the first cover 832A is released.

[0182] The second insertion portion 83B has an opposing piece 837 that, when installed, has a gap with the frame 836 that can hold the cleaning agent container 180. A guide rail 838 is provided between the frame 836 and the opposing piece 837, and the guide rail 838 can support the flange 181 of the cleaning agent container 180 in a state in which the cleaning agent container 180 can slide. The cleaning agent container 180 is stored in the transfer path 830B in a state in which the flange 181 is supported by the guide rail 838 and is suspended, and slides in the transfer path 830B.

[0183] The extraction portion 839 has a transfer piece 839d that moves in the left-right direction in a state in which the cleaning agent container 180 is placed, and when the transfer piece 839d moves to the left end side of the extraction portion 839, the cleaning agent container 180 is caused to protrude upward. The extraction portion 839 also has two support pieces 839a, 839b that hold and allow movement of the transfer piece 839d, an inclined block 839c fixed to the lower portions of the support pieces 839a, 839b, and a drive mechanism of the transfer piece 839d. In the extraction portion 839, a conveyor belt 839e, a motor 839f, and a pulley 839g, and the like are provided as the drive mechanism.

[0184] In the transfer piece 839d, a placement portion that can accommodate the cleaning agent container 180 is formed in the central portion of the piece. When the transfer piece 839d moves in the left direction in a state in which the cleaning agent container 180 is placed, the lower end portion of the cleaning agent container 180 abuts against the upper side surface of the inclined block 839c. The upper side surface of the inclined block 839c is inclined and higher on the left side, and thus the cleaning agent container 180 is pushed up along the upper side surface of the inclined block 839c and becomes a state in which it can be held by the transfer portion 85.

[0185] A sensor 839h that detects protrusion of the cleaning agent container 180 upward is provided in the extraction portion 839. The light emitting portion and the light receiving portion that constitute the sensor 839h are installed in the support piece 839a and are disposed so that an optical axis in the left-right direction is formed above the transfer piece 839d. When protrusion of the cleaning agent container 180 upward is detected by the sensor 839h, the cleaning agent container 180 is transferred from the extraction portion 839 to the empty rack 170 of the rack storage portion 88 by the transfer portion 85.

[0186] [Insulating portion 84]

[0187] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is an oblique view of the insulating portion 84. Figure 11 illustrates a state in which the cover 842 of the insulating portion 84 is closed, Figure 12 illustrates a state in which the cover 842 of the insulating portion 84 is open. In addition, Figure 12A state in which a portion of the intake pipe 846 is removed is illustrated. The cold storage section 84 is a storage library that stores the QC sample containers 150, and has a function of cooling the QC sample containers 150. The cold storage section 84 includes a block-shaped cold storage section main body 841 that forms a cold storage chamber 841a for cooling storage of the QC sample containers 150, a cover 842 that covers the cold storage chamber 841a, and an opening and closing mechanism 843 of the cover 842. The cold storage section main body 841 and the cover 842 are long in the left-right direction, and are rectangular in plan view. The cold storage section 84 includes a base 848 on which the cold storage section main body 841 is placed.

[0188] The cold storage section 84 controls the temperature of the cold storage chamber 841a, the opening and closing of the cover 842, and the like by the control section 82a. The temperature of the cold storage chamber 841a is, for example, 2°C to 8°C, and is controlled to be substantially a prescribed temperature at all times. The cooling operation of the cold storage section 84 also continues after the sample analysis system 1 is powered off. The cover 842 is automatically opened and closed at the time point at which the QC sample containers 150 are taken out or put in.

[0189] The cold storage section main body 841 includes a plurality of storage sections 841b that store the QC sample containers 150 one by one in a standing state in the cold storage chamber 841a that is covered by the cover 842. The storage section 841b is a hole that can insert the QC sample container 150, and is open upward. Figure 12 In the example, nine storage sections 841b are formed in a row in the left-right direction. The depth of the storage section 841b is such that, in a state in which the QC sample container 150 is inserted, the upper portion of the tube 101 that is held by the arm 85b of the conveyance section 85 protrudes from the upper side of the cold storage section main body 841.

[0190] In the cold storage section main body 841, a cooling module can use a cooling device of a vapor compression type that includes a compressor, or the like, but in the present embodiment, a Peltier element is built in from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the device and the like. In the cold storage section main body 841, as a heat dissipation module of the Peltier element, a fan 845 is provided. In addition, a metal cooling block that is cooled by the Peltier element, a heat dissipation fin, a temperature sensor, and the like are provided in the cold storage section main body 841.

[0191] The cover 842 closes the opening of the cold storage chamber 841a to maintain airtightness and low temperature in the cold storage chamber 841a. The cover 842 is also block-shaped like the cold storage section main body 841, and has a recessed portion 842a formed in the inner side surface toward the cold storage section main body 841. The peripheral edge portion of the inner side surface of the cover 842 that abuts against the upper side surface of the cold storage section main body 841 is flat, and the recessed portion 842a is formed in the central portion along the longitudinal direction of the cover 842. A rubber packing can also be installed in the peripheral edge portion of the inner side surface of the cover 842.

[0192] The cover 842 is opened to the right by the opening and closing mechanism 843 provided at the right end portion of the cold storage section main body 841.

[0193] The opening and closing mechanism 843 includes: a rotating shaft 843a, a bearing member 843b fixed to the right end of the cooling unit body 841, supporting the rotating shaft 843a and enabling it to rotate, a connecting member 843c connecting the right end of the cover 842 and the rotating shaft 843a, and a drive mechanism for rotating the rotating shaft 843a. In the opening and closing mechanism 843, as the drive mechanism for the rotating shaft 843a, there is an endless conveyor belt 843d mounted on the rear end of the rotating shaft 843a, and a motor 843e having a rotating shaft for mounting the conveyor belt 843d and driving the conveyor belt 843d. The rotating shaft 843a extends in the front-rear direction. The motor 843e is fixed to the base 848.

[0194] The opening and closing mechanism 843 includes: two sensors 843f and 843g mounted on the bearing member 843b, and a metal plate 843h fixed to the front end of the rotating shaft 843a. Suitable sensors 843f and 843g are, for example, proximity sensors such as magnetic sensors and eddy current sensors. The sensors 843f and 843g can detect the opening and closing of the cover 842 by detecting the approach of the metal plate 843h, which moves along with the rotation of the rotating shaft 843a. In this embodiment, sensor 843f detects the open state of the cover 842, and sensor 843g detects the closed state of the cover 842.

[0195] The fan 845 is a heat dissipation module that dissipates heat from the Peltier element and is located behind the main body 841 of the cooling section. An intake pipe 846 and an exhaust pipe 847 are connected to the fan 845. The intake pipe 846 extends to the right above the fan 845, and the exhaust pipe 847 extends downwards below the fan 845. When the fan 845 is operating, it draws in air through the intake port of the intake pipe 846 and exhausts it through the heat-generating part from the exhaust port of the exhaust pipe 847.

[0196] [Transfer Department 85]

[0197] like Figure 13 As shown, the transfer unit 85 has a plate-shaped base 85a that extends vertically and a pair of arms 85b that hold the QC sample container 150. The plate surface of the base 85a extends vertically and horizontally. The pair of arms 85b are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction and can move towards each other and away from each other. When the pair of arms 85b approach each other, they hold the QC sample container 150; when the pair of arms 85b move away from each other, they release the QC sample container 150.

[0198] The transfer section 85 takes out the QC sample container 150 from the transfer holder 834 of the first input section 83A, and transfers it to the refrigeration section 84 via the information reading section 87. The QC sample container 150 is taken out from the refrigeration section 84, and is transferred to the rack storage section 88 via the heating section 86. The transfer section 85 returns the QC sample container 150, which has completed the measurement in the measurement unit and is recovered to the rack storage section 88, to the refrigeration section 84, or disposes of the QC sample container 150, which has completed the use, in the first recovery section 89A.

[0199] In addition, the transfer section 85 takes out the cleaning agent container 180 from the second input section 83B, and transfers it to the rack storage section 88. The cleaning agent container 180 is taken out from the taking-out section 839 (refer to Figure 8 etc.) of the second input section 83B, and is directly transferred to the front-end rack of the rack storage section 88. The transfer section 85 disposes of the cleaning agent container 180, which has completed the measurement in the measurement unit and is recovered to the rack storage section 88, in the second recovery section 89B.

[0200] In the base section 85a, as a drive mechanism of the arms 85b, an endless belt 85c extending in the front-rear direction, a pair of link members 85d linking the pair of arms 85b and the endless belt 85c, a motor 85e including a rotation shaft on which the endless belt 85c is mounted, and a pulley 85f on which the endless belt 85c is mounted are provided. The pair of arms 85b is movably mounted to the base section 85a by the drive mechanism. The motor 85e uses, for example, a stepping motor.

[0201] The pair of arms 85b is also movable in three directions of the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. The transfer section 85 is provided with a first drive mechanism that moves the base section 85a, on which the arms 85b are mounted, in the front-rear direction, and a second drive mechanism that moves the base section 85a in the left-right direction. The upper end of the base section 85a is engaged with and suspended from the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism, and is supported in a state of being movable in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction with respect to the frame 82f. A third drive mechanism 853 (refer to Figure 14 ).

[0202] The pair of arms 85b, for example, holds the upper portion of the tube 101 of the QC sample container 150. The QC sample container 150 is provided with a cap 102 having an outer diameter larger than the tube 101, and thus the arms 85b are caught in the cap 102 by holding the upper portion of the tube 101, and can more surely prevent the QC sample container 150 from falling off. In the cleaning agent container 180, a flange 181 extending to the radially outer side is formed at the upper end of the container, and thus the pair of arms 85b holds a portion slightly lower than the flange 181.

[0203] [Heating Section 86]

[0204] As Figure 13 shown, the heating section 86 has a block-shaped heating section main body 86a and a housing section 86b that houses the QC sample container 150. The housing section 86b is a hole into which the QC sample container 150 can be inserted, open upward, and a plurality of them are formed in the heating section main body 86a. The housing section 86b houses the QC sample container 150 one by one in a standing state. In Figure 13 the example, six housing sections 86b are arranged in a row in the left-right direction.

[0205] The depth of the housing section 86b is preferably such that the upper portion of the tube 101 held by the arm 85b of the transfer section 85 protrudes from the upper side of the heating section main body 86a when the QC sample container 150 is inserted. The heating section 86 has no cover, and there is no large protrusion on the upper side of the heating section main body 86a. The number, arrangement, and the like of the housing sections 86b are not particularly limited, and for example, the housing sections 86b can be arranged in a staggered manner.

[0206] The heating section 86 has a function of heating the QC sample container 150 that is cooled and stored in the cooling section 84 as described above, and adjusting the temperature of the precision management substance inside the QC sample container 150 to a measurement temperature in the measurement unit. The measurement temperature is 23°C ± 3°C. The appropriate cooling and storage temperature is 2°C to 8°C, and thus the heating section 86 needs to increase the temperature of the precision management substance, for example, by 12°C to 24°C. The heating section 86 heats the QC sample container 150 inserted into the housing section 86b so that the precision management substance in the QC sample container 150 becomes the measurement temperature.

[0207] The heating section 86 has a heater that generates heat by electric power. The heater is preferably an aluminum block heater. In the aluminum block heater, an aluminum block is used as a heating medium, and thus, compared to a liquid medium, there is no contamination of the container, and it is more suitable. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the aluminum block is high, and thus, the time required for temperature increase can also be shortened. By having the heater, the temperature can be quickly adjusted even in an environment where the room temperature is low.

[0208] The set temperature of the heater is a temperature higher than the measurement temperature in a range that does not deteriorate the precision management substance, and in the preferred example, it is 23°C ± 3°C. The heating section 86 can have a blower module such as a fan that blows air to the housing section 86b, and the heating of the precision management substance can be performed by blowing air to the QC sample container 150 by the blower module. The heating section 86 can also have a heater and a fan.

[0209] [Information reading section 87]

[0210] As Figure 13As shown, the information reading section 87 includes rollers 87a, 87b arranged so as to sandwich the receiving section 87d of the QC sample container 150, and a reading section 87c that reads the QC sample ID from the machine-readable label 103 of the QC sample container 150. At least one of the rollers 87a, 87b is movable in a direction in which the rollers 87a, 87b approach each other, and rotates. The information reading section 87 drives at least one of the rollers 87a, 87b to rotate the QC sample container 150 arranged in the receiving section 87d, and reads the QC sample ID by the reading section 87c. The reading section 87c is, for example, a bar code reader.

[0211] The QC sample container 150 is transported from the first input section 83A to the information reading section 87, and the QC sample container 150 of which the QC sample ID has been read at the information reading section 87 is transported to the refrigeration section 84 and stored while being cooled. The information reading section 87 transmits information of the read QC sample ID to the control section 82a, and the control section 82a performs processing relating to precision management using this information. The control section 82a manages the receiving positions of the QC sample containers 150 in the refrigeration section 84 using the QC sample ID, so that the QC sample container 150 used in precision management measurement can be selected. Details will be described later.

[0212] [Shelf Receiving Section 88]

[0213] Figure 14 and Figure 15 is an oblique view showing the inside configuration of the storage adjustment unit 82, and the shelf receiving section 88 is shown in an enlarged view. The shelf receiving section 88 has a transport path 88a that can transport the empty shelf 170 in the front-rear direction and can store a plurality of empty shelves 170. The transport path 88a extends long in the front-rear direction at the right end of the storage adjustment unit 82. In the present embodiment, up to seven empty shelves 170 can be stored in the transport path 88a.

[0214] In the transport path 88a, three limiters 88b, 88c, 88d are arranged in order from the front. The limiter 88c is arranged at the center of the front-rear direction of the transport path 88a, and restricts the movement of the empty shelf 170 stored in the transport path 88a in the front direction. The limiter 88d is arranged at the rear end side of the transport path 88a compared to the limiter 88c, and restricts the movement of the empty shelf 170 in the rear direction. The region sandwiched by the limiters 88c, 88d is a region in which the empty shelf 170 can be stored, and in the present embodiment, the interval in the front-rear direction of the limiters 88c, 88d corresponds to the front-rear direction length of seven empty shelves 170.

[0215] The rack storage section 88 is also a place where the QC sample container 150 and the cleaning agent container 180 are stored in the empty rack 170 as described above. The QC sample container 150 and the cleaning agent container 180 are stored in the front end rack among the plurality of empty racks 170, and thus a space that becomes a passage of the transfer section 85 is ensured above the front end rack and its vicinity of the transport path 88a. The position of the front end rack is determined by the stopper 88c that stops the empty rack 170 from moving forward, and in this embodiment, the first recovery section 89A, the second recovery section 89B, and the heating section 86 are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0216] The rack storage section 88 has a transport arm 881 for transporting the empty rack 170, the QC sample rack 160 in which the QC sample container 150 is stored, and a rack (hereinafter referred to as a "cleaning agent rack") in which the cleaning agent container 180 is stored, in the front-rear direction. The transport arm 881 can push the empty rack 170 and the like forward, and can pull the empty rack 170 and the like backward. The pair of transport arms 881 that sandwich the transport path 88a from both sides is provided in the rack storage section 88. Further, the claw portion 881a that protrudes inward of the transport path 88a is formed at the front end of the pair of transport arms 881.

[0217] Hereinafter, the structure of the rack storage section 88 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 16 and Figure 17 The structure of the rack storage section 88 will be described in further detail. The transport path 88a of the rack storage section 88 is connected to the second transport path 812 of the conveyor section 81, and is arranged opposite to the first transport path 811 with the second transport path 812 interposed therebetween. That is, the first transport path 811 and the transport path 88a are arranged in the front-rear direction. The transport path 88a is connected to the right end side of the second transport path 812, and is connected to the first transport path 811 and the third transport path 813 via the second transport path 812.

[0218] The stopper 88b of the transport path 88a is a movable stopper that is arranged at the front end portion of the transport path 88a, and prevents the sample rack 110 and the like that is pushed out from the first transport path 811 to the second transport path 812 from entering the transport path 88a. The stopper 88b is lowered so as not to protrude from the upper side of the transport path 88a when the empty rack 170 and the like is carried into the transport path 88a. The empty rack 170 and the like is transported to the rear of the stopper 88c, and thus the stopper 88c is lowered in conjunction with the stopper 88b. The stoppers 88b, 88c can be mechanically linked by a connection mechanism or the like, for example.

[0219] The transport arm 881 is capable of moving in the front-rear direction to the front of the second transport path 812, capable of pushing out the QC sample rack 160 or the like to the second transport path 812, and capable of pulling in the QC sample rack 160 or the like from the second transport path 812 to the transport path 88a. The QC sample rack 160 is transported from the rack storage portion 88 to the third transport path 813, the fourth transport path 814 via the second transport path 812. And the QC sample rack 160 returned to the supply unit 80 via the fifth transport path 815 is recovered to the rack storage portion 88 via the first transport path 811 and the second transport path 812.

[0220] The transport arm 881 moves in the front-rear direction by the same driving mechanism as the first ejection portion 816A. And the two transport arms 881 are also capable of moving in the direction of approaching each other and the direction of moving away from each other, capable of ejecting the QC sample rack 160 or the like to the second transport path 812 one by one. Specifically, it is capable of moving in the left-right direction between the engagement position where the claw portion 881a of the transport arm 881 is engaged with the rack on the transport path 88a and the retreat position where the claw portion 881a retreats from the transport path 88a.

[0221] For example, to move the transport arm 881 from the rear of the transport path 88a to the front beyond the empty rack 170, to push out the QC sample rack 160 (front end rack) to the second transport path 812, the transport arm 881 in the retreat position is moved to the position of the QC sample rack 160. Then, the transport arm 881 is moved to the engagement position, and the claw portion 881a is inserted between the QC sample rack 160 and the empty rack 170 behind it. In this state, the transport arm 881 is moved to the front, whereby the rear side of the front end rack is pushed by the claw portion 881a of the transport arm 881, and the QC sample rack 160 is pushed out to the second transport path 812.

[0222] In the rack storage portion 88, four sensors 882a, 882b, 882c, 882d are provided in order from the front along the transport path 88a. The sensor 882a detects the rack between the limiters 88b, 88c on the front end side of the transport path 88a, and the sensor 882b detects the front end rack. When the empty rack 170 is stored in the rack storage portion 88, the transport arm 881 is moved to the front with the empty rack 170, so that the front end rack in which the QC sample container 150 and the cleaning agent container 180 can be stored is always present.

[0223] The sensor 882c detects the QC sample container 150 and the cleaning agent container 180 stored in the front end rack. The sensor 882d detects the presence or absence of the rack on the rear end side of the transport path 88a, specifically, detects the limiter 88d (refer to FIG. 6) on the rear end side of the transport path 88a. Figure 15The sensor 882d does not detect the empty rack 170, which means that the rack houses the QC sample container 150 or the cleaning agent container 180 and has been transported to the measurement unit, or that the rack housing portion 88 has an empty space capable of housing the empty rack 170.

[0224] As with the sensors of the conveyer portion 81, the sensors 882a, 882b, 882c, 882d can use optical sensors. For example, the sensors 882a, 882c use optical sensors in which the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are separated, and the sensors 882b, 882d use reflection-type optical sensors in which the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are integrated. The control portion 82a controls the limiters 88b, 88c and the transport arm 881 based on the detection information of each sensor and the like, and performs the rack transport operation in the rack housing portion 88, the details of which will be described later.

[0225] [Operation interface of display 91]

[0226] Hereinafter, the interface displayed on the display 91 of the supply unit 80 will be described in detail. Figures 18-27

[0227] Figure 18 is an example of the main interface 1000 displayed on the display 91 of the supply unit 80. The main interface 1000 has a tool bar 1000A, a main area 1000B that displays an operation menu, and a status display area 1000C that displays a status. As described above, the display 91 is configured by a touch screen, and the icons displayed on the interface 1000 are displayed in a manner that the user can select. In the tool bar 1000A, there are provided portal interface display icons 1005 for displaying the portal interface 2600 described later. Figure 27

[0228] In the main area 1000B, there are displayed device status icons 1001 for confirming the status of the supply unit 80 or replenishing consumables of the supply unit 80, and schedule icons 1002 for registering and editing a schedule. As described above, in the main area 1000B, other icons can also be included. Figure 18

[0229] Figure 19 is an example of the device status interface 2000 displayed in response to selection of the device status icons 1001. In the device status interface 2000, as the content displayed in the main area, there are provided a QC status window 2001, a cleaning agent container inventory window 2006, an empty rack inventory window 2007, a waste box window 2008, and a temperature display window 2009.

[0230] ​​​The QC status window 2001 includes: a QC sample list 2001A that displays information on QC samples managed by the supply unit 80 at a glance, and a balance display section 2001B that displays the balance for each concentration level of the managed QC samples.

[0231] QC Sample List 2001A provides a summary view of the information in QC sample containers 150 managed by supply unit 80. For example, QC Sample List 2001A... Figure 19 As shown, there are 9 rows corresponding to the 9 storage compartments 841b located in the cold insulation section 84. In the QC sample list 2001A, starting from the leftmost column, the first column indicates the location number of the storage compartment 841b, the second column indicates the concentration level of the QC sample, the third column indicates the batch number, the fourth column indicates the number of remaining tests, and the fifth column indicates the expiration date.

[0232] exist Figure 19 In the example, for instance, information about the QC sample container 150 stored in the storage section 841b at location number 1 is displayed in the row corresponding to location number "1". Figure 19 In the example, the information registered in QC sample container 150 in location number "1" is as follows: concentration level is "Level 1", batch number is "A001XXXX", remaining quantity is 3 tests, and expiration date is "March 30, 2021".

[0233] Information from the QC sample container 150 placed via the aforementioned input section 83 is read by the information reading section 87, thereby registering information in the QC sample list 2001A. The machine-readable tag 103 on the QC sample container 150 stores attribute information including the concentration level, batch number, remaining test count, and expiration date of the QC sample. The information reading section 87 obtains this information based on the information read from the machine-readable tag 103 and sends it to the control section 82a. The QC sample container 150, having had its information read, is stored in an empty storage section 841b of the cooling section 84 via the transfer section 85. The control section 82a stores the information read by the information reading section 87 in the database 820 (see below) in correspondence with the location number of the storage section 841b containing the QC sample container 150. Figure 28 ).

[0234] The QC sample list 2001A provides a summary view of the information for the QC sample containers 150 managed by the supply unit 80. Even when the QC sample container 150 has been removed from the cooling section 84 (e.g., during transport for accuracy management measurements), information about the QC sample container 150 is displayed in the row corresponding to its position number. Figure 19As indicated by the center section line, the information of the QC sample container 150 that has been taken out from the cooling section 84 is displayed in a different background color so as to be distinguished from the QC sample containers 150 stored in the cooling section 84.

[0235] As shown in Figure 19 , the QC sample list 2001A emphasizes the corresponding cell of the 4th column that displays the remaining number of tests when the remaining number of tests is less than a certain value. For example, in the example of Figure 19 , the color of the cell corresponding to the QC sample container 150 of the position number 3 whose remaining number of tests is less than 1 is displayed in reverse. The threshold value that becomes the object of the emphasized display can be appropriately set, and for example, the emphasized display can be performed when the remaining number of tests is less than 5. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the existence of the QC sample container 150 whose remaining number of tests is small or zero.

[0236] As shown in Figure 19 , the QC sample list 2001A emphasizes the corresponding cell of the 5th column that displays the expiration date when the QC sample container 150 stored in the cooling section 84 has passed the expiration date. For example, in the example of Figure 19 , the color of the cell corresponding to the QC sample container 150 of the position number 6 whose expiration date has passed is displayed in reverse. The condition of the emphasized display can be appropriately set, and for example, the emphasized display can be performed when the remaining number of days until the expiration date is less than a threshold value. For example, the emphasized display can be performed when the remaining number of days until the expiration date is less than 10 days. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the existence of the QC sample container 150 whose expiration date is close or has passed.

[0237] In the example of Figure 19 , the emphasized display is performed only on the cells of the 4th column or the 5th column, and the emphasized display can be performed on the entire row.

[0238] The remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 is displayed in the 4th column and the 5th column of the QC sample list 2001A. The remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 is displayed in the 4th column and the 5th column of the QC sample list 2001A. The remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 is displayed in the 4th column and the 5th column of the QC sample list 2001A. Figure 19 , the remaining number of tests of the QC sample of the concentration level 1, 2, and 3 is displayed as 27 tests, 79 tests, and 5 tests, respectively. The value of the remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 is displayed in the 4th column and the 5th column of the QC sample list 2001A. The value of the remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 is displayed in the 4th column and the 5th column of the QC sample list 2001A. The value of the remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 is displayed in the 4th column and the 5th column of the QC sample list 2001A.

[0239] The cleaning agent container inventory window 2006 displays the remaining quantity of cleaning agent containers 180 stored in the supply unit 80. As described above, a plurality of sensors 836d are provided at the second input section 83B along the transfer path 830B. Among them, at the front of the device ( Figure 8 The sensor 836d (located on the underside of the paper) is positioned to detect the position of the 15th cleaning agent container counting from the beginning. The control unit 82a displays the remaining quantity of cleaning agent containers 180 based on the output from the sensor 836d on the front side. For example, when cleaning agent container 180 is detected by the sensor 836d, such as... Figure 19 As shown, the display shows "15+" indicating that the remaining quantity is more than 15. Once the sensor 836d detects the cleaning agent container 180, when the sensor 836d no longer detects the cleaning agent container 180 due to its consumption, the control unit 82a subtracts the number used from 15 to display the number in stock.

[0240] In the modified supply unit 80K described later, the number of all cleaning agent containers placed in the unit is identified by the control unit 82a, and the displayed inventory number is changed according to the number of cleaning agent containers used by the supply unit 80.

[0241] The empty shelf inventory window 2007 displays the number of empty shelves 170 stored in the shelf storage section 88. The control unit 82a identifies the number of empty shelves 170 based on the output of sensors 882c and 882d, and displays the number in the empty shelf inventory window 2007.

[0242] The waste bin window 2008 displays the number of containers that can be disposed of to the first recycling section 89A and the second recycling section 89B, which serve as waste bins.

[0243] The temperature display window 2009 displays the internal temperature of the cold insulation section 84, the temperature of the heating zone of the heating section 86, and the outdoor temperature.

[0244] The toolbar of the device status interface 2000 displays a power-off icon 2003, a removal icon 2004, and an insertion icon 2005. The power-off icon 2003 is used when powering off the entire sample analysis system 1 or a portion thereof. The removal icon 2004 is used when removing the QC sample container 150 stored in the cold storage section 84. The use of the removal icon 2004 will be described later. Figure 21 Explanation: The input icon 2005 is used when placing the QC sample container 150 into the first input section 83A of the input section 83.

[0245] Figure 20is an example of a shutdown screen 2100 displayed when the power off icon 2003 of the device state screen 2000 is pressed. The shutdown screen 2100 displays a shutdown menu. The shutdown menu includes "designated device", "system as a whole", and "supply unit (BT-50) individual end" as three options.

[0246] When "designated device" is selected on the shutdown screen 2100, a device selection screen 2101 is displayed. The device selection screen 2101 includes a device selection area 2101A in which a plurality of devices, i.e., the assay units 10A, 10B, and the processing unit 40, are displayed in a selectable manner according to the layout of the sample analysis system. The user selects a device to be shut down according to the guidance of the screen. The next scheduled automatic startup schedule 2101B and a button 2101C for calling up the details of the next automatic startup schedule are displayed together on the screen 2101. After the user confirms the next automatic startup schedule displayed on the screen, the OK button at the lower part of the screen is pressed, and thus the selected device is shut down. The shutdown operation of the assay units and the processing unit is performed as described later, for example, with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13C. Figure 50 As described later, a cleaning agent rack in which a cleaning agent container is housed is transported to the device, cleaning is performed in the device, and the power of the device is turned off after the cleaning is completed. Hereinafter, the four assay units constituting the sample analysis system 1 are described as "XN-1", "XN-2", "XN-3", and "XN-4", respectively, and the processing unit 40 is described as "SP-1".

[0247] When "system as a whole" is selected on the shutdown screen 2100, a system shutdown confirmation screen 2102 is displayed. The schedule of the next scheduled automatic startup and a button for calling up the details of the next schedule are displayed on the screen 2102 as in the screen 2101. After the OK button at the lower part of the screen is pressed, the system as a whole is shut down.

[0248] When "supply unit individual end" is selected, a supply unit shutdown screen 2103 in which the user is again asked to confirm that only the supply unit 80 is shut down is displayed. After the OK button at the lower part of the screen 2103 is pressed, only the supply unit 80 is shut down. The shutdown of the supply unit 80 is turning off the power of the supply unit 80, and the transportation of the cleaning agent rack is not performed.

[0249] When the OK button is pressed on interfaces 2101-2103, if the consumables required for the automatic QC scheduled for the next automatic start-up period are insufficient, interface 2104 will be displayed. Interface 2104 includes the message "Insufficient consumables required for the next scheduled implementation." This interface 2104 is displayed when a shutdown instruction is received via interfaces 2101-2103, and the QC sample container 150 stored in the cooling section 84 and the empty shelf 170 stored in the shelf storage section 88 are insufficient for the automatic QC scheduled for the next automatic start-up period. The control section 82a of the supply unit 80 is shown in reference. Figure 19 As explained, the remaining test counts for each concentration level of the QC sample containers 150 stored in the cooling section 84 are stored. The control section 82a also stores the number of empty shelves 170 stored in the shelf storage section 88. Based on the QC conditions for automatic QC to be executed at the next automatic start, the control section 82a determines whether the inventory of QC sample containers 150 and empty shelves 110 is sufficient. If insufficient, interface 2104 is displayed on the display screen 91. The user presses the cancel button to stop the shutdown and replenish consumables. To continue the shutdown directly in this state, the user presses the OK button, and the shutdown will continue as instructed. By displaying interface 2104 before shutdown, it is possible, for example, to prevent the supply unit 80 from being shut down directly without replenishing the consumables required for the next day's automatic QC.

[0250] In the device selection interface 2101, the desired device can be turned off by selecting it on the interface and pressing the OK button. Therefore, users do not need to turn off each device individually, which is very convenient. Furthermore, the cleaning agent holder with a barcode specific to the device is used to supply cleaning agent containers 180 to specific devices, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user, which is also convenient.

[0251] Furthermore, to shut down the entire system, the user simply presses the OK button on interface 2102. Therefore, the user doesn't need to manually shut down all the devices. Even when the sample analysis system 1 has multiple devices, there's no need to manually prepare cleaning agent containers 180 for cleaning all the devices, which is very convenient.

[0252] Figure 21is an example of the QC sample extraction interface 2200 displayed in response to selection of the extraction icon 2004 of the device status interface 2000. The interface 2200 includes a QC sample list and position selection buttons 2201, which are the same as those included in the device status interface 2000. The user can select the position selection button 2201 corresponding to the position number of the QC sample container 150 to be extracted while confirming the QC sample list, and select the OK button at the lower part of the interface. The position selection buttons 2201 can be selected up to three at the same time, corresponding to the number of containers 3 that can be loaded in the transfer holder 834. In Figure 21 the example, the QC sample containers 150 of position numbers 2, 6, and 7 are selected. As explained with reference to Figure 19 the device status interface 2000, the QC sample containers 150 of position numbers 1, 4, and 5 are in the state of having been extracted from the refrigeration section 84, and cannot be extracted. Therefore, the position selection buttons 2201 corresponding to these position numbers cannot be selected, and the check boxes are displayed in gray.

[0253] When the user selects the QC sample containers 150 to be extracted through the position selection buttons 2201 and presses the OK button, the selected QC sample containers 150 are extracted from the refrigeration section 84 and placed in the transfer holder 834 at the extraction position P5 (shown in Figure 10 the drawing) of the loading section 83. Thereafter, the transfer holder 834 with the QC sample containers 150 placed therein is moved to the first loading port 831A (shown in Figure 9 the drawing). When the transfer holder 834 is moved to the first loading port 831A, the notification interface 2210 notifying the user that the QC sample containers 150 (XN CHECK) have arrived at the first loading port 831A is displayed on the display screen 91. The user can open the first cover 832A and extract the QC sample containers 150.

[0254] Figure 22 is an example of the input interface 2300 displayed in response to selection of the input icon 2005 of the device status interface 2000. When the input icon 2005 is selected, the transfer holder 834 is positioned at the first loading port 831A, and the lock of the first cover 832A is released. The interface 2300 is an interface for urging the user to place the QC sample container 150, and is displayed on the display screen 91 at the time point when the lock of the first cover 832A is released, for example. When the user places the QC sample container 150 in the transfer holder 834 and presses the OK button at the lower part of the interface, the QC sample container 150 is transferred to the inside of the supply unit 80 and stored in the refrigeration section 84. The process will be described later.

[0255] Figure 23is an example of the schedule screen 2400 displayed in response to selection of the schedule icon 1002 on the home screen 1000. The schedule screen 2400 includes seven week column marks 2401 provided corresponding to each day of the week, and a schedule list 2402 that displays schedules in a list. The seven column marks in the week column marks 2401 are displayed in a selectable manner, and the seven column marks display the names of the seven days of the week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The user can select any of the column marks and thereby designate the day of the week for which to set a schedule. In Figure 23 In the above example, a schedule is registered for each day of the week, but for example, a schedule can be registered for which a date can be designated. For example, a calendar can be displayed in units of weeks or in units of months, and a schedule can be registered by designating a specific date of the calendar.

[0256] Figure 23 In the above example, a schedule is registered for each day of the week, but for example, a schedule can be registered for which a date can be designated. For example, a calendar can be displayed in units of weeks or in units of months, and a schedule can be registered by designating a specific date of the calendar. Figure 23 In the example of FIG. 24, there are the following schedules: wake-up (automatic start) at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, precision management measurement (automatic QC) at 1:00 p.m., and automatic cleaning at 11:00 p.m. Corresponding to each schedule in the schedule list 2402, there is a button 2403 for switching ON / OFF. The user sets the button 2403 to "ON" when the schedule is to be executed, and sets it to "OFF" when it is not to be executed. A schedule set to ON is automatically executed at the same time each week, unless it is set to OFF.

[0257] In the toolbar of the schedule screen 2400, a registration icon 2404 for registering a schedule is displayed in a selectable manner. The user presses the registration icon 2404 when a new automatic execution schedule is to be added to the schedule list 2402.

[0258] Figure 24 is an example of the schedule screen 2400 displayed in response to selection of the schedule icon 1002 on the home screen 1000. The schedule screen 2400 includes seven week column marks 2401 provided corresponding to each day of the week, and a schedule list 2402 that displays schedules in a list. The seven column marks in the week column marks 2401 are displayed in a selectable manner, and the seven column marks display the names of the seven days of the week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The user can select any of the column marks and thereby designate the day of the week for which to set a schedule. In Figure 24 In the above example, a schedule is registered for each day of the week, but for example, a schedule can be registered for which a date can be designated. For example, a calendar can be displayed in units of weeks or in units of months, and a schedule can be registered by designating a specific date of the calendar.

[0259] After selecting the "Start" menu in the schedule registration interface 2500, registration interface 2501 will be displayed. Interface 2501 is used to register schedules for automatic wake-up. Interface 2501 includes multiple drop-down buttons for entering the day of the week and time for automatic wake-up. After selecting the day of the week drop-down button, a drop-down menu with seven options (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) will be displayed. Users can select any day of the week. The time drop-down includes drop-down buttons for specifying the time in one-hour units and drop-down buttons for specifying the time in minutes. Users can specify the time by operating the drop-down menu. Figure 24 The example only shows a drop-down menu, but it could also be a structure that displays a soft keyboard to accept numerical input from the user. Through the user interface 2501, the user can specify the day of the week and time for automatic wake-up.

[0260] The registration interface 2501 also includes buttons for turning automatic QC on / off. Users operate the buttons to set them to "ON" when automatic QC is to be performed and to "OFF" when not. Automatic QC refers to automated precision management and measurement performed using the QC sample container 150 housed in the cooling unit 84.

[0261] When an automatic wake-up schedule is registered with automatic QC set to ON, one or more measurement units in the sample analysis system 1 will automatically start according to the schedule, and the QC sample container 150 will automatically supply the activated measurement units for accuracy management measurements. When an automatic wake-up schedule is registered with automatic QC set to OFF, the power supply to each unit of the sample analysis system 1 will automatically turn on, but accuracy management measurements will not be performed.

[0262] In registration interface 2501, after setting the automatic QC button to "ON" and pressing the "OK" button at the bottom of the interface, the user will be redirected to registration interface 2502. Registration interface 2502 will also be displayed when the "Accuracy Management" menu of the schedule registration interface 2500 is selected. In sample analysis system 1, the user sets the conditions (QC conditions) for accuracy management measurement through registration interface 2502. According to the QC conditions and the information of QC sample containers 150, sample analysis system 1 selects one or more QC sample containers 150 from the plurality of QC sample containers 150 stored in the cooling unit 84 for use in accuracy management measurement, and transports the selected QC sample containers 150 to the measurement unit for QC sample measurement. Details are described later.

[0263] The registration screen 2502 is a screen for making a schedule of automatic QC. The screen 2502, like the screen 2501 described above, includes a plurality of drop-down buttons for specifying the day of the week and the time. Under the drop-down buttons, there are provided three concentration level buttons of "Level 1", "Level 2", and "Level 3" as buttons for selecting the kind of QC sample to be used in the automatic QC. Under the concentration level buttons, a cell selection image for selecting the measurement cell to be the object of the precision management measurement in the automatic QC is displayed. The cell selection image includes an image illustrating a plurality of cells arranged in accordance with the layout of the sample analysis system 1.

[0264] The user sets the day of the week and the time at which the automatic QC is to be performed in the registration screen 2502. The operation for setting the day of the week and the time is as described above. The user operates the concentration level buttons to select the kind of QC sample to be used in the automatic QC. In the example of Fig. 25B, Level 1 and Level 2 are specified as the concentration levels of the QC sample. Level 3 is not specified and is in the off state. The user selects the measurement cell to be the object of the precision management measurement in the automatic QC from the cell selection image. Figure 24

[0265] In the example of Fig. 25B, the rightmost measurement cell XN-1, the third and fourth measurement cells XN-3, XN-4 from the right are selected. In the example of the setting shown in Fig. 25B, as the conditions of the automatic QC, it is set to perform the precision management measurement at 8:30 a.m. on Monday using the three measurement cells XN-1, XN-3, XN-4 as the objects, with the two QC sample containers 150 of Level 1 and Level 2. After the "OK" button in the lower part of the selection screen 2502 is selected, the confirmation screen 2510 described later is displayed, and after the confirmation operation is performed, the input schedule is registered in the list. In the present embodiment, the conditions of the automatic QC registered are stored in the storage section of the control section 82a. Figure 24 Figure 24 After the "cleaning" menu of the schedule registration screen 2500 is selected, the registration screen 2503 is displayed. The screen 2503 is a screen for registering the schedule of automatic cleaning. The automatic cleaning is automatic cleaning of the measurement cells and the processing cells using the cleaning agent container 180 stored in the second input section 83B. The registration screen 2503 differs from the registration screen 2502 in that it does not have the concentration level buttons for selecting the kind of QC sample and in that the cells that can be selected are the processing cells 40 (SP-10) of the smearing specimen preparation device. The registration screen 2503 has the same structure as the registration screen 2502 otherwise.

[0266] After the "cleaning" menu of the schedule registration screen 2500 is selected, the registration screen 2503 is displayed. The screen 2503 is a screen for registering the schedule of automatic cleaning. The automatic cleaning is automatic cleaning of the measurement cells and the processing cells using the cleaning agent container 180 stored in the second input section 83B. The registration screen 2503 differs from the registration screen 2502 in that it does not have the concentration level buttons for selecting the kind of QC sample and in that the cells that can be selected are the processing cells 40 (SP-10) of the smearing specimen preparation device. The registration screen 2503 has the same structure as the registration screen 2502 otherwise.

[0267] ​​In the registration interface 2503, the user uses the drop-down button at the top of the interface to specify the day of the week and time for automatic cleaning. The user selects the cell to be automatically cleaned. After selecting the "OK" button at the bottom of the registration interface 2503, the user completes the confirmation process on the confirmation screen to register the entered schedule in the schedule list.

[0268] Figure 25 This is an example of a confirmation screen 2510 that appears after the automatic QC schedule is entered on registration screen 2502 and the "OK" button is pressed. For example... Figure 25 As shown, confirmation interface 2510 displays the specified day of the week, time, and content to be automatically executed. In registration interface 2502, if an automatic QC schedule with a specified plurality of concentration levels has been created, as shown... Figure 25 As shown, combinations of multiple concentration levels will be displayed as the content of an automatically executed schedule.

[0269] Figure 26 The diagram shows from Figure 23 The schedule interface 2400 performs operations on the auto-execution schedules displayed in the schedule list. In interface 2400, after the user selects the auto-execution schedule they wish to operate on, an operation menu 2410 is displayed. Operation menu 2410 includes three options: "Execute," "Edit," and "Delete."

[0270] The "Execute" button is used when the selected schedule is to be executed ahead of the originally scheduled time. After pressing "Execute" on the operation menu 2410, a confirmation screen 2420 is displayed. This screen includes a confirmation message: "Execute the selected schedule now?", and the content to be automatically executed as specified in the schedule. After pressing the "OK" button on the confirmation screen 2420, accuracy management measurement begins according to the QC conditions specified in the schedule. When a schedule is executed ahead of the originally scheduled time by using the "Execute" menu, the schedule will not be executed at the originally scheduled time.

[0271] The "Edit" button is used when you want to change the content of a registered schedule. For example, it's used to change the time when automated QC is performed, or to change the concentration level or precision management measurement unit used in automated QC. After pressing "Edit," the corresponding information is displayed according to the type of schedule being edited. Figure 24 The interface shown is identical to one of interfaces 2501, 2502, or 2503, and can be edited through the interface. After editing, the content of the schedule list is updated based on the edited content.

[0272] The "Delete" button is used when you want to delete a registered event. Deleting an event removes it from the event list.

[0273] Figure 27is an example of the portal screen 2600. The portal screen 2600 includes a schedule display area 2601 that lists the schedule for the day and a stock display area 2602 that displays the stock of the consumables held by the supply unit 80. The schedule display area 2601 displays, in order from the top, the automatic execution schedule registered in the schedule registration screen 2500 in a list format in chronological order, and the scheduled schedule corresponding to the day of the week on which the operation is performed.

[0274] In the stock display area 2602, the stock of the consumables held by the supply unit 80 is displayed in a graph. In the example of Figure 27 , the horizontal axis is arranged to the right with respect to the date in the future from the current time point, and the remaining amount of the plurality of kinds of consumables is displayed in a bar graph. The bar graph displays when the consumables held by the supply unit 80 will be sufficient when the schedule registered in advance is executed. In the example of Figure 27 , bar graphs showing the amount of stock of the QC sample containers 150, the cleaning agent container (CCA) 180 of the concentration levels 1, 2, and 3 are displayed. Below the graph, a message related to the stock of the consumables is displayed. For example, when the empty racks 170 held in the rack storage portion 88 are below a certain number, a message such as "Empty Racks: Can be replenished" is displayed as shown in Figure 27 . In addition, when the consumables required to execute the scheduled automatic execution schedule are insufficient, a warning that urges the user to replenish the consumables is included in the message. For example, in Figure 27 , when the remaining number of tests of the QC sample of the concentration level 3 is insufficient with respect to the automatic QC schedule scheduled for the next day, "L3: Insufficient number of tests required for tomorrow's automatic QC. Please replenish." is displayed. The warning target automatic execution schedule can be the schedule scheduled for the day, the next day, or the next working day, or the next scheduled automatic execution schedule. By confirming the warning, the user can replenish the consumables in advance. In Figure 27 , the dates on which the schedule can be executed within the range of the stock of the consumables are displayed in a bar graph, but the display form is not necessarily a graph, and only the dates can be displayed. In addition, the display content is not limited to the dates, and the remaining number of days or the remaining number of times that the schedule can be executed based on the stock can be displayed by a numerical value or a graph.

[0275] Figure 28This is a block diagram of the supply unit 80, showing the connection relationship between the supply unit 80, module 10, and transport controller 70. The control unit 82a is connected to the input unit 83, cooling unit 84, transfer unit 85, heating unit 86, information reading unit 87, and rack storage unit 88. The control unit 82a sends control signals to these devices to control their operation. In this embodiment, the processing involved in the precision management measurement, particularly the processing performed in the storage and adjustment unit 82, is executed under the control of the control unit 82a. The transport operation of the conveyor unit 81 and the transport unit 20 of module 10 to the QC sample rack 160 is mainly performed under the control of the transport controller 70, while the measurement of precision management substances in the measurement unit is performed under the control of the control unit 30.

[0276] Like the control unit 31 of the control unit 30 and the control unit 71 of the transport controller 70, the control unit 82a is also a computer, equipped with a processor, storage unit, and input / output ports. For example, a control program for performing cooling, storage, transfer, and heating processes on the QC sample containers 150 is installed in the control unit 82a. The control unit 82a also stores a database 820 containing information related to precision management samples. As described above, the database 820 contains information about each QC sample container 150 corresponding to the position number of the storage section 841b of the cooling section 84.

[0277] The control unit 31 of the control unit 30 stores a database 310 related to the results of accuracy management measurements. The database 310 stores QC sample measurement results, specifically QC files for each measurement date and time, and for each concentration level and batch of the QC sample. (To be described later...) Figure 49 This is an example of a QC file stored in database 310. Users can use this database 310 to, for example, confirm the status of the measurement unit, batch-to-batch differences in QC samples (described later).

[0278] Figure 29 This is an example of a database 820 stored in the control unit 82a. Database 820 includes attribute information and remaining quantity information for each QC sample container 150 housed in the cooling unit 84. The attribute information preferably includes at least one of the following: the concentration level of the QC sample, batch information, and expiration date. Figures 30-41 In the example, starting from the leftmost column, the column includes, in order: the first column indicating the location number of the storage section 841b of the cold insulation section 84; the second column indicating the concentration level of the QC sample container 150; the third column indicating the batch number; the fourth column indicating the remaining number of tests as balance information; and the fifth column indicating the expiration date. Based on this database 820, the aforementioned QC sample list 2001A is created to determine one or more QC sample containers 150 used in the precision management measurement.

[0279] The following is for referenceFigures 42-45 An example of the process involved in the automatic QC and the automatic cleaning of the sample analysis system 1 will be described in detail. The process involved in the automatic QC and the automatic cleaning is mainly executed by the functions of the control section 31 of the control unit 30 and the control section 82a of the supply unit 80. Hereinafter, the operation of the supply unit 80 will be appropriately referred to as the process of the supply unit 80. Figure 30 .

[0280] Figure 30 is a flowchart of a series of processes of the sample analysis system 1. Figure 31 The process of the supply unit 80 is executed by the control section 82a. When a schedule of the automatic wake-up is registered, the control section 82a determines whether the current time is within a certain time before the specified time (step S1). When the current time is within the certain time before the specified time, the control section 82a executes the automatic wake-up (step S2). The process of S2 will be described later. Figure 32 .

[0281] After the power supply of each unit constituting the system is turned on by the automatic wake-up, the control section 82a determines whether it is the time of the automatic QC specified by the schedule (step S10). This determination is made on the basis of the registration information of the automatic QC schedule held in the control section 82a. When it is determined that it is the time of the automatic QC, the control section 82a starts the precision management measurement using the QC sample container 150 (step S100). The process of S100 will be described later. Figure 34 .

[0282] When NO in step S10, the control section 82a determines whether it is the time of the automatic cleaning specified by the schedule (step S20). This determination is made on the basis of the registration information of the automatic cleaning schedule held in the control section 82a. When it is determined that it is the time of the automatic cleaning, the control section 82a starts the automatic cleaning using the cleaning agent container 180 (step S200). The process of S200 will be described later. Figure 19 .

[0283] When NO in step S20, the control section 82a determines whether the user has instructed the addition of the QC sample container 150 (step S30). For example, the control section 82a determines whether the input icon 2005 of the device status interface 2000 of Figure 35 is operated. When the input icon 2005 is operated (YES in step S30), the control section 82a performs the process of storing the QC sample container 150 in the cold storage section 84 (step S300). The process of S300 will be described later. Figure 19 .

[0284] When NO in step S30, the control section 82a determines whether the user has instructed the removal of the QC sample container 150 (step S40). For example, the control section 82a determines whether the removal icon 2006 of the device status interface 2000 of Figure 36the withdrawal icon 2004 of the device state interface 2000 is operated. When the withdrawal icon 2004 is operated (YES in step S40), the control section 82a performs a process of withdrawing the QC sample container 150 from the refrigeration section 84 (step S400). The process of S400 is described later. Figure 40

[0285] When NO in step S40, the control section 82a determines whether a rack is placed on the conveyor section 81 of the supply unit 80 (step S50). When the control section 82a determines that a rack is placed (YES in step S50), the control section 82a performs a process of rack storage or rack transport according to the kind of the rack (step S500). The process of S500 is described later. Figure 41

[0286] When NO in step S50, the control section 82a determines whether the rack delivered from the supply unit 80 has returned to the conveyor section 81 (step S60). When the control section 82a determines that the rack has returned (YES in step S60), the control section 82a performs a certain recovery process according to the kind of the rack (step S600). The process of S600 is described later. Figures 31-36

[0287] Figure 40 Figure 41 Figure 31 is a flowchart of the operation of the supply unit 80.

[0288] Figure 24 is a flowchart of the process of automatic wake-up. In step S2A, the control section 82a turns on the power supply of the supply unit 80. Thereby, the power supply to the heater of the heating section 86 is started, and the temperature in the heating section 86 is raised until it becomes the set temperature (23°C). In step S2B, the control section 82a sends a start command to each unit of the sample analysis system 1 at a time point before the current time becomes a certain time of the designated time. Thereby, the power supply of all the units constituting the sample analysis system 1 is turned on. It is also possible to make it possible to designate the units to be automatically woken up in the interface 2502 of the schedule 2500, and to send the start command to only the designated units based on the registration information of the schedule. Figure 24

[0289] ​​​​​​The certain time is preferably longer than the time required to heat the QC sample container 150 stored in the cooling section 84 by the heating section 86 to a temperature at which measurement is possible (hereinafter referred to as heating time). For example, when the heating time is 10 minutes, the certain time is preferably at least 10 minutes or more. More preferably, the certain time includes a time required to measure the heated QC sample with the measurement unit and obtain a measurement result in addition to the heating time. In one example, the certain time is, for example, 30 minutes. That is, when the wake-up time is set to 8:30, the control section 82a transmits the start command at 8:00. In this way, the user can make the state in which the operation from heating of the QC sample to measurement has been completed at the specified time of the wake-up time, and the user can immediately start the inspection using the measurement unit at the specified time. The certain time can be fixed, or can be variable depending on the presence or absence of automatic QC and QC conditions.

[0290] In step S2C, the control section 82a determines whether automatic QC is set to ON. When automatic QC is set to ON as shown in the interface 2501, the control section 82a executes automatic QC of step S100 after automatic wake-up. That is, when an automatic wake-up schedule in which automatic QC is set to ON is registered, the power of each unit of the sample analysis system 1 is automatically turned on at the specified time of the specified day of the week, and precision management measurement using the QC sample container 150 is automatically started. When automatic QC is set to OFF, only automatic wake-up is executed, and precision management measurement is not performed. Figure 32

[0291] Figure 30 is a flowchart of the process of automatic QC in the supply unit 80 (step S100 of Figure 42 the flowchart shown in the flowchart is not only applied to automatic QC executed after automatic wake-up, but also applied to automatic QC executed at a time point other than the wake-up time. In step S101, the control section 82a determines the combination of the QC sample containers 150 used in precision management measurement based on the conditions of precision management measurement (QC conditions) and the information of the QC sample in storage. One QC sample container 150 can be used in precision management measurement, but generally two or more QC sample containers 150 having different QC sample concentrations are used.

[0292] The QC conditions include the designation of one or a plurality of measurement units in which precision management measurement is performed. The control section 82a determines one or a plurality of QC sample containers 150 to be used in accordance with the number of designated measurement units when one or a plurality of measurement units in which precision management measurement is performed is designated. The information of the QC sample includes the information of the kind of the QC sample, and the QC conditions include the designation of the kind of the QC sample to be used. The control section 82a determines one or a plurality of QC sample containers 150 to be used based on the designated kind of the QC sample and the information of the kind of the QC sample.​

[0293] The QC conditions can include designation of a plurality of concentration levels as the kind of QC sample, designation of a batch of QC sample used, and the like. The control section 82a determines the combination of the plurality of QC sample containers 150 based on the designated plurality of concentration levels, for example. The control section 82a determines one or a plurality of QC sample containers 150 based on the designated batch and the batch information of the QC sample. The information of the QC sample can include the remaining amount information of the QC sample in each QC sample container 150, and one or a plurality of QC sample containers 150 can be determined based on the designated number of measurement units and the remaining amount information.

[0294] When the remaining amount of the first QC sample container 150 used in the precision management measurement is insufficient for the number of tests performed based on the designated number of measurement units, the combination of the first QC sample container 150 and the second QC sample container 150 is determined as the container used, as described later. At this time, the second QC sample container 150 is selected as a container of the same concentration level as the first QC sample container 150. The remaining amount of the QC sample container 150 is determined based on at least the concentration level and the batch information of the QC sample and the QC conditions, for example.

[0295] As described above, the information of the QC sample includes the attribute information and the remaining amount information of each QC sample. Examples of the attribute information can include the concentration level, the batch information, and the expiration date of the QC sample. The remaining amount information is the number of times the QC sample can be used, for example. The information of the QC sample is stored in the storage section of the control section 82a as the database 820. The QC conditions are also stored in the storage section.

[0296] In step S102, the control section 82a performs control to take out the QC sample container 150 from the refrigeration section 84 and transfer it to the heating section 86. Specifically, the control section 82a controls the refrigeration section 84 to open the cover 842. The control section 82a controls the transfer section 85 to take out the QC sample container 150 determined in S101 from the refrigeration section 84. The control section 82a stores the information of the QC sample container 150 in the database 820 in correspondence with the position number of the nine storage sections 841b in the refrigeration section 84. The control section 82a controls the transfer section 85 to take out the container from the storage section 841b corresponding to the position number of the determined QC sample container 150 and place it in the heating section 86. The control section 82a starts counting time after placing the QC sample container 150 in the heating section 86.

[0297] In step S103, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the QC sample container 150 was placed on the heating unit 86, the control unit 82a transfers the QC sample container 150, whose temperature has been adjusted to the measurement temperature, from the heating unit 86 to the empty shelf 170 of the shelf storage unit 88. The control unit 82a controls the transfer unit 85 to store the QC sample container 150 in the empty shelf 170. When multiple QC sample containers 150 are used in the accuracy management measurement, each QC sample container 150 is stored in the empty shelf 170 based on the automatic QC conditions stored in the storage unit.

[0298] In step S104, the control unit 82a controls the transport of the QC sample rack 160 containing the QC sample container 150 from the supply unit 80. The control unit 82a controls the rack storage unit 88 to deliver the QC sample rack 160 to the second transport path 812 of the conveyor unit 81. The control unit 82a controls the conveyor unit 81 to transport the QC sample rack 160 from the supply unit 80 via the third transport path 813 and the fourth transport path 814. The control unit 82a notifies the measurement unit that is the destination of the QC sample rack 160 to the control unit 71 of the transport controller 70. The control unit 71 of the transport controller 70 controls each transport unit 20 to transport the QC sample rack 160 to the notified measurement unit.

[0299] Figure 32 yes Figure 42 A diagram illustrating the operation of supply unit 80 in steps S102 to S104. (See diagram for example.) Figure 42 As shown in (a), under the control of the control unit 82a, the transfer unit 85 removes the QC sample container 150 from the storage section 841b of the cold storage chamber 841a and stores it in the storage section 86b of the heating unit 86. Then, at a certain point in time after the QC sample container 150 has been transferred to the heating unit 86, as shown in (a), the transfer unit 85 removes the QC sample container 150 from the storage section 841b of the cold storage chamber 841a and stores it in the storage section 86b of the heating unit 86. Figure 42 As shown in (b), the transfer unit 85 transfers the QC sample container 150 to the empty shelf 170 of the shelf storage unit 88.

[0300] The required number of QC sample containers 150 for accuracy management measurements are stored in the storage section 111 of the empty frame 170 (front frame), as follows. Figure 33 As shown in (c), the rack storage unit 88 delivers a QC sample rack 160, which serves as a front rack for storing QC sample containers 150, to the second transport path 812 of the conveyor unit 81. The QC sample rack 160 is transported from the supply unit 80 via the third transport path 813 and the fourth transport path 814 of the conveyor unit 81.

[0301] Figure 32 This is the processing of the combination of QC sample containers 150 used in precision management measurements. Figure 24Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a specific example of the procedure of the step S101 of Fig. 9. In the step S1000, the control section 82a sets the concentration level-related variable N to 1. In the step S1001, the control section 82a judges whether or not the measurement of the QC sample of the concentration level N is required. When the variable N is 1, it judges whether or not the measurement of the QC sample of the concentration level 1 is required. The judgment of the step S1001 is made on the basis of the designation of the concentration level of the QC condition stored in the storage section. For example, when the measurement of the QC sample of the concentration level 1 is included in the QC condition as shown in the interface 2502 of Fig. 25, the judgment is YES in the step S1001. When the measurement of the QC sample of the concentration level 1 is not designated, the steps S1002, S1003 are skipped, and the procedure is advanced to the step S1004. Figure 34

[0302] In the step S1002, the control section 82a specifies one QC sample container 150 from the QC sample containers 150 stored in the refrigerating section 84 on the basis of the concentration level and the batch number registered in the database 820. For example, the usable QC sample container 150 is specified from the QC sample containers 150 having the same batch number as the batch number of the QC sample container 150 of the concentration level 1 in use. When there are a plurality of QC sample containers 150 of the same batch number, the one having the least number of remaining tests is specified.

[0303] In the step S1003, the control section 82a judges whether or not the number of remaining tests of the specified QC sample container 150 is equal to or more than the number of tests of the precision management measurement. The judgment is made on the basis of the information of the number of remaining tests of the QC sample container 150 registered in the database 820. That is, the number of remaining tests of the specified QC sample container 150 is compared with the number of scheduled tests of the precision management measurement to be performed later, and if the number of remaining tests is equal to or more than the number of scheduled tests, the judgment is YES.

[0304] In the step S1004, the control section 82a judges whether or not the QC sample containers 150 of all the concentration levels required for the precision management measurement have been specified. The judgment is made on the basis of the designation of the concentration level of the QC condition stored in the storage section. For example, when the measurements of the concentration levels 1, 2 are designated in the QC condition, the steps S1001 to S1003 are performed for the concentration level 2.

[0305] ​In step S1003, if the control unit 82a determines NO, meaning the remaining number of tests for the specific QC sample container 150 is insufficient to perform the predetermined number of tests, in step 1005, it determines whether the cold storage unit 84 contains other usable QC sample containers 150 with the same concentration level. This determination is based on the database 820. If other usable QC sample containers 150 with the same concentration level are present (step S1005 is YES), the control unit 82a adds the remaining number of tests for these other QC sample containers 150 to the remaining number of tests for the previously specified QC sample container 150 (step S1006). Then, it returns to step S1003 to determine whether the summed remaining number of tests is greater than the predetermined number of tests to be performed.

[0306] The process of steps S1003, S1005, and S1006 is repeated until the determination in step S1003 is YES. If there are no other usable QC sample containers 150 of the same concentration level stored in the cold storage unit 84 (step S1005 is NO), the control unit 82a outputs an automatic QC error in step S1007, canceling the automatic QC schedule. An automatic QC error is an information output when the number of stored QC samples is insufficient relative to the registered automatic QC schedule. The automatic QC error notification is displayed, for example, on the display screen 91. At this time, the user needs to place a QC sample container 150 of concentration level 1 in the supply unit 80.

[0307] Figure 30 It is the automatic cleaning process in supply unit 80. Figure 43 The flowchart for step S200 is as follows. Automatic cleaning is performed based on an automatic cleaning schedule, and a cleaning agent rack containing cleaning agent is transported to the unit specified in the schedule. In step S201, the control unit 82a controls the movement of the cleaning agent container 180 stored in the second dispensing unit 83B to a position that can be held by the transfer unit 85. The control unit 82a controls the dispensing unit 839 of the second dispensing unit 83B, so that the cleaning agent container 180 is in a state that can be held by the transfer unit 85.

[0308] The control unit 82a performs control, and in step S202, the cleaning agent container 180 is transferred to the empty shelf 170 of the shelf storage unit 88. In step S203, the cleaning agent shelf containing the cleaning agent container 180 is transported from the supply unit 80.

[0309] Figure 34 yes Figure 9 A diagram illustrating the operation of the supply unit 80 in steps S201 to S203. The cleaning agent container 180 is fed from the second inlet 831B by the second inlet section 83B (see reference). Figure 43 (etc.) are transferred to the extraction unit 839 that can be accessed by the transfer unit 85, and such Figure 43(a) shown, the transport piece 839d is positioned at the right end side of the take-out section 839, the transport section 85 cannot hold the cleaning agent container 180. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9 (b), the transport piece 839d that accommodates the cleaning agent container 180 is moved to the left end side of the take-out section 839.

[0310] Thus, the lower end portion of the cleaning agent container 180 abuts against the upper side of the inclined block 839c (refer to Figure 43 etc.) disposed below the transport piece 839d and is pushed up to become a state where it can be held by the transport section 85. At this time, the cleaning agent container 180 that is pushed up is detected by the sensor 839h. When the cleaning agent container 180 is detected by the sensor 839h, the transport section 85 moves the cleaning agent container 180 to the left end side of the take-out section 839 as shown in Figure 35 (c). The cleaning agent container 180 is taken out from the take-out section 839 and is transported to the empty rack 170. The cleaning agent container 180, like the QC sample container 150, is transported from the take-out section 839 in the number required for cleaning and is accommodated in the front end rack of the rack accommodation section 88. The cleaning agent rack that accommodates the cleaning agent container 180, like the QC sample rack 160, is transported from the rack accommodation section 88 to the measurement unit via the 2nd conveyance path 812, the 3rd conveyance path 813, and the 4th conveyance path 814 of the conveyer section 81 from the supply unit 80.

[0311] Figure 30 is a flowchart of the process (step S300 of the process of Figure 35 described above, the process of Figure 22 is executed when the user operates the input icon 2005 of the device state interface 2000. In step S301, the control section 82a controls the locking mechanism of the 1st cover 832A of the 1st input section 83A to release the lock of the 1st cover 832A. After the lock of the 1st cover 832A is released, in step S302, the control section 82a causes the interface that urges the placement of the QC sample container 150 to be displayed. An example of this interface is the input interface 2300 shown in Figure 44 on the display screen 91.

[0312] In step S303, the control unit 82a controls the placement of the QC sample container 150 in the transfer holder 834, the closing of the first cover 832A, and the pressing of the OK button on the input interface 2300 to lock the first cover 832A. The control unit 82a controls the transfer holder 834 to transfer the sample 150 into the storage adjustment unit 82. At this time, the transfer holder 834 moves to the take-out position P5 of the first input unit 83A. In step S304, the control unit 82a controls the transfer unit 85 to transfer the QC sample container 150 from the take-out position P5 to the information reading unit 87. In step S305, the information reading unit 87, under the control of the control unit 82a, reads the information of the QC sample container 150.

[0313] In step S306, the control unit 82a controls the transfer unit 85 to transfer the QC sample container 150 from the information reading unit 87 to the cooling unit 84. Under the control of the control unit 82a, the transfer unit 85 stores the QC sample container 150 in the storage section 841b of the cooling chamber 841a. In step S307, the control unit 82a registers the information of the QC sample container 150 obtained by the information reading unit 87 in the database 820, corresponding to the position number of the storage section 841b containing the QC sample container 150. Alternatively, the storage position of the QC sample container 150 in the cooling unit 84 can be determined at the time when the information reading unit 87 obtains the information. In this case, when the information reading unit 87 obtains the information and sends it to the control unit 82a, the information of the QC sample container 150 is registered in the database 820, corresponding to the position number of the storage section 841b.

[0314] Figure 35 yes Figure 44 The diagram illustrates the operation of supply unit 80 in steps S301 to S306. (See diagram for example.) Figure 19 As shown in (a), when storing the QC sample container 150 in the cooling section 84 of the supply unit 80, the user places the QC sample container 150 in the transfer holder 834 through the first inlet 831A of the first inlet section 83A. The first inlet 831A is covered by the first cover 832A, so the user needs to open the first cover 832A before placing the QC sample container 150. The first inlet section 83A is provided with a locking mechanism for the first cover 832A. When the transfer holder 834 is present in the first inlet 831A, the lock of the first cover 832A is released, allowing the first cover 832A to be opened.

[0315] At the first input port 831A, the transfer holder 834 is detected by the sensor 835f. After the sensor 835f detects the transfer holder 834, for example, the input icon 2005 on the display screen 91 (see reference)... Figure 44When the input icon 2005 is pressed, the lock of the first port 832A is released. By making the first port 832A open only when the transfer holder 834 is present, it is possible to prevent the QC sample container 150 from being mistakenly input into the first input port 831A where the transfer holder 834 is not present.

[0316] With the QC sample container 150 placed in the storage section 834a of the transfer holder 834 and the first cover 832A closed, the control unit 82a moves the transfer holder 834 and transfers the QC sample container 150 into the storage adjustment unit 82. Sensors 833e are provided at the first inlet 831A corresponding to each storage section 834a; therefore, the presence or absence of the QC sample container 150 and the quantity of QC sample containers 150 can be detected based on the detection information from the sensors 833e.

[0317] like Figure 44 As shown in (b), the transfer holder 834 moves from the first inlet 831A to the retrieval position P5 inside the storage adjustment unit 82. After the transfer holder 834 reaches the retrieval position P5 and is detected by the sensor 835g, the transfer unit 85 removes the QC sample containers 150 from the transfer holder 834 and transfers them one by one to the information reading unit 87. In the information reading unit 87, rollers 87a and 87b rotate the QC sample containers 150 disposed in the storage unit 87d, and the reading unit 87c reads the QC sample ID from the machine-readable tag 103.

[0318] like Figure 44 As shown in (c), the transfer unit 85 transfers the QC sample container 150 from the information reading unit 87 to the cooling unit 84, and stores it in the storage unit 841b of the cooling chamber 841a. After all the QC sample containers 150 have been transferred to the cooling unit 84, the cooling unit 84 closes the cover 842 and begins the cooling and storage of the QC sample containers 150. Figure 36 In example (c), after all QC sample containers 150 are removed from the transfer holder 834, the transfer holder 834 returns to the first input port 831A. The read QC sample ID information is sent to the control unit 82a. The QC sample ID includes information about the concentration level, batch number, and expiration date of the QC sample. The control unit 82a updates the database 820 based on the received QC sample ID information. If the QC sample containers 150 have 24 remaining tests if unused, the control unit 82a inputs 24 as the initial value for the remaining test count when adding a new QC sample container 150 to the database 820.

[0319] Figure 30 The process of removing the QC sample container 150 from the cold insulation section 84 of the supply unit 80. Figure 36Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the process of the sample container 100. The process of the sample container 100 is mainly controlled by the control section 31. Hereinafter, the process will be described taking the first sample container 100A as an example, and the same applies to the second sample container 100B. Figure 21 The process of the sample container 100 is mainly controlled by the control section 31. Hereinafter, the process will be described taking the first sample container 100A as an example, and the same applies to the second sample container 100B. Figure 21 The process of the sample container 100 is mainly controlled by the control section 31. Hereinafter, the process will be described taking the first sample container 100A as an example, and the same applies to the second sample container 100B.

[0320] In step S403, the control section 82a controls the transport holder 834 on which the QC sample container 150 is placed to move to the first insertion port 831A. In step S404, the control section 82a releases the lock of the first cover 832A, and in step S405, an interface is displayed to notify that the QC sample container 150 has arrived. An example of the interface is a notification interface 2210 of Fig. 22. Figures 37-39

[0321] Figure 37 Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the process of the measurement unit. The process of the measurement unit is mainly controlled by the control section 31. Hereinafter, the process will be described taking the first measurement unit 10A as an example, and the same applies to the second measurement unit 10B.

[0322] Figure 38 Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the process of the measurement unit. The process of the measurement unit is mainly controlled by the control section 31. Hereinafter, the process will be described taking the first measurement unit 10A as an example, and the same applies to the second measurement unit 10B.

[0323] In step S1103, the control section 31 determines the kind of the container on the basis of the sample ID read in step S1102. When the container transported to the extraction position P2 is determined to be the sample container 100, the process proceeds to step S1104. When the container transported to the extraction position P2 is determined to be the QC sample container 150, the process proceeds to step S1201 of Fig. 12. Figure 39 In step S1103, the control section 31 determines the kind of the container on the basis of the sample ID read in step S1102. When the container transported to the extraction position P2 is determined to be the sample container 100, the process proceeds to step S1104. When the container transported to the extraction position P2 is determined to be the QC sample container 150, the process proceeds to step S1201 of Fig. 12. Figure 38 In step S1103, the control section 31 determines the kind of the container on the basis of the sample ID read in step S1102. When the container transported to the extraction position P2 is determined to be the sample container 100, the process proceeds to step S1104. When the container transported to the extraction position P2 is determined to be the QC sample container 150, the process proceeds to step S1201 of Fig. 12.

[0324] ​The control section 31 inquires of the host computer 120 for the measurement instruction in step S1104 and acquires the measurement instruction, and controls the robot 15 to take out the sample container 100 from the housing section 111 of the sample rack 110 in step S1105. Under the control of the control section 31, the robot 15 inverts and agitates the taken-out sample container 100 in step S1106, and the pipette 13a of the sample preparation section 13 aspirates the sample from the sample container 100 in step S1107. The sample container 100 is returned to the original housing section 111 of the sample rack 110 by the robot 15 after the aspiration of the sample is completed in step S1108.

[0325] Under the control of the control section 31, the sample preparation section 13 prepares the measurement sample from the aspirated sample in step S1109, and the measurement section 14 performs the measurement of the sample (primary inspection) and analyzes the measurement data. The control section 31 determines whether or not to perform the secondary inspection based on the measurement result of the primary inspection in step S1110. When the secondary inspection is to be performed, the process returns to step S1105, and when the secondary inspection is not to be performed, the result of the primary inspection is transmitted to the host computer 120 (step S1111). After the primary inspection and the necessary secondary inspection of all the sample containers 100 housed in the sample rack 110 are completed, the preparation of the smearing sample is performed as necessary via the processing unit 40, and then the smearing sample is transported to the recovery unit 60 (step S1112).

[0326] Figure 37 is Figure 1 The flowchart of Fig. 12 is an example of the process flow when the container is the QC sample container 150 in step S1103. The control section 31 inquires of the control section 82a of the supply unit 80 for the QC condition and acquires the QC condition in step S1201, and transports the measurement target QC sample container 150 to the destination first measurement unit take-out position P2 based on the QC condition. Under the control of the control section 31, the robot 15 takes out the QC sample container 150 from the housing section 111 of the QC sample rack 160 in step S1202, and inverts and agitates the taken-out QC sample container 150 in step S1203. The information of the registered QC condition can also be provided to the control section 31 in advance, in which case the inquiry of step S1201 is not necessary.

[0327] Under the control of the control section 31, the pipette 13a of the sample preparation section 13 aspirates the QC sample from the QC sample container 150 in step S1204, and the robot 15 returns the QC sample container 150 to the original housing section 111 of the QC sample rack 160 in step S1205. The sample preparation section 13 prepares the measurement sample using the aspirated QC sample in step S1206, the measurement section 14 performs measurement (primary inspection) of the sample, and analyzes the measurement data. After the aspiration of the QC sample in step S1204, the control section 31 notifies the control section 82a of the supply unit 80 of this information. The information of the number of times of aspiration of the QC sample is used when the remaining number of tests of the database 820 is updated. Alternatively, the control section 82a can update the database 820 by reducing the remaining number of tests for the corresponding QC sample container 150 upon receipt of the notification.

[0328] The control section 31 determines whether re-inspection is required when re-inspection for re-measurement of the QC sample is set as the QC condition (step S1207). For example, in the case of abnormal measurement values such as when the measurement value is not within a certain allowable range or when the error from the previous value is not within an allowable range, it is determined that re-inspection is required. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that re-inspection is automatically performed up to one time. That is, when steps S1201 to S1206 are repeated by re-inspection, the process proceeds to step S1208 regardless of the result of re-inspection.

[0329] The control section 31 determines whether to output a QC error in step S1208. A QC error is output when the measurement value of the QC sample is abnormal even after re-inspection, for example, when the measurement value of the QC sample is not within a certain allowable range or when the error from the previous value is not within an allowable range. The QC error is displayed on the display screen 91 of the supply unit 80, for example.

[0330] The control section 31 notifies the conveyance controller 70 of certain information after outputting the QC error (step S1209). The certain information includes information that specifies the measurement unit in which the QC error has occurred. The conveyance controller program specifies that the measurement unit in which the QC error has occurred is prohibited from conveying the sample container 100. Since there are a plurality of measurement units in the sample analysis system 1, only the measurement unit in which the measurement value of the QC sample is normal is set as the supply destination of the sample container 100, and the measurement unit in which the measurement value of the QC sample is abnormal is excluded from the supply destination of the sample container 100. For example, Figure 5When a QC error has occurred in one of the measurement units 10A, 10B of the upstream-side measurement block 10 of the sample analysis system 1, the conveyance controller 70 excludes the upstream-side measurement block from the supply destination of the sample container 100, and can supply the sample container only to the downstream-side measurement block 10. Thus, it is possible to prevent the sample from being measured by the measurement unit in which a QC error has occurred, which cannot ensure accuracy. Also, it is possible to start measurement by other normal measurement units while repairing the measurement unit in which a QC error has occurred, and thus the convenience is high.

[0331] Based on the measurement values of the QC samples, the control section 31 creates a QC file (step S1210). As described above, the QC file is a measurement result of the QC samples created for each concentration level and batch, and is stored in the database 310. When the QC file has been created for the same concentration level and batch as the measured QC sample, the file is updated by adding a new measurement value to the QC file. In step S1211, the control section 31 determines whether the accuracy management measurement of the first measurement unit has been completed based on the QC condition. When the measurement has not been completed, for example, when the measurement of the QC sample of a different concentration level is required, steps S1201 to S1211 are repeated.

[0332] When the measurement in the first measurement unit has been completed (YES in step S1211), the control section 31 updates the state of the first measurement unit based on the result of the QC (step S1212). The state includes, for example, standby and error. The standby is a state in which the measurement unit can measure a sample. The error is a state in which an error has occurred in the measurement unit, and is a state in which the sample measurement cannot be performed or a state in which the sample measurement is prohibited. The control section 31 sets the state of the measurement unit to standby when the result of the QC is normal, that is, when there is no QC error. The control section 31 is programmed so that the conveyance unit 20 is controlled so as to supply the sample container 100 to the measurement unit in the standby state when the sample rack 110 in which the sample container 100 is housed is conveyed. The control section 31 sets the state of the measurement unit to error when there is a QC error. The control section 31 is programmed so that the sample is not supplied to the measurement unit in the error state. The measurement unit in which an error has occurred is set to the standby state, for example, by performing measurement of the QC sample by the user manually or by performing error repair.

[0333] The control section 31 inquires of the control section 82a of the supply unit 80 about the transport destination of the QC sample rack 160 (step S1213), and determines the transport destination (step S1214). When the next measurement unit is the transport destination of the QC sample rack 160 (YES in step S1214), the transport unit 20 transports the QC sample rack 160 to the next measurement unit under the control of the control section 31 (step S1215). For example, when the next measurement unit is the 2nd measurement unit 10B, the transport unit 20 transports the QC sample rack 160 from the 1st measurement unit 10A to the 2nd measurement unit 10B via the 2nd transport path 22. When the next measurement unit is the adjacent measurement block, the transport unit 20 transports the QC sample rack 160 downstream via the conveyor belt 21b of the 1st transport path 21 (refer to Figure 39 ). When the transport destination of the QC sample rack 160 is the supply unit (NO in step S1214), the transport unit 20 transports the QC sample rack 160 via the 3rd transport path 23 to transport the QC sample rack 160 to the supply unit 80 (step S1216).

[0334] Figure 37 is a flowchart of an example of the processing flow when the container is the cleaning agent container 180 in step S1103 of Figure 40 . At this time, the cleaning agent container 180 is taken into the 1st measurement unit 10A to perform cleaning processing. The control section 31 takes out the cleaning agent container 180 from the storage section 111 of the cleaning agent rack via the robot 15 in step S1301, and inserts the pipette 13a into the cleaning agent container 180 to pipette the cleaning agent and clean the pipette 13a and the flow path in step S1302.

[0335] The cleaning agent container 180 is returned to the rack after a certain time elapses (step S1303), and the cleaning agent rack in which the cleaning agent container 180 is stored is transported to the supply unit 80 (step S1304). Thereafter, the control section 82a determines whether the execution of the automatic shutdown is set to ON (step S1305). This determination is made on the basis of the registration information of the schedule stored in the control section 82a. When the automatic shutdown is set to ON, for example, after the processing of the used cleaning agent container 180 is completed, the control section 82a turns off the power of the measurement unit 10A or 10B in which the cleaning is performed (step S1306).

[0336] Figure 30 is a flowchart of the processing of the rack placed on the 1st transport path 811 of the conveyor section 81 (S500 of Figure 40 ). As described above, the supply unit 80 is provided with the 1st transport path 811 which is accessible from the outside in order for the user to place the rack, and the sample rack 110 and the empty rack 170 are placed on the 1st transport path 811 by the user. The rack placed on the 1st transport path is detected by the sensor 818b.

[0337] In step S501, the control unit 82a controls the transport of the rack from the first transport path 811 to the second transport path 812, detecting containers via sensor 818d. In step S502, the control unit 82a determines whether the rack placed on the first transport path 811 is a sample rack 110 or an empty rack 170. The control unit 82a determines the type of rack based on whether it contains containers. If a container is detected, the control unit 82a determines it to be a sample rack; otherwise, it determines it to be an empty rack. Figure 45 The processing is performed when the user places the rack on the first transport path 811. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the QC sample rack 160 containing the QC sample container 150 is returned to the supply unit 80 via the fifth transport path 815. Therefore, there is no branch corresponding to the QC sample rack 160 in the S501 judgment.

[0338] When the shelf placed on the first transport path 811 is a sample shelf 110, the sample shelf 110 is transported to the measurement unit under the control of the control unit 82a and the transport unit 70 (step S503). If the shelf placed on the first transport path 811 is an empty shelf 170, the empty shelf 170 is transported to the shelf storage unit 88 and stored in the shelf storage unit 88 (step S504).

[0339] Figure 40 yes Figure 45 A diagram illustrating the operation of supply unit 80 in steps S502 and S504. (See diagram for example.) Figure 45 As shown in (a), after the user places the empty shelf 170 on the first transport path 811, the empty shelf 170 is detected by the sensor 818b and pushed out by the first delivery unit 816A from the first transport path 811 to the right end of the second transport path 812. Then, as... Figure 45 As shown in (b), the empty frame 170 is detected by sensor 818c at the right end of the second transport path 812, moved to the left end by the conveyor belt 812b of the second transport path 812, and detected by sensor 818e.

[0340] In the second transport route 812, after sensor 818d confirmed that the empty rack 170 was not detected, if no container was detected, then... Figure 45 As shown in (c), the empty frame 170 returns to the right end of the second transport path 812 via conveyor belt 812b. Then, as... Figure 41 As shown in (d), the empty frame 170 is detected by sensor 818c and pulled into transport path 88a by transport arm 881. The empty frame 170 is pulled by transport arm 881 to the position of the front frame behind limiter 88c. At this time, limiters 88b and 88c descend in conjunction to ensure that they do not obstruct the transport of the empty frame 170.

[0341] Figure 30 This refers to the process of returning the rack to supply unit 80. Figures 46-48FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process of the supply unit 80 (S600). As described above, the supply unit 80 is provided with the 5th conveyance path 815 for receiving the racks from the adjacent conveyance units 20, and the QC sample racks 160 and the cleaning agent racks are returned to the supply unit 80.

[0342] In step S601, the control section 82a controls the 2nd conveyance path 812 to convey the rack, and the ID of the container housed in the rack is read by the 1st information reading section 817A and the 2nd information reading section 817B.

[0343] The control section 82a controls the 2nd conveyance path 812 and the rack housing section 88 to return the rack in which the container ID is read to the rack housing section 88 (step S602). The control section 82a determines whether the returned rack is the QC sample rack 160 or the cleaning agent rack based on the ID read in step S601 (step S603). When the container housed in the rack is the QC sample container 150, the control section 82a determines that the rack is the QC sample rack 160. When the container housed in the rack is the cleaning agent container 180, the control section 82a determines that the rack is the cleaning agent rack.

[0344] When the returned rack is the QC sample rack 160 housing the QC sample container 150, the control section 82a controls the transfer section 85 and the cold storage section 84 to house the QC sample container 150 in the cold storage section 84 and store it again (step S604). The control section 82a updates the database 820 based on the process of step S602 (step S605). Specifically, the control section 82a updates the remaining number of tests of the QC sample in the database 820 based on the notification of the pipetting from the QC sample container 150 received from the measurement units 10A and 10B. In the above-described mode, however, the QC sample container 150 is stored again in step S602 regardless of the amount of the remaining sample, but it is also possible to handle the QC sample container 150 based on the amount of the remaining sample, for example. For example, the QC sample container 150 having one or more remaining tests can be transferred to the cold storage section 84 to be stored, and the QC sample container 150 having less than one remaining test can be transferred to the 1st recovery section 89A to be discarded.

[0345] When the returned rack is the cleaning agent rack housing the cleaning agent container 180, the control section 82a controls the transfer section 85 to transfer the cleaning agent container 180 from the rack to the 2nd recovery section 89B to be discarded (step S606).

[0346] Figure 32 is a flowchart for explaining the process of step S101 of the QC condition determination unit 800 of FIG. 8. Figure 29 In step S101 of the QC condition determination unit 800 of FIG. 8, the combination of the QC sample containers 150 is determined based on the QC conditions and the information of the QC sample containers 150 in storage. Hereinafter, the case where the QC sample containers 150 shown in the database 820 of FIG. 8 are stored in the cold storage section 84 will be described. Figure 46

[0347] is a flowchart for explaining the process of step S101 of the QC condition determination unit 800 of FIG. 8.Figure 47 Figures A to C are diagrams illustrating the cases.

[0348] <Case A>

[0349] In Case A, the following QC conditions are set.

[0350] ・Concentration level used: Levels 1 and 2

[0351] ・Object units of precision management measurement: XN1, XN2, XN3, XN4

[0352] ・Cross-block: Possible

[0353] Cross-block refers to a related setting of whether or not precision management measurement of a plurality of measurement blocks is performed by one QC sample rack 160. When cross-block is "possible", precision management measurement of the entire sample analysis system is performed by the QC sample containers 150 placed in one QC sample rack 160. Whether or not cross-block is set to be possible or not is changed in accordance with the user's preference, with priority given to automatic QC efficiency, or with priority given to the management convenience of the QC samples, and so on.

[0354] For example, when cross-block is set to be "not possible", the QC sample racks 160 are transported to the plurality of measurement blocks respectively. Precision management measurement can be performed in parallel for the plurality of measurement blocks, and thus precision management measurement of the entire sample analysis system can be efficiently performed.

[0355] When cross-block is set to be "possible", precision management can be performed for the plurality of measurement blocks using the QC sample containers 150 placed in one QC sample rack 160. When precision management measurement is performed in parallel, for example, a plurality of QC sample containers 150 of the same concentration level are used at the same time, and thus the management of the expiration dates and lot numbers can sometimes become cumbersome. In this regard, when cross-block is set to be "possible", for example, the same QC sample containers 150 are used in the 1st measurement block and the 2nd measurement block, and thus the number of QC sample containers 150 consumed at one time can be reduced, and the management can become easy.

[0356] In Case A, cross-block is set to be "possible", and thus the QC sample containers 150 of Levels 1 and 2 are housed in one rack. The control section 82a specifies the usable QC sample containers 150 from the QC sample containers 150 of the same lot number as the lot number in use. Here, the lot number in use of Level 1 is "A01XXXX", and the lot number in use of Level 2 is "A02XXXX". At this time, in Level 1, the QC sample containers 150 of position numbers 1 and 2 are specified as usable containers. In Level 2, the QC sample containers 150 of position numbers 4 and 5 are specified as usable containers.

[0357] When the control section 82a determines that only one QC sample container 150 can be used based on the batch number, it determines whether the remaining number of tests of that container is equal to or more than the predetermined number of tests to be performed in the automatic QC. As described above, when the remaining number of tests is less than the predetermined number of tests to be performed, the control section 82a outputs an automatic QC error and cancels the schedule. When the remaining number of tests is equal to or more than the predetermined number of tests to be performed, the specified QC sample container 150 is placed on the rack.

[0358] When two or more QC sample containers 150 can be used based on the batch number, the control section 82a determines whether the remaining number of tests of the container with the least remaining number of tests is equal to or more than the predetermined number of tests to be performed in the automatic QC. When the remaining number of tests is equal to or more than the predetermined number of tests to be performed, the specified container, i.e., the container with the least remaining number of tests, is placed on the rack. When the remaining number of tests is less than the predetermined number of tests to be performed, the control section 82a determines whether the remaining number of tests obtained by adding the remaining number of tests of the container with the least remaining number of tests and the remaining number of tests of the other container with the second least remaining number of tests (the total remaining number of tests) is equal to or more than the predetermined number of tests to be performed.

[0359] When the total remaining number of tests is equal to or more than the predetermined number of tests to be performed, the two QC sample containers 150 are placed on the rack. When the total remaining number of tests of the two QC sample containers 150 is less than the predetermined number of tests to be performed, the remaining number of tests of a third QC sample container 150 is added and the same determination is repeated. When the total remaining number of tests of all of the QC sample containers 150 specified as being usable based on the batch number is less than the predetermined number of tests to be performed, an automatic QC error is output and the schedule is canceled.

[0360] In case A, four tests are required for the four devices XN1 to XN4 of level 1. Of the QC sample containers 150 specified based on the batch number as being usable at the positions 1 and 2, the position 1 with the smaller remaining number of tests is given priority as the device to be used. The remaining number of tests "3" of the QC sample container 150 at the position 1 is compared with the predetermined number of tests "4" to be performed. The remaining number of tests "3" of the QC sample container 150 at the position 1 is less than the predetermined number of tests "4" to be performed, and thus, even if only the QC sample container 150 at the position 1 is used, one test is still required for the precision management measurement of XN1 to XN4. Therefore, the remaining number of tests "24" of the QC sample container 150 at the position 2 with the second smallest remaining number of tests is added to the remaining number of tests "3" of the QC sample container 150 at the position 1 to obtain the total remaining number of tests "27", which is compared with the predetermined number of tests "4" to be performed. The 27 tests are equal to or more than the predetermined number of tests to be performed, and thus, at this time, an automatic QC error is avoided and the QC sample containers 150 at the positions 1 and 2 are placed on the rack in combination. In other words, the precision management measurement of level 1 is performed using the QC sample containers 150 at the positions 1 and 2 in combination.

[0361] In case A, level 2 also requires 4 tests of XN1 to XN4. The QC sample container 150 that is specified to be used based on the batch number is the container of position number 4 and 5. The remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 of position number 4 is 7, and the predetermined number of tests 4 is implemented, so only the QC sample container 150 of position number 4 is sufficient. Therefore, the QC sample container 150 of position number 4 is placed on the shelf.

[0362] Therefore, in case A, the QC sample containers 150 of position numbers 1, 2, and 4 are placed in combination on 1 shelf.

[0363] <Case B>

[0364] In case B, the following QC conditions are set.

[0365] • Concentration level to be used: Levels 2 and 3

[0366] • Object units of precision management measurement: XN1, XN2, XN3, and XN4

[0367] • Cross-block: OK

[0368] With regard to level 2, as in case A, only the QC sample container 150 of position number 4 can perform precision management measurement of 4 units, so the QC sample container 150 of position number 4 is specified as a container to be used in precision management measurement.

[0369] With regard to level 3, only the QC sample container 150 of position number 8 is stored in the cold storage section 84. The remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 of position number 8 is 5, which is more than the number of tests 4 that can be used, so the QC sample container 150 of position number 8 is specified as a container to be used in precision management measurement.

[0370] Therefore, in case B, the QC sample containers 150 of position numbers 4 and 8 are placed in combination on 1 shelf.

[0371] <Case C>

[0372] In case C, the following QC conditions are set.

[0373] • Concentration level to be used: Levels 1, 2, and 3

[0374] • Object units of precision management measurement: XN1, XN2, XN3, and XN4

[0375] • Cross-block: OK

[0376] In Case C, the QC sample containers 150 of the positions Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 8 are specified as containers used in the precision management assay by the algorithm explained in the above Case A and Case B. Therefore, in the case of Case C, the specified four QC sample containers 150 are placed in combination in one rack.

[0377] Figure 48 Cases D and E are illustrated.

[0378] <Case D>

[0379] In Case D, the following QC conditions are set.

[0380] • Concentration levels used: Levels 1 and 2

[0381] • Object units of the precision management assay: XN1, XN2, XN3, and XN4

[0382] • Cross-block: Not available

[0383] In Case D, unlike Case A, the cross-block is set to "not available". At this time, the assay block to which one QC sample rack 160 is transported is limited to one. That is, different QC sample racks 160 need to be transported to each assay block.

[0384] In the precision management assay of the first assay block, the QC sample containers 150 used in the first QC sample rack 160 are placed. The QC sample containers 150 of which the remaining test number is two or more are specified for each of Levels 1 and 2, and are placed in combination in the first QC sample rack 160. The same applies to the second QC sample rack 160. In the case of Case D, the combination of the QC sample containers 150 of the position Nos. 1 and 4 is placed in the first QC sample rack 160, and the combination of the QC sample containers 150 of the position Nos. 2 and 5 is placed in the second QC sample rack 160.

[0385] <Case E>

[0386] In Case E, the following QC conditions are set.

[0387] • Concentration levels used: Levels 1 and 2

[0388] • Object units of the precision management assay: XN1, XN2, XN3, and XN4

[0389] • Cross-block: Available

[0390] • Re-examination setting: Available

[0391] In case E, unlike case A, the condition of "with re-inspection" is added. The re-inspection means a condition in which re-inspection is automatically performed when the result of the QC sample measurement is a result requiring re-inspection. The result requiring re-inspection can be exemplified by a case in which the result of the QC sample measurement in the measurement unit is a case in which the measured value is not in the allowable range, or a case in which the error from the previous value is not in the allowable range.

[0392] In case E, it is assumed that when the result of the automatic QC precision management measurement is a result requiring re-inspection, re-inspection is automatically performed up to 1 time. That is, it is assumed that 1 measurement unit performs measurement on 1 QC sample container 150 at most 2 times including the initial inspection and the re-inspection. The QC sample container 150 is used after being taken out from the cooling section 84 and heated in the heating section 86 for a prescribed time (for example, 15 minutes). Therefore, when the remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 placed in the rack is insufficient for the number of tests required for re-inspection and re-inspection is required, the QC sample container 150 needs to be newly taken out from the cooling section 84 and heated for a prescribed time, which wastes time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the "with re-inspection setting" is included in the QC condition, the number of tests required for automatic re-inspection is included in the placement in the rack.

[0393] In case E, the 4 measurement units XN1 to XN4 are designated as the targets. Therefore, for each concentration level, 8 tests need to be ensured including the initial inspection and the re-inspection. With respect to level 1, the remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 of position number 1 is 3, which is insufficient for 8. Therefore, with respect to level 1, the QC sample containers 150 of position numbers 1 and 2 are combined and placed in the rack. With respect to level 2, the remaining number of tests of the QC sample container 150 of position number 4 is 7, which is insufficient for 8. Therefore, with respect to level 2, the QC sample containers 150 of position numbers 4 and 5 are combined and placed in the rack.

[0394] Figure 48 Case F is illustrated.

[0395] <Case F>

[0396] In case F, the following QC conditions are set.

[0397] ・Concentration levels to be used: levels 1 and 2

[0398] ・Measurement units to be subjected to precision management measurement: XN1, XN2, XN3, XN4

[0399] ・Cross-block: OK

[0400] ・Batch difference check: ON

[0401] In case F, unlike case A, a condition that the "batch difference check function is on" is added. The batch difference check function is a function of measuring both the QC sample of the in-use batch and the QC sample of the new batch in one automatic QC schedule. When the batch of the QC sample is to be switched, sometimes both the QC sample of the in-use batch and the QC sample of the new batch are measured with the same measuring cell for a prescribed period (for example, one week), and the precision management results of the two batches are compared. In other words, a prescribed repeated period sometimes occurs during the use period of the in-use batch and the new batch. This is to confirm that there is no large deviation between the in-use batch and the new batch. The batch difference check function is a function of automatically performing automatic QC using the two batches.

[0402] In case F, Figure 48 The QC sample list shown is stored in the database 820 of the control section 82a. As shown in Figure 49 , with respect to the concentration level 1, the QC sample containers 150 of the batch P001 and the batch P002 are stored in the refrigeration section 84. With respect to level 1, P001 is the in-use batch, and P002 is the new batch. With respect to level 2, the QC sample containers 150 of the batch Q001 and the batch Q002 are stored. Q001 is the in-use batch, and Q002 is the new batch. At this time, for each concentration level, the in-use batch and the new batch are combined one by one.

[0403] In case F, for example, with respect to level 1, the QC sample containers 150 of the position numbers 1 and 2 are combined, and with respect to level 2, the QC sample containers 150 of the position numbers 4 and 5 are combined. That is, the QC sample rack 160 in which the QC sample containers 150 of the position numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 are housed is transported to the measuring cells XN1 to 4, and four QC samples are measured respectively in each measuring cell.

[0404] Figure 7 is an example of an interface 3000 for comparing the precision management results of the old batch and the new batch. The interface 3000 is displayed, for example, on the display screen 92 of the supply unit 80 (refer to Figure 49 ). The display screen 92 can also be provided at other sites such as the measuring cell. In the interface 3000, as the precision management result, the QC chart 3001 for confirming the daily variation of the measured values of the QC samples is displayed. As shown in Figure 50 , after the operation of reading out the QC file of the old batch and the QC file of the new batch and superimposing them, the QC chart 3002 of the old batch and the QC chart 3003 of the new batch can be displayed in superimposition. The user can confirm the batch difference in the precision management result by comparing and confirming the two QC charts. With the batch difference check function of the present embodiment, the troublesome batch switching work can be smoothly performed.

[0405] Figure 20is a flowchart showing the process of the supply unit 80 when receiving a shutdown instruction. The control section 82a determines whether a shutdown instruction has been received (step S700). As explained with reference to Figure 20 , the OK button is pressed on the interface 2100 to 2103, whereby the control section 82a of the supply unit 80 can receive a shutdown instruction from the user. After the OK button is pressed on a certain interface, the control section 82a determines that a shutdown instruction has been received (YES in step S700).

[0406] The control section 82a determines the mode of shutdown selected by the user (step S701). In the case where the OK button is pressed on the designation device interface 2101, the control section 82a determines that the designation device mode is selected, and controls the respective sections of the supply unit 80 to place the number of cleaning agent containers 180 corresponding to the number of devices designated in the interface 2101 on the shelves, and to transport the cleaning agent shelves to the designated units (step S702). The control operations of the supply unit 80 related to the placement and transportation of the cleaning agent are as explained with reference to Figure 34 . Further, the control operations of the measurement units 10A, 10B that receive the cleaning agent containers 180 are as explained with reference to Figure 39 . In addition, after the cleaning is completed using the cleaning agent, the power of the units is automatically turned off. Figure 39 The shutdown of the measurement units is exemplified in the above, but the processing unit 40 also automatically turns off the power after the cleaning. Figure 20

[0407] The control section 82a controls the respective sections of the supply unit 80 to store the cleaning agent shelves transported in step S702 in the shelf storage section 88, and to discard the used cleaning agent containers 180 (step S703), and ends the process. Thus, only the devices designated by the user are shut down.

[0408] In the case where the OK button is pressed on the system interface 2102, the control section 82a determines that the system-wide mode is selected, and controls the respective sections of the supply unit 80 to transport the cleaning agent shelves to all of the measurement units 10A, 10B and the processing unit 40 (step S704). Figure 20 The control section 82a controls the respective sections of the supply unit 80 to store the returned cleaning agent shelves in the shelf storage section 88, and to discard the used cleaning agent containers 180 (step S705), as in step S703. The control section 82a sends a command to turn off the power to all of the units of the sample analysis system 1 (step S706). Thus, all of the devices constituting the sample analysis system 1 are shut down.

[0409]

[0410] ​​The control section 82a turns off the power of the supply unit 80 in step S707, and ends the process (step S707). However, as described above, the cold storage section 84 maintains the state in which the power is on even after the supply unit 80 is turned off, and continues to cool the QC sample.

[0411] The interface 2103 indicates that the supply unit 80 is turned off, and the control section 82a skips steps S702 to S706, and executes the process of step S707 to end the process. Figure 51

[0412] As described above, according to the control method of the sample analysis system, one or a plurality of measurement units are activated in accordance with the schedule set by the user, and the precision management sample is automatically transported to the target measurement unit, and the measurement is started. Therefore, when the precision management measurement is performed, the user does not need to place the precision management substance in the system, and the user burden can be reduced, and the user usability can be greatly improved.

[0413] The embodiments of the control method and the sample analysis system according to the present application can be appropriately designed and changed within a range that does not impair the object of the present application, in addition to the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0414] Figure 52 and Figure 51 is a schematic view of the structure of the sample analysis systems IX and IY as the first and second modifications. As shown in Figure 52 , in the sample analysis system IX, the recovery unit 60 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the supply unit 80 opposite to the module 10, and in this respect, the sample analysis system IX is different from the sample analysis system 1. In the sample analysis system IX, the rack transport path of the recovery unit 60 is connected to the fifth transport path 815 of the conveyor section 81. The third transport path 23 and the fifth transport path 815 of the transport unit 20 are transport paths for transporting the QC sample rack 160 and the cleaning agent rack in the sample analysis system 1, but are also used for recovering the sample rack 110 in the sample analysis system IX.

[0415] As shown in Figure 52 , in the sample analysis system IY, an additional second supply unit 140 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the supply unit 80, and in this respect, the sample analysis system IY is different from the sample analysis systems 1 and IX. The second supply unit 140 is a unit in which the sample rack 110 or the like is placed by the user, and does not have a cooling storage function of the QC sample container 150 or the like. In Figure 53 , the second supply unit 140 is disposed between the supply unit 80 and the recovery unit 60. The rack transport path of the second supply unit 140 is connected to the sixth transport path 819 of the conveyor section 81. At this time, the sixth transport path 819 functions as a transport path for carrying in the sample rack 110 or the like from the second supply unit 140.

[0416] Figure 54 and​Figure 54 is a diagram of the supply unit 80K as a first modification example. The supply unit 80K is provided with a conveyor section 81K including a first conveyance path 811K for a user to place a rack. The structure of the conveyor section 81K is the same as that of the supply unit 80. The supply unit 80K is also provided with a cold storage section 84K, a transfer section 85K, a heating section 86K, a rack storage section 88K, and a cart 90K. In Figure 19 , a carousel-type cold storage section 84K is illustrated, but these structures can also be the same as those of the supply unit 80. In addition, structures not illustrated such as an information reading section 86 can also be the same as those of the supply unit 80.

[0417] In the supply unit 80K, the structure of an input section 83K for placing the QC sample containers 150 and the cleaning agent containers 180 is different from that of the input section 83 of the supply unit 80. The input section 83K is disposed adjacent to the first conveyance path 811K in a structure capable of sliding in the front-back direction of the supply unit 80K, that is, a pull-out type. The input section 83K has a first storage section 831K for placing a plurality of QC sample containers 150 and a second storage section 832K for placing a plurality of cleaning agent containers 180. For example, three QC sample containers 150 can be placed in the first storage section 831K.

[0418] The input section 83K can be manually pulled out in the front direction when the QC sample containers 150 and the cleaning agent containers 180 are placed in the supply unit 80K. Alternatively, the input section 83K can also be electrically driven. When the input section 83K is pulled out in the front direction of the device and the QC sample containers 150 are placed in the first storage section 831K, the input section 83K is pushed to a certain position in the rear direction of the device, and then, as in the case of the supply unit 80, the transfer section 85K transfers the QC sample containers 150 from the first storage section 831K to the cold storage section 84K. The cleaning agent containers 180 are stored in the second storage section 832K. For example, a sensor that detects the number of cleaning agent containers 180 is provided in the supply unit 80K, and the number of cleaning agent containers 180 is displayed on Figure 55 the cleaning agent container inventory window 2006 as illustrated.

[0419] Figure 55 is a diagram of the supply unit 80X as a second modification example. As illustrated in Figure 41 , the supply unit 80X is provided with a one-story portion 81X provided with a conveyance path 811X for conveying the sample rack 110 and the QC sample rack 160 to the measurement unit, and a two-story portion 82X provided with a cold storage section 84X, a cleaning agent container storage section 193, and the like. The supply unit 80X is also provided with a moving section 190 of an elevating type that conveys the racks between the one-story portion 81X and the two-story portion 82X, and an information reading section 194 that reads the rack ID and the sample ID of the sample container 100 and the like from the rack moved by the moving section 190.

[0420] In the 2-layer section 82X, as in the case of the supply unit 80, a transfer section 85X for holding and transferring the QC sample container 150, an information reading section 87X for reading the QC sample ID of the QC sample container 150 are provided, and a plurality of empty racks 170 for housing and transporting the QC sample container 150 and the cleaning agent container 180 are housed in the 2-layer section 82X. In the 2-layer section 82X, a first loading / recovery section 191 functioning as a loading port and a recovery port for the QC sample container 150, and a second loading / recovery section 192 functioning as a loading port and a recovery port for the cleaning agent container 180 are provided.

[0421] As described above, the QC sample container 150 is housed in the rack and transported to the measurement unit after the supply unit is adjusted to the measurement temperature, but preferably only a part of the plurality of measurement units is in operation, and the QC sample rack 160 is transported only to the measurement unit in operation and not to the measurement unit in rest.

[0422] It is also possible that the control section of the supply unit measures the time T1 during which the QC sample container 150 is taken out from the cold storage section 84 and placed in the room temperature environment, and when the time T1 exceeds a certain time T2, the process of returning the QC sample container 150 to the cold storage section 84 is performed. At this time, when the time T1 exceeds the time T2, regardless of the measurement result of the QC sample, i.e., even if the measurement result is abnormal when re-checking is set as the QC condition, re-checking is not performed, and the QC sample container 150 is returned to the cold storage section 84. According to this process, it is possible to prevent the QC sample from being left in the room temperature environment for a long time, and to maintain the state of the QC sample in good condition. Alternatively, it is also possible to discard the container as a waste object when the time T1 exceeds the certain time T2.

[0423] It is also possible that the control section of the supply unit determines whether the QC sample container 150 satisfies a certain continued use condition in the recovery process of the QC sample container 150, and discards the QC sample container 150 that does not satisfy the continued use condition (for example, ​ Step S602). Alternatively, the QC sample container 150 that does not satisfy the continued use condition is returned to the cold storage section 84, and is set to be unusable and is continuously cooled and stored. Since the QC sample is expensive, automatic discarding of the QC sample container 150 is not preferable, and considering this factor, this structure can meet this demand.

[0424] The above certain continued use condition is a condition for determining whether the QC sample container 150 can be used in the next and subsequent precision management measurement, and in addition to the remaining amount of the QC sample, an expiration date can be cited. For example, when the next precision management measurement is the next day, the QC sample container 150 with the expiration date of the current day is discarded as a container that does not satisfy the continued use condition.

[0425] In the above embodiment, as the storage library that is the supply unit of the QC sample container 150, the cool storage section 84 having a cooling function is exemplified, but the storage library can not have a cooling function depending on the kind of the QC sample to be used, and the like. In the heating section that heats the QC sample to adjust it to the measurement temperature, in addition to the heater and the fan, a machine that assists heating, such as a stirrer, a vibration generator, a carousel, a rotating device, and the like can be provided. In the heating section that heats the QC sample to adjust it to the measurement temperature, in addition to the heater and the fan, a machine that assists heating, such as a stirrer, a vibration generator, a carousel, a rotating device, and the like can be provided.

[0426] The heating operation of the QC sample is performed in the above embodiment by heating the QC sample container 150 by the heating module of the heating section 86, but can be performed by exposing the QC sample container 150 to an atmosphere at room temperature. In the above embodiment, the cool storage section 84 and the heating section 86 are configured as different devices and are provided at different sites, but the cool storage section can be used as the heating section. The Peltier element built in the cool storage section generally has a heating function in addition to a cooling function, and thus at the point in time when the above conditions are satisfied, the Peltier element can be switched from the cooling mode to the heating mode to perform the heating operation of the QC sample.

[0427] In the above embodiment, as the measurement unit, a blood cell counter is exemplified, but the present application is not limited to this, and can be a blood coagulation test, an immune test, a biochemical test, and the like. In addition, the sample supplied to the measurement unit is not limited to whole blood, and can be plasma, serum, urine, lymph, body cavity fluid, and the like.

[0428] Number Explanation

[0429] 1 Sample analysis system

[0430] 10 Module

[0431] 10A First measurement unit

[0432] 10B Second measurement unit

[0433] 20 Transport unit

[0434] 21 First transport path

[0435] 22 Second transport path

[0436] 23 Third transport path

[0437] 30 Control unit

[0438] 40 Processing unit

[0439] 50 Transport unit

[0440] 60 recovery unit

[0441] 70 conveyance controller

[0442] 80 supply unit

[0443] 81 conveyer section

[0444] 811 first conveyance path

[0445] 812 second conveyance path

[0446] 813 third conveyance path

[0447] 814 fourth conveyance path

[0448] 815 fifth conveyance path

[0449] 819 sixth conveyance path

[0450] 82 storage adjustment unit

[0451] 82a control section

[0452] 83 input section

[0453] 83A first input section

[0454] 83B second input section

[0455] 830A, 830B transfer path

[0456] 831A first input opening

[0457] 831B second input opening

[0458] 832A first cover

[0459] 832B second cover

[0460] 834 transfer holder

[0461] 839 take-out section

[0462] 84 cooling section

[0463] 85 transfer section

[0464] 86 heating section

[0465] 87 information reading section

[0466] 88 shelf storage section

[0467] 89A first recovery section

[0468] 89B second recovery section

[0469] 90 cart

[0470] 91 display screen

[0471] 100 sample container

[0472] 110 sample rack

[0473] 120 host

[0474] 130 hub

[0475] 150 QC sample container

[0476] 160 QC sample rack

[0477] 170 empty rack

[0478] 180 cleaning agent container

Claims

1. A blood analysis system configured to perform automatic quality control measurements to ensure the accuracy of blood sample measurements based on quality control settings, said blood analysis system comprising: Multiple hematology analyzers are used to analyze at least one of the following CBC (white blood cell count), RBC (red blood cell count), HGB (hemoglobin level), HCT (hematocrit), MCV (mean corpuscular volume), MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin level), MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), and PLT (platelet count), or a white blood cell differential including NEUT (neutrophil count), LYMPH (lymphocyte count), MONO (monocyte count), EO (eosinophil count), and BASO (basophil count) blood samples contained in a first container. The multiple hematology analyzers are equipped with at least one reagent used for the determination of the CBC or white blood cell differential, and different blood samples are measured in parallel. The supply unit (a) stores a second container in a storage section where a quality control sample is stored in a cooled state. The second container contains a quality control sample containing a certain concentration of blood cells for at least one of the CBC test or the white blood cell differential test. The first container and the stored second container are supplied to the blood cell analysis device. as well as A transport unit, for supplying the first container and the second container from the supply unit to the blood cell analysis device, transports the first container and the second container from the supply unit to at least one of the blood cell analysis devices. The first container and the second container are capped to seal the blood sample and the quality control sample, respectively. In order to complete the automated quality control measurement before the time specified in the quality control settings. (i) The supply unit automatically retrieves the second container from the storage section and automatically supplies the retrieved second container. (ii) The delivery unit automatically delivers the supplied second container to at least one of the blood cell analysis devices, and (iii) In order to obtain at least one of the CBC test or the white blood cell classification test, at least one of the blood cell analysis devices penetrates the lid of the second container, aspirates the quality control sample contained in the transported second container, and measures the aspirated quality control sample.

2. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, In order to distribute the load of the plurality of blood cell analysis devices, the transport unit transports the first container to at least one of the blood cell analysis devices, which independently measure the blood sample.

3. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, To analyze at least one of the CBC test or the white blood cell differential test, multiple blood cell analyzers independently measure the blood sample.

4. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, The quality control samples are used in the automated quality control measurements performed by each of the multiple blood cell analysis devices.

5. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, It also includes a recycling unit that collects and holds the first container containing the blood sample measured by at least one of the blood cell analyzers. The transport unit transports the first container containing the blood sample measured by at least one of the blood cell analysis devices to the recovery unit.

6. The blood analysis system according to claim 5, The transport unit delivers the second container containing the quality control sample measured by at least one of the blood cell analyzers to the supply unit. In order to preserve the quality control sample in a cooled state, the supply unit returns the transported second container to the storage unit.

7. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, The transport unit includes a first conveyor and multiple second conveyors. The first conveyor transports the first container and the second container via the first transport path. The plurality of second conveyors are respectively disposed correspondingly in the blood cell analysis device, and each of the second conveyors transports the first container and the second container to the blood cell analysis device through a second conveyor branching from the first conveyor path. The transport unit transports the second container via the first transport path and the second transport path corresponding to at least one of the blood cell analysis devices scheduled to perform the automated quality control determination.

8. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, The second conveyor includes: a first part for supplying the first container and the second container to a location for receiving the blood sample and the quality control sample for the aspiration of the blood cell analysis device; and a second part disposed between the first part and the first conveyor for receiving the first container and the second container entering from the first transport path and transferring the first container and the second container to the first part.

9. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, Equipped with a smearing device for applying the blood sample, The transport unit delivers the first container, which contains the blood sample to be smeared, to the smearing device.

10. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, The transport unit transports the first container by transporting a rack on which the first container is placed. The transport unit transports the second container by transporting a rack on which the second container is placed.

11. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, The blood cell analysis device stirs the blood sample before aspiration. In order to complete the automated quality control measurement before the time specified in the quality control settings. (i) The supply unit automatically retrieves the second container from the storage section and automatically supplies the retrieved second container. (ii) The delivery unit automatically delivers the supplied second container to at least one of the blood cell analysis devices, and (iii) At least one of the blood cell analysis devices automatically stirs the transported second container to measure the stirred quality control sample in order to obtain the measurement results of at least one of the CBC test or the white blood cell classification test.

12. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, In order to complete the automated quality control measurement before the time specified in the quality control settings. (i) The supply unit automatically retrieves the second container from the storage section, and begins to adjust the temperature of the retrieved quality control sample to a higher temperature than that of the storage section before supplying it to the retrieved second container. (ii) The delivery unit automatically delivers the supplied second container to at least one of the blood cell analysis devices, and (iii) At least one of the blood cell analysis devices automatically measures the quality control sample contained in the transported second container in order to obtain the measurement results of at least one of the CBC test or the white blood cell classification test.

13. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, In order to complete the automated quality control measurement before the scheduled time in the quality control settings, the plurality of blood cell analyzers are automatically turned on from the power-off state, thereby enabling the blood cell analyzers to perform the automated quality control measurement.

14. The blood analysis system according to claim 1, The storage unit stores the second container, which contains a first quality control sample at a first concentration level and a second quality control sample at a second concentration level. In order to complete the automated quality control measurement before the time specified in the quality control settings. (i) The supply unit automatically retrieves the second container, which contains the first quality control sample and the second quality control sample, from the storage unit and supplies the retrieved second container. (ii) The delivery unit automatically delivers the supplied second container to at least one of the blood cell analysis devices, and (iii) At least one of the blood cell analysis devices measures the first quality control sample and the second quality control sample contained in the transported second container.

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