BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of biological analyses and their automation.

[0002] In a biological analysis laboratory, optimal sample flow management has become crucial. Indeed, the larger the laboratory, the more complex and necessary it becomes to manage the flow of biological samples undergoing analysis. Two criteria are particularly important to consider: sample processing time and the workload that each action imposes on laboratory staff.

[0003] To improve performance according to these criteria, biological analysis systems have been developed based on connecting multiple biological analysis devices via a transport system for racks containing sample tubes. Connecting several devices through this transport system allows for better management of malfunctions and problem situations, and enables the implementation of certain throughput management strategies.

[0004] These systems generally include an input for the sample racks, a conveyor that distributes the input racks to one of the connected devices, and an output for the analyzed racks. Some systems may include an input and / or output buffer zone and implement algorithms to manage throughput. EP2330425 A1 describes a sample processing system comprising a sample rack loading / unloading unit 100 and several analysis modules 400a, 400b. A conveyor 200 transports each sample rack between the loading / unloading unit 100 and each of the analysis modules 400a, 400b. Buffer zones 300a, 300b are associated with the analysis modules 400a, 400b, respectively. Each buffer zone allows for the temporary storage of racks received from the loading / unloading unit 100 while awaiting analysis by the corresponding analysis module 400a, 400b.JPH10282111 A1 describes an analysis system comprising a sample rack loading unit 1, analysis modules 6, 14 and a control unit 50. A sample rack is introduced into the analysis system through an inlet 35 and then transferred to the first analysis module 6 or the second analysis module 14 by a conveyor 3. After analyzing a sample, each analysis module 6, 14 sends the results to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 determines, from the results received, whether the sample should be tested or re-examined. The racks are stored after analysis in a storage unit pending re-examination or re-testing if necessary.

[0005] JP 5 049769 B2 describes a sample processing system having a sample rack loading / unloading unit 100, several analysis modules 400a, 400b and a conveyor 200. Buffer zones 300a, 300b are respectively associated with the analysis modules 400a, 400b to temporarily store racks received from the loading / unloading unit 100.

[0006] However, these systems can be improved both in their flow management and in the bulkiness that characterizes them.

[0007] The invention improves the situation. To this end, it proposes a biological analysis system having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0008] This biological analysis system is particularly advantageous because it offers a compact design, as the system's inputs and outputs are handled by the inputs and outputs of its component devices. Furthermore, the multiple inputs and outputs allow for the implementation of workflow management strategies that optimize the workload of laboratory staff and enable intelligent rack distribution. Additionally, the multiple inputs and / or outputs result in a modular and customizable system. Users can choose to load one or more inputs with racks containing tubes.

[0009] Depending on various versions, the accessory according to the invention may have one or more of the following characteristics: The controller is arranged to control the output of the biological analysis system from a given tube rack by an output of the biological analysis device chosen according to a load state of the outputs of the biological analysis device; the controller is arranged to control the output of the biological analysis system from a given tube rack by an output of the biological analysis system chosen according to an event related to the analysis of the tubes of the given tube rack and / or subsequent analyses planned for one or more of the tubes of the tube rack; the controller is arranged to control the output of the biological analysis system from a given tube rack by an output such that a given output is exclusively chosen according to the results of the analyses of the tubes of the given tube rack, or according to a load state of the outputs of the biological analysis device. The controller is arranged to transfer a given tube rack from a first biological analysis device to a second biological analysis device when the following conditions are met: the charge status of the first biological analysis device indicates an overload, the charge status of the second biological analysis device does not indicate an overload, and the second biological analysis device is capable of performing at least some of the analyses intended for the tubes received on the given tube rack. The controller is arranged to command the processing of one or more tubes from a given tube rack by a biological analysis device comprising the inlet through which the given tube rack was introduced into the biological analysis system when the following conditions are met: the charge status of the biological analysis device does not indicate an overload.The biological analysis device is capable of performing at least some of the analyses intended for the tubes received on the given tube rack, and the controller is arranged to control the output of the biological analysis system from a given tube rack via the output of the biological analysis device which includes the input through which the given tube rack was introduced into the biological analysis system.

[0010] The invention also relates to a biological analysis system, having the characteristics of claim 8.

[0011] The invention also relates to a biological analysis method comprising introducing a plurality of tube racks into a biological analysis system according to the invention, and transferring a received tube rack into the biological analysis system via the conveyor to another biological analysis device as a function of an event related to the analysis of the tubes of the given tube rack and / or subsequent operations planned for one or more of the tubes of the tube rack and / or a respective state of charge of the biological analysis devices.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, drawn from illustrative and non-limiting examples taken from the drawings shown: there Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a biological analysis system according to the invention, and the Figure 2 represents a top view of the Figure 1 .

[0013] The drawings and description below contain, for the most part, elements of a definite nature. They can therefore not only serve to better explain the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0014] There Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a biological analysis system 2 according to the invention, and the Figure 2 is a top view of the Figure 1 As can be seen in this figure, the biological analysis system 2 comprises three biological analysis devices 4, 6 and 8, a slide spreader / stainer 9, a conveyor 10 and a controller 12.

[0015] In the example described here, the biological analysis devices 4, 6, and 8 are of the hematological analyzer type. Biological analysis device 4 (respectively 6, 8) includes a shelf 14 (respectively 16, 18) that receives racks 20 of tubes 22 to be analyzed. Biological analysis device 4 (respectively 6, 8) also includes a shelf 24 (respectively 26, 28) that receives the racks 20 of tubes 22 that have been analyzed. Biological analysis device 4 (respectively 6, 8) also includes an exchange region 30 (respectively 32, 34) that allows a rack 20 to be transferred onto the conveyor 10 or to receive a rack 20 from the conveyor.

[0016] The three hematological analyzers 4, 6, and 8 can measure a blood sample contained in a tube 22. Each instrument takes the tube 22 from a rack 20 located either on a loading shelf or on the conveyor behind the measuring instrument. When the blood sample measurement is complete, the instrument returns the tube to a rack.

[0017] The slide spreader / stainer 9 prepares blood slides for analysis. First, a volume of blood is drawn into a tube 22 located in a rack 20. Then, the drawn blood is deposited onto a slide, spread thinly, and dried. The sample is then stained.

[0018] The conveyor 10 defines a closed circuit and, in the example described here, comprises a loop-shaped chain including two paths 36 and 38. The chain 36 is connected to each of the exchange regions 30, 32, and 34, so that a carrier 20 is introduced onto the conveyor 10 or retrieved from it via path 36. The conveyor 10 drives path 36 in one direction, and the chain 38 in a direction opposite to the drive direction of chain path 36.

[0019] The conveyor 10 also includes two return devices 40 and 42 which are respectively located downstream of device 4 and upstream of device 8 with respect to the direction of drive of path 36.

[0020] The return device 40 transfers a carrier 20 from path 36 to path 38, and the return device 42 transfers a carrier 20 from path 36 to path 38 by rotating it 180°. Thus, regardless of the exchange region 30, 32, or 34 from which a carrier 20 was introduced onto the conveyor 10, this carrier 20 can be sent to any one of the devices 4, 6, or 8 according to transport rules. This capability, regardless of the means used to achieve it, characterizes the fact that the conveyor 10 defines a closed circuit.

[0021] Alternatively, the conveyor 10 can be made in the form of two chains 36 and 38 driven independently and connected by the return devices 40 and 42.

[0022] Thus, tablets 14, 16 and 18 form inputs for system 2, tablets 24, 26 and 28 form outputs for system 2, and exchange regions 30, 32 and 34 between devices 4, 6 and 8 and conveyor 10 are distinct from the inputs and outputs of system 2.

[0023] In various configurations, the input and output of one or more devices can be reversed, or performed on the same tablet while being appropriately separated. Similarly, depending on the configuration, the exchange area can be placed closer to the input and output of one or more devices, provided they remain clearly distinct from one another.

[0024] In the example described here, the samples contained in the tubes 22 of a rack 20 can be analyzed in the biological analysis device into which they were introduced in the system 2 before being transmitted to the conveyor 10 or exit directly through one of the shelves 24, 26 or 28 without going through the conveyor 10, or be transmitted directly from the inlet through which they were introduced to the exchange region of the device concerned.

[0025] Controller 12 in the example described here is a computer which classically includes a display, a distributor, a memory and a network interface allowing it to communicate with biological analysis devices.

[0026] Memory can be any type of data storage suitable for receiving digital data: hard drive, solid-state drive (SSD), flash memory of any kind, RAM, magnetic disk, locally or cloud-based distributed storage, etc. Data processed by the device can be stored on any type of memory similar to Memory 2, or on Memory 2 itself. This data can be erased after the device has completed its tasks or retained.

[0027] The dispatcher accesses memory directly or indirectly to implement the functions of controller 12. It can be implemented as suitable computer code running on one or more processors. By processors, we mean any processor suitable for processing computer data. Such a processor can be implemented in any known way, such as a personal computer microprocessor, a dedicated chip of the FPGA or SoC (system on a chip), a computing resource on a grid, a microcontroller, or any other form capable of providing the computing power necessary for the implementation described below. One or more of these elements can also be implemented as specialized electronic circuits such as an ASIC. A combination of one or more processors and one or more electronic circuits can also be considered.

[0028] The controller 12 is connected to the biological analysis devices 4, 6 and 8 to know all the data concerning the analyses carried out and in progress as well as the state of the racks 20 received in these devices, as well as to the conveyor 10 in particular to know the racks 20 received on it.

[0029] Thus, the controller 12 can organize the flow of racks 20 over the entire biological analysis system 2, having access to all the data characterizing the state of the racks 20 being processed, the state of the analyses in progress and the analyses already carried out, as well as the analyses which are planned for the racks 20 received at the inputs of the system 2.

[0030] The controller 12 is therefore able to determine a load state for each of the biological analysis devices 4, 6 and 8, and to control the transfer of racks 20 on the conveyor 10 from one device to another according to a load state of the devices, load management strategies at the level of the biological analysis system 2, the distribution of the workload of the staff interacting with the biological analysis system 2, additional analyses required, breakdowns, number of analysis devices on the line, etc.

[0031] Load state refers to the total number of racks received by a biological analysis device plus the number of racks on the conveyor intended for it. The load state of a given biological analysis device is considered "overloaded" when this number exceeds a predetermined quantity. In the example described here, this quantity is set at 2 / 3 of the number of racks the biological analysis device can accommodate. Alternatively, this value can be dynamically determined by the controller 12 based on operating conditions and / or several parameters: target throughput for the system, number of free positions on the agitator(s) of the device in question, average time to move a rack from one device to another, etc.

[0032] For example, in a system comprising three analytical devices, a conveyor with two paths, and two return mechanisms connecting the two paths, the predetermined quantity beyond which an analytical device will be considered overloaded could be a chosen number of racks received or destined for that analytical device. Thus, when the number of racks received or destined for the analytical device equals the chosen number, it will be unable to receive additional racks. The racks will be distributed to other analytical devices whose number of racks received or destined for them is less than the chosen number. This chosen number is determined by several criteria, including: the number of connected devices, the length of the conveyor, the speed of the exchange zones, and the rack speed on the conveyor.

[0033] The controller 12 is responsible for determining which racks should be processed by a different biological analysis device than the one into which they were introduced in system 2, in order to improve throughput and / or account for unforeseen circumstances, as well as determining the outputs for the racks that have been analyzed. The controller 12 can therefore implement one or more current workload management strategies and one or more output management strategies.

[0034] With reference to common workload management strategies, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, if a biological analysis device receives at its input a tube rack for which it can perform all the requested analyses, or if the number of requested analyses that it can perform exceeds a chosen quantity (for example, 75% of the requested analyses), then the rack is taken over by the instrument. Knowledge of the analyses to be performed can be obtained by reading information from the rack and / or the tubes received on it and / or by accessing a database.

[0035] Sending via conveyor is specifically planned in the following cases: when a biological analysis device is overloaded, and there is another biological analysis device that can perform all the requested analyses (or if the number of requested analyses it can perform exceeds a chosen quantity, for example 75% of the requested analyses), when a biological analysis device cannot perform all the analyses to be carried out on the tubes included in the rack, when all biological analysis devices are overloaded, the conveyor serves as a buffer zone, which allows for space saving and greater flexibility without additional cost or additional unit.

[0036] It is important to note that the conveyor transfer only occurs if one of these conditions is met. This differs significantly from existing systems, which typically include an input buffer zone, an output buffer zone, and a distribution algorithm across instruments to smooth the load.

[0037] Indeed, this algorithm is systematically applied to existing systems to achieve a target throughput, but it does not allow for adaptation to the real-time needs required to maintain that throughput. Furthermore, the inputs and outputs of the devices form the exchange zone with the conveyor, making the input and output buffer zones of these systems the only input and output points, and therefore potential bottlenecks.

[0038] According to the invention, since the system comprises multiple inlets, load balancing can be achieved in part by personnel loading the racks onto the inlet shelves, thus naturally distributing the load from the moment they enter system 2. The conveyor is used only to maintain the throughput of system 2, and only when necessary. The throughput is therefore maintained by managing the distribution at the level of the analytical devices, and not at the system's inlet or outlet, thanks to the separation between the inlet, outlet, and the area where the devices exchange with the conveyor. Furthermore, if personnel do not load the biological analysis devices uniformly, the system's throughput can still be maintained by redirecting racks to less heavily loaded devices, up to a predetermined limit, to prevent overloading.

[0039] With reference to the output management strategies, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the controller 12 controls the output of the racks so that a given rack exits through the outlet of the device into which it was inserted, regardless of which device actually performed the analyses on the tubes it receives. This smooths the output load, ensuring it is distributed identically to the input load. It also prevents the accumulation of racks 20 at biological analysis devices capable of performing a greater number of tests than others.

[0040] In addition, or as an alternative, the multiple outputs of the system can be used to perform sorting at the output of system 2. Thus, certain outputs can be specifically dedicated according to the type of tests performed or to be performed subsequently, problems encountered during the analysis, the service of one or more samples from the racks, the assigned priority, etc.

[0041] If the output load smoothing described in the previous paragraph is applied, then the outputs must be separated according to the smoothing to which they are assigned: a single output can only be used for output load smoothing, or for sorting, output load smoothing must be carried out slightly differently, the carriers having been introduced on a device whose output is assigned to sorting, but which are not intended to exit through this output, must be distributed on the outputs assigned to output load smoothing.

[0042] In the examples described above, the inputs and outputs of all biological analysis devices are used as inputs or outputs for the system. Alternatively, some inputs and / or outputs might not be used in this way.

[0043] The output sorting complements the sorting of tubes 22 on a rack 20, made possible by a transfer unit capable of holding several racks, as described in French patent applications FR 1560889, FR 1560890, and FR 1560893. Indeed, it is possible to sort the tubes by category and place tubes of the same category on the same rack. Sorting the output racks thus completes the tube sorting solution, providing a more efficient sorting process.

[0044] The rack sorting system allows a rack type to be assigned to a specific device. This sorting can be based on various parameters, including: an alarm on a tube in a rack; the operations performed and / or remaining to be performed on one or more tubes in a rack; the patient's demographics; the values ​​of the parameters being studied; or the tube information.

[0045] Alternatively, a system can be described where the loading area for the racks is located at a single point, but the exit areas can be multiple. This system could implement the same smoothing and output sorting rules.

Claims

1. A biological analysis system, comprising at least two biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8) connected to each other by a conveyor (10) defining a closed circuit, each biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) comprising at least one inlet (14, 16, 18) and one outlet (24, 26, 28) for racks (20) of tubes (22), and at least one exchange area (30, 32, 34) of racks (20) of tubes (22) with the conveyor (10), which exchange area (30, 32, 34) is separate from the inlet (14, 16, 18) and the outlet (24, 26, 28), the inlet (14, 16, 18) of at least two biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8) each forming an inlet of the biological analysis system for racks (20) of tubes (22), and the outlet (24, 26, 28) of at least two biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8) each forming an outlet of the biological analysis system for racks (20) of tubes (22), the biological analysis system (2) further comprising a controller (12) connected to each biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) and to the conveyor (10) and capable of determining a load state for each biological analysis device (4, 6, 8), which controller (12) is arranged for controlling the transfer of a rack (20) of tubes (22) received in the biological analysis system (2) via the conveyor (10) to another biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) according to the operations to be performed on the tubes (22) of this rack (20), and / or the respective load state of the biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8), characterised in that the controller is furthermore arranged, when all biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8) are overloaded, for controlling the transfer of a rack (20) of tubes (22) received in the biological analysis system (2) onto the conveyor (10) then used as a buffer zone.

2. The biological analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the controller (12) is arranged for controlling the outlet of the biological analysis system of a given rack (20) of tubes (22) via an outlet (24, 26, 28) of the biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) chosen according to a load state of the outlets of the biological analysis device (4, 6, 8).

3. The biological analysis system according to claim 2, wherein the controller (12) is arranged for controlling the outlet of the biological analysis system of a given rack (20) of tubes (22) via an outlet of the biological analysis system (2) chosen according to an event related to the analysis of the tubes (22) of the given rack (20) of tubes (22) and / or subsequent analyses planned for one or more of the tubes (22) of the rack (20) of tubes (22).

4. The biological analysis system according to claim 3, wherein the controller (12) is arranged for controlling the outlet of the biological analysis system of a given rack (20) of tubes (12) via such an outlet that a given outlet is chosen exclusively according to the results of the analyses of the tubes (22) of the given rack (20) of tubes (22), or according to a load state of the outlets of the biological analysis device (4, 6, 8).

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (12) is arranged for transferring a given rack (20) of tubes (22) from a first biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) to a second biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) when the following conditions are met: - the load state of the first biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) indicates an overload, - the load state of the second biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) does not indicate an overload, - the second biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) is capable of carrying out at least some of the analyses planned for the tubes (22) received on the given rack (20) of tubes (22).

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (12) is arranged for controlling the processing of one or more tubes (22) of a given rack (20) of tubes (22) by a biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) comprising the inlet (14, 16, 18) via which the given rack (20) of tubes (22) was introduced into the biological analysis system when the following conditions are met: - the load state of the biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) does not indicate an overload, - the biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) is capable of carrying out at least some of the analyses planned for the tubes (22) received on the given rack (20) of tubes (22).

7. The biological analysis system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (12) is arranged for controlling the outlet of the biological analysis system of a given rack (20) of tubes (22) via the outlet (24, 26, 28) of the biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) which comprises the inlet (14, 16, 18) via which the given rack (20) of tubes (22) was introduced into the biological analysis system (2).

8. A biological analysis system, comprising at least one inlet and at least two outlets connected to at least two biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8) connected to each other by a conveyor (10) defining a closed circuit, each biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) comprising at least one exchange area of racks (30, 32, 34) of tubes (22) with the conveyor (10), which exchange area (30, 32, 34) is separate from said at least one inlet and two outlets, the biological analysis system (2) further comprising a controller (12) connected to each biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) and to the conveyor (10) and capable of determining a load state for each biological analysis device (4, 6, 8), which controller (12) is arranged for controlling the transfer of a rack (20) of tubes (22) received in the biological analysis system (2) via the conveyor (10) to another biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) according to an event related to the analysis of the tubes of the given rack of tubes and / or subsequent operations planned for one or more of the tubes (22) of the rack (20) of tubes (22), and / or the respective load state of the biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8), characterised in that the controller is furthermore arranged, when all biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8) are overloaded, for controlling the transfer of a rack (20) of tubes (22) received in the biological analysis system (2) onto the conveyor (10) then used as a buffer zone.

9. A biological analysis method, comprising the introduction of a plurality of racks (20) of tubes (22) into a biological analysis system according to any one of the preceding claims, and the transfer of a rack (20) of tubes (22) received in the biological analysis system (2) via the conveyor (10) to another biological analysis device (4, 6, 8) according to the operations to be performed on the tubes (22) of this rack (20), and / or a respective load state of the biological analysis devices (4, 6, 8).