Specimen management method

Abstract

To provide a method with which specimens can be managed manually and efficiently while preventing human errors.SOLUTION: A two-dimensional code is added to a specimen and a bar code is added to an accommodation box. The accommodation box having the specimen accommodated therein is imaged by a reader, the identification information of the specimen and the accommodation box and the position information of the specimen in the accommodation box are read, and these information pieces are registered in a database in association with information on the storage location of the accommodation box. When the specimen is extracted from the storage location, a grid pattern corresponding to a specimen array in the relevant accommodation box is shown to a display on the basis of the result of search of the database, and a mark is added to the point corresponding to a target specimen. After the target specimen is removed from the accommodation box, the accommodation box is imaged by a reader, the respective identification information of the specimen and the accommodation box and the position information of specimen in the accommodation box are read. These pieces of information are compared with the result of search of the database, and a specimen removal error is shown to the display when it is determined that not all of the target specimens only have been removed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for managing samples entrusted to a clinical testing institution from medical institutions and the like. Here, the term "specimen" refers to a sealed container that contains a sample such as blood, urine, saliva, etc. The same applies below. [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, samples are prepared at medical institutions such as hospitals and clinics, and the testing of the samples is outsourced to clinical testing institutions by the medical institutions, and the results of the testing by the clinical testing institutions are reported to the medical institutions that accept the testing.

[0003] In this case, one clinical testing institution is entrusted with testing samples from multiple medical institutions, etc., and a large number of samples are delivered to the clinical testing institution every day from multiple medical institutions, etc., so the clinical testing institution strictly manages the samples to prevent errors such as sample mix-ups.

[0004] Management of samples at clinical testing institutions is usually mainly performed manually, with received samples being stored in a sample rack (having a row of insertion holes that support the samples in an upright position), and the sample rack containing the samples being stored temporarily or for a certain period of time in a storage location maintained at a constant low temperature, such as a freezer. Whenever a request is received from a client medical institution, the relevant sample rack is removed from the storage location, the target samples are removed from the sample rack and processed for testing (testing, follow-up testing, retesting, etc.), after which the sample rack is returned to its original storage location, and the test results are reported to the medical institution.

[0005] In clinical testing institutions, in order to prevent human errors such as mixing up samples, a sample ID and a rack ID are assigned to each sample and sample rack, and when the sample is placed in the sample rack and the sample rack is stored in a storage location, the sample ID, rack ID, and positional information of the sample within the sample rack are read by an imager or ID reader, correlated with each other, and further correlated with information about the storage location of the sample rack and registered in a database.

[0006] When a clinical testing institution receives a sample testing request from a contracted medical institution, the database is searched using the sample ID of the sample to be processed to identify the corresponding sample rack, its storage location, and the position of the sample within the sample rack.

[0007] Next, based on the results of the database search, a removal instruction is issued that includes the sample ID of the sample to be processed, the rack ID of the corresponding sample rack, information about the storage location of the sample rack, and information about the position of the sample within the sample rack. In accordance with the removal instruction, the corresponding sample rack is transported from the storage location, and the sample to be processed is removed from the sample rack.

[0008] During this time, when the sample rack is removed, the rack ID of the sample rack is read by the ID reader, and the rack ID data displayed on the ID reader is visually compared with the rack ID data written on the removal instruction.Furthermore, when a sample is removed from the sample rack, the sample ID is read by the ID reader, and the sample ID data displayed on the ID reader is visually compared with the sample ID data written on the removal instruction.

[0009] The removed samples are then processed, and the sample rack is returned to its original storage location after processing.

[0010] Incidentally, most human errors, such as mixing up samples, occurred when retrieving samples to be processed from their storage locations, and were caused by a failure to reliably visually check the information on the retrieval instructions against the data displayed by the ID reader when the sample rack and sample were read by the reader.

[0011] Therefore, in order to prevent the occurrence of such human errors, in the prior art, devices have been proposed that automatically transport samples to and from storage locations (see, for example, Patent Document 1) and devices that automatically perform the entire management of samples (see, for example, Patent Document 2) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0012] However, such devices are expensive, large-scale, and require high installation costs, making them difficult to introduce. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-36731 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-116355 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for managing samples manually, efficiently, and while preventing human error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, there are provided the steps of: (1) preparing a storage box that is open at the top and capable of accommodating upright specimens in a checkerboard arrangement; attaching a two-dimensional code representing at least identification information of the specimen to the top surface of the specimen; and attaching a barcode representing identification information of the storage box to one side of the storage box; (2) acquiring data of each of the two-dimensional codes and data of the positions of the two-dimensional codes within the arrangement based on image data obtained by photographing at least one of the two-dimensional codes arranged in the checkerboard arrangement and a barcode located outside the area of ​​the checkerboard arrangement; (3) arranging a mirror facing diagonally upward on one side of the storage box in which the sample is stored and arranging the reader at a predetermined position above the storage box, and photographing the sample in the storage box and the barcode reflected on the mirror by the reader; and (4) acquiring at least identification information of the sample, identification information of the storage box, position information of the sample in the storage box, and (5) when removing the target sample from the storage location, extracting from the database, using at least the identification information of the target sample, the identification information of the related storage box, the storage location information of the storage box, the positional information of the target sample within the storage box, and the corresponding image data, and displaying, on the display, the identification information of the storage box, the storage location information, the image data, and the corresponding checkerboard pattern, and marking the squares in the checkerboard pattern that correspond to the target sample; (6) a step of removing the storage box from the storage location based on the information of the storage location of the storage box displayed on the display; and (7) a step of removing the storage box from the storage location based on the information of the storage location of the storage box displayed on the display.(8) placing the mirrors facing each other diagonally upward on one side of the storage box, placing the reader at the predetermined position above the storage box, and using the reader to photograph the specimen in the storage box and the barcode reflected on the mirror; (9) correlating at least the identification information of the specimen, the identification information of the storage box, the position information of the specimen in the storage box, and the storage location information of the storage box based on the data output from the reader and the information of the storage location of the storage box, and recording the correlation together with the image data obtained by the photographing in a temporary storage device; and (10) storing at least the identification information of the specimen, the identification information of the storage box, the position information of the specimen in the storage box, and the storage location information of the storage box, which have been recorded in the temporary storage device, together with the identification information of the specimen, the identification information of the storage box, the position information of the specimen in the storage box, and the storage location information of the storage box, which have been extracted from the database in step (5), in a manner similar to that described above. The sample management method includes a step of comparing the information on the storage location of the storage box with the information on the storage location of the storage box, and when it is determined that only the target samples have been removed, registering the various information and image data recorded in the temporary storage device in the database and then executing the next step, but when it is determined that the sample has not been removed, displaying a sample removal error on the display, registering the various information and image data recorded in the temporary storage device in the database together with error occurrence information, returning the sample removed from the storage box to its original position, and then returning to step (7); and (10) after processing the target sample removed from the storage box, if the target sample is not to be returned to the storage box, carrying the storage box as it is into the storage location and returning to step (5), but when at least one of the target samples has been returned to the storage box, returning to step (3).

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step (7), the process of removing the target sample from the storage box comprises removing the target sample from the storage box and placing it in a previously prepared removal box having the same configuration as the storage box at a position corresponding to the marked position of the storage box in step (5). Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a two-dimensional code is attached to the sample and a barcode is attached to the storage box. The storage box containing the sample is photographed by a reader, and at least the identification information of the sample and the identification information of the storage box, as well as the positional information of the sample within the storage box, are read. The read information is registered in a database using a computer in association with information about the storage location of the storage box, and the storage box is then brought into the storage location.

[0018] This allows efficient manual operations such as transporting samples to storage locations and registering necessary information regarding transport in a database.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when a sample is removed from its storage location, a checkerboard pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the samples in the corresponding storage box is displayed on the display based on the results of a computerized database search, and a mark is placed on the square corresponding to the target sample.

[0020] This allows the operator to pick out the target sample by comparing the checkerboard pattern on the display screen with the arrangement of the samples in the corresponding storage box, making it possible to manually pick up samples efficiently and reliably.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the target specimen is removed from the storage box, the storage box is photographed by a reader, and at least the identification information of the specimen and the identification information of the storage box, as well as the positional information of the specimen within the storage box, are read out, and this information is compared with the search results of the database by a computer. If it is determined that not all of the target specimen has been removed, a specimen removal error is displayed on the screen, the removed specimen is returned to its original position, and the specimen removal process is then carried out again while referring to the checkerboard pattern on the display screen.

[0022] In this way, by determining whether or not a mix-up of specimens has occurred by comparing data using a computer, rather than by visual confirmation by an operator, human error when removing the specimen 1 can be reliably prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a sample management method according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] This is a flow diagram of the same sample management method (continued). [Diagram 3] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a sample, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a storage box in which the sample is stored. [Figure 4] 13A is a top view of the state when photographing with the reader, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing image data obtained by the reader. [Diagram 5] (A) shows the screen that appears on the display when registering data into the database, and (B) shows the state when the mouse pointer is placed over one of the checkerboard patterns on the display screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen showing the results of a database search, which is displayed on a display when a sample is removed from a storage location. [Figure 7] (A) is a diagram showing an example of an image of a storage box and the corresponding checkerboard pattern on the database search result screen displayed on a display when a sample is removed from the storage box, (B) is a diagram showing an image of the storage box and the corresponding checkerboard pattern when the sample is correctly removed from the storage box, and (C) is a diagram showing an example of an image of the storage box and the corresponding checkerboard pattern when a sample removal error occurs. [Figure 8](A) is a diagram showing an example of an image of a storage box and the corresponding checkerboard pattern on the database search result screen displayed on a display when a sample is removed from the storage box, (B) is a diagram showing an image of the storage box and the corresponding checkerboard pattern when the sample is correctly removed from the storage box, and (C) is a diagram showing an example of an image of the storage box and the corresponding checkerboard pattern when a sample removal error occurs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 and 2 are flow charts of a specimen management method according to the present invention.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, according to the present invention, first, a storage box with an open top and capable of holding upright samples in a checkerboard arrangement is prepared, and a two-dimensional code representing at least identification information of the sample is attached to the top surface of the sample, while a barcode representing identification information of the storage box is attached to one side of the storage box (step S1 in Figure 1).

[0026] Figures 3(A) and (B) show the specimen and the storage box, respectively. As shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), the sample 1 consists of a tubular container 1a with a closed bottom opening, containing a sample 1b such as blood, urine, saliva, etc., and the top opening of the container is sealed with a cap 1c, and a two-dimensional code 2 representing at least identification information of the sample 1 is attached to the top surface of the cap 1c.

[0027] The identification information of the sample 1 consists of the name, date of birth, age, and gender of the sample provider, and the data of the two-dimensional code 2 may include, in addition to the identification information of the sample 1, sample information such as the type of sample and the date the sample was collected.

[0028] In addition, a barcode 4 representing identification information of the storage box 3 is attached to one side of the storage box 3, and the identification information of the storage box 3 is composed of a series of numbers (box numbers) attached to the storage boxes 2.

[0029] According to the present invention, next, a reader 5 (in this embodiment, a 1D / 2D code reader SR-2000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation is used) is prepared, which outputs data on each two-dimensional code 2, data on the position of the two-dimensional code 2 within the array (two-dimensional coordinates), and data on the barcode 4 together with image data based on image data obtained by photographing at least one two-dimensional code 2 arranged in a grid pattern and a barcode 4 located outside the area of ​​the grid pattern arrangement (step S2 in FIG. 1).

[0030] Then, as shown in FIG. 4(A), a mirror 6 is placed facing diagonally upwards on the side of the storage box 3 in which the sample 1 is stored, on which the barcode 4 is attached, and a reader 5 is placed at a predetermined position above the storage box 3. The reader 5 photographs the sample 1 in the storage box 3 and the barcode 4 reflected on the mirror 6 (step S3 in FIG. 1). 4(B) shows the image data captured by the reader 5. In FIG. 4(B), 4' denotes the image of the barcode 4 reflected on the mirror 6.

[0031] The reader 5 reads the data of each two-dimensional code 2, its two-dimensional coordinates (in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 (B), the storage box 3 is positioned so that the side with the barcode 4 attached is on the left side of the shooting screen, and with the position of the upper left square of the grid as the coordinate origin, the x coordinate = 1, ..., 10 is assigned horizontally of the grid and the y coordinate = A, ..., J is assigned vertically of the grid), and the data of the barcode 4, and outputs them together with the acquired image data.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the present invention, based on the data output from the reader 5 and the information on the storage location of the storage box 3, a computer is used to correlate at least the identification information of the specimen 1, the identification information of the storage box 3, the positional information of the specimen 1 within the storage box 3, and the information on the storage location of the storage box 3, and register these in a database together with the image data obtained by photography.In addition, the identification information and storage location information of the storage box 3, as well as a checkerboard pattern representing the arrangement of the specimens 1 within the storage box 3, and the image data are displayed on the display, and then the storage box 3 is brought into the storage location (step S4 in Figure 1).

[0033] For example, when the storage location is a plurality of freezers each having a plurality of shelves, the location information of the storage location is made up of freezer identification information and location information within the freezer (shelf number). If the clinical laboratory has multiple branches in different locations, the storage location information also includes identification information of the branch.

[0034] When each piece of information and image data is registered in the database, the date and time of registration and the name of the worker are also registered.

[0035] FIG. 5(A) is a diagram showing the display screen when data is registered in the above database. In FIG. 5(A), information on the storage location is displayed in a “SITE” field 7, a “STORAGE” field 8, and a “STORAGE AREA” field 9 on the display screen, and identification information of the storage box 3 is displayed in a “BOX NO.” field 10.

[0036] In FIG. 5(A), 11 denotes an image captured by the reader 5, and 12 denotes a checkerboard pattern representing the arrangement of the specimens 1 in the storage box 3. In this case, a circle is displayed in the square of the checkerboard pattern 12 where the sample 1 is contained, and as shown in Figure 5 (B), when the mouse pointer is placed over the square with the circle displayed, at least the identification information of the sample 1 contained at that position is displayed in a pop-up screen 13.

[0037] According to the present invention, when a target sample 1 is removed from a storage location, a computer is used to extract from a database, based on at least the identification information of the target sample 1, the identification information of the relevant storage box 3, information on the storage location of the storage box 3, positional information of the target sample 1 within the storage box 3, and corresponding image data, and the identification information of the storage box 3, the information on the storage location, the image data, and the corresponding checkerboard pattern 12 are displayed on the display, and a mark is placed on the square in the checkerboard pattern 12 corresponding to the target sample (step S5 in Figure 1).

[0038] The display screen at this time is shown in Figure 6. In FIG. 6, the square (coordinates (A, 01)) corresponding to the target sample 1 in the grid pattern 12 on the screen is displayed in a color different from the other squares. In addition, in FIG. 6, the data of the two-dimensional code 2 of the target sample 1 (including the identification information of the sample 1) is displayed in a "sample code" field 14 on the display screen.

[0039] According to the present invention, the storage box 3 is further carried out from the storage location based on the information on the storage location of the storage box 3 displayed on the display (step S6 in FIG. 1).

[0040] Thereafter, when the target specimen 1 is removed from the storage box 3 based on the checkerboard pattern 12 shown on the display, in the same manner as in step S3, a mirror 6 is placed facing diagonally upwards on the side of the storage box 3 on which the barcode 4 is attached, and a reader 5 is placed at a predetermined position above the storage box 3, and the reader 5 photographs the specimen 1 in the storage box 3 and the barcode 4 reflected on the mirror 6 (step S7 in Figure 2).

[0041] In step S7, preferably, the process of removing the target specimen 1 from the storage box 3 comprises removing the target specimen 1 from the storage box 3 and placing it in a previously prepared removal box having the same configuration as the storage box 3 (each box has a two-dimensional coordinate indicated on it) at the position of an eye corresponding to the eye marked on the storage box 3 in step S3.

[0042] Next, based on the data output from the reader 5 and the information on the storage location in the storage box 3, at least the identification information of the sample 1, the identification information of the storage box 3, the positional information of the sample within the storage box 3, and the information on the storage location in the storage box 3 are correlated with each other and recorded in a temporary memory device together with the image data obtained by photography (step S8 in Figure 2).

[0043] Then, at least the identification information of the specimen 1, the identification information of the storage box 3, the position information of the specimen 1 within the storage box 3, and the storage location information of the storage box 3 recorded in the temporary memory device are compared with at least the identification information of the specimen 1, the identification information of the storage box 3, the position information of the specimen 1 within the storage box 3, and the storage location information of the storage box 3 extracted from the database in step S5, and if it is determined that only the target specimen 1 has been removed, the various information and image data recorded in the temporary memory device are registered in the database and the next step is executed, but if it is determined that this is not the case, a specimen removal error is displayed on the display, and the various information and image data recorded in the temporary memory device are registered in the database together with error occurrence information, and the specimen 1 removed from the storage box 3 is returned to its original position, and then the process returns to step S7 (step S9 in Figure 2).

[0044] In this case, when each piece of information and image data is registered in the database, the date and time of registration and the name of the worker are also registered.

[0045] Step S9 will now be described in detail. Figure 7(A) is a diagram showing an example of an image of storage box 3 and corresponding checkerboard pattern 12 on the database search result screen displayed on a display when specimen 1 is removed from storage box 3, Figure 7(B) is a diagram showing an image of storage box 3 and corresponding checkerboard pattern 12 when specimen 1 is correctly removed from storage box 3, and Figure 7(C) is a diagram showing an example of an image of storage box 3 and corresponding checkerboard pattern 12 when an error occurs in removing specimen 1.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7(A), for example, in step S5, as a result of searching the database, it is determined that there are three target samples 1 in the corresponding storage box 3, and these samples 1 are located at positions (B, 02), (D, 04), and (F, 06), respectively.

[0047] If the three specimens 1 are then properly removed from the storage box 3 by the operator, the state inside the storage box 3 after the specimens 1 have been removed will be as shown in FIG. 7(B). In this case, it is determined that only the target specimen 1 has been entirely removed, and the various pieces of information and image data recorded in the temporary storage device are registered in the database.

[0048] In contrast, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(C), if, among the three specimens 1, the specimen 1 at position (F, 07) is mistakenly taken out instead of the specimen 1 at position (F, 06), a specimen removal error is displayed on the display, and the various information and image data recorded in the temporary memory device are registered in the database together with the error occurrence information.

[0049] Similarly, Figure 8(A) is a diagram showing an example of an image of storage box 3 and corresponding checkerboard pattern 12 on the database search result screen displayed on a display when sample 1 is removed from storage box 3, Figure 8(B) is a diagram showing an image of storage box 3 and corresponding checkerboard pattern 12 when sample 1 is correctly removed from storage box 3, and Figure 8(C) is a diagram showing an example of an image of storage box 3 and corresponding checkerboard pattern 12 when an error occurs in removing sample 1.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 8(A), for example, in step S5, as a result of searching the database, it is determined that there are six target samples 1 in the corresponding storage box 3, and these samples 1 are located at positions (E,05), (E,06), (E,07), (F,05), (F,06), and (F,07), respectively.

[0051] If the six specimens 1 are then properly removed from the storage box 3 by the operator, the state inside the storage box 3 after the specimens 1 have been removed will be as shown in FIG. 8(B). In this case, it is determined that only the target specimen 1 has been entirely removed, and the various pieces of information and image data recorded in the temporary storage device are registered in the database.

[0052] In contrast, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(C), if, among the six specimens 1, the specimens 1 at positions (E, 08) and (F, 08) are mistakenly taken out instead of the specimens 1 at positions (E, 05) and (F, 05), a specimen removal error is displayed on the display, and the information and image data recorded in the temporary memory device are registered in the database together with the error occurrence information.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the present invention, after processing the target specimens 1 removed from the storage box 3, if the target specimens 1 are not returned to the storage box 3, the storage box 3 is brought into a storage location as is and the process returns to step S5, but when at least one of the target specimens 1 has been returned to the storage box 3, the process returns to step S3 (step S10 in FIG. 2).

[0054] Thus, according to the present invention, a two-dimensional code 2 is attached to the sample 1, a barcode 4 is attached to the storage box 3, the storage box 3 containing the sample 1 is photographed by a reader 5, and at least the identification information of the sample 1 and the identification information of the storage box 3, as well as the positional information of the sample 1 within the storage box 3, are read, and the read information is registered in a database using a computer in association with information about the storage location of the storage box 3, and then the storage box 3 is brought into the storage location.

[0055] This allows the specimen 1 to be efficiently transported to the storage location and the information required for transport to be registered in the database manually.

[0056] Furthermore, when the sample 1 is taken out from the storage location, a checkerboard pattern 12 corresponding to the arrangement of the samples 1 in the corresponding storage box 3 is shown on the display based on the results of a computerized database search, and a mark is placed on the square corresponding to the target sample 1.

[0057] In this way, the operator only needs to pick up the target specimen 1 while comparing the checkerboard pattern 12 on the display screen with the arrangement of the specimens 1 in the corresponding storage box 3, so that the specimens 1 can be picked up manually in an efficient and reliable manner.

[0058] Furthermore, when the target specimen 1 is removed from the storage box 3, the storage box 3 is photographed by the reader 5, and at least the identification information of the specimen 1 and the identification information of the storage box 3, as well as the position information of the specimen 1 within the storage box 3, are read out, and this information is compared with the search results of the database by the computer. If it is determined that only the target specimen 1 has not been removed in its entirety, a specimen removal error is displayed on the screen, and the removed specimen 1 is returned to its original position in the storage box 3, and the specimen removal process is then carried out again while referring to the checkerboard pattern 12 on the display screen.

[0059] In this way, by determining whether or not a mix-up of specimens has occurred by comparing data using a computer, rather than by visual confirmation by an operator, human error when removing the specimen 1 can be reliably prevented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 specimen 1a container 1b Sample 1c Cap 2. 2D Code 3 Storage box 4. Barcode 4' Barcode Statue 5. Leader 6. Mirror 7. "Site" column 8 “Storage” column 9. "Storage area" column 10. Box Number Column 11 Images taken by the leader 12 Checkerboard Pattern 13. Pop-up screen 14 "Sample Code" column

Claims

1. (1) preparing a storage box having an open top and capable of accommodating upright specimens in a checkerboard arrangement, attaching a two-dimensional code representing at least identification information of the specimens to the top surface of the specimens, and attaching a barcode representing identification information of the storage box to one side of the storage box; (2) preparing a reader for outputting data of each of the two-dimensional codes, data of the positions of the two-dimensional codes within the array, and data of the barcode, together with the image data, based on image data obtained by photographing at least one of the two-dimensional codes arranged in the grid pattern and a barcode located outside the area of ​​the grid pattern; (3) placing a mirror facing diagonally upward on the one side of the storage box in which the specimen is stored, and placing a reader at a predetermined position above the storage box, and using the reader to photograph the specimen in the storage box and the barcode reflected on the mirror; (4) based on the data output from the reader and the storage location information of the storage box, at least the identification information of the specimen, the identification information of the storage box, the positional information of the specimen in the storage box, and the information of the storage location of the storage box are correlated with each other, and the correlation is registered in a database together with the image data obtained by the photography, and the identification information of the storage box, the information of the storage location, a checkerboard pattern representing the arrangement of the specimens in the storage box, and the image data are displayed on a display, and then the storage box is brought into the storage location; (5) when removing the target specimen from the storage location, extracting from the database, using at least the identification information of the target specimen, identification information of the related storage box, information on the storage location of the storage box, position information of the target specimen within the storage box, and the corresponding image data, and displaying on the display the identification information of the storage box, information on the storage location, the image data, and the corresponding checkerboard pattern, and marking the squares in the checkerboard pattern that correspond to the target specimen; (6) removing the storage box from the storage location based on the information on the storage location of the storage box displayed on the display; (7) when the target specimen is taken out of the storage box based on the checkerboard pattern shown on the display, the mirror is arranged on the one side of the storage box facing diagonally upward, the reader is arranged at the predetermined position above the storage box, and the reader photographs the specimen in the storage box and the barcode reflected on the mirror; (8) based on the data output from the reader and the information on the storage location of the storage box, correlating at least the identification information of the sample, the identification information of the storage box, the position information of the sample in the storage box, and the information on the storage location of the storage box with each other, and recording the correlation in a temporary storage device together with the image data obtained by the photography; (9) comparing at least the identification information of the sample, the identification information of the storage box, the position information of the sample in the storage box, and the storage location information of the storage box recorded in the temporary storage device with at least the identification information of the sample, the identification information of the storage box, the position information of the sample in the storage box, and the storage location information of the storage box extracted from the database in step (5); if it is determined that only the target sample has been removed, registering the information and image data recorded in the temporary storage device in the database and then executing the next step; if it is determined that the target sample has not been removed, displaying a sample removal error on the display, registering the information and image data recorded in the temporary storage device in the database together with error occurrence information, returning the sample removed from the storage box to its original position, and then returning to step (7); (10) A sample management method comprising the steps of: if, after processing the target samples removed from the storage box, the target samples are not returned to the storage box, transporting the storage box as is to the storage location and returning to step (5); and, if at least one of the target samples has been returned to the storage box, returning to step (3).

2. The sample management method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step (7), the process of removing the target sample from the storage box comprises removing the target sample from the storage box and placing it in a previously prepared removal box having the same configuration as the storage box, at a position corresponding to the position marked on the storage box in step (5).

Images