Management method, management apparatus, specimen analysis system, and program

Abstract

To provide a management method, a management apparatus, a specimen analysis system, and a program capable of flexibly responding to a request of each user regarding a predicted replacement time of a consumable.SOLUTION: A management method for managing a replacement period of a consumable in a sample analysis device includes: storing a use result of the consumable; receiving input of a desired period desired by a user among a plurality of periods including a period longer than a day and a period shorter than a day or of a day; and notifying the user of information on a predicted replacement period of the consumable in the desired period based on the use result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management method, a management device, a sample analysis system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, sample analyzers analyze samples using consumable reagents that are installed by users such as operators. When the remaining amount of the installed reagent runs low, the sample analysis is interrupted. For this reason, the user must replace the reagent installed in the sample analyzer as needed.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 describes a method for replenishing reagents for the same day or the next day. This method proposes comparing the daily reagent demand for each project with the current remaining amount of reagent, subtracting the current remaining amount of reagent from the current reagent request amount, and displaying the reagent replenishment details. Furthermore, the following Patent Document 2 describes a sample analyzer that accepts the time period (nighttime and holiday setting) during which the new user will operate the sample analyzer, and displays a message or the like indicating that there is a possibility of a reagent shortage during that time period. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 115343489 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-89129 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-described method can inform the user of the replenishment schedule for the current day or the next day, or can inform the previous user of the possibility of a shortage of consumables during the nighttime hours after the takeover. However, the requirements for replacing consumables may vary depending on the purpose of each user. Each user wants to know the predicted replacement time for consumables according to their purpose. However, the above-described method cannot flexibly respond to such individual user requirements.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a management method, management device, sample analysis system, and program that can flexibly respond to each user's requests regarding the predicted replacement timing of consumables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a management method for managing replacement timings of consumables in a sample analyzer (3, 4, 5). In the management method of the present invention, a usage history (312) of the consumables is stored (S212), an input of a desired period desired by a user from among a plurality of periods including a period longer than a day and a period of a day or shorter than a day is accepted (S233), and information regarding a predicted replacement time of the consumables in the desired period based on the usage history is notified to the user (S236).

[0008] For example, an operator of a sample analyzer may want to know when a consumable item will need to be replaced within a relatively short period, such as today or tomorrow, based on the relationship between the operator and the successor. On the other hand, a manager who orders consumable items may want to know when a consumable item will need to be replaced within a relatively long period, such as a week or a month, taking into account factors such as the inventory status of consumable items at their facility and the lead time from ordering to delivery. Thus, different users have different expectations regarding the period during which they would like to know when a consumable item will need to be replaced. The management method of the present invention accepts input of a desired period desired by each user and notifies the user of the expected time during that period when the replacement date will likely occur. This allows for flexible response to each user's needs regarding the predicted replacement date for consumable items.

[0009] The present invention relates to a management device (2) that manages the replacement timing of consumables in a sample analyzer (3, 4, 5). The management device (2) of the present invention includes a control unit (301), a storage unit (310), and interfaces (302, 303) for inputting and outputting information. The control unit (301) stores a usage history (312) of the consumables in the storage unit (310), accepts input of a desired period desired by a user from among multiple periods including periods longer than one day and periods of one day or shorter than one day via the interface (303), and notifies the user via the interface (302) of information regarding the predicted replacement timing of the consumables during the desired period based on the usage history (312).

[0010] The management device of the present invention can accept input of a desired period desired by each user and notify the user of the timing of the replacement within the desired period, thereby flexibly responding to each user's request regarding the predicted replacement timing of consumables.

[0011] The sample analysis system (1) of the present invention includes a plurality of sample analyzers (3, 4, 5) and a management device (2) that manages the replacement timing of consumables in each of the sample analyzers (3, 4, 5). The management device (2) includes a control unit (301), a storage unit (310), and interfaces (302, 303) for inputting and outputting information. The control unit (301) acquires usage records (312) of the consumables from each of the sample analyzers (3, 4, 5) and stores them in the storage unit (310), accepts input of a desired period desired by a user from among multiple periods including periods longer than one day and periods of one day or shorter than one day via the interface (303), and reports information regarding the predicted replacement timing of the consumables during the desired period based on the usage records (312) via the interface (302).

[0012] The sample analysis system of the present invention can accept input of a desired period desired by each user and notify the user of the timing of the expected replacement period within the desired period, thereby flexibly responding to each user's requests regarding the predicted replacement period for consumables.

[0013] The present invention relates to a program (315) that causes a computer (2) to execute a process for managing the replacement timing of consumables in a sample analyzer (3, 4, 5). The program (315) of the present invention stores a usage history (312) of the consumables, accepts input of a desired period desired by a user from among multiple periods including periods longer than one day and periods of one day or shorter than one day, and notifies information regarding a predicted replacement timing of the consumables during the desired period based on the usage history (312).

[0014] The program of the present invention can provide a computer with the function of accepting input of a desired period desired by each user and informing the user of the timing within the desired period when replacement is likely to occur, thereby flexibly responding to each user's requests regarding the predicted replacement timing of consumables. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to flexibly respond to the needs of each user regarding the predicted replacement time of consumables. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a sample analysis system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a blood cell analyzer according to an embodiment, as viewed from the front. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a reagent container used for measurement in the measurement device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the blood cell counting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the smear preparation device and the feeding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first reagent usage amount database relating to the amount of reagent used when measuring a sample with a measurement device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second reagent usage database relating to the amount of reagent used when starting up a measuring device, a third reagent usage database relating to the amount of reagent used when automatically cleaning a measuring device, and a fourth reagent usage database relating to the amount of reagent used when shutting down a measuring device, according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an operation log of a measurement device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent database relating to reagents installed in a measurement device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of reagent usage amount pattern information of a measuring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of reagent usage amount pattern information of a measuring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a reagent management screen displayed on the display input section of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of display conditions set in a display condition setting area according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when the monthly display is selected on the setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when the weekly display is selected on the setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when the day display is selected on the setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when the day display is selected on the setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when the time display is selected on the setting screen and four hours is set as the time interval, according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when time display is selected on the setting screen and four hours is set as the time interval, according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the reagent container replacement process according to the embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the process of updating the remaining amount of reagent according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the process of updating reagent usage amount pattern information by the management apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a process of notifying a predicted replacement time by a management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the highlighting setting screen according to the first modification. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the predicted replacement time is highlighted according to the first modification. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a process of accepting a highlighting request by the management device according to the first modification. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a non-business day setting screen according to the second modification. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a process of shifting the predicted replacement time by the management device according to the second modification. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when normal settings and custom settings are made on the non-business day setting screen according to the second modified example. [Figure 32]FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent database relating to reagents installed in a measuring device according to a third modified example. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a standby period setting screen according to the third modification. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a waiting period acceptance process by the management device according to the third modification. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when a standby period is set on the standby period setting screen according to the third modified example. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when the monthly display is selected on the setting screen according to the fourth modification. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a setting screen according to the fifth modification. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a predicted replacement time display screen when the monthly display is selected on the setting screen and the start date and time and the end date and time are set, according to the fifth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following embodiments relate to a management method for managing the replacement timing of consumables in a sample analyzer, a management device, a sample analysis system, and a program for causing a computer to execute a process for managing the replacement timing of consumables in a sample analyzer. Consumables are items whose remaining amount decreases with use, or items that become unusable with use. In the embodiments, the consumables are reagents, but are not limited to reagents. They may also be cuvettes, pipette tips, paper, ink ribbons, etc.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a sample analysis system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0019] The sample analysis system 1 is a system that measures samples and analyzes the samples based on the measurement results. The sample analysis system 1 includes a management device 2, a blood cell analyzer 3, a blood coagulation analyzer 4, and an immunoanalyzer 5. The sample analysis system 1 is installed in a facility such as a hospital, for example.

[0020] The blood cell analyzer 3 includes a blood cell counter 11, a smear preparation device 12, and a transport controller 13. The blood cell counter 11 includes a control device 110 and two measurement devices 120. The sample to be analyzed by the blood cell analyzer 3 is whole blood collected from a subject. A reagent container containing a reagent used for the measurement is connected to the measurement device 120. The measurement device 120 measures a measurement sample obtained by mixing the sample and the reagent. The control device 110 analyzes the measurement data from the measurement device 120 and generates analysis results for the sample regarding various blood cell-related items such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A reagent container containing a reagent used for preparing a smear is connected to the smear preparation device 12, and the smear preparation device 12 prepares a smear of the sample. The transport controller 13 controls the transport of the sample in the blood cell analyzer 3.

[0021] The blood coagulation analyzer 4 includes a control device 4a and a measurement device 4b. The sample to be analyzed by the blood coagulation analyzer 4 is plasma or serum collected from a subject. A reagent container containing a reagent used for measurement is connected to the measurement device 4b. The measurement device 4b measures a measurement sample obtained by mixing the sample and reagent using, for example, a coagulation method, a synthetic substrate method, an immunoturbidimetric method, or an agglutination method. The control device 4a analyzes the measurement data from the measurement device 4b and generates analysis results of the sample for various items related to blood coagulation.

[0022] The immunoanalyzer 5 includes a control device 5a and a measurement device 5b. Samples to be analyzed by the immunoanalyzer 5 include whole blood, plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from a subject. A reagent container containing a reagent to be used for the measurement is connected to the measurement device 5b. The measurement device 5b measures a measurement sample obtained by mixing the sample and the reagent, and the control device 5a analyzes the measurement data from the measurement device 5b and generates analysis results for the sample for various items such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tumor markers, thyroid hormones, and dementia markers.

[0023] The management device 2 is communicatively connected to the blood cell analyzer 3, blood coagulation analyzer 4, and immunoanalyzer 5. The management device 2 receives input from the user of the type of device and the type of reagent, as well as a period, and notifies the user of information regarding the time when the target reagent will run out during the received period (hereinafter referred to as the "predicted replacement time"). Upon receiving this notification, the user removes the specified reagent containers installed in the blood cell analyzer 3, blood coagulation analyzer 4, and immunoanalyzer 5 at an appropriate timing and installs new reagent containers. The notification process regarding such predicted replacement times will be described below with reference to the configurations and processing of the management device 2 and the blood cell analyzer 3.

[0024] The notification process for the blood coagulation analyzer 4 and the immunoanalyzer 5 is almost the same as that for the blood cell analyzer 3, so only the notification process for the blood cell analyzer 3 will be described below.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the blood cell analyzer 3 as viewed from the front.

[0026] The blood cell analyzer 3 includes a blood cell counter 11, a smear preparation device 12, a transport controller 13, an input device 21, a preprocessing device 22, two transport devices 23, a transport device 24, and a recovery device 25. The blood cell analyzer 3 also includes storage units 31, 32, 34, and 35, and two storage units 33. The storage units 31 to 35 are wagons that can store items therein. For convenience, the smear preparation device 12 is not shown in FIG. 2, and only the transport device 24 and a portion of the storage unit 34 are shown.

[0027] The blood cell counter 11 includes a control device 110 and two measuring devices 120. The control device 110 includes a main body 110a, a display input unit 113 consisting of a touch panel display, and a handheld barcode reader 115. A user can input instructions to the main body 110a by operating the display input unit 113. The main body 110a is stored in a storage unit 31, and the display input unit 113 is installed on top of the storage unit 31. The measuring devices 120 are installed on top of the storage unit 33.

[0028] The smear preparation device 12 (see FIG. 1) is installed above the storage section .

[0029] The transport controller 13 includes a main body 13a and a display input unit 13b that is a touch panel display. A user can input instructions to the main body 13a by operating the display input unit 13b. The main body 13a is stored in a storage unit 35, and the display input unit 13b is installed on top of the storage unit 35.

[0030] The input device 21 is installed above the storage section 31, the pre-processing device 22 is installed above the storage section 32, the transport device 23 is installed above the storage section 33, the transport device 24 is installed above the storage section 34, and the recovery device 25 is installed above the storage section 35. The recovery device 25, the input device 21, the pre-processing device 22, the two transport devices 23, and the transport device 24 are lined up adjacent to each other on the left in this order.

[0031] Reagent containers 201-205 used for measurements by the measuring device 120 are stored inside the measuring device 120, and reagent containers 211-216 used for measurements by the measuring device 120 are stored inside a storage section 33 below the measuring device 120. The reagent containers 211-216 are each connected to the measuring device 120 via a tube. Similarly, reagent containers used for preparing smears by the smear preparation device 12 are stored inside a storage section 34 below the smear preparation device 12. The reagent containers in storage section 34 are connected to the smear preparation device 12 via a tube.

[0032] The sample containers 101 contain samples, and the sample rack 100 is configured to be able to hold multiple sample containers 101. When the sample rack 100 holding the sample containers 101 is set in the loading device 21 by the user, the sample rack 100 is transported leftward by the loading device 21 and the pre-processing device 22. The sample rack 100 is then transported by the transport devices 23 and 24 to the measuring device 120 and the smear preparation device 12 as appropriate, and the samples in the sample containers 101 are supplied to the measuring device 120 and the smear preparation device 12 as appropriate. The sample rack 100 is then transported to the collection device 25 and removed from the collection device 25 by the user. In this manner, measurement of the samples in the sample containers 101 held in the sample rack 100 is completed.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of reagent containers 201 and 216 used for measurement in measuring device 120. As shown in FIG.

[0034] As shown in the upper part of Fig. 3, the reagent container 201 includes a main body 201a that contains a reagent, a barcode label B1, and an RFID tag T1. The barcode label B1 and RFID tag T1 are affixed to the side of the main body 201a. A barcode indicating reagent information, such as the lot number, expiration date, reagent name (type of reagent), reagent container capacity (amount of reagent in a new reagent container), and serial number, is printed on the barcode label B1. The RFID tag T1 also contains the same reagent information as the barcode label B1.

[0035] The other reagent containers 202 to 205 are configured in the same manner as the reagent container 201, and are provided with a barcode label B1 and an RFID tag T1.

[0036] In the embodiment, for example, reagent containers 201 to 205 contain staining solutions (hereinafter referred to as staining solutions A, B, D, E, and C, respectively). The staining solutions contained in reagent containers 201 to 205 are, for example, Fluorocell (registered trademark) WNR, Fluorocell (registered trademark) WDF, Fluorocell (registered trademark) RET, Fluorocell (registered trademark) PLT, and Fluorocell (registered trademark) WPC, all of which are manufactured by Sysmex Corporation.

[0037] 3, the reagent container 216 includes a main body 216a that contains a reagent therein, and a barcode label B2. The barcode label B2 is attached to the side or top surface of the main body 216a. A barcode indicating reagent information about the reagent contained in the reagent container 216, such as the lot number, expiration date, reagent name (type of reagent), reagent container capacity (amount of reagent in a new reagent container), and serial number, is printed on the barcode label B2.

[0038] The other reagent containers 211 to 215 are configured similarly to the reagent container 216, although their shapes and sizes are slightly different, and each has a barcode label B2 affixed thereto.

[0039] In the embodiment, for example, reagent containers 211 and 213 contain diluents (hereinafter referred to as diluents A and B, respectively), and reagent containers 212, 214, 215, and 216 contain hemolytic agents (hereinafter referred to as hemolytic agents A, D, B, and C, respectively). The diluents contained in reagent containers 211 and 213 are, for example, CellPack (registered trademark) DCL and CellPack (registered trademark) DFL, all manufactured by Sysmex Corporation. The staining solutions contained in reagent containers 212, 214, 215, and 216 are, for example, Sulfolyzer (registered trademark), LyserCell (registered trademark) WPC, LyserCell (registered trademark) WNR, and LyserCell (registered trademark) WDF II, all manufactured by Sysmex Corporation.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0041] The management device 2 includes a control unit 301 , a storage unit 310 , a display unit 302 , an input unit 303 , and a communication unit 304 .

[0042] The control unit 301 is configured by, for example, a CPU. The control unit 301 performs various processes by executing a program 315 stored in the storage unit 310. The program 315 is a computer program. The storage unit 310 is configured by, for example, an SSD or HDD. The storage unit 310 stores a reagent usage database 311, an operation log 312, a reagent database 313, reagent usage pattern information 314, and the program 315.

[0043] Here, the right measuring device 120, the left measuring device 120, the smear preparing device 12, the measuring device 4b of the blood coagulation analyzer 4, and the measuring device 5b of the immunoanalyzer 5 are each referred to as a processing module.

[0044] The reagent usage database 311 includes multiple reagent usage databases that store, for each processing module, the amount of reagent used for each process. The operation log 312 includes multiple operation logs that store, for each processing module, the operation content of the processing module. The reagent database 313 includes multiple reagent databases that store, for each processing module, information on the installed reagents. The reagent usage pattern information 314 includes multiple pieces of reagent usage pattern information that store, for each processing module, patterns in which reagents are used. The reagent usage database 311, operation log 312, reagent database 313, and reagent usage pattern information 314 will be described later with reference to Figures 7 to 12.

[0045] The display unit 302 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input unit 303 is configured, for example, by a mouse and a keyboard. The display unit 302 and the input unit 303 may be configured integrally, such as a touch panel display. The communication unit 304 is configured by a connection terminal based on the Ethernet standard. The communication unit 304 is connected to the blood cell analyzer 3, the blood coagulation analyzer 4, and the immunoanalyzer 5 via a communication network such as a LAN.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the blood cell counting device 11. For convenience, only one measuring device 120 is shown in Fig. 5, but the two measuring devices 120 have similar configurations and are connected to the control device 110 in the same manner.

[0047] The control device 110 includes a control unit 111, a memory unit 112, a display input unit 113, a communication unit 114, and a barcode reader 115. The control unit 111, the memory unit 112, and the communication unit 114 are housed in a main body 110a (see FIG. 2).

[0048] The control unit 111 is configured by, for example, a CPU. The control unit 111 executes various processes and controls the two measuring devices 120 by executing computer programs stored in the storage unit 112. The storage unit 112 is configured by, for example, an SSD or HDD. The display input unit 113 is configured by, for example, a touch panel display. The display input unit 113 may be divided into a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and an input unit such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0049] The communication unit 114 is composed of a connection terminal based on the Ethernet standard and a connection terminal based on the USB standard. The communication unit 114 and the concentrator 14 are connected by a cable based on the Ethernet standard. The concentrator 14 is, for example, a network hub. The concentrator 14 is connected to the management device 2 via a communication network such as a LAN. The communication unit 114 and the barcode reader 115 are connected by a cable based on the USB standard, and the communication unit 114 and the communication units 126 of the two measuring devices 120 are connected by cables based on the USB standard.

[0050] The measuring device 120 includes an RFID antenna 121 , an aspirating section 122 , a sample preparing section 123 , an air bubble sensor 124 , a measuring section 125 , and a communication section 126 .

[0051] The RFID antenna 121 reads reagent information from the RFID tags T1 of the reagent containers 201-205 set in the measuring device 120. In the embodiment, when the reagent containers 201-205 are set in the measuring device 120, the reagent information read by the RFID antenna 121 is used to determine whether the reagent containers are set in the appropriate positions.

[0052] The aspirating unit 122 includes a sample aspirating nozzle, multiple reagent aspirating nozzles, and multiple tubes, and aspirates a sample from the sample container 101 (see FIG. 2) via the sample aspirating nozzle, aspirates reagents from the reagent containers 201-205 via the multiple reagent aspirating nozzles, and aspirates reagents from the reagent containers 211-216 via the multiple tubes. The sample preparing unit 123 includes multiple chambers for mixing the sample and reagents, and the sample and reagents are mixed in each chamber to prepare a measurement sample. An air bubble sensor 124 is provided in each tube connecting the reagent containers 211-216 to the measuring device 120. The air bubble sensor 124 is a prism sensor that detects bubbles contained in the tubes.

[0053] The measurement unit 125 measures blood cells in the measurement sample prepared in the sample preparation unit 123 using sheath flow DC detection, SLS-hemoglobin, and flow cytometry. The communication unit 126 is configured with a connection terminal based on the USB standard. The reagent information acquired by the RFID antenna 121, the detection signal of the air bubble sensor 124, and the measurement data acquired by the measurement unit 125 are transmitted to the control device 110 via the communication unit 126. The control unit 111 of the control device 110 performs various processes based on the reagent information and the detection signal, analyzes the sample based on the measurement data, and generates analysis results.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the smear preparation device 12 and the input device 21.

[0055] The smear preparation device 12 includes a control unit 131 , a memory unit 132 , a display / input unit 133 , an aspirator 134 , a preparation unit 135 , and a communication unit 136 .

[0056] The control unit 131 is configured by, for example, a CPU. The control unit 131 performs various processes by executing computer programs stored in the storage unit 132. The storage unit 132 is configured by, for example, an SSD or HDD. The display input unit 133 is configured by, for example, a touch panel display.

[0057] The aspirator 134 aspirates a specimen from a specimen container 101 (see FIG. 2) and aspirates a reagent from a reagent container connected to the smear preparation device 12. The preparation unit 135 prepares a smear on a glass slide based on the specimen aspirated by the aspirator 134. The communication unit 136 is configured, for example, by a connection terminal based on the Ethernet standard. The communication unit 136 and the concentrator 14 are connected by a cable based on the Ethernet standard.

[0058] The insertion device 21 includes a control unit 141 , a storage unit 142 , a transport unit 143 , a start button 144 , an end button 145 , and a communication unit 146 .

[0059] The control unit 141 is configured by, for example, a CPU. The control unit 141 performs various processes by executing computer programs stored in the storage unit 142. The storage unit 142 is configured by, for example, an SSD or HDD. The transport unit 143 sends out the sample rack 100 set in the loading device 21 by the user to the preprocessing device 22 (see FIG. 2), and sends out the sample rack 100 sent from the preprocessing device 22 to the collection device 25 (see FIG. 2).

[0060] The start button 144 and the end button 145 are provided at the front end of the feeding device 21. When the user presses the start button 144, the control unit 141 sends a start-up instruction to the transport controller 13 to start up each device of the blood cell analyzer 3, and the transport controller 13 sends the start-up instruction to each device of the blood cell analyzer 3. The start-up instruction is, for example, a packet based on Wake-on-LAN. This starts up each device of the blood cell analyzer 3. When the user presses the end button 145, the control unit 141 sends a stop instruction to the transport controller 13 to shut down each device of the blood cell analyzer 3, and the transport controller 13 sends the stop instruction to each device of the blood cell analyzer 3. This shuts down each device of the blood cell analyzer 3.

[0061] The communication unit 146 is configured by, for example, a connection terminal based on the Ethernet standard. The communication unit 146 and the concentrator 14 are connected by a cable based on the Ethernet standard.

[0062] The pre-processing device 22, the transport devices 23 and 24, and the collection device 25 are configured in the same manner as the input device 21, except for the start button 144 and the end button 145. The transport controller 13 is also configured in the same manner as the control device 110 (see FIG. 5), except for the barcode reader 115. The pre-processing device 22, the transport devices 23 and 24, the collection device 25, and the transport controller 13 are also connected to the concentrator 14 by cables based on the Ethernet standard.

[0063] Next, the configurations of the reagent usage amount database 311, the operation log 312, the reagent database 313, and the reagent usage amount pattern information 314 will be described.

[0064] As described above, the reagent usage database 311 includes a reagent usage database for each processing module, the operation log 312 includes an operation log for each processing module, the reagent database 313 includes a reagent database for each processing module, and the reagent usage pattern information 314 includes reagent usage pattern information for each processing module. The reagent usage database for each processing module consists of first to fourth reagent usage databases as shown below.

[0065] The following describes only the first to fourth reagent usage databases, operation logs, reagent databases, and reagent usage pattern information related to the measurement device 120. Note that the first to fourth reagent usage databases, operation logs, reagent databases, and reagent usage pattern information related to the other processing modules (smear preparation device 12 and measurement devices 4b, 5b) are configured in the same way as the measurement device 120, and therefore, for the sake of simplicity, descriptions of the other processing modules will be omitted.

[0066] 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first reagent usage amount database relating to the amount of reagent used when measuring a sample by the measuring device 120. Since the two measuring devices 120 have the same configuration, the first reagent usage amount database is used in common for the two measuring devices 120.

[0067] The first reagent amount database stores the amount of reagent used for each discrete mode (measurement item) in association with the reagent name. For example, when a measurement based on discrete mode CBC is performed, 29.1 mL of diluent A, 0.5 mL of lysing agent A, 1.5 mL of lysing agent B, and 20 μL of staining solution A are used. The control unit 301 of the management device 2 obtains, based on the first reagent usage amount database, how much of each reagent was used during measurement by the measurement device 120.

[0068] 8 is a diagram showing the configurations of a second reagent usage amount database relating to the amount of reagent used when starting up the measuring device 120, a third reagent usage amount database relating to the amount of reagent used when automatically cleaning the measuring device 120, and a fourth reagent usage amount database relating to the amount of reagent used when shutting down the measuring device 120. The second to fourth reagent usage amount databases are also used in common for the two measuring devices 120.

[0069] 8, the second reagent usage amount database stores the amounts of reagents used when the measuring device 120 is started up, in association with the names of the reagents. When the measuring device 120 is started up, reagents are aspirated from each reagent container to clean the aspirating unit 122, the sample preparing unit 123, and the measuring unit 125. The control unit 301 of the management device 2 obtains, based on the second reagent usage amount database, how much of each reagent was used when the measuring device 120 was started up.

[0070] 8, the third reagent usage amount database stores the amounts of reagents used during automatic cleaning of the measuring device 120, in association with the names of the reagents. When a user inputs an instruction for automatic cleaning, reagents are aspirated from each reagent container in order to clean the aspirating unit 122, the sample preparing unit 123, and the measuring unit 125. The control unit 301 of the management device 2 obtains, based on the third reagent usage amount database, how much of each reagent was used during automatic cleaning of the measuring device 120.

[0071] As shown on the right side of Fig. 8, the fourth reagent usage database stores, in association with the reagent name, the amount of reagent used when the measuring device 120 is shut down. Immediately before the measuring device 120 is shut down, the aspirating unit 122, sample preparation unit 123, and measuring unit 125 are washed, and diluent A is aspirated from the reagent container 201 to fill the tube connecting the reagent container 201 containing diluent A to the measuring device 120. The control unit 301 of the management device 2 obtains, based on the fourth reagent usage database, how much of each reagent was used when the measuring device 120 was shut down.

[0072] 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the operation log of the measuring device 120. The operation log of the measuring device 120 shown in FIG.

[0073] The operation log stores the details of the operation performed at that time, associated with the date and time. Every time the measurement device 120 performs a predetermined operation, the control unit 111 of the control device 110 transmits the details of the operation of the measurement device 120 to the management device 2. The control unit 301 of the management device 2 updates the operation log based on the received details of the operation.

[0074] 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent database relating to reagents installed in the measuring device 120. A reagent database such as that shown in FIG.

[0075] The reagent database stores, in association with the reagent name, the expiration date of the reagent, the capacity of the reagent container, the amount of the reagent remaining in the reagent container, etc. In addition to the above information, the reagent database also stores lot numbers and serial numbers.

[0076] When a new reagent container is set in the measuring device 120, the control unit 111 of the control device 110 transmits the reagent information read from the barcode labels B1 and B2 to the management device 2. The control unit 301 of the management device 2 updates the reagent database based on the received reagent information. As a result, the type of reagent, expiration date, and capacity of the reagent container included in the reagent information are stored in the record of the corresponding reagent, and the remaining reagent amount is initially set to the same value as the capacity of the reagent container. Furthermore, when updating the operation log based on the operation details received from the control device 110, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 obtains the amount of reagent used based on the first to fourth reagent usage amount databases and subtracts the amount used from the remaining reagent amount in the reagent database.

[0077] 11 and 12 are diagrams showing the structure of the reagent usage amount pattern information of the measurement device 120. In FIG.

[0078] 11 and 12, reagent usage pattern information for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays is stored for each measurement device 120 and type of reagent. Each reagent usage pattern information contains data with the time of day at a predetermined time interval (e.g., two hours) on the horizontal axis and the usage amount on the vertical axis. In the example shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, at a facility that operates the sample analysis system 1, reagent usage is high on business days, Monday through Friday, and during business hours, from 8:00 to 18:00, and reagent usage is low on non-business days and during non-business hours.

[0079] For example, a hospital's business days are days when it accepts outpatients, and its non-business days are days when it does not accept outpatients and only accepts emergency patients. Similarly, a hospital's business hours are the hours when it accepts outpatients and the hours before and after, and its non-business hours are the hours when it does not accept outpatients and only accepts emergency patients.

[0080] 11 and 12 based on past operation logs, and calculates a predicted replacement time indicating when a reagent container will run out of reagent based on the reagent usage pattern information. When a command to display the predicted replacement time is input by the user, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 displays the predicted replacement time of the target reagent on the display unit 302.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent management screen 400 displayed on the display input unit 113 of the control device 110. As shown in FIG.

[0082] The control unit 111 of the control device 110 displays a reagent management screen 400 on the display input unit 113 in response to a user instruction input via the display input unit 113 , and performs various processes based on the reagent management screen 400 .

[0083] The reagent management screen 400 includes two device information areas 410 and two reagent windows 420 that are displayed corresponding to the two device information areas 410, respectively.

[0084] The two device information areas 410 are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right sides of the reagent management screen 400, and correspond to the two actually placed measuring devices 120. The device information area 410 includes a button 411 for turning the display of the reagent window 420 on and off.

[0085] When the user operates a button 411, a reagent window 420 showing the reagents set in the measuring device 120 is displayed above the corresponding device information area 410. The reagent window 420 includes five reagent information areas 421 and six reagent information areas 422. The five reagent information areas 421 correspond to the staining solutions in the five reagent containers 201-205 housed inside the measuring device 120, respectively, and the six reagent information areas 422 correspond to the diluents and hemolytic agents in the six reagent containers 211-216 housed inside the storage unit 33, respectively. The reagent information areas 421 and 422 display the name, expiration date, lot number, remaining number of uses, etc. of the corresponding reagent.

[0086] Furthermore, if a reagent runs out, an icon 423 indicating that the corresponding reagent container needs to be replaced is displayed in the reagent information areas 421 and 422. When the icon 423 is displayed, the user removes the corresponding reagent container, sets a new reagent container, and reads the barcode label B1 or B2 using the barcode reader 115. As a result, the record of the reagent in the corresponding reagent database (see FIG. 10) is updated based on the reagent information of the new reagent container.

[0087] Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 21, a screen for displaying the predicted replacement time, which indicates when the reagent container will run out of reagent, will be described.

[0088] The control unit 301 of the management device 2 displays the screens shown in FIGS. 14 to 21 on the display unit 302 in response to user instructions input via the input unit 303, and performs various processes based on these screens.

[0089] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the setting screen 500. As shown in FIG.

[0090] The setting screen 500 includes a display period setting area 510 , a display condition setting area 520 , and a display button 501 .

[0091] Display period setting area 510 is an area for setting the time span for displaying the predicted replacement time. Display period setting area 510 includes area 511 including radio buttons for selecting one of month display, week display, day display, and hour display. When the time display radio button is selected in area 511, pull-down menu 511a for setting the time interval becomes active. Pull-down menu 511a is configured to allow selection of values ​​such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72. The user can also directly input a desired value into pull-down menu 511a.

[0092] The display condition setting area 520 is an area for selecting the type of reagent for which the predicted replacement time is to be displayed. The display condition setting area 520 includes an area 521 including radio buttons for selecting one of a field, a module, and a reagent, and an area 522 in which check boxes corresponding to the reagents narrowed down by area 521 are displayed.

[0093] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of display conditions set in the display condition setting area 520. As shown in FIG.

[0094] In example 1 shown on the left side of Figure 15, "Field" is selected in area 521. As a result, "Hematology," "Coagulation," and "Immunology" are displayed in area 522. When the check box corresponding to hematology is selected, all reagents set in the blood cell analyzer 3 are displayed for predicted replacement times. When the check box corresponding to coagulation is selected, all reagents set in the blood coagulation analyzer 4 are displayed for predicted replacement times. When the check box corresponding to immunity is selected, all reagents set in the immune analyzer 5 are displayed for predicted replacement times.

[0095] In example 2 shown in the center of Figure 15, "Module" is selected in area 521. As a result, all processing modules included in the sample analysis system 1 (right-side measurement device 120, left-side measurement device 120, smear preparation device 12, measurement device 4b, and measurement device 5b) are displayed in area 522. In example 2 of Figure 15, modules A, B, C, ... correspond to each processing module. When a check box corresponding to a processing module is selected, all reagents corresponding to that processing module will be displayed with their predicted replacement times.

[0096] In example 3 shown on the right side of Figure 15, "Reagent" is selected in area 521. As a result, all reagents set in the sample analysis system 1 are displayed in area 522. When a check box corresponding to a reagent is selected in area 522, that reagent becomes the target for display of the predicted replacement time.

[0097] Note that the check boxes displayed in area 522 do not have to be selected alone; multiple check boxes can also be selected. For example, in area 522 on the left side of FIG. 15, when the check boxes for all fields are selected, all reagents set in sample analyzers of all fields will be displayed for predicted replacement times. Also, in area 522 in the center of FIG. 15, when the check boxes for all processing modules are selected, all reagents set in all processing modules will be displayed for predicted replacement times. Also, in area 522 on the right side of FIG. 15, when the check boxes for all reagents are selected, all reagents will be displayed for predicted replacement times.

[0098] 14, the user selects the display period and the reagent to be displayed in the display period setting area 510 and the display condition setting area 520, and then operates the display button 501. This causes the control unit 301 of the management device 2 to display the predicted replacement time display screen 600 shown in FIGS. 16 to 21 on the display unit 302 based on the contents set on the setting screen 500.

[0099] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the predicted replacement time display screen 600 when the monthly display is selected on the setting screen 500. As shown in FIG.

[0100] The predicted replacement time display screen 600 includes a period unit display area 601 , a period setting area 602 , a setting button 603 , and a calendar area 610 .

[0101] 16, because the monthly display has been selected on the setting screen 500, "monthly display" is displayed in the period unit display area 601. Furthermore, because the current date is February 5, 2024, "2024 / 02" is displayed in the period setting area 602 as the year and month to be displayed.

[0102] The calendar area 610 displays a calendar for February 2024, including the current date. The number "5" corresponding to the current date is surrounded by a thick line to indicate that it is the current date. Within each date box in the calendar area 610, the time when the reagent will run out on that date (predicted replacement time) and the name of the reagent that will run out are displayed. "AM" indicates before noon, "PM" indicates after noon, and the numbers indicate the time in 24-hour format.

[0103] Furthermore, if a day includes four or more predicted replacement dates, icon 611 is displayed within the frame for that date. For example, February 9 includes five predicted replacement dates, so the three earliest predicted replacement dates are displayed within the frame for February 9, and icon 611 is displayed in place of the other predicted replacement dates. When icon 611 is operated, for example, all predicted replacement dates for that date are displayed in a pop-up menu.

[0104] Furthermore, the period setting area 602 is provided with a left arrow button and a right arrow button for moving the month being displayed in the calendar area 610 forward or backward (to the past or future) by one month at a time. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , when the left arrow button is operated, the calendar for January 2024 is displayed in the calendar area 610, and when the right arrow button is operated, the calendar for March 2024 is displayed in the calendar area 610. The user can display the calendar for the desired month by repeatedly operating the left arrow button and the right arrow button.

[0105] 16, since the current date is February 5, 2024, the display of predicted replacement times and reagent names for dates prior to February 4, 2024 is omitted. Note that past predicted replacement times and reagent names may also be displayed in the calendar area 610. In this case, it is preferable that the characters indicating past predicted replacement times and reagent names are displayed in a light color or in a small size.

[0106] When the setting button 603 is operated, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 closes the predicted replacement time display screen 600 and displays the setting screen 500 again on the display unit 302. By operating the setting button 603, the user can reconfigure the reagents to be displayed.

[0107] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the predicted replacement time display screen 600 when the weekly display is selected on the setting screen 500. As shown in FIG.

[0108] 17, because the weekly display has been selected on the setting screen 500, "weekly display" is displayed in the period unit display area 601. Furthermore, because the current date is February 5, 2024, the period setting area 602 displays "2024 / 02 / 05-2024 / 02 / 11" as the week (date range) to be displayed.

[0109] The calendar area 610 displays a calendar for one week including the current date. The "5 Mon" corresponding to the current date is surrounded by a thick line to indicate that it is the current date. In a box below each date in the calendar area 610, the time when the reagent will run out on that date (predicted replacement time) and the name of the reagent that will run out are displayed. In FIG. 17, unlike FIG. 16, all predicted replacement times and reagent names are displayed on February 9th.

[0110] In this case, too, the user can operate the left and right arrow buttons in the period setting area 602 to move the week being displayed in the calendar area 610 forward or backward (to the past or future) by one week at a time, thereby displaying the calendar for the desired week.

[0111] In the calendar area 610 in the case of the weekly display, the week including the current date may be displayed starting from Sunday and ending on Saturday, as in the case of the monthly display.

[0112] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the predicted replacement time display screen 600 when the day display is selected on the setting screen 500.

[0113] 18, because the day display has been selected on the setting screen 500, "day display" is displayed in the period unit display area 601. Furthermore, because the current date is February 5, 2024, "2024 / 02 / 05" is displayed in the period setting area 602 as the date to be displayed.

[0114] The current date is displayed in four-hour intervals in the calendar area 610. A 24-hour range around the current date is enclosed in a thick line to indicate the current date. A box at the bottom of the calendar area 610 displays the time when a reagent will run out in the corresponding time period (predicted replacement time) and the name of the reagent that will run out.

[0115] In this case, too, the user can operate the left arrow button and right arrow button in the period setting area 602 to move the date to be displayed in the calendar area 610 forward or backward (in the past or future) by one day at a time, thereby displaying a calendar for the desired day. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the period setting area 602 has been operated from the state in FIG. 18, and the display target has changed to February 9, 2024. In this case, because a date other than the current date is displayed, the 24-hour range of the date in the calendar area 610 is not enclosed in a thick line. In this way, by operating the period setting area 602, the predicted replacement time for the desired day can be displayed.

[0116] In the case of the day display, the initial state of the calendar area 610 starts from the time period including midnight as shown in FIG. 18, but is not limited to this, and may start from the time period including the current time.

[0117] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the predicted replacement time display screen 600 when the time display is selected on the setting screen 500 and four hours is set as the time interval.

[0118] 20, because time display has been selected on the setting screen 500, "Time Display" is displayed in the period unit display area 601. Furthermore, because the current date and time is 8:00 on February 5, 2024, the period setting area 602 displays "2024 / 02 / 05 8:00-(Every 4 hours)-2024 / 02 / 06 12:00" as the time period to be displayed.

[0119] The calendar area 610 displays multiple time periods in four-hour intervals starting from the current date and time. The current date and time range is enclosed in a thick line to indicate the current date and time. The time when the reagent will run out (predicted replacement time) for each four-hour interval and the name of the reagent that will run out are displayed in a box at the bottom of the calendar area 610.

[0120] In this case, too, the user can operate the left arrow button and right arrow button in the period setting area 602 to move the time period to be displayed in the calendar area 610 forward or backward (in the past or future) by time intervals, thereby displaying a calendar for the desired time. Figure 21 shows a state in which the period setting area 602 has been operated from the state in Figure 20, and the display target has changed to 8:00 on February 9, 2024. In this case, because a date and time other than the current date and time is displayed, the date and time range in the calendar area 610 is not enclosed in a thick line. In this way, by operating the period setting area 602, the predicted replacement time for the desired date and time can be displayed.

[0121] Next, the reagent-related processing performed in the sample analysis system 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0122] In the following flowchart, the processing performed by the control unit 301 of the management device 2 is performed by the control unit 301 executing the program 315 (see Figure 4), and the processing performed by the control unit 111 of the control device 110 is performed by the control unit 111 executing the computer program stored in the memory unit 112.

[0123] In the following flowchart, as an example, processing related to reagents in reagent containers 201-205 and 211-216 installed in the measuring device 120 will be described. Note that processing related to reagents in other processing modules (smear preparation device 12 and measuring devices 4b and 5b) is also performed in the same manner as processing related to reagents in reagent containers installed in the measuring device 120, and therefore, for the sake of simplicity, description of processing related to reagents in other processing modules will be omitted.

[0124] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the reagent container replacement process.

[0125] In step S101, the control unit 111 of the control device 110 determines whether or not the reagent container containing the reagent has run out of reagent due to the suction of the reagent from the reagent container. If the reagent has run out of reagent (step S101: YES), in step S102 the control unit 111 displays an icon 423 in the reagent information area 421 or 422 (see FIG. 13) corresponding to the reagent, indicating that the reagent container containing the reagent needs to be replaced.

[0126] The user checks icon 423, connects a new reagent container to the measuring device 120, and reads the barcode on the barcode label B1 or B2 of the reagent container using the barcode reader 115. When the barcode is read (step S103: YES), in step S104, the control unit 111 transmits the reagent information obtained from the barcode to the management device 2.

[0127] On the other hand, when the control unit 301 of the management device 2 receives the reagent information from the control device 110 (step S201: YES), in step S202 it updates the reagent database (see FIG. 10) based on the received reagent information.

[0128] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the process of updating the remaining amount of reagent.

[0129] When the sample container 101 is positioned at the measuring device 120 by transporting the sample rack 100, the control unit 111 of the control device 110 sends a measurement instruction to the measuring device 120 so that the sample contained in the sample container 101 is measured. Furthermore, when a user inputs an automatic cleaning instruction to the control device 110, the control unit 111 sends an automatic cleaning instruction to the measuring device 120 so that automatic cleaning is performed in the target measuring device 120. Furthermore, when the start button 144 (see FIG. 6) of the insertion device 21 is pressed by the user, the control unit 111 sends a start instruction to the two measuring devices 120 so that the measuring devices 120 are ready for measurement. Furthermore, when the end button 145 (see FIG. 6) of the insertion device 21 is pressed by the user, the control unit 111 sends a shutdown instruction to the two measuring devices 120 so that the measuring devices 120 are shut down.

[0130] When the control unit 111 of the control device 110 transmits the above-described measurement instruction, automatic cleaning instruction, startup instruction, or shutdown instruction (step S111: YES), in step S112, the control unit 111 waits for processing until the operation corresponding to the transmitted instruction is completed in the measuring device 120. When the corresponding operation is completed (step S112: YES), in step S113, the control unit 111 transmits operation details of the completed operation to the management device 2. For example, when the measurement operation is completed, operation details indicating discrete mode (measurement item) are transmitted; when the automatic cleaning operation is completed, operation details indicating automatic cleaning are transmitted; when the startup operation is completed, operation details indicating that the device has started up are transmitted; and when the shutdown operation is completed, operation details indicating that the device has shut down are transmitted.

[0131] On the other hand, when the control unit 301 of the management device 2 receives the operation details from the control device 110 (step S211: YES), in step S212, it stores the received operation details in an operation log (see FIG. 9). Subsequently, in step S213, the control unit 301 acquires the reagent amounts of the reagents used in the operation based on the first to fourth reagent usage amount databases (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and the operation details received in step S211. For example, if the operation details include CBC as a discrete mode (measurement item), the control unit 301 acquires the amounts of diluent A, hemolytic agent A, hemolytic agent B, and staining solution A used from the first reagent usage amount database shown in FIG. 7.

[0132] Subsequently, in step S214, the control unit 301 subtracts the reagent amount acquired in step S213 from the remaining reagent amount of the corresponding reagent in the reagent database, and updates the remaining reagent amount of the corresponding reagent in the reagent database.

[0133] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the process of updating the reagent usage amount pattern information by the management apparatus 2.

[0134] In step S221, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 determines whether or not it is time to update the reagent usage amount pattern information (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The update timing may be, for example, when the user presses the start button 144 of the input device 21, when the user presses the end button 145 of the input device 21, or a predetermined date or time specified by the user to the management device 2.

[0135] When the timing for updating the reagent usage pattern information arrives (step S221: YES), steps S222 to S224 are performed for all reagents installed in all processing modules (right-side measurement device 120, left-side measurement device 120, smear preparation device 12, and measurement devices 4b and 5b), and the reagent usage pattern information is updated. For convenience, the following explanation will describe the processing for one processing module.

[0136] In step S222, the control unit 301 acquires the number of measurements, the number of automatic cleanings, the number of startups, and the number of shutdowns for a target period (e.g., one month to six months) from the operation log of the target processing module. More specifically, the control unit 301 divides one day into predetermined time intervals (e.g., two hours) for each type of day included in the target period (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, public holiday), and acquires the number of measurements, the number of automatic cleanings, the number of startups, and the number of shutdowns for each time interval for each type of day included in the target period.

[0137] In step S223, the control unit 301 multiplies the reagent amounts stored in the first to fourth reagent usage databases (see, for example, FIGS. 7 and 8) by the number of times acquired in step S222 to calculate the reagent usage amounts for the target period. More specifically, the control unit 301 calculates the total value of the reagent usage amounts for each time span for each type of day included in the target period (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, public holiday).

[0138] In step S224, the control unit 301 updates the reagent usage pattern information for each reagent based on the reagent usage amounts acquired in step S223. More specifically, the control unit 301 calculates the average reagent usage amounts by dividing the total reagent usage amounts for each time range calculated for each type of day included in the target period by the number of days in the target period. Then, based on the calculated averages, reagent usage pattern information for each reagent as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is created. For example, the reagent usage pattern information for the measuring device 120 on the right makes it possible to know the tendency of how much diluent A is used in the time range from 8:00 to 10:00 on Mondays.

[0139] The reagent usage amounts for each type of day and time range calculated in step S224 are not limited to being calculated by averages, but may be calculated by other calculation values ​​such as medians.

[0140] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the predicted replacement time notification process performed by the management device 2.

[0141] In step S231, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 determines whether or not the user has input an instruction to display the predicted replacement time. If the instruction to display the predicted replacement time has been input (step S231: YES), in step S232, the control unit 301 displays the setting screen 500 (see FIG. 14) on the display unit 302. In step S233, the control unit 301 accepts the display period and display conditions via the setting screen 500. Then, in step S234, the control unit 301 determines whether or not the user has operated the display button 501.

[0142] When the user operates the display button 501 (step S234: YES), in step S235, the control unit 301 acquires the predicted replacement time for each target reagent specified on the setting screen 500, based on the reagent usage pattern information for that reagent and the remaining reagent amount and expiration date for that reagent stored in the reagent database. Specifically, the control unit 301 first acquires the predicted replacement time from the reagent usage pattern information and the remaining reagent amount.

[0143] More specifically, the control unit 301 obtains the reagent usage amount for the day type and time range that matches the date and time when the display button 501 was operated from the reagent usage amount pattern information, and subtracts it from the remaining reagent amount of that reagent stored in the reagent database. If the remaining reagent amount falls below zero as a result, a point in time within that time range is set as the predicted replacement time. If the remaining reagent amount does not fall below zero, the control unit 301 obtains the reagent usage amount for the next time range and further subtracts it from the remaining reagent amount after subtraction. The control unit 301 repeats this process until the remaining reagent amount falls below zero, and obtains the point in time within the time range at which the remaining reagent amount falls below zero as the predicted replacement time. Note that the point in time within the time range may be the start time, center time, end time, etc. of the time range, or may be a time determined based on how far below zero the result of subtracting the reagent usage amount from the remaining reagent amount falls. If the obtained predicted replacement time date is after the expiration date, the control unit 301 sets the predicted replacement time to a predetermined time (e.g., 6:00 p.m.) on the expiration date.

[0144] In step S236, the control unit 301 displays a predicted replacement time display screen 600 such as that shown in FIG. 16, 17, 18 or 20 on the display unit 302 in accordance with the display period specified on the setting screen 500, and displays the predicted replacement time in the calendar area 610.

[0145] In step S236, the date and time character string indicating the predicted replacement time and the character string indicating the reagent name displayed in the calendar area 610 are information about the predicted replacement time generated based on the predicted replacement time acquired in step S235. In this embodiment, the information about the predicted replacement time is a character string, and the character string is displayed on the display unit 302 to notify the user of the information about the predicted replacement time.

[0146] The information regarding the predicted replacement time may be an alarm sound corresponding to a character string, and the alarm sound may be output from a speaker provided in the management device 2 to notify the information regarding the predicted replacement time.

[0147] <Effects of the management method, management device, sample analysis system, and program according to the embodiments> In a management method for managing the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) in a blood cell analyzer 3, a blood coagulation analyzer 4, and an immunological analyzer 5 (sample analyzer), an operation log (usage history) of the reagents (consumables) is stored (step S212 in Figure 23), and as shown in Figure 14, input of a desired period desired by the user from multiple periods including periods longer than a day and periods of days or shorter than a day is accepted (step S233 in Figure 25), and information regarding the predicted replacement timing of the reagents (consumables) during the desired period based on the operation log (usage history) is notified to the user (step S236 in Figure 25), as shown in Figures 16, 17, 18, and 20.

[0148] For example, an operator of a sample analyzer may want to know when a consumable item will need to be replaced within a relatively short period, such as today or tomorrow, based on the relationship between the operator and the successor. On the other hand, a manager who orders consumable items may want to know when a consumable item will need to be replaced within a relatively long period, such as a week or a month, taking into account factors such as the inventory status of consumable items at their facility and the lead time from ordering to delivery. Thus, different users have different expectations regarding the period during which they would like to know when a consumable item will need to be replaced. The above method allows each user to input their desired period and notify the user of the expected time during that period when the replacement date will occur. This allows for flexible response to each user's needs regarding the predicted replacement date for consumable items.

[0149] The management method for managing the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) further includes presenting multiple periods to the user (step S232 in FIG. 25), as shown in the display period setting area 510 in FIG. 14, and accepting selection of a desired period from the multiple periods presented in the input acceptance step (step S233 in FIG. 25).

[0150] According to this method, the user can input the desired period simply by selecting the desired period from the multiple periods presented, thereby improving user convenience.

[0151] As shown in the display period setting area 510 in FIG. 14, a period longer than a day is a week or a period longer than a week.

[0152] In this case, a desired period of one week or longer can be entered, allowing the manager ordering the consumables to understand when the consumables will need to be replaced within a relatively long period, such as a week or a month, and thus managing the consumables inventory while taking into account, for example, the lead time from ordering the consumables to receiving them.

[0153] As shown in the display period setting area 510 in FIG. 14, the multiple periods include months, weeks, days, and time periods.

[0154] In this case, the user can select a desired period from a plurality of periods simply by selecting the period he or she desires from among the months, weeks, days, and time periods, thereby improving user convenience.

[0155] The desired period is a period that includes the time point at which the input of the desired period is accepted. Specifically, as shown in Figures 16, 17, 18, and 20, when the predicted replacement time display screen 600 is displayed, the calendar area 610 is displayed so as to include the current time point.

[0156] In this case, the user can know information regarding predicted replacement times from the present time onward.

[0157] The step of notifying (step S236 in FIG. 25) is executed in response to receiving input of the desired period (steps S233 and S234 in FIG. 25).

[0158] According to this method, the user can quickly obtain information regarding the predicted replacement time by inputting the desired period.

[0159] The management method for managing the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) further includes obtaining a predicted replacement timing of the reagents (consumables) based on the operation log (usage history) (step S235 in Figure 25), and information regarding the predicted replacement timing is generated based on the predicted replacement timing.

[0160] According to this method, it is possible to smoothly generate a character string indicating the predicted replacement time to be displayed in the calendar area 610 and an alarm sound corresponding to the character string (information relating to the predicted replacement time).

[0161] If the predicted replacement time falls within the desired period, the information regarding the predicted replacement time includes timing information indicating when within the desired period the reagent (consumable) will need to be replaced. The timing information is, for example, information indicating the date and time displayed in the calendar area 610.

[0162] In this case, the user can get a more detailed understanding of when the consumable item needs to be replaced.

[0163] In the notification step (step S236 in FIG. 25), the desired period is displayed in a calendar format, as shown in calendar area 610 in FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 20, and timing information is displayed superimposed on the desired period display in calendar format.

[0164] According to this method, the user can easily and accurately grasp when the replacement time may occur on the calendar according to the period designated by the user.

[0165] The acquiring process (step S235 in Figure 25) includes generating reagent usage pattern information (usage pattern information) that shows the usage pattern of the reagent (consumable) in chronological order, such as shown in Figures 11 and 12, based on the operation log (usage history), and acquiring the predicted replacement time based on the reagent usage pattern information (usage pattern information).

[0166] According to this method, the future consumption amount of the consumables can be predicted, and therefore the predicted replacement time can be smoothly obtained.

[0167] The consumables are reagents.

[0168] In this case, the user can know the predicted replacement time for the reagent.

[0169] The management method for managing the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) further includes storing the expiration date of the reagent (consumable) currently in use (step S202 in FIG. 22), and the information regarding the predicted replacement timing is information based on the operation log 312 (usage history) and the expiration date.

[0170] According to this method, even if the replacement time predicted from usage history does not fall within the user's desired period, if the expiration date falls within this period, the expiration date will be notified as the replacement time, thereby making it possible to more accurately notify the user of the replacement time.

[0171] A management method for managing the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) in which a blood cell analyzer 3, a blood coagulation analyzer 4, and an immunological analyzer 5 (multiple sample analyzers) having different analysis types (e.g., hematology, coagulation, immunology, etc.) are targeted for reagent management further receives input in a display condition setting area 520 shown on the left side of FIG. 15 as to which analysis type is to be notified (step S233 in FIG. 25), and in a notification step (step S236 in FIG. 25), notifies information regarding the predicted replacement timing for reagents (consumables) of the sample analyzer corresponding to the input analysis type.

[0172] This method allows users to know when to replace consumables for various sample analyzers installed in their own facility, and also allows users to know when to replace consumables for the sample analyzer of the analysis type for which they want to know.

[0173] 1, the blood cell analyzer 3, blood coagulation analyzer 4, and immunoanalyzer 5 (sample analyzers) each include two measuring devices 120, a smear preparation device 12, and measuring devices 4b and 5b (multiple processing modules). The management method for managing the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) further accepts input in a display condition setting area 520 shown in the center of FIG. 15 as to which processing modules are to be notified (step S233 in FIG. 25), and in a notification step (step S236 in FIG. 25), notifies information regarding the predicted replacement timing for the reagents (consumables) of the input processing modules.

[0174] This method allows users to know when to replace consumables for various processing modules installed in their own facility, and also allows users to know when to replace consumables for the processing modules for which they want to know.

[0175] The blood cell analyzer 3, blood coagulation analyzer 4, and immunoanalyzer 5 (sample analyzers) are each equipped with a plurality of different types of reagents (consumables). The management method for managing the replacement times of the reagents (consumables) further accepts input as to which reagents (consumables) are to be notified in the display condition setting area 520 shown on the right side of Fig. 15 (step S233 in Fig. 25), and notifies information regarding the predicted replacement times of the input reagents (consumables) in the notification step (step S236 in Fig. 25).

[0176] This method allows the user to know when each of the various consumables installed in the sample analyzer will need to be replaced, and also allows the user to know when the replacement time for the consumables of which the user wishes to know is reached.

[0177] The management method for managing the replacement timing of a reagent (consumable) further includes storing the remaining amount of the reagent (consumable) currently in use (step S214 in FIG. 23), and the information regarding the predicted replacement timing is information based on the operation log 312 (usage history) and the remaining amount.

[0178] This method allows the remaining amount of reagent to be accurately determined.

[0179] Management device 2, which manages the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) in blood cell analyzer 3, blood coagulation analyzer 4, and immunoanalyzer 5 (sample analyzers), includes control unit 301, memory unit 310, and display unit 302 and input unit 303 (interface) for inputting and outputting information. Control unit 301 stores operation logs (usage records) of reagents (consumables) in memory unit 310, accepts input of a desired period desired by the user from multiple periods including periods longer than a day and periods of days or shorter than a day via input unit 303 (interface), and notifies, via display unit 302 (interface), information regarding the predicted replacement timing of reagents (consumables) during the desired period based on the operation logs (usage records).

[0180] As described above, different users have different periods for which they would like to know when to replace consumables. In response to this, the management device 2 can accept input of a desired period desired by each user and notify the user of the timing within the desired period when the replacement time is likely to arrive. This allows for flexible response to each user's requests regarding the predicted replacement time for consumables.

[0181] Sample analysis system 1 includes a blood cell analyzer 3, a blood coagulation analyzer 4, and an immunological analyzer 5 (multiple sample analyzers), and a management device 2 that manages the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) in each sample analyzer. Management device 2 includes a control unit 301, a memory unit 310, and a display unit 302 and input unit 303 (interface) for inputting and outputting information. Control unit 301 acquires operation logs (usage records) of the reagents (consumables) from each sample analyzer and stores them in memory unit 310. Control unit 301 accepts input of a desired period desired by the user from multiple periods including periods longer than one day and periods of one day or shorter than one day via input unit 303 (interface), and notifies the user via display unit 302 (interface) of information regarding the predicted replacement timing of the reagents (consumables) during the desired period based on the operation logs (usage records).

[0182] As described above, different users have different periods for which they would like to know when to replace consumables. In response to this, the configuration of the sample analysis system 1 allows each user to input a desired period and notify the user of the timing within the desired period when the replacement time is likely to arrive. This allows for flexible response to each user's needs regarding the predicted replacement time for consumables.

[0183] A program 315 that causes the management device 2 (computer) to execute a process for managing the timing of replacement of reagents (consumables) in the blood cell analyzer 3, blood coagulation analyzer 4, and immunoanalyzer 5 (sample analyzer) stores an operation log (usage history) of the reagents (consumables), accepts input of a desired period desired by the user from among multiple periods including periods longer than days and periods of days or shorter than days, and notifies information regarding the predicted replacement time of the reagents (consumables) during the desired period based on the operation log 312 (usage history).

[0184] As described above, different users have different periods for which they would like to know when to replace consumables. In response to this, the configuration of the program 315 allows the computer to receive input of a desired period desired by each user and notify the user of the timing within the desired period when the replacement date is likely to arrive. This allows for flexible response to each user's requests regarding the predicted replacement date for consumables.

[0185] <Change example 1> In the above embodiment, the predicted replacement time is displayed in the calendar area 610 in the same way for each reagent, but the display of the predicted replacement time for a specific reagent may be different from that for other reagents. The configuration and control of this modified example will be described below with reference to Figures 26 to 28. The other configurations and controls of this modified example are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0186] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the highlight display setting screen 700. As shown in FIG.

[0187] The control unit 301 of the management device 2 displays an emphasis display setting screen 700 on the display unit 302 in response to a user instruction input via the input unit 303, and performs various processes based on the emphasis display setting screen 700.

[0188] The highlighting setting screen 700 includes a setting area 701 and an OK button 702 .

[0189] The setting area 701 includes the items "enabled," "reagent name," and "highlight type" for each reagent stored in the reagent database for each processing module (see FIG. 10). The "enabled" item includes a check box indicating whether the setting for highlighting the predicted replacement time is enabled. The user can switch the setting for highlighting the predicted replacement time between enabled and disabled by operating this check box. The "highlight type" item includes radio buttons for setting the display style of the predicted replacement time to bold, blinking, or inverted.

[0190] After setting whether or not to use highlighting and the type of highlighting in the setting area 701, the user operates the OK button 702. This causes the control unit 301 of the management device 2 to store the content set on the highlighting setting screen 700 in the storage unit 310.

[0191] FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the predicted replacement time is highlighted.

[0192] Figure 27 shows a portion of the monthly calendar area 610 displayed on the predicted replacement time display screen 600. In the examples shown in the upper, middle, and lower rows of Figure 27, the predicted replacement time for diluent A is highlighted in bold, flashing, and in reverse video, respectively.

[0193] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the highlighting acceptance process performed by the management device 2.

[0194] The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28 is performed by the control unit 301 of the management device 2 executing the program 315 (see FIG. 4).

[0195] In step S241, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 determines whether or not the user has input an instruction to display the highlighting setting screen 700. When the instruction to display the highlighting setting screen 700 has been input (step S241: YES), in step S242 the control unit 301 displays the highlighting setting screen 700 on the display unit 302. In step S243, the control unit 301 accepts highlighting settings for each reagent via the highlighting setting screen 700. In step S244, the control unit 301 determines whether or not the OK button 702 has been operated by the user.

[0196] When the user operates the OK button 702 (step S244: YES), the control unit 301 stores the highlighting information set on the highlighting setting screen 700 in the storage unit 310 in step S245.

[0197] Once the highlighting information is stored in this manner, in step S236 of Figure 25, the control unit 301 highlights the predicted replacement times of the reagents for which highlighting has been set on the predicted replacement time display screen 600, as shown for diluent A in Figure 27, and displays the predicted replacement times of the reagents for which highlighting has not been set in the normal manner, as shown for reagents other than diluent A in Figure 27.

[0198] When information regarding the predicted replacement times is notified by an alarm sound, the alarm sound for the predicted replacement time of a predetermined reagent may be output from the speaker in an emphasized state (for example, at a loud volume), and the alarm sounds for the predicted replacement times of other reagents may be output from the speaker in a normal state (for example, at a low volume). In this case as well, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 receives in advance from the user the predetermined reagent for which the alarm sound is to be emphasized. Then, upon receiving an instruction to notify the predicted replacement times, the control unit 301 outputs the alarm sound for the predicted replacement time of the predetermined reagent from the speaker in an emphasized state, and outputs the alarm sounds for the predicted replacement times of the other reagents from the speaker in a normal state.

[0199] <Effects of the management method, management device, sample analysis system, and program according to Modification Example 1> The blood cell analyzer 3, blood coagulation analyzer 4 and immunoanalyzer 5 (sample analyzer) are equipped with a plurality of different types of reagents (consumables), and in the notification process (step S236 in Figure 25), the notification method for a specific type of reagent (consumable) is made different from the notification method for other types of reagent (consumables).

[0200] According to this method, by specifying in advance the consumables that require a warning, it is possible to accurately grasp when the time for replacement of these consumables has come.

[0201] The management method for managing the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) further includes receiving, from the user, a designation of a predetermined type of reagent (consumables) for which a notification method is to be changed (step S243 in FIG. 28).

[0202] According to this method, it is possible to individually specify consumables for which different notification methods are to be used, so that the user can reliably understand notifications about consumables that require attention from the user.

[0203] In the notification step (step S236 in FIG. 25), information regarding the predicted replacement time is notified by display, and highlighting is applied to the display items of specified types of reagents (consumables) for which different notification methods are used, as shown in FIG. 27.

[0204] According to this method, the user can visually and accurately grasp that a predetermined consumable item designated in advance has reached the time to be replaced.

[0205] <Change example 2> The operation of the sample analysis system 1 is not necessarily performed by a user familiar with the operation. For example, during non-business hours of the facility where the sample analysis system 1 is installed (e.g., weekday nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), tests may be performed by an inexperienced user who is unfamiliar with operating the sample analysis system 1, or a user who specializes in other tests may be in charge of tests that are not their specialty. If it is expected that reagent replacement will be necessary during non-business hours, it is preferable for a user familiar with the operation of the sample analysis system 1 to complete the reagent replacement in advance during business hours.

[0206] In contrast, in this modified example, if the original predicted replacement time determined based on the reagent usage pattern information, the remaining amount of reagent, and the expiration date falls on a non-business day, the new predicted replacement time is set to the business day immediately preceding the non-business day. Also, if the original predicted replacement time falls on a non-business day, the new predicted replacement time is set to the business day immediately preceding the non-business day.

[0207] The configuration and control of this modified example will be described below with reference to Figures 29 to 31. Other configurations and controls of this modified example are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0208] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a typical configuration of the non-business day setting screen 710. As shown in FIG.

[0209] The control unit 301 of the management device 2 displays a non-business day setting screen 710 on the display unit 302 in response to a user instruction input via the input unit 303, and performs various processes based on the non-business day setting screen 710.

[0210] The non-business day setting screen 710 includes a normal setting area 711, a detailed setting area 712, and an OK button 713. The normal setting area 711 includes a calendar acquisition button 711a, a non-business day setting area 711b, and a non-business hour setting area 711c. The detailed setting area 712 includes a period setting area 712a, a calendar area 712b, and a selected date setting area 712c.

[0211] When the calendar acquisition button 711a is operated, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 acquires calendar information from a predetermined server. The predetermined server may be a server in the facility where the sample analysis system 1 is installed, or a server on the Internet. The calendar information includes dates for each month of a predetermined period (for example, from the present to one year in the future), as well as days of the week and holidays associated with the dates. The control unit 301 displays a calendar in the calendar area 712b based on the dates for each month in the acquired calendar information.

[0212] The non-business day setting area 711b includes check boxes for setting Monday through Sunday and public holidays in the calendar area 712b as non-business days. As shown in the example of Fig. 29, when Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday is selected, a black circle is added to Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday in the calendar area 712b, and these days are set as non-business days as the normal setting.

[0213] The non-business hours setting area 711c includes two text boxes for setting the start time and end time of the non-business hours, respectively. The times entered in the two text boxes of the non-business hours setting area 711c are set as the start time and end time of the non-business hours as the normal settings.

[0214] The period setting area 712a displays the year and month to be displayed in the calendar area 712b. The period setting area 712a also has left and right arrow buttons for moving the month to be displayed in the calendar area 712b forward and backward (to the past and future) by one month at a time.

[0215] The selected date setting area 712c includes three radio buttons and two text boxes for changing the settings of the date selected and surrounded by a dotted line in the calendar area 712b. When a date in the calendar area 712b is selected and the radio buttons corresponding to business days and non-business days in the selected date setting area 712c are selected, the date is set as a business day or non-business day, respectively. When a date in the calendar area 712b is selected and the radio button corresponding to non-business hours is selected, the times entered in the two text boxes for non-business hours are set as the start and end times of the non-business hours for the date. When custom settings are made in the selected date setting area 712c, a double circle is added to the corresponding date in the calendar area 712b to indicate that custom settings have been made.

[0216] After setting non-business hours on the non-business hours setting screen 710, the user operates the OK button 713. This causes the control unit 301 of the management device 2 to store the content set on the non-business hours setting screen 710 in the storage unit 310.

[0217] FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the process of shifting the predicted replacement time by the management device 2.

[0218] The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30 is performed by the control unit 301 of the management device 2 executing the program 315 (see FIG. 4).

[0219] In step S251, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 determines whether or not the user has input an instruction to display the non-business day setting screen 710. If an instruction to display the non-business day setting screen 710 has been input (step S251: YES), in step S252 the control unit 301 displays the non-business day setting screen 710 on the display unit 302. In step S253, the control unit 301 accepts non-business day hours via the non-business day setting screen 710.

[0220] In step S253, the control unit 301 acquires calendar information from a predetermined server in response to the operation of the calendar acquisition button 711a, and sets non-business days in the calendar area 712b based on the holiday information (dates of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) included in the calendar information and the settings in the non-business day setting area 711b. Then, in step S254, the control unit 301 determines whether the user has operated the OK button 713.

[0221] When the user operates the OK button 713 (step S254: YES), the control unit 301 stores the information about the non-business days set on the non-business day setting screen 710 in the storage unit 310 in step S255.

[0222] When the information on non-business days is stored in this way, in step S236 of FIG. 25, the control unit 301 moves the information on the original predicted replacement time on the predicted replacement time display screen 600 to the state shown in FIG.

[0223] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the predicted replacement time display screen 600 when normal settings and custom settings are made on the non-business day setting screen 710.

[0224] In the example shown in Fig. 31, the non-business day setting screen 710 in Fig. 29 has set the non-business hours from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM the following day, and has set Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, February 14th, and February 21st as non-business days. In this case, as shown in Fig. 31, the information relating to the original predicted replacement time for February 14th is moved to February 13th, which is the immediately preceding business day, the information relating to the original predicted replacement time for February 19th at 8:00 PM is moved to February 19th at 5:00 PM, which is the immediately preceding business day, and the information relating to the original predicted replacement time for February 23rd and February 25th is moved to February 22nd, which is the immediately preceding business day.

[0225] The information about the original predicted replacement time is surrounded by a dashed line, and the predicted replacement time after the move is surrounded by a bold frame. In this way, the way the information is displayed before and after the move is different, so the user can understand both the date and time before the move and the date and time after the move.

[0226] In FIG. 31, the original predicted replacement time is also displayed in the calendar area 610, but the display of the original predicted replacement time may be omitted.

[0227] <Effects of the management method, management device, sample analysis system, and program according to Modification 2> The method for managing the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) receives settings for at least one of non-business days and non-business hours of the facility where the blood cell analyzer 3, blood coagulation analyzer 4, and immunoanalyzer 5 (sample analyzer) are installed (step S253 in FIG. 30). As shown in FIG. 31, if the predicted replacement timing falls within at least one of the non-business days and non-business hours within the desired period, the information regarding the predicted replacement timing includes information indicating that the reagent (consumable) will need to be replaced on the business day immediately preceding the non-business day or during the business hours immediately preceding the non-business day.

[0228] According to this method, even if the replacement time for a consumable falls on a non-business day or during non-business hours, the replacement time is brought forward to a normal business day or during business hours, allowing experienced users of the facility who are on-site during business days or during business hours to smoothly and appropriately replace the consumables.

[0229] Holiday information is acquired in the step of accepting the setting of at least one of non-business days and non-business hours (step S253 in FIG. 30).

[0230] This method eliminates the need to input non-business days one by one, thereby improving user convenience.

[0231] <Change example 3> In this modified example, when information regarding the predicted replacement time is notified (step S236 in FIG. 25), the waiting period (lead time) from ordering the reagent until it arrives is also notified. The configuration and control of this modified example will be described below with reference to FIGS. 32 to 34. The other configurations and controls of this modified example are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0232] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reagent database relating to reagents installed in the measuring device 120. As shown in FIG.

[0233] Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the reagent database of this modified example further stores a standby period in association with the reagent name.

[0234] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the standby period setting screen 720. As shown in FIG.

[0235] The control unit 301 of the management device 2 displays a standby period setting screen 720 on the display unit 302 in response to a user instruction input via the input unit 303 , and performs various processes based on the standby period setting screen 720 .

[0236] The standby period setting screen 720 includes a setting area 721 and an OK button 722.

[0237] The setting area 721 is provided with a text box for inputting a standby period in association with the reagent name. The standby period is measured in days, for example. The user inputs the standby period for each reagent and operates the OK button 722. This causes the control unit 301 of the management device 2 to store the contents set on the standby period setting screen 720 in the reagent database of the storage unit 310.

[0238] FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the waiting period acceptance process performed by the management device 2.

[0239] The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 34 is performed by the control unit 301 of the management device 2 executing the program 315 (see FIG. 4).

[0240] In step S261, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 determines whether or not the user has input an instruction to display the waiting period setting screen 720. When the instruction to display the waiting period setting screen 720 has been input (step S261: YES), in step S262 the control unit 301 displays the waiting period setting screen 720 on the display unit 302. In step S263, the control unit 301 accepts the waiting period via the waiting period setting screen 720. In step S264, the control unit 301 determines whether or not the OK button 722 has been operated by the user.

[0241] When the user operates the OK button 722 (step S264: YES), the control unit 301 stores information about the waiting period set on the waiting period setting screen 720 in the reagent database of the storage unit 310 in step S265.

[0242] When the information on the standby period is stored in this way, the control unit 301 displays the standby period together with the predicted replacement time on the predicted replacement time display screen 600 in step S236 of FIG.

[0243] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the predicted replacement time display screen 600 when the standby period has been set on the standby period setting screen 720. As shown in FIG.

[0244] The example shown in Fig. 35 shows a state in which a waiting period for diluent A is set on the waiting period setting screen 720 of Fig. 33, and the user has selected information regarding the predicted replacement time for diluent A on the predicted replacement time display screen 600. In this case, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 displays a comment area 612 for the information regarding the selected predicted replacement time. In the comment area 612, the reagent name field displays the corresponding reagent name, the waiting period field displays the waiting period corresponding to the reagent name stored in the reagent database of Fig. 32, the order deadline field displays the date obtained by subtracting the waiting period from the predicted replacement time, and the explanation field displays that the order must be completed by the order deadline.

[0245] The sound corresponding to the character string in the comment area 612 may be output from the speaker of the management device 2.

[0246] <Effects of the management method, management device, sample analysis system, and program according to Modification 3> The management method for managing the replacement timing of reagents (consumables) accepts input of the waiting period required from ordering the reagents (consumables) to receiving them (step S263 in Figure 34), and the notification process (step S236 in Figure 25) further notifies the user of the waiting period for the reagents (consumables).

[0247] Users of the sample analysis system 1 include managers who manage the inventory of reagents at the facility where the sample analysis system 1 is installed and order reagents. Such managers need to order new reagents in advance so that new reagents can be smoothly installed when the time for replacement arrives. The above method allows users to know how far in advance they should order consumables when they need to replace them.

[0248] <Change Example 4> In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the monthly calendar area 610 displays a calendar for the month corresponding to the current date (February in the case of FIG. 16), but this is not limited to this, and a calendar showing the date one month after the current date may also be displayed.

[0249] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the predicted replacement time display screen 600 when the monthly display is selected on the setting screen 500. As shown in FIG.

[0250] In this modified example, the calendar area 610 is configured to always display a six-week period, with the current date displayed at the top. Therefore, the current date and the date one month from now are displayed so as to fit reliably within the calendar area 610. In the example shown in Fig. 36, the current date, February 5, 2024, and the date one month from now, March 5, 2024, are displayed so as to fit within the calendar area 610.

[0251] According to this modified example, when the monthly display is set on the setting screen 500, a list of dates from the current date to one month in the future is displayed, as shown in FIG. 36, so that the user can easily grasp the predicted replacement dates from the present to one month in the future without operating the buttons in the period setting area 602.

[0252] <Change Example 5> In the above embodiment, when the display button 501 is operated on the setting screen 500, the calendar area 610 including the current date and time is displayed on the predicted replacement time display screen 600. However, this is not limiting, and the setting screen 500 may be configured to be able to accept a display period, and the calendar area 610 may be displayed according to the accepted display period.

[0253] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the setting screen 500. As shown in FIG.

[0254] 14 , the setting screen 500 of the fifth modified example has an area 512 for setting a display period added to the display period setting area 510. The user operates each text box in the display period setting area 510 to input a start date and time and an end date and time. When the display button 501 is operated, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 displays a predicted replacement time display screen 600 on the display unit 302 based on the various information set on the setting screen 500.

[0255] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the predicted replacement time display screen 600 when the monthly display is selected on the setting screen 500 and the start date and time and end date and time are set.

[0256] In this case, the calendar area 610 displays information from the start date and time (8:00 AM, February 8, 2024) to the end date and time (3:00 PM, February 20, 2024) according to the settings entered in area 512 of FIG.

[0257] According to this modified example, when the start date and time and the end date and time are set on the setting screen 500, information from the start date and time to the end date and time is displayed in the calendar area 610, so that the user can easily grasp information regarding the predicted replacement timing for the desired period.

[0258] <Other change examples> In the above embodiment, the control unit 301 of the management device 2 acquired the predicted replacement time of the target reagent in step S235 of FIG. 25 regardless of the display period accepted in step S233 of FIG. 25. However, this is not limited to this, and the control unit 301 may acquire only the predicted replacement time for the accepted display period. For example, the control unit 301 may add up the predicted usage amount of the reagent from the start date and time to the end date and time of the accepted display period, and may not acquire the predicted replacement time for reagents whose predicted remaining amount of reagent is not zero at the end date and time of the display period and whose expiration date has not yet arrived. In this way, it is not necessary to acquire the predicted replacement time for all target reagents, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 301.

[0259] In the above embodiment, the date and time of the predicted replacement time was displayed as information regarding the predicted replacement time, but this is not limited to this. Information indicating that the predicted replacement time is included in the display period specified by the user, or information indicating that the predicted replacement time is not included, may also be displayed.

[0260] In the above embodiment, the dates and times are displayed in a calendar format in the calendar area 610 of the predicted replacement time display screen 600, but this is not limiting and the dates and times may be displayed in a list format arranged from top to bottom.

[0261] Area 521 of setting screen 500 (see FIG. 14) may include radio buttons for selecting a measurement item. When a measurement item is selected in area 521, area 522 displays check boxes for selecting discrete modes and measurement items that can be executed by sample analysis system 1. For example, when the check box corresponding to CBC is selected, all reagents used in CBC are selected. This allows the user to easily understand the predicted replacement times for reagents used in the target discrete mode or measurement item.

[0262] Although the sample analysis system 1 includes multiple sample analyzers, namely, a blood cell analyzer 3, a blood coagulation analyzer 4, and an immunological analyzer 5, other sample analyzers may be included instead of these sample analyzers, or other sample analyzers may be included together with these sample analyzers. Examples of other sample analyzers include biochemistry analyzers and urine analyzers. In this way, even when the sample analysis system 1 includes other sample analyzers, it can flexibly meet user requests regarding the predicted replacement times of reagents installed in the other sample analyzers, in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0263] Although the sample analysis system 1 includes multiple sample analyzers, it may include only one sample analyzer. For example, the sample analysis system 1 may include only the blood cell analyzer 3 as the sample analyzer.

[0264] The reagent usage database 311, operation log 312, reagent database 313, and reagent usage pattern information 314 are stored in the storage unit 310 of the management device 2, and management of the remaining amounts of reagents and notification of the predicted replacement times are performed by the management device 2. However, without being limited to this, storage of this information, management of the remaining amounts of reagents, and notification of the predicted replacement times may be performed by a device other than the management device 2, for example, by the control device 110 of the blood cell analyzer 3.

[0265] Although the devices in the sample analysis system 1 are located within a single facility such as a hospital, the management device 2 may be located elsewhere outside the facility. In this case, the management device 2 communicates with the blood cell analyzer 3, blood coagulation analyzer 4, and immunoanalyzer 5, for example, via the Internet.

[0266] The user operates the input unit 303 of the management device 2 to input instructions to the management device 2, but this is not limiting, and instructions may be sent to the management device 2 via a communication terminal such as a computer or tablet connected to be able to communicate with the management device 2. In this case, the screen displayed on the display unit 302 of the management device 2 in the above embodiment is displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal.

[0267] The embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0268] 1. Sample analysis system 2 Management device 3. Hematology analyzer (sample analyzer) 4. Blood coagulation analyzer (sample analyzer) 4b Measuring device (processing module) 5 Immunoanalyzer (sample analyzer) 5b Measuring device (processing module) 12 Smear preparation device (processing module) 120 Measuring device (processing module) 301 Control Unit 302 Display unit (interface) 303 Input section (interface) 310 Storage section 312 Operation log (usage history) 314 Reagent usage pattern information (usage pattern information) 315 Programs

Claims

1. A method for managing replacement timing of consumables in a sample analyzer, comprising: storing the usage history of the consumables; Accepting input of a desired period desired by the user from among a plurality of periods including periods longer than a day and periods of a day or shorter than a day; notifying the user of information regarding a predicted replacement time of the consumable item during the desired period based on the usage history; A management method characterized by:

2. 2. The management method according to claim 1, presenting the plurality of time periods to the user; In the step of receiving the input, a selection of the desired period is received from the presented plurality of periods. A management method characterized by:

3. 2. The management method according to claim 1, The period longer than a day is a week or a period longer than a week. A management method characterized by:

4. 4. The management method according to claim 3, The plurality of time periods includes months, weeks, days, and time slots. A management method characterized by:

5. 2. The management method according to claim 1, The desired period is a period that includes the time point at which the input of the desired period is accepted. A management method characterized by:

6. 2. The management method according to claim 1, the step of notifying is executed in response to receiving an input of the desired period. A management method characterized by:

7. 2. The management method according to claim 1, and acquiring the predicted replacement time of the consumable item based on the usage history. The information about the predicted replacement time is generated based on the predicted replacement time. A management method characterized by:

8. The management method according to claim 7, If the predicted replacement time falls within the desired period, the information regarding the predicted replacement time includes timing information indicating when within the desired period replacement of the consumable will be required. A management method characterized by:

9. 9. The management method according to claim 8, In the notifying step, the desired period is displayed in a calendar format, and the timing information is displayed superimposed on the display of the desired period in the calendar format. A management method characterized by:

10. The management method according to claim 7, the acquiring step includes generating usage pattern information indicating a usage pattern of the consumable in chronological order based on the usage record, and acquiring the predicted replacement time based on the usage pattern information. A management method characterized by:

11. 2. The management method according to claim 1, The consumable is a reagent. A management method characterized by:

12. 2. The management method according to claim 1, further comprising storing an expiration date of the consumable product during use; The information regarding the predicted replacement time is information based on the usage history and the expiration date. A management method characterized by:

13. 2. The management method according to claim 1, The sample analyzer is a blood cell analyzer, a biochemical analyzer, a blood coagulation analyzer, an immunoanalyzer, or a urine analyzer. A management method characterized by:

14. 2. The management method according to claim 1, A plurality of sample analyzers each having a different analysis type are subject to consumable management; further receiving an input of which of the analysis types is to be notified; In the notifying step, information regarding the predicted replacement time for the consumable item of the sample analyzer corresponding to the input analysis type is notified. A management method characterized by:

15. 2. The management method according to claim 1, The sample analyzer includes a plurality of processing modules; further receiving an input as to which of the processing modules is to be notified; In the notifying step, information regarding the predicted replacement time for the consumables of the input processing module is notified. A management method characterized by:

16. 2. The management method according to claim 1, The sample analyzer is equipped with a plurality of different types of consumables, further receiving an input as to which of the consumables is to be notified; In the notifying step, information regarding the predicted replacement time for the input consumable item is notified. A management method characterized by:

17. 2. The management method according to claim 1, The sample analyzer is equipped with a plurality of different types of consumables, In the notifying step, a method of notifying a predetermined type of consumable product is made different from a method of notifying other types of consumable products. A management method characterized by:

18. 18. The management method according to claim 17, further comprising receiving a designation of the predetermined type of consumable product from the user. A management method characterized by:

19. 18. The management method according to claim 17, In the notifying step, the information regarding the predicted replacement time is notified by display, and a display item of the predetermined type of consumable product is highlighted. A management method characterized by:

20. The management method according to claim 7, Accepting a setting of at least one of non-business days and non-business hours of the facility where the sample analyzer is installed; When the predicted replacement time falls within at least one of the non-business days and the non-business hours within the desired period, the information regarding the predicted replacement time includes information indicating that the consumable will need to be replaced on a business day immediately preceding the non-business day or on a business hour immediately preceding the non-business day. A management method characterized by:

21. 21. The management method according to claim 20, acquiring holiday information in the step of accepting the setting of at least one of non-business days and non-business hours; A management method characterized by:

22. 2. The management method according to claim 1, Accepting input of a waiting period required from ordering the consumables to receiving them; The notifying step further notifies the user of the standby period for the consumable. A management method characterized by:

23. 2. The management method according to claim 1, further comprising storing a remaining amount of the consumable during use; The information regarding the predicted replacement time is information based on the usage history and the remaining amount. A management method characterized by:

24. A management device that manages replacement timing of consumables in a sample analyzer, A control unit; A memory unit; an interface for inputting and outputting information; The control unit storing the usage record of the consumables in the storage unit; receiving, via the interface, an input of a desired period desired by the user from among a plurality of periods including periods longer than a day and periods of a day or shorter than a day; notifying, via the interface, information regarding a predicted replacement time of the consumables during the desired period based on the usage history; A management device characterized by:

25. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The control unit presenting the plurality of time periods to the user via the interface; In the step of receiving the input, a selection of the desired period is received from the presented plurality of periods via the interface. A management device characterized by:

26. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The period longer than a day is a week or a period longer than a week. A management device characterized by:

27. 27. The management device according to claim 26, The plurality of time periods includes months, weeks, days, and time slots. A management device characterized by:

28. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The desired period is a period that includes the time point at which the input of the desired period is accepted. A management device characterized by:

29. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The control unit executes the notifying step in response to receiving an input of the desired period. A management device characterized by:

30. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The control unit acquiring the predicted replacement time of the consumable item based on the usage record; generating information about the predicted replacement time based on the predicted replacement time; A management device characterized by:

31. 31. The management device according to claim 30, If the predicted replacement time falls within the desired period, the information regarding the predicted replacement time includes timing information indicating when within the desired period replacement of the consumable will be required. A management device characterized by:

32. 32. The management device according to claim 31, In the notifying step, the control unit displays the desired period in a calendar format via the interface, and displays the timing information superimposed on the display of the desired period in the calendar format. A management device characterized by:

33. 31. The management device according to claim 30, In the acquiring step, the control unit generates usage pattern information indicating a usage pattern of the consumable in chronological order based on the usage record, and acquires the predicted replacement time based on the usage pattern information. A management device characterized by:

34. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The consumable is a reagent. A management device characterized by:

35. 25. The management device according to claim 24, the control unit stores the expiration date of the consumable item in use in the storage unit; The information regarding the predicted replacement time is information based on the usage history and the expiration date. A management device characterized by:

36. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The sample analyzer is a blood cell analyzer, a biochemical analyzer, a blood coagulation analyzer, an immunoanalyzer, or a urine analyzer. A management device characterized by:

37. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The control unit A plurality of sample analyzers each having a different analysis type are subject to consumable management; receiving an input via the interface as to which of the analysis types is to be notified; In the notifying step, information regarding the predicted replacement time for the consumable item of the sample analyzer corresponding to the input analysis type is notified via the interface. A management device characterized by:

38. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The sample analyzer includes a plurality of processing modules; The control unit receiving an input via the interface as to which of the processing modules is to be notified; In the notifying step, information regarding the predicted replacement time for the consumables of the processing module inputted via the interface is notified. A management device characterized by:

39. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The sample analyzer is equipped with a plurality of different types of consumables, The control unit receiving an input via the interface as to which of the consumables is to be notified; In the notifying step, information regarding the predicted replacement time for the consumable item inputted is notified via the interface. A management device characterized by:

40. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The sample analyzer is equipped with a plurality of different types of consumables, In the notifying step, the control unit makes a notification method for a predetermined type of consumable product different from a notification method for other types of consumable products. A management device characterized by:

41. 41. The management device according to claim 40, the control unit accepts designation of the predetermined type of consumable from the user via the interface; A management device characterized by:

42. 41. The management device according to claim 40, In the notifying step, the control unit notifies the user of the information relating to the predicted replacement time by displaying it via the interface, and applies highlighting to a display item of the predetermined type of consumable product. A management device characterized by:

43. 31. The management device according to claim 30, the control unit accepts, via the interface, a setting of at least one of non-business days and non-business hours of the facility where the sample analyzer is installed; When the predicted replacement time falls within at least one of the non-business days and the non-business hours within the desired period, the information regarding the predicted replacement time includes information indicating that the consumable will need to be replaced on a business day immediately preceding the non-business day or on a business hour immediately preceding the non-business day. A management device characterized by:

44. 44. The management device according to claim 43, the control unit acquires holiday information in the step of accepting the setting of at least one of the non-business days and the non-business hours. A management device characterized by:

45. 25. The management device according to claim 24, The control unit receiving an input of a waiting period required from ordering the consumables to receiving the consumables via the interface; In the notifying step, the standby period of the consumable is notified via the interface. A management device characterized by:

46. 25. The management device according to claim 24, the control unit stores the remaining amount of the consumable item in use in the storage unit; The information regarding the predicted replacement time is information based on the usage history and the remaining amount. A management device characterized by:

47. a plurality of sample analyzers; a management device that manages the replacement timing of consumables in each of the sample analyzers; The management device A control unit; A memory unit; an interface for inputting and outputting information; The control unit acquiring usage records of the consumables from each of the sample analyzers and storing the usage records in the storage unit; receiving, via the interface, an input of a desired period desired by the user from among a plurality of periods including periods longer than a day and periods of a day or shorter than a day; notifying, via the interface, information regarding a predicted replacement time of the consumables during the desired period based on the usage history; A sample analysis system characterized by:

48. A program for causing a computer to execute a process for managing replacement timing of consumables in a sample analyzer, storing the usage history of the consumables; Accepting input of a desired period desired by the user from among a plurality of periods including periods longer than a day and periods of a day or shorter than a day; notifying the user of information regarding a predicted replacement time of the consumable item during the desired period based on the usage history; A program characterized by:

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