Composite analysis system

Abstract

To reduce a work load by shortening a moving distance of an operator.SOLUTION: A composite analysis system 1 includes: a blood cell analyzer 2; a blood coagulation measurement device 3; and a transport device 4 having a transport path 50. The blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3 are disposed along a first side surface of the transport device 4. The blood cell analyzer 2, the blood coagulation measurement device 3, and the transport device 4 are disposed at a position and orientation that allow at least one of access to a power supply operation reception unit of the blood cell analysis device 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3 from a second side surface side of the transport device 4, access to a consumable article setting unit of the respective devices from the second side surface side of the transport device 4, access to a terminal device of the respective devices from the second side surface side of the transport device 4, and access to a maintenance management target unit of the respective devices from the second side surface side of the transport device 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multiple analysis system, and more particularly to a multiple analysis system including a blood cell analyzer and a blood coagulation measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a multi-analysis system equipped with a blood cell analyzer and a blood coagulation measuring device has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-analysis system equipped with an examination block including a blood examination line, a coagulation examination line, etc., a pre-processing block that performs processing common to each examination block, and an automated guided vehicle (AGV) disposed between the pre-processing block and the examination block to transfer samples between them. In the system of Patent Document 1, the sample transport paths of each examination line extend parallel to each other, and the examination lines are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction, so that the automated guided vehicle can easily move between the pre-processing block and each examination line. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-19180 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The combined analysis system of Patent Document 1 may be effective in large-scale facilities, but medium-sized or smaller facilities do not have as many specimens as large-scale facilities, and automated guided vehicles may become an over-equipment. It is not easy to operate such a system effectively, especially in medium-sized or smaller facilities.

[0005] To effectively operate the combined analysis system, it is conceivable to connect each test line with a transport path. However, in the system of Patent Document 1, the test lines are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction, which means that it takes time and effort to move between the test lines when performing operations on each test line or replacing consumables, resulting in a problem of reduced work efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The multiple analysis system (1) according to the present invention comprises a blood cell analyzer (2), a blood coagulation measuring device (3), and a transport device (4) capable of transporting a sample to a first sample acquisition position (P2) by the blood cell analyzer (2) and a second sample acquisition position (P3) by the blood coagulation measuring device (3), the transport device having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the blood cell analyzer (2) and the blood coagulation measuring device (3) being arranged along the first side of the transport device (4), the blood cell analyzer (2), the blood coagulation measuring device (3), and the transport device (4) being configured as follows: (a) accessing a power operation reception unit that receives power operation for the blood cell analyzer (2) and power operation for the blood coagulation measuring device (3) from the second side of the transport device (4); (b) access from the second side of the transport device (4) to a consumables setting section for setting consumables used in the blood cell analyzer (2) and consumables used in the blood coagulation measuring device (3); (c) access from the second side of the transport device (4) to a terminal device that receives operation instructions and displays information for the blood cell analyzer (2) and receives operation instructions and displays information for the blood coagulation measuring device (3); (d) accessing a maintenance management target section, where maintenance management for the blood cell analyzer (2) and maintenance management for the blood coagulation measuring device (3) are performed, from the second side of the transport device (4); are positioned and oriented in a way that allows at least one of [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the multiple analysis system of the present invention, each device can be operated and worked on from the second side, opposite to the first side of the transport device on which the devices are arranged, thereby avoiding the inefficient movement of operators around the system as in the past. This reduces the distance the operator must travel and reduces the operator's workload. The operator can smoothly perform tasks such as operating each device, replenishing and replacing reagents and consumables, responding to errors, and maintaining components subject to maintenance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a multiple analysis system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a composite analysis system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a blood cell analyzer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the top of the blood cell analyzer with the cover open. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the top of the blood cell analyzer, illustrating manual measurement of quality control materials. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a view showing the lower part of the blood cell analyzer with the door open. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the blood cell analyzer. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the analysis results of the blood cell analyzer. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a blood coagulation measuring device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the upper part of the blood coagulation measuring device with the cover open. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a view showing the lower part of the blood coagulation measuring device with the door open. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the blood coagulation measuring device. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the analysis results of the blood coagulation measuring device. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first modified example of a multiple analysis system. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the multiple analysis system. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the multiple analysis system. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the multiple analysis system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the combined analytical system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention includes forms obtained by selectively combining the respective components of the multiple embodiments and modified examples described below.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a multiple analysis system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the multiple analysis system 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the multiple analysis system 1 includes a blood cell analyzer 2, a blood coagulation measurement device 3, and a transport device 4. The blood cell analyzer 2 counts blood cells in a blood sample, and the blood coagulation measurement device 3 measures hemostatic components in the blood sample. The transport device 4 further includes a sample installation unit for installing the sample, and a sample recovery unit for recovering the measured sample. The transport device 4 has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3 are arranged along the first side of the transport device 4. The transport device 4 also includes a continuous transport path 50. The continuous transport path 50 does not have to be a single transport path, but may be a transport path consisting of multiple connected transport paths. However, in order to transport the sample containers or racks at the connection points of the multiple transport paths, it is not necessary to provide another transport device that lifts and transports the sample containers or racks.

[0011] The multiple analysis system 1 uses racks 100, 110 that respectively hold sample containers 101, 111 containing samples, and the racks 100, 110 are transported by a transport device 4 to a blood cell analyzer 2 or a blood coagulation measuring device 3. The multiple analysis system 1 includes a rack installation unit 5 on which the racks 100, 110 are set, and rack recovery units 6A, 6B that recover the racks 100, 110, respectively. In this embodiment, the rack installation unit 5 functions as the sample installation unit, and the rack recovery units 6A, 6B function as the sample recovery units.

[0012] Rack 100 holds sample containers 101 and is transported to the blood cell analyzer 2, and is collected in the rack collection unit 6A after sample measurement is complete. Rack 110 holds sample containers 111 and is transported to the blood coagulation measurement instrument 3, and is collected in the rack collection unit 6B after sample measurement is complete. That is, racks 100 and 110 are set in a common rack installation unit 5 and are collected in separate rack collection units 6A and 6B, respectively. Racks 100 and 110 have, for example, the same shape and size, but may have different shapes and sizes as long as they can be installed in the rack installation unit 5 and transported by the transport device 4.

[0013] The sample container 101 held in the rack 100 and transported to the blood cell analyzer 2, and the sample container 111 held in the rack 110 and transported to the blood coagulation measuring device 3, generally contain different samples. The samples contained in the sample containers 101 and 111 are prepared by different methods, so they are different even if the subject is the same. For example, the sample contained in the sample container 101 is whole blood, and the sample contained in the sample container 111 is plasma. In this embodiment, the rack installation unit 5 is connected to the transport path 50 between the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3. The racks 100 and 110 are transported in opposite directions from the rack installation unit 5 to each device. For this reason, in this embodiment, two types of sample containers 101 and 111 cannot be set in the same rack.

[0014] The rack 100 has multiple holders, each capable of holding a single sample container 101, and holds multiple (e.g., five, six, or ten) sample containers 101 arranged in a row. The rack 110 similarly holds multiple sample containers 111 arranged in a row. In this embodiment, the number of sample containers that the rack 100 can hold is the same as the number of sample containers that the rack 110 can hold, but they may be different. As described above, the rack 100 holds only sample containers 101, and the rack 110 holds only sample containers 111. However, the multiple analysis system 1 may also be equipped with a sorting device that can transfer sample containers to another rack. In this case, the sorting device prepares a rack 100 that holds only sample containers 101 and a rack 110 that holds only sample containers 111, allowing the operator to set two types of sample containers 101 and 111 in the same rack.

[0015] The multiple analysis system 1 is configured by arranging a blood cell analyzer 2, a blood coagulation measuring device 3, a rack installation unit 5, and rack collection units 6A and 6B in a line, and connecting each device via a transport path 50 of a transport device 4. For ease of explanation, terms indicating front / rear, left / right, and up / down directions will be used below. The left and right of the multiple analysis system 1 refer to the left and right when viewing the system from the side where an operator is standing. In this embodiment, the blood cell analyzer 2 and rack collection unit 6A are arranged to the right of the rack installation unit 5, and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 and rack collection unit 6B are arranged to the left of the rack installation unit 5.

[0016] In this specification, the operator's standing position refers to the location where the operator stands when performing tasks such as operating each device, replenishing and replacing reagents, replenishing and replacing consumables, responding to errors, and maintaining components subject to maintenance management. The multiple analytical system 1 is often placed in a laboratory so that the front of the system, where the operator stands, has more free space than the rear of the system. The multiple analytical system 1 is placed, for example, so that the rear of the system is along the side wall of the laboratory or the rear of another analytical system.

[0017] The multiple analysis system 1 includes two blood cell analyzers 2A and 2B and two blood coagulation measurement devices 3A and 3B. Because the blood cell analyzers 2A and 2B each include two measurement units 10A and 10B, the multiple analysis system 1 can also be said to include four blood cell analyzers. The blood cell analyzers 2A and 2B each have a transport unit 18 shared by the measurement units 10A and 10B, and are configured so that the measurement units 10A and 10B share the responsibility of measuring samples. The number of blood cell analyzers 2 and blood coagulation measurement devices 3 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, one of each, or three or more. The number of blood cell analyzers 2 and blood coagulation measurement devices 3 may be the same or different.

[0018] The multiple analytical system 1 further includes a power operation receiving unit that receives power operations for the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3, a consumables setting unit for setting consumables used in each of the devices, and a maintenance management unit that performs maintenance management for each of the devices. The power operation receiving unit may be a common power operation receiving unit that receives power operations for the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first power operation receiving unit that receives power operations for the blood cell analyzer 2 and a second power operation receiving unit that receives power operations for the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The power operation receiving unit may include at least one of a startup instruction receiving unit and a shutdown instruction receiving unit, which will be described later. The startup instruction receiving unit may be a common startup instruction receiving unit that receives startup instructions for the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first startup instruction receiving unit that receives startup instructions for the blood cell analyzer 2 and a second startup instruction receiving unit that receives startup instructions for the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The shutdown instruction receiving unit may be a common shutdown instruction receiving unit that receives a shutdown instruction for the blood cell analyzer 2 and a shutdown instruction for the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first shutdown instruction receiving unit that receives a shutdown instruction for the blood cell analyzer 2 and a second shutdown instruction receiving unit that receives a shutdown instruction for the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The consumables setting unit may include at least one of a quality control substance setting unit, a reagent setting unit, and a cleaning solution setting unit, which will be described later. The consumables setting unit may be a common consumables setting unit for the first consumables used by the blood cell analyzer 2 and the second consumables used by the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first consumables setting unit for the first consumables used by the blood cell analyzer 2 and a second consumables setting unit for the second consumables used by the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The reagent setting section may be a reagent setting section common to the first reagent used by the blood cell analysis device 2 and the second reagent used by the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first reagent setting section for the first reagent used by the blood cell analysis device 2 and a second reagent setting section for the second reagent used by the blood coagulation measurement device 3.The cleaning fluid set unit may be a cleaning fluid set unit common to the first cleaning fluid used by the blood cell analyzer 2 and the second cleaning fluid used by the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first cleaning fluid set unit for the first cleaning fluid used by the blood cell analyzer 2 and a second cleaning fluid set unit for the second cleaning fluid used by the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The maintenance management target unit may include at least one of an aspirating tube, an error handling unit, and a maintenance target unit, which will be described later. The maintenance management target unit may be a maintenance management target unit common to the maintenance management of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the maintenance management of the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first maintenance management target unit for maintenance management of the blood cell analyzer 2 and a second maintenance management target unit for maintenance management of the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The error handling unit may be an error handling unit common to handling errors that occur in the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first error handling unit for handling errors that occur in the blood cell analyzer 2 and a second error handling unit for handling errors that occur in the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The maintenance target part may be a maintenance target part common to the maintenance of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the maintenance of the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first maintenance target part for maintenance of the blood cell analyzer 2 and a second maintenance target part for maintenance of the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The multiple analysis system 1 also includes a terminal device that receives operation instructions for the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3, displays analysis results, or has both functions. The terminal device may be a terminal device common to the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or may include a first terminal device for the blood cell analyzer 2 and a second terminal device for the blood coagulation measurement device 3. Although the term "measurement result" is also used below, analysis result and measurement result are synonymous.

[0019] As described above, the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the transport path 50 of the transport device 4 extends straight in the left-right direction. The blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are arranged along the first side of the transport device 4. In this embodiment, one side of the transport device 4 along the transport path 50 is the first side, and the other side along the transport path 50 is the second side. The first side of the transport path 50 can also be said to be the rear side of the transport path 50, and the second side of the transport path 50 can also be said to be the front side of the transport path 50. Some components of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 may be arranged directly below the transport path 50, but are not arranged on the second side of the transport path 50. As will be described in detail later, the blood cell analyzer 2, the blood coagulation measuring device 3, and the transport device 4 are (a) Access to the power supply operation reception unit of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 from the second side of the transport device 4; (b) Access to the consumables setting section of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 from the second side of the transport device 4; (c) Access to the terminal devices of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 from the second side of the transport device 4; (d) access to the maintenance management target parts of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 from the second side of the transport device 4; are positioned and oriented in a way that allows at least one of

[0020] According to the multiple analysis system 1, the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 can be operated and worked on only from the second side (front) of the transport device 4, thereby avoiding the inefficient movement required in the past of moving around the system. In other words, the operator can operate and work on each device from the second side, which is one side of the transport device 4 (transport path 50), and does not need to move to the first side of the transport device 4. This reduces the distance the operator has to travel and reduces the operator's workload.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a working unit 2Z of the blood cell analyzer 2 and a working unit 3Z of the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 3. The working units 2Z and 3Z are locations where at least one of a power operation reception unit, a consumables setting unit, a terminal device, and a maintenance management target unit is located. The working units 2Z and 3Z are locations where operators perform operations and tasks, and specifically, various operation buttons, a reagent and sample setting unit, front covers 11a and 31a, backflow prevention chambers 25 and 46, which will be described later, are located. The working units 2Z and 3Z may also be provided with screens for displays 17 and 37, which will be described later. At least one of the power operation reception unit, the consumables setting unit, the terminal device, and a maintenance management target unit is located on a first side of the transport device 4 and is accessed from a second side of the transport device 4 across the transport device 4. Furthermore, at least one of the power operation reception unit, the consumables setting unit, the terminal device, and the maintenance management unit, which are accessed from the second side of the transport device 4 across the transport device 4, is arranged so that the shortest horizontal distance from the end of the second side of the transport device 4 is within a length range of 700 mm. In this embodiment, the power operation reception unit, the consumables setting unit, the terminal device, and the maintenance management unit are all arranged only on the first side of the transport device 4, or on the first side of the transport device 4 and directly below the transport path 50. Furthermore, at least one of the power operation reception unit, the consumables setting unit, the terminal device, and the maintenance management unit may be movable to the second side of the transport device 4. That is, at least one of these may be movable to the second side of the transport device 4 and accessible from the second side.

[0022] As described above, the blood cell analyzer 2 includes two measurement units 10A and 10B. The measurement units 10A and 10B are arranged next to each other in the left-right direction and have the same shape and size. As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement units 10A and 10B include a housing 11 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 11 has an openable front cover 11a. The front cover 11a opens by rotating from bottom to top, and opening the front cover 11a allows the inside of the device to be accessed.

[0023] The measurement units 10A and 10B include a specimen setting section 19 in which specimen containers are set, an opening / closing button 20 for opening and closing the specimen setting section 19, and a measurement start button 21 for starting measurement of the specimen set in the specimen setting section 19. The specimen setting section 19 corresponds to the consumables setting section, and the opening / closing button 20 and measurement start button 21 correspond to the operation instruction receiving section of the terminal device.

[0024] 1 and 2, the blood cell analyzer 2 includes a transport unit 18 connected to the main transport path that constitutes the transport path 50. The transport unit 18 is a sub-transport path that draws in the rack 100 from the first transport path 51, which is the main transport path connecting the rack installation unit 5 to the rack recovery unit 6A, transports it to a sample acquisition position P2 by the blood cell analyzer 2, and returns it to the first transport path 51. The transport unit 18, together with the first transport path 51, constitutes part of the transport path 50 of the transport device 4. The transport unit 18 is shared by the measuring units 10A and 10B, and the sample container 101 held in the rack 100 is transported to the acquisition position P2 of the measuring unit 10A or the measuring unit 10B.

[0025] The blood cell analyzer 2 further includes an analyzer 16 and a display 17. The analyzer 16 is a computer that analyzes the results of measurements performed by the measurement units 10A and 10B, and is communicatively connected to the measurement units 10A and 10B. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a side rack 11b is attached to the side of the housing 11, and the analyzer 16 and display 17 are disposed on the side rack 11b. One analyzer 16 and one display 17 are provided for each of the blood cell analyzers 2A and 2B.

[0026] The analyzer 16 may be communicably connected to a host computer 120 in which sample identification codes such as sample IDs and sample information such as measurement items are registered. The multiple analytical system 1 is installed, for example, in a hospital laboratory. In this case, an example of the host computer 120 is a clinical laboratory information system connected to multiple testing instruments and centrally managing sample information and measurement orders. The analyzer 16 also has a power button 16a located in a position that can be operated from the front of the multiple analytical system 1. The functions of the analyzer 16 may also be built into the measurement units 10A and 10B.

[0027] Display 17 is a display unit that displays measurement results and the like, and in this embodiment is a touch panel display that also functions as an input device. Display 17 is connected to analysis device 16 and is communicably connected to measurement units 10A and 10B via analysis device 16. For example, operation signals from display 17, which is a touch panel, are transmitted to measurement units 10A and 10B via analysis device 16. Display 17 may be integrated with measurement units 10A and 10B.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 10, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 includes a housing 31 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 31 has an openable front cover 31a. The front cover 31a rotates from bottom to top to open, and opening the front cover 31a allows the inside of the device to be exposed. The blood coagulation measuring device 3 also includes a main power button 35 for starting the blood coagulation measuring device 3, and a measurement start button 39 for starting manual measurement of a sample. The main power button 35 corresponds to the power operation reception unit, and the measurement start button 39 corresponds to the terminal device.

[0029] The main power button 35 and measurement start button 39 are provided on the front surface of the housing 31 facing forward of the multiple analysis system 1. In this case, each button can be easily operated from the second side surface of the transport device 4. The main power button 35 is located directly below the transport path 50 of the transport device 4, and the measurement start button 39 is located above and behind the transport path 50. The blood coagulation measuring device 3 also includes a sample setting section 49 in which sample containers are set. The sample setting section 49 corresponds to the consumables setting section described above, and is provided in a position adjacent to the transport path 50.

[0030] The blood coagulation measuring device 3 also includes a transport unit 38 connected to the main transport path that constitutes the transport path 50. The transport unit 38 is an auxiliary transport path that pulls in the rack 110 from the second transport path 52, which is the main transport path connecting the rack installation unit 5 to the rack recovery unit 6B, transports it to the sample acquisition position P3 by the blood coagulation measuring device 3, and then returns it to the second transport path 52. The transport unit 38, together with the second transport path 52, constitutes part of the transport path 50 of the transport device 4.

[0031] 1 and 2, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 includes an apparatus main body 30 housed in a housing 31, an analyzer 36, and a display 37. The analyzer 36 is a computer that analyzes the results of measurements performed by the apparatus main body 30, and is communicably connected to the apparatus main body 30. In this embodiment, the apparatus main body 30 is a unit that measures optical information of a sample, and refers to the parts of the blood coagulation measuring device 3 other than the analyzer 36 and the display 37. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the display 37 is attached to the side of the housing 31, and the analyzer 36 is housed in a side rack 31b attached behind the display 37.

[0032] The analysis device 36 may be communicably connected to the host computer 120. The display 37 is a display unit that displays measurement results and the like, and in this embodiment is a touch panel display that also functions as an input device. The display 37 is connected to the analysis device 36 and communicably connected to the device main body 30 via the analysis device 36. For example, an operation signal from the touch panel display 37 is transmitted to the device main body 30 via the analysis device 36. Note that the functions of the analysis device 36 may be built into the device main body 30, or the display 37 may be integrated with the device main body 30.

[0033] The transport device 4 includes a transport path 50 and a transport control unit 54 that controls the operation of the transport path 50. As described above, the transport path 50 includes the first transport path 51 that transports the rack 100 to the blood cell analyzer 2, the second transport path 52 that transports the rack 110 to the blood coagulation measuring device 3, the transport unit 18 that is a first sub-transport path, and the transport unit 38 that is a second sub-transport path. The transport path 50 includes, for example, a belt conveyor that transports the racks 100, 110 in the left-right direction. The transport unit 18 is connected to the first transport path 51, and the transport unit 38 is connected to the second transport path 52.

[0034] The first and second transport paths 51 and 52, which are main transport paths connecting the rack installation unit 5 and the rack recovery units 6A and 6B, are formed straight without any bends and are arranged on the same straight line. The first transport path 51 extends straight from the rack installation unit 5 to the rack recovery unit 6A, passing in front of the measurement units 10A and 10B of the hematology analyzer 2. The sample acquisition position P2 by the hematology analyzer 2 may be set on the first transport path 51. However, when two hematology analyzers 2A and 2B are provided, more efficient sample measurement can be achieved by setting the acquisition position P2 on the transport unit 18, which is the sub-transport path. In this case, for example, while a rack 100 is being transported to the hematology analyzer 2A and sample measurement is being performed, the rack 100 can be transported to the hematology analyzer 2B and sample measurement can be performed thereon.

[0035] The second transport path 52 extends straight from the rack installation unit 5 through the front of the device body 30 of the blood coagulation measurement device 3 to the rack recovery unit 6B. Similarly, the sample acquisition position P3 for the blood coagulation measurement device 3 may be set on the second transport path 52. However, when two blood coagulation measurement devices 3A and 3B are provided, setting the acquisition position P3 on the transport unit 38, which serves as the sub-transport path, enables more efficient sample measurement. The portion of the transport path 50 connected to the rack installation unit 5 includes, for example, a belt conveyor shared by the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52, which transports racks in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3 are arranged facing the main transport path and facing the same direction. The working unit 2Z of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the working unit 3Z of the blood coagulation measurement device 3 both face the front of the multiple analysis system 1.

[0036] As will be described in detail later, the blood cell analyzer 2 is configured to take in a sample container 101 at acquisition position P2 of the transport unit 18 and aspirate the sample within the device. The blood coagulation measuring device 3 is configured to aspirate a sample at acquisition position P3 of the transport unit 38. The blood cell analyzer 2 has an aspirating tube 14a (see FIG. 3 described later) that punctures the stopper attached to the sample container 101 to aspirate the sample. The blood coagulation measuring device 3 also has an aspirating tube 43a that punctures the stopper attached to the sample container 111 to aspirate the sample, and an aspirating tube 43b (see FIG. 9 described later) that dispenses a portion of the sample from a reaction container containing the sample into another reaction container. The aspirating tubes of each device are subject to the above-mentioned maintenance management, and cleaning of the aspirating tubes is performed as part of maintenance management.

[0037] The transport device 4 further includes a code reader 55 that reads identification codes attached to the sample containers 101, 111 to individually identify each sample container. In this embodiment, the code reader 55 is installed in the rack installation unit 5. The rack installation unit 5 has, for example, a transport path formed in a generally U-shape in a plan view, with first and second transport paths extending in the front-rear direction connected at the rear, and is configured to allow a rack to be installed in front of the first transport path. A rack placed in front of the first transport path moves rearward on the first transport path and then moves forward again on the second transport path. The second transport path is connected to the transport path 50, and the racks 100, 110 are transported from the second transport path to the transport path 50.

[0038] The code reading unit 55 reads the identification code of a sample container held in a rack and moving along the transport path of the rack installation unit 5. The identification code is, for example, a sample ID, and a barcode label on which a barcode indicating the sample ID is printed is affixed to the sample container. The transport control unit 54 determines the transport destination of the rack holding the sample container based on the identification code read by the code reading unit 55. As described above, the rack 100 holding the sample container 101 is transported to the hematology analyzer 2 via the first transport path 51, and the rack 110 holding the sample container 111 is transported to the blood coagulation measuring device 3 via the second transport path 52. In other words, based on the identification code read by the code reading unit 55, it is determined whether the rack is rack 100 or 110.

[0039] In the multiple analytical system 1, most of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are disposed behind the transport path 50, i.e., on the first side of the transport device 4. Parts of the lower parts of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are disposed directly below the transport path 50. In the multiple analytical system 1, the operator's standing position is set on the second side (front) of the transport path 50, and the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are disposed on the first side (rear) of the transport path 50. The power operation reception unit, the terminal device, etc., which are operated by the operator, are arranged so that the parts to be operated by the operator face the front of the multiple analytical system 1 so that they can be operated from the second side of the transport path 50.

[0040] The power operation reception unit includes at least one of a startup instruction reception unit that receives instructions to start up the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3, and a shutdown instruction reception unit that receives instructions to shut down each device. In this embodiment, the startup instruction reception unit and the shutdown instruction reception unit are provided separately in the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3. This allows the operator to start up and shut down each device individually.

[0041] The blood cell analyzer 2 has a power button 16a of the analyzer 16 as a startup instruction receiving section. The blood cell analyzer 2 is configured so that when an operator operates the power button 16a of the analyzer 16, the analyzer 16 starts up and the measuring units 10A and 10B also start up. The blood coagulation measuring device 3 has a main power button 35 as a startup instruction receiving section. The operation surfaces of the power button 16a and the main power button 35 both face the front of the multiple analysis system 1 and are positioned so that they can be operated from the second side of the transport device 4. In other words, the blood cell analyzer 2, the blood coagulation measuring device 3, and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented so that the startup instruction receiving section can be accessed from the second side of the transport device 4.

[0042] The operation surface of the power button 16a of the blood cell analyzer 2 is disposed facing the first side surface of the transport device 4, i.e., facing the transport path 50. In other words, the operation surface of the power button 16a is disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport path 50. In this case, the operability of the power button 16a from the front of the transport path 50 is improved. The main power button 35 of the blood coagulation measuring device 3 is, for example, a lever-type switch, but may also be a push-button switch like the power button 16a. Furthermore, the main power button 35 may be disposed behind the transport path 50 so that its operation surface faces the transport path 50.

[0043] The terminal device is a device that accepts operation instructions and / or displays information for the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3. That is, the terminal device includes at least one of an operation instruction accepting unit and an information display unit. The terminal device broadly includes operation units that do not correspond to the power operation accepting unit. Note that, in the configuration of the present invention, a clear distinction between the terminal device and the power operation accepting unit is not necessary. In this embodiment, the displays 17 and 37, which are touch panels, function as the terminal device that accepts operation instructions and displays information. Furthermore, the operation buttons of each device correspond to the operation instruction accepting unit of the terminal device.

[0044] Display 17 displays a screen including an operation instruction receiving section that receives operation instructions for the blood cell analyzer 2, and display 37 displays a screen including an operation instruction receiving section that receives operation instructions for the blood coagulation measuring device 3. In both displays 17 and 37, the screen on which the operation instruction receiving section is displayed faces the front of the multiple analysis system 1 and is arranged so that it can be operated from the second side of the transport device 4. In other words, the blood cell analyzer 2, blood coagulation measuring device 3, and transport device 4 are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to displays 17 and 37 from the second side of the transport device 4.

[0045] In the multiple analysis system 1, the working unit 2Z of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the working unit 3Z of the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are preferably located on the second side (forward) of the transport device 4 at a position 700 mm horizontally away from the end of the second side (forward) of the transport device 4 on the first side (rear). In this embodiment, the front end 50a of the transport device 4 is located at the frontmost position of the system, and is the end of the transport device 4 on the second side. In other words, it is preferable to locate the working units 2Z and 3Z within a length range of 700 mm horizontally in the front-to-rear direction from the front end 50a of the transport device 4. In this case, good operability is obtained.

[0046] Specifically, the front cover 11a, sample setting section 19, operation buttons such as open / close button 20 and measurement start button 21, power button 16a, and screen of display 17 of the blood cell analyzer 2 are preferably arranged within a length range of 700 mm in the horizontal direction from the front end 50a of the transport device 4. Similarly, the front cover 31a, sample setting section 49, operation buttons such as measurement start button 39, main power button 35, and screen of display 37 of the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are preferably arranged within a length range of 700 mm in the horizontal direction from the front end 50a of the transport device 4. Furthermore, the operation surfaces of the buttons and the screens of displays 17 and 37 are preferably arranged facing the first side surface of the transport device 4, i.e., facing the transport path 50.

[0047] Hereinafter, the blood cell analyzer 2 that constitutes the multiple analysis system 1 will be described in detail with further reference to FIGS.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the blood cell analyzer 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the blood cell analyzer 2 includes measuring units 10A and 10B and a transport unit 18 connected to a first transport path 51. The measuring units 10A and 10B and the transport unit 18 are disposed behind the first transport path 51. The measuring units 10A and 10B remove sample containers 101 from racks 100 transported to the intermediate transport path 18b of the transport unit 18, introduce the sample containers 101 into the units, and measure the samples contained in the sample containers 101. The measuring units 10A and 10B are, for example, capable of measuring the same items. The measuring units 10A and 10B may be capable of measuring some of different items. While FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the measuring unit 10A, the measuring unit 10B also has the same device structure.

[0049] The transport unit 18 has a transport path that is generally U-shaped in plan view, including an inlet path 18a for transporting the rack 100 from the first transport path 51, an intermediate transport path 18b, and an outlet path 18c for transporting the rack 100 to the first transport path 51. The intermediate transport path 18b is a transport path that connects the inlet path 18a and the outlet path 18c, and is disposed parallel to the first transport path 51. A sample acquisition position P2A by the measurement unit 10A and a sample acquisition position P2B by the measurement unit 10B are set on the intermediate transport path 18b. The intermediate transport path 18b has, for example, a belt conveyor, and is configured to be able to move the rack 100 in the left-right direction.

[0050] The measurement unit 10A can measure, for example, CBC items and DIFF items. CBC items include WBC (white blood cell count), RBC (red blood cell count), HGB (hemoglobin), HCT (hematocrit), MCV (mean corpuscular volume), MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin), MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), and PLT (platelet count). DIFF items include NEUT# (neutrophil count), LYMPH# (lymphocyte count), MONO# (monocyte count), EO# (eosinophil count), and BASO# (basophil count). The measurement unit 10B may be capable of measuring, for example, RET items, PLT-F items, and WPC items in addition to CBC items and DIFF items. RET items include RET# (reticulocyte count), and PLT-F items include PLT# (platelet count).

[0051] The measurement unit 10A includes a container transport unit 12, a code reading unit 13, a sample preparation unit 14, a measurement unit 15, and a robot hand 26. The robot hand 26 removes a sample container 101 from the rack 100 at acquisition position P2 on the intermediate transport path 18b, shakes the removed sample container 101 a predetermined number of times to mix it by inverting it, and then places it in the container transport unit 12. The container transport unit 12 is configured to hold the sample container 101 in an upright position and transport the sample container 101 in the forward and backward directions. The code reading unit 13 is provided on the transport path of the sample container 101 by the container transport unit 12, and reads the sample ID from the label affixed to the sample container 101.

[0052] The operations of the measuring units 10A, 10B and the transport unit 18 are controlled by a control unit of the analyzer 16. The control unit queries the host computer 120 about a measurement order based on the sample ID read by the code reader 13, and obtains the sample measurement order from the host computer 120. At this time, the measuring unit to which the sample container 101 is introduced is determined so that the load on the measuring units 10A and 10B is distributed. For example, a sample container 101 in a holder of the rack 100 with an odd number is introduced into the measuring unit 10A, and a sample container 101 with an even number is introduced into the measuring unit 10B.

[0053] The sample preparation unit 14 has an aspirating tube 14a. The aspirating tube 14a pierces the stopper of a sample container 101 placed in the container transport unit 12 to aspirate the sample. When the aspirating of the sample is completed, the sample container 101 is transported forward by the container transport unit 12 and returned to its original holder in the rack 100 by the robot hand 26. The sample preparation unit 14 includes, for example, a reaction chamber and a reagent supply unit 22, and prepares a measurement sample by mixing the aspirated sample and reagent in the reaction chamber. Multiple reaction chambers are provided according to the measurement type, and multiple types of reagents (such as staining solutions) according to the measurement items are supplied to each reaction chamber, and measurement samples according to the various measurement items are prepared.

[0054] The measurement unit 15 performs RBC and PLT detection using a sheath flow DC detection method, and HGB detection using an SLS-hemoglobin method. The measurement unit 15 also has an FCM measurement unit that performs WBC detection using a flow cytometry method using a semiconductor laser. The prepared measurement sample is configured to be supplied to the FCM measurement unit, etc. The detection results obtained by the measurement unit 15 are sent to the analysis device 16 as sample measurement data.

[0055] The aspirating tube 14a is located inside the housing 11 and can be viewed by opening the front cover 11a. The aspirating tube 14a is a maintenance-targeted component that undergoes cleaning and other maintenance, either periodically or when an abnormality occurs in the measurement results. For example, cleaning work, such as wiping off adhering samples, is performed periodically or when an abnormality occurs in the measurement results. As will be described in detail later, the front cover 11a can be opened from the front of the multiple analysis system 1, allowing the operator to clean the aspirating tube 14a from the front of the system. In other words, the hematology analyzer 2 and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented so that the aspirating tube 14a is accessible from the second side of the transport device 4, i.e., the second side of the first transport path 51. The aspirating tube 14a is accessed from the second side of the first transport path 51 across the first transport path 51. The aspirating tube 14a is preferably located within a horizontal length range of 700 mm along the front-to-rear direction from the front end 50a of the transport device 4. This improves operability.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the upper part of the blood cell analyzer 2 (measurement unit 10A) with the front cover 11a open. As shown in FIG. 4, the interior of the blood cell analyzer 2 covered by the front cover 11a contains a reagent supply unit 22 in which reagents are set, a backflow prevention chamber 25, and the like. The front cover 11a forms part of the front surface of the housing 11 and is configured to open by rotating from bottom to top. The front cover 11a is rotatably fixed to the top surface of the housing 11 via a hinge.

[0057] A handle 11c is provided at the bottom of the front cover 11a. The handle 11c is an operating part used when opening the front cover 11a. The handle 11c is formed, for example, by fixing a member having a recess into which a finger can be inserted to the inner surface of the front cover 11a with the recess facing downward. The handle 11c is provided on the front surface of the front cover 11a that faces the first transport path 51. This allows the operator to easily open the front cover 11a from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. The handle 11c is accessed from the second side surface side of the first transport path 51, straddling the first transport path 51.

[0058] The reagent supply unit 22 is provided inside the front cover 11a and has reagent container holders 22a that hold multiple reagent containers each containing a predetermined amount of reagent. The reagent container holders 22a correspond to a reagent setting unit for setting the reagent. An aspirating tube for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container is provided at the rear inside the reagent container holder 22a. The reagent container holder 22a includes, for example, five holder units and is configured to be able to hold five types of reagent containers. The reagent containers held in the reagent container holders 22a contain reagents (staining solutions) for measuring multiple measurement items by the FCM measurement unit.

[0059] The reagent supply unit 22 is provided inside the housing 11 but can be accessed by opening the front cover 11a. As described above, the front cover 11a can be opened from the front of the multiple analysis system 1, and the reagent supply unit 22 is configured to allow reagent container replacement from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. In other words, the hematology analyzer 2 and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented to allow access to the reagent supply unit 22 from the second side of the first transport path 51. More specifically, the hematology analyzer 2 and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented to allow an operator to attach and remove reagent containers to and from the reagent container holders 22a from the second side of the first transport path 51. The reagent supply unit 22 is accessed from the second side of the first transport path 51, straddling the first transport path 51. Furthermore, the reagent supply unit 22 is preferably provided within a horizontal length range of 700 mm along the front-to-rear direction from the front end 50a of the transport device 4.

[0060] The backflow prevention chamber 25 is located within the hematology analyzer 2, which is covered by the front cover 11a, and is aligned with the reagent supply unit 22 in the left-right direction. The backflow prevention chamber 25 prevents backflow from the reaction chamber to the reagent supply unit 22. The backflow prevention chamber 25 is a maintenance target that undergoes visual inspection and cleaning periodically or when an abnormality occurs in the measurement results. This maintenance can be performed from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. In other words, the hematology analyzer 2 and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented to allow visual inspection and access to the backflow prevention chamber 25 from the second side of the first transport path 51. The backflow prevention chamber 25 is accessed from the second side of the first transport path 51 across the first transport path 51. The backflow prevention chamber 25 is preferably located within a horizontal length range of 700 mm along the front-rear direction from the front end 50a of the transport path 50.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the upper part of the blood cell analyzer 2 (measurement unit 10A) and illustrates manual measurement of a quality control material. The quality control material is also generally referred to as a quality control sample. As shown in FIG. 5, a sample setting section 19 is provided at the lower front of the measurement unit 10A. The cover 19a (see FIG. 4) opens and is pulled forward, allowing a sample container containing a quality control sample to be placed therein. The lower front of the measurement unit 10A is further provided with an open / close button 20 and a measurement start button 21. The sample setting section 19 can be opened and closed by operating the open / close button 20, and measurement of a sample placed in the sample setting section 19 is started by operating the measurement start button 21. For example, a sample container is placed in the sample setting section 19 when measuring a quality control sample or an urgent sample, and a cleaning fluid container containing a cleaning fluid is placed therein when cleaning the device.

[0062] The sample setting section 19, open / close button 20, and measurement start button 21 are arranged facing the first side of the transport device 4, i.e., on the front surface of the measurement unit 10A facing the first transport path 51, so that sample containers can be placed in the sample setting section 19 from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. Furthermore, the operation surfaces of the open / close button 20 and measurement start button 21 are arranged facing the first transport path 51, so that they can be easily operated from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. In other words, the blood cell analyzer 2 and transport device 4 are arranged in a position and orientation that allows access to the sample setting section 19, open / close button 20, and measurement start button 21 from the second side of the first transport path 51. The sample setting section 19, open / close button 20, and measurement start button 21 are accessed from the second side of the first transport path 51 across the first transport path 51. Furthermore, as described above, the sample setting section 19 and each of these buttons are preferably provided within a horizontal length range of 700 mm along the front-to-rear direction from the front end 50a of the transport device 4.

[0063] The blood cell analyzer 2 is equipped with an error handling unit that handles errors that occur in the device. One example of an error is an error in which the measurement results of a quality control sample fall outside the control range. When this error occurs, for example, the quality control sample is remeasured and a quality control sample with a different lot number is set in the sample setting unit 19. For this reason, the sample setting unit 19 corresponds to the error handling unit.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the lower part of the blood cell analyzer 2 with the door 24 open. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower part of the blood cell analyzer 2 is provided with a cleaning fluid set section 23 in which a cleaning fluid container 23a containing a cleaning fluid for cleaning the device is set. The cleaning fluid set section 23 has a space capable of accommodating the cleaning fluid container 23a, and may be configured by disposing a drawer, shelf, cart, or the like in the space for accommodating the cleaning fluid container 23a. The lower part of the blood cell analyzer 2 is provided with a door 24 that forms the front of the device and closes the cleaning fluid set section 23.

[0065] The cleaning liquid set unit 23 is disposed below the measurement units 10A and 10B and the transport path 50, and the cleaning liquid container 23a can be inserted or removed by opening a door 24 from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. In other words, the blood cell analyzer 2 and the transport device 4 are disposed in positions that allow access to the cleaning liquid set unit 23 from the second side of the first transport path 51. The left end of the door 24 is fixed to the lower side of the housing 11 via a hinge so that it can be opened by rotating from right to left, for example. The cleaning liquid set unit 23 is disposed on the first side of the transport device 4 and is configured to be movable to the second side of the transport device 4. For example, a drawer, a cart, or the like that constitutes the cleaning liquid set unit 23 can be pulled out to the second side of the transport device 4, allowing the cleaning liquid container 23a to be inserted or removed from the second side.

[0066] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen of the blood cell analyzer 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the operation screen 200 includes a toolbar 210 including buttons for main functions, a status display area 220 including indicators showing information such as the status of the device, the status of the host computer, and the remaining amounts of reagents and consumables, and a menu icon display area 230. The operation screen 200 is displayed on the display 17. In addition to the operation screen 200, the display 17 also outputs an order screen for inputting sample information when performing manual measurement, a quality control screen including information about quality control, a result display screen (described later), and the like.

[0067] The toolbar 210 includes a menu button 211, a QC file button 212 for displaying a quality control screen, a measurement registration button 213 for displaying an order screen, etc. The menu icon display area 230 displays a plurality of buttons (icons) for performing various operations and displaying information, and the same buttons as those included in the toolbar 210 may be displayed. The menu icon display area 230 includes a logoff button 231, a shutdown button 232, a history button 233, a calibration history button 234, a measurement unit setting button 235, a schedule setting button 236, etc.

[0068] The shutdown button 232 displayed on the operation screen 200 corresponds to the shutdown instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to shut down the blood cell analyzer 2. The operation buttons other than the shutdown button 232 correspond to operation instruction receiving units that receive operation instructions for the blood cell analyzer 2. The screen of the display 17 is a touch panel screen that receives operation instructions and displays information, and is oriented to face the first transport path 51. In other words, the screen of the display 17 faces the front of the multiple analysis system 1, and the blood cell analyzer 2 and transport device 4 are positioned and oriented so that the shutdown button 232 and various operation buttons can be accessed from the second side of the first transport path 51. The screen of the display 17 can be accessed from the second side of the first transport path 51, straddling the first transport path 51.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a result display screen of the blood cell analyzer 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the result display screen includes areas 61 to 64, in addition to the sample number of the blood sample and the measurement date and time. Area 61 displays the number of white blood cells (WBC), as well as the numbers of neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), monocytes (MONO), eosinophils (EO), and basophils (BASO), and their respective ratios to the white blood cell count. Area 62 displays the measurement results of research items. Area 63 displays flag information indicating that the blood sample is suspected of containing certain abnormal cells. Area 64 displays a scattergram. This scattergram is a two-dimensional scattergram with the horizontal axis representing side scattering intensity and the vertical axis representing fluorescence intensity. The result display screen is displayed on the display 17. Note that the display 17 may output result display screens other than the result display screen shown in FIG. 8.

[0070] The result display screen displayed on the display 17 corresponds to the analysis result display unit that displays the analysis results of the blood cell analyzer 2. As described above, the screen of the display 17 is positioned facing the first transport path 51, that is, facing the front of the multiple analysis system 1. The blood cell analyzer 2 and transport device 4 are positioned and oriented so that the analysis results displayed on the analysis result display unit can be viewed from the second side of the first transport path 51.

[0071] 9 to 13, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 constituting the multiple analysis system 1 will be described in detail below. The blood coagulation measuring device 3 is a device that analyzes blood coagulation function by, for example, the coagulation method, the synthetic substrate method, the immunoturbidimetric method, and the agglutination method, but the device configuration will be described below using the coagulation method measurement as an example.

[0072] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the blood coagulation measuring device 3. As shown in Figure 9, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 includes a measurement sample preparation unit 33 that prepares a measurement sample containing a specimen and a reagent, and a measurement unit 34 that performs optical measurement of the measurement sample. The measurement sample is prepared, for example, by mixing a coagulation measurement reagent such as a prothrombin time (PT) measurement reagent or an activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) measurement reagent with the specimen, and then mixing with a reagent for initiating blood coagulation, such as a calcium solution. The measurement unit 34 measures optical information from the prepared measurement sample.

[0073] The sample is prepared by centrifuging a whole blood sample collected from a subject. The sample is, for example, a supernatant obtained by centrifuging blood to which an anticoagulant has been added. A sample container 111 containing the sample is placed in a rack 110.

[0074] The coagulation measurement reagent, for example, an APTT measurement reagent, is a reagent containing an activator and a phospholipid. Examples of commercially available APTT measurement reagents include Revohem (registered trademark) APTT SLA (Sysmex Corporation), Thrombocheck (registered trademark) APTT SLA (Sysmex Corporation), Coagpia (registered trademark) APTT-N (Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd.), and Dataphi APTT (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH).

[0075] The measurement sample preparation unit 33 has a reagent holding table 32a. The reagent holding table 32a is a circular table. The reagent holding table 32a corresponds to a reagent setting unit for setting reagents. Multiple container racks 47a, 47b are arranged around the reagent holding table 32a. Reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. containing solutions containing reagents are set in the container racks 47a, 47b. The reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. are, for example, a coagulation measurement reagent or a calcium solution, respectively. The reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. are placed in the container racks 47a, 47b by an operator after removing the container racks 47a, 47b from the reagent holding table 32a. The container racks 47a, 47b containing the reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. are placed on the reagent holding table 32a by an operator after opening the front cover 31a to expose the inside of the device.

[0076] The reagent holding table 32a includes a first table 32b that is circular in plan view and a second table 32c that is annular in plan view and is provided around the outer periphery of the first table 32b. In the example shown in FIG. 9, four container racks 47a are arranged circumferentially on the first table 32b. Three large container racks 47b are arranged circumferentially on the second table 32c. The first table 32b and the second table 32c can be independently rotated circumferentially around a rotation shaft 32d by a rotation mechanism equipped with an electric motor. This rotation can move reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. to their respective predetermined positions. When replacing reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc., the first table 32b or the second table 32c rotates and stops at an angular position where the reagent container 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. to be replaced is located at the front of the system. This allows the operator to access the reagent holding table 32a from the second side of the transport device 4, in other words, from the second side of the second transport path 52, i.e., to attach and remove the container racks 47a, 47b containing the reagent to be replaced to and from the reagent holding table 32a. The reagent holding table 32a is accessed from the second side of the second transport path 52, straddling the second transport path 52.

[0077] The measurement sample preparation unit 33 includes a code reader 32e that reads the identification codes attached to the reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. and the container racks 47a, 47b. By reading the identification codes, the code reader 32e can identify the positions of the reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. on the reagent holding table 32a.

[0078] The measurement sample preparation unit 33 includes first aliquot dispensers 42a and 42b that dispense specimens. The first aliquot dispensers 42a and 42b each have a dispensing arm that rotatably holds an aspirating tube 43a or 43b used for dispensing. The aspirating tubes 43a and 43b are configured to aspirate and dispense a predetermined amount of fluid. The aspirating tube 43a has a sharp tip for puncturing a stopper attached to the opening of a specimen container 111. The first aliquot dispenser 42a moves the aspirating tube 43a over the specimen container 111, aspirates a predetermined amount of specimen from the specimen container 111, and dispenses the predetermined amount of specimen into a reaction vessel 48a. The first aliquot dispenser 42b moves the aspirating tube 43b over a reaction vessel 48a into which the specimen has been dispensed, aspirates a portion of the specimen from the reaction vessel 48a, and dispenses the portion of the specimen into another reaction vessel 48a. When there are multiple measurement items, the first dispensing unit 42b moves the aspirating tube 43b over the reaction vessel 48a into which the sample has been dispensed, aspirates some of the sample again from the reaction vessel 48a, and dispenses some of the sample into another reaction vessel 48a.

[0079] The transport unit 38 places the sample container 111 held in the rack 110 at a predetermined sample suction position P3a. The sample suction position P3a is the sample acquisition position P3 by the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The transport unit 38 has a code reader 41 that reads the sample ID from the label affixed to the sample container 111. The operation of the device main body 30 and the transport unit 38 is controlled by the control unit of the analysis device 36. The control unit queries the host computer 120 about a measurement order based on the sample ID read by the code reader 41, and acquires the sample measurement order from the host computer 120.

[0080] The transport unit 38 has a transport path that is generally U-shaped in plan view, including an inlet path 38a for transporting the rack 110 from the second transport path 52, an intermediate transport path 38b, and an outlet path 38c for transporting the rack 110 to the second transport path 52. The intermediate transport path 38b is a transport path that connects the inlet path 38a and the outlet path 38c, and is arranged parallel to the second transport path 52. In this embodiment, a sample suction position P3a is set on the intermediate transport path 38b. The intermediate transport path 38b has, for example, a belt conveyor, and is configured to be able to move the rack 110 in the left-right direction.

[0081] The blood coagulation measuring device 3 may have a sample container fixing unit that fixes the sample container 111 placed at the sample suction position P3a on the intermediate transport path 38b when the suction tube 43a punctures the stopper of the sample container 111 and aspirates the sample. In this case, stable sample collection is possible from the sample container 111 positioned on the intermediate transport path 38b. The sample container fixing unit may fix the rack 110 to fix the sample container 111 held in the rack 110.

[0082] The measurement sample preparation unit 33 has a turntable 33a that transports the reaction vessels 48a. The turntable 33a is arranged outside the reagent holding table 32a. The turntable 33a has a ring shape in a plan view and can rotate in the circumferential direction. The turntable 33a has a plurality of holding holes 33b arranged along the circumferential direction. Each holding hole 33b can hold one reaction vessel 48a.

[0083] The sample is dispensed into the reaction container 48a by the first aliquot dispensers 42a and 42b. As described above, the first aliquot dispenser 42a moves the suction tube 43a to aspirate a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 111 placed at the sample suction position P3a of the transport unit 38. The first aliquot dispenser 42b moves the suction tube 43b to aspirate a portion of the sample from the reaction container 48a into which the sample has been dispensed, and dispenses it into another reaction container 48a.

[0084] The measurement sample preparation unit 33 has a gripping mechanism 33c that can transport the reaction vessel 48a and a heating table 33e that holds and heats the reaction vessel 48a. The gripping mechanism 33c grips and transports the reaction vessel 48a. The gripping mechanism 33c places the empty reaction vessel 48a in the holding hole 33b of the turntable 33a.

[0085] The measurement specimen preparation unit 33 has two second dispensing units 33h. Each of the second dispensing units 33h has an aspirating tube 33i for dispensing. The second dispensing unit 33h moves the aspirating tube 33i over reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. placed at predetermined reagent aspirating positions P34, P35 on the reagent holding table 32a, and aspirates a predetermined amount of coagulation measurement reagent from the reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. Thereafter, the second dispensing unit 33h moves over a reaction container 48a placed on the turntable 33a, and dispenses the aspirated predetermined amount of coagulation measurement reagent into the reaction container 48a containing the sample.

[0086] The heating table 33e is a circular table with a built-in heater, and includes a plurality of holding holes 33f for holding a plurality of reaction vessels 48a containing a mixture of a sample and a coagulation measurement reagent, and a gripping mechanism 33g for gripping and transporting the reaction vessels 48a. The holding holes 33f are arranged along the circumferential direction of the heating table 33e. The heating table 33e is rotatable in the circumferential direction, and while the heater heats the reaction vessels 48a to a predetermined temperature, the rotation transports the reaction vessels 48a placed in the plurality of holding holes 33f in the circumferential direction. The gripping mechanism 33g removes the reaction vessel 48a into which the coagulation measurement reagent has been dispensed from the holding hole 33b of the turntable 33a and places the reaction vessel 48a in one of the holding holes 33f.

[0087] The measurement sample preparation unit 33 further includes a gripping mechanism 33d for transporting the reaction vessel 48a. The gripping mechanism 33d is equipped with a movement mechanism for each of three orthogonal axial directions, X, Y, and Z, and grips and transports the reaction vessel 48a. After the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 48a is heated for a predetermined time by the heating table 33e, the gripping mechanism 33d grips the reaction vessel 48a and places it at one of the reagent dispensing positions P32 and P33. The second dispensing unit 33h moves the aspirating tube 33i onto reagent vessels 48b, 48c, 48d, etc., placed at predetermined reagent aspirating positions P34 and P35 on the reagent holding table 32a, and aspirates a predetermined amount of calcium solution from the reagent vessels 48b, 48c, 48d, etc. Thereafter, the second dispensing unit 33h is positioned at the reagent dispensing positions P32 and P33, moves over the reaction vessel 48a into which the heated mixed solution has been dispensed, and dispenses a predetermined amount of calcium solution into the reaction vessel 48a containing the mixed solution. This initiates blood coagulation in the reaction vessel 48a. The gripping mechanism 33d transfers the reaction vessel 48a into which the calcium solution has been dispensed to the measurement unit 34. The gripping mechanism 33d also transfers the reaction vessel 48a after measurement from the vessel placement unit 34a to the waste outlet 33j.

[0088] The measurement unit 34 measures the absorbance or transmittance of the measurement sample. The measurement unit 34 has a container placement unit 34a for setting a reaction container 48a containing the measurement sample, a light transmission unit 34b for irradiating the reaction container 48a with light for signal detection, and a light reception unit 34c disposed opposite the light transmission unit 34b across the reaction container 48a. The measurement unit 34 is provided with multiple container placement units 34a. In this case, the measurement samples in multiple reaction containers 48a can be measured simultaneously.

[0089] The measurement unit 34 measures the change over time in transmitted light during the reaction process of the hemostatic component in the measurement sample in the reaction container 48a placed in the container placement unit 34a. The light-transmitting unit 34b irradiates light onto the measurement sample in the reaction container 48a placed in the container placement unit 34a. The light-transmitting unit 34b includes a light source such as a light-emitting diode or a halogen lamp. The light-receiving unit 34c receives light that is irradiated onto the measurement sample in the reaction container 48a and transmitted through the measurement sample (transmitted light), and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of received light. The light-receiving unit 34c includes a photoelectric conversion element that converts the received light into an electrical signal and outputs it, and transmits this electrical signal to the analysis device 36. Note that the measurement unit 34 may be configured so that the light-receiving unit 34c receives light (scattered light) that is scattered by the measurement sample from the light-transmitting unit 34b.

[0090] The analyzer 36 analyzes the coagulation time of the sample, the activity of a predetermined component, the concentration of a predetermined component, etc., based on the electrical signal output from the light-receiving unit 34c, i.e., the measurement results of the optical information of the sample acquired by the measurement unit 34. The analyzer 36 creates a reaction curve and calculates the coagulation time based on, for example, the intensity of light transmitted through the measurement sample. The analysis results by the analyzer 36 are displayed on the display 37.

[0091] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the upper part of the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 3 with the front cover 31a open. As shown in Figure 10, the interior of the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 3 covered with the front cover 31a contains first dispensing units 42a, 42b having suction tubes 43a, 43b that aspirate samples from sample containers 111, a cooling unit 40 in which reagents are set, and the like. The front cover 31a forms the front surface, the front portion of the top surface, and the front portion of the left surface of the housing 31, and is configured to rotate from bottom to top to open.

[0092] The front cover 31a is rotatably fixed via a hinge to the rear portion of the top surface of the housing 31. A handle 31c is provided on the lower front surface of the front cover 31a. The handle 31c is an operating part used to open the front cover 31a. The handle 31c has a recess into which a finger can be inserted from below, and is provided on the front surface of the front cover 31a facing the second transport path 52. This allows the operator to easily open the front cover 31a from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. The handle 31c is accessed from the second side surface of the second transport path 52, straddling the second transport path 52.

[0093] Two suction tubes 43a, 43b are provided inside the blood coagulation measuring device 3, and the suction tubes 43a, 43b can be seen by opening the front cover 31a. The suction tubes 43a, 43b are subject to maintenance, such as cleaning, which is performed periodically or when an abnormality occurs in the measurement results. The operator can clean the suction tubes from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. In other words, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented so that the suction tubes 43a, 43b can be accessed from the second side of the second transport path 52. The suction tubes 43a, 43b are accessed from the second side of the second transport path 52 by straddling the second transport path 52.

[0094] The cold storage unit 40 is cooled to a temperature suitable for storing the reagents and has a reagent holding table 32a on which the reagents and the like are set. As described above, reagent containers 48b, 48c, 48d and the like are set on the reagent holding table 32a. The cold storage unit 40 has an opening 40a through which the container racks 47a, 47b can be inserted and removed, and a cold storage unit cover 40b that opens and closes the opening 40a. The cold storage unit cover 40b is configured to open by rotating in the same direction as the front cover 31a.

[0095] The reagent holding table 32a of the cooling unit 40 serves as both a reagent setting unit where reagents for the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are set and a quality control sample setting unit where quality control samples are set. The operator can set reagents, quality control samples, and the like on the reagent holding table 32a by opening the front cover 31a and the cooling unit cover 40b from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. In other words, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented so that the reagent holding table 32a can be accessed from the second side of the second transport path 52. Furthermore, the reagent holding table 32a and the two suction tubes 43a, 43b are preferably located within a horizontal length range of 700 mm along the front-to-rear direction from the front end 50a of the transport device 4. This improves operability.

[0096] As described above, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 includes a specimen setting unit 49 located adjacent to the second transport path 52. For example, specimen containers are set in the specimen setting unit 49 when measuring quality control specimens or urgent specimens. Measurement of the specimen set in the specimen setting unit 49 is started by operating a measurement start button 39 located on the front surface of the blood coagulation measuring device 3. The specimen setting unit 49 is oriented to face the first side of the transport device 4, i.e., the second transport path 52, and specimen containers can be placed in the specimen setting unit 49 from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. In other words, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented so that the specimen setting unit 49 can be accessed from the second side of the second transport path 52. The specimen setting unit 49 is accessed from the second side of the second transport path 52 across the second transport path 52.

[0097] The blood coagulation measuring device 3 is equipped with an error handling unit that handles errors that occur in the device. An example of an error is an error in which the measurement results of a quality control sample fall outside the control range, as in the case of the blood cell analyzer 2. When this error occurs, for example, the quality control sample is remeasured and a quality control sample with a different lot number is set in the sample setting unit 49. For this reason, the sample setting unit 49 corresponds to the error handling unit.

[0098] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the lower part of the blood coagulation measuring device 3 with a door 45 open. As shown in Fig. 11, a cleaning fluid set section 44 is provided in the lower part of the blood coagulation measuring device 3, in which a cleaning fluid container 44a containing a cleaning fluid for cleaning the blood coagulation measuring device 3 is set. The cleaning fluid set section 44 has, for example, a space capable of accommodating the cleaning fluid container 44a, and may be configured by arranging a drawer, shelf, dolly, or the like in the space for accommodating the cleaning fluid container 44a. A door 45 is provided in the lower part of the blood coagulation measuring device 3, forming the front of the device and closing the cleaning fluid set section 44.

[0099] The cleaning liquid set unit 44 is disposed below the device main body 30 and the transport path 50, and the cleaning liquid container 44a can be inserted or removed by opening a door 45 from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. In other words, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 and the transport device 4 are disposed in positions that allow access to the cleaning liquid set unit 44 from the second side of the second transport path 52. The left end of the door 45 is fixed to the lower side of the housing 31 via a hinge so that it can be opened by rotating from right to left, for example. The cleaning liquid set unit 44 is disposed on the first side of the transport device 4 and is configured to be movable to the second side of the transport device 4. For example, a drawer, a cart, or the like that constitutes the cleaning liquid set unit 44 can be pulled out to the second side of the transport device 4, and the cleaning liquid container 44a can be inserted or removed from the second side.

[0100] The blood coagulation measuring device 3 includes a backflow prevention chamber 46. The backflow prevention chamber 46 is a maintenance target that undergoes visual inspection, cleaning, and other maintenance periodically or when an abnormality occurs in the measurement results. In this embodiment, the backflow prevention chamber 46 is installed in the lower part of the blood coagulation measuring device 3, inside the device, which is covered by a door 45. The backflow prevention chamber 46 can be checked by opening the door 45 and can be easily removed from the front of the multiple analysis system 1. In other words, the blood coagulation measuring device 3 and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented so that the backflow prevention chamber 46 can be accessed from the second side of the second transport path 52. Furthermore, the backflow prevention chamber 46 is preferably provided within a horizontal length range of 700 mm along the front-to-rear direction from the front end 50a of the transport device 4.

[0101] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen of the blood coagulation measuring apparatus 3. As shown in Fig. 12, the operation screen 300 includes a toolbar 310 including buttons for main functions, a status display area 320 including indicators showing information such as the status of the apparatus, the status of the host computer, and the remaining amounts of reagents and consumables, and a menu icon display area 330. The operation screen 300 is displayed on the display 37. In addition to the operation screen 300, the display 37 also outputs an order screen for inputting sample information when performing manual measurement, a result display screen (described later), and the like.

[0102] The toolbar 310 includes a maintenance button 311 that is operated when performing maintenance or inspection of the apparatus, a shutdown button 312 that is operated when shutting down the apparatus, an order button 313 that displays an order screen, etc. The menu icon display area 330 displays a plurality of buttons (icons) for performing various operations and displaying information, and the same buttons as those included in the toolbar 310 may be displayed. The menu icon display area 330 includes a reagent consumables button 331, a calibration curve button 332, a QC chart button 333, a maintenance button 334, an error history button 335, a settings button 336, a shutdown button 337, etc.

[0103] The shutdown buttons 312 and 337 displayed on the operation screen 300 correspond to the shutdown instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to shut down the blood coagulation measuring device 3. The operation buttons other than the shutdown buttons 312 and 337 correspond to an operation instruction receiving unit that receives an operation instruction for the blood coagulation measuring device 3. As described above, the screen of the display 37 is a touch panel screen that receives operation instructions and displays information, and is oriented facing the second transport path 52. Each button receives an operation instruction when the touch panel screen detects contact with an operator's finger. In other words, the screen of the display 37 faces the front of the multiple analysis system 1, and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 and the transport device 4 are positioned and oriented so that the shutdown buttons 312 and 337 and the various operation buttons are accessible from the second side of the second transport path 52. The screen of the display 37 is accessible from the second side of the second transport path 52, straddling the second transport path 52.

[0104] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a result display screen of the blood coagulation measuring device 3. As shown in Fig. 13, result display screen 350 includes a reaction curve display area 351 that displays a reaction curve showing the time series change in the intensity of transmitted light, and is a screen that displays detailed results of a measurement item selected by a measurement item tab 352. Result display screen 350 is displayed on display 37. Note that a result display screen other than result display screen 350 may also be output to display 37.

[0105] The result display screen 350 further includes a measurement result display area 353a, a detailed information display area 353b, and an error information display area 354. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the measurement item "PT" is selected, and the measurement results for that measurement item are displayed in the measurement result display area 353a and the detailed information display area 353b.

[0106] The result display screen 350 displayed on the display 37 corresponds to the analysis result display unit that displays the analysis results of the blood coagulation measuring device 3. As described above, the screen of the display 37 is arranged facing the second transport path 52, that is, facing the front of the multiple analysis system 1. The blood coagulation measuring device 3 and the transport device 4 are arranged in a position and orientation that allows the analysis results displayed on the analysis result display unit to be viewed from the second side of the second transport path 52.

[0107] Another example (modification) of the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 14 to 17. In the following, the same components as those in the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0108] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a first modified example of a multiple analysis system 1A. As shown in FIG. 14, the multiple analysis system 1A includes a common terminal device 500 that is shared by both the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The terminal device 500 is, for example, a touch panel display. An operation screen and a measurement result screen are displayed on the screen of the terminal device 500. The operation screen is a common operation instruction receiving unit that receives operation instructions for the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3. The measurement result screen is a common analysis result display unit that displays the analysis results of the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3.

[0109] 14, the terminal device 500 is placed between the blood cell analyzer 2 and the rack collection unit 6A, but the terminal device 500 can be placed anywhere, for example, between the rack installation unit 5 and the blood cell analyzer 2, between the rack installation unit 5 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3, or between the blood coagulation measurement device 3 and the rack collection unit 6B. However, it is preferable that the screen of the terminal device 500 is placed facing the front of the multiple analysis system 1A, as in the case of the multiple analysis system 1. The terminal device 500 and the transport device 4 are placed in a position and orientation that allows the operation screen to be operated from the second side of the transport path 50 and the measurement result screen to be viewed.

[0110] The screen of the terminal device 500 may display at least one of a common startup instruction receiving section that receives instructions to start up the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3, and a common shutdown instruction receiving section that receives instructions to shut down the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3. The common startup instruction receiving section may be provided in a location other than the display, such as a push button or lever switch. However, as in the case of the multiple analytical system 1, it is preferable that the switch be placed facing the front of the multiple analytical system 1A.

[0111] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a multiple analysis system 1B, which is a second modified example. As shown in FIG. 15, the multiple analysis system 1B includes a transport device 4B that includes a main transport path that is bent midway. A first transport path 51 that transports racks 100 from the rack installation unit 5 to the blood cell analyzer 2 extends straight in the left-right direction, but a second transport path 52B that transports racks 110 from the rack installation unit 5 to the blood coagulation measuring device 3 is bent at a right angle midway. The transport path 50B serves as a main transport path connecting the rack installation unit 5 and the rack recovery unit, and includes the first transport path 51 that extends straight and the second transport path 52B that is bent midway. In the multiple analysis system 1B, the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52B are arranged in directions that intersect with each other. Although the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are arranged facing in different directions, the operator can still operate and work on each device from the second side of the transport path 50B, avoiding the inefficient movement required to move around the system as in the past. In addition, because the transport path 50B is curved midway, it becomes possible to place the multiple analytical system 1B along two adjacent side walls of the room in which it is installed.

[0112] 15, the second transport path 52B is bent between the rack installation unit 5 and the blood coagulation measurement device 3A, but the second transport path 52B may be bent between the blood coagulation measurement device 3A and the blood coagulation measurement device 3B, or between the blood coagulation measurement device 3B and the rack collection unit 6B. In either case, for example, the longitudinal direction of the rack 110 coincides with the transport direction from the rack installation unit 5 to the bent part of the second transport path 52B, and the longitudinal direction of the rack 110 is perpendicular to the transport direction from the bent part to the rack collection unit 6B. Note that a bent part may be present in the first transport path 51 in addition to or instead of the bent part of the second transport path 52B.

[0113] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a third modified example of a multiple analysis system 1C. As shown in FIG. 16, the multiple analysis system 1C differs from the other embodiments in that it includes one blood cell analyzer 2 and one blood coagulation measurement device 3. Furthermore, the transport device 4C of the multiple analysis system 1C does not include transport units 18 and 38, which are sub-transport paths corresponding to the respective devices. When there is only one blood cell analyzer 2, for example, it is not possible to shorten the measurement time using the transport unit 18, and a sample acquisition position P2 for the blood cell analyzer 2 is set on the first transport path 51, which is the main transport path. Similarly, when there is only one blood coagulation measurement device 3, a sample acquisition position P3 for the blood coagulation measurement device 3 is set on the second transport path 52.

[0114] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a multiple analysis system 1D, which is a fourth modified example. As shown in Fig. 17, the multiple analysis system 1D differs from the other embodiments in that rack collection units 6A and 6B are arranged adjacent to each other and in that it includes a transport device 4D that includes a third transport path 502. In the example shown in Fig. 17, the rack collection units 6A and 6B are arranged on the right side of the blood cell analyzer 2, and the third transport path 502 extends parallel to the first transport path 51 and the second transport path 52.

[0115] As in the other embodiments described above, the first transport path 51 connects the rack installation unit 5 and the rack recovery unit 6A, and transports the rack 100 to the rack recovery unit 6A via the blood cell analyzer 2. On the other hand, the second transport path 52 is connected to the rack recovery unit 6B via a third transport path 502. In the multiple analysis system 1D, the rack 110 transported to the blood coagulation measuring device 3 by the second transport path 52 is transported to the rack recovery unit 6B by the third transport path 502.

[0116] As described above, with the multiple analytical systems 1 to 1D, each device can be operated or worked on from the second side of the transport device. In other words, there is no need to go around to the first side of the transport device to operate or work on each device. As a result, the distance the operator must travel can be significantly reduced, and the workload on the operator can be reduced. Furthermore, because there is no need to secure space for the operator to move to the first side of the transport device, the amount of free space required around the multiple analytical systems 1 to 1E can be reduced, allowing for efficient and effective use of the space in the examination room.

[0117] The above embodiment can be modified as needed without impairing the object of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the blood cell analyzer 2 and the blood coagulation measuring device 3 are arranged on the left and right sides of the rack installation unit 5, so it was necessary to prepare rack 100 holding only sample containers 101 and rack 110 holding only sample containers 111. However, if the rack installation unit, blood cell analyzer, and blood coagulation measuring device are arranged in this order along the main transport path, it is possible to install two types of sample containers 101 and 111 in the same rack. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Composite analysis system 2, 2A, 2B Blood cell analyzer 3, 3A, 3B Blood coagulation measuring device 4. Conveyor equipment 5 Rack installation section 6A, 6B Rack collection area 10A, 10B measurement unit 11. Housing 11a Front cover 11b Side Rack 11c Toride 12 Container transfer section 13 Code reader 14. Sample Preparation Section 14a Suction tube 15 Measuring part 16 Analyzer 16a Power button 17. Display 18 Transport unit 18a Loading road 18b Intermediate conveying path 18c Export path 19 Sample set section 19a Cover 20 Open / Close Button 21 Measurement start button 22 Reagent Supply Department 22a Reagent container holder 23 Cleaning solution set section 23a Cleaning solution container 24 doors 25 Backflow prevention chamber 26 Robot Hand 30 Device body 31 Case 31a Front cover 31b Side Rack 31c Toride 32 Diluted reagent solution preparation section 32a Reagent holding table 32b Table 1 32c Table 2 32d rotation axis 32e Code reader 33 Measurement sample preparation section 33a Rotary table 33b, 33f holding hole 33c, 33d, 33g gripping mechanism 33e Heating table 33h Second dispensing section 33i suction tube 33j Disposal outlet 34 Measuring part 34a Container placement part 34b Light transmitter 34c Light receiving part 35 Main power button 36 Analyzer 37 Display 38 Transport Unit 38a Access road 38b Intermediate conveying path 38c Export path 39 Measurement start button 40 Cooling section 40a opening 40b Cooling unit cover 41 Code reader 42a, 42b First dispensing section 43a, 43b Suction tube 44 Cleaning solution set section 44a Cleaning solution container 45 Doors 46 Backflow prevention chamber 47a, 47b Container rack 48a Reaction vessel 48b Reagent container 48c Reagent container 48d Reagent container 49 Sample Set Section 50 Conveyor path 51 First conveying route 52 Second transport route 54 Transport control unit 55 Code reader 100, 110 racks 101, 111 Sample container 120 Host Computer 200 Operation screen 210 Toolbar 211 Menu button 212 QC file button 213 Measurement registration button 220 Status display area 230 Menu icon display area 231 Logoff button 232 Shutdown button 233 History button 234 Proofreading history button 235 Measurement section setting button 236 Schedule setting button 300 operation screen 310 Toolbar 311 Maintenance button 312 Shutdown button 313 Order Button 320 Status display area 330 Menu icon display area 331 Reagent consumables button 332 Calibration curve button 333 QC Chart Button 334 Maintenance button 335 Error history button 336 Settings button 337 Shutdown button 350 Results display screen 351 Response curve display area 352 Measurements tab 353a Measurement result display area 353b Detailed information display area 354 Error information display area 500 Terminal Equipment 501 Rack installation section 502 Third Transport Path P2, P2A, P2B, P3 acquisition position P3a Sample aspiration position P30, P31 sample dispensing positions P32, P33 Reagent dispensing positions P34, P35 Reagent aspiration positions

Claims

1. a blood cell analyzer; a blood coagulation measuring device; a transport device capable of transporting the sample to a first sample acquisition position by the blood cell analyzer and a second sample acquisition position by the blood coagulation measuring device, the transport device having a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface; Equipped with the blood cell analyzer and the blood coagulation measuring device are arranged along the first side surface of the transport device, The blood cell analyzer, the blood coagulation measuring device, and the transport device are (a) accessing a power operation receiving unit that receives power operations for the blood cell analyzer and the blood coagulation measuring device from the second side of the transport device; (b) accessing a consumables setting unit for setting consumables used in the blood cell analyzer and consumables used in the blood coagulation measuring device from the second side of the transport device; (c) accessing, from the second side of the transport device, a terminal device that receives operation instructions and displays information for the blood cell analyzer and receives operation instructions and displays information for the blood coagulation measuring device; (d) accessing a maintenance management target section, where maintenance management of the blood cell analyzer and maintenance management of the blood coagulation measuring device are performed, from the second side surface of the transport device; The composite analytical system is positioned and oriented so as to enable at least one of the above.

2. 2. The composite analysis system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the power supply operation reception unit, the consumables setting unit, the terminal device, and the maintenance management unit is arranged on the first side of the transport device and is accessed from the second side of the transport device across the transport device.

3. 3. The composite analysis system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the power supply operation reception unit, the consumables setting unit, the terminal device, and the maintenance management unit, which are accessed from the second side of the transport device across the transport device, is positioned so that the shortest distance from the end of the second side of the transport device is within a length range of 700 mm in horizontal distance.

4. 2. The composite analysis system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the power supply operation reception unit, the consumables setting unit, the terminal device, and the maintenance management unit is arranged on the first side of the transport device and is moved to the second side of the transport device for access.

5. the conveying device has a main conveying path that is not bent midway and extends straight, The multiple analysis system according to claim 1 , wherein the blood cell analyzer and the blood coagulation measuring device are arranged facing in the same direction.

6. the conveying device has a main conveying path that is bent midway; The multiple analysis system according to claim 1 , wherein the blood cell analyzer and the blood coagulation measuring device are arranged in different orientations.

7. the blood cell analyzer has a first aspirating tube that punctures a stopper attached to a first sample container to aspirate the sample; 2. The multiple analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood coagulation measuring device has a second suction tube that punctures a stopper attached to a second sample container to aspirate the sample.

8. 8. The multiple analysis system according to claim 7, wherein the blood coagulation measuring device has a sample container fixing unit that fixes the second sample container placed at the second acquisition position on the transport device when the second suction tube punctures the stopper and aspirates the sample.

9. the maintenance management target unit includes the first suction tube and the second suction tube, the maintenance management includes cleaning the first suction tube and the second suction tube; 9. The multiple analysis system according to claim 7, wherein the blood cell analyzer, the blood coagulation measuring device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the first suction tube and the second suction tube from the second side of the transport device.

10. the power supply operation receiving unit includes a start-up instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to start up the blood cell analyzer and an instruction to start up the blood coagulation measuring device, 2. The composite analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the startup instruction receiving unit from the second side of the transport device.

11. The startup instruction receiving unit a first startup instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to start the blood cell analyzer; a second startup instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to start the blood coagulation measuring device; Including, 11. The composite analysis system according to claim 10, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the first startup instruction receiving unit and the second startup instruction receiving unit from the second side of the transport device.

12. 12. The composite analysis system according to claim 11, wherein a first operation surface of the first activation instruction receiving unit and a second operation surface of the second activation instruction receiving unit are arranged in a direction facing the first side surface of the transport device.

13. The multiple analysis system according to claim 10 , wherein the startup instruction receiving unit includes a third startup instruction receiving unit that receives a common instruction to start up the blood cell analyzer and the blood coagulation measuring device.

14. the power supply operation receiving unit includes a shutdown instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to shut down the blood cell analyzer and an instruction to shut down the blood coagulation measuring device, 2. The composite analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the shutdown instruction receiving unit from the second side of the transport device.

15. The shutdown instruction receiving unit a first shutdown instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to shut down the blood cell analyzer; a second shutdown instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to shut down the blood coagulation measuring device; Including, 15. The composite analysis system according to claim 14, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the first shutdown instruction receiving unit and the second shutdown instruction receiving unit from the second side of the transport device.

16. The multiple analysis system according to claim 14 , wherein the shutdown instruction receiving unit includes a third shutdown instruction receiving unit that receives a common instruction to shut down the blood cell analyzer and the blood coagulation measuring device.

17. the consumables setting unit includes a quality control material setting unit for setting a quality control material for the blood cell analyzer and a quality control material for the blood coagulation measuring device, 2. The composite analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the quality control substance setting section from the second side of the transport device.

18. the quality control material includes a first quality control material for quality control of the blood cell analyzer and a second quality control material for quality control of the blood coagulation measuring device, The quality control material setting unit includes: a first quality control material setting unit provided in the blood cell analyzer for setting the first quality control material; a second quality control substance setting unit provided in the blood coagulation measuring device for setting the second quality control substance; Including, The composite analysis system of claim 17, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are positioned and oriented in a manner that allows access to the first quality control material setting unit and the second quality control material setting unit from the second side of the transport device.

19. the quality control material includes a first quality control material for quality control of the blood cell analyzer and a second quality control material for quality control of the blood coagulation measuring device, the quality control material setting unit includes a common third quality control material setting unit connected to the transport device for setting the first quality control material and the second quality control material, The composite analysis system of claim 17, wherein the transport device transports the first quality control material set in the third quality control material set section to the blood cell analyzer, and transports the second quality control material set in the third quality control material set section to the blood coagulation measurement device.

20. the consumables setting unit includes a reagent setting unit for setting a reagent for the blood cell analyzer and a reagent for the blood coagulation measuring device, 2. The multiple analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood cell analyzer, the blood coagulation measuring device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the reagent setting unit from the second side of the transport device.

21. the reagent includes a first reagent for measurement by the blood cell analyzer and a second reagent for measurement by the blood coagulation measuring device, The reagent setting unit includes: a first reagent setting unit for setting the first reagent; a second reagent setting unit for setting the second reagent; Including, 21. The multiple analysis system according to claim 20, wherein the blood cell analyzer, the blood coagulation measuring device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the first reagent setting unit and the second reagent setting unit from the second side of the transport device.

22. the blood cell analyzer has a first cover that can be opened and closed, the blood coagulation measuring device has an openable and closable second cover, the first reagent set unit is disposed within the first cover of the blood cell analyzer; the second reagent set unit is disposed within the second cover of the blood coagulation measuring device, 22. The multiple analysis system according to claim 21, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the first cover and the second cover from the second side of the transport device.

23. the consumables setting unit includes a cleaning solution setting unit for setting a cleaning solution for cleaning the blood cell analyzer and a cleaning solution for cleaning the blood coagulation measuring device, 2. The multiple analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood cell analyzer, the blood coagulation measuring device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the cleaning solution set section from the second side of the transport device.

24. the cleaning solution includes a first cleaning solution for cleaning the blood cell analyzer and a second cleaning solution for cleaning the blood coagulation measuring device; The cleaning solution setting unit includes: a first cleaning liquid setting unit for setting the first cleaning liquid; a second cleaning liquid setting unit for setting the second cleaning liquid; Including, 24. The composite analysis system according to claim 23, wherein the blood cell analyzer, the blood coagulation measuring device, and the transport device are arranged at positions that allow access to the first cleaning solution set unit and the second cleaning solution set unit from the second side of the transport device.

25. the first cleaning solution set unit is disposed at a lower portion of the blood cell analyzer, 25. The multiple analysis system according to claim 24, wherein the second cleaning solution set section is disposed below the blood coagulation measuring device.

26. the terminal device includes an operation instruction receiving unit that receives operation instructions for the blood cell analyzer and operation instructions for the blood coagulation measuring device, 2. The composite analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the operation instruction receiving unit from the second side of the transport device.

27. The operation instruction receiving unit a first operation instruction receiving unit that receives an operation instruction for the blood cell analyzer; a second operation instruction receiving unit that receives an operation instruction for the blood coagulation measuring device; Including, 27. The composite analysis system according to claim 26, wherein the blood cell analyzer, the blood coagulation measuring device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the first operation instruction receiving unit and the second operation instruction receiving unit from the second side of the transport device.

28. 28. The multiple analysis system according to claim 27, wherein the first operation instruction receiving unit and the second operation instruction receiving unit are touch panel screens that receive the operation instructions and display information.

29. 27. The multiple analysis system according to claim 26, wherein the operation instruction receiving section includes a common third operation instruction receiving section that receives operation instructions for the blood cell analyzer and operation instructions for the blood coagulation measuring device.

30. the terminal device includes an analysis result display unit that displays the analysis results of the blood cell analyzer and the blood coagulation measuring device, 2. The composite analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow the analysis results displayed on the analysis result display unit to be viewed from the second side of the transport device.

31. The analysis result display unit a first analysis result display unit that displays a first analysis result of the blood cell analyzer; a second analysis result display unit that displays a second analysis result of the blood coagulation measuring device; Including, 31. The composite analysis system according to claim 30, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow the first analysis result displayed on the first analysis result display unit and the second analysis result displayed on the second analysis result display unit to be viewed from the second side of the transport device.

32. 31. The multiple analysis system according to claim 30, wherein the analysis result display unit includes a common third analysis result display unit that displays the first analysis result of the blood cell analyzer and the second analysis result of the blood coagulation measuring device.

33. the maintenance management unit includes an error handling unit that handles errors that occur in the blood cell analyzer and errors that occur in the blood coagulation measuring device, 2. The composite analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the error handling unit from the second side of the transport device.

34. the consumables setting unit includes a quality control material setting unit for setting a quality control material for the blood cell analyzer and a quality control material for the blood coagulation measuring device, the error is an error in which the measurement result of the quality control material falls outside the control range, 34. The multiple analysis system according to claim 33, wherein the error handling unit is the quality control substance setting unit.

35. the maintenance management target unit includes a maintenance target unit for which maintenance for the blood cell analyzer and maintenance for the blood coagulation measurement device are performed, 2. The composite analysis system according to claim 1, wherein the blood cell analysis device, the blood coagulation measurement device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow access to the maintenance target parts from the second side of the transport device.

36. the blood cell analyzer has a first backflow prevention unit that prevents backflow of liquid; the blood coagulation measuring device has a second backflow prevention unit that prevents backflow of liquid, 36. The composite analysis system of claim 35, wherein the blood cell analyzer, the blood coagulation measuring device, and the transport device are arranged in positions and orientations that allow visual confirmation of the first backflow prevention unit and the second backflow prevention unit, which are the maintenance target parts, from the second side of the transport device.

37. The conveying device is A main conveying path; a first sub-transport path that transports the sample transported by the main transport path to the blood cell analyzer and returns the sample to the main transport path; a second sub-transport path that transports the sample transported by the main transport path to the blood coagulation measuring device and returns the sample to the main transport path; The multiplexed analytical system of claim 1 , comprising:

38. the specimen is contained in a first specimen container to be transported to the blood cell analyzer and a second specimen container to be transported to the blood coagulation measuring device; The conveying device is a code reader that reads identification codes attached to the first sample container and the second sample container for individually identifying the first sample container and the second sample container; a transport control unit that determines a destination of the first sample container and the second sample container based on the identification code read by the code reading unit; The multiplexed analytical system of claim 1 , comprising:

39. A specimen placement unit for placing the specimen is further provided, The multiple analysis system according to claim 1 , wherein the specimen setting unit is connected to the transport device between the blood cell analyzer and the blood coagulation measuring device.

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