QUALITY CONTROL SUPPORT METHOD, QUALITY CONTROL SUPPORT SYSTEM, QUALITY CONTROL SUPPORT DEVICE, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide an accuracy management support method, accuracy management support system, accuracy management support device and program that facilitate identifying a cause of abnormality when the abnormality is present in a measurement result.SOLUTION: An accuracy management support method according to one embodiment of the present invention is the accuracy management support method that displays a management chart of an accuracy management about an analysis device measuring a sample under test. The accuracy management support method includes: creating a first management chart indicative of a result of measuring an accuracy management substance in a first period by an analysis device; receiving a designation of a second period shorter than the first period, having at least one part overlapped with the first period and different from the first period; creating a second management chart indicative of a result of measuring the sample under test by the analysis device in the second period; displaying the created first management chart; and displaying the created second management chart.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a quality control support method, a quality control support system, a quality control support device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Known quality control methods include a method using a control chart based on the Levey-Jennings (LJ) method, which displays the measurement results of quality control materials prepared to obtain a specified measurement value in a time series, and a method using a control chart that displays the average value trends of the measurement results of subject samples without using quality control materials. By checking these control charts, when there is an abnormality in the measurement results, it may be possible to identify whether the cause is the analyzer, the reagent used in the analyzer, or the quality control materials. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 describes a method of supporting quality control by displaying a control chart based on the LJ method and a control chart that displays the average value trends of the measurement results of subject samples for the same period as the display period of the control chart (a control chart showing the results of Patient-Based Real Time Quality Control (PBRTQC)). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Lo TP, Cervinski MA, et al., "Recommendations for laboratory informatics specifications needed for the application of patient-based real time quality control", Clinica Chimica Acta, 2019 Aug, 495, Page.625-629. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the number of measurements of quality control substances (plots of control charts by the LJ method) is generally one to three times a day, whereas the number of measurements of subject samples can be several tens to several hundreds. In the method described in Non-Patent Document 1, the control chart by the LJ method and the control chart showing the results of PBRTQC are displayed for the same period, so that if the display period is shortened, it is difficult to grasp the trends in the measurement results of quality control substances over a long period, such as two weeks, and if the display period is lengthened, it is difficult to grasp the trends in the measurement results of subject samples over a short period, such as one day. Therefore, even if the method described in Non-Patent Document 1 is used, it is difficult to identify the cause when an abnormality occurs in the measurement results.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a quality control support method, a quality control support system, a quality control support device, and a program that make it easy to identify the cause of an abnormality in a measurement result. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A quality control support method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a quality control support method for displaying a quality control control chart for an analytical device that measures subject samples, and includes generating a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control substance in a first period by the analytical device, accepting designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period separately from the designation of the first period, generating a second control chart showing the results of measuring the subject sample in the second period by the analytical device, displaying the generated first control chart, and displaying the generated second control chart. According to the above aspect, the quality control support method displays a first control chart in a first period on an analytical device, accepts a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period separately from the designation of the first period, and displays the second control chart in the second period. Thus, in the quality control support method, the first control chart and the second control chart are displayed with a display period according to the difference between the measurement frequency of the quality control substance and the measurement frequency of the subject sample. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the measurement result, the cause can be easily identified. Accepting the designation of the second period separately from the designation of the first period means accepting the designation of the second period separately from the first period that is preset as a default period or the first period that is arbitrarily designated. When an arbitrary first period is designated, the timing of accepting the designation may be different from or simultaneous with the first period and the second period. Furthermore, a quality control support method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a quality control support method for displaying a quality control control chart for an analytical device that measures subject samples, and includes generating a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control substance with the analytical device during a first period, generating a second control chart showing the results of measuring the subject sample with the analytical device during a second period that is a portion of the first period, and displaying the first control chart and the second control chart side by side. According to the above aspect, the quality control support method displays a first control chart in a first period on an analytical device, and displays a second control chart in a second period that is a part of the first period, and the first and second control charts are displayed side by side. Thus, in the quality control support method, the first and second control charts are displayed side by side for a display period that corresponds to the difference between the measurement frequency of the quality control substance and the measurement frequency of the subject sample. Therefore, since the first and second control charts are displayed side by side, when an abnormality occurs in the measurement result, the cause can be more easily identified.

[0007] A quality control support system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a quality control support system that displays a quality control control chart for an analytical device that measures subject samples, and includes a quality control support device having a first control unit, and a terminal device connected to the quality control support device via a network and having a second control unit and a display, wherein the first control unit of the quality control support device is configured to execute the following: generate a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control substance in a first period by the analytical device, accept designation of a second period different from the first period, which is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period, and generate a second control chart showing the results of measuring the subject sample in the second period by the analytical device, and the second control unit of the terminal device is configured to execute the following: display the generated first control chart on the display, and display the generated second control chart on the display. According to the above aspect, the quality control support system displays a first control chart in a first period on the analytical device, accepts a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period separately from the designation of the first period, and displays a second control chart in the second period. Thus, in the quality control support system, the first control chart and the second control chart are displayed for a display period according to the difference between the measurement frequency of the quality control substance and the measurement frequency of the subject sample. Therefore, when an abnormality is found in the measurement results, the cause can be easily identified.

[0008] A quality control support device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a quality control support device that displays a quality control control chart for an analytical device that measures subject samples, and is equipped with a control unit and a display, and the control unit is configured to generate a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material by the analytical device during a first period, accept designation of a second period different from the first period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period, generate a second control chart showing the results of measuring the subject sample by the analytical device during the second period, display the generated first control chart on the display, and display the generated second control chart on the display. According to the above aspect, the quality control support device displays a first control chart in a first period on the analytical device, accepts a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period separately from the designation of the first period, and displays a second control chart in the second period. Thus, in the quality control support device, the first control chart and the second control chart are displayed for a display period according to the difference between the measurement frequency of the quality control substance and the measurement frequency of the subject sample. Therefore, when an abnormality is found in the measurement results, the cause can be easily identified. Moreover, a quality control support device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a quality control support device that is connected to a terminal device equipped with a display via a network and displays a quality control control chart for an analytical device that measures subject samples on the display of the terminal device, in which the control unit is configured to execute the following operations: generate a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material by the analytical device during a first period; accept designation of a second period different from the first period, which is shorter than the first period and overlaps at least partially with the first period; generate a second control chart showing the results of measuring the subject sample by the analytical device during the second period; transmit the generated first control chart to the terminal device; and transmit the generated second control chart to the terminal device. According to the above aspect, the quality control support device generates a first control chart in a first period with an analytical device, accepts a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period separately from the designation of the first period, and generates a second control chart in the second period. The quality control support device transmits the generated first control chart to a terminal device, and transmits the generated second control chart to a terminal device. Thus, the first control chart and the second control chart are displayed in a display period according to the difference between the measurement frequency of the quality control material and the measurement frequency of the subject sample on a terminal device connected to the quality control support device via a network and equipped with a display. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the measurement result, the cause can be easily identified. .

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a quality control support device, which displays a quality control control chart for an analytical device that measures subject samples on the display of a terminal device connected via a network, to perform the following operations: generate a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material by the analytical device during a first period; accept designation of a second period different from the first period, which is shorter than the first period and overlaps at least partially with the first period; generate a second control chart showing the results of measuring the subject sample by the analytical device during the second period; transmit the generated first control chart to the terminal device; and transmit the generated second control chart to the terminal device. According to the above aspect, the program causes the quality control support device to generate a first control chart in a first period with an analytical device, to accept a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period separately from the designation of the first period, and to generate a second control chart in the second period. The program causes the quality control support device to transmit the generated first control chart to a terminal device and to transmit the generated second control chart to a terminal device. Thus, the first control chart and the second control chart are displayed in a display period according to the difference between the measurement frequency of the quality control material and the measurement frequency of the subject sample on a terminal device connected to the quality control support device via a network and equipped with a display. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the measurement result, the cause can be easily identified. In addition, a program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a quality control support device having a display, which displays a quality control control chart for an analytical device that measures subject samples, to perform the following operations: generate a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material by the analytical device during a first period; accept designation of a second period different from the first period, which is shorter than the first period and overlaps at least partially with the first period; generate a second control chart showing the results of measuring the subject sample by the analytical device during the second period; display the generated first control chart on the display; and display the generated second control chart on the display. According to the above aspect, the program causes the quality control support device to execute the following: generating a first control chart in a first period with an analytical device; accepting a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period; generating a second control chart in the second period; displaying the generated first control chart on a display; and displaying the generated second control chart on a display. Thus, the program causes the quality control support device to display the first control chart and the second control chart with a display period according to the difference between the measurement frequency of the quality control material and the measurement frequency of the subject sample. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the measurement result, the cause can be easily identified. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a quality control support technology that makes it easy to identify the cause when an abnormality is found in a measurement result. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a quality control support system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the quality control support device and the person in charge terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of measurement data collection processing of a QC (Quality Control) measurement process in a blood cell counter. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3(B) is a diagram showing an example of a collection process of measurement data of a measurement process of a subject sample in the blood cell counter. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a display process of a QC (Quality Control) chart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8(B) is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart that is displayed when a predetermined operation is executed on the XbarM chart of FIG. 8(A). [Figure 8C] FIG. 8(C) is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart that is displayed when a predetermined operation is executed on the XbarM chart of FIG. 8(B). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the display process of the LJ chart and the XbarM chart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display form of the LJ chart and the XbarM chart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an example of a display period designation screen for the XbarM chart. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart in which a period corresponding to the period specified on the display period specification screen of the XbarM chart shown in FIG. 14A is specified. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is an example showing an example of size control of a specific area in an LJ chart. [Figure 15B]FIG. 15B is an example showing an example of position control of a specific area in an LJ chart. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the QC chart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart according to the first embodiment, in which the display period of the XbarM chart is set shorter than the display period of the LJ chart. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19(A) is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart displayed for a specified display period. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19(B) is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart displayed in a display period corresponding to a specific period in the LJ chart of FIG. 19(A). [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a display process of a QC chart according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a quality control support system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a display process of a QC chart according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the quality control support system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are not limited to the illustrated ratios. Furthermore, the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0013] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a quality control support system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the quality control support system 100 illustratively includes a quality control support device 1 arranged in a support center, a blood cell counting device 3A and a staff terminal 5A arranged in facility A, and a blood cell counting device 3B and a staff terminal 5B arranged in facility B. The quality control support device 1 is a device that displays various quality control charts (control diagrams) related to the blood cell counting device 3 that measures subject samples, and / or generates display information for display on another computer.

[0014] The blood cell counting device 3 is a device that measures subject samples. The blood cell counting device 3 performs measurements on quality control substances (QC measurements), for example, once or twice a day. The blood cell counting device 3 also performs measurements on subject samples, for example, tens to hundreds of times a day. The staff terminal 5 is a device operated, for example, by a person working at a facility, and executes various processes related to the management of the entire facility. The staff terminal 5 accepts inputs from the staff regarding display instructions or display periods for various quality control charts related to the blood cell counting device 3. Upon accepting the inputs, the staff terminal 5 transmits a corresponding control signal to the quality control support device 1. Upon receiving information for displaying various charts generated in the quality control support device 1, the staff terminal 5 displays the various charts on a display provided in the staff terminal 5 based on the information.

[0015] By providing the quality control support system 100 with the quality control support device 1 and the person in charge terminal 5A, it is possible to distribute processing between the quality control support device 1 and the person in charge terminal 5A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the speed of processing on the person in charge terminal 5A other than displaying various charts, such as viewing test results and creating test reports.

[0016] Each of the facilities A and B includes, for example, a clinical laboratory or a clinical testing center. When the facilities A and B are not distinguished from each other, they are hereinafter referred to as "facilities". The number of facilities may be two or less or three or more. In the first embodiment, each facility is managed by a different management entity. As described in the second embodiment described later, two or more of the multiple facilities may be managed by the same management entity. Furthermore, when the blood cell counting device 3A and the blood cell counting device 3B are not distinguished from each other, they are referred to as "blood cell counting device 3" (analyzer). Furthermore, when the staff terminal 5A and the staff terminal 5B are not distinguished from each other, they are referred to as "staff terminal 5". The number of blood cell counting devices 3 and staff terminals 5 arranged in each facility may be two or more.

[0017] Each facility and the support center (quality control support device 1) are communicatively connected via a communication network N. In facility A, a blood cell counting device 3A and a staff terminal 5A are communicatively connected to each other via a communication network NA. In facility B, a blood cell counting device 3B and a staff terminal 5B are communicatively connected to each other via a communication network NB. Each communication network comprises a wired and / or wireless network.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the quality control support device 1 according to the first embodiment and the person in charge terminal 5. As shown in Fig. 2, the quality control support device 1 includes, for example, a processor 11 (control unit), a memory 12, a storage device 13, a communication device 14, an input device 15, and an output device 16.

[0019] The processor 11 is configured to control the operation of each part of the quality control support device 1. The processor 11 is configured to include integrated circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a SoC (System-on-a-chip). Each function of the processor 11, such as a display processing function, is executed by executing a program stored in the memory 12 or the storage device 13.

[0020] The memory 12 is mainly used as a temporary storage area for data processing. The storage device 13 is mainly configured to store programs, large amounts of data, and the like. The memory 12 is composed of, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), and / or a Random Access Memory (RAM), and the like. The storage device 13 is composed of, for example, a storage such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a Solid State Drive (SSD), and / or an embedded Multi Media Card (eMMC), and the like.

[0021] The communication device 14 is configured to communicate with the blood cell counting device 3 and the person in charge terminal 5 in each facility via the communication network N shown in Fig. 1. The communication device 14 includes, for example, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 14 may also include an amplifier, an RF (Radio Frequency) device that processes wireless signals, etc.

[0022] The input device 15 is configured to allow information to be input by operation of a user at the support center. The input device 15 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, and / or a microphone. Examples of the pointing device include a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, and a touch panel.

[0023] The output device 16 is configured to output information. The output device 16 includes, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or a plasma display, and / or a speaker. The output device 16 may further include the function of the input device 15. For example, the output device 16 may be a device including a touch panel display. Like the quality control support device 1, the person in charge terminal 5A includes a processor 11 (control unit), a memory 12, a storage device 13, a communication device 14, an input device 15, and an output device 16.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of a measurement data collection process of a blood cell counter according to an embodiment. Fig. 3(A) is a diagram showing an example of a measurement data collection process of a QC measurement process (quality control measurement process) in the blood cell counter 3. Fig. 3(B) is a diagram showing an example of a measurement data collection process of a measurement process of a patient sample (subject sample) in the blood cell counter 3.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3(A), each blood cell counter 3 transmits a predetermined data set including the results of the measurement process for the quality control substance to the quality control support device 1. The transmitted data set includes the device ID of the blood cell counter 3, the measurement date and time, the lot number of the quality control substance, and the measurement value, all associated with each other. The measurement results for the quality control substance are transmitted to the quality control support device 1 when the measurement is completed. The measurement results for the quality control substance may be transmitted, for example, once a day. The timing of transmission of the measurement results for the quality control substance may be set for each facility and for each blood cell counter.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3(B), each blood cell counting device 3 transmits a predetermined data set including the results of the measurement process on the subject samples to the quality control support device 1. The transmitted data set includes the device ID of the blood cell counting device 3, the measurement date and time, and the measurement value, all associated with each other. The results of the measurement process on the subject samples are transmitted to the quality control support device 1 when a predetermined number of measurements (e.g., 20 samples) have been completed. The predetermined number may be set for each facility. The data sets transmitted from each blood cell counting device 3 and shown in FIGS. 3(A) and (B) are stored in the storage device 13 of the quality control support device 1.

[0027] The data sets shown in Figures 3(A) and (B) may further include information regarding at least one of the occurrence of an error in the blood cell counting apparatus 3, the implementation of calibration of the blood cell counting apparatus 3, or reagent replacement of the blood cell counting apparatus 3. The information regarding the occurrence of an error in the blood cell counting apparatus 3 includes, for example, the date and time of the error occurrence and the contents of the error. The information regarding the implementation of calibration of the blood cell counting apparatus 3 includes, for example, the date and time of the calibration implementation and the contents of the calibration. The information regarding reagent replacement of the blood cell counting apparatus 3 may include, for example, the date and time of the reagent replacement and identification information of the reagent before and after the replacement. The transmission format of the data sets shown in Figures 3(A) and (B) is arbitrary, and may be configured in, for example, a predetermined data packet format.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of display processing of a QC chart according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, display processing of a QC chart is executed between the person in charge terminal 5 and the quality control support device 1. As a premise, as described in Fig. 3, measurement data measured by the blood cell counter 3 in each facility is transmitted to the quality control support device 1 as part of a predetermined data set. The quality control support device 1 stores the received measurement data in the storage device 13 shown in Fig. 2.

[0029] (Step S1) The processor 11 of the staff terminal 5 operated by the staff at the facility (hereinafter simply referred to as the staff terminal 5) determines whether or not a designation has been received from the staff regarding the display period of the QC charts (e.g., LJ chart and XbarM chart) to be displayed on the quality control support device 1. If a designation has been received (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2, and if a designation has not been received (NO in step S1), the process proceeds to step S10. Here, the LJ chart is a control chart that shows the results of measuring a quality control material in chronological order, and the XbarM chart is a control chart that shows the results of measuring a subject sample in chronological order.

[0030] A single display period is specified as the display period of the LJ chart and the XbarM chart. For example, when December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020 is specified as the display period of the LJ chart, both the LJ chart and the XbarM chart are displayed for the period from December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020. In other words, the display period of the LJ chart is automatically set to the display period of the XbarM chart. (Step S2) The person in charge terminal 5 judges whether or not an instruction to display the LJ chart and the XbarM chart has been received from the person in charge. If the instruction has been received (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3, and if the instruction has not been received (NO in step S2), the process waits until the instruction is received.

[0031] (Step S3) The person in charge terminal 5 transmits an instruction to create display data to the quality control support device 1 based on the received display instruction.

[0032] (Step S4) The processor 11 of the quality control support device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the quality control support device 1) determines whether or not an instruction to create display data has been received from the person in charge terminal 5. If an instruction has been received (YES in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5, and if an instruction has not been received (NO in step S4), the process proceeds to step S12. (Step S5) The quality control support device 1 reads out pre-stored measurement data of the blood cell counter 3 from the storage device 13 shown in Fig. 2. For example, the quality control support device 1 reads out the QC measurement results and subject sample measurement results for the display period, which is the period corresponding to December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020.

[0033] (Step S6) The quality control support device 1 identifies QC measurement results that are outside the allowable range. As will be described later with reference to Fig. 5, the quality control support device 1 may, for example, identify measurement data that exceeds an upper limit value 1 and measurement data that falls below a lower limit value 1. The quality control support device 1 may, for example, perform control so as not to reflect the identified measurement data in the chart.

[0034] (Step S7) The quality control support device 1 generates information for displaying the LJ chart and the XbarM chart on a display provided in the person in charge terminal 5, and transmits the information to the person in charge terminal 5. The quality control support device 1 may display the LJ chart and the XbarM chart on an output device 16 shown in FIG. 2 provided in the quality control support device 1.

[0035] (Step S8) The person in charge terminal 5 judges whether or not display data for displaying the LJ chart and the XbarM chart has been received from the quality control support device 1. If display data has been received (YES in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9, and if display data has not been received (NO in step S8), the process waits until it is received. (Step S9) Based on the received display data, the person in charge terminal 5 displays the LJ chart and the XbarM chart on the display for the display period specified in step S1 (the period corresponding to December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020).

[0036] Fig. 5(A) is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart. Fig. 5(B) is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart. As shown in Figs. 5(A) and (B), the person in charge terminal 5 displays an LJ chart (first control chart) and an XbarM chart on the display for a display period of December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the LJ chart is a chart in which the measurement results of quality control materials (QC samples) measured by the blood cell counter 3 are plotted in chronological order. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the measurement frequency of the quality control materials ranges from once to several times a day. The "target value" (e.g., "30") in the LJ chart is a reference value determined for each lot of QC samples. Furthermore, the "upper limit value 1" and the "lower limit value 1" in the LJ chart are the upper limit value and the lower limit value determined for each lot of QC samples, respectively. When a measurement result outside the range ("27" to "33") defined by the "upper limit value 1" and the "lower limit value 1" in the LJ chart is reflected in the LJ chart, identification information corresponding to "(!) Error" is added to the measurement result. The "upper limit value 2" and the "lower limit value 2" in the LJ chart are values ​​set according to the values ​​of the "upper limit value 1" and the "lower limit value 1", respectively, for example. For example, "upper limit value 2" may be set to a value corresponding to approximately 97% of "upper limit value 1". "Upper limit value 2" and "lower limit value 2" can each be freely set by the user. When a measurement result within the range ("32" to "33") defined by "upper limit value 1" and "upper limit value 2" is reflected in the LJ chart, identification information corresponding to "(x)Warning" is added to the measurement result. When a measurement result within the range ("27" to "28") defined by "lower limit value 1" and "lower limit value 2" is reflected in the LJ chart, identification information corresponding to "(x)Warning" is added to the measurement result.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5(B), the XbarM chart is a chart created by calculating the average value of the measurement results of a predetermined number (e.g., 20 samples) of subject samples received from the blood cell counter 3 and plotting the average value in a time series. The "target value" (e.g., "8.07") in the XbarM chart is a value determined by aggregating past measurement results of subject samples. The "target value" is provided by the service provider. The "target value" may be a value set by the user. The "upper limit value 1" and the "lower limit value 1" in the XbarM chart are the upper limit value and the lower limit value provided by the service provider, respectively. The "upper limit value 1" and the "lower limit value 1" may be values ​​set by the user, respectively. The "target value", "upper limit value 1", and "lower limit value 1" may be different for each blood cell counter 3. The "upper limit value 2" and the "lower limit value 2" in the XbarM chart are values ​​that are set according to the values ​​of the "upper limit value 1" and the "lower limit value 1", respectively. The "upper limit value 2" and the "lower limit value 2" may be values ​​that are set by the user. Note that each limit value in the XbarM chart can be omitted.

[0039] When the mouse cursor C1 is displayed on the LJ chart, the line L1 in FIG. 5(A) is displayed so as to pass through the QC measurement point MP1 closest to the mouse cursor C1. Instead of displaying the line L1, for example, an area corresponding to a day (24 hours) including the QC measurement point MP1 may be displayed. The display position of the line L1 is changed when the user aligns the mouse cursor C1 (when the display displaying the LJ chart is a touch panel, a touch pen or the user's finger, etc.) on the line L1 and moves the line L1 in the left-right direction. In addition, for one day (January 3, 2020 in the example of FIG. 5(A)) including the line L1 (a part of the first control chart) on the LJ chart shown in FIG. 5(A), a specific area A1 is displayed on the XbarM chart shown in FIG. 5(B). In addition, when the line L1 on the LJ chart is moved in the left-right direction, the specific area A1 on the XbarM chart (third control chart) also moves in the left-right direction accordingly. In other words, the display form of the XbarM chart is changed according to the change in the line L1 on the LJ chart.

[0040] (Step S10 in FIG. 4) 4, the person in charge terminal 5 judges whether or not a display instruction for a predetermined period (e.g., one day) (second period) on the XbarM chart or the LJ chart has been received from the person in charge via the pointing device. If the instruction has been received (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S11, and if the instruction has not been received (NO in step S10), the process proceeds to step S16. (Step S11) The person in charge terminal 5 transmits to the quality control support device 1 a display data creation instruction corresponding to the received display instruction. (Step S12) The quality control support device 1 determines whether or not a display data creation instruction corresponding to the display instruction accepted by the person in charge terminal 5 has been received. If the instruction has been accepted (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13, and if the instruction has not been accepted (NO in step S12), the process proceeds to step S18. (Step S13) The quality control support device 1 creates display data for displaying an XbarM chart (second control chart) for the one day corresponding to the received instruction, and transmits the same to the person in charge terminal 5. (Step S14) The person in charge terminal 5 judges whether or not display data for displaying the XbarM chart (second control chart) has been received from the quality control support device 1. If display data has been received (YES in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15, and if display data has not been received (NO in step S14), the process waits until it is received. (Step S15) The person in charge terminal 5 displays the XbarM chart (second control chart) based on the received display data (step S16). The person in charge terminal 5 determines whether or not an instruction to end the display has been received from the person in charge. If the instruction has been received (YES in step S16), the process proceeds to step S17, and if the instruction has not been received (NO in step S16), the process returns to step S1. (Step S17) The person in charge terminal 5 transmits an instruction to end the display to the quality control support device 1, and ends the process. (Step S18) The quality control support device 1 determines whether or not an instruction to end the display has been received from the person in charge terminal 5. If an instruction to end the display has been received (YES in step S18), the process ends, and if an instruction to end the display has not been received (NO in step S18), the process returns to step S4.

[0041] (Example 1) FIG. 6(A) is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart. FIG. 6(B) is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart. FIG. 6(A) shows an example in which an LJ chart (first control chart) is displayed in a display period (first period) from December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020, and an XbarM chart (third control chart) is displayed in a display period (third period) from December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020, on the display of the person in charge terminal 5. When the line L2 on the LJ chart shown in FIG. 6(A) is specified (a part of the first control chart is specified), a specific area A3 (a part of the third control chart) on the XbarM chart corresponding to one day (January 3, 2020) including the line L2 is displayed in a form different from other areas. The specific area A3 and other areas on the XbarM chart may be displayed in different colors, or only the specific area A3 may be highlighted. Here, when the person in charge operates the cursor C3 to select the specific area A3 corresponding to January 3, 2020 (specifying a part of the third control chart), the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in FIG. 6(B) is displayed, which shows the results of measuring the subject sample with the blood cell counter 3 in the period (second period) corresponding to January 3, 2020, which is shorter than the period (third period) corresponding to December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020. According to this configuration, the LJ chart (first control chart) and the XbarM chart (second control chart) are displayed for a display period according to the difference between the measurement frequency of the quality control substance and the measurement frequency of the subject sample. Therefore, when there is an abnormality in the measurement result, the cause can be easily identified. For example, in the XbarM chart (third control chart) shown in Figure 6(A), the fluctuations in the measurement results of subject samples on January 3, 2020 are difficult to grasp because the intervals between measurement results are short, but in the XbarM chart (second control chart) for the second period shown in Figure 6(B), the fluctuations in the measurement results of subject samples over a day can be easily grasped. Furthermore, with this configuration, an XbarM chart (second control chart) is displayed for any one day desired by the viewer. This makes it possible to check the measurement results on the day an abnormality occurred, making it easier to identify the cause of the abnormality. Furthermore, with this configuration, the display period of the LJ chart (first control chart) is received and the LJ chart (first control chart) is displayed for the received display period, making it easy to understand, for example, fluctuations in the measurement results of QC samples going back in time, and therefore easier to identify the cause of an abnormality. Furthermore, with this configuration, while the LJ chart (first control chart) is being displayed on the display, the display period of the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in Fig. 6(B) is specified, so that it is possible to estimate the time when the cause of an abnormality occurs using the LJ chart (first control chart), while checking the fluctuation in detail for the estimated time of occurrence using the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in Fig. 6(B). This makes it easier to identify the cause of the abnormality. In addition, according to this configuration, the XbarM chart (third control chart) shown in Fig. 6(A) is displayed on the display, and by accepting the designation of the specific area A3 of the XbarM chart (third control chart) shown in Fig. 6(A), the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in Fig. 6(B) is displayed, so that it is possible to confirm both the mid- to long-term fluctuations and the short-term fluctuations of the measurement results of the subject sample, and it becomes easier to estimate the occurrence time of the cause of the abnormality. Therefore, it becomes easier to identify the cause of the abnormality. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the specific area A1 showing the period corresponding to the line L1 displayed on the LJ chart (first control chart) shown in Fig. 6(A) is displayed in a different manner from other periods on the XbarM chart (third control chart) shown in Fig. 6(A), making it easier to check the measurement results of the subject sample during the period when the measurement results of the QC sample were abnormal. This makes it easier to estimate the time when the cause of the abnormality occurred. Furthermore, since the specific area A1 moves following the movement of the line L1, it becomes easier to specify the display period of the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in Fig. 6(B).

[0042] (Example 2) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart according to an embodiment. The indicator screen SD5 shown in FIG. 7 is a screen showing which display period of the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in FIG. 7, which has a display period of 1 day (in this example, January 3, 2020), corresponds to among the display period of the XbarM chart (third control chart) shown in FIG. 6(A) from December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020. That is, the indicator screen SD5 is a relationship screen that displays the relationship between the display period (second period: in this example, January 3, 2020) and the display period (third period: in this example, December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020) of the XbarM chart shown in FIG. 6(A) in the display of the XbarM chart shown in FIG. 7. In addition, when a change to the display period of the XbarM chart shown in FIG. 7 is accepted via the display of the person in charge terminal 5 on which the indicator screen SD5 is displayed (the position of the specific area A7 is changed by moving the indicator I1 left or right), the display period of the XbarM chart is changed according to the accepted change. According to this configuration, it becomes easy to understand the relationship between the display period of the XbarM chart (third control chart) shown in FIG. 6(A) and the display period of the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in FIG. 7, so that it becomes possible to confirm both medium- to long-term and short-term fluctuations in the measurement results of subject samples, making it easier to estimate the occurrence time of the cause of the abnormality. Furthermore, with this configuration, the display period of the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in FIG. 7 can be changed, making it possible to check short-term fluctuations in the measurement results over multiple periods, making it easier to estimate the time when the cause of the abnormality occurred.

[0043] (Example 3) FIG. 8(A) is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart. FIG. 8(B) is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart (second control chart) displayed when a predetermined operation is performed on the XbarM chart of FIG. 8(A). FIG. 8(C) is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart (second control chart) displayed when a predetermined operation is performed on the XbarM chart of FIG. 8(B). FIG. 8(A) shows an example in which an LJ chart (first control chart) is displayed on the display of the person in charge terminal 5 during a display period (first period) from December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020, and an XbarM chart (third control chart) is displayed during a display period (third period) from December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020. When a line L3 on the LJ chart shown in FIG. 8(A) is specified, a specific area A9 on the XbarM chart corresponding to a day (January 5, 2020) including the line L3 is displayed in a form different from other areas. The specific area A9 is an area partitioned by lines L5 and L7 on the XbarM chart. Here, when the person in charge operates the cursor C2 to move the line L7 on the XbarM chart to the position of the line L9 corresponding to January 2, 2020, a new specific area A11 partitioned by lines L9 and L5 on the XbarM chart is formed. When the person in charge selects the specific area A11 (specifies a part of the third control chart), the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in FIG. 8(B) is displayed, which shows the results of measuring the subject sample with the blood cell counter 3 during the period corresponding to January 2, 2020 to January 5, 2020. Furthermore, when the person in charge selects the specific area A13 corresponding to January 3, 2020 on the XbarM chart shown in FIG. 8(B), the XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in FIG. 8(C) is displayed, which shows the results of measuring the subject sample with the blood cell counter 3 during the period corresponding to January 3, 2020.

[0044] (Example 4) 9 and 10 are diagrams showing examples of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing examples of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart when calibration is performed during the display period. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart when a reagent is replaced in the blood cell counter 3 during the display period. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing examples of an LJ chart and an XbarM chart when an error occurs in the blood cell counter 3 during the display period. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, in the display of the LJ chart and the XbarM chart, if a predetermined event occurs within the display period, a sign indicating the occurrence of the predetermined event is displayed. The predetermined event includes at least one of the occurrence of an error in the blood cell counter 3, the execution of calibration of the blood cell counter 3, or the replacement of a reagent in the blood cell counter 3. Before and after the occurrence of such an event, the possibility of the measurement result being abnormal is higher than other periods. Therefore, by displaying a sign indicating the occurrence of the predetermined event, it becomes possible to easily estimate the time of the abnormality. The indicator indicating the occurrence of a predetermined event may be displayed on an XbarM chart (second control chart) shown in FIG. 6(B) which has a shorter display period than the LJ chart.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 9, if calibration is performed on the blood cell counter 3 during the display period, a sign ● (black circle) S1 is displayed at the position corresponding to the date and time of the calibration (January 3, 2020). The date and time of the calibration (January 3, 2020) corresponds to specific area A15 on the LJ chart and specific area A17 on the XbarM chart. Calibration is performed to confirm that the blood cell counter 3 outputs optimal measurement results.

[0046] 10, if a reagent change is performed on the blood cell counter 3 during the display period, a marker ▲ (black triangle) S3 is displayed at the position corresponding to the date and time of the change (January 3, 2020). The date and time of the change (January 3, 2020) corresponds to specific area A15 on the LJ chart and specific area A17 on the XbarM chart.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 10, if an error occurs in the blood cell counter 3 during the display period, a marker S5 is displayed at a position corresponding to the date and time of the error (January 3, 2020). When the marker is selected on the display of the person in charge terminal 5, an image G showing the history of the error occurrence (predetermined event) may be displayed on the display. With this configuration, the history of the error occurrence can be easily grasped on the LJ chart or XbarM chart. The markers showing the occurrence of the predetermined event shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 are displayed based on the data set described in FIG. 3. The data set includes information on the implementation of calibration, reagent replacement, and error occurrence in association with the dates of occurrence, and the marker showing the occurrence of the predetermined event is displayed at a position corresponding to the date and time of occurrence.

[0048] (Modification 1 of QC chart display process) In the examples of Figures 6(A) and 8(A), both the LJ chart and the XbarM chart are displayed, but in variant example 1 of the QC chart display processing, the quality control support device 1 first displays the LJ chart, and then displays the XbarM chart in response to the operation of the person in charge.

[0049] 12 is a diagram showing another example of the display process of the LJ chart and the XbarM chart according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the LJ chart (first control chart) is first displayed on the display of the person in charge terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1. When a line L11 (a part of the first control chart) corresponding to the measurement date (January 3, 2020) on the LJ chart is specified, an XbarM chart (second control chart) with January 3, 2020 corresponding to the specified line L11 as the display period (second period) is displayed on the display of the person in charge terminal 5.

[0050] According to this configuration, by specifying the line L11 corresponding to the measurement date (January 3, 2020) on the LJ chart, an XbarM chart is displayed with the period corresponding to the line L11 as the display period (second period), so that fluctuations in the subject's measurement results over a short period can be confirmed with few steps. Therefore, the cause of the abnormality can be identified more quickly.

[0051] (Modification 1 of the display process of the designated area) Modified examples of the display process of line L1 in Fig. 5(A), line L2 in Fig. 6(A), and line L3 in Fig. 8(A) (hereinafter referred to as the designated area) will be described below. First, in Modified Example 1, an example will be described in which the designated area is located at the time of measurement or the time of occurrence of a predetermined event. In Modified Example 1, the designated area is displayed in the following order of priority (1) to (4).

[0052] (1) If an error occurs in the blood cell counter 3, or if there is a QC measurement result that results in a warning, a designated area is displayed at the time (point) at which the error occurred. If there are multiple points, the designated area is displayed on the point with the greatest deviation from the target value. (2) If there is a result of carrying out calibration of the blood cell counter 3, a designated area is displayed on that point. (3) When a reagent change is required for the blood cell counter 3, a designated area is displayed on the point. (4) If none of (1) to (3) applies, the specified area is displayed on the most recent data plot on the LJ chart.

[0053] (Variation 2 of the display process of the designated area) Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display form of the LJ chart according to an embodiment. The designated area may be displayed as a designated area A19 having a predetermined polygonal shape (e.g., a rectangular shape) on the LJ chart as shown in Fig. 13, instead of a linear shape such as the line L1 in Fig. 5(A), the line L2 in Fig. 6(A), and the line L3 in Fig. 8(A).

[0054] (Variation 3 of the display process of the designated area) In the third modification, the quality control support device 1 specifies an area on the LJ chart on an area specification screen.

[0055] FIG. 14(A) is a diagram showing an example of a designated area designation screen DS1. FIG. 14(B) is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart in which a period corresponding to a period designated on the designated area setting screen DS1 is displayed as a designated area. On the designated area setting screen DS1 shown in FIG. 14(A), the display period of the designated area on the LJ chart is designated as December 30, 2019 to December 31, 2019. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14(B), an LJ chart including a designated area A21 with December 30, 2019 as a start point and December 31, 2019 as an end point is displayed.

[0056] (Variation 4 of the display process of the designated area) In the fourth modification, the quality control support device 1 controls the display size or the display position of a designated area on the LJ chart.

[0057] FIG. 15(A) is an example showing an example of size control of a designated area in an LJ chart. FIG. 15(B) is an example showing an example of position control of a designated area in an LJ chart. As shown in FIG. 15(A), the display size of a designated area on an LJ chart may be controlled. A person in charge performs a multi-touch screen operation on a display of a person in charge terminal 5 on which an LJ chart is displayed. For example, the person in charge can control the display size of the designated area A23 by designating the designated area A23 on the display and then moving two fingers of the person in charge to enlarge (pinch out) or reduce (pinch in) the designated area A23. The control of the display size of the designated area A23 can be performed in any direction, and may be horizontal or vertical. As shown in FIG. 15(B), the display position of the designated area on an LJ chart may be controlled. A person in charge can operate a cursor C9 to designate the designated area A23 and then move the designated area A23 in the left-right direction. If the display has a touch panel function, the person in charge can move the designated area A23 in the left-right direction by a touch operation.

[0058] (Modification 1 of the display period designation process) In this variant example 1, the display period of the LJ chart can be specified separately from the display period of the XbarM chart, which differs from the form described in Figures 4 and 5 in which the display period of the LJ chart is automatically set to the display period of the XbarM chart.

[0059] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display period designation screen, an LJ chart, and an XbarM chart according to an embodiment. First, on the display period designation screen DS3 of the XbarM chart, the display period of the XbarM chart is designated as December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020. In addition, on the display period designation screen DS5 of the LJ chart, the display period of the LJ chart is separately designated as December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020. As a result, the LJ chart and the XbarM chart are displayed in the respective display periods designated via the display period designation screen DS3 and the display period designation screen DS5.

[0060] (Modification 2 of the display period designation process) The second modification is different from the first modification in that the display period of the XbarM chart is set shorter than the display period of the LJ chart.

[0061] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display period designation screen, an LJ chart, and an XbarM chart according to an embodiment, in which the display period of the XbarM chart is set shorter than the display period of the LJ chart. As shown in FIG. 17, a display period (January 3, 2020) that is shorter than the period (December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020) specified in the display period designation screen DS7 of the LJ chart is specified in the display period designation screen DS9 of the XbarM chart. In this case, the LJ chart displayed in the display period corresponding to December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020 and the XbarM chart displayed in the display period corresponding to the separately specified period (January 3, 2020) are displayed side by side. According to this configuration, for example, if the time of occurrence of an abnormality can be estimated from the occurrence of an error during measurement, the display period of the XbarM chart can be specified on the display period specification screen DS9, so that the fluctuation of the subject's measurement results over a short period of time can be confirmed with few steps. Therefore, the cause of the abnormality can be identified more quickly. The display period of the XbarM chart only needs to overlap at least partially with the display period of the LJ chart. For example, the display period of the LJ chart may be specified as December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020, and the display period of the XbarM chart may be specified as December 26, 2019 to December 28, 2019.

[0062] (Modification 3 of the display period designation process) In the third modification, when a specific area is specified in an XbarM chart displayed for a predetermined display period, the display is switched to an XbarM chart for a display period corresponding to the specific area.

[0063] The XbarM chart at the top of Fig. 18 is an XbarM chart displayed with a display period of December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020. A specific area A25 on this XbarM chart corresponding to January 3, 2020 is specified by, for example, cursor C11. In this case, the display switches to the XbarM chart at the bottom of Fig. 18. The XbarM chart at the bottom of Fig. 18 is an XbarM chart with a display period of January 3, 2020, which corresponds to specific area A25.

[0064] (Modification 4 of the display period designation process) In the fourth modification, even if the designation of the display period is not accepted, the XbarM chart is automatically displayed with the display period being a predetermined period of the display period of the LJ chart (for example, the last day of the display period of the LJ chart).

[0065] FIG. 19(A) is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart displayed in a specified display period. FIG. 19(B) is a diagram showing an example of an XbarM chart displayed in a display period corresponding to the last day of the display period of the LJ chart in the LJ chart of FIG. 19(A). As shown in FIG. 19(A), the last day on the LJ chart displayed in the display period of December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020 is January 5, 2020. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19(B), an XbarM chart with a display period of January 5, 2020, which corresponds to the last day on the LJ chart, is automatically displayed.

[0066] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the quality control support system 100 displays a first control chart (MJ chart) on the display during a first period, and displays a second control chart (XbarM chart) on the display during a second period that is shorter than the first period. Thus, in the quality control support method, the first and second control charts are displayed for a display period that corresponds to the difference between the measurement frequency of the quality control substance and the measurement frequency of the subject sample. Therefore, when an abnormality is found in the measurement results, the cause can be easily identified.

[0067] <Second embodiment> The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the target and limit values ​​of the LJ chart are determined by external quality control, and therefore the target and limit values ​​are determined for each lot of QC samples. The following will focus on the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an LJ chart according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the "target value" (e.g., "30") in the LJ chart is a reference value determined by aggregating the QC measurement results of each facility. The "upper limit value 3" (e.g., "40") and the "lower limit value 3" (e.g., "20") are upper and lower limit values ​​determined by aggregating the QC measurement results of each facility. The "upper limit value 4" (e.g., "37") and the "lower limit value 4" (e.g., "23") are values ​​set according to the respective values ​​of the "upper limit value 3" and the "lower limit value 3". Each upper limit value and each lower limit value can be set by the user.

[0069] Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a display process of a QC chart according to the second embodiment. Among the processing steps S21 to S39 in Fig. 21, except for step S25, they correspond to the processing steps S1 to S18 shown in Fig. 4. In step S25 shown in Fig. 21, the quality control support device 1 collects the QC measurement results of each facility during the display period, and determines the target value and each limit value shown in Fig. 20.

[0070] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects described above in the first embodiment, the quality control support system 100 enables external quality control within a management group having multiple facilities by having each facility managed by the same management entity.

[0071] <Third embodiment> The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the functions of the quality control support device 1 and the person in charge terminal 5 in the first embodiment 1 are integrated into the quality control support device 1. The following will focus on the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment. 22, the quality control support device 1 is connected to a blood cell counting device 3A via a network NA. The hardware configuration of the quality control support device 1 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

[0072] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a display process of a QC chart according to the third embodiment. (Step S41) The quality control support device 1 judges whether or not it has received, from the person in charge, a designation regarding the display period of the QC chart (for example, the LJ chart and the XbarM chart) to be displayed on the quality control support device 1. If the designation has been received (YES in step S41), the process proceeds to step S42, and if the designation has not been received (NO in step S41), the process proceeds to step S47. (Step S42) The quality control support device 1 judges whether or not an instruction to display the LJ chart and the XbarM chart has been received from the person in charge. If the instruction has been received (YES in step S42), the process proceeds to step S43, and if the instruction has not been received (NO in step S42), the process waits until the instruction is received. (Step S43) The quality control support device 1 reads out pre-stored measurement data of the blood cell counter 3 from the storage device 13 shown in FIG. (Step S44) The quality control support device 1 identifies QC measurement results that are outside the acceptable range. (Step S45) The quality control support device 1 generates display data for displaying the LJ chart and the XbarM chart on a display provided in the quality control support device 1. (Step S46) Based on the generated display data, the quality control support device 1 displays the LJ chart and the XbarM chart on the display for the display period specified in step S41 (the period corresponding to December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020). (Step S47) The quality control support device 1 judges whether or not a display instruction for a predetermined period (e.g., one day) (second period) on the XbarM chart or the LJ chart has been received from the person in charge via the pointing device. If the instruction has been received (YES in step S47), the process proceeds to step S48, and if the instruction has not been received (NO in step S47), the process proceeds to step S50. (Step S48) The quality control support device 1 generates display data for displaying an XbarM chart (second control chart) for the one day corresponding to the received instruction. (Step S49) The quality control support device 1 displays an XbarM chart (second control chart) based on the generated display data. (Step S50) The quality control support device 1 judges whether or not an instruction to end the display has been received from the person in charge. If an instruction has been received (YES in step S50), the process ends, and if an instruction has not been received (NO in step S50), the process returns to step S41. As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is no longer necessary to prepare a person in charge terminal separate from the quality control support device 1.

[0073] <Other embodiments> The above-mentioned embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved (for example, by combining the embodiments, or by omitting some of the configurations of the embodiments) without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0074] In each of the above embodiments, the blood cell counter 3 has been described as an example of an analyzer, but the present invention is not limited to this. The analyzer may be any other analyzer, such as a blood coagulation measuring device, a biochemical analyzer, an immunoanalyzer, a urine analyzer, or a nucleic acid analyzer.

[0075] Fig. 24 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the quality control support system according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 1, the quality control support device 1 is placed in a support center different from the facility where the person in charge terminal is placed, but as shown in Fig. 24, the quality control support device 1 may be placed in the facility where the person in charge terminal is placed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1: quality control support device, 3A, 3B: blood cell counter (analyzer), 5A, 5B: staff terminal, 11: processor (control unit), 12: memory, 13: storage device, 14: communication device, 15: input device, 16: output device, 100: quality control support system.

Claims

1. 1. A quality control support method for displaying a quality control control chart for an analyzer for measuring a subject sample, comprising: generating a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material during a first period by the analytical device; Displaying the generated first control chart; and receiving a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period, the second period being different from the first period, by designating a partial area of ​​the first control chart, the second period corresponding to the designated partial area; generating a second control chart showing results of measurement of subject samples by the analytical device during the second time period; Displaying the generated second control chart; and A method for supporting quality control, comprising:

2. The method further includes accepting a designation of the first period; In generating the first control chart, the first control chart for the first period corresponding to the received designation is generated. The quality control support method according to claim 1 .

3. The acceptance of the designation of the second period is executed after the first control chart is displayed. The quality control support method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In accepting the designation of the second period, the designation of the second period is accepted in a state in which the first control chart is displayed. The quality control support method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. generating a third control chart showing results of measurements of subject samples on the analytical device over a third time period that is longer than the second time period; and displaying the generated third control chart. In accepting the designation of the second period, a designation of the second period corresponding to the designated partial area is accepted by designating a partial area of ​​the displayed third control chart. The quality control support method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. displaying a part of the first control chart in a manner different from other areas of the first control chart; and displaying a period corresponding to the partial region on the first control chart in a manner different from other periods on the third control chart. The quality control support method according to claim 5 .

7. Changing the partial area of ​​the specified first control chart; changing a display mode of the third control chart in response to the change in the partial area of ​​the first control chart. The quality control support method according to claim 6.

8. and further comprising accepting a change to a portion of the third control chart. The quality control support method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The display method further includes displaying a relationship screen showing a relationship between the second period and the third period in the display of the second control chart. The quality control support method according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. accepting a change in the display period of the second control chart via the relationship screen; and displaying the second control chart in response to the received changes. The quality control support method according to claim 9.

11. In accepting the designation of the second period, a dialogue for designating the second period is displayed, and the designation of the second period is accepted via the dialogue. The quality control support method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. In displaying the first control chart, if a predetermined event occurs within the first period, a sign indicating the occurrence of the event is displayed. The quality control support method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The predetermined event includes at least one of an occurrence of an error in the analysis device, an execution of a calibration of the analysis device, or a replacement of a reagent in the analysis device. The quality control support method according to claim 12.

14. When the indicator is selected, a history relating to the predetermined event is displayed. The quality control support method according to claim 12 or 13.

15. displaying the first control chart and the second control chart side by side; The quality control support method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. When the second control chart is displayed, the display of the first control chart is terminated. The quality control support method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. generating the first control chart and generating the second control chart is executed by a quality control support device; displaying the first control chart and displaying the first control chart are executed by a terminal device connected to the quality control support device via a network. The quality control support method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. generating the first control chart, displaying the first control chart, generating the second control chart, and displaying the first control chart are executed by a quality control support device. The quality control support method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. 1. A quality control support method for displaying a quality control control chart for an analyzer for measuring a subject sample, comprising: generating a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material during a first period by the analytical device; Displaying the generated first control chart; and receiving a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period, the second period being different from the first period, by designating a partial area of ​​the first control chart, the second period corresponding to the designated partial area; generating a second control chart showing the results of measuring the subject samples by the analytical device during the second period, which is a portion of the first period; displaying the first control chart and the second control chart side by side; A method for supporting quality control, comprising:

20. 1. A quality control support system that displays a quality control control chart for an analyzer that measures a subject sample, A quality control support device including a first control unit; A terminal device connected to the quality control support device via a network and equipped with a second control unit and a display; Including, The first control unit of the quality control support device generating a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material during a first period by the analytical device; accepting a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period, the second period being different from the first period, by designation of a partial area of ​​the first control chart displayed on the display by the second control unit of the terminal device, the second period corresponding to the designated partial area; generating a second control chart showing results of measurements of subject samples by the analytical device during the second time period; The second control unit of the terminal device displaying the generated second control chart on the display; is configured to run Quality control support system.

21. 1. A quality control support device that displays a quality control control chart for an analyzer that measures a subject sample, A control unit; A display; The control unit is generating a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material during a first period by the analytical device; displaying the generated first control chart on the display; receiving a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period, the second period being different from the first period, by designating a partial area of ​​the first control chart, the second period corresponding to the designated partial area; generating a second control chart showing results of measurement of subject samples by the analytical device during the second time period; displaying the generated second control chart on the display; is configured to run Quality control support device.

22. A quality control support device that is connected to a terminal device having a display via a network and displays a quality control control chart for an analyzer that measures a subject sample on the display of the terminal device, A control unit is provided, The control unit is generating a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material during a first period by the analytical device; transmitting the generated first control chart to the terminal device; accepting a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period, the second period being different from the first period, by designating a partial area of ​​the first control chart displayed on the display, the second period corresponding to the designated partial area; generating a second control chart showing results of measurement of subject samples by the analytical device during the second time period; transmitting the generated second control chart to the terminal device; is configured to run Quality control support device.

23. A quality control support device that displays a quality control control chart for an analyzer that measures subject samples on a display of a terminal device connected via a network. generating a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material during a first period by the analytical device; transmitting the generated first control chart to the terminal device; accepting a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period, the second period being different from the first period, by designating a partial area of ​​the first control chart displayed on the display, the second period corresponding to the designated partial area; generating a second control chart showing results of measurement of subject samples by the analytical device during the second time period; transmitting the generated second control chart to the terminal device; A program for executing the above.

24. A quality control support device having a display for displaying a quality control control chart for an analyzer for measuring subject samples, generating a first control chart showing the results of measuring a quality control material during a first period by the analytical device; displaying the generated first control chart on the display; receiving a designation of a second period that is shorter than the first period and at least partially overlaps with the first period, the second period being different from the first period, by designating a partial area of ​​the first control chart, the second period corresponding to the designated partial area; generating a second control chart showing results of measurement of subject samples by the analytical device during the second time period; displaying the generated second control chart on the display; A program for executing the above.

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