Inspection Support Method, Inspection Support Device, and Computer Program

Abstract

To provide an inspection assistance method, an inspection assistance device and a computer program capable of reducing a workload in accepting specimens and shorten time required for clinical examination.SOLUTION: A method for assisting work for clinical inspection using specimens collected from subjects comprises: preliminarily recording container identification information for identifying a specimen container which is unique to the specimen container, in a specimen container for accommodating the specimen; storing inspection identification information for identifying the clinical inspection in association with the container identification information of the specimen container in which the specimen needed for the clinical inspection is accommodated; outputting the stored inspection identification information and container identification information; acquiring container identification information from the specimen container in which the specimen is accommodated; and outputting, in association with the acquired container identification, information that indicates that the specimen accommodated in the specimen container has been received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a test support method, a test support device, and a computer program for supporting a clinical test using a specimen collected from a subject.

Background Art

[0002] In clinical tests, there are those that collect specimens such as blood from a subject and perform various tests on the collected specimens. For example, specimens are collected at medical institutions such as hospitals. Although clinical tests may be performed at the medical institution where the specimen was collected, in many cases, part or all of the clinical tests are performed at a testing institution outside the medical institution. Conventionally, systems for performing information processing related to clinical tests have been developed. Patent Document 1 discloses a system for accurately grasping the status of operations related to clinical tests and enabling appropriate improvement of operations.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Currently, systems for clinical examinations are developed for each medical institution and each testing institution. In a medical institution, a collected specimen is stored in a specimen container, and identification information associated with the subject is given to the specimen container. For example, in a medical institution, a label with the identification information is attached to the specimen container. The specimen container containing the specimen is transferred from the medical institution to the testing institution. Since the identification information given in the medical institution may overlap with other information used in the testing institution, the testing institution cannot use it as it is. In the testing institution, it is necessary to replace the identification information given to the specimen container with the identification information used in the testing institution. For example, in the testing institution, new identification information is associated with the specimen container, a label with the new identification information is reattached to the specimen container, and the specimen is managed using the new identification information. For this reason, there is a lot of work to receive the specimen in the testing institution, and the clinical examination takes time.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an examination support method, an examination support device, and a computer program that can reduce the work associated with receiving a specimen and shorten the time required for a clinical examination.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The examination support method according to the present invention is a method for supporting work for a clinical examination using a specimen collected from a subject, in which container identification information that is unique to the specimen container and identifies the specimen container is pre-recorded in the specimen container for storing the specimen, and examination identification information for identifying the clinical examination and container identification information of the specimen container containing the specimen required for the clinical examination are stored in association with each other, the stored examination identification information and container identification information are output, container identification information is acquired from the specimen container containing the specimen, and information indicating that the specimen contained in the specimen container with the acquired container identification information recorded therein has been received is output in association with the acquired container identification information.

[0007] The inspection support device according to the present invention is a device that supports operations for clinical inspections using specimens collected from a subject. The inspection support device includes a storage unit that stores, in association with each other, inspection identification information for identifying a clinical inspection and container identification information that is unique to a specimen container for storing a specimen required for the clinical inspection and that identifies the specimen container; an output unit that outputs the inspection identification information and the container identification information; and an acquisition unit that acquires the container identification information recorded in advance in a specimen container containing a specimen. The output unit is characterized by outputting information indicating that a specimen contained in the specimen container in which the acquired container identification information is recorded has been received, in association with the acquired container identification information.

[0008] A computer program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute a process of outputting inspection identification information for identifying a clinical inspection and container identification information that is unique to a specimen container for storing a specimen required for the clinical inspection and that identifies the specimen container, acquiring the container identification information recorded in advance in a specimen container containing a specimen, and outputting information indicating that a specimen contained in the specimen container in which the acquired container identification information is recorded has been received, in association with the acquired container identification information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] The present invention has excellent effects such as reducing the work associated with receiving a specimen used in a clinical inspection and shortening the time required for the clinical inspection.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described based on the drawings showing its embodiments. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a procedure for performing a clinical examination. In a medical institution such as a hospital or a clinic, the content of the clinical examination for a subject is determined, and an examination request recording the content of the clinical examination is created. The clinical examination in the present embodiment is a specimen examination performed using a specimen collected from the subject. The content of the clinical examination is determined by a doctor who has examined the subject. The specimen is, for example, a body fluid such as blood, saliva, nasal discharge, tears, sweat, cerebrospinal fluid or urine. Alternatively, the specimen is, for example, nasal swab fluid, throat swab fluid, feces or cells. Next, a specimen is collected from the subject. In the present embodiment, mainly an example where the specimen is blood is shown.

[0012] The specimen is transferred from the medical institution to the testing institution. The testing institution is an institution outside the medical institution or a testing department within the medical institution where the examination was performed. For example, by transporting a specimen container containing the specimen, the specimen is sent from the medical institution to the testing institution, and the testing institution receives the sent specimen. Next, according to the examination request, a clinical examination is performed. In the clinical examination, various examinations are performed on the specimen. Next, the examination results are reported to the medical institution. The examination support method according to the present embodiment supports the implementation of the clinical examination, and particularly supports the work performed when receiving the specimen at the testing institution.

[0013] The specimen collected from the subject is contained in a specimen container. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a specimen container 6 in which the specimen is contained. For example, the specimen container 6 is a blood collection tube. The specimen container 6 is formed of a transparent material such as glass or resin and is tubular. One end of the specimen container 6 is closed and the other end is open. After a specimen such as blood is placed inside the specimen container 6, a lid is attached to the specimen container 6 and the inside of the specimen container 6 is sealed. The specimen container 6 may have a shape other than tubular and may be formed of a non-transparent material. A label 61 recording the specimen container ID is attached to the specimen container 6. For example, a barcode representing the specimen container ID is described on the label 61.

[0014] The specimen container ID includes information indicating the type of the specimen container 6 and information that is unique to the specimen container 6 and is used to identify the specimen container 6. The specimen container ID corresponds to the container identification information. The specimen container ID is commonly used in medical institutions and inspection institutions. The specimen container ID may be recorded on the label 61 in a form other than a barcode, such as a two-dimensional code. The specimen container ID may be directly recorded on the specimen container 6 by a method such as directly describing a barcode on the specimen container 6. The specimen container ID may be recorded on the specimen container 6 as electronic data. For example, an RF (Radio Frequency) tag storing the specimen container ID may be attached to the specimen container 6, or a memory storing the specimen container ID may be attached to the specimen container 6.

[0015] The specimen container 6 is delivered to a medical institution in a state where the specimen container ID is pre-recorded. For example, the specimen container 6 is delivered to a medical institution with a label 61 storing the specimen container ID pre-attached. The specimen collected from the subject is stored in the specimen container 6. By delivering the specimen container 6 containing the specimen from the medical institution to the inspection institution, the specimen is delivered from the medical institution to the inspection institution. At the inspection institution, when receiving the specimen, the specimen container ID is obtained from the specimen container 6, and the obtained specimen container ID is used to manage the specimen and the results of clinical tests using the specimen. At the inspection institution, operations such as assigning a unique specimen container ID to the specimen container 6, recording the specimen container ID in a database, and attaching a label to the specimen container 6 are not performed.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the inspection support system 100. The inspection support system 100 is a system for executing an inspection support method. The inspection support system 100 includes a storage device 1 that stores data. The storage device 1 is connected to a communication network N such as the Internet. In the medical institution 20, an input device 201 for inputting an inspection request including the details of a clinical examination and a collection support device 2 for supporting the operation of collecting a specimen are provided. The input device 201 is operated by medical staff such as doctors, and an inspection request is inputted. The collection support device 2 is used by an operator 51 such as a doctor, nurse, practical nurse, or clinical laboratory technician who performs the operation of collecting a specimen from the subject. The input device 201 and the collection support device 2 are connected to the communication network N. The input device 201 and the collection support device 2 transmit and receive data to and from the storage device 1 via the communication network N.

[0017] In the inspection institution 30, a reception support device 3 for supporting the operation of receiving a specimen and an output device 4 for outputting the status of a clinical examination are provided. The reception support device 3 is used by an operator 52 who performs the operation of receiving a specimen. For example, the operator 52 receives the specimen container 6 transported from the medical institution 20 or collects the specimen container 6 from the medical institution 20 and performs the operation of receiving the specimen using the reception support device 3. The output device 4 is used by a user such as a technician who performs a clinical examination and outputs the progress status or result of the clinical examination. The reception support device 3 and the output device 4 are connected to the communication network N. The reception support device 3 and the output device 4 transmit and receive data to and from the storage device 1 via the communication network N. In the inspection institution 30, a plurality of reception support devices 3 and output devices 4 can be used.

[0018] The inspection support system 100 can be used by a plurality of medical institutions 20. The inspection support system 100 may include input devices 201 and collection support devices 2 provided in each of the plurality of medical institutions 20. Further, the inspection support system 100 can be used by a plurality of inspection institutions 30. The inspection support system 100 may include reception support devices 3 and output devices 4 provided in each of the plurality of inspection institutions 30.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal functional configuration of the storage device 1. The storage device 1 is a computer such as a server device. The storage device 1 includes an arithmetic unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a drive unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The arithmetic unit 11 is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a multi-core CPU. The arithmetic unit 11 may be configured using a quantum computer. The memory 12 stores temporary data generated during the calculation. The memory 12 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 13 is non-volatile and is, for example, a hard disk or a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The drive unit 14 reads information from a recording medium 10 such as an optical disk or a portable memory. The communication unit 15 communicates with other devices via a communication network N.

[0020] The arithmetic unit 11 causes the drive unit 14 to read the computer program 131 recorded on the recording medium 10 and stores the read computer program 131 in the storage unit 13. The arithmetic unit 11 executes the necessary processing for the storage device 1 according to the computer program 131. The computer program 131 may be a computer program product. The computer program 131 may be downloaded from outside the storage device 1. Alternatively, the computer program 131 may be stored in the storage unit 13 in advance. In these cases, the storage device 1 may not include the drive unit 14.

[0021] The memory device 1 may be provided in the medical institution 20, may be provided in the inspection institution 30, or may be provided at a location other than the medical institution 20 and the inspection institution 30. The memory device 1 is composed of a plurality of computers, and data may be distributed and stored by the plurality of computers, or processing may be distributed and executed by the plurality of computers. The memory device 1 may be realized by using cloud computing, or may be realized by a plurality of virtual machines provided in one computer.

[0022] The storage unit 13 stores a subject DB (database) 132 that records data related to the subject. The subject DB 132 records personal information such as name, age, and gender for each subject. In addition, the subject DB 132 records information related to clinical examinations, such as a subject ID for identifying the subject in a clinical examination, a history of examination requests, a history of specimen collection, and a history of clinical examination results, for each subject. The storage unit 13 stores a specimen table 133 that records information related to the specimen collected from the subject. In the specimen table 133, information related to the specimen is recorded according to the creation of the examination request and the collection of the specimen. In addition, the storage unit 13 stores an examination result DB 134 that records the results of clinical examinations.

[0023] The input device 201 is a computer such as a PC (personal computer), a smartphone, or a tablet computer. The input device 201 includes an operation unit through which information is input when the user operates it. When a medical staff member operates the operation unit, an examination request is input. For example, a doctor examines a subject, determines the content of a clinical examination based on the examination results, and an examination request including the determined content of the clinical examination is input to the input device 201. The input device 201 transmits the input examination request to the memory device 1 via the communication network N. The memory device 1 receives and stores the transmitted examination request. In this way, the examination request is created. Although one input device 201 is shown in FIG. 3, in the medical institution 20, a plurality of input devices 201 may be used.

[0024] The sample collection support device 2 is a computer such as a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. The sample collection support device 2 includes an operation unit that receives operations from the operator 51, a display unit that displays images, and a reading unit that reads the sample container ID recorded in the sample container 6. For example, the reading unit is a camera, a barcode reader, or a reader that reads information recorded in an RF tag using short-range wireless communication. Although one sample collection support device 2 is shown in FIG. 3, in the medical institution 20, a plurality of sample collection support devices 2 can be used. A plurality of operators 51 operate a plurality of sample collection support devices 2, and each sample collection support device 2 communicates with the storage device 1.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal functional configuration of the reception support device 3. The reception support device 3 is a computer such as a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. The reception support device 3 includes an arithmetic unit 31, a memory 32, a drive unit 33, a storage unit 34, an operation unit 35, a display unit 36, a reading unit 37, and a communication unit 38. The arithmetic unit 31 is configured using, for example, a CPU, a GPU, or a multi-core CPU. The arithmetic unit 31 may be configured using a quantum computer. The memory 32 stores temporary data generated during the operation. The memory 32 is, for example, a RAM. The drive unit 33 reads information from a recording medium 300 such as an optical disk or a portable memory. The storage unit 34 is non-volatile and is, for example, a hard disk or a non-volatile semiconductor memory.

[0026] The operation unit 35 receives an operation from the operator 52 to accept input of information such as text. The operation unit 35 is, for example, a touch panel, a tablet, a keyboard, or a pointing device. The display unit 36 displays an image. The display unit 36 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an EL display (Electroluminescent Display). The operation unit 35 and the display unit 36 may be integrated. The reading unit 37 reads the specimen container ID recorded in the specimen container 6. For example, the reading unit 37 is a camera, a barcode reader, or a reader that reads information recorded in an RF tag using short-range wireless communication. The reading unit 37 corresponds to the acquisition unit. The communication unit 38 communicates with the storage device 1 via the communication network N. The storage device 1 transmits information from the communication unit 15, and the reception support device 3 receives the information with the communication unit 38 and displays the information with the display unit 36. The communication unit 15 of the storage device 1 and the display unit 36 of the reception support device 3 correspond to the output unit.

[0027] The arithmetic unit 31 causes the drive unit 33 to read the computer program 341 recorded on the recording medium 300 and stores the read computer program 341 in the storage unit 34. The arithmetic unit 31 executes the necessary processing for the reception support device 3 according to the computer program 341. The computer program 341 may be a computer program product. The computer program 341 may be downloaded from outside the reception support device 3. For example, the computer program 341 may be downloaded from the storage device 1. The computer program 341 may be stored in the memory 32 instead of the storage unit 34. For example, the computer program 341 may be downloaded and stored in the memory 32 when executing the processing related to the inspection support method, and erased from the memory 32 when the processing related to the inspection support method ends. The computer program 341 may be stored in the storage unit 34 in advance. In these cases, the reception support device 3 may not include the drive unit 23.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal functional configuration of the output device 4. The output device 4 is a computer such as a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. The output device 4 includes an arithmetic unit 41, a memory 42, a storage unit 43, an operation unit 44, a display unit 45, and a communication unit 46. The arithmetic unit 41 is configured using, for example, a CPU, a GPU, or a multi-core CPU. The arithmetic unit 41 may be configured using a quantum computer. The memory 42 stores temporary data generated during the operation. The memory 42 is, for example, a RAM. The storage unit 43 is non-volatile and is, for example, a hard disk or a non-volatile semiconductor memory.

[0029] The operation unit 44 receives input of information by receiving an operation from the user. The display unit 45 displays an image. The operation unit 44 and the display unit 45 may be integrated. The communication unit 46 communicates with the storage device 1 via the communication network N. The storage unit 43 stores a computer program 431. The arithmetic unit 41 executes the processing necessary for the output device 4 according to the computer program 431. For example, the computer program 431 is downloaded and stored in the storage unit 43. The computer program 431 may be a computer program product.

[0030] Although FIG. 3 shows one reception support device 3 and one output device 4, in the inspection institution 30, a plurality of reception support devices 3 or output devices 4 may be used. A plurality of workers 52 operate a plurality of reception support devices 3, and each reception support device 3 communicates with the storage device 1. Alternatively, a plurality of users operate a plurality of output devices 4, and each output device 4 communicates with the storage device 1. When there are a plurality of inspection institutions 30, the storage device 1 communicates with the reception support devices 3 or output devices 4 provided in the plurality of inspection institutions 30 via the communication network N.

[0031] The processes executed by the inspection support system 100 will be described below. At the medical institution 20, a medical staff member operates the input device 201, and an inspection request is input to the input device 201. The input device 201 transmits the inspection request to the storage device 1. The storage device 1 receives the inspection request transmitted from the input device 201 via the communication unit 15. The arithmetic unit 11 of the storage device 1 records the inspection request in the subject DB 132 in association with the subject ID. The arithmetic unit 11 determines one or more inspection items specifying specific inspection contents according to the content of the inspection request, and records information regarding the specimens necessary for executing the inspection items in the specimen table 133. In the specimen table 133, the specimen container type and the inspection items are recorded in association with the inspection request ID. The inspection request ID is information for identifying one clinical inspection requested for one subject. The inspection request ID corresponds to the inspection identification information. The inspection request ID is information unique to one clinical inspection. The specimen container type indicates the type of the specimen container 6 for containing the specimen collected from the subject. The specimen container type corresponds to the container type information.

[0032] Before the operator 51 collects the specimen, the specimen collection support device 2 reads out information regarding the specimen collection from the specimen table 133. The information regarding the specimen collection includes the specimen container type. The specimen collection support device 2 outputs information regarding the specimen collection including the inspection request ID and the specimen container type by displaying an image on the display unit. Next, the specimen collection support device 2 acquires the specimen container ID of the specimen container 6 in which the collected specimen should be stored. For example, a plurality of types of specimen containers 6 are prepared at the hand of the operator 51. The operator 51 selects the specimen container 6 for which the specimen container type is output, and the specimen container ID is acquired when the reading unit reads the specimen container ID from the specimen container 6.

[0033] The sampling support device 2 determines whether the type of the specimen container 6 indicated by the acquired specimen container ID matches the type of the specimen container 6 indicated by the specimen container type. If the type of the specimen container 6 indicated by the specimen container ID does not match the type of the specimen container 6 indicated by the specimen container type, the sampling support device 2 outputs an error indicating that the types of the specimen containers 6 are different. The error occurs when the specimen container ID is acquired from a specimen container 6 of the wrong type. When an error is output, the operator 51 selects a specimen container 6 of a different type, and the specimen container ID is acquired again from the specimen container 6. In this way, it is possible to prevent the wrong type of specimen container 6 for accommodating the specimen from being selected. If the type of the specimen container 6 indicated by the specimen container ID matches the type of the specimen container 6 indicated by the specimen container type, the sampling support device 2 outputs the acquired specimen container ID in association with the inspection request ID and the specimen container type by displaying an image on the display unit. Thereby, the operator 51 can confirm the type of the specimen container 6 in which the collected specimen should be accommodated.

[0034] The sampling support device 2 transmits the specimen container ID for which the types of the specimen containers 6 match to the storage device 1. The storage device 1 receives the specimen container ID via the communication unit 15, and the arithmetic unit 11 stores the specimen container ID in the storage unit 13 by recording the specimen container ID in the specimen table 133 in association with the inspection request ID and the specimen container type indicating the type that matches the type of the specimen container 6 indicated by the acquired specimen container ID. Thereafter, the operator 51 performs an operation of collecting a specimen from the subject. For example, the operator 51 performs blood collection. The operator 51 accommodates the collected specimen in the specimen container 6 in which the acquired specimen container ID is recorded. After the collection of the specimen is completed, the sampling support device 2 accepts that the specimen has been collected, and the storage device 1 stores that the specimen has been collected in the storage unit 13 by recording in the specimen table 133 that the specimen has been collected.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the contents of the specimen table 133 after the specimen has been collected. In the specimen table 133, in association with the test request ID, the specimen container type, specimen container ID, status, total specimen collection volume, test items, dispensed volume, confirmation items, confirmation item contents, designation of whether confirmation of the confirmation items is mandatory or optional, and the confirmation input URL (Uniform Resource Locator) are recorded. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of specimen container types and specimen container IDs are associated with one test request ID.

[0036] The status indicates the state of the specimen. In the example shown in FIG. 7, as the status, it is recorded that the specimen has been collected. The total specimen collection volume is the volume of the specimen contained in the specimen container 6. The storage temperature is the temperature at which the specimen is stored. The dispensed volume is the amount of the specimen required to perform the test items. The confirmation items are the information that needs to be confirmed when performing the test items. The confirmation item contents are the contents of the confirmed confirmation items. Among the confirmation items, there is information that requires mandatory confirmation and information that allows optional confirmation, and either one is designated. The confirmation input URL is a link for inputting the confirmation items.

[0037] In one clinical test, one or more test items are performed. In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that tests W, X, Y, and Z are performed in the clinical test identified by the test request ID "001", and tests W, X, Y, and Z are recorded as the test items in association with the test request ID "001". The amount of the specimen required depends on the test items, the dispensed volume is determined according to the test items, and the dispensed volume is recorded in association with the test items. The storage temperature of the specimen is determined by the test items, and the storage temperature is recorded in association with the test items.

[0038] Specimens related to a plurality of test items with the same storage temperature can be stored in the same specimen container 6. When specimens related to a plurality of test items are stored in one specimen container 6, a plurality of test items are recorded in association with one specimen container type and specimen container ID. The total aliquot volume associated with the plurality of test items for which the specimen stored in one specimen container 6 is used becomes the total specimen collection volume. When the specimen is other than blood, information indicating the type of specimen may be recorded in the specimen table 133.

[0039] The specimen table 133 organizes which specimen container 6 the specimen used for the clinical test identified by the test request ID is stored in. Also, in association with the specimen container ID, it is recorded in the specimen table 133 which clinical test and which test item the specimen stored in each specimen container 6 is used for. In this way, the specimen table 133 manages the information necessary for the clinical test in association with the test request ID and the specimen container ID. Also, by using the specimen container ID pre-recorded in the specimen container 6, operations for assigning the specimen container ID to the specimen container 6, such as creating a label 61 with the specimen container ID recorded thereon and affixing it to the specimen container 6, become unnecessary in the medical institution 20. For this reason, the operations associated with specimen collection in the medical institution 20 are reduced.

[0040] The specimen container 6 containing the specimen is transferred from the medical institution 20 to the testing institution 30. For example, the specimen container 6 containing the specimen is transported from the medical institution 20 to the testing institution 30, or is collected from the medical institution 20 by the operator 52 and transported to the testing institution 30. At the testing institution 30, the specimen container ID recorded on the transferred specimen container 6 is acquired, and the specimen is received by confirming that the specimen contained in the specimen container 6 is the specimen to be used for the clinical test specified in the test request.

[0041] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the process for assisting the reception of a specimen executed by the inspection support system 100. Hereinafter, steps are abbreviated as S. The arithmetic unit 11 of the storage device 1 executes the process according to the computer program 131, and the arithmetic unit 31 of the reception support device 3 executes the process according to the computer program 341. For example, the process for assisting the reception of a specimen is executed when the specimen container 6 transported from the medical institution 20 is delivered to the inspection institution 30, or when the operator 52 collects the specimen container 6.

[0042] Before the reception of the specimen is performed, the reception support device 3 reads out and outputs information regarding the specimen to be received from the specimen table 133 (S1). In S1, for example, the operator 52 who performs the work of receiving the specimen operates the operation unit 35 to input information for specifying the specimen or the inspection request to the collection support device 2. For example, the inspection request ID is input. The information for specifying the specimen or the inspection request may be acquired by the reading unit 37.

[0043] The arithmetic unit 31 transmits the information for specifying the specimen or the inspection request from the communication unit 38 to the storage device 1 via the communication network N. The storage device 1 receives the information for specifying the specimen or the inspection request by the communication unit 15. The arithmetic unit 11 reads out information regarding the specimen associated with the information for specifying the specimen or the inspection request from the specimen table 133. For example, the information associated with the inspection request ID is read out from the specimen table 133. The arithmetic unit 11 transmits the read information from the communication unit 15 to the reception support device 3 via the communication network N. The reception support device 3 receives the information by the communication unit 38, and the arithmetic unit 31 outputs the information regarding the specimen to be received by displaying a reception support image representing the information regarding the specimen to be received on the display unit 36.

[0044] Note that the reception support device 3 may read information regarding the specimen without using information for specifying the specimen or the test request. For example, the reception support device 3 transmits a request for information regarding the specimen to the storage device 1. The arithmetic unit 11 reads information regarding the specimen whose status in the specimen table 133 is "Specimen collection completed". That is, information regarding the specimen such as the specimen container ID associated with the status of "Specimen collection completed" is read from the specimen table 133. Alternatively, the date and time when the specimen was sent or information indicating that it has been sent is recorded in the specimen table 133, and the arithmetic unit 11 may read information regarding the specimen based on this information. The storage device 1 transmits the read information to the reception support device 3, and the reception support device 3 outputs the received information.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reception support image. The arithmetic unit 31 creates a reception support image according to the information received from the storage device 1 and displays the reception support image on the display unit 36. The reception support image includes the status of the specimen, the specimen container ID, the test request ID, the specimen container type, the total specimen collection amount, the storage temperature, the confirmation item, the confirmation item content, the designation of whether the confirmation of the confirmation item is essential or optional, and the confirmation input URL. A list of specimen container IDs of the specimen containers 6 containing the specimens to be received is displayed, and each piece of information is associated with the specimen container ID. By displaying the list of specimen container IDs, the operator 52 can know how many specimen containers 6 containing the specimens to be received exist.

[0046] The status is "Pending reception confirmation", indicating that each specimen has not been received yet. For a specimen for which the content of the confirmation item is not recorded, it is further displayed as a status that there is a confirmation item for which the older brother's use is not recorded. Information other than the status is equivalent to the information recorded in the specimen table 133. By displaying the reception support image, information regarding the specimens to be received is displayed.

[0047] Next, the reception support device 3 acquires the specimen container ID of the specimen container 6 (S2). In S2, the operator 52 selects one specimen container 6 from the specimen containers 6, the reading unit 37 reads the specimen container ID from the specimen container 6, and the arithmetic unit 31 acquires the read specimen container ID. The reading unit 37 reads the specimen container ID pre-recorded in the specimen container 6. For example, when the operator 52 brings the reading unit 37 close to the specimen container 6 and the reading unit 37 reads the barcode recorded on the label 61, the specimen container ID represented by the barcode is read. When an RF tag is attached to the specimen container 6, the reading unit 37 reads the specimen container ID recorded in the RF tag using short-range wireless communication.

[0048] Next, the reception support device 3 determines whether the acquired specimen container ID is recorded as the specimen container ID of the specimen to be received (S3). In S3, the arithmetic unit 31 determines whether the acquired specimen container ID matches the specimen container ID included in the information read from the specimen table 133. The arithmetic unit 31 may refer to the specimen table 133 and determine whether the acquired specimen container ID is recorded in the specimen table 133 as the specimen container ID of the specimen to be received. If the acquired specimen container ID is not recorded (S3: NO), the reception support device 3 outputs an error (S4) and returns the process to S2. In S4, the arithmetic unit 31 displays an image representing the error on the display unit 36.

[0049] When an error is output, the operator 52 can confirm that an incorrect specimen has been received and continue the operation to receive the necessary specimen. For example, when an incorrect specimen container 6 is collected, an error is output, and the operator 52 notices that the incorrect specimen container 6 has been collected, stops collecting the incorrect specimen container 6, and can collect the necessary specimen container 6 again. In this way, receiving an incorrect specimen is suppressed.

[0050] When the obtained specimen container ID is recorded as the specimen container ID of the specimen to be received (S3: YES), the storage device 1 records the obtained specimen container ID and stores that the specimen contained in the specimen container 6 identified by the specimen container ID has been received (S5). In S5, the arithmetic unit 31 transmits the obtained specimen container ID from the communication unit 38 to the storage device 1. The storage device 1 receives the specimen container ID by the communication unit 15, and the arithmetic unit 11 stores that the specimen has been received by recording in the specimen table 133 that it has confirmed the reception of the specimen as a status in association with the obtained specimen container ID.

[0051] Next, the reception support device 3 outputs that the specimen contained in the specimen container 6 identified by the obtained specimen container ID has been received (S6). In S6, the arithmetic unit 31 modifies the reception support image so as to indicate that the specimen has been received, with the status associated with the obtained specimen container ID, and displays the modified reception support image on the display unit 36. For example, the status associated with the obtained specimen container ID is modified from "awaiting reception confirmation" to "reception confirmation completed". The operator 52 can visually recognize the reception support image and confirm that the specimen contained in the specimen container 6 identified by the obtained specimen container ID has been received.

[0052] Next, the reception support device 3 determines whether or not it has acquired all the specimen container IDs related to the specimen to be received (S7). In S7, the arithmetic unit 31 determines whether or not it has acquired all the specimen container IDs included in the information read from the specimen table 133. The arithmetic unit 31 may refer to the specimen table 133 and determine whether or not it has acquired all the specimen container IDs recorded in the specimen table 133 as the specimen container IDs of the specimen to be received. For example, when an instruction to proceed with the process is input by the operator 52 operating the operation unit 35, the arithmetic unit 31 performs the process of S7. The arithmetic unit 31 may execute the process of S7 even if an instruction to proceed with the process is not input.

[0053] If there is an unacquired specimen container ID (S7: NO), the reception support device 3 outputs that there is an unreceived specimen (S8) and returns the process to S2. For example, when the information read from the specimen table 133 still includes an unacquired specimen container ID, the arithmetic unit 31 determines that there is still an unreceived specimen among the specimens to be received. In S8, the arithmetic unit 31 creates an image notifying that there is an unreceived specimen and displays it on the display unit 36. The arithmetic unit 31 may display the specimen container ID that has not yet been acquired.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image notifying that there is an unreceived specimen. Overlaid on the reception support image, the specimen container ID that has not yet been acquired and the shortage of the specimen container identified by the specimen container ID are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the operator 52 operates the operation unit 35 and a portion representing "OK" on the image is designated by a method such as clicking, the arithmetic unit 31 ends the display of the image notifying that there is an unreceived specimen. The operator 52 can confirm that there is still an unreceived specimen and continue the work to receive the specimens that have not yet been received. For example, when there is a shipping omission of the specimen container 6, it is output that there is an unreceived specimen, and the operator 52 notices the shipping omission and can re-shipping the necessary specimen container 6. In this way, the occurrence of omission in the reception of specimens is suppressed.

[0055] When all the specimen container IDs related to the specimens to be received are acquired (S7: YES), the reception support device 3 outputs that all the specimens to be received have been received (S9). In S9, the arithmetic unit 31 creates an image notifying that all the specimens have been received and displays it on the display unit 36. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image notifying that all the specimens have been received. Overlaid on the reception support image, it is displayed that the specimen container IDs of all the specimen containers 6 containing the specimens to be received have been confirmed. In the example shown in FIG. 12, in response to the portion representing "OK" on the image being designated, the arithmetic unit 31 ends the display of the image notifying that all the specimens have been received. The operator 52 can confirm that all the specimens to be received have been received. By performing the reception work until it is confirmed that the specimens have been received, it is possible to prevent omission in the reception of the specimens.

[0056] Next, the reception support device 3 outputs a list of the acquired specimen container IDs (S10). In S10, the arithmetic unit 31 modifies the reception support image so that the status associated with the specimen container IDs of all the specimen containers 6 containing the specimens to be received indicates that the specimens have been received, and displays the modified reception support image on the display unit 36. For example, the status associated with all the specimen container IDs is modified from "awaiting reception confirmation" to "reception confirmation completed". The operator 52 can visually recognize the reception support image and confirm that all the specimens to be received have been received.

[0057] The reception support device 3 determines whether there is a confirmation item with no recorded content associated with the acquired specimen container ID (S11). In S11, the arithmetic unit 31 determines whether there is a confirmation item with no associated content among the confirmation items associated with the specimen container ID included in the information regarding the specimens to be received. The arithmetic unit 31 may access the specimen table 133 to determine whether there is a confirmation item associated with the specimen container ID and with no associated content. If there is no confirmation item with no recorded content (S11: NO), the reception support device 3 ends the process.

[0058] If there is an unchecked item associated with the obtained specimen container ID (S11: YES), the reception support device 3 outputs that there is an unchecked item (S12). In S11, the arithmetic unit 31 creates an image notifying that there is an unchecked item and displays it on the display unit 36. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image notifying that there is an unchecked item. Overlaid on the reception support image, it is displayed that there is an unchecked item, and an instruction to perform an operation for content confirmation is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 13, in order to confirm the content of the check item, the operator is instructed to open the tab labeled "Check Item". In the example shown in FIG. 13, in response to the specified part representing "OK" on the image, the arithmetic unit 31 ends the display of the image notifying that there is an unchecked item.

[0059] Next, the reception support device 3 outputs a list of unchecked items (S13). For example, when the operator 52 operates the operation unit 35 and an instruction to open the tab labeled "Check Item" is input, S13 is executed. In S13, the arithmetic unit 31 creates an image representing a list of unchecked items and displays it on the display unit 36.

[0060] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image representing a list of unchecked items. In S13, the arithmetic unit 31 extracts information associated with the unchecked items from the information associated with the obtained specimen container ID and creates an image representing the extracted information. The check items are displayed in association with the specimen container ID. By switching and displaying the list of check items with the reception support image, the operator 52 can easily recognize that there are check items.

[0061] FIG. 14 shows an example of a collection support image with a mark 361 added to indicate that the content of the confirmation item is not recorded. By displaying the mark 361, the operator 52 can recognize that the content of the confirmation item is not recorded. For example, in S13, the arithmetic unit 31 displays different marks 361 according to whether the confirmation of the confirmation item is mandatory or optional. FIG. 14 shows an example where the colors of the marks 361 are different. Elements other than color, such as the shape or size of the mark 361, may be different. By displaying different marks 361 according to whether the confirmation of the confirmation item is mandatory or optional, the operator 52 can recognize whether the confirmation of the confirmation item is mandatory or optional.

[0062] Next, the reception support device 3 receives the designation of a confirmation item (S14). In S14, the arithmetic unit 31 receives the designation of a confirmation item when the operator 52 operates the operation unit 35 and designates one confirmation item from the list of confirmation items by a method such as clicking. The reception support device 3 determines whether the confirmation of the content of the designated confirmation item is mandatory (S15). In S15, the arithmetic unit 31 determines whether the confirmation of the designated confirmation item is associated with the fact that the confirmation is mandatory or whether the confirmation of the confirmation item is associated with the fact that the confirmation is optional.

[0063] If the confirmation of the content of the confirmation item is mandatory (S15: YES), the reception support device 3 outputs a confirmation request for the confirmation item (S16). In S16, the arithmetic unit 31 creates an image representing the confirmation request for the designated confirmation item and displays it on the display unit 36 overlaid on the list of confirmation items. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image representing a confirmation request for a confirmation item. The specimen container ID, test request ID, and specimen container type associated with the confirmation item are displayed, and an instruction to input the content of the confirmation item is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the confirmation item is a reagent that reacts with the specimen for the test, and it is mandatory to specify the reagent for the test. As a method of inputting the content of the confirmation item, it is instructed to take a photo of the reagent.

[0064] Next, the reception support device 3 receives the content of the confirmation item (S17). In S17, for example, the reading unit 37 which is a camera takes a photo of the drug, and then the arithmetic unit 31 receives the content of the confirmation item. In S17, the content of the confirmation item may be received by other methods. For example, the operator 52 may operate the operation unit 35 to input the name of the drug, and thereby the content of the confirmation item may be received.

[0065] When the confirmation of the content of the confirmation item is optional (S15: NO), the reception support device 3 outputs a confirmation request for the confirmation item including precautions in the case where the content of the confirmation item is not confirmed (S18). In S18, the arithmetic unit 31 creates an image representing the confirmation request for the designated confirmation item and including precautions, and overlays it on the list of confirmation items and displays it on the display unit 36.

[0066] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image representing a confirmation request for a confirmation item whose content confirmation is optional. The specimen container ID, test request ID, and specimen container type associated with the confirmation item are displayed, and an instruction to input the content of the confirmation item is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the confirmation item is age. Depending on the test item, in order to perform a more accurate diagnosis, the test result may be corrected according to the age. Therefore, for an accurate diagnosis, it is desirable that the age is confirmed. If the age is unknown, the test result cannot be corrected, and there is a risk that the accuracy of the diagnosis will decrease. A precaution indicating that the test result cannot be corrected if the age is not input is displayed. By displaying the precaution, the operator 52 can determine whether to specify the content of the confirmation item or not, taking into account the disadvantages of not specifying the content of the confirmation item.

[0067] Next, the reception support device 3 accepts the content of the confirmation item or not specifying the content of the confirmation item (S19). In S19, for example, when the operator 52 operates the operation unit 35 to input the content of the confirmation item, the calculation unit 31 accepts the content of the confirmation item. The input of the content of the confirmation item may be in a selection format. For example, when the operator 52 operates the operation unit 35 and the portion representing "Cancel" in the example shown in FIG. 16 is specified, the calculation unit 31 accepts not specifying the content of the confirmation item.

[0068] In S16 to S19, the reception support device 3 outputs a confirmation request according to the confirmation item. For example, the storage unit 13 of the storage device 1 stores a (not shown) database in which the confirmation item and the text of the confirmation request are associated, and the calculation unit 31 accesses this database to create a confirmation request according to the confirmation item. The confirmation item for which content confirmation is essential may be other than the drug. For example, as an example of a confirmation item for which content confirmation is essential, there may be a signature of a doctor certifying that the drug required for the inspection item is not a narcotic. The reception support device 3 accepts the signature of the doctor as the content of the confirmation item in S17. Examples of confirmation items for which content confirmation is optional may include gender or weight.

[0069] After S17 or S19 ends, the reception support device 3 determines whether all confirmation items have been confirmed (S20). In S20, the calculation unit 31 determines whether all confirmation items whose content has not been confirmed have been confirmed. For a confirmation item for which content confirmation is essential, the calculation unit 31 determines that the confirmation item has been confirmed when the content has been accepted. For a confirmation item for which content confirmation is optional, the calculation unit 31 determines that the confirmation item has been confirmed when the content has been accepted, and also determines that the confirmation item has been confirmed when not specifying the content of the confirmation item has been accepted. If there are still unconfirmed confirmation items (S20: NO), the calculation unit 31 returns the process to S13.

[0070] When all the verification items have been verified (S20: YES), the storage device 1 stores the content of the verification item in association with the specimen container ID (S21). In S21, the arithmetic unit 31 transmits the obtained content of the verification item from the communication unit 38 to the storage device 1 in a state associated with the specimen container ID. The storage device 1 receives the content of the verification item by the communication unit 15. The arithmetic unit 11 stores the content of the verification item in the storage unit 13 by recording the content of the verification item in the specimen table 133 in association with the specimen container ID. For example, using the verification input URL, access is made to the address where the content of the verification item should be recorded, and the content of the verification item is recorded. By recording the content of the verification item in the specimen table 133, the information necessary for the clinical examination is recorded, and an appropriate clinical examination can be performed using the recorded content of the verification item. Note that the storage of the content of the verification item may be performed before S20 instead of after S20.

[0071] Next, the reception support device 3 outputs that all the verification items have been verified (S22). In S22, the arithmetic unit 31 creates an image notifying that all the verification items have been verified and displays it on the display unit 36. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image notifying that all the verification items have been verified. The reception support image indicates that the content of all the verification items whose content has not been verified has been verified. In addition, it is displayed that the verification has been performed for all the verification items, superimposed on the reception support image.

[0072] After S22 ends, the inspection support system 100 ends the process for supporting the reception of the specimen. The processes of S1 to S22 are executed each time the specimen container 6 containing the specimen is delivered to the inspection institution 30 or each time the operator 52 collects the specimen container 6. Among the processes of S1 to S22, part or all of the processes described above as being executed by the arithmetic unit 31 of the reception support device 3 may be executed by the arithmetic unit 11 of the storage device 1. For example, the arithmetic unit 11 may execute the process by controlling the operation unit 35 and the display unit 36 of the reception support device 3 via the communication network N. The reception support device 3 and the storage device 1 correspond to the inspection support device.

[0073] The received sample is managed based on the sample container ID, and a clinical test using the sample is performed according to the information recorded in the sample table 133 in association with the sample container ID. For example, using the sample contained in the sample container 6 identified by the sample container ID, the test items associated with the sample container ID are executed. The results of the clinical test include the results of each test item. The results of the clinical test are transmitted from an information processing device such as a test device (not shown) used in the testing institution 30 to the storage device 1. In the test result DB 134, the results of each test item are recorded in association with the test request ID and the sample container ID.

[0074] The output device 4 accesses the storage device 1 via the communication network N and outputs the results of the clinical test recorded in the test result DB 134. The test support system 100 can perform a process of recommending additional clinical tests according to the results of the clinical test. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of recommending additional clinical tests executed by the test support system 100. The arithmetic unit 41 of the output device 4 executes the process according to the computer program 431.

[0075] The output device 4 determines whether the result of the clinical test corresponds to a pattern for which an additional test, which is an additional clinical test, should be performed (S31). In S31, the arithmetic unit 41 accesses the test result DB 134 via the communication network N and acquires the result of the clinical test based on the test request ID. The arithmetic unit 41 refers to a rule DB (not shown) that records the rules for additional clinical tests. The rule DB may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the storage device 1, may be stored outside the storage device 1, and may be accessed via the communication network N. The rule DB records the patterns of combinations of test items and test results for which additional tests should be performed. The patterns of combinations of test items and test results are associated with the additional tests to be performed. One pattern may include a plurality of combinations of test items and test results. The arithmetic unit 41 determines whether the combination of the test items and test results included in the acquired clinical test result corresponds to the pattern recorded in the rule DB.

[0076] If the result of the clinical examination does not fall within the pattern for which additional examinations should be performed (S31: NO), the output device 4 ends the process of recommending additional clinical examinations. If the result of the clinical examination falls within the pattern for which additional examinations should be performed (S31: YES), the output device 4 determines whether there is a specimen required for the additional examination to be performed (S32). For example, the amount of the specimen remaining after the clinical examination (specimen remaining amount) is recorded in the specimen table 133 or the test result DB134 in association with the test request ID. In S32, the arithmetic unit 41 reads the specimen remaining amount based on the test request ID and determines whether the specimen remaining amount satisfies the amount of the specimen required for the additional examination. The amount of the specimen required for the additional examination is recorded in the rule DB or a DB (not shown) that records the amount of the specimen required for each test item. The arithmetic unit 41 refers to these databases and makes a determination.

[0077] If there is no required specimen (S32: NO), the output device 4 ends the process of recommending additional clinical examinations. If there is a required specimen (S32: YES), the output device 4 determines whether there is time to perform the additional examination (S33). For example, the deadline for reporting the clinical examination is recorded in the specimen table 133 or the test result DB134 in association with the test request ID. In S33, the output device 4 determines whether there is time remaining to perform the additional examination by the deadline.

[0078] If there is no time to perform the additional examination (S33: NO), the output device 4 ends the process of recommending additional clinical examinations. If there is time to perform the additional examination (S33: YES), the output device 4 determines whether there is a problem with the insurance related to the clinical examination (S34). For example, information for identifying the insurance applied to the subject is recorded in the subject DB132, and the details of the insurance are recorded in an insurance DB (not shown). In S34, the arithmetic unit 41 refers to the details of the insurance and determines whether there is a problem with the insurance, such as whether the combination of the already executed test items and the additional examination is covered by the insurance and whether the insurance points do not become too high.

[0079] If there is a problem with the insurance (S34: YES), the output device 4 ends the process of recommending additional clinical examinations. If there is no problem with the insurance (S34: NO), the output device 4 recommends additional examinations (S35). In S35, the arithmetic unit 41 of the output device 4 creates an image for notifying the content of the additional examinations to be performed and displays it on the display unit 45. After S35 ends, the output device 4 ends the process of recommending additional clinical examinations. The user checks the content of the additional examinations output by the output device 4 and executes the additional examinations. The results of the additional examinations are recorded in the examination result DB134. The processes of S31 to S35 are executed for each examination request ID. Note that either S32 or S33 may be omitted.

[0080] The process of recommending additional clinical examinations may be performed using a learning model. For example, in order to train the learning model, training data including the results of clinical examinations and the results of the judgments made by medical staff on the content of the additional examinations to be performed for the results of the clinical examinations is used. Using the training data, the learning model is trained so that the learning model outputs the content of the additional examinations to be performed when the results of the clinical examinations are input to the learning model. The output device 4 is equipped with a trained learning model, and instead of the process of S31, the process of inputting the results of the clinical examinations to the learning model and acquiring the content of the additional examinations output by the learning model may be performed. The learning model is configured using an algorithm such as a random forest, a support vector machine, or a neural network.

[0081] In the process of recommending additional clinical examinations, part or all of the processes described above as being executed by the arithmetic unit 41 of the output device 4 may be executed by the arithmetic unit 11 of the storage device 1. For example, the arithmetic unit 11 may execute the process by controlling the operation unit 44 and the display unit 45 of the output device 4 via the communication network N.

[0082] The results of clinical tests, including the results of additional tests, are recorded in the test result DB134. When there are a plurality of testing institutions 30, the storage device 1 communicates with the reception support device 3 and the output device 4 provided in the plurality of testing institutions 30 via the communication network N. The results of the clinical tests stored in the test result DB134 are reported to the medical institution 20 or the subject. For example, the address of the results of the clinical tests recorded in the test result DB134 is notified to the medical institution 20, and the results of the clinical tests using the address are referred to by the medical institution 20 and notified to the subject. By recording the results of the clinical tests in the test result DB134, the use of the results of the clinical tests becomes easier.

[0083] As described in detail above, in this embodiment, the specimen container ID is pre-recorded in the specimen container 6. A specimen is collected at the medical institution 20, and the test request ID and the specimen container ID of the specimen container 6 containing the collected specimen are recorded in the specimen table 133. The specimen container 6 containing the specimen is delivered to the testing institution 30. At the testing institution 30, the test request ID and the specimen container ID regarding the specimen to be received are output, the specimen container ID is obtained from the delivered specimen container 6, and it is stored and output that the specimen contained in the specimen container 6 identified by the obtained specimen container ID has been received. Based on the specimen container ID pre-recorded in the specimen container 6 and commonly used by the medical institution 20 and the testing institution 30, the specimen is managed. It is not necessary for the testing institution 30 to perform operations for managing the specimen using unique identification information, such as associating unique identification information of the testing institution 30 with the specimen container 6 and re-attaching a label with the identification information to the specimen container 6. Therefore, the operations associated with the reception of the specimen at the testing institution 30 are reduced, and the time required for the clinical tests performed at the testing institution 30 is shortened.

[0084] The specimen container ID of the specimen container 6 that contains the specimen to be received is recorded. By obtaining the specimen container ID from the specimen container 6 that contains the specimen, it is possible to confirm that the specimen to be received has actually been received. Also, when the specimen container ID of the specimen container 6 that contains the specimen to be received has not been obtained, it is possible to confirm that the specimen to be received has not actually been received. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the failure to receive the specimen used in the clinical test in the testing institution 30.

[0085] Also, in the present embodiment, since the specimen is managed using the specimen container ID pre-recorded in the specimen container 6, there is no need to construct a system for handling the specimen container ID independently for each testing institution 30. For this reason, the cost of the system required for the clinical test is reduced.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the content of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope shown in the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0087] 100 Testing Support System 1 Storage Device 10 Recording Medium 131 Computer Program 133 Specimen Table 201 Input Device 2 Sampling Support Device 3 Reception Support Device 300 Recording Medium 341 Computer Program 37 Reading Unit 4 Output Device 51, 52 Operator 6 Specimen Container 61 Label N Communication Network

Claims

1. In a method for computer-aided work for clinical examination using a specimen collected from a subject, container identification information that is unique to the specimen container for accommodating the specimen and that identifies the specimen container is pre-recorded in the specimen container for accommodating the specimen, the computer stores in association with each other inspection identification information for identifying a clinical examination and container identification information of the specimen container that contains the specimen required for the clinical examination, the computer outputs the stored inspection identification information and container identification information, the computer acquires from the specimen container that contains the specimen the container identification information, in association with the acquired container identification information, the computer outputs information indicating that the specimen contained in the specimen container in which the container identification information is recorded has been received, the computer stores in association with the inspection identification information and the container identification information confirmation items that require confirmation regarding the clinical examination, when the content of the confirmation item associated with the acquired container identification information is not stored, the computer outputs that the content of the confirmation item is not stored, the computer outputs a request for confirmation of the content of the confirmation item, the computer acquires the content of the confirmation item, the computer stores the content of the confirmation item in association with the container identification information A method for assisting examination, characterized by the above.

2. The computer outputs a list of container identification information of the specimen container that contains the specimen to be received. The method for assisting examination according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. When there is container identification information that has not been acquired among the container identification information included in the list, the computer outputs that there is a specimen that has not been received. The method for assisting examination according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. When all the container identification information included in the list has been acquired from the specimen containers, the computer outputs that all the specimens to be received have been received. The method for assisting examination according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the above.

5. The computer outputs a list of the acquired container identification information, the computer outputs a list of confirmation items whose content is not stored, the computer switches between a state in which the list of the container identification information is output and a state in which the list of the confirmation items is output. The method for assisting examination according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. In association with the confirmation items, the computer stores whether it is essential or optional to obtain the content of the confirmation item. In association with the confirmation items for which the content is not stored, different marks are output by the computer according to whether it is essential or optional to obtain the content of the confirmation item. When it is optional to obtain the content of the confirmation item for which the content is not stored, the computer outputs the confirmation request and the precautions when the content of the confirmation item is not obtained. The inspection support method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

7. The container identification information includes container type information indicating the type of the specimen container. The computer stores in association the inspection identification information and the container type information of the specimen container for accommodating the specimen required for the clinical inspection identified by the inspection identification information. Before collecting the specimen, the computer outputs the inspection identification information and the container type information. Before collecting the specimen, the computer obtains the container identification information from the specimen container. The computer determines whether the type of the specimen container indicated by the obtained container identification information matches the type of the specimen container indicated by the container type information associated with the inspection identification information. When the type of the specimen container indicated by the obtained container identification information does not match the type of the specimen container indicated by the container type information, the computer outputs an error. The inspection support method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that.

8. The computer stores the result of the clinical inspection using the specimen contained in the specimen container in association with the container identification information recorded on the specimen container. The inspection support method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that.

9. Based on the result of the clinical inspection using the specimen contained in the specimen container, the computer identifies the additional inspection to be performed using the specimen. Based on the remaining amount of the specimen, the computer determines whether to recommend the additional inspection. The inspection support method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that.

10. In an apparatus for assisting the work for a clinical inspection using a specimen collected from a subject, An arithmetic unit, A storage unit that stores in association the inspection identification information for identifying the clinical inspection and the container identification information that is unique to the specimen container for accommodating the specimen required for the clinical inspection and that identifies the specimen container. An output unit that outputs the inspection identification information and the container identification information. It includes an acquisition unit that acquires container identification information pre-recorded in the specimen container containing the specimen. The output unit outputs information indicating that it has received the specimen contained in the specimen container in which the acquired container identification information is recorded, in association with the acquired container identification information. The storage unit stores confirmation items that require confirmation regarding the clinical test, in association with the test identification information and the container identification information. When the content of the confirmation item associated with the acquired container identification information is not stored, the output unit outputs that the content of the confirmation item is not stored. The output unit outputs a request for confirmation of the content of the confirmation item. The arithmetic unit acquires the content of the confirmation item. The storage unit stores the content of the confirmation item in association with the container identification information. A test support device characterized by the above.

11. Output test identification information for identifying a clinical test and container identification information that is unique to a specimen container for containing a specimen required for the clinical test and that identifies the specimen container. Acquire the container identification information pre-recorded in the specimen container containing the specimen. Output information indicating that it has received the specimen contained in the specimen container in which the acquired container identification information is recorded, in association with the acquired container identification information. Confirmation items that require confirmation regarding the clinical test are stored in association with the test identification information and the container identification information. When the content of the confirmation item associated with the acquired container identification information is not stored, output that the content of the confirmation item is not stored. Output a request for confirmation of the content of the confirmation item. Acquire the content of the confirmation item. Store the content of the confirmation item in association with the container identification information. A computer program characterized by causing a computer to execute the processing.

Images