Sample testing device and sample testing system

Abstract

To improve inspection efficiency.SOLUTION: A sample inspection device includes an inspection section, an input / output section, a communication section, and a control section. The inspection section detects a detection target included in a sample. The input / output section has a display section that displays information on inspection and an input section that receives input of the information on the inspection. The communication section communicates with slave sample inspection devices having the inspection section. The control section causes control information used in control of the slave sample inspection devices to be sent from the communication section and processes detection results received from the slave sample inspection devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a sample testing device and a sample testing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Sample testing devices are known that perform tests to detect target substances contained in samples. Target substances are collected, for example, from bodily fluids such as nasal mucus. Examples of target substances include adenoviruses and influenza viruses. For example, by using multiple sample testing devices, various tests can be performed. Sample testing devices are equipped with input / output devices, which, for example, perform various inputs and display and print test results. For example, when multiple tests are performed separately on multiple devices, input and printing are performed on each device, which is inefficient. Therefore, centralized management of sample testing devices using master and slave devices is expected to improve testing efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-532871 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2011-503617 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2015-519544 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings aim to solve is to improve inspection efficiency. However, the problems that are solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of the configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A sample testing device according to an embodiment includes a testing unit, an input / output unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The testing unit detects a target substance contained in a sample. The input / output unit has a display unit that displays information related to the test and an input unit that accepts input of information related to the test. The communication unit communicates with a slave sample testing device that has the testing unit. The control unit causes the communication unit to transmit control information used to control the slave sample testing device, and processes detection results received from the slave sample testing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a sample testing system to which a sample testing apparatus according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the biological reaction device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sample testing apparatus (master sample testing apparatus) according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sample testing apparatus (slave sample testing apparatus) according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 8C]FIG. 8C is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 8E] FIG. 8E is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 8F] FIG. 8F is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 8G] FIG. 8G is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the sample testing system in this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the sample testing system in a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing by the sample testing system in a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a first structure which is an example of the structure of the indicator in the sample testing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing a second structure, which is an example of the structure of the indicator in the sample testing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of light adjustment of the indicator in the sample testing apparatus according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of a sample testing device and a sample testing system will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments are not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the content described in one embodiment is, in principle, also applicable to other embodiments.

[0008] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a sample testing system 1 to which a sample testing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the sample testing system 1 includes a plurality of sample testing apparatuses 10 and a biological reaction device 2.

[0009] The biological reaction device 2 is used to perform a test to detect a target substance contained in a specimen (for example, a body fluid component such as a runny nose). Details of the biological reaction device 2 will be described later. The biological reaction device 2 is an example of a "device."

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the sample testing apparatus 10 includes a cover 20, a main body 30, and an indicator 35.

[0011] The cover 20 is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the sample testing apparatus 10. Specifically, the main body 30 is provided with a stand for mounting the biological reaction device 2, and the cover 20 is provided to cover the stand. For example, when performing a test to detect a detection target, the biological reaction device 2 is mounted on the stand of the main body 30, and the stand is covered by the cover 20. Here, the example shows a case in which the cover 20 is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the sample testing apparatus 10, but the cover 20 may also be provided so as to be detachable relative to the sample testing apparatus 10.

[0012] The indicator 35 is provided on the front surface of the main body 30. The indicator 35 will be described later.

[0013] In FIG. 1, the multiple specimen testing apparatuses 10 are configured, for example, by specimen testing apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C. Of the specimen testing apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C, the specimen testing apparatus 10A is the master specimen testing apparatus 10, and the specimen testing apparatuses 10B and 10C are slave specimen testing apparatuses 10. The specimen testing apparatus 10A is communicably connected to the specimen testing apparatuses 10B and 10C via a network. The specimen testing apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C are connected to, for example, an in-hospital LAN (Local Area Network) installed in a hospital or the like, and send and receive information. For example, the specimen testing apparatuses 10B and 10C are assumed to have been additionally purchased and installed in the laboratory where the specimen testing apparatus 10A is installed.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, specimen testing apparatus 10A, which is the master specimen testing apparatus 10, is provided with an input / output device 40. The input / output device 40 is expensive because it includes a display and printer, which will be described later. For this reason, it is preferable not to provide the input / output device 40 in specimen testing apparatuses 10B and 10C, which are slave specimen testing apparatuses 10, from a cost perspective. The input / output device 40 is an example of an "input / output section."

[0015] Next, a description will be given of the biological reaction device 2 that is attached to the base of the main body 30 of the sample testing apparatus 10. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the biological reaction device 2 shown in Fig. 1.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the biological reaction device 2 is placed on a mounting table 4, which is the base of the main body 30, and has a housing 21, a transparent substrate 22, an optical waveguide 23, and a protective member 24. A portion of the bottom surface of the housing 21 is open, and a chip in which the optical waveguide 23 and protective member 24 are formed on the transparent substrate 22 by thin film technology is fitted into the opening. A portion of the protective member 24 is open (opening edge 24a). The housing 21, the optical waveguide 23, the protective member 24, etc. form a reaction vessel 201. The biological reaction device 2 is configured so that a sample solution containing a test object (test substance) can be held inside, i.e., in the reaction vessel 201.

[0017] The housing 21 is made of, for example, resin. A first recess is formed in the bottom surface of the housing 21. A second recess is formed in part of the top surface of the first recess, constituting the top surface and side surface of the reaction vessel 201. A protective member 24, an optical waveguide 23, and a transparent substrate 22 are arranged in the first recess in this order from top to bottom. A hole 21a is formed near one end of the top surface of the second recess, penetrating upward through the housing 21 to introduce a sample solution, a reagent, and the like into the reaction vessel 201 therein, and a hole 21b is formed near the other end, penetrating upward through the housing 21 to allow air to escape from the reaction vessel 201. Note that a plurality of holes 21a and holes 21b may be formed.

[0018] The transparent substrate 22 is formed of, for example, resin or optical glass. The transparent substrate 22 transmits light incident from a light source 311 provided in the main body 30 to the optical waveguide 23. The transparent substrate 22 also transmits light incident from the optical waveguide 23 to a photodetector 312 provided in the main body 30.

[0019] The optical waveguide 23 is formed of a light-transmitting material, such as resin or optical glass. Examples of resins that can be used include phenolic resin, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin. The optical waveguide 23 serves as an optical path for light that enters the transparent substrate 22 and exits the transparent substrate 22. That is, the optical waveguide 23 functions similarly to the core of an optical fiber. The protective member 24 and the transparent substrate 22 are formed of materials with refractive indices different from those of the optical waveguide 23, and function as a cladding that totally reflects light at the interface with the optical waveguide 23 and confines the light within the optical waveguide 23. The protective member 24 and the transparent substrate 22 also physically protect the optical waveguide 23.

[0020] The optical waveguide 23 propagates light incident from the main body 30 through the transparent substrate 22. The optical waveguide 23 propagates light that is affected by the concentration of the test substance contained in the reaction vessel 201, i.e., the reaction state.

[0021] Furthermore, a grating 23a is disposed on the protective member 24 side near where light enters the optical waveguide 23. The grating 23a diffracts the incident light L1 entering the optical waveguide 23 at a predetermined angle. The light diffracted by the grating 23a is incident on the interface between the optical waveguide 23 and the surface formed by the transparent substrate 22, the protective member 24, or the mixed liquid 202 at an angle equal to or smaller than the supplementary angle of the critical angle. As a result, the incident light L1 propagates (waveguided) within the optical waveguide 23 while being repeatedly reflected at the interfaces of the optical waveguide 23.

[0022] Grating 23b is disposed on the protective member 24 side near where light is emitted from optical waveguide 23. Grating 23b diffracts, at a predetermined angle, the light guided by optical waveguide 23. The light diffracted by grating 23b is emitted from optical waveguide 23 to the outside at a predetermined angle.

[0023] The protective member 24 has an opening at the position of the second recess of the housing 21. The protective member 24 is disposed in close contact with the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23. The protective member 24 constitutes a planar protective layer by being disposed in close contact with the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23. As shown in FIG. 2, the protective member 24 also has an opening end 24a for exposing the main surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the optical waveguide 23. The opening end 24a is a vertical surface that forms an opening inside the protective member 24. The upper surface of the optical waveguide 23 is exposed by this opening end 24a.

[0024] The reaction vessel 201 has an upper surface formed by the upper surface of the second recess of the housing 21, a side surface formed by the side surface of the second recess of the housing 21 and the opening end 24a of the protective member 24, and a lower surface formed by the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23.

[0025] The reaction vessel 201 contains a sample solution and a reagent, and reacts the test substance contained in the sample solution with the reagent. A plurality of first antibodies 211 are immobilized on the lower surface of the surfaces forming the reaction vessel 201, i.e., the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23. The first antibodies 211 are substances that react specifically with antigens 212 contained in the test substance through an antigen-antibody reaction. The first antibodies 211 are immobilized on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23, for example, by hydrophobic interaction or chemical bonding that occurs between the first antibodies 211 and the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23.

[0026] The reaction vessel 201 is, for example, empty in advance. When measuring a test substance, a mixture 202 of a sample solution and a reagent is injected into the reaction vessel 201 from the outside, for example, through the hole 21a. The sample solution contains a test substance including an antigen 212. The reagent contains a reagent component 213. The reagent component 213 contains, for example, a second antibody 214 that specifically reacts with the antigen 212 through an antigen-antibody reaction, and magnetic particles 215 to which the second antibody 214 is bound. The magnetic particles 215 are at least partially formed of a magnetic material such as magnetite. The magnetic particles 215 are, for example, particles formed from a magnetic material, the surfaces of which are coated with a polymer material. The magnetic particles 215 may be configured to be particles made of a polymer material, the surfaces of which are coated with a magnetic material. The magnetic particles 215 may also be replaced with any material that is configured to be dispersible in the mixture 202.

[0027] By injecting the mixed liquid 202, the reaction vessel 201 contains the antigen 212 contained in the test substance in the sample solution and the reagent component 213 contained in the reagent, in addition to the first antibody 211 immobilized on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23. When the mixed liquid 202 is injected into the reaction vessel 201, the air inside the reaction vessel 201 is expelled to the outside through the hole 21b.

[0028] Reagent component 213 moves dispersibly in mixed solution 202 filled in reaction vessel 201. At this time, magnetic particles 215 are selected so that the gravity acting on magnetic particles 215 is greater than the buoyancy in mixed solution 202 acting in the opposite direction to gravity. Magnetic particles 215 to which second antibodies 214 are bound are immobilized near the upper surface of optical waveguide 23 as second antibodies 214 bind to first antibodies 211 via antigens 212. Note that second antibodies 214 may be the same as or different from first antibodies 211.

[0029] In the biological reaction device 2, a first antibody 211 immobilized on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23 reacts with an antigen 212 contained in the test substance, causing magnetic particles 215 to which a second antibody 214 is bound to be immobilized near the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23. The light guided through the optical waveguide 23 is scattered and absorbed by the magnetic particles 215 immobilized near the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23. As a result, the light guided through the optical waveguide 23 is attenuated before being emitted from the optical waveguide 23. That is, the incident light L1 is attenuated in accordance with the amount of antigen 212 that binds the first antibody 211 and the second antibody 214 immobilized on the magnetic particles 215. In other words, the incident light L1 is attenuated in accordance with the amount of antigen 212 contained in the reaction vessel 201.

[0030] Hereinafter, in the reaction vessel 201, a region that is a distance L away from the surface of the optical waveguide 23 in the vertically upward direction, that is, a region extending to the vicinity of the surface of the optical waveguide 23, is defined as a sensing area 205.

[0031] When light propagates through the optical waveguide 23, near-field light (hereinafter referred to as evanescent light) is generated on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23. The sensing area 205 is a region where evanescent light can be generated. In the sensing area 205, a first antibody 211 immobilized on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23 binds to a second antibody 214 immobilized on magnetic particles 215 contained in a reagent component 213 via an antigen 212 contained in the test substance in the sample solution. As a result, the magnetic particles 215 to which the second antibody 214 is bound are held near the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23.

[0032] Next, we will explain the effect that the antigen-antibody reaction and the like that occurs in the reaction vessel 201 has on the light propagating through the optical waveguide 23. Note that the first antibody 211, the second antibody 214, and the antigen 212 are very small compared to the magnetic particles 215. In Fig. 2, in order to schematically show the binding reaction, the first antibody 211, the antigen 212, the second antibody 214, and the magnetic particles 215 are shown as having similar sizes.

[0033] When the magnetic particles 215 enter the sensing area 205, the second antibodies 214 immobilized on the magnetic particles 215 bind to the first antibodies 211 immobilized on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23 via the antigens 212. As a result, the magnetic particles 215 to which the second antibodies 214 are bound remain in the sensing area 205. When evanescent light is generated on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23 while the magnetic particles 215 remain in the sensing area 205, the magnetic particles 215 remaining in the sensing area 205 scatter and absorb the evanescent light, thereby attenuating the evanescent light. The scattering and absorption of the evanescent light in the sensing area 205 affects the light propagating in the optical waveguide 23. In other words, as the evanescent light is attenuated in the sensing area 205, the light optically guided in the optical waveguide 23 is also attenuated. Therefore, when the evanescent light is strongly scattered and absorbed in the sensing area 205, the intensity of the light propagating through the optical waveguide 23 decreases. In other words, the greater the amount of magnetic particles 215 remaining in the sensing area 205, the lower the intensity of the light output from the optical waveguide 23.

[0034] However, the magnetic particles 215 remaining within the sensing area 205 are not limited to those formed by binding the first antibody 211 immobilized on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23 via the antigen 212 to be measured to the second antibody 214 immobilized on the magnetic particle 215. Therefore, in order to accurately measure the concentration of the antigen 212 contained in the test substance, it is necessary to move the magnetic particles 215 bound with the second antibody 214 that is not involved in the measurement, i.e., not bound to the antigen 212, away from the sensing area 205. A specific method is to use, for example, a proximity effect due to a magnetic field to move the magnetic particles 215 to which the second antibody 214 is not bound to the antigen 212.

[0035] As a result, the magnetic particles 215 that ultimately remain in the sensing area 205 are formed by binding the first antibody 211, which is immobilized on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23, to the second antibody 214 via the antigen 212. Therefore, the intensity value of the light emitted from the biological reaction device 2 and the time-series change in intensity correspond to the amount, concentration, etc. of the magnetic particles 215 that remain in the sensing area 205.

[0036] The biological reaction device 2 may be configured to be capable of simultaneously measuring the same test substance for the same measurement item in multiple channels in parallel. In this case, the biological reaction device 2 has, for example, an independent optical waveguide for each channel.

[0037] Next, a description will be given of the sample testing apparatus 10A, which is the master sample testing apparatus 10. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sample testing apparatus 10A according to this embodiment.

[0038] First, the configuration of the input / output device 40 of the sample testing apparatus 10 A will be described. The input / output device 40 is mounted on the top surface of the sample testing apparatus 10 A, and includes an output device 41 and an input device 42.

[0039] The output device 41 has a display 411 and a printer 412. For example, in Fig. 1, the front surface of the input / output device 40 of the sample testing apparatus 10A is inclined so that the user can easily view the display 411.

[0040] The display 411 displays various types of information. For example, the display 411 displays various images generated by the processing circuitry 34 (described later) and displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the user. For example, the display 411 is a liquid crystal display, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, or the like. Under the control of the processing circuitry 34 (described later), the display 411 displays, for example, various operation screens, information indicating the light intensity of the emitted light L2 supplied from the photodetector 312 (described later), time-series data of the information indicating the light intensity, and information related to the test. The information related to the test includes, for example, the test results of the test. The test results are, for example, the amount (concentration, weight, number, etc.) or presence or absence of antigens 212. The display 411 is an example of a "display unit."

[0041] The printer 412, under the control of the processing circuit 34 described below, prints, for example, various operation screens displayed on the display 411, information indicating the light intensity of the emitted light L2 supplied from the photodetector 312 described below, time-series data of the information indicating the light intensity, test results of the test substance, etc. The printer 412 is an example of a "printing unit."

[0042] The input device 42 may be realized by, for example, a trackball, a switch, a button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, or a touch panel display that integrates a display screen and a touchpad. The input device 42 outputs an operation input signal corresponding to a user's operation to the processing circuit 34, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the input interface circuit is not limited to one that includes physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of an input interface circuit also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 34, which will be described later. The input device 42 is an example of an "input unit."

[0043] Next, the configuration of the main body 30 of the sample testing apparatus 10A will be described.

[0044] 3, the main body 30 includes a detection unit 31. The detection unit 31 includes a light source 311, a photodetector 312, and a reader 313.

[0045] The light source 311 is, for example, a diode such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a lamp such as a xenon lamp. The light source 311 is disposed at a position where light can be incident into the optical waveguide 23 toward the grating 23a shown in Fig. 2. The light source 311 causes incident light L1 to enter the optical waveguide 23 through the transparent substrate 22 of the biological reaction device 2.

[0046] The photodetector 312 outputs an electrical signal based on the reaction state in the reaction vessel 201 containing the mixed solution 202. Specifically, the photodetector 312 detects the outgoing light L2 emitted to the outside of the optical waveguide 23, and generates an electrical signal indicating the intensity of the detected outgoing light L2, i.e., digital data relating to the detected light intensity. The digital data relating to the detected light intensity generated by the photodetector 312 is supplied to the processing circuit 34, which will be described later.

[0047] The detection unit 31 may be configured to be capable of simultaneously measuring the same test substance in parallel for the same measurement item in multiple channels. In this case, the detection unit 31 may have a light source and a photodetector for each channel, or the light source and the photodetector may be shared.

[0048] The detection unit 31 also has a detector that detects whether the cover 20 is opened or closed relative to the main body 30. When the detector detects that the cover 20 has been opened from the main body 30, it outputs information indicating that the cover 20 has been opened to the processing circuit 34, and when the detector detects that the cover 20 has been closed relative to the main body 30, it outputs information indicating that the cover 20 has been closed to the processing circuit 34.

[0049] The reading device 313 reads the type of the detection target from the identifier provided on the biological reaction device 2 and outputs read information indicating the type of the biological reaction device 2 to the processing circuit 34. Specifically, an identifier identifying the type of the biological reaction device 2 is provided on the back surface of the biological reaction device 2. For example, if the detection target is a test substance containing an antigen 212 such as virus A or virus B, the type of the biological reaction device 2 may be a biological reaction device 2 for testing for virus A or a biological reaction device 2 for testing for virus B. For example, a QR code (registered trademark) 2a identifying the type of the biological reaction device 2 is printed on the back surface of the biological reaction device 2. When the biological reaction device 2 is mounted on the mounting base 4 of the main body 30, the reading device 313 reads the type of the biological reaction device 2 from the QR code (registered trademark) 2a printed on the back surface of the biological reaction device 2 and outputs read information indicating the type of the biological reaction device 2 to the processing circuit 34.

[0050] For example, the types of detection targets are color-coded, with green and blue assigned to biological reaction devices 2 for testing for virus A and virus B, respectively. Specifically, biological reaction devices 2 for testing for virus A and packages of reagents to be reacted with the biological reaction devices 2 are color-coded green. Similarly, biological reaction devices 2 for testing for virus B and packages of reagents to be reacted with the biological reaction devices 2 are color-coded blue.

[0051] In this embodiment, the QR code (registered trademark) 2a is used as an identifier for identifying the type of the biological reaction device 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a barcode or the like may also be used.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 30 further includes a magnetic field generator 32, a memory circuit 33, and a processing circuit .

[0053] The magnetic field generator 32 generates energy to promote a reaction in the reaction vessel 201 shown in Fig. 2, i.e., the binding between the second antibody 214 immobilized on the magnetic particles 215 and the first antibody 211 immobilized on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23 via the antigen 212. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the magnetic field generator 32 has an upper magnetic field generator 32a and a lower magnetic field generator 32b. The magnetic field generator 32 also has a drive circuit (not shown). The magnetic field generator 32 applies a magnetic field to the reaction vessel 201 under the control of the processing circuit 34.

[0054] The lower magnetic field generator 32b is composed of, for example, a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The lower magnetic field generator 32b is provided below the biological reaction device 2. Specifically, the lower magnetic field generator 32b is provided below the mounting table 4 on which the biological reaction device 2 is mounted. For example, the timing to start and stop applying the lower magnetic field is predetermined. The lower magnetic field generator 32b generates a vertically downward magnetic field uniformly in the horizontal direction, which serves as energy to promote the reaction in the reaction vessel 201. The generated vertically downward magnetic field applies a vertically downward force to the magnetic particles 215 to which the second antibodies 214 are bound, causing them to descend. At this time, the lower magnetic field generator 32b generates a magnetic field of a predetermined strength, thereby bringing the magnetic particles 215 to which the second antibodies 214 are bound closer to the optical waveguide 23.

[0055] The upper magnetic field generator 32a is composed of, for example, a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper magnetic field generator 32a is provided above the biological reaction device 2. For example, the timing to start and stop applying the upper magnetic field is predetermined. For example, the timing to start applying the upper magnetic field is set to a predetermined time after the timing to stop applying the lower magnetic field. The upper magnetic field generator 32a generates a vertically upward magnetic field uniformly in the horizontal direction in the reaction vessel 201. The generated vertically upward magnetic field causes the magnetic particles 215 to which the second antibodies 214 are bound to rise due to a vertically upward force. At this time, the upper magnetic field generator 32a generates a magnetic field of a predetermined strength, thereby selectively moving the magnetic particles 215 to which the second antibodies 214 are bound away from the sensing area 205. In other words, by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field generated by the upper magnetic field generator 32a, it is possible to retain only magnetic particles 215 bound to second antibodies 214 that are bound via first antibodies 211 and antigens 212 and are fixed to the upper surface of the optical waveguide 23 in the sensing area 205.

[0056] The memory circuitry 33 includes a processor-readable recording medium, such as a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. The memory circuitry 33 stores programs executed by the circuits of the sample testing apparatus 10A. Note that some or all of the programs and data stored in the storage medium of the memory circuitry 33 may be configured to be downloaded via an electronic network.

[0057] The memory circuitry 33 stores information indicating the light intensity of the emitted light L2 supplied from the photodetector 312, time-series data of the information indicating the light intensity, and test results of the test substance to be measured.

[0058] The memory circuitry 33 stores a time schedule for measuring the target test substance. The time schedule includes, for example, the timing at which application of the lower magnetic field generated by the lower magnetic field generator 32b starts, the timing at which application of the lower magnetic field stops, the timing at which application of the upper magnetic field starts, and the timing at which measurement is performed. These timings are obtained in advance empirically and experimentally.

[0059] The processing circuitry 34 is a processor that controls, for example, each component circuit of the sample testing apparatus 10A. The processing circuitry 34 functions as the central part of the sample testing apparatus 10A. The processing circuitry 34 calls each operating program from the memory circuitry 33 and executes the called program to realize a control function 341, a communication function 342, and a measurement function 343. The control function 341 is an example of a "control unit." The communication function 342 is an example of a "communication unit." The measurement function 343 is an example of an "inspection unit."

[0060] The measurement function 343 uses the biological reaction device 2, the light source 311, the photodetector 312, and the magnetic field generator 32 to perform a test to detect the target substance contained in the specimen.

[0061] Specifically, the measurement function 343 controls the light source 311 to generate light under predetermined conditions. In the measurement function 343, the processing circuit 34 causes the light source 311 to generate incident light L1 continuously or intermittently at least from the start to the end of the measurement.

[0062] Furthermore, the measurement function 343 controls the magnetic field generator 32 according to the time schedule stored in the memory circuitry 33, and switches the state of application of energy to promote the reaction in the reaction vessel 201 of the biological reaction device 2. Specifically, as described above, the timing to start application of the lower magnetic field, the timing to stop application of the lower magnetic field, the timing to start application of the upper magnetic field, and the timing to stop application of the upper magnetic field are predetermined, and the timing to start application of the upper magnetic field is set to a predetermined time after application of the lower magnetic field is stopped. The measurement function 343 reads the time schedule from the memory circuitry 33, controls the magnetic field generator 32 based on the read time schedule, and causes the magnetic field generator 32 to generate a magnetic field.

[0063] Furthermore, the measurement function 343 derives test results relating to the amount (e.g., antigen concentration) or presence or absence of a test substance from the optical signal supplied from the photodetector 312. For example, the timing for deriving the test results is predetermined and set to a predetermined time after the application of the upper magnetic field is started. The measurement function 343 reads out a time schedule from the memory circuitry 33 and derives test results from the optical signal supplied from the photodetector 312 based on the read out time schedule.

[0064] For example, the measurement function 343 determines whether the sample solution is likely to be positive or negative when a predetermined time has elapsed since the application of the upper magnetic field began, and derives the determination result as the test result. Specifically, the measurement function 343 makes the determination by comparing the intensity of the optical signal acquired when a predetermined time has elapsed since the application of the upper magnetic field began with a threshold value stored in, for example, the memory circuitry 33. Here, if the intensity of the acquired optical signal is equal to or less than the threshold, the measurement function 343 determines that the measurement result of the test substance is likely to be positive, and derives the determination result as the test result. On the other hand, if the intensity of the acquired optical signal is greater than the threshold, the measurement function 343 determines that the measurement result of the test substance is likely to be negative, and derives the determination result as the test result.

[0065] The control function 341 outputs the test results to the output device 41. For example, the control function 341 controls the display 411 or printer 412 as the output device 41 to present information about the test to the user. Specifically, the control function 341 presents the test results regarding the amount or presence or absence of the test substance to the user by displaying them on the display 411 or printing them out with a printer.

[0066] Furthermore, the control function 341 controls the sample testing apparatus 10A itself, and the sample testing apparatuses 10B and 10C. The control of the control function 341 will be described later.

[0067] The communication function 342 communicates with the sample testing apparatuses 10B and 10C.

[0068] Next, a description will be given of sample testing apparatuses 10B and 10C, which are slave sample testing apparatuses 10. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of sample testing apparatuses 10B and 10C according to this embodiment.

[0069] As described above, the sample testing apparatuses 10B and 10C are not provided with the input / output device 40 due to cost considerations.

[0070] The measurement function 343 performs a test to detect a target substance contained in a sample using the biological reaction device 2, light source 311, photodetector 312, and magnetic field generator 32. The communication function 342 communicates with the sample testing apparatus 10A. The control function 341 operates under control from the sample testing apparatus 10A. The control of the control function 341 will be described later.

[0071] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). If the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit 60. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, for example, the program is directly embedded in the processor circuit instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 60. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0072] Here, since the specimen testing system includes multiple specimen testing apparatuses 10, each consisting of a master specimen testing apparatus 10 and a slave specimen testing apparatus 10, a user can operate multiple specimen testing apparatuses to perform various tests simultaneously by operating only one master specimen testing apparatus 10, thereby improving testing efficiency. Furthermore, since the slave specimen testing apparatus 10 is not provided with an input / output device 40 for cost reasons, a specimen testing system capable of performing multiple tests simultaneously can be configured inexpensively. However, since the slave specimen testing apparatus 10 is not provided with an input / output device 40, the above specimen testing system has the following problems.

[0073] For example, because the slave specimen testing apparatus 10 does not have an input / output device 40, there is a problem in that it is not clear what test is planned. Specifically, when a test for virus B is performed by specimen testing apparatus 10B, which is the slave specimen testing apparatus 10, the user may mistakenly use a specimen testing apparatus other than specimen testing apparatus 10B. For example, the user may attach a biological reaction device 2 for testing for virus B to specimen testing apparatus 10C. For example, the user may attach a biological reaction device 2 for testing for virus A to specimen testing apparatus 10B. Thus, in the specimen testing system of this embodiment, if the wrong type of biological reaction device 2 is attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10, the test may have to be repeated, which may reduce testing efficiency.

[0074] Furthermore, because the slave specimen testing apparatus 10 does not have an input / output device 40, there is a problem in that it is unclear what is being tested. Specifically, when specimen testing apparatus 10B, which is the slave specimen testing apparatus 10, is testing for virus B, the cover 20 of specimen testing apparatus 10B is closed during testing, so the blue color coded on the biological reaction device 2 for virus B testing cannot be seen. In this situation, the user can confirm what test item is currently being tested by visually checking the screen displayed on the display 411 of specimen testing apparatus 10A, which is the master specimen testing apparatus 10. However, if the user cannot approach specimen testing apparatus 10A, which is displaying the screen, for example, because the user is performing another task, the user cannot confirm at a glance what test item is currently being tested. If the user approaches specimen testing apparatus 10A to check, the user will have to interrupt their current task, which may reduce testing efficiency.

[0075] Therefore, in order to improve testing efficiency, the sample testing system of this embodiment is provided with an indicator 35 on the main body 30 of each of the sample testing devices 10A to 10C in Figures 1, 3 and 4. The indicator 35 has a light-emitting unit that can emit light of different colors. Examples of colors that the indicator 35 can emit include green and blue. The light-emitting unit of the indicator 35 is formed so that it is easy for the user to see. For example, the light-emitting unit of the indicator 35 is formed in a convex shape so that it protrudes from the front surface of the main body 30.

[0076] The sample testing system of this embodiment performs the following processes to improve testing efficiency. The sample testing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is a master sample testing apparatus 10, and is equipped with a measurement function 343, an input / output device 40, a communication function 342, and a control function 341. The measurement function 343 detects a target substance contained in a sample. The input / output device 40 has a display 411 that displays information related to the test, and an input device 42 that accepts input of information related to the test. The communication function 342 communicates with the slave sample testing apparatus 10. Here, the slave sample testing apparatus 10 has the measurement function 343. The control function 341 causes the communication function 342 to transmit control information used to control the slave sample testing apparatus 10. For example, the master sample testing device 10 and the slave sample testing device 10 further include an indicator 35, and the control function 341 of the master sample testing device 10 controls the indicator 35 of the sample testing device 10 selected as the device to perform the test to emit light in a color according to the type of detection target of the test by transmitting control information from the communication function 342. In addition, the control function 341 processes the detection results received from the slave sample testing device 10.

[0077] Figures 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing the procedure of processing by the sample testing system 1 in this embodiment. Figures 8A to 8G are diagrams for explaining the processing by the sample testing system 1 in this embodiment.

[0078] 5, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A, which is the master specimen testing apparatus 10, receives a test order from, for example, an HIS (Hospital Information System) server, displays a list of the ordered tests to be performed based on the test order, and then receives a selection of test items to be detected. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the control function 341 displays a screen for receiving the selection of test items on the display 411, and receives the selection of test items to be performed via the input device 42.

[0079] Specifically, control function 341 recognizes the operating status of sample testing apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C, and causes area 110 for accepting the selection of a test item, area 120 for displaying the operating status of sample testing apparatus 10A, area 130 for displaying the operating status of sample testing apparatus 10B, and area 130 for displaying the operating status of sample testing apparatus 10C to be displayed in an overlapping manner on display 411. For example, areas 110, 120, 130, and 140 each include tabs that are displayed in different positions, and the tabs for areas 110, 120, 130, and 140 are labeled with "Item," "1," "2," and "3" to identify areas 110, 120, 130, and 140, respectively.

[0080] First, the control function 341 displays the entire area 110 and only the tabs for areas 120, 130, and 140 on the display 411. In this case, test item columns 111, 112, and 113 that accept the selection of test items are displayed in the area 110. For example, the test item columns 111, 112, and 113 are displayed on a row-by-row basis, and a test item is selected by selecting a displayed row.

[0081] The test item column 111 displays the test item "Virus A," the ID "111111" of the patient who is the specimen, the name "YYYY," and the usage status "3." Here, the usage status "3" in the test item column 111 means that a test for "Virus A" is being performed on the patient with the ID "111111" and the name "YYYY" by the specimen testing apparatus 10C. In this case, the specimen testing apparatus 10C is the specimen testing apparatus currently performing the test, and the test item column 111 is in a state where it cannot be selected by the user.

[0082] The test item column 112 displays the test item "Virus A," the patient ID "123456" who is the specimen, the patient's name "XXXX," and the usage status "standby." Here, the usage status "standby" in the test item column 112 means that the patient with ID "123456" and name "XXXX" has not been tested for "Virus A." The test item column 113 displays the test item "Virus B," the patient ID "123456" who is the specimen, the patient's name "XXXX," and the usage status "standby." Here, the usage status "standby" in the test item column 113 means that the patient with ID "123456" and name "XXXX" has not been tested for "Virus B." In this case, specimen testing apparatuses 10A and 10B are specimen testing apparatuses that are not currently conducting tests, and the test item columns 112 and 113 are selectable by the user.

[0083] Here, when the user selects the test item columns 112 and 113, the control function 341 accepts the selection of the test items "virus A" and "virus B" as the detection targets. For example, since the patient displayed in the test item columns 112 and 113 is a patient with ID "123456" and name "XXXX", when the user selects the test item column 112 or test item column 113, the control function 341 accepts the selection of the test items "virus A" and "virus B" as the detection targets.

[0084] In step S101 of FIG. 5, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A assigns test items as selected detection targets to each sample testing apparatus.

[0085] Specifically, the control function 341 selects a specimen testing apparatus that can perform testing from among the specimen testing apparatuses 10A, 10B, and 10C. For example, the control function 341 selects specimen testing apparatuses 10A and 10B to which an instruction to emit light (described below) to cause indicator 35 to be emitted has not been sent. Then, the control function 341 assigns the test items "Virus A" and "Virus B" selected in step S100 to the specimen testing apparatuses 10A and 10B, respectively.

[0086] Alternatively, the control function 341 displays a list of sample testing devices that can perform the test from among the sample testing devices 10A, 10B, and 10C, and then accepts the selection of a sample testing device that can perform the test via the input device 42. For example, the control function 341 accepts the selection of the sample testing devices 10A and 10B that can perform the test by operating the input device 42. Then, the control function 341 assigns the test items "Virus A" and "Virus B" selected in step S100 to the sample testing devices 10A and 10B, respectively.

[0087] In step S102 of FIG. 5, the specimen testing apparatus 10A performs a test for the test item "virus A," and the specimen testing apparatus 10B performs a test for the test item "virus B."

[0088] First, the test for the test item "Virus A" using specimen testing apparatus 10A will be described.

[0089] In step S110 of FIG. 6, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A lights up the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A in green, which is the color-coded color for the test item "Virus A."

[0090] Specifically, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A controls the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A to light up in green before performing a test for the test item "Virus A." For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A lights up the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A in green.

[0091] Note that, although the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A controls the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10A to light up in a color representing the test item "Virus A," this is not limiting. For example, if the indicator 35 has a light-emitting unit capable of displaying a string of characters, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A may control the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10A to display the test item "Virus A" as a string of characters.

[0092] In step S111 of FIG. 6, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A causes the display 411 to display guide information for opening the cover 20 as guide information for the test performed by the sample testing apparatus 10A.

[0093] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8C, the tab of area 120 displayed on display 411 of sample testing apparatus 10A is displayed in green. Assume that the user selects the tab of area 120 displayed in green, which is the same color as the color of indicator 35 of sample testing apparatus 10A. In this case, control function 341 displays the entire area 120 and only the tabs of areas 110, 130, and 140 on display 411. In this case, fields 121, 122, 123, and 124 are displayed in area 120. Field 121 displays the test item "Virus A." Field 122 displays the ID "123456" and name "XXXX" of the patient who is the sample. Field 123 displays guide information for opening cover 20 of sample testing apparatus 10A, such as a message saying "Please open the cover of the device whose lamp is lit." Field 124 displays the guide information of field 123 as an illustration.

[0094] In step S112 of FIG. 6, when the detection unit 31 of the sample testing apparatus 10A detects from the main body 30 that the cover 20 has been opened, it outputs information indicating that the cover 20 has been opened.

[0095] In step S113 of Figure 6, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A, in response to information indicating that the cover 20 has been opened, displays on the display 411 guide information for attaching the biological reaction device 2 as guide information for the test performed by the specimen testing apparatus 10A.

[0096] 8D, in area 120 displayed on display 411 of sample testing apparatus 10A, a message such as "Please install the test cartridge" is displayed in field 123 as guide information for mounting the biological reaction device 2 on sample testing apparatus 10A. In field 124, the guide information in field 123 is displayed as an illustration.

[0097] In step S114 of FIG. 6, the reading device 313 of the sample testing apparatus 10A confirms the type of the biological reaction device 2 attached to the sample testing apparatus 10A.

[0098] Specifically, when the biological reaction device 2 is attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10A, the reading device 313 reads the type of the biological reaction device 2 from the QR code (registered trademark) 2a printed on the back of the biological reaction device 2, and outputs read information indicating the type of the biological reaction device 2. At this time, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A acquires the read information output from the reading device 313.

[0099] In step S115 of Figure 6, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A compares the test item "Virus A" assigned to the specimen testing apparatus 10A with the type of biological reaction device 2 indicated by the acquired reading information, and displays on the display 411 the comparison result indicating whether the type of biological reaction device 2 is a device used for the test item "Virus A".

[0100] For example, it is assumed that the type of biological reaction device 2 indicated by the read information is not the biological reaction device 2 for testing the test item "Virus A" assigned to the specimen testing apparatus 10A. In other words, if the biological reaction device 2 for testing for Virus A is not correctly attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10A (step S115 in FIG. 6; No), the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A notifies the user, for example, by a pop-up screen, that the type of biological reaction device 2 attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10A is incorrect. Then, the processing of step S113 is performed again.

[0101] For example, it is assumed that the type of biological reaction device 2 indicated by the read information is a biological reaction device 2 for testing the test item "Virus A" assigned to the specimen testing apparatus 10A. That is, if the biological reaction device 2 for testing for Virus A is correctly attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10A (step S115 in FIG. 6; Yes), the process of step S116 is performed.

[0102] In step S116 of FIG. 6, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A causes the display 411 to display guide information that prompts the sending of liquid to the biological reaction device 2 as guide information for the test performed by the specimen testing apparatus 10A.

[0103] 8E, in area 120 displayed on display 411 of specimen testing apparatus 10A, a message such as "Please send liquid to the test cartridge" is displayed in field 123 as guide information urging the user to inject mixture 202 of the sample solution and reagent into reaction container 201 through hole 21a of biological reaction device 2. In field 124, the guide information in field 123 is displayed as an illustration.

[0104] In step S117 of Figure 6, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A displays on the display 411 guide information encouraging the sending of liquid to the biological reaction device 2, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, displays on the display 411 guide information for closing the cover 20 as guide information for the test performed by the specimen testing apparatus 10A.

[0105] 8F, in area 120 displayed on display 411 of sample testing apparatus 10A, a message such as "Please close the cover. Testing will begin" is displayed in field 123 as guide information for closing cover 20. In field 124, the guide information in field 123 is displayed as an illustration.

[0106] In step S118 of FIG. 6, when the detection unit 31 of the sample testing apparatus 10A detects that the cover 20 is closed on the main body 30, it outputs information indicating that the cover 20 is closed.

[0107] 6, the measurement function 343 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A starts the test performed by the specimen testing apparatus 10A in response to the information indicating that the cover 20 is closed. At the same time, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A causes the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A to flash in green, which is the color-coded color for the test item "Virus A."

[0108] Specifically, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A controls the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A to flash green while the test for the test item "Virus A" is being performed. In this way, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A controls the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A to emit light in different light forms before and during the test.

[0109] In step S119 of FIG. 6, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A monitors whether or not the testing by the measurement function 343 has finished.

[0110] If the inspection of the measurement function 343 has not been completed (step S119 in FIG. 6; No), the process of step S119 is performed again.

[0111] On the other hand, if the test by the measurement function 343 has finished (step S119 in Figure 6; Yes), the measurement function 343 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A stores the test results for the test item "Virus A" in the memory circuitry 33, and the processing of step S120 is performed.

[0112] In step S120 of FIG. 6, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A turns off the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10A.

[0113] 6, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A causes the output device 41 to output the test results for the test item "Virus A" performed by the measurement function 343. For example, the control function 341 controls the display 411 or printer 412 as the output device 41 to present the test results to the user. Specifically, the control function 341 presents the test results to the user by displaying them on the display 411 or printing them out on a printer.

[0114] Next, a test for the test item "Virus B" by the specimen testing apparatus 10B will be described. The control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A causes the communication function 342 to transmit control information used to control the specimen testing apparatus 10B, which is the slave specimen testing apparatus, and processes the detection results received from the specimen testing apparatus 10B, as follows.

[0115] In step S130 of FIG. 7, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A issues an instruction to turn on the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10B in blue, which is the color coded for the test item "virus B."

[0116] Specifically, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A controls the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B to light up in blue before performing a test for the test item "virus B." In this case, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A sends a control signal, a lighting instruction to light up the indicator 35 in blue corresponding to the test item "virus B," to the sample testing apparatus 10B via the communication function 342. Here, the control signal or lighting instruction is an example of "control information."

[0117] Note that, although the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A controls the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B to light up in a color representing the test item "Virus B," this is not limiting. For example, if the indicator 35 has a light-emitting unit capable of displaying a string of characters, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A may control the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B to display the test item "Virus B" as a string of characters.

[0118] In step S131 of FIG. 7, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10B lights up the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B in a color representing the test item "Virus B" in response to the lighting instruction sent from the sample testing apparatus 10A.

[0119] In step S132 of FIG. 7, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A causes the display 411 to display guide information for opening the cover 20 as guide information for the test performed by the sample testing apparatus 10B.

[0120] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8G, the tab of area 130 displayed on display 411 of sample testing apparatus 10A is displayed in blue. Assume that the user selects the tab of area 130, which is displayed in blue, the same color as the color of indicator 35 of sample testing apparatus 10B. In this case, control function 341 displays the entire area 130 and only the tabs of areas 110, 120, and 140 on display 411. In this case, fields 131, 132, 133, and 134 are displayed in area 130. Field 131 displays the test item "Virus B." Field 132 displays the ID "123456" and name "XXXX" of the patient who is the sample. Field 133 displays guide information for opening cover 20 of sample testing apparatus 10B, such as a message saying "Please open the cover of the device whose lamp is lit." Field 134 displays the guide information of field 133 as an illustration.

[0121] In addition, in step S132, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10A transmits a notification indicating that guide information for opening the cover 20 has been displayed on the display 411 to the sample testing apparatus 10B.

[0122] In step S133 of Figure 7, when the detection unit 31 of the sample testing apparatus 10B detects that the cover 20 of the main body 30 of the sample testing apparatus 10B has been opened, it outputs information indicating that the cover 20 of the sample testing apparatus 10B has been opened. Here, the notification of step S132 is an example of "control information." For example, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10B transmits information indicating that the cover 20 of the sample testing apparatus 10B has been opened to the sample testing apparatus 10A as a response to the notification of step S132.

[0123] In step S134 of Figure 7, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A, in response to information indicating that the cover 20 of the specimen testing apparatus 10B has been opened, displays on the display 411 guide information for attaching the biological reaction device 2 to the specimen testing apparatus 10B as guide information for the test performed by the specimen testing apparatus 10B.

[0124] Specifically, in area 130 displayed on display 411 of sample testing apparatus 10A, a message such as "Please install the test cartridge" is displayed in field 133 as guide information for mounting the biological reaction device 2 on sample testing apparatus 10B. In field 134, the guide information in field 133 is displayed as an illustration.

[0125] Also, in step S134, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10A sends a notification to the sample testing apparatus 10B indicating that guide information for attaching the biological reaction device 2 to the sample testing apparatus 10B has been displayed on the display 411.

[0126] In step S135 of FIG. 7, the reading device 313 of the sample testing apparatus 10B confirms the type of the biological reaction device 2 attached to the sample testing apparatus 10B.

[0127] Specifically, when the biological reaction device 2 is attached to the sample testing apparatus 10B, the reading device 313 of the sample testing apparatus 10B reads the type of the biological reaction device 2 from the QR code (registered trademark) 2a printed on the back of the biological reaction device 2, and outputs read information indicating the type of the biological reaction device 2. Here, the notification of step S134 is an example of "control information." For example, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10B transmits the read information output from the reading device 313 of the sample testing apparatus 10B to the sample testing apparatus 10A as a reply to the notification of step S134. At this time, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A acquires the read information output from the sample testing apparatus 10B.

[0128] In step S136 of Figure 7, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A compares the test item "Virus B" assigned to the specimen testing apparatus 10B with the type of biological reaction device 2 indicated by the acquired reading information, and displays on the display 411 the comparison result indicating whether the type of biological reaction device 2 is a device used for the test item "Virus B".

[0129] For example, it is assumed that the type of biological reaction device 2 indicated by the read information is not the biological reaction device 2 for testing the test item "virus B" assigned to the specimen testing apparatus 10B. In other words, if the biological reaction device 2 for testing virus B is not correctly attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10B (step S136 in FIG. 7; No), the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A notifies the user, for example, by a pop-up screen, that the type of biological reaction device 2 attached to the main body 30 of the specimen testing apparatus 10B is incorrect. Then, the processing of step S134 is performed again.

[0130] For example, the type of biological reaction device 2 indicated by the read information is assumed to be a biological reaction device 2 for testing the test item "Virus B" assigned to the specimen testing apparatus 10B. That is, if the biological reaction device 2 for testing for Virus B is correctly attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10B (step S136 in FIG. 7; Yes), the process of step S137 is performed.

[0131] In step S137 of Figure 7, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A displays on the display 411 guide information for the test performed by the specimen testing apparatus 10B, which guides the sending of liquid to the biological reaction device 2 attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10B.

[0132] Specifically, in area 130 displayed on display 411 of specimen testing apparatus 10A, a message such as "Please send liquid to test cartridge" is displayed in field 133 as guide information urging the user to inject mixture 202 of sample solution and reagent into reaction container 201 through hole 21a of biological reaction device 2. In field 134, the guide information in field 133 is displayed as an illustration.

[0133] Also, in step S137, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10A sends a notification to the sample testing apparatus 10B indicating that guide information encouraging the sending of liquid to the biological reaction device 2 attached to the sample testing apparatus 10B has been displayed on the display 411.

[0134] In step S138 of Figure 7, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A displays on the display 411 guide information encouraging the sending of liquid to the biological reaction device 2 attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10B, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, displays on the display 411 guide information for closing the cover 20 of the specimen testing apparatus 10B as guide information for the test to be performed by the specimen testing apparatus 10B.

[0135] Specifically, in area 130 displayed on display 411 of sample testing apparatus 10A, a message such as "Please close the cover. Testing will begin" is displayed in field 133 as guide information for closing cover 20 of sample testing apparatus 10B. In field 134, the guide information in field 133 is displayed as an illustration.

[0136] In addition, in step S138, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10A transmits a notification to the sample testing apparatus 10B indicating that guide information for closing the cover 20 of the sample testing apparatus 10B has been displayed on the display 411.

[0137] In step S139 of Figure 7, when the detection unit 31 of the sample testing apparatus 10B detects that the cover 20 of the main body 30 of the sample testing apparatus 10B has been closed, it outputs information indicating that the cover 20 of the sample testing apparatus 10B has been closed. Here, the notifications of steps S137 and S138 are an example of "control information." For example, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10B transmits information indicating that the cover 20 of the sample testing apparatus 10B has been opened to the sample testing apparatus 10A as a response to the notifications of steps S137 and S138.

[0138] In step S140 of FIG. 7, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A causes the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10B to flash in blue, which is the color-coded color for the test item "Virus B."

[0139] Specifically, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A controls the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B so that it flashes blue during the test for the test item "virus B." In this way, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A controls the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B so that it emits light in different light forms before and during the test. In this case, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A transmits a flashing instruction to the sample testing apparatus 10B as a control signal via the communication function 342, for flashing the indicator 35 in blue according to the test item "virus B." Here, the control signal or the flashing instruction is an example of "control information."

[0140] 7, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10B causes the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B to flash in a color representing the test item "Virus B" in response to the flashing instruction sent from the sample testing apparatus 10A. At the same time, the measurement function 343 of the sample testing apparatus 10B starts the test performed by the sample testing apparatus 10B in response to the flashing instruction.

[0141] In step S142 of FIG. 7, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10B monitors whether or not the testing by the measurement function 343 has ended.

[0142] If the inspection of the measurement function 343 has not been completed (step S142 in FIG. 7; No), the process of step S119 is performed again.

[0143] On the other hand, if the inspection of the measurement function 343 has been completed (step S142 in FIG. 7; Yes), the process of step S143 is carried out.

[0144] In step S143 of FIG. 7, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10B transmits information to the sample testing apparatus 10A to report that the test performed by the sample testing apparatus 10B has been completed.

[0145] In step S144 of FIG. 7, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A turns off the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B in response to information reporting that the test performed by the sample testing apparatus 10B has been completed.

[0146] In this case, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A transmits a control signal, a turn-off instruction for turning off the indicator 35, to the sample testing apparatus 10B via the communication function 342. Here, the control signal or the turn-off instruction is an example of "control information."

[0147] In step S145 of FIG. 7, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10B turns off the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B in response to the turn-off instruction transmitted from the sample testing apparatus 10A.

[0148] 7, in response to the light-off instruction, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10B transmits the test results for the test item "virus B" performed by the sample testing apparatus 10B to the sample testing apparatus 10A. The measurement function 343 of the sample testing apparatus 10A stores the test results for the test item "virus B" in the memory circuitry 33.

[0149] 7, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A causes the output device 41 to output the test results for the test item "Virus B" performed by the sample testing apparatus 10B. For example, the control function 341 controls the display 411 or printer 412 as the output device 41 to present the test results to the user. Specifically, the control function 341 presents the test results to the user by displaying them on the display 411 or printing them out on a printer.

[0150] As explained above, in the sample testing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the measurement function 343 detects a target substance contained in a sample. The input / output device 40 includes a display 411 that displays information related to the test, a printer 412 that prints test results, and an input device 42 that accepts input of information related to the test. The communication function 342 communicates with the slave sample testing apparatus 10. Here, the slave sample testing apparatus 10 has the measurement function 343, but does not have the input / output device 40. In this case, the control function 341 causes the communication function 342 to transmit control information used to control the slave sample testing apparatus 10. For example, the master sample testing apparatus 10 and the slave sample testing apparatus 10 further include an indicator 35, and the control function 341 of the master sample testing apparatus 10 controls the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10 selected as the apparatus to perform the test to emit light in a color corresponding to the type of target substance of the test by transmitting control information from the communication function 342. The control function 341 also processes the detection results received from the slave specimen testing apparatus 10. Note that, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which the slave specimen testing apparatus 10 is not provided with an input / output device 40, but the slave specimen testing apparatus 10 may be provided with an input / output device 40, or may be provided with an input / output device different from the input / output device 40 of the master specimen testing apparatus 10. Also, although a case has been described in which the slave specimen testing apparatus 10 is not provided with an input / output device 40, the slave specimen testing apparatus 10 may be provided with a printer 412 that prints out the test results of the test.

[0151] Therefore, in the sample testing system of this embodiment, the master sample testing apparatus 10 controls the slave sample testing apparatuses 10, thereby improving testing efficiency.

[0152] For example, by having the master specimen testing apparatus 10 control the slave specimen testing apparatus 10, the user can understand what test is scheduled. Specifically, when a test for virus B is performed by specimen testing apparatus 10B, which is the slave specimen testing apparatus 10, the specimen testing apparatus 10B illuminates the indicator 35 in blue, corresponding to the test item "virus B." Therefore, the user can attach the biological reaction device 2 for virus B testing to the specimen testing apparatus 10B by visually checking the blue light emitted by the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10B. This reduces the risk that the user will use a specimen testing apparatus other than the specimen testing apparatus 10B due to a misreading or the like. As such, the specimen testing system of this embodiment allows the user to correctly attach the biological reaction device 2 to the specimen testing apparatus 10, improving testing efficiency.

[0153] Furthermore, by having the master specimen testing apparatus 10 control the slave specimen testing apparatus 10, the user can understand what is being tested. Specifically, when specimen testing apparatus 10B, which is the slave specimen testing apparatus 10, is testing for virus B, the cover 20 of specimen testing apparatus 10B is closed during the test, but specimen testing apparatus 10B illuminates indicator 35 in blue, corresponding to the test item "virus B." Therefore, while performing another task, the user can check at a glance what test item is currently being tested by the illumination of indicator 35 of specimen testing apparatus 10B, without having to approach specimen testing apparatus 10A, which is displaying the screen. In this way, the specimen testing system of this embodiment allows the user to check what test item is currently being tested without interrupting the user's current task, thereby improving testing efficiency.

[0154] In the sample testing system of this embodiment, the sample testing apparatus 10 alone can also improve testing efficiency.

[0155] For example, the master specimen testing apparatus 10 may include a measurement function 343 that uses a biological reaction device 2 to perform a test to detect a target substance contained in a specimen, an indicator 35 that can emit different colors, and a control function 341, allowing the user to understand what test is planned. Specifically, the control function 341 controls the indicator 35 to emit a color corresponding to the type of target substance, the same color as the color assigned to the biological reaction device 2 and the color assigned to the packaging of the reagent to be reacted with the biological reaction device 2. For example, when a test for virus A is being performed using the specimen testing apparatus 10, the control function 341 causes the indicator 35 to emit a green color corresponding to the test item "virus A," the same color as the color assigned to the biological reaction device 2 for virus A testing and the color assigned to the packaging of the reagent to be reacted with the biological reaction device 2 for virus A testing. Therefore, the user can attach the biological reaction device 2 for virus A testing to the specimen testing apparatus 10 by visually checking the green color emitted by the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10. As described above, in the sample testing system of this embodiment, the user can correctly attach the biological reaction device 2 to the sample testing apparatus 10, thereby improving testing efficiency.

[0156] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[0157] In the above-described embodiment, the sample testing apparatus 10A, which is the master sample testing apparatus 10, has been described as processing when it receives a test order from, for example, an HIS server, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Below, a description will be given of processing that is performed without receiving a test order. In processing that is performed without receiving a test order, for example, a biological reaction device 2 is attached to a sample testing apparatus 10 that is capable of testing and that is selected by a user from among multiple sample testing apparatuses 10. In this case, the sample testing apparatus 10A, which is the master sample testing apparatus 10, receives testing by the selected sample testing apparatus 10.

[0158] 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the procedure of processing by the sample testing system 1 in a modified example of this embodiment.

[0159] Here, a case where the user selects specimen testing apparatus 10A as the specimen testing apparatus 10 capable of testing, and attaches a biological reaction device 2 for virus A testing to specimen testing apparatus 10A will be described with reference to FIG.

[0160] The processing procedure in Fig. 9 is different from that in Fig. 6, and for example, steps S111, S112, S114, S200, S110, and S116 to S122 are executed. Here, in the processing in Fig. 9, step S200 is executed instead of step S115 in Fig. 6.

[0161] 9, steps S111, S112, and S114 are executed first. For example, in step S114, when the biological reaction device 2 is attached to the sample testing apparatus 10A, the reading device 313 reads the type of the biological reaction device 2 from the QR code (registered trademark) 2a printed on the back of the biological reaction device 2, and outputs read information indicating the type of the biological reaction device 2. At this time, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A acquires the read information output from the reading device 313. Then, the process of step S200 is performed.

[0162] In step S200 of FIG. 9, the control function 341 accepts the test to be detected from the type of biological reaction device 2 represented by the acquired read information. For example, the type of biological reaction device 2 represented by the read information is a biological reaction device 2 for testing for virus A. In this case, the control function 341 accepts the test for the test item "Virus A" as the detection target based on the type of biological reaction device 2 represented by the read information. Then, the processing of step S110 is performed.

[0163] For example, in step S110, the control function 341 controls the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10A to light up in green before the test for the test item "Virus A" is performed. Thereafter, steps S116 to S122 are executed.

[0164] Next, a case where the user selects the specimen testing apparatus 10B as the specimen testing apparatus 10 capable of testing, and attaches a biological reaction device 2 for virus B testing to the specimen testing apparatus 10B will be described with reference to FIG.

[0165] The processing procedure in Fig. 10 is different from that in Fig. 7, and for example, steps S132 to S135, S210, S130, S131, and S137 to S147 are executed. Here, in the processing in Fig. 10, step S210 is executed instead of step S136 in Fig. 7.

[0166] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, steps S132 to S135 are executed first. For example, in step S135, when the biological reaction device 2 is attached to the sample testing apparatus 10B, the reading device 313 of the sample testing apparatus 10B reads the type of the biological reaction device 2 from the QR code (registered trademark) 2a printed on the back of the biological reaction device 2, and outputs read information indicating the type of the biological reaction device 2. At this time, the communication function 342 of the sample testing apparatus 10B transmits the read information output from the reading device 313 of the sample testing apparatus 10B to the sample testing apparatus 10A as a reply to the notification of step S134. At this time, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A acquires the read information output from the sample testing apparatus 10B. Then, the processing of step S210 is performed.

[0167] In step S210 of Figure 10, the control function 341 accepts the test to be detected from the type of biological reaction device 2 represented by the acquired read information. For example, the type of biological reaction device 2 represented by the read information is a biological reaction device 2 for virus B testing. In this case, the control function 341 accepts the test for the test item "virus B" as the detection target based on the type of biological reaction device 2 represented by the read information. Then, the processing of steps S130 and S131 is performed.

[0168] For example, in step S130, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A controls the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B to light up in blue before performing a test for the test item "virus B." In this case, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A sends a control signal, via the communication function 342, to the sample testing apparatus 10B, a lighting instruction to light up the indicator 35 in blue corresponding to the test item "virus B."

[0169] Next, in step S131, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10B lights up the indicator 35 of the sample testing apparatus 10B in a color representing the test item "Virus B" in response to the lighting instruction transmitted from the sample testing apparatus 10A. Then, steps S137 to S147 are executed.

[0170] As explained above, in addition to the effects described above, the specimen testing apparatus 10 according to the modified example of this embodiment can accept testing by the specimen testing apparatus 10 selected by the user when a biological reaction device 2 is attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10.

[0171] Here, the structure of the indicator 35 will be described.

[0172] 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a first structure which is an example of the structure of the indicator 35 in the sample testing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the indicator 35 includes a substrate 351, a multicolor LED (Light Emitting Diode) 352 provided on the substrate 351, and a case 353 which covers the multicolor LED 352.

[0173] The substrate 351 is provided on the front surface of the main body 30 of the sample testing apparatus 10. The multicolor LED 352 is provided on the substrate 351 and is a light-emitting unit capable of emitting light of multiple colors. For example, the multicolor LED 352 emits light of any color by mixing the three primary colors of light: red (R), green (G), and blue (B). In order to emit light of any color, the multicolor LED 352 has three LEDs of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) arranged closely together.

[0174] When such a multicolor LED 352 is made to emit low-brightness colors such as brown or gray, the following problems may occur. First, for example, when external light is incident on the multicolor LED 352, the reflected light may make it difficult for the user to distinguish whether the LED is emitting light or not. In other words, when the LED is not emitting light, the user may not perceive it as dark. Second, because the multicolor LED 352 has a structure in which three color LEDs are closely arranged, the light may not be mixed uniformly.

[0175] Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the case 353 has a light mixing member 353a and a light blocking member 353b.

[0176] The light mixer 353a is dome-shaped and mixes the multiple colors emitted by the multicolor LED 352. For example, a white translucent resin is used as the light mixer 353a. The light blocking member 353b is provided on the light mixer 353a and blocks external light. For example, a black light blocking paint is used as the light blocking member 353b. An opening 353c is formed at the top of the dome-shaped case 353, penetrating the light blocking member 353b to expose the light mixer 353a.

[0177] For example, the multiple colors emitted by the multicolor LED 352 are mixed by the light mixer 353a while being reflected by the dome-shaped inner wall of the light mixer 353a. In the structure of the light mixer 353a, the portion where the opening 353c is formed (the exposed portion) is thin, so that the light whose colors have been uniformly mixed by the light mixer 353a is emitted from the opening 353c.

[0178] 11, light whose colors are uniformly mixed by the light mixing member 353a is emitted from the opening 353c. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the light blocking member 353b blocks external light incident on the multicolor LED 352, allowing the user to distinguish whether the LED is emitting light or not. In other words, when the LED is not emitting light, it appears dark to the user.

[0179] 11, light whose colors have been uniformly mixed by light mixer 353a is emitted from opening 353c formed at the top of dome-shaped case 353, and the range of emitted light is therefore small. Therefore, in order to improve visibility, it is necessary to enlarge the exit port for emitting light whose colors have been uniformly mixed by light mixer 353a. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the exit port is enlarged to improve visibility.

[0180] Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing a second structure, which is an example of the structure of the indicator 35 in the sample testing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the indicator 35 includes a substrate 351, a multicolor LED 352 provided on the substrate 351, and a case 354 that covers the multicolor LED 352. That is, in the example shown in Figure 12, the indicator 35 includes a case 354 instead of the case 353 in the example shown in Figure 11. The case 354 includes a light mixing member 354a, a light blocking member 354b, and a light-attenuating member 354c.

[0181] The light-shielding member 354b is provided on the side of the case 354 and blocks external light. The light-shielding member 354b is, for example, a case made of black light-shielding paint. The light mixer 354a is provided at a position facing the multicolor LED 352 of the light-shielding member 354b and mixes the multiple colors emitted by the multicolor LED 352. The light mixer 354a may be, for example, a white translucent film. The light-attenuating member 354c is a member that covers the light-shielding member 354b and the light mixer 354a, and light whose colors have been uniformly mixed by the light mixer 354a is emitted from the light-attenuating member 354c. The light-attenuating member 354c may be, for example, a light-attenuating film such as an ND (Neutral Density) filter. The light-shielding member 354b and the light-attenuating member 354c are provided to improve the visibility of low-brightness colors.

[0182] For example, the multiple colors emitted by the multicolor LED 352 are mixed by being reflected between the light mixer 354a and the substrate 351. Alternatively, the multiple colors emitted by the multicolor LED 352 are mixed by being reflected inside the light mixer 354a. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the light mixer 354a is not light-shielded and a light-attenuating member 354c is provided on the light mixer 354a, so that the light whose colors have been uniformly mixed by the light mixer 354a is emitted from the light-attenuating member 354c.

[0183] As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 12, light whose colors have been uniformly mixed by the light mixer 354a is emitted from the dimming member 354c. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the light blocking member 354b blocks external light entering the multicolor LED 352, allowing the user to distinguish whether the LED is emitting light. That is, when the LED is not emitting light, the light appears dark to the user. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the exit port for emitting light whose colors have been uniformly mixed by the light mixer 354a can be made larger than in the example shown in FIG. 11, thereby improving visibility. Furthermore, the provision of the dimming member 354c on the light mixer 354a improves the visibility of low-brightness colors.

[0184] Here, the dimming of the indicator 35 will be described.

[0185] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of dimming of the indicator 35 in the sample testing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. For example, when a user requests dimming of the indicator 35 using the input device 42 in the sample testing apparatus 10A, which is the master sample testing apparatus 10, the control function 341 of the sample testing apparatus 10A accepts the request and displays a screen 360 as shown in FIG. 13 on the display 411. In FIG. 13, "LED1," "LED2," and "LED3" on the screen 360 are set by the user as colors for lighting the indicator 35. For example, "LED1" and "LED2" are set by the user as colors corresponding to the test items "Virus A" and "Virus B," respectively.

[0186] 13, the screen 360 includes adjustment units 361-363 for adjusting the brightness of the LEDs (light sources) of the three primary colors of light, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), in the multicolor LED 352 of each of the sample testing devices 10A, 10B, and 10C, and a setting button 364. Each of the adjustment units 361-363 includes a button that allows the user to adjust a color value using the input device 42. The higher the set color value, the brighter the light source of that color. In FIG. 13, the color value is initially displayed as "0." For example, if the user sets the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values ​​to their maximum values ​​by operating the adjustment units 361-363 and then operates the setting button 364, the light emitted from the indicator 35 will be white.

[0187] Furthermore, when the user sets the value of red (R) to the maximum value and the values ​​of green (G) and blue (B) to the minimum values ​​by operating adjustment units 361 to 363 and then operates setting button 364, the light emitted from indicator 35 becomes red. Similarly, when the user sets the value of green (G) to the maximum value and the values ​​of red (R) and blue (B) to the minimum values ​​by operating adjustment units 361 to 363 and then operates setting button 364, the light emitted from indicator 35 becomes green. Similarly, when the user sets the value of blue (B) to the maximum value and the values ​​of red (R) and green (G) to the minimum values ​​by operating adjustment units 361 to 363 and then operates setting button 364, the light emitted from indicator 35 becomes blue.

[0188] In this way, the user can set the values ​​of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) to any value by operating adjustment units 361 to 363, and then operate setting button 364, which causes the control function 341 of specimen testing device 10A to emit light of a low brightness color, such as brown or gray, from indicator 35.

[0189] The dimming of the indicator 35 is performed, for example, immediately before the specimen testing apparatus 10 is shipped, or when the specimen testing apparatus 10 is installed in a hospital or the like. For example, when a user sets blue as the color for the test item "Virus B," the user operates adjustment units 361-363 to set the value of blue (B) to the maximum value and the values ​​of red (R) and green (G) to the minimum values, and then operates setting button 364. At this time, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A associates information representing the color set by the user on screen 360 with information representing the test item and information representing a QR code (registered trademark) 2a that identifies the type of biological reaction device 2 used to test the test item, and stores the information in the memory circuitry 33 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A.

[0190] For example, in this embodiment, when a test order is received from the HIS server, if the user selects the test items "virus A" and "virus B," the control function 341 of the sample testing device 10A lights up the indicators 35 of the sample testing devices 10A and 10B, which are sample testing devices capable of performing the test, in green and blue, respectively, which are colors set by the user on the screen 360 to represent the test items "virus A" and "virus B."

[0191] Furthermore, in a modified example of this embodiment, when the reading device 313 reads the type of biological reaction device 2 from the QR code (registered trademark) 2a of the biological reaction device 2 attached to the specimen testing apparatus 10A, if a test for the test item "virus A" is accepted based on the type of biological reaction device 2 that has been read, the control function 341 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A lights up the indicator 35 of the specimen testing apparatus 10A, which is a specimen testing apparatus capable of testing, in green, which the user has set on the screen 360 as the color-coded color for the test item "virus A."

[0192] In this way, when the control function 341 of the specimen testing device 10A receives a test item from a test order or a QR code (registered trademark) 2a, it can light up the indicator 35 in a color that the user has set on the screen 360 as a color-coded version of the received test item.

[0193] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the inspection efficiency.

[0194] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 1. Sample testing system 10A Sample testing equipment 10B, 10C Sample testing equipment 40 Input / Output Devices 42 Input Devices 341 Control Functions 342 Communication Functions 343 Measurement Function 411 Display 412 printer

Claims

1. A main body, an inspection unit that detects a target substance contained in a sample; an input / output unit having a display unit that displays information about the examination and an input unit that accepts input of the information about the examination; an indicator provided on the main body and capable of emitting light in different colors; a communication unit that communicates with the testing unit and a slave sample testing device that is provided in a main body and has an indicator that can emit light of different colors; a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit control information used to control the slave specimen testing device, and processes detection results received from the slave specimen testing device; Equipped with The control unit When the device itself is selected as the device to perform the test, the indicator is controlled to emit light in a color corresponding to the type of detection target of the test; When the slave specimen testing device is selected as the device to perform the test, the indicator of the slave specimen testing device is controlled so as to emit light in a color corresponding to the type of detection target of the test. Sample testing equipment.

2. The slave specimen testing device is not provided with the input / output unit, or is provided with an input / output unit different from the input / output unit. The specimen testing device according to claim 1 .

3. a printing unit that prints the test results of the test; Further provided with The slave sample testing device does not include the printing unit. The specimen testing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the inspection unit performs the inspection using a device, the control unit controls the indicator of the selected specimen testing device so that the indicator emits light in a color corresponding to the type of the detection target, the color being the same as the color assigned to the device and the color assigned to a package of a reagent to be reacted with the device. The specimen testing device according to claim 1 .

5. the display unit displays a list of examinations scheduled to be performed based on the examination order; The control unit Accepting a selection of the test to be performed via the input unit; assigning the test for which the selection has been accepted to the selected sample testing device; The specimen testing device according to claim 4.

6. the control unit selects a specimen testing device capable of testing from among specimen testing devices including at least one of the subject device and the slave specimen testing device; The specimen testing device according to claim 5 .

7. the display unit displays a list of specimen testing devices capable of testing from among specimen testing devices including at least one of the specimen testing device itself and the slave specimen testing device; The control unit accepts selection of the sample testing device capable of testing via the input unit. The specimen testing device according to claim 5 .

8. The control unit When the device is attached to the selected sample testing apparatus, the type of the device is obtained from an identifier provided on the device; comparing the test assigned to the selected specimen testing device with the type of device output from the selected specimen testing device, and displaying a comparison result indicating whether the type of device is a device used for the test on the display unit; The specimen testing device according to claim 5 .

9. The control unit When the device is attached to the sample testing apparatus selected by the user, the type of the device is obtained from an identifier provided on the device; Accepting the test of the detection target based on the type of device output from the selected sample testing apparatus; controlling the indicator of the selected specimen testing device so that the indicator emits light in a color corresponding to the type of the detection target for which the test has been accepted; The specimen testing device according to claim 4.

10. the control unit controls the indicator of the selected specimen testing device so as to display the type of the detection target as a character string. The specimen testing device according to claim 1 .

11. the control unit controls the indicator of the selected specimen testing device to emit light in a color corresponding to the type of the detection target before and during the test. The specimen testing device according to claim 1 .

12. the control unit controls the indicator of the selected sample testing device so that the indicator emits light in different light emission modes before and during the test. The specimen testing device according to claim 11.

13. The indicator has a light-emitting portion formed in a convex shape. The specimen testing device according to claim 1 .

14. the display unit displays guide information for the examination. The specimen testing device according to claim 1 .

15. A main body portion, an inspection unit that detects a target substance contained in a sample; a display unit that displays information about the test, and a communication unit that communicates with a master sample testing device that is provided with an input / output unit having an input unit that accepts input of the information about the test; an indicator provided on the main body and capable of emitting light in different colors; a control unit that operates under the control of the master specimen testing device, and that controls the indicator to emit light in a color corresponding to the type of detection target of the test when the device itself is selected as the device to perform the test; A specimen testing device comprising:

16. A main body portion, a testing unit that uses the device to test for detecting a target substance contained in a sample; an indicator provided on the front surface of the main body and capable of emitting light in different colors; a control unit that controls the indicator so that the indicator emits light in a color corresponding to the type of the detection target, the color being the same as the color coded on the device and the color coded on a package of a reagent to be reacted with the device; A specimen testing device comprising:

17. The indicator is a light-emitting unit capable of emitting light of a plurality of colors; a case covering the light emitting unit; Equipped with The case is a light mixing member that mixes the plurality of colors emitted by the light emitting unit; a light blocking member that blocks external light; The specimen testing device according to claim 1 or 16, comprising:

18. the light blocking member is provided on a side surface of the case, the light mixing member is provided at a position facing the light emitting portion of the light blocking member, The case is a light-reducing member that covers the light-blocking member and the light-mixing member; The sample testing device according to claim 17, further comprising:

19. A master sample testing device and a slave sample testing device are provided, The master sample testing device includes: a main body; an inspection unit that detects a target substance contained in a sample; an input / output unit having a display unit that displays information about the examination and an input unit that accepts input of the information about the examination; an indicator provided in the main body of the master specimen testing device and capable of emitting light of different colors; a communication unit that communicates with a slave sample testing device having the testing unit; a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit control information used to control the slave specimen testing device, and processes detection results received from the slave specimen testing device, and that controls the indicator of the master specimen testing device so that it emits light in a color corresponding to the type of detection target of the test when the master specimen testing device is selected as the device that will perform the test; Equipped with the slave specimen testing device, a main body; an inspection unit that performs the inspection; a communication unit that communicates with the master sample testing device; an indicator that is provided in a main body of the slave sample testing device and is capable of emitting light of different colors; a control unit that operates under control of the master specimen testing device, and that controls the indicator of the slave specimen testing device so that it emits light in a color corresponding to the type of detection target of the test when the slave specimen testing device is selected as the device that will perform the test; A specimen testing system comprising:

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