Container storage device, automated analysis system, and sample container removal method

Abstract

Provided is a container storage device 101 that is connected to an automatic analysis device via a transport path through which a rack is transported, wherein: the container storage device has a storage chamber 204 in which sample containers are stored, a container transport mechanism 208 that moves the sample containers between the storage chamber and a rack 203, and a control unit; the transport path allows transport of the rack in a direction from the container storage device toward the automatic analysis device; the rack is provided with a plurality of placement positions at which the sample containers are placed; and once a plurality of sample containers to be carried out that accommodate samples for which a measurement request was issued from the automatic analysis device can be carried out, the control unit determines a carry-out priority for the plurality of sample containers to be carried out and performs control such that sample containers to be carried out that have higher degrees of carry-out priority are mounted at container placement positions on the rack that are farther toward the transport direction of the transport path. This reduces a sample-loading-related burden on a user and improves the efficiency of measurement by the automatic analysis device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container storage device, an automatic analysis system, and a method for taking out a sample container.

Background Art

[0002] Normally, a sample is dispensed into a sample container, and a plurality of sample containers are mounted on a rack that can be transported and input into an automatic analyzer. If the sample container is provided with an identification element such as a barcode, the automatic analyzer can automatically identify the sample contained in the sample container. Therefore, the user can install the sample container at an arbitrary position on the rack.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic analyzer that instructs a user on a operation screen to arrange a calibrator or a control on a turntable or a rack according to a specified priority when the calibrator or the control required for measurement is not mounted on the turntable provided in the automatic analyzer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A container storage device is a device for storing samples, mainly composed of a storage unit and a transport unit, having a storage function for storing sample containers containing samples, and an automatic transport function for taking out the stored samples and transporting them to an automatic analyzer. The container storage device automatically performs a process of transferring a sample container containing a sample for which a measurement request has been made to a transport rack and discharging it to the automatic analyzer in accordance with a measurement request from the connected automatic analyzer.

[0006] Some samples require or are recommended to be measured in a specific order, while others must be measured consecutively. If the container storage device were to load the sample containers to be transported to the automated analyzer into racks in any order, and the automated analyzer were to read the identification elements on the sample containers transported in the racks and rearrange them according to the dispensing order of the automated analyzer, the transport mechanism would become more complex, and the time required from the racks reaching the automated analyzer to the dispensing of the samples would increase.

[0007] Therefore, when transferring samples from the container storage device to the automated analyzer, the samples are placed on the racks in an order that does not reduce the measurement efficiency of the automated analyzer, and the automated analyzer simply dispenses the samples in the order they are placed on the racks. This prevents a decrease in the measurement efficiency of the automated analyzer or a decrease in the operational efficiency of the laboratory.

[0008] Patent Document 1 describes a system that automatically specifies the installation positions of calibrators and controls on a turntable or rack to the user. However, according to the example in Patent Document 1, the installation positions of calibrators are determined in order of item number and from lowest to highest concentration, and controls are determined in order of item number. However, such criteria are insufficient for the purpose of the container storage device to remove samples without reducing the measurement efficiency of the automated analyzer. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the loading of components onto the turntable or rack is performed manually by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A container storage device, as one embodiment for solving the above problems, is a container storage device connected to an automatic analyzer via a transport path that transports racks, comprising: a storage unit for storing sample containers containing samples to be measured by the automatic analyzer; a container transport mechanism for taking sample containers out of the storage unit and placing them in the rack, or taking sample containers out of the rack and placing them in the storage unit; and a control unit for controlling the discharge of sample containers from the storage unit, wherein the transport path transports racks in the direction from the container storage device toward the automatic analyzer, and the rack has multiple container placement positions for placing sample containers, and the control unit determines the discharge priority of the multiple sample containers after multiple sample containers containing samples for which measurement has been requested by the automatic analyzer have become available for discharge, and controls the rack so that the sample containers with higher discharge priority are placed in the container placement positions on the transport direction side of the transport path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] By transferring sample containers to racks in an order corresponding to the discharge priority determined by the container storage device, the burden on the user in loading samples is reduced, and the measurement efficiency of the automated analyzer is improved. Other issues, configurations, and effects will be clarified by the following description of the embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an automated analysis system, including a container storage device. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the basic configuration of a container storage device. [Figure 3] Flowchart of the container removal algorithm. [Figure 4] Rack schematic diagram. [Figure 5] Example of data structure for a management database. [Figure 6] A flowchart of the algorithm for determining the priority of sample removal based on concentration information. [Figure 7] A flowchart of the algorithm for determining the priority of sample removal based on measurement item information. [Figure 8]A flowchart of the algorithm for determining the priority of sample removal based on remaining volume. [Figure 9] A flowchart of the algorithm for determining the priority of sample removal for each destination module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Figure 1 shows an overview of the automated analysis system including a container storage device. The container storage device 101 stores the samples to be measured by the automated analyzer 103. Sample containers containing the samples to be measured are placed on racks and transported to the automated analysis system via the loading route 105 of the container loading / unloading device 102. The loaded racks are recognized by the container loading / unloading device 102 and transported to the automated analyzer (module) 103 via the transport route 107. Racks transported to the container storage device 101 are transported via the transport routes 107 and 108. When measuring samples stored in the container storage device 101, the racks carrying the sample containers containing the samples to be measured are moved between the container storage device 101 and the automated analyzer 103 using the transport routes 107 and 108. The racks removed from the automated analysis system are transported via transport paths 107 and 108 to the discharge path 106 of the container loading / unloading device 102, and then removed from the automated analysis system. Note that the number and arrangement of devices combined in the automated analysis system are not limited to those exemplified in Figure 1; for example, it may include multiple automated analysis devices (modules).

[0013] The container storage device 101, the container loading / unloading device 102, and the automatic analyzer 103 are controlled by the system control unit 104. The system control unit 104 has a display unit that displays information to the user, a reception unit that receives operations from the user, and a control unit that outputs control instructions to the container storage device 101, the container loading / unloading device 102, or the automatic analyzer 103 in response to the operations from the user.

[0014] Fig. 2 shows the basic configuration of the container storage device 101. The container storage device 101 constitutes conveyance paths 107 and 108 by being coupled to the conveyance paths of other devices constituting an automatic analysis system, and has conveyance paths 201 and 202 for carrying in or out a rack 203 on which a sample container is mounted. The conveyance paths 201 and 202 each convey the rack 203 in a predetermined one direction. Here, the conveyance path 201 will be described as an incoming path for carrying the rack 203 from the automatic analyzer 103 into the container storage device 101, and the conveyance path 202 will be described as an outgoing path for carrying the rack 203 from the container storage device 101 to the automatic analyzer 103.

[0015] The container storage device 101 has a mounting path 205 for mounting a sample container on the rack 203 from the storage vault 204. The mounting path 205 also includes a mechanism for conveying the rack 203. The rack 203 is moved by a conveying mechanism 206 between the conveyance paths 201 and 202 and the mounting path 205. The mounting path 205 includes an identification information reading device 207 for reading the identification information of the rack 203.

[0016] The container conveying mechanism 208 stores a sample container from the rack 203 into the storage vault 204 or takes out a sample container from the storage vault 204 to the rack 203 with respect to the rack 203 that has arrived at the mounting path 205. When storing and taking out a sample container by the container conveying mechanism 208, the identification information of the sample container is read by an identification information reading device 209 for reading the identification information of the sample container.

[0017] The storage vault 204 has a plurality of container storage locations 210 for storing sample containers. The storage vault 204 also has a lid having an opening 211 and a shutter 212 having an opening / closing function, and maintains a constant state inside the storage vault 204.

[0018] The container storage device 101 has a control unit 213 that receives a sample removal request from an automatic analysis system, selects a sample container to be taken out from the storage 204, and controls the operation of each mechanism to carry out and carry in the sample container. The control unit 213 controls the operation of each mechanism of the container storage device 101. Note that the control unit 213 does not necessarily have to be dedicated to the container storage device 101, and for example, the system control unit 104 of the automatic analysis system may be shared.

[0019] The sample container includes an identification element having identification information for uniquely identifying the contained sample. Examples of this identification element include a barcode or the like. The identification information of the identification element is transmitted to the control unit 213 to identify the sample container in which the sample for which the removal request has been received is contained.

[0020] The storage 204 may be in the shape of a disk or a rack. The arrangement of the container storage locations 210 provided in the storage 204 may be, for example, arranged circumferentially with respect to the storage, or may be arranged in a vertical and horizontal alignment. Also, the container may be directly installed in the container storage location 210, or may be installed via a container cover or the like. The storage 204 includes a configuration for maintaining the state of the sample contained in the sample container. Examples of the configuration for maintaining the state include a cold storage unit or the like. In order to maintain these effects, a cover or the like may be attached to the storage 204.

[0021] In the container storage device 101 of this embodiment, the sample container is automatically transferred from the storage 204 to the rack 203 in the order of decreasing sample removal priority, and the rack 203 is carried out to the automatic analyzer 103. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the container removal algorithm implemented by the control unit 213.

[0022] Step 301 indicates that the container storage device 101 is waiting for a measurement request from the automated analysis system for the samples it stores. If no measurement request is issued, the container storage device 101 remains in standby mode at step 301. When the automated analysis system 103 issues a measurement request for the samples stored in the container storage device 101, the container storage device 101 receives the measurement request at the control unit 213 (step 302). The control unit 213 obtains measurement item information from the received measurement request (step 303), and then obtains sample information to be measured (step 304). Next, it determines whether the rack carrying the sample container (sample container to be removed) containing the sample for which a measurement request has been made can be removed from the container storage device 101 (step 305). The criteria for this determination are not particularly limited. For example, it may be determined that removal is possible when the maximum number of sample containers that can be placed on the rack has been reached, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the first measurement request was received.

[0023] If it is determined that the sample cannot be removed, it will wait again in the state of waiting for measurement requests (step 301). On the other hand, if it is determined that the sample can be removed (including when it was waiting in the state of waiting for measurement requests), the measurement data obtained for each sample for which a measurement request has been made will be processed. constant Based on visual information and information on the sample to be measured, the priority for removal is determined (step 306). Sample containers are removed from the storage unit 204 in the order of the determined removal priority and placed on the container placement locations of the rack 203 by the container transport mechanism 208 (step 307). Once the loading of the sample containers to be removed onto the rack 203 is complete, the rack 203 is removed from the container storage device 101 (step 308).

[0024] Figure 4 shows an overview of rack 203. A notch 401 is provided at the right end of rack 203, indicating the direction of travel of rack 203. That is, when rack 203 is transported along the transport path, it is placed on the transport path such that the side with the notch 401 is positioned in the direction of transport along the transport path. In this example, there are five container placement positions 402 to 406, but the number of container placement positions on rack 203 is not limited. Also, the shape of the notch 401 indicating the direction of travel of rack 203 is not limited to that shown in Figure 4, and the transport direction may be indicated by markings, for example, rather than by a notch.

[0025] Rack 203 is transported along the transport path, and at the dispensing position of the automatic analyzer 103, the samples contained in the sample containers mounted on rack 203 are aspirated by the dispensing mechanism of the automatic analyzer 103. Since the transport path moves in only one direction, in the case of rack 203 shown in Figure 4, the sample containers installed at container installation positions 402, 403, 404, 405, and 406 reach the dispensing position of the automatic analyzer 103 in that order, i.e., in the reverse order of the transport direction of the transport path, and the samples contained in the sample containers are dispensed and measured. For this reason, the sample containers are mounted on rack 203 so that the sample containers containing samples with higher discharge priority are installed at the container installation positions on the transport direction side of the transport path, i.e., container installation positions closer to the notch 401.

[0026] A single rack can accommodate as many sample containers as there are container placement slots. However, if the automated analyzer's settings restrict which racks can accommodate which sample types, then samples of those types can be placed on designated racks according to those restrictions. For example, it may be possible to restrict the placement of only calibrators or only quality control (QC) samples on the same rack.

[0027] In this embodiment, the priority for removing samples stored in the container storage device 101 is determined from the unique information of the sample. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the management database 500 held by the control unit 213. The sample information table 501 registers information for each sample stored in the storage cabinet 204. The sample number 502 is a number that identifies the sample container, and the sample ID 503 is an ID that uniquely identifies the sample. If the sample is a calibrator or a QC sample, multiple sample containers containing the same sample may be stored in the storage cabinet 204. In this case, each sample container is assigned a different sample number 502, but the sample ID 503 is the same. The measurement item number 504 is the measurement item number for which measurement has been requested for the sample. In addition, the sample information table 501 also registers information such as the sample type 505, concentration 506, expiration date 507, registration date and time 508, and remaining amount 509. Furthermore, measurement item number 504 in sample information table 501 is linked to measurement information table 510 by item code 511. Measurement information table 510 contains information such as item code 511 which uniquely identifies the measurement item, measurement priority 512, reaction time 513, number of dilutions 514, and destination 515. For a sample, the information registered in sample information table 501 and the measurement information table 510 linked to that sample information table 501 is sometimes referred to as sample-specific information.

[0028] In this embodiment, the control unit 213 determines the priority of removal for a sample for which a measurement request has been received, based on sample-specific information registered in the management database, and automatically transfers the sample containers containing the samples to be measured to the rack 203 in the order of the determined removal priority. By comparing the sample number 502 registered in the sample-specific information with the identification information of the identification element provided on the contained sample container, the sample container can be uniquely identified. As a result, the user can not only omit the steps of recognizing the sample in the sample container, placing the sample container on the rack, and loading the rack into the automated analyzer, but the sample containers can also be loaded onto the rack in the optimal order based on the sample-specific information, thereby improving the measurement efficiency of the automated analyzer. [Examples]

[0029] Example 1 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal based on sample type information. Sample type information is registered in sample type 505 of sample information table 501. When measurement requests for different sample types, such as calibrators, QC samples, and general samples, occur simultaneously, the removal priority is determined according to the priority of the sample types set in the automated analysis system. For example, suppose the automated analysis system is set to prioritize measurement in the order of calibrators, quality control samples, and general samples. When measurement requests occur for these sample types, all calibrators for which measurement requests have been made are first transferred to the racks, and then the QC samples are transferred to the racks. Similarly, after all QC samples have been transferred to the racks, the general samples are transferred to the racks. If there are restrictions on which racks can be used for each sample type due to the settings of the automated analysis system, those restrictions will be followed. [Examples]

[0030] Example 2 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal based on the concentration information of the sample. Some samples measured by automated analyzers, such as QC samples, have defined concentration values. If samples on the same rack are measured consecutively in descending order of QC sample concentration using the same automated analyzer, a phenomenon called carryover occurs where samples are mixed with subsequent samples via the dispensing mechanism, increasing the risk of the mixed samples affecting the measurement results. Example 2 reduces this risk. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the algorithm for determining the priority of sample removal based on concentration information.

[0031] First, the destination of the sample to be measured is obtained (step 601). The destination information for the sample is registered in destination 515 of the measurement information table 510, which is linked to the sample information table 501. Note that this step can be omitted if the automated analysis system has only one automated analyzer (module). Next, the concentration value of the sample is obtained from concentration 506 in the sample information table 501 (step 602). For each destination, the samples are sorted in order of the obtained concentration values ​​(step 603), and the priority for transporting the samples to be measured is determined so that the lowest concentration value is used first and the highest concentration value is used for each destination (step 604). This reduces the impact of sample carryover on the measurement results and improves the reliability of the measurement results. [Examples]

[0032] Example 3 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal based on the expiration date of the sample. Some samples measured by the automated analyzer, such as calibrators and QC samples, have expiration dates. The expiration date information of the samples is registered in expiration date 507 of sample information table 501. Therefore, by referring to this expiration date information from sample information table 501, the priority of removal is determined so that samples with shorter expiration dates are used for analysis first. This allows samples with shorter expiration dates to be dispensed within the automated analysis system first, enabling the effective use of samples that are close to expiring, and improving the operational efficiency of the laboratory. [Examples]

[0033] Example 4 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal based on the registration date and time of the sample. Some samples measured by the automated analyzer have the date and time of registration registered in the container storage device 101. The registration date and time information of the sample is registered in the registration date and time 508 of the sample information table 501. Therefore, by referring to this registration date and time information from the sample information table 501, the removal priority is determined so that samples with earlier registration dates and times are used for analysis in order. This allows samples with earlier registration dates and times to be dispensed within the automated analysis system, and even if the same sample is stored in the container storage device 101, the sample that was registered first can be used effectively, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the laboratory. [Examples]

[0034] Example 5 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal based on measurement item information related to a measurement request. Various information related to the measurement request is registered in the measurement information table 510. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the algorithm for determining the priority of sample removal based on measurement item information.

[0035] First, the measurement priority is obtained from the measurement request information of the sample to be measured, and the samples are sorted in descending order of the obtained measurement priority (step 701). The measurement priority of a sample is registered in measurement priority 512 of the measurement information table 510, which is linked to sample information table 501. If there are no other samples with the same measurement priority (none in step 702), the removal priority is determined according to the measurement priority. On the other hand, if there are other samples with the same measurement priority (yes in step 702), the samples with the same measurement priority are sorted in descending order of reaction time (step 703). The reaction time of a sample is registered in reaction time 513 of the measurement information table 510, which is linked to sample information table 501. If there are no other samples with the same reaction time (none in step 704), the removal priority is determined according to the measurement priority and reaction time. On the other hand, if there are other samples with the same reaction time (yes in step 704), the samples with the same measurement priority and the same reaction time are sorted in descending order of the number of dilutions (step 705). The number of dilutions of a sample is registered in the number of dilutions 514 of the measurement information table 510, which is linked to the sample information table 501. If there are no other samples with the same number of dilutions ("None" in step 706), the removal priority is determined according to the measurement priority, reaction time, and number of dilutions. On the other hand, if there are other samples with the same number of dilutions ("Yes" in step 706), the removal priority is determined by sorting the samples with the same measurement priority, same reaction time, and same number of dilutions in order of item code (step 707).

[0036] Measurement priority is determined, for example, according to the priority order of the test items requested for measurement. Some test items require measurement with higher priority than others. Sample containers containing samples for which such high-priority test items have been requested are recognized as samples to be removed with high priority. This allows measurements to be performed in order from highest priority to lowest priority. Also, measurement items with long reaction times or many dilutions take longer to measure. Sample containers containing samples for which such long measurement times have been requested are recognized as samples to be removed with high priority. This allows measurements to be performed in order from longest to longest.

[0037] As described above, the priority for removing samples is determined from the measurement item information of the samples to be removed. This allows the user to load sample containers onto racks according to the test item settings without having to think about it, and enables dispensing of high-priority test items to begin first. In addition, dispensing can begin with the test items that have the longest measurement times, allowing the overall measurement to be completed in the shortest possible time, thereby improving the measurement efficiency of the automated analysis system. [Examples]

[0038] Example 6 is an example in which the measurement results of calibrators or QC samples related to the measurement items requested for emergency samples are referred to, and if these measurement results are invalid or the measurement has not been performed, the priority for transporting such calibrators or QC samples is determined to be higher.

[0039] An emergency sample is a sample that is measured with a higher priority than other general samples. When a request for measurement of an emergency sample arises, it will be measured before any unmeasured general samples. However, if the calibration results for the test item requested for the emergency sample are invalid, or if the QC sample for that test item has not yet been measured, the emergency sample may not be measured.

[0040] When the system control unit 104 receives a measurement request for an urgent sample, it checks the status of calibration and quality control of the requested measurement items and, if necessary, generates a measurement request for the required calibrator or QC sample prior to the measurement request for the urgent sample. The container storage device 101 determines a high priority for the removal of calibrator or QC sample resulting from such measurement requests. This allows for early commencement of calibration and quality control for the measurement items requested for the urgent sample, reducing the waiting time until the measurement of the calibrator or QC sample is completed, and enabling early measurement of highly urgent samples. [Examples]

[0041] Example 7 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal based on the measurement item information related to the measurement request. This is an example of determining the priority of sample removal in the order of measurement when a measurement request requires the measurement of multiple samples consecutively.

[0042] An example of a measurement request requiring the sequential measurement of multiple samples is real-time QC. In real-time QC, QC samples with different concentrations are measured consecutively. In such cases, the order in which the QC samples are measured is used to determine the priority for their removal.

[0043] This ensures that samples to be measured consecutively are placed in the container placement positions on the rack in the order of measurement. As a result, sample containers can be placed on the rack for measurements requiring multiple samples without the user having to be aware of it, thereby improving user convenience. [Examples]

[0044] Example 8 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal when the remaining amount of sample is insufficient. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of the algorithm for determining the priority of sample removal based on the remaining amount.

[0045] Step 801 compares the amount of sample used for the requested measurement with the remaining amount of the sample to be measured. The remaining amount of the sample is registered in the remaining amount 509 of the sample information table 501. If the remaining amount is greater than the amount used, the priority of removal based on the remaining amount is not determined. On the other hand, if the remaining amount is less than or equal to the amount used, a search is performed to see if the same sample is stored in the container storage device 101 (Step 802). The identity of the sample can be determined by the sample ID 503 in the sample information table 501. If the same sample is not stored, an alarm is displayed for that sample as insufficient remaining amount. If the same sample is stored, the removal priority of the sample container containing the stored identical sample is determined to be next to the removal priority of the sample container containing the sample with insufficient remaining amount (Step 803). As a result, the unused sample to be measured is placed in the container installation position immediately following the container installation position where the sample container containing the sample with insufficient remaining amount is installed. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of the sample to be measured becomes insufficient during measurement, the same sample can be used from the sample container placed at the next container placement location, thereby further improving the measurement efficiency of the automated analysis system.

[0046] In step 802, we showed an example where the identity of a sample is determined by the sample ID. However, in addition to the identity of the sample ID, the lot number of the sample may also be the same to determine that the samples are identical. [Examples]

[0047] Example 9 is an example of determining the priority of sample removal in an automated analysis system equipped with multiple automated analyzers (modules). The priority of sample removal is determined for each destination, and sample containers containing the samples to be tested are loaded into different racks for each destination in order of removal priority. Figure 9 shows a flowchart of the algorithm for determining the sample removal priority for each destination module. Note that this example shows an automated analysis system equipped with two automated analyzers, Module A and Module B, but the number and type of destinations are not limited.

[0048] First, destination information is obtained from the measurement request information of the sample to be measured (step 901). The destination information of the sample is registered in destination 515 of the measurement information table 510, which is linked to the sample information table 501. The samples are then allocated to destinations based on the obtained destination information (step 902). For samples to be transported to module A, the priority of transport is determined (step 903). Similarly, for samples to be transported to module B, the priority of transport is determined (step 904). It is determined whether the allocation of all samples to be measured has been completed (step 905). If it is not completed, the process returns to step 902; if it is completed, the priority of transport is terminated.

[0049] This allows samples placed on the same rack to be grouped according to their destination. This limits the destination of each rack, and in the process of removal from the container storage device 101, analysis by the automatic analyzer 103, and return to the container storage device 101, the time that samples are exposed to room temperature after being removed from the container storage device 101 can be reduced, thereby maintaining the quality of the samples.

[0050] Although Example 9 described an example where different racks were used for each destination, it is also possible to use one rack for multiple destinations. In this case, for example, if the destinations are modules A and B, then in one rack used for transport, multiple sample containers transported to module A and multiple sample containers transported to module B will be transported respectively. Out While the modules must be loaded onto the racks in order of priority, there is no need to establish a priority order between modules themselves. In other words, even if the racks are transported in the order of module A and then module B, the sample containers transported to module B may be placed at a container placement position closer to the transport direction in the transport path than the sample containers transported to module A.

[0051] The present invention has been described above with reference to examples. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples, and various modifications are possible. For example, the above-described examples are described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to add a part of the configuration of one example to the configuration of another example. Also, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of other configurations in each example.

[0052] For example, in this embodiment, we have described an example in which a container storage device is connected to one or more automatic analyzers (modules) via a transport path to constitute an automatic analysis system. However, the container storage device can also be configured as one block of the automatic analyzer (module). In this case as well, transport from the container storage device... Out By removing sample containers from the rack in order of priority, the automated analyzer can efficiently perform measurements simply by dispensing the samples in the order they were placed on the rack, without the need for the user to identify the samples using identification elements attached to the containers in subsequent processes, or to specify which samples are being recognized by the automated analyzer. In this case, the transport and removal of sample containers to and from the container storage device is controlled by the control unit of either the container storage device or the automated analyzer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 101...Container storage device, 102...Container loading / unloading device, 103...Automatic analyzer, 104...System control unit, 105...Loading route, 106...Unloading route, 107,108...Transportation route, 201,202...Transportation route, 203...Rack, 204...Storage unit, 205...Loading route, 206...Transportation mechanism, 207...Identification information reading device, 208...Container transport mechanism, 209...Identification information reading device, 210...Container storage area, 211...Opening, 212...Shutter, 213... ...Control unit, 401...Notch, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406...Container installation position, 500...Management database, 501...Sample information table, 502...Sample number, 503...Sample ID, 504...Measurement item number, 505...Sample type, 506...Concentration, 507...Expiration date, 508...Registration date and time, 509...Remaining amount, 510...Measurement information table, 511...Item code, 512...Measurement priority, 513...Reaction time, 514...Number of dilutions, 515...Transport destination.

Claims

1. A container storage device connected to an automated analyzer via a transport path for transporting racks, comprising a storage compartment for storing sample containers containing samples to be measured by the automated analyzer, A container transport mechanism for taking the sample container from the storage cabinet to the rack, or for storing the sample container from the rack back into the storage cabinet, The system includes a control unit that controls the removal of the sample container from the storage unit, The transport path transports the rack in the direction from the container storage device toward the automatic analyzer, The rack has a plurality of container placement positions for placing the sample containers, The control unit determines the priority of the multiple sample containers to be removed after multiple sample containers containing samples for which measurement has been requested from the automatic analyzer have become available for removal, and controls the container storage device so that the sample containers with the higher removal priority are mounted on the container placement position on the transport direction side of the transport path in the rack.

2. In claim 1, The control unit includes a management database for registering unique information of samples stored in the storage unit, and determines the priority of removal based on the unique information of the multiple samples for which measurement requests have been made. The container storage device is such that the unique information of a sample is registered in a sample information table for that sample and in a measurement information table linked to the sample information table.

3. In claim 2, The sample information table contains the type of the sample, The control unit is a container storage device that determines the priority of removal based on the type of sample for which a measurement request has been made.

4. In claim 2, The sample information table contains the concentration of the sample. The control unit is a container storage device that determines the discharge priority based on the concentration of the sample for which the measurement request has been made.

5. In claim 2, The sample information table contains the expiration date of the sample or the registration date and time registered in the container storage device. The control unit is a container storage device that determines the priority of removal based on the expiration date or registration date and time of the sample for which the measurement request has been made.

6. In claim 2, The measurement information table linked to the sample information table has the measurement priority of the sample registered in it. The control unit is a container storage device that determines the discharge priority based on the measurement priority of the sample for which a measurement request has been made.

7. In claim 2, The samples stored in the aforementioned storage facility include calibrators or quality control samples. If the measurement request is for an emergency sample, and the measurement of the calibrator or quality control sample related to the measurement items for the emergency sample is invalid or has not been performed, the control unit determines a higher priority for the removal of the calibrator used for calibration related to the measurement items for the emergency sample or the quality control sample used for quality control.

8. In claim 2, If the measurement request is for a measurement item that requires the consecutive measurement of multiple samples, the control unit determines the discharge priority in the order in which the samples are measured consecutively.

9. In claim 2, The sample information table contains the remaining amount of the sample. A container storage device in which, if the remaining amount of the sample for which the measurement request has been made is insufficient and another sample container containing the same sample as the sample for which the measurement request has been made is stored in the storage unit, the control unit determines the priority of the other sample container to be removed after the priority of the sample container containing the sample for which the measurement request has been made and which is insufficient.

10. In claim 2, The container storage device is connected to a first automatic analyzer and a second automatic analyzer. The measurement information table linked to the sample information table has registered the automated analyzer to which the sample will be transported. The control unit determines the discharge priority of the container storage device such that the sample container containing the sample for which the measurement request has been made from the first automatic analyzer and the sample container containing the sample for which the measurement request has been made from the second automatic analyzer are mounted on separate racks.

11. An automated analysis system comprising an automated analyzer and a container storage device connected to the automated analyzer via a transport path for transporting racks, The container storage device comprises a storage cabinet for storing sample containers containing samples to be measured by the automatic analyzer, a container transport mechanism for removing the sample containers from the storage cabinet to the rack, or for storing the sample containers from the rack back into the storage cabinet, and a control unit for controlling the removal of the sample containers from the storage cabinet. The transport path transports the rack in the direction from the container storage device toward the automatic analyzer, The rack has a plurality of container placement positions for placing the sample containers, The control unit of the container storage device, after multiple sample containers containing samples for which measurement requests have been made by the automatic analyzer become available for removal, determines the removal priority for the multiple sample containers, and controls the containers with higher removal priority to be placed in the container placement positions on the transport direction side of the transport path in the rack. The automated analyzer is an automated analyzer system that sequentially dispenses samples contained in sample containers as they are transported, with the containers arranged in order of transport priority at multiple container placement positions on the rack, on the transport side.

12. In claim 11, The control unit of the container storage apparatus includes a management database for registering unique information of samples stored in the storage unit, and determines the priority of removal based on the unique information of the multiple samples for which measurement requests have been made. The aforementioned unique information of a sample is information registered in a sample information table for that sample and a measurement information table linked to the sample information table in an automated analysis system.

13. A method for removing a sample container from a container storage device connected to an automatic analyzer via a transport path for transporting racks, The container storage device comprises a storage cabinet for storing sample containers containing samples to be measured by an automated analyzer, and a container transport mechanism for removing the sample containers from the storage cabinet to a rack having a plurality of container placement positions for the sample containers, or for storing the sample containers from the rack back into the storage cabinet. The transport path transports the rack in the direction from the container storage device toward the automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer or the container storage device is After multiple sample containers containing samples for which measurement has been requested by the automated analyzer become available for removal, the removal priority is determined for the multiple sample containers. A method for removing sample containers, which determines the container placement position on the rack such that the sample containers to be removed, which have a higher removal priority, are mounted on the side of the transport path in the transport direction of the rack.

14. In claim 13, The automated analyzer or the container storage device includes a control unit that controls the removal of the sample container from the storage unit. The control unit includes a management database for registering unique information of samples stored in the storage unit, and determines the priority of removal based on the unique information of the multiple samples for which measurement requests have been made. A method for removing a sample container, wherein the unique information of the sample is information registered in a sample information table for the sample and a measurement information table linked to the sample information table.

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