Specimen inspection automation system and specimen inspection automation method

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a specimen inspection automation system that can ascertain the error that occurs in the liquid volume of a specimen at dispensation and accurately measure the liquid volume. This specimen inspection automation system measures the liquid volume or liquid height of a specimen in a container, measures the weight of the container as holding the specimen, and, on the basis of the liquid volume or liquid height and the weight, calculates the liquid volume of the specimen in the container (see fig. 6).

Description

Specimen inspection automation system, specimen inspection automation method

[0001] The present invention relates to a specimen inspection automation system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a specimen inspection automation system including a weight measurement unit for measuring the weight of a specimen and a liquid volume measurement unit for measuring the liquid volume of the specimen. The technology described in this document is for automatically inspecting specimens without delaying TAT (Turn Around Time) even during the time when a large amount of specimens must be processed. This document describes the technology of "the first liquid volume acquisition unit includes a weight measurement unit for measuring the weight of the container and a conversion unit for converting the liquid volume of the specimen in the container from the weight of the container measured by the weight measurement unit, and the second liquid volume acquisition unit includes a liquid volume measurement unit for measuring the liquid volume from the interface information of the specimen in the container. A specimen inspection automation system characterized by this." (Claim 2 of this document).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-156677

[0004] The specimen inspection automation system described in Patent Document 1 includes a weight measurement unit for measuring the weight of a specimen and a liquid volume measurement unit for measuring the liquid volume of the specimen. However, since TAT is emphasized, the specimen does not necessarily pass through these two liquid volume measurement units. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately measure the liquid volume. Also, in the dispensing operation performed by the specimen inspection automation system, errors occur, so if the liquid volume is not accurately measured, errors may occur during dispensing or analysis items that were measurable may become unmeasurable.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a specimen inspection automation system that can grasp the liquid volume error of a specimen occurring during dispensing and accurately perform liquid volume measurement.

[0006] The specimen inspection automation system according to the present invention measures the liquid volume or liquid height of a specimen in a container, measures the weight of the container containing the specimen, and calculates the liquid volume of the specimen in the container based on the liquid volume or liquid height and the weight.

[0007] The automated sample testing system according to the present invention can accurately identify errors in sample volume that occur during dispensing and accurately measure the volume. Other issues, configurations, and effects will be clarified in the following description of the embodiments.

[0008] Figure 12 shows a diagram of the automated sample testing system according to Embodiment 1. It shows a diagram of the system manager 2. It shows an example of the configuration of data table 1 stored in the storage unit 2b. It shows an example of the configuration of data table 2 stored in the storage unit 2b. It shows a detailed procedure for measuring liquid volume using the liquid volume measurement unit 22 and the weight measurement unit 31. It shows a numerical example of the operation performed by the flowchart in Figure 5. It shows a numerical example of the operation performed by the flowchart in Figure 5. It shows a numerical example of the operation performed by the flowchart in Figure 5. It shows an example of the configuration of data table 1 in Embodiment 2. It shows a detailed procedure for measuring liquid volume in Embodiment 2. It shows an example of the configuration of data table 1 in Embodiment 3. It shows a detailed procedure for measuring liquid volume in Embodiment 3. It shows a numerical example of the operation performed by the flowchart in Figure 12.

[0009] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 shows a diagram of the configuration of an automated specimen testing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The automated specimen testing system shown in Figure 1 is a system that automatically processes and manages the pre-processing steps after blood collection, the transport of specimens to the automated analyzer 47, and the post-processing steps after analysis. The automated specimen testing system shown in Figure 1 is mainly composed of a system unit 1 and a system manager 2 (computer).

[0010] System Unit 1 consists of three stations: a sample pre-processing station 3, a sample dispensing station 4, and a sample storage station 5.

[0011] The sample reception pre-processing station 3 includes an input module 6, a centrifugation module 7, and an opening module 8.

[0012] The sample dispensing station 4 includes a barcode labeling module 9, a sample cup feeder 10, a dispensing module 11, and a transfer module 12.

[0013] The specimen storage station 5 includes a capping module 13, a multi-stage storage module 14, and a specimen storage module 15.

[0014] System Manager 2 communicates with the modules at each station to exchange information necessary for controlling sample transport, and performs tasks such as issuing operational instructions to each module, displaying dispensing results, and managing storage.

[0015] The input module 6 is a module into which samples to be pre-treated are input, and mainly consists of a holder stocker section 17 that manages empty holders 16 that do not contain samples, and an input section 18 that takes in samples. The input section 18 has a sample imaging section 19 equipped with a camera that reads the barcode attached to the input container and also captures an image of the container's appearance.

[0016] The centrifugation module 7 is a module that centrifuges a sample into either (a) two layers consisting of serum 48 or plasma 49 and a blood clot 50, or (b) three layers consisting of serum 48 or plasma 49, a blood clot 50, and a separating agent 51. The centrifugation module 7 mainly consists of a Hitachi ME30C automatic centrifugation unit 20 and a centrifugation buffer module 21 that transports the sample before and after centrifugation. The centrifugation module 7 is further equipped with a liquid volume measurement unit 22, which will be described later.

[0017] The capping module 8 is a module that automatically removes the cap attached to the sample, and mainly consists of a sensor 23 that checks for the presence or absence of a cap on the sample, and a capping unit 24 that removes the cap.

[0018] The barcode labeling module 9 is a module that labels sub-samples onto empty samples, and mainly consists of a sample supply unit 25 that supplies samples and a labeling unit 26 that labels the samples.

[0019] The sample cup feeder 10 is a module that sets sample cups into the specimen holder, and is mainly composed of a sample cup supply unit 27 and a cup dropping unit 28.

[0020] The dispensing module 11 is a module that draws the required amount from the parent sample and dispenses it into the child sample container. It mainly consists of a drawer section 29 that supplies dispensing tips and a dispensing section 30 that dispenses from the parent sample to the child sample. The dispensing module 11 is further equipped with a weight measuring section 31 that measures the weight of the sample before and after dispensing. The weight measuring section 31 is a mechanism that measures the weight of the container containing the sample.

[0021] The transfer module 12 is a module that transfers dispensed child samples or parent samples from the sample holder to the Hitachi sample rack in order to transport them to the automated analyzer 47. It mainly consists of an empty rack input lane 32 and a sample chuck mechanism 33 for transferring samples.

[0022] The capping module 13 is a module that caps samples in dispensing groups that have been pre-configured to require capping, and mainly consists of a sensor 23 that checks for the presence or absence of a cap and a capping unit 34 that caps the sample.

[0023] The multi-stage storage module 14 is a module for storing specimens and mainly consists of a specimen transfer section 35, a specimen storage section 36 divided into five layers, and a specimen chuck mechanism 33 for transferring specimens.

[0024] The specimen storage module 15 is a module for storing parent specimens and sub-specimens according to their purpose, and mainly consists of slide lanes (4 lanes) 37 for storing specimens and a specimen chuck mechanism 33 for transferring specimens.

[0025] Each module is equipped with various lines, including an empty holder line 38, a priority line 39, a main line 40, a return line 41, a sub-sample test tube transport line 42, a sample cup transport line 43, a rack transport line 44, an empty holder supply line 45, and an empty holder retrieval line 46.

[0026] The automated analyzer 47 is the destination for samples processed by the automated sample testing system, and performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sample components.

[0027] The liquid volume measurement unit 22 is a unit that measures the liquid volume of serum 48 or plasma 49 in a container that has been removed from the centrifugal module 7 after centrifugation, or the liquid volume of whole blood in an uncentrifugated sample. The liquid volume measurement unit 22 is a mechanism that employs various known techniques that enable precise measurement of the liquid volume of a sample in a container. For example, it may be a method that captures the sample contained in the container with an image sensor such as a camera and calculates the liquid volume by performing image processing, or it may be a method that detects transmitted or reflected light when irradiated with laser light or white light and calculates the liquid volume. Furthermore, it may be possible to detect the liquid level position accurately by measuring capacitance, and any method that can detect the interface position of the sample contained in the container is acceptable. In this invention, the interface position refers to the liquid level position of the sample, or, if the sample is separated into multiple layers, the boundary between layers.

[0028] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system manager 2. The system manager 2 comprises a calculation unit 2a, a storage unit 2b, a liquid volume inspection unit 2c, a determination unit 2d, and a container determination unit 2e.

[0029] The container determination unit 2e identifies the sample information and container type of the sample placed into the automated sample testing system based on the barcode read by the sample imaging unit and the imaged appearance of the container. The container determination unit 2e also determines the weight of the empty container (i.e., the container without a sample) based on the identified container type.

[0030] The calculation unit 2a determines the liquid volume of the sample from the liquid level height of the sample measured by the liquid volume measurement unit 22. The calculation unit 2a also determines the weight of the sample by subtracting the previously identified container weight from the weight of the container containing the sample measured by the weight measurement unit 31, and converts this to liquid volume. The calculation unit 2a also determines the difference in liquid volume of the sample before and after dispensing, as measured by the weight measurement unit 31. Furthermore, the calculation unit 2a determines the difference between the liquid volume of the sample determined by the liquid volume measurement unit 22 and the liquid volume determined by the difference in liquid volume of the sample before and after dispensing.

[0031] The memory unit 2b stores the calculation results from the calculation unit 2a, as well as the sample information, container information, and weight identified by the container determination unit 2e. An example of the data table stored in the memory unit 2b will be described later.

[0032] The liquid volume inspection unit 2c checks whether the difference between the liquid volume of the sample determined by the liquid volume measurement unit 22 and the liquid volume determined by the difference between the liquid volume of the sample before and after dispensing is sufficient to meet the dispensing volume required for analysis.

[0033] The determination unit 2d determines whether or not to perform dispensing based on the inspection results from the liquid volume inspection unit 2c.

[0034] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of the configurations of data table 1 and data table 2, respectively, stored in the storage unit 2b. The storage unit 2b stores each piece of information in data tables such as those shown in Figures 3 and 4. Data table 1 stores calculation results from the calculation unit 2a, etc. Data table 2 holds information as a parameter regarding the weight of containers that are allowed to be loaded into the automated sample testing system when no sample is contained in them.

[0035] Next, the procedure for processing samples entered into the automated sample testing system will be explained. A container containing a sample is placed in one of the trays mounted on the input section 18 of the input module 6, and the input module 6 transports this container on the main line 40. The sample imaging unit 19 reads the barcode and takes an image of the container's exterior as it is transported on the main line 40. Subsequently, the sample imaging unit 19 transmits the acquired information to the system manager 2, and the container determination unit 2e identifies the sample information, container information, and the weight of the empty container.

[0036] Subsequently, the sample is transported to the centrifugation module 7, where it is centrifuged. After centrifugation, the liquid volume measurement unit 22 measures the liquid height, and the calculation unit 2a determines the liquid volume of the sample.

[0037] After passing through the opening module 8 and the barcode application module 9, the weight measurement unit 31 measures the weight of the container before dispensing, and the dispensing module 11 dispenses the sample. After dispensing, the weight of the container after dispensing is measured, the calculation unit 2a determines the remaining liquid volume, the liquid volume inspection unit 2c performs the inspection, and the judgment unit 2d issues an instruction.

[0038] After issuing an instruction from the determination unit 2d, if dispensing is possible, the dispensing process is performed; if dispensing is not possible, it is carried out to the reset lane.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows the detailed procedure of liquid volume measurement when using the liquid volume measurement unit 22 and the weight measurement unit 31. Each step is controlled by the system manager 2.

[0040] Step S1: The system manager 2 receives, from the input module 6, the barcode reading and the imaging data of the outer appearance of the container by the specimen imaging unit 19. The container determination unit 2e specifies the specimen information from the barcode reading data, and further specifies the container information of the input specimen and the weight of the container (weight 1) from the data table 2.

[0041] Step S2: The system manager 2 stores the specimen information, container information, and weight information (weight 1) specified in step S1 in the data table 1.

[0042] Step S3: The liquid volume measurement unit 22 obtains the liquid height of the serum 48 or plasma 49 of the specimen after centrifugation and before dispensing. The calculation unit 2a calculates the liquid volume based on the liquid height.

[0043] Step S4: The system manager 2 stores the liquid volume (liquid volume 1) obtained in step S3 in the data table 1, which is the storage unit 2b.

[0044] Step S5: The weight measurement unit 31 measures the weight of the specimen including the container, and stores the measurement result in the weight 2 of the data table 1.

[0045] Step S6: The calculation unit 2a obtains the difference (weight 2 - weight 1) between the weight 2 stored in step S5 and the weight 1 stored in step S2, and converts the result into the liquid volume.

[0046] Step S7: The calculation unit 2a stores the liquid volume obtained in step S6 in the liquid volume 2 (weight 2 - weight 1) of the data table 1.

[0047] Step S8: According to the dispensing instruction, the dispensing module 11 dispenses a specified amount of serum 48 or plasma 49.

[0048] Step S9: The weighing unit 31 measures the weight of the specimen including the container after dispensing, and stores the measurement result in the weight 3 of the data table 1.

[0049] Step S10: The arithmetic unit 2a obtains the difference (weight 3 - weight 1) between the weight 3 stored in step S9 and the weight 1 stored in step S2, and converts the result into a liquid volume.

[0050] Step S11: The arithmetic unit 2a stores the liquid volume obtained in step S10 in the liquid volume 3 (weight 3 - weight 1) of the data table 1.

[0051] Step S12: The arithmetic unit 2a obtains the difference (liquid volume 2 - liquid volume 3) between the liquid volume 2 stored in step S7 and the liquid volume 3 stored in step S11. This corresponds to the accurate dispensing volume.

[0052] Step S13: The arithmetic unit 2a stores the liquid volume obtained in step S12 in the liquid volume 4 (liquid volume 2 - liquid volume 3) of the data table 1.

[0053] Step S14: The arithmetic unit 2a obtains the difference (liquid volume 1 - liquid volume 4) between the liquid volume 1 stored in step S4 and the liquid volume 4 stored in step S13. This corresponds to the accurate remaining volume of serum 48 or plasma 49 after dispensing.

[0054] Step S15: The arithmetic unit 2a stores the liquid volume obtained in step S14 in the liquid volume 5 (liquid volume 1 - liquid volume 4) of the data table 1.

[0055] Steps S16 to S18: The liquid volume inspection unit 2c inspects whether the liquid volume 5 stored in step S15 satisfies the dispensing volume required for analysis (step S16), and the determination unit 2d determines whether dispensing is possible. If dispensing is possible, dispensing is performed (step S17), and if dispensing is not possible, the container is conveyed to the reset lane (step S18).

[0056] Figures 6 to 8 show numerical examples of the operations performed according to the flowchart in Figure 5. The initial state of the sample is divided into three layers, as shown on the left of Figure 6: serum 48 or plasma 49, blood clot 50, and separating agent 51. The volume of serum 48 or plasma 49 measured by the volume measurement unit 22 is 500 μL, and the total volume of the sample calculated based on step S6 is 1200 μL.

[0057] In the initial state shown on the left of Figure 6, it is assumed that an instruction has been entered to dispense 300 μL of serum 48 or plasma 49. The dispensing module 11 performs the dispensing according to the instruction, and the result is shown on the right of Figure 6. Since the dispensing operation involves errors, it is possible that the actual amount dispensed is not 300 μL (i.e., the volume of serum 48 or plasma 49 after dispensing is not 200 μL). Therefore, the weight measuring unit 31 remeasures the weight of the sample and container, and it is assumed that the total volume of the sample calculated based on step S6 was 920 μL. In that case, the actual amount dispensed would be 280 μL.

[0058] In the subsequent steps, the amount of serum 48 or plasma 49 to be dispensed is assumed to be 210 μL. Based solely on the dispensing instruction (300 μL), the remaining amount of serum 48 or plasma 49 is calculated to be 200 μL, in which case the sample will be transferred to the error tray (Figure 7). On the other hand, based on the calculation using both the liquid volume measurement unit 22 and the weight measurement unit 31, the remaining amount of serum 48 or plasma 49 is 220 μL, in which case the dispensing operation will continue (Figure 8).

[0059] <Embodiment 1: Summary> The automated specimen testing system according to Embodiment 1 (1) determines the liquid height of the specimen using a liquid volume measurement unit 22 installed in the centrifugal module 7, which is located upstream of the dispensing module 11 among the modules constituting the automated specimen testing system, (2) calculates the liquid volume using the system manager 2, (3) determines the weight of the specimen before and after dispensing using the weight measurement unit 31 of the dispensing module 11, (4) converts this to liquid volume using the system manager 2, and (5) determines the difference in liquid volume before and after dispensing, thereby grasping the liquid volume error that occurs during dispensing. As a result, the phenomenon in which the liquid volume of serum 48 or plasma 49 after dispensing is deemed insufficient and is not dispensed, even though it is sufficient to meet the required dispensing volume (a phenomenon as shown in Figure 7), is reduced. In addition, since the accuracy of liquid volume measurement is improved, dispensing errors due to the liquid volume of the specimen being insufficient to meet the required dispensing volume are also reduced. In other words, in an automated specimen testing system equipped with a liquid volume measurement unit 22 and a weight measurement unit 31, by accurately measuring the liquid volume, it becomes possible to eliminate waste of specimens due to liquid volume errors that occur during dispensing, and to eliminate wasted time due to dispensing errors.

[0060] The module that can be equipped with the liquid volume measurement unit 22 is not limited to the centrifugal module 7. The liquid volume measurement unit 22 only needs to be installed after centrifugation and before dispensing, so it can be installed in alternative locations such as the opening module 8, the barcode attachment module 9, or before dispensing in the dispensing module 11, as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the liquid volume measurement unit 22 does not have to be attached to a module; the liquid volume measurement unit 22 itself can be a module. In that case, the liquid volume measurement unit 22 must be installed somewhere between the centrifugal module 7 and the dispensing module 11.

[0061] <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 of the present invention describes a measurement method in which the container determination unit 2e does not determine the weight of the container. The configuration of the automated sample testing system is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the differences in the measurement method will be mainly described below.

[0062] In Embodiment 2, since it is not necessary to specify the container weight, the system manager 2 does not need to maintain data table 2. Consequently, the storage columns for container information and weight 1 in data table 1 in Figure 3 are eliminated.

[0063] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of data table 1 in Embodiment 2. The measurement method in Embodiment 2 differs from the measurement method in Embodiment 1 in the following ways: Steps S1 to S2, S6, and S10, which involve the weight of the container, can be omitted. Also, since the weight measured by the weight measuring unit 31 in steps S5 and S9 can be directly converted to liquid volume and stored in liquid volume 2 and liquid volume 3 of data table 1, steps S7 and S11 can also be omitted, and the storage columns for weight 2 and weight 3 in data table 1 become unnecessary. Therefore, data table 1 is as shown in Figure 9.

[0064] Figure 10 shows the detailed procedure for measuring the liquid volume in Embodiment 2. As described above, some of the steps in Embodiment 1 are omitted, and furthermore, step S5 is replaced with S5' and step S9 is replaced with S9'. Also, steps S12 to S16 are the same procedure as in Embodiment 1, but the liquid volume to be measured is different. For this reason, steps S12 to S16 are replaced with steps S12' to S16'. Detailed explanation of steps S12' to S16' is omitted as they are the same as in Embodiment 1. The other steps are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0065] Step S5': The weight measuring unit 31 measures the weight of the sample, including the container. The calculation unit 2a converts the measurement result into liquid volume and stores it in liquid volume 2 of data table 1.

[0066] Step S9': The weight measuring unit 31 measures the weight of the sample after dispensing, including the container. The calculation unit 2a converts the measurement result into liquid volume and stores it in liquid volume 3 of data table 1.

[0067] <Embodiment 2: Summary> Unlike Embodiment 1, the automated sample testing system according to Embodiment 2 does not perform calculations (S6, S10) to convert the difference in container weight into liquid volume, so these steps can be omitted. Therefore, it becomes possible to measure the liquid volume faster than in Embodiment 1.

[0068] Even containers of the same type can have slightly different weights. Such weight differences can potentially cause errors. However, in Embodiment 2, the weight difference of the containers is not converted into liquid volume, so there is no need to consider errors caused by the weight of the containers. Furthermore, even if the weight of the container is unknown, the precise dispensing volume to be measured and the remaining amount of serum 48 or plasma 49 after dispensing can be determined by the liquid volume measurement unit 22. The difference between the case where the weight of the container is determined (Embodiment 1) and Embodiment 2 is whether or not the total liquid volume of the sample in the container is measured by weight measurement. Therefore, if you want to know the total liquid volume, you should use Embodiment 1, and if you only want to know the precise dispensing volume and the remaining amount of serum 48 or plasma 49 after dispensing, you should use Embodiment 2.

[0069] <Embodiment 3> In Embodiment 3 of the present invention, a method for measuring liquid volume using the liquid height measured by the liquid volume measuring unit 22 and the weight measured by the weight measuring unit 31 will be described. The configuration of the automated sample testing system is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the differences in the measurement method will be mainly described below.

[0070] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of data table 1 in Embodiment 3. Here, a sample separated into three layers is used as an example, where liquid height 1 is the liquid height of serum 48 or plasma 49, liquid height 2 is the liquid height of the separating agent 51, liquid height 3 is the liquid height of the blood clot 50, liquid volume 1 is the liquid volume of serum 48 or plasma 49, liquid volume 6 is the liquid volume of the separating agent 51, and liquid volume 7 is the liquid volume of the blood clot 50.

[0071] Figure 12 shows the detailed procedure for measuring the liquid volume in Embodiment 3. Only the parts that differ from the measurement procedure in Embodiment 1 will be described. Instead of S3 to S4, S19 to S20 are performed, and S21 to S22 are performed between S7 and S8. Otherwise, it is the same as Embodiment 1.

[0072] Step S19: After steps S1 to S2 have been performed, the liquid volume measurement unit 22 measures the liquid height of each layer of the sample that has been separated into two or three layers. The calculation unit 2a calculates the ratio of what percentage of the total liquid height of the sample (total liquid) in the container each liquid height represents.

[0073] Step S20: The calculation unit 2a stores the liquid volume (ratio) obtained in step S19 into liquid height 1, liquid height 2, and liquid height 3 of the data table 1, respectively.

[0074] Step S21: The calculation unit 2a calculates the liquid volume of each layer by multiplying the liquid volume measured by the weight measuring unit 31 by the liquid height ratio of each layer of the sample.

[0075] Step S22: The calculation unit 2a stores the liquid volumes obtained in step S21 into liquid volume 1, liquid volume 6, and liquid volume 7 of the data table 1, respectively.

[0076] Figure 13 shows a numerical example of the operation performed according to the flowchart in Figure 12. The liquid heights of each layer measured by the liquid volume measurement unit 22 are as follows: serum 48 or plasma 49: 20 mm; separating agent 51: 10 mm; blood clot 50: 20 mm. Therefore, the ratio of each layer to the total liquid is 40%, 20%, and 40%. However, the blood clot 50 needs to be appropriately corrected considering its bottom shape. On the other hand, the total liquid volume was 1000 μL based on the measurement results of the weight measurement unit 31. The liquid volume of each layer can be calculated based on the ratio of each layer to the total liquid volume. That is, by using only the liquid height from the measurement results of the liquid volume measurement unit 22 and further combining it with the weight measured by the weight measurement unit 31, the liquid volume of serum 48 or plasma 49 can be accurately measured without relying on the liquid volume measured by the liquid volume measurement unit 22.

[0077] <Embodiment 3: Summary> The automated sample testing system according to Embodiment 3 can determine the liquid volume of each layer simply by determining the liquid height of each layer. In other words, the complex calculation process of determining the liquid volume from the liquid height measured by the liquid volume measurement unit 22 is eliminated, enabling rapid and accurate liquid volume measurement.

[0078] <Regarding Variations of the Invention> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various variations. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0079] In the embodiments described above, the system manager 2 can be configured by, for example, a computer. Each functional unit of the system manager 2 can be configured by hardware such as circuit devices that implement the function, or by a computing device executing software that implements the function.

[0080] 1: System Unit, 2: System Manager, 3: Sample Reception Pre-processing Station, 4: Sample Dispensing Station, 5: Sample Storage Station, 6: Input Module, 7: Centrifuge Module, 8: Opening Module, 9: Barcode Attachment Module, 10: Sample Cup Feeder, 11: Dispensing Module, 12: Transfer Module, 13: Closing Module, 14: Multi-stage Storage Module, 15: Sample Storage Module, 16: Empty Holder, 17: Holder Stocker Unit, 18: Input Unit, 19: Sample Imaging Unit, 20: ME30C Hitachi Automatic Centrifuge Unit, 21: Centrifuge Buffer Module, 22: Liquid Volume Measurement Unit, 23: Sensor for Checking the Presence or Absence of a Sample Stopper, 2 4: Opening section, 25: Sample supply section, 26: Labeling section, 27: Sample cup supply section, 28: Cup insertion section, 29: Drawer section, 30: Dispensing section, 31: Weight measurement section, 32: Empty rack input lane, 33: Sample chuck mechanism, 34: Closing section, 35: Sample transfer section, 36: Sample storage section, 37: Slide lane (4 lanes), 38: Empty holder line, 39: Priority line, 40: Main line, 41: Return line, 42: Sub-sample test tube transport line, 43: Sample cup transport line, 44: Rack transport line, 45: Empty holder supply line, 46: Empty holder recovery line, 47: Automated analyzer, 48: Serum, 49: Plasma, 50: Blood clot, 51: Separating agent

Claims

1. An automated specimen testing system comprising: a liquid volume measuring unit for measuring the liquid volume or liquid height of a specimen in a container; a weight measuring unit for measuring the weight of the container containing the specimen; and a computer for calculating the liquid volume of the specimen in the container based on the liquid volume or liquid height and the weight.

2. The automated specimen testing system further comprises a storage unit that stores a data table describing the weight of the container not containing the specimen, a weight measuring unit that measures the weight of the container containing the specimen, a computer that calculates a first difference between the weight of the container containing the specimen and the weight of the container obtained from the data table, and the computer that calculates the liquid volume of the specimen by converting the first difference into the liquid volume of the specimen contained in the container, as described in claim 1.

3. The automated specimen testing system further comprises a dispensing unit for dispensing the specimen contained in the container, the weight measuring unit measures the weight of the container containing the specimen after the dispensing unit has dispensed the specimen from the container, the computer calculates a second difference in the weight of the container containing the specimen before and after dispensing the specimen from the container, and the computer calculates the volume of the specimen dispensed by the dispensing unit from the container by converting the second difference into the volume of the specimen.

4. The automated sample testing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the computer calculates the remaining amount of the sample in the container by subtracting the amount of the sample liquid dispensed by the dispensing unit from the container from the amount of the sample liquid in the container measured by the liquid volume measuring unit before the dispensing unit dispenses the sample from the container.

5. The automated sample testing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the computer checks whether the remaining liquid volume of the sample is sufficient to analyze the sample, the dispensing unit dispenses the sample from the container if the required liquid volume is met, and the computer removes the container as an error sample if the required liquid volume is not met.

6. The automated specimen testing system further comprises a dispensing unit for dispensing the specimen contained in the container, the weight measuring unit measures the weight of the container containing the specimen before and after the dispensing unit dispenses the specimen from the container, the computer calculates a third difference in the weight of the container containing the specimen before and after the dispensing of the specimen from the container, and the computer calculates the volume of the specimen dispensed by the dispensing unit from the container by converting the third difference into the volume of the specimen.

7. The automated sample testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid volume measuring unit measures the liquid height for each layer constituting the sample, the computer calculates the ratio of the liquid height for each layer to the total liquid volume of the sample based on the liquid height for each layer, and the computer calculates the liquid volume for each layer by multiplying the total liquid volume of the sample by the respective ratio for each layer.

8. The automated sample testing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the liquid volume measuring unit measures the liquid height for each layer constituting the sample, the computer calculates the ratio of the liquid height for each layer to the total liquid volume of the sample based on the liquid height for each layer, and the computer calculates the liquid volume for each layer by multiplying the total liquid volume of the sample calculated based on the first difference by the ratio for each layer.

9. A method for automating specimen testing, comprising the steps of: measuring the liquid volume or liquid height of a specimen in a container; measuring the weight of the container containing the specimen; and calculating the liquid volume of the specimen in the container based on the liquid volume or liquid height and the weight.

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