Modular pre-analytic system

Abstract

A modular pre-analytic system includes a supplying part where sample containers each containing a sample, reagent containers each containing a reagent, and consumable containers each including a consumable are provided, a processing part including a processing module, and a controller. The processing module includes at least two processing units. At least one of the processing units has at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The controller is configured to operate the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module.

Description

MODULAR PRE-ANALYTIC SYSTEM

[0001] Embodiments relate generally to a modular pre-analytic system. More particularly, embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a modular pre-analytic system having a continuous loading for a sample and a random access capability for a device pretreating the sample.

[0002] A molecular diagnostic test is a method of determining a presence or absence of a disease or infection by analyzing a genetic information included in a biological sample or a biological marker included in a protein using molecular biological techniques. In order to perform the molecular diagnostic test, nucleic acids included in the biological sample should be extracted, and before extracting the nucleic acids, a step of pretreating the sample depending on the type of biological samples is required. In addition, a step of pretreating the samples may be different from one another depending on the type of samples. For example, various devices such as a vortex device, a centrifugation device, a spin-down device, a heating device, a pipette device, etc. may be used to pretreat the sample, and various reagents may be used to pretreat the sample. In addition, each of various samples such as urine, liquid-based cytology (LBC), semen, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), saliva, respiratory (RP) sputum, tuberculosis (TB) sputum, bronchial washing, raw stool, etc. may be contained in a container, and a shape and a diameter of a cap of containers each may be different from one another.

[0003] The pre-analytic processes for various samples may mostly be manually performed by a laboratory researcher, and only for some samples having relatively high demand among the various samples, the pre-analytic process may be automatically performed by a pre-analytic automation apparatus. That is, the pre-analytic processes for most of the samples may be manually performed by the laboratory researcher.

[0004] An object of a present invention provides a modular pre-analytic system.

[0005] However, the present invention is not limited to the object described above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0006] In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a supplying part where sample containers each containing a sample, reagent containers each containing a reagent, and consumable containers each including a consumable are provided, a processing part including a processing module, and a controller. The processing module includes at least two processing units. At least one of the processing units has at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The controller is configured to operate the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the controller may be configured to optimize the function of each of the at least two processing units so that a function of one processing unit of the at least two processing units is changed in one run of the predetermined pre-analytic process depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for the type of the samples.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, at least two functions among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function in one processing unit may be performed in one run.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the processing module may be configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the consumable may include a tip, and the consumable container may include a tip container. The reagent may include a first reagent, and the reagent container may include a first reagent container. The supplying part may include a first consumable supplying device configured to supply the tip containers each including the plurality of tips and the first reagent containers each containing the first reagent.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a processing preparation station including a first stage in which the tip container is positioned and a second stage in which the first reagent container is selectively positioned.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the system may further include a first gripping unitconfigured to transfer the tip container to the first stage of the processing preparation station and selectively transfer the first reagent container to the second stage of the processing preparation station.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the supplying part may further include a first positioning stage in which one tip container among the tip containers supplied from the first consumable supplying device is positioned and a second positioning stage in which one first reagent container among the first reagent containers supplied from the first reagent supplying device is positioned. The second positioning stage may be spaced apart from the first positioning stage in a first direction, and the first stage may be spaced apart from the second positioning stage in the first direction. The second stage may be spaced apart from the first stage in the first direction, and the first positioning stage, the second positioning stage, the first stage, and the second stage may be aligned with the first direction.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the first gripping unit may be configured to transfer the one tip container positioned in the first positioning stage to the first stage and selectively transfer the one first reagent container positioned in the second positioning stage to the second stage.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the type of the first reagents supplied from the first reagent supplying device is at least two.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the consumable may further include a first tube, and the consumable container may further include a first tube container. The supplying part may further include a second consumable supplying device configured to supply the first tube containers each including the at least two first tubes, a sample supplying device configured to the sample container, and a first pipette unit configured to transfer a portion of the sample supplied from the sample supplying device to the first tube supplied from the second consumable supplying device. The first pipette unit may be horizontally movable in both a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the reagent may further include a second reagent, and the reagent container may further include a second reagent container. The supplying part may further include a second reagent supplying device configured to supply the second reagent containers each containing the second reagent. The first pipette unit may be configured to selectively transfer the second reagent supplied from the second reagent supplying device to the sample container supplied from the sample supplying device or the tube supplied from the second consumable supplying device.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the first tube including the portion of the sample may be defined as a sample tube. The system may further include a second gripping unit configured to transfer the sample tube to one processing unit of the processing module.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the supplying part may further include a first tip waste container positioned to overlap a movement path of the first pipette unit between the first consumable supplying device and the sample supplying device.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the supplying part may further include a third positioning stage in which one tip container among the tip containers supplied from the first consumable supplying device is positioned, a fourth positioning stage in which one second reagent among the second reagents supplied from the second reagent supplying device is positioned, a fifth positioning stage in which one sample container among the sample containers supplied from the sample supplying device is positioned, and a sixth positioning stage in which one first tube container among the first tube containers supplied from the second consumable supplying device is positioned. The fourth positioning stage may be spaced apart from the third positioning stage in the first direction, and the fifth positioning stage may be spaced apart from the fourth positioning stage in the first direction. The sixth positioning stage may be spaced apart from the fifth positioning stage in the first direction, and the first tip waste container may be positioned between the fourth positioning stage and the fifth positioning stage. The third positioning stage, the fourth positioning stage, the first tip waste container, the fifth positioning stage, and the sixth positioning stage may be aligned with the first direction.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the first pipette unit may be connected to the tip included in the one tip container positioned in the third positioning stage, and may be configured to selectively transfer the second reagent positioned in the fourth positioning stage to the sample container positioned in the fifth positioning stage or the tube supplied from the second consumable supplying device. After the tip is connected to the first pipette unit, the used tip may be released to the first tip waste container, and the first pipette unit may be connected to the tip included in the one tip container positioned in the third positioning stage. The first pipette unit may be configured to aspirate the portion of the sample in the sample container positioned in the fifth positioning stage to, and may be configured to transfer the aspirated sample to the first tube included in the first tube container positioned in the sixth positioning stage.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, the movement path of the first pipette unit may be overlapped with a position of the first tip waste container and the third to sixth positioning stages.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the consumable may further include a second tube, and the consumable container may further include a second tube container. The supplying part may further include a third consumable supplying device configured to supply the second tube containers each including the at least two second tubes, an eighth positioning stage in which the first tube container moved from the sixth positioning stage is positioned, and a ninth positioning stage in which one second tube container among the second tube containers supplied from the third consumable supplying device is positioned. The eighth positioning stage may be spaced apart from the seventh positioning stage in the first direction, and the seventh positioning stage, the eighth positioning stage, and the at least two processing units may be aligned with the first direction.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the second gripping unit may be configured to transfer the sample tube positioned in the seventh positioning stage to one processing unit of the processing module and selectively transfer the second tube positioned in the eighth positioning stage to one processing unit of the processing module.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the at least two processing units may include first, second, and third processing units that are sequentially arranged in the first direction, and the sample tube position in the supplying part may be transferred to the first or second processing units by the second gripping unit. The sample tube positioned in the first or second processing units may be transferred along the first direction by the second gripping unit.

[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the at least two processing units may include first, second, and third processing units, and the sample tube may include a first sample tube and a second sample tube. After the first sample tube positioned in the first processing unit is moved to the second processing unit in a first run, the second sample tube positioned in the supplying part is moved to the first processing unit in a second run. The first run and the second run may be simultaneously performed in the first to third processing units.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the second gripping unit may be configured to transfer the sample tube positioned in a processing unit to another processing unit. The second gripping unit may be horizontally movable in both the first and second directions, and a movement path of the second gripping unit may not intersect a movement path of the second pipette unit.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a second pipette unitconfigured to be connected to a tip included in the tip container of the processing preparation station and selectively transfer a first reagent included in the first reagent container of the processing preparation station to the sample tube position in the processing module.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, the second pipette unit may be horizontally and vertically movable in the first direction, the second direction, a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. The second pipette unit may be movable on both the processing preparation station and the processing module, and may not be moved to the supplying part.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a liquid waste container and a second tip waste container positioned to overlap the movement path of the second pipette unit between the processing preparation station and the processing module.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, after the tip is connected to the second pipette unit, the used tip may be released to the second tip waste container. An unnecessary liquid generated in the sample tube may be transferred to the liquid waste container by the second pipette unit while the predetermined pre-analytic process is performed.

[0032] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a de-capping / capping unitconfigured to de-cap or cap a cap of the sample tube positioned in the at least two processing units.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include an expandable portion to accommodate an additional processing module that is the substantially same as or different from the processing module.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include an additional processing preparation station positioned in the expandable portion, an additional second pipette unit to be movable on the additional processing module and the additional processing preparation station of the expandable portion, and an additional de-capping / capping unit positioned adjacent to the additional processing module in the expandable portion. The supplying part may further include an additional first pipette unit positioned in the expandable portion. The system may further include an additional first gripping unit to be movable adjacent to the additional processing module in the expandable portion and an additional second gripping unit to be movable adjacent to the additional processing preparation station in the expandable portion.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the type of the samples provided to the supplying part may be at least two.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments, shapes of the sample containers depending on the type of the samples may be different from each other.

[0037] In exemplary embodiments, the at least two processing units may be sequentially arranged, and the sequentially arranged processing units may be rearrangeable and replaceable.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments, each of the processing units may have all of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function.

[0039] In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a supplying part where sample containers each containing a sample, reagent containers each containing a reagent, and consumable containers each including a consumable are provided, a processing part including a processing module, and a controller. The processing module including at least two processing units each having a turn-on / off function. At least one of the processing units has at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The controller is configured to operate the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module and control the at least two processing units each so that the processing unit performs one function among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heat function together with the turn-on / off function in each run of the predetermined pre-analytic process depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for the type of the samples.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, the at least two processing units may include first, second, and third processing units that are sequentially arranged in a first direction. The controller may be configured to selectively operate the first to third processing units by the turn-off function in one run of the predetermined pre-analytic process depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for the type of the samples.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, the processing module may be configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments, the at least two processing units may be sequentially arranged, and the sequentially arranged processing units may be rearrangeable and replaceable.

[0043] In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a supplying part where sample containers each containing a sample, reagent containers each containing a reagent, and consumable containers each including a consumable are provided, a processing part including a processing module, and a controller. The processing module includes at least two processing units and an additional processing unit. At least one of the at least two processing units has at least two of a vortex function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The additional processing unit has a centrifugation function. The controller is configured to operate the at least two processing units and the additional processing unit so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments, wherein the at least two processing units may include first, second, and third processing units that are sequentially arranged in the first direction. The additional processing unit may be positioned adjacent to the first, second, and third processing units, and may not be aligned with the first, second, and third processing units in the first direction.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, a level of the additional processing unit may be lower than a level of the at least two processing units, and the additional processing unit may be operatively connected to the at least two processing units.

[0046] In exemplary embodiments, the processing module may be configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.

[0047] In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a supplying part where sample containers each containing a sample, reagent containers each containing a reagent, and tubes that are empty or pre-filled with a buffer reagent for a type of the samples are provided, a processing part including a processing module, a transferring unit, and a controller. The supplying part includes a pipette unit configured to transfer a portion of the sample contained in the sample container to the tube, and the tube containing the portion of the sample is defined as a sample tube. The processing module includes at least two processing units, and at least one of the processing units has at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The transferring unit is positioned adjacent to the supplying part and the processing part, and is configured to transfer the sample tube positioned at the supplying part to the processing part. The controller is configured to operate the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module. A level of the supplying part is different from a level of the processing part.

[0048] In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a supplying part where sample containers each containing a sample, reagent containers each containing a reagent, and consumable containers each including a consumable are provided, a processing part including a processing module, and a controller. The processing module includes at least two processing units, and at least one of the processing units has at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The controller is configured to optimize the function of each of the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module.

[0049] In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a supplying part where sample containers each containing a sample, reagent containers each containing a reagent, and consumable containers each including a consumable are provided, a processing part including a processing module, a controller. The processing module includes at least two processing units, and at least one of the processing units has at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The controller is configured to operate the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module. The controller is configured to optimize a processing parameter of each of the processing units depending on the type of samples so that the processing parameter of the function performed in at least one processing unit among the processing units is changed.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, the processing parameter may be an operation time of each of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function, revolutions per minute of each of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, and the spin-down function, and a temperature of the heating function.

[0051] The modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may perform pre-analytic processes for various samples, and all steps of the pre-analytic process may be automatically performed. Accordingly, a pre-analytic process for a sample such as raw stool does not need to be manually performed by a person, and efficiency of molecular diagnostic tests may be increased by automation of the pre-analytic process.

[0052] However, the effect of the present invention is not limited to the effects described above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a controller included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0057] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 are plan views for describing a pre-analytic processes performed in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0058] FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are plan views illustrating a method of operating the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0059] FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0060] FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0061] FIGS. 15 and 16 are plan views illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0062] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0063] FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0064] Hereinafter, a modular pre-analytic system and a method of operating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0065] In present specification, specific structural and functional descriptions are merely exemplified for the purpose of explaining embodiments of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and are not construed as being limited to the embodiments described in the present specification, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. When a component is described as being "connected" or "in contact with" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or in contact with the other component, but another component may exist in between. In addition, when a component is described as being "directly connected" or "in direct contact with" another component, it may be understood that there is no another component in between. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between" or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", may be interpreted in the same way.

[0066] The terminology used in the present invention is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present specification, it should be understood that the terms "comprise," "include," or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present invention belong.

[0067] Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in the present specification.

[0068] The terms first, second, and third may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second or third component, and similarly, the second or third component may be referred to interchangeably.

[0069] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a controller included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1. Here, FIG. 2A is a plan view for describing a supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a partially perspective view for describing a supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1. In addition, FIG. 3A is a plan view for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0070] For example, the modular pre-analytic system may be implemented as a stand-alone system or may be implemented as a modular system connectable with other systems (e.g., an extraction system, a PCR test system, an immuno diagnostics system, a biochemical diagnostics system, etc.). In addition, a first direction D1, a second direction D2, a third direction D3, a fourth direction D4, and a fifth direction D5 may be defined on a plane of the modular pre-analytic system. For example, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may be substantially opposite to each other, and the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 may be substantially opposite to each other. In addition, the first and second directions D1 and D2 may intersect the third and fourth directions D3 and D4, and the first and second directions D1 and D2 may be substantially orthogonal to the third and fourth directions D3 and D4. Further, the fifth direction D5 may be substantially perpendicular to the first to fourth directions D1, D2, D3, and D4.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may include a supplying part 10, a processing part 20, an expandable portion 50, a controller 990, a first gripping unit 800, and a second gripping unit 820.

[0072] Here, the supplying part 10 may include a first pipette unit 900, a sample supplying device 200, a reagent supplying device 300, a consumable supplying device 400, a first tip waste container 850, a transfer stage 590, a transfer device 700, a stage 190, a sample decapping / capping unit 250, and a tube decapping / capping unit 485. In addition, the reagent supplying device 300 may include a first reagent supplying device 310 and a second reagent supplying device 350, and the consumable supplying device 400 may include a first consumable supplying device 410, a second consumable supplying device 450, and a third consumable supplying device 490. In addition, the stage 190 may include a first positioning stage 430, a second positioning stage 330, a third positioning stage 440, a fourth positioning stage 370, a fifth positioning stage 220, a sixth positioning stage 470, a seventh positioning stage 480, an eighth positioning stage 505, a first standby stage 435, a second standby stage 335, a third standby stage 445, a fourth standby stage 375, a fifth standby stage 225, a sixth standby stage 475, a seventh standby stage 507, and an eighth standby stage 230, and the transfer stage 590 may include a first transfer stage 510, a second transfer stage 515, a third transfer stage 520, a fourth transfer stage 525, a fifth transfer stage 530, a sixth transfer stage 535, a seventh transfer stage 540, an eighth transfer stage 545, a ninth transfer stage 550, a tenth transfer stage 555, an eleventh transfer stage 560, a twelfth transfer stage 565, a first connection stage 570, and a second connection stage 575. Further, the transfer device 700 may include a first transfer device 710, a second transfer device 715, a third transfer device 720, a fourth transfer device 725, a fifth transfer device 730, a sixth transfer device 735, a seventh transfer device 740, an eighth transfer device 745, a ninth transfer device 750, a tenth transfer device 755, an eleventh transfer device 760, and a twelfth transfer device 765.

[0073] Meanwhile, the processing part 20 may include a second pipette unit 920, a processing preparation station 600, a processing module 100, a second tip waste container 940, a liquid waste container 950, a decapping / capping unit 960, and a final stage 970. Here, the processing module 100 may include a first processing unit 110, a second processing unit 120, a third processing unit 130, a fourth processing unit 140, and a fifth processing unit 150, and the processing preparation station 600 may include a first stage 610, a second stage 620, and a preliminary stage 630. In exemplary embodiments, the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20 may be physically separated from each other, and may be operably connected by the first gripping unit 800 and the second gripping unit 820.

[0074] The supplying part 10 may be positioned in a side (e.g., left side) of the modular pre-analytic system 1000, and the processing part 20 may be positioned in other side (e.g., right side) of the modular pre-analytic system 1000.

[0075] The first consumable supplying device 410 may be positioned at a first section of the supplying part 10, and the first transfer device 710, the second transfer device 715, the first transfer stage 510, second transfer stage 515, the first standby stage 435, the first positioning stage 430, the third standby stage 445, and the third positioning stage 440 may be spaced apart from the first consumable supplying device 410 in the fourth direction D4.

[0076] The first consumable supplying device 410 may store tip containers 420 each including a plurality of tips, and the first consumable supplying device 410 may supply the tip containers 420 to a first transfer stage 510.

[0077] For example, the tips may include pipette tips connectable to the first pipette unit 900 and the second pipette unit 920, and the plurality of tips may be arranged in the tip containers 420. In other words, when each of the first and second pipette units 900 and 920 aspirate or dispense a sample or a reagent, the tips may be connected to the first and second pipette units 900 and 920, respectively.

[0078] In other exemplary embodiments, the tip container 420 may include a tip container 420 including type-A tips having a relatively small diameter and a tip container 420 including type-B tips having a relatively large diameter, and depending on a type of samples, the tip container 420 including the type-A tips or the tip container 420 including the type-B tips may be selectively supplied to the first transfer stage 510.

[0079] The first transfer device 710 and the second transfer device 715 may be positioned on both lateral portions of the first transfer stage 510 and the second transfer stage 515. The first transfer device 710 may be positioned adjacent to the first transfer stage 510, and the first transfer device 710 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the first transfer device 710 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the first transfer device 710 may grip the tip container 420 supplied from the first consumable supplying device 410 and transfer the tip container 420 on the first transfer stage 510, and the first transfer device 710 may place the tip container 420, which is moved on the first transfer stage 510, at a predetermined portion of the first transfer stage 510 (e.g., portions adjacent to the first standby stage 435 and the third standby stage 445 of the first transfer stage 510, respectively).

[0080] The second transfer device 715 may be positioned adjacent to the second transfer stage 515, and the second transfer device 715 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the second transfer device 715 may have the bi-directional movement path. In addition, the second transfer device 715 may grip an empty tip container 420, in which the tips are all used, and transfer the empty tip container 420 on the second transfer stage 515.

[0081] The first transfer stage 510 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the first consumable supplying device 410, and the first transfer stage 510 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the first consumable supplying device 410 may correspond to a section where the tip container 420 is supplied to the first transfer stage 510. For example, the first consumable supplying device 410 may provide the tip container 420 to a portion, which is adjacent to the first section of the first consumable supplying device 410, of the first transfer stage 510. In this case, the tip container 420 may be transferred from the first consumable supplying device 410 to the first transfer stage 510 by using a transfer unit included in the first consumable supplying device 410 or by using the first transfer device 710. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the first transfer device 710 places the tip container 420 at the predetermined portion of the first transfer stage 510, the first transfer stage 510 may transfer the tip container 420 to the first standby stage 435 (or the third standby stage 445). Here, each of the first standby stage 435 and the third standby stage 445 may function as a place where the tip container 420 stays so that the tip container 420 is relatively quickly provided to the first positioning stage 430 and the third positioning stage 440, respectively.

[0082] The second transfer stage 515 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the first consumable supplying device 410, and the second transfer stage 515 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the second transfer stage 515 may extend substantially parallel to the first transfer stage 510. Here, the second section of the first consumable supplying device 410 may correspond to a section where the empty tip container 420 is stored in the first consumable supplying device 410. For example, the empty tip container 420 positioned on a portion, which is adjacent to the second section of the first consumable supplying device 410, of the second transfer stage 515 may be received in the first consumable supplying device 410. In this case, the empty tip container 420 may be transferred from the second transfer stage 515 to the first consumable supplying device 410 by using the transfer unit included in the first consumable supplying device 410 or by using the second transfer device 715.

[0083] In exemplary embodiments, the first positioning stage 430, the first standby stage 435, the third positioning stage 440, and the third standby stage 445 may be positioned at the second transfer stage 515. The second transfer stage 515 may transfer the tip container 420, which is moved from the first transfer stage 510 to the first standby stage 435, to the first positioning stage 430, and the tip container 420 transferred to the first positioning stage 430 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one tip container 420 among the tip containers 420 supplied from the first consumable supplying device 410 may be positioned at the first positioning stage 430, and in order for the first gripping unit 800 to grip the tip container 420 positioned at the first positioning stage 430, the tip container 420 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first positioning stage 430. To implement such a device, the first positioning stage 430 may include at least one position adjusting member.

[0084] Similarly, the second transfer stage 515 may transfer the tip container 420, which is moved from the first transfer stage 510 to the third standby stage 445, to the third positioning stage 440, and the tip container 420 transferred to the third positioning stage 440 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one tip container 420 among the tip containers 420 supplied from the first consumable supplying device 410 may be positioned at the third positioning stage 440, and in order for the first pipette unit 900 to be connected to the tips included in the tip container 420 positioned at the third positioning stage 440, the tip container 420 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the third positioning stage 440. To implement such a device, the third positioning stage 440 may include at least one position adjusting member. In addition, the plurality of tips included in the tip container 420 may be arranged in m rows and n columns, where m and n are integers of 2 or more. For example, when the first pipette unit 900 is movable only in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and the tips are arranged in 10 rows and 10 columns, the third positioning stage 440 may move by a predetermined distance in the third direction D3, after the first pipette unit 900 uses 10 tips positioned in the first row. When the third positioning stage 440 moves by the predetermined distance in the third direction D3, the first pipette unit 900 may use 10 tips positioned in the second row. To implement such a device, the third positioning stage 440 may include at least one position moving member.

[0085] Alternatively, the supplying part 10 may further include a waste container positioned adjacent to the second transfer stage 515, and the empty tip container 420 may be released to the waste container through the second transfer device 715.

[0086] However, in the present invention, although it has been described that two transfer stages are arranged to transfer the tip container 420 in the supplying part 10, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, two transfer stages and one connection stage may be disposed to transfer the tip container 420. A detailed description of the two transfer stages and the one connection stage will be described below.

[0087] In addition, although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to the first consumable supplying device 410, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device that transfers the tip container 420 may correspond to the first consumable supplying device 410, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0088] The second reagent supplying device 350 may be positioned at a second section of the supplying part 10, and the third transfer device 720, the fourth transfer device 725, the third transfer stage 520, the fourth transfer stage 525, the fourth positioning stage 370, and the fourth standby stage 375 may be spaced apart from the second reagent supplying device 350 in the fourth direction D4.

[0089] The second reagent supplying device 350 may store second reagent containers 360 each containing a second reagent (or a buffer reagent), and the second reagent supplying device 350 may supply the second reagent containers 360 to the third transfer stage 520. Here, the number of types of the second reagents may be two or more. For example, the second reagent may include phosphate buffered saline (PBS), lysis buffer, NALC-NaOH, proteinase K, saline buffer, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the second reagent supplying device 350 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the second reagent.

[0090] The third transfer device 720 and the fourth transfer device 725 may be positioned on both lateral portions of the third transfer stage 520 and the fourth transfer stage 525. The third transfer device 720 may be positioned adjacent to the third transfer stage 520, and the third transfer device 720 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the third transfer device 720 may have the bi-directional movement path. In addition, the third transfer device 720 may grip the second reagent container 360 supplied from the second reagent supplying device 350 and transfer the second reagent container 360 on the third transfer stage 520, and the third transfer device 720 may place the second reagent container 360, which is moved on the third transfer stage 520, at a predetermined portion of the third transfer stage 520 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the fourth standby stage 375 of the third transfer stage 520).

[0091] The fourth transfer device 725 may be positioned adjacent to the fourth transfer stage 525, and the fourth transfer device 725 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the fourth transfer device 725 may have the bi-directional movement path. In addition, the fourth transfer device 725 may grip an empty second reagent container 360, in which the second reagent is all used, and transfer the empty second reagent container 360 on the fourth transfer stage 525. Further, the second reagent containers 360 may include a second reagent container 360 containing a type-A second reagent and a second reagent container 360 containing a type-B second reagent, and in order to transfer the second reagent container 360 containing the type-B second reagent from the fourth standby stage 375 to the fourth positioning stage 370, the fourth transfer device 725 may grip the second reagent container 360 containing the type-A second reagent positioned at the fourth positioning stage 370 (e.g., the second reagent container 360 in which a portion of the type-A second reagent remains) and transfer the second reagent container 360 on the fourth transfer stage 525. The second reagent container 360, in which a portion of the type-A second reagent remains, may be stored in the second reagent supplying device 350, and the second reagent container 360, in which a portion of the type-A second reagent remains, may be reused. In exemplary embodiments, the second reagent supplying device 350 may include a cover member sealing an upper portion of the second reagent container 360, in which a portion of the type-A second reagent remains, and the second reagent container 360, in which a portion of the type-A second reagent remains, may be stored in the second reagent supplying device 350 in a state sealed by the cover member.

[0092] The third transfer stage 520 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the second reagent supplying device 350, and the third transfer stage 520 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the second reagent supplying device 350 may correspond to a section where the second reagent container 360 is supplied to the third transfer stage 520. For example, the second reagent supplying device 350 may provide the second reagent container 360 to a portion, which is adjacent to the first section of the second reagent supplying device 350, of the third transfer stage 520. In this case, the second reagent container 360 may be transferred from the second reagent supplying device 350 to the third transfer stage 520 by using a transfer unit included in the second reagent supplying device 350 or by using the third transfer device 720. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the third transfer device 720 places the second reagent container 360 at the predetermined portion of the third transfer stage 520, the third transfer stage 520 may transfer the second reagent container 360 to the fourth standby stage 375. Here, the fourth standby stage 375 may function as a place where the second reagent container 360 stays so that the second reagent container 360 is relatively quickly provided to the fourth positioning stage 370.

[0093] The fourth transfer stage 525 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the second reagent supplying device 350, and the fourth transfer stage 525 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the fourth transfer stage 525 may extend substantially parallel to the third transfer stage 520. Here, the second section of the second reagent supplying device 350 may correspond to a section where the empty second reagent container 360 is stored in the second reagent supplying device 350, and the second section of the second reagent supplying device 350 may correspond to a section where the second reagent container 360, in which a portion of the type-A second reagent remains, is stored in the second reagent supplying device 350. For example, the empty second reagent container 360 or the second reagent container 360 where a portion of the type-A second reagent remains, which is positioned on a portion of the fourth transfer stage 525 adjacent to the second section of the second reagent supplying device 350, may be received in the second reagent supplying device 350. In this case, the empty second reagent container 360 or the second reagent container 360, in which a portion of the type-A second reagent remains, may be transferred from the fourth transfer stage 525 to the second reagent supplying device 350 by using a transfer unit included in the second reagent supplying device 350 or by using the fourth transfer device 725.

[0094] In exemplary embodiments, the fourth positioning stage 370 and the fourth standby stage 375 may be positioned on the fourth transfer stage 525. The fourth transfer stage 525 may transfer the second reagent container 360, which is moved from the third transfer stage 520 to the fourth standby stage 375, to the fourth positioning stage 370, and the second reagent container 360 transferred to the fourth positioning stage 370 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one second reagent container 360 among the second reagent containers 360 supplied from the second reagent supplying device 350 may be positioned at the fourth positioning stage 370, and the second reagent container 360 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the fourth positioning stage 370 so that the first pipette unit 900 aspirates the second reagent contained in the second reagent container 360 positioned at the fourth positioning stage 370. To implement such a device, the fourth positioning stage 370 may include at least one position adjusting member.

[0095] Alternatively, the supplying unit 10 may further include a waste container positioned adjacent to the fourth transfer stage 525, and the empty second reagent container 360 may be released to the waste container through the fourth transfer device 725.

[0096] However, in the present invention, although it has been described that two transfer stages are disposed in the supplying unit 10 to transfer the second reagent container 360, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, two transfer stages and one connecting stage may be disposed to transfer the second reagent container 360. A detailed description of the two transfer stages and the one connecting stage will be described below.

[0097] In addition, although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to the second reagent supplying device 350, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device that transfers the second reagent container 360 may correspond to the second reagent supplying device 350, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0098] The sample supplying device 200 may be positioned at a third section of the supplying unit 10, and the fifth transfer device 730, the sixth transfer device 735, the fifth transfer stage 530, the first connecting stage 570, the sixth transfer stage 535, the eighth standby stage 230, the fifth positioning stage 220, the fifth standby stage 225, and the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may be spaced apart from the sample supplying device 200 in the fourth direction D4.

[0099] The sample supplying device 200 may store sample containers 210 each containing a sample, and the sample supplying device 200 may supply the sample container 210 to the fifth transfer stage 530. Here, the type of the samples may be two or more. In exemplary embodiments, the sample supplying device 200 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the samples. For example, the samples may include urine, liquid-based cytology (LBC), semen, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), saliva, respiratory (RP) sputum, tuberculosis (TB) sputum, bronchial washing, raw stool, etc. In addition, depending on the type of the samples, the shapes of the sample containers 210 may be different from each other. Alternatively, in a pre-analytic preparation system connected to the modular pre-analytic system 1000, each of various type of samples may be transferred into a standardized container (e.g., a standard tube), and the standardized container may be provided to the sample supplying device 200 of the modular pre-analytic system 1000. In this case, the standard tube provided to the sample supplying device 200 may be provided to the processing part 20.

[0100] The fifth transfer device 730 and the sixth transfer device 735 may be positioned on both lateral portions of the fifth transfer stage 530 and the sixth transfer stage 535. The fifth transfer device 730 may be positioned adjacent to the fifth transfer stage 530, and the fifth transfer device 730 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the fifth transfer device 730 may have the bi-directional movement path. In addition, the fifth transfer device 730 may grip the sample container 210 supplied from the sample supplying device 200 and transfer the sample container 210 on the fifth transfer stage 530, and the fifth transfer device 730 may place the sample container 210, which is moved on the fifth transfer stage 530, at a predetermined portion of the fifth transfer stage 530 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the fifth standby stage 225).

[0101] The sixth transfer device 735 may be positioned adjacent to the sixth transfer stage 535, and the sixth transfer device 735 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the sixth transfer device 735 may have the bi-directional movement path. In addition, the sixth transfer device 735 may grip an empty sample container 210 in which all of the sample has been used (or a sample container 211 in which a portion of the sample remains) and transfer the empty sample container 210 on the sixth transfer stage 535.

[0102] However, although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to the sample supplying device 200, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device that transfers the sample container 210 (or the sample container 211) may correspond to the sample supplying device 200, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0103] The fifth transfer stage 530 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the sample supplying device 200, and the fifth transfer stage 530 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the sample supplying device 200 may correspond to a section where the sample container 210 is supplied to the fifth transfer stage 530. For example, the sample supplying device 200 may provide the sample container 210 to a portion, which is adjacent to the first section of the sample supplying device 200, of the fifth transfer stage 530. In this case, the sample container 210 may be transferred from the sample supplying device 200 to the fifth transfer stage 530 by using a transfer unit included in the sample supplying device 200 or by using the fifth transfer device 730. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the fifth transfer device 730 places the sample container 210 at the predetermined portion of the fifth transfer stage 530, the fifth transfer stage 530 may transfer the sample container 210 to the fifth standby stage 225. Here, the fifth standby stage 225 may function as a place where the sample container 210 stays so that the sample container 210 is relatively quickly supplied to the fifth positioning stage 220.

[0104] The sixth transfer stage 535 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the sample supplying device 200, and the sixth transfer stage 535 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the sixth transfer stage 535 may extend substantially parallel to the fifth transfer stage 530. Here, the second section of the sample supplying device 200 may correspond to a section where the empty sample container 210 (or the sample container 211 in which a portion of the sample remains) is stored in the sample supplying device 200. For example, the empty sample container 210 or the sample container 211 where a portion of the sample remains, which is positioned at a portion of the sixth transfer stage 535 adjacent to the second section of the sample supplying device 200, may be received in the sample supplying device 200. In this case, the empty sample container 210 or the sample container 211 in which a portion of the sample remains may be transferred from the sixth transfer stage 535 to the sample supplying device 200 by using a transfer unit included in the sample supplying device 200 or by using the sixth transfer device 735.

[0105] In exemplary embodiments, the first connecting stage 570 may be positioned between the fifth transfer stage 530 and the sixth transfer stage 535, and the fifth standby stage 225, the fifth positioning stage 220, and the eighth standby stage 230 may be positioned at the first connecting stage 570. The first connecting stage 570 may transfer the sample container 210, which is moved from the fifth transfer stage 530 to the fifth standby stage 225, to the fifth positioning stage 220, and the first connecting stage 570 may transfer the sample container 210 positioned at the fifth positioning stage 220 to the eighth standby stage 230. In addition, the first connecting stage 570 may transfer the sample container 210 positioned at the eighth standby stage 230 to the sixth transfer stage 535. Here, the sample container 210 transferred to the fifth positioning stage 220 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one sample container 210 of the sample containers 210 supplied from the sample supplying device 200 may be positioned at the fifth positioning stage 220, and the sample container 210 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the fifth positioning stage 220 so that the first pipette unit 900 aspirates the sample contained in the sample container 210 positioned at the fifth positioning stage 220. To implement such a device, the fifth positioning stage 220 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the fifth standby stage 225 and the eighth standby stage 230 may function in the same manner as the fifth positioning stage 220.

[0106] In addition, the sample container 210 positioned at the eighth standby stage 230 may be moved to the sixth transfer stage 535, and the sample container 210 moved to the sixth transfer stage 535 may be positioned on a portion, which is adjacent to the eighth standby stage 230, of the sixth transfer stage 535, and the sample container 210 moved to the sixth transfer stage 535 may be transferred through the sixth transfer device 735.

[0107] The sample decapping / capping unit 250 may be positioned adjacent to the fifth transfer stage 530, and the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may be opposite to the first connection stage 570. The sample decapping / capping unit 250 may decap or cap a cap of the sample container 210 provided from the sample supplying device 200. Here, depending on a type of samples, shapes of the sample containers 210 may be different from each other, and a shape of the cap of the sample containers 210 each may also be different from each other. In exemplary embodiments, the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may decap or cap all of the caps having various shapes. For example, the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may include a cap gripping member, and the cap gripping member may grip the cap so as to correspond to a shape of each of the caps. Alternatively, when the standardized containers each containing the samples are provided to the sample supplying device 200, the cap gripping member may decap or cap only the caps having the same shape.

[0108] In other exemplary embodiments, a function of the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may be included in the fifth standby stage 225 and the eighth standby stage 230. For example, when each of the fifth standby stage 225 and the eighth standby stage 230 includes a unit capable of rotating while gripping a lower end of the sample container 210, and the fifth transfer device 730 grips the cap of the sample container 210, the lower end of the sample container 210 may be rotated, and the cap may be decapped or capped. In this case, the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may not include the sample decapping / capping unit 250.

[0109] In still other exemplary embodiments, a function of the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may be included in the fifth transfer device 730 and the sixth transfer device 735. For example, when one transfer device of the fifth and sixth transfer devices 730 and 735 grips the cap of the sample container 210, the other transfer device grips the lower end of the sample container 210, and at least one of the fifth and sixth transfer devices 730 and 735 rotates, the cap of the sample container 210 may be decapped or capped. In this case, the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may not include the sample decapping / capping unit 250.

[0110] The sample decapping / capping unit 250 may be movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 so as to avoid physical collision with the fifth transfer device 730. For example, to decap a cap of the sample container 210 positioned at the fifth standby stage 225, the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may move in the first direction D1, and after decapping the cap, the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may move in the second direction D2. Here, the cap gripping member may be movable to a first position facing the fifth standby stage 225 and a second position facing the eighth standby stage 230. The cap gripping member may grip the decapped cap at the first position, and the cap gripping member may move to the second position. In addition, to cap a sample container 210 positioned at the eighth standby stage 230, the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may move in the first direction D1, and after capping the cap, the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may move in the second direction D2. Here, the cap gripping member may release the decapped cap at the second position, and after releasing the decapped cap, the cap gripping member may move to the first position. That is, the fifth standby stage 225 may function as a place where the sample container 210 stays to decap the cap of the sample container 210, and the eighth standby stage 230 may function as a place where the sample container 210 stays to cap the cap of the sample container 210. Alternatively, when a position of the sample decapping / capping unit 250 does not affect a movement path of the fifth transfer device 730, the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may be fixed at a position adjacent to the fifth transfer stage 530.

[0111] The second consumable supplying device 450 may be positioned at a fourth section of the supplying part 10, and the seventh transfer device 740, the eighth transfer device 745, the seventh transfer stage 540, the second connection stage 575, the eighth transfer stage 545, the sixth standby stage 475, the sixth positioning stage 470, the seventh positioning stage 480, and the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may be spaced apart from the second consumable supplying device 450 in the fourth direction D4.

[0112] The second consumable supplying device 450 may store first tube containers 460 each including at least two first tubes 465, and the second consumable supplying device 450 may supply the first tube container 460 to the seventh transfer stage 540. Here, the first tubes 465 may have the same shape.

[0113] The seventh transfer device 740 and the eighth transfer device 745 may be positioned on both lateral portions of the seventh transfer stage 540 and the eighth transfer stage 545. The seventh transfer device 740 may be positioned adjacent to the seventh transfer stage 540, and the seventh transfer device 740 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the seventh transfer device 740 may have the bidirectional movement path. In addition, the seventh transfer device 740 may grip the first tube container 460 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 450 and transfer the first tube container 460 on the seventh transfer stage 540, and the seventh transfer device 740 may place the first tube container 460, which is moved on the seventh transfer stage 540, at a predetermined portion of the seventh transfer stage 540 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the sixth standby stage 475.

[0114] The eighth transfer device 745 may be positioned adjacent to the eighth transfer stage 545, and the eighth transfer device 745 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the eighth transfer device 745 may have the bidirectional movement path. In addition, the eighth transfer device 745 may grip the first tube container 460 including the first tube 466 where a sample is contained (or an empty first tube container 460 not including the first tube 466), and may transfer the first tube container 460 including the first tube 466, where the sample is contained, on the eighth transfer stage 545.

[0115] However, although it has been described that there are two transfer devices corresponding to the second consumable supplying device 450, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device that transfers the first tube container 460 may correspond to the second consumable supplying device 450, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0116] The seventh transfer stage 540 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the second consumable supplying device 450, and the seventh transfer stage 540 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the second consumable supplying device 450 may correspond to a section where the first tube container 460 is supplied to the seventh transfer stage 540. For example, the second consumable supplying device 450 may provide the first tube container 460 to a portion, which is adjacent to the first section of the second consumable supplying device 450, of the seventh transfer stage 540. In this case, the first tube container 460 may be transferred from the second consumable supplying device 450 to the seventh transfer stage 540 by using a transfer unit included in the second consumable supplying device 450 or by using the seventh transfer device 740. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the seventh transfer device 740 places the first tube container 460 at the predetermined portion of the seventh transfer stage 540, the seventh transfer stage 540 may transfer the first tube container 460 to the sixth standby stage 475. Here, the sixth standby stage 475 may function as a place where the first tube container 460 stays so that the first tube container 460 is relatively quickly provided to the sixth positioning stage 470.

[0117] The eighth transfer stage 545 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the second consumable supplying device 450, and the eighth transfer stage 545 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the eighth transfer stage 545 may extend substantially parallel to the seventh transfer stage 540. Here, the second section of the second consumable supplying device 450 may correspond to a section where the first tube container 460 including the first tube 466 where a sample is contained (or an empty first tube container 460 not including the first tube 466) is stored in the second consumable supplying device 450. For example, the first tube container 460 including the first tube 466 where the sample is contained or the empty first tube container 460 not including the first tube 466, which is positioned on a portion adjacent to the second section of the second consumable supplying device 450 of the eighth transfer stage 545, may be received in the second consumable supplying device 450. In this case, the first tube container 460 including the first tube 466 where the sample is contained or the empty first tube container 460 not including the first tube 466 may be transferred from the eighth transfer stage 545 to the second consumable supplying device 450 by using a transfer unit included in the second consumable supplying device 450 or by using the eighth transfer device 745. In exemplary embodiments, the second consumable supplying device 450 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the first tube 466 where the sample is contained.

[0118] In exemplary embodiments, the second connection stage 575 may be positioned between the seventh transfer stage 540 and the eighth transfer stage 545, and the sixth standby stage 475, the sixth positioning stage 470, and the seventh positioning stage 480 may be positioned on the second connection stage 575. The second connection stage 575 may transfer the first tube container 460, which is moved from the seventh transfer stage 540 to the sixth standby stage 475, to the sixth positioning stage 470, and the second connection stage 575 may transfer the first tube container 460 positioned at the sixth positioning stage 470 to the seventh positioning stage 480. In addition, the second connection stage 575 may transfer the first tube container 460 positioned at the seventh positioning stage 480 to the eighth transfer stage 545. Here, the first tube containers 460 moved to each of the sixth positioning stage 470 and the seventh positioning stage 480 may always be positioned at predetermined positions. For example, one first tube container 460 of the first tube containers 460 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 450 may be positioned at the sixth positioning stage 470, and the first tube container 460 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the sixth positioning stage 470 so that the first pipette unit 900 dispenses a sample aspirated from the sample container 210 to each of the first tubes 465 of the first tube container 460 positioned at the sixth positioning stage 470. To implement such a device, the sixth positioning stage 470 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the sixth standby stage 475 may also function in the same manner as each of the sixth positioning stage 470 and the seventh positioning stage 480.

[0119] In addition, in order for one first tube 465 of the first tube container 460, which is moved from the sixth positioning stage 470 to the seventh positioning stage 480 by the second gripping unit 820, to be transferred to the processing module 100, the first tube container 460 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the seventh positioning stage 480. To implement such a device, the seventh positioning stage 480 may include at least one position adjusting member.

[0120] Further, the first tube container 460 positioned at the seventh positioning stage 480 may be moved to the eighth transfer stage 545, and the first tube container 460 moved to the eighth transfer stage 545 may be positioned on a portion, which is adjacent to the seventh positioning stage 480, of the eighth transfer stage 545, and the first tube container 460 moved to the eighth transfer stage 545 may be moved through the eighth transfer device 745.

[0121] The tube decapping / capping unit 485 may be positioned adjacent to the seventh transfer stage 540, and the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may be opposite to the second connection stage 575. The tube decapping / capping unit 485 may decap or cap a cap of the first tube 465 of the first tube container 460 provided from the second consumable supplying device 450. For example, the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may simultaneously decap or cap the caps of two first tubes 465 included in the first tube container 460. The tube decapping / capping unit 485 may include two cap gripping members, and the two cap gripping members may simultaneously grip each of the caps.

[0122] The tube decapping / capping unit 485 may be movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 so as to avoid physical collision with the seventh transfer device 740. For example, to decap the cap of the first tube 465 positioned at the sixth standby stage 475, the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may move in the first direction D1, and after decapping the cap, the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may move in the second direction D2. Here, the cap gripping members may be movable to a first position facing the sixth standby stage 475 and a second position facing the seventh positioning stage 480. The cap gripping members may grip two decapped caps at the first position, and the two cap gripping members may move to the second position. In addition, to cap the caps to the two first tubes 465 positioned at the seventh positioning stage 480, the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may move in the first direction D1, and after capping the caps, the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may move in the second direction D2. Here, the two cap gripping members may release the decapped caps at the second position, and after releasing the decapped caps, the two cap gripping members may move to the first position. That is, the sixth standby stage 475 may function as a place where the first tube container 460 stays so that the cap of the first tube 465 is decapped, and the seventh positioning stage 480 may function as a place where the first tube container 460 stays so that the cap of the first tube 465 is capped. Alternatively, when a position of the tube decapping / capping unit 485 does not affect a movement path of the seventh transfer device 740, the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may be fixed at a position adjacent to the seventh transfer stage 540.

[0123] The first pipette unit 900 may be positioned at the third positioning stage 440, the fourth positioning stage 370, the first tip waste container 850, the fifth positioning stage 220, and the sixth positioning stage 470, and the first pipette unit 900 may transfer a portion of a sample from the sample container 210 supplied from the sample supplying device 200 to the first tube 465 of the first tube container 460 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 450. In exemplary embodiments, the first pipette unit 900 may be horizontally movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and a movement path 910 of the first pipette unit 900 may be overlapped with the first tip waste container 850 and the third to sixth positioning stages 440, 370, 850, 220, and 470. In other words, the first pipette unit 900 may be movable only on the first tip waste container 850 and the third to sixth positioning stages 440, 370, 850, 220, and 470, without moving in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the first pipette unit 900 may be movable only in the supplying part 10, and the first pipette unit 900 may have the bi-directional movement path 910.

[0124] For example, the first pipette unit 900 may be connected to the tip included in a tip container 420 positioned at the third positioning stage 440, and depending on the type of samples, the first pipette unit 900 may selectively transfer the second reagent contained in the second reagent container 360 positioned at the fourth positioning stage 370 to the sample container 210 positioned at the fifth positioning stage 220 or to the first tube 465 of the first tube container 460 positioned at the sixth positioning stage 470. In addition, after the tip is connected to the first pipette unit 900, the used tip may be released to the first tip waste container 850, and the first pipette unit 900 may be connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the third positioning stage 440. Further, the first pipette unit 900 may aspirate a portion of a sample from the sample container 210 positioned at the fifth positioning stage 220, and the first pipette unit 900 may transfer the aspirated sample to the first tube 465 included in the first tube container 460 positioned at the sixth positioning stage 470. Here, in a step of connecting the tip and in a step of aspirating and dispensing the second reagent and the sample, the first pipette unit 900 may move in the fifth direction D5 and in a direction opposite to the fifth direction D5. Meanwhile, the first tube 465 containing a portion of the sample is defined as a sample tube, and the sample tube may be transferred to the processing module 100 through the second gripping unit 820.

[0125] In exemplary embodiments, after the second reagent is dispensed into the sample container 210 or the first tube 465, the first pipette unit 900 may repeatedly perform an aspiration and dispensing steps so that the second reagent and the sample are mixed.

[0126] In other exemplary embodiments, a mixing member for mixing the second reagent and the sample and a stick member for swabbing or suspending the sample may be further added to the first pipette unit 900.

[0127] The first tip waste container 850 may be positioned between the first consumable supplying device 410 and the sample supplying device 200. In other words, the first tip waste container 850 may be positioned between the fourth transfer stage 525 and the sample decapping / capping unit 250, and may be overlapped with the movement path 910 of the first pipette unit 900. As described above, after a tip connected to the first pipette unit 900 is used, the tip may be released to the first tip waste container 850.

[0128] In exemplary embodiments, the fourth positioning stage 370 may be spaced apart from the third positioning stage 440 in the first direction D1, and the fifth positioning stage 220 may be spaced apart from the fourth positioning stage 370 in the first direction D1. In addition, the sixth positioning stage 470 may be spaced apart from the fifth positioning stage 220 in the first direction D1, and the first tip waste container 850 may be positioned between the fourth positioning stage 370 and the fifth positioning stage 220. In addition, the third positioning stage 440, the fourth positioning stage 370, the first tip waste container 850, the fifth positioning stage 220, and the sixth positioning stage 470 may be aligned in the first direction D1.

[0129] In exemplary embodiments, depending on the type of samples, the second reagent supplied from the second reagent supplying device 350 may be selectively transferred to the sample container 210 supplied from the sample supplying device 200 through the first pipette unit 900. In other words, a step of dispensing the second reagent into the sample container 210 may be required depending on the type of samples, or the second reagent may not be dispensed into the sample container 210 depending on the type of samples. For example, when a viscosity of a sample (e.g., semen, saliva, respiratory RP sputum, TB sputum, etc.) contained in the sample container 210 is relatively high, the viscosity of the sample may be relatively reduced after the second reagent is mixed with the sample in the sample container 210, and the first pipette unit 900 may transfer a portion of the sample mixed with the second reagent to the first tube 465 of the first tube container 460 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 450.

[0130] In other exemplary embodiments, when a type-B tip having a relatively large diameter is connected to the first pipette unit 900, the first pipette unit 900 may transfer a portion of the sample to the first tube 465 of the first tube container 460 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 450 even if the viscosity of the sample is relatively high. Here, a first tube 465, in which the second reagent is pre-filled, may be used, and the second reagent and a portion of the sample may be mixed in the first tube 465. In this case, the supplying unit 10 may not include the second reagent supplying device 350. Alternatively, without including the second reagent supplying device 350 in the supplying unit 10, the second reagent container 360 containing the second reagent may be additionally included in the first reagent supplying device 310 so that the second reagent container 360 is provided to the preliminary stage 630 of the processing preparation station 600. In this case, the second reagent and the sample may be mixed in the processing part 20, and the supplying unit 10 may not include the second reagent supplying device 350.

[0131] In exemplary embodiments, depending on the type of samples, the second reagent supplied from the second reagent supplying device 350 may be selectively transferred to the first tube 465 of the first tube container 460 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 450 through the first pipette unit 900. In other words, a step of dispensing the second reagent into the first tube 465 may be required depending on the type of samples, or the second reagent may not be dispensed into the first tube 465 depending on the type of samples. For example, when the sample is FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded), after moving the sample to the first tube 465, the second reagent may be moved to the first tube 465 so that the sample and the reagent are mixed in the first tube 465.

[0132] In other exemplary embodiments, the first tube 465, in which the second reagent is pre-filled, may be used, and the second reagent and the sample (i.e., FFPE) may be mixed in the first tube 465. In such a case, the supplying unit 10 may not include the second reagent supplying device 350.

[0133] In exemplary embodiments, when the sample is raw stool, after dispensing the second reagent into the first tube 465, a portion of the sample may be swabbed or suspended and moved to the first tube 465, and the portion of the sample and the second reagent may be mixed in the first tube 465.

[0134] In other exemplary embodiments, when a type-B tip having a relatively large diameter is connected to the first pipette unit 900, the first pipette unit 900 may transfer a portion of the sample to the first tube 465 of the first tube container 460 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 450 even when the sample is solid. The first tube 465, in which the second reagent is pre-filled, may be used, and the second reagent and the portion of the sample may be mixed in the first tube 465. In this case, the supplying unit 10 may not include the second reagent supplying device 350.

[0135] The first reagent supplying device 310 may be positioned at a fifth section of the supplying unit 10, and the ninth transfer device 750, the tenth transfer device 755, the ninth transfer stage 550, the tenth transfer stage 555, the second standby stage 335, and the second positioning stage 330 may be spaced apart in the fourth direction D4 from the first reagent supplying device 310.

[0136] The first reagent supplying device 310 may store first reagent containers 320 each containing a first reagent, and the first reagent supplying device 310 may supply the first reagent container 320 to the ninth transfer stage 550. In exemplary embodiments, the first reagent supplying device 310 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the first reagent. For example, the type of the first reagents supplied from the first reagent supplying device 310 may be at least two, and the type of the first reagents provided from the first reagent supplying device 310 may be determined depending on the type of samples.

[0137] The ninth transfer device 750 and the second transfer device 715 may be positioned on both lateral portions of the ninth transfer stage 550 and the tenth transfer stage 555. The ninth transfer device 750 may be positioned adjacent to the ninth transfer stage 550, and the ninth transfer device 750 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the ninth transfer device 750 may have the bi-directional movement path. In addition, the ninth transfer device 750 may grip the first reagent container 320 supplied from the first reagent supplying device 310 and transfer the first reagent container 320 on the ninth transfer stage 550, and the ninth transfer device 750 may place the first reagent container 320, which is moved on the ninth transfer stage 550, at a predetermined portion of the ninth transfer stage 550 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the second standby stage 335).

[0138] The tenth transfer device 755 may be positioned adjacent to the tenth transfer stage 555, and the tenth transfer device 755 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the tenth transfer device 755 may have the bi-directional movement path. In addition, the tenth transfer device 755 may grip an empty first reagent container 320, in which the first reagent is all used, and transfer the empty first reagent container 320 on the tenth transfer stage 555. Further, the first reagent containers 320 may include a first reagent container 320 containing type-A first reagent and a first reagent container 320 containing type-B first reagent, and to move the first reagent container 320 containing type-B first reagent from the second standby stage 335 to the second positioning stage 330, the tenth transfer device 755 may grip a first reagent container 320 containing type-A first reagent positioned at the second positioning stage 330 (e.g., a first reagent container 320 in which a portion of the type-A first reagent remains) and transfer the first reagent container 320 on the tenth transfer stage 555. The first reagent container 320, in which a portion of the type-A first reagent remains, may be stored in the first reagent supplying device 310, and the first reagent container 320, in which the portion of the type-A first reagent remains, may be reused. In exemplary embodiments, the first reagent supplying device 310 may include a cover member sealing an upper portion of the first reagent container 320, in which the portion of the type-A first reagent remains, and the first reagent container 320, in which the portion of the type-A first reagent remains, may be stored in the first reagent supplying device 310 while sealed by the cover member.

[0139] The ninth transfer stage 550 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the first reagent supplying device 310, and the tenth transfer stage 555 may extend in a fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the first reagent supplying device 310 may correspond to a section where the first reagent container 320 is supplied to the ninth transfer stage 550. For example, the first reagent supplying device 310 may provide the first reagent container 320 to a portion, which is adjacent to the first section of the first reagent supplying device 310, of the ninth transfer stage 550. In this case, the first reagent container 320 may be transferred from the first reagent supplying device 310 to the ninth transfer stage 550 by using a transfer unit included in the first reagent supplying device 310 or by using the ninth transfer device 750. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the ninth transfer device 750 places the first reagent container 320 at a predetermined portion of the ninth transfer stage 550, the ninth transfer stage 550 may transfer the first reagent container 320 to the second standby stage 335. Here, the fourth standby stage 375 may function as a place where the first reagent container 320 stays so that the first reagent container 320 may be relatively quickly provided to the second positioning stage 330.

[0140] The tenth transfer stage 555 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the first reagent supplying device 310, and the tenth transfer stage 555 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the tenth transfer stage 555 may extend substantially in parallel with the ninth transfer stage 550. Here, the second section of the first reagent supplying device 310 may correspond to a section where an empty first reagent container 320 is stored in the first reagent supplying device 310, and the second section of the first reagent supplying device 310 may correspond to a section where the first reagent container 320, in which a portion of a type-A first reagent remains, is stored in the first reagent supplying device 310. For example, the empty first reagent container 320 or the first reagent container 320 where the portion of the type-A first reagent remains, which is positioned on a portion adjacent to the second section of the first reagent supplying device 310 of the tenth transfer stage 555, may be received in the first reagent supplying device 310. In this case, the empty first reagent container 320 or the first reagent container 320, in which the portion of the type-A first reagent remains, may be transferred from the tenth transfer stage 555 to the first reagent supplying device 310 by using a transfer unit included in the first reagent supplying device 310 or by using the tenth transfer device 755.

[0141] In exemplary embodiments, the second positioning stage 330 and the second standby stage 335 may be positioned on the tenth transfer stage 555. The tenth transfer stage 555 may transfer the first reagent container 320, which is moved from the ninth transfer stage 550 to the second standby stage 335, to the second positioning stage 330, and the first reagent container 320, which is moved to the second positioning stage 330, may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one first reagent container 320 of the first reagent containers 320 supplied from the first reagent supplying device 310 may be positioned at the second positioning stage 330, and the first reagent container 320 should always be positioned at the predetermined position so that the first gripping unit 800 grips the first reagent container 320 positioned at the second positioning stage 330. To implement such a device, the second positioning stage 330 may include at least one position adjusting member.

[0142] Alternatively, the supplying unit 10 may further include a waste container positioned adjacent to the tenth transfer stage 555, and the empty first reagent container 320 may be released to the waste container through the tenth transfer device 755.

[0143] However, in the present invention, although it has been described that two transfer stages are disposed in the supplying unit 10 to transfer the first reagent container 320, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, two transfer stages and one connection stage may be disposed to transfer the first reagent container 320.

[0144] In addition, although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to the first reagent supplying device 310, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device for transferring the first reagent container 320 may correspond to the first reagent supplying device 310, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0145] The third consumable supplying device 490 may be positioned at a sixth section of the supplying unit 10, and the eleventh transfer device 760, the twelfth transfer device 765, the eleventh transfer stage 560, the twelfth transfer stage 565, the seventh standby stage 507, and the eighth positioning stage 505 may be spaced apart from the third consumable supplying device 490 in the fourth direction D4.

[0146] The third consumable supplying device 490 may store second tube containers 495 each including at least two second tubes 500, and the third consumable supplying device 490 may supply the second tube container 495 to the eleventh transfer stage 560. Here, the second tubes 500 may have the same shape.

[0147] The eleventh transfer device 760 and the twelfth transfer device 765 may be positioned at both lateral portions of the eleventh transfer stage 560 and the twelfth transfer stage 565. The eleventh transfer device 760 may be positioned adjacent to the eleventh transfer stage 560, and the eleventh transfer device 760 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the eleventh transfer device 760 may have the bi-directional movement path. In addition, the eleventh transfer device 760 may grip the second tube container 495 supplied from the third consumable supplying device 490 and may transfer the second tube container 495 on the eleventh transfer stage 560, and the eleventh transfer device 760 may place the second tube container 495, which is moved on the eleventh transfer stage 560, at a predetermined portion of the eleventh transfer stage 560 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the seventh standby stage 507).

[0148] The twelfth transfer device 765 may be positioned adjacent to the twelfth transfer stage 565, and the twelfth transfer device 765 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the twelfth transfer device 765 may have the bi-directional movement path. In addition, the twelfth transfer device 765 may grip an empty second tube container 495 not including the second tube 500 and may transfer the empty second tube container 495 on the twelfth transfer stage 565.

[0149] However, although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to the third consumable supplying device 490, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device for transferring the second tube container 495 may correspond to the third consumable supplying device 490, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0150] The eleventh transfer stage 560 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the third consumable supplying device 490, and the eleventh transfer stage 560 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the third consumable supplying device 490 may correspond to a section where the second tube container 495 is supplied to the eleventh transfer stage 560. For example, the third consumable supplying device 490 may provide the second tube container 495 to a portion, which is adjacent to the first section of the third consumable supplying device 490, of the eleventh transfer stage 560. In this case, the second tube container 495 may be transferred from the third consumable supplying device 490 to the eleventh transfer stage 560 by using a transfer unit included in the third consumable supplying device 490 or by using the eleventh transfer device 760. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the eleventh transfer device 760 places the second tube container 495 at the predetermined portion of the eleventh transfer stage 560, the eleventh transfer stage 560 may transfer the second tube container 495 to the seventh standby stage 507. Here, the seventh standby stage 507 may function as a place where the second tube container 495 stays so that the second tube container 495 is relatively quickly provided to the eighth positioning stage 505.

[0151] The twelfth transfer stage 565 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the third consumable supplying device 490, and the twelfth transfer stage 565 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the twelfth transfer stage 565 may extend substantially parallel to the eleventh transfer stage 560. Here, the second section of the third consumable supplying device 490 may correspond to a section where the empty second tube container 495 without the second tube 500 is stored in the third consumable supplying device 490. For example, the empty second tube container 495 positioned on a portion, which is adjacent to the second section of the third consumable supplying device 490, of the twelfth transfer stage 565 may be received in the third consumable supplying device 490. In this case, the empty second tube container 495 may be transferred from the twelfth transfer stage 565 to the third consumable supplying device 490 by using a transfer unit included in the third consumable supplying device 490 or by using the twelfth transfer device 765.

[0152] However, although the supplying part 10 of the present invention has been described as including six supplying devices (e.g., the sample supplying device 200, the first reagent supplying device 310, the second reagent supplying device 350, the first consumable supplying device 410, the second consumable supplying device 450, and the third consumable supplying device 490), the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the sample supplying device 200, the first reagent supplying device 310, the second reagent supplying device 350, the first consumable supplying device 410, the second consumable supplying device 450, and the third consumable supplying device 490 may be implemented as one supplying device.

[0153] The processing preparation station 600 may be positioned at a first section of the processing part 20, and the processing module 100, the final stage 970, and the decapping / capping unit 960 may be spaced apart from the processing preparation station 600 in the fourth direction D4.

[0154] The processing preparation station 600 may include a first stage 610, at which the tip container 420 is positioned, and a second stage 620, at which the first reagent container 320 is selectively positioned. For example, the tip container 420 positioned at the first positioning stage 430 may be positioned at the first stage 610 through the first gripping unit 800, and the first reagent container 320 positioned at the second positioning stage 330 may be positioned at the second stage 620 through the first gripping unit 800. In addition, the processing preparation station 600 may further include a preliminary stage 630, and the first reagent container 320 containing the type-A first reagent or the first reagent container 320 containing the type-B first reagent may be positioned at the preliminary stage 630 depending on the type of samples. The first reagent container 320 containing the type-A first reagent or the first reagent container 320 containing the type-B first reagent, which is positioned at the second positioning stage 330, may be positioned at the preliminary stage 630 through the first gripping unit 800. In exemplary embodiments, the tip container 420 and the first reagent container 320 positioned at the processing preparation station 600 may be used only in the processing part 20.

[0155] The first gripping unit 800 may be movable in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 in the supplying unit 10 and the processing part 20. As described above, the first gripping unit 800 may grip one tip container 420 positioned at the first positioning stage 430 and may transfer the one tip container 420 to the first stage 610 of the processing preparation station 600, and the first gripping unit 800 may grip one first reagent container 320 positioned at the second positioning stage 330 and may transfer the one first reagent container 320 to the second stage 620 of the processing preparation station 600. That is, the first gripping unit 800 may transfer only the tip container 420 positioned at the first positioning stage 430 and the first reagent container 320 positioned at the second positioning stage 330 to the processing preparation station 600, and may have a bi-directional movement path 810.

[0156] In exemplary embodiments, the second positioning stage 330 may be spaced apart from the first positioning stage 430 in the first direction D1, and the first stage 610 may be spaced apart from the second positioning stage 330 in the first direction D1. In addition, the second stage 620 may be spaced apart from the first stage 610 in the first direction D1, and the preliminary stage 630 may be spaced apart from the second stage 620 in the first direction D1. Further, the first positioning stage 430, the second positioning stage 330, the first stage 610, the second stage 620, and the preliminary stage 630 may be aligned in the first direction D1.

[0157] The processing module 100 may be positioned at a second section of the processing part 20, and may include at least two processing units. In exemplary embodiments, the processing module 100 may include five processing units (e.g., first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150), and at least one processing unit of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may have at least two functions selected from a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. Here, the vortex function may be used for rapidly mixing a sample, and the centrifugation function may be used for separating materials having different densities in the sample by centrifugal force. In addition, the spin-down function may be used for quickly sedimenting particles in the sample by centrifugal force, and the heating function may be used for heating the sample.

[0158] In the centrifugation function (or a high-speed centrifuge function), while a high-speed motor rotates, a sample container may rotate so that a centrifugal force is applied to a sample contained in the sample container, and the sample may be separated into a supernatant and a pellet by the centrifugal force. For example, a relatively heavy substance among the substances contained in the sample may be included in the pellet, and a relatively light substance among the substances contained in the sample may be included in the supernatant. Here, the centrifugal force may be determined depending on the type of substances included in the pellet, revolutions per minute of the high-speed motor may be approximately 20,000 rpm or more, and the centrifugal force may be approximately 20,000 g or more.

[0159] In the spin-down function (or a low-speed centrifuge function), while a small motor rotates, a sample container may rotate so that a relatively small centrifugal force is applied to a sample contained in the sample container, and the sample may be collected at a bottom of the container by the centrifugal force. Revolutions per minute of the small motor may be approximately 4,000 rpm, and the centrifugal force may be approximately 2,000 g.

[0160] In the vortex function, while an electric motor (e.g., an eccentric motor) performs a circular orbital motion, a vortex may be generated in a sample (or a sample and a reagent) contained in a sample container in a state where a pad connected to the electric motor is in contact with the sample container (e.g., a lower surface of the sample container), and the sample contained in the sample container may be mixed through the vortex. For example, a pellet may be formed at a lower end of the sample container through the centrifugation function, and the vortex function may be performed to disperse the pellet. Here, revolutions per minute of the eccentric motor may be determined depending on a degree of cohesion of the pellet, and the revolutions per minute may be in a range from approximately 200 rpm to approximately 3,200 rpm.

[0161] In the heating function, a heating block may surround the sample container, and the heating block may be heated up to approximately 120°C. A sample contained in a sample container may be heated by the heating block. For example, the sample may be heated to approximately 100 °C by the heating block.

[0162] For example, the at least one processing unit may have the vortex and heating functions, the heating and spin-down functions, the vortex and spin-down functions, the centrifugation and spin-down functions, the centrifugation and vortex functions, the vortex, spin-down, and heating functions, the centrifugation, spin-down, and heating functions, or the vortex, spin-down, and heating functions. Alternatively, the at least one processing unit may have at least two functions among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, the heating function, a sonicating function, a cooling function, and a grinding function. In addition, the vortex and heating functions may be simultaneously performed.

[0163] In exemplary embodiments, when the processing unit includes the vortex and heating functions, the processing unit may include the eccentric motor, the pad connected to the eccentric motor, the heating block that is in contact with the pad, and a support member pressing an upper surface of a sample container. Here, a side surface of the sample container may be heated by the heating block, and the support member may press the upper surface of the sample container while the vortex function with respect to the sample container is performed, so that a vortex may be easily generated in the sample contained in the sample container. Alternatively, when the processing unit is required to perform the heating function with respect to the sample container after performing the vortex function with respect to the sample container, the processing unit may simultaneously perform the vortex function and the heating function so that a time where the heating function is performed is relatively shortened.

[0164] In exemplary embodiments, the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may be sequentially arranged in the first direction D1, and the arranged processing units may be rearrangeable and replaceable. For example, each of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may be manufactured as a modular unit, and may be easily installed in or easily removed from the processing part 20. Here, when one processing unit of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 malfunctions, the malfunctioning processing unit may be easily removed, and a new processing unit may be easily installed. Further, the processing module 100 may perform a predetermined pre-analytic process for a sample stored in the sample tube, and the processing module 100 may pretreat a single sample in each run of the predetermined pre-analytic process.

[0165] At least two functions selected from the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function in the one processing unit may be performed in a one run (or single run). For example, different pre-analytic processes (e.g., a plurality pre-analytic processes) may be performed depending on the type of samples in the processing part 20, and one predetermined pre-analytic process among the multiple pre-analytic processes may be performed in the one run.

[0166] However, although the processing module 100 of the present invention has been described as including five processing units, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the processing module 100 may include at least two processing units.

[0167] The final stage 970 may be positioned adjacent to the processing module 100. For example, the final stage 970 may be adjacent to the fifth processing unit 150. A sample tube, in which a pretreated sample is stored, or the second tube 500, in which a pretreated sample is stored, may be positioned in the final stage 970. The sample tube, in which the pretreated sample is stored, or the second tube 500, in which the pretreated sample is stored, may be transferred to the final stage 970 through the second gripping unit 820.

[0168] The second gripping unit 820 may be horizontally movable in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20. The second gripping unit 820 may grip the sample tube positioned in the seventh positioning stage 480 and transfer the sample tube to one processing unit of the processing module 100, and the second gripping unit 820 may selectively transfer the second tube 500 positioned in the eighth positioning stage 505 to one processing unit of the processing module 100. That is, the second gripping unit 820 may transfer only the sample tube positioned in the seventh positioning stage 480 and the second tube 500 positioned in the eighth positioning stage 505 from the supplying part 10 to the processing module 100, and may have a bi-directional movement path 830. In addition, the movement path 830 of the second gripping unit 820 may not intersect with the movement path 910 of the first pipette unit 900.

[0169] Meanwhile, the sample tube positioned in the supplying part 10 may be transferred to a first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the sample tube positioned in the first processing unit 110 may be transferred to the second, third, fourth, or fifth processing unit 120, 130, 140, and 150 along the first direction D1 by the second gripping unit 820. In other words, the sample tube may be transferred by the second gripping unit 820 in the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150.

[0170] In exemplary embodiments, the eighth positioning stage 505 may be positioned spaced apart from the seventh positioning stage 480 in the first direction D1, and the seventh positioning stage 480, the eighth positioning stage 505, and the at least two processing units (e.g., the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150) may be aligned in the first direction D1.

[0171] In exemplary embodiments, moving rails connected to each of the first to twelfth transfer devices 710, 715, 720, 725, 730, 735, 740, 745, 750, 755, 760, and 765 may be fixed to a lower surface of the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may be fixed to a lower surface (e.g., floor surface) of the modular pre-analytic system 1000 so that each of the first to twelfth transfer devices may be movable in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4, and moving rails connected to each of the first gripping unit 800 and the second gripping unit 820 may be fixed to an upper surface (e.g., ceiling surface) of the modular pre-analytic system 1000 so that each of the first gripping unit 800 and the second gripping unit 820 may be movable in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. In other words, the first to twelfth transfer devices and the first and second gripping units 800 and 820 may not physically collide with each other.

[0172] The decapping / capping unit 960 may be positioned adjacent to the processing module 100, and the decapping / capping unit 960 may be opposite to the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150. The decapping / capping unit 960 may decap or cap a cap of the sample tube or the second tube 500 provided to the processing module 100. For example, the decapping / capping unit 960 may include five cap gripping members so as to correspond to the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150.

[0173] The decapping / capping unit 960 may be movable in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 so as to avoid physical collision with the second gripping unit 820 and the second pipette unit 920. For example, in order to decap a cap of each of the sample tube or the second tube 500 positioned in the processing module 100, the decapping / capping unit 960 may move in the third direction D3, and after decapping the cap, the decapping / capping unit 960 may move in the fourth direction D4. In addition, in order to cap the cap, the decapping / capping unit 960 may move in the third direction D3, and after capping the cap, the decapping / capping unit 960 may move in the fourth direction D4. Alternatively, when a position of the decapping / capping unit 960 does not affect a movement path of each of the second gripping unit 820 and the second pipette unit 920, the decapping / capping unit 960 may be fixed to a position adjacent to the processing module 100.

[0174] The second pipette unit 920 may be positioned on the processing preparation station 600, the second tip waste container 940, the liquid waste container 950, the processing module 100, the final stage 970, and the decapping / capping unit 960, and the second pipette unit 920 may transfer liquid (e.g., reagent, supernatant, pellet, etc.) in the processing part 20. In exemplary embodiments, the second pipette unit 920 may be horizontally and vertically movable in the first to fourth directions D1, D2, D3, and D4 in the processing part 20 (e.g., on the processing preparation station 600 and the processing module 100), and movement paths 930a and 930b of the second pipette unit 920 may be overlapped with the processing preparation station 600, the second tip waste container 940, the liquid waste container 950, and the processing module 100. In other words, the second pipette unit 920 may be movable only in the processing part 20, and may be movable in all directions on a plane. That is, the second pipette unit 920 does not move to the supplying part 10.

[0175] For example, the second pipette unit 920 may be connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned in the first stage 610 of the processing preparation station 600, and depending on the type of samples, the second pipette unit 920 may selectively transfer the first reagent included in a first reagent container 320 positioned in the second stage 620 of the processing preparation station 600 to the sample tube or the second tube 500 positioned in the processing module 100. In addition, the second pipette unit 920 may aspirate a supernatant generated from the sample tube positioned in the processing module 100, and may transfer the supernatant to the second tube 500 positioned in the processing module 100. In addition, after the tip is connected to the second pipette unit 920, a used tip may be released to the second tip waste container 940, and the second pipette unit 920 may be connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned in the first stage 610. Further, while a predetermined pre-analytic process is performed in the processing module 100, the second pipette unit 920 may aspirate unnecessary liquid generated from the sample tube positioned in the processing module 100, and may transfer the unnecessary liquid to the liquid waste container 950. Here, in a step of connecting the tip, and a step of aspirating and releasing the first reagent, the supernatant, the pellet, the unnecessary liquid, etc., the second pipette unit 920 may move in a fifth direction D5 and in a direction opposite to the fifth direction D5.

[0176] The second tip waste container 940 and the liquid waste container 950 may be positioned adjacent to the processing preparation station 600 and the processing module 100. In other words, each of the second tip waste container 940 and the liquid waste container 950 may be overlapped with the movement paths 930a and 930b of the second pipette unit 920. As described above, after a tip connected to the second pipette unit 920 is used, the tip may be released to the second tip waste container 940, and the unnecessary liquid generated from the sample tube may be released to the liquid waste container 950.

[0177] The processing unit 20 may further include an expandable portion 50 capable of accommodating an additional processing module that is the same as or different from the processing module 100. For example, the processing unit 20 may further include an additional processing preparation station positioned in the expandable portion 50, an additional second pipette unit movable on the additional processing module and the additional processing preparation station of the expandable portion 50, and an additional decapping / capping unit positioned adjacent to the additional processing module in the expandable portion 50. In this case, the supplying unit 10 may further include an additional first pipette unit positioned corresponding to the expandable portion 50, and the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may further include an additional first gripping unit movable adjacent to the additional processing preparation station in the expandable portion 50 and an additional second gripping unit movable adjacent to the additional processing module in the expandable portion 50.

[0178] The controller 990 may control operations of each of the sample supplying device 200, the first reagent supplying device 310, the second reagent supplying device 350, the first consumable supplying device 410, the second consumable supplying device 450, the third consumable supplying device 490, the first pipette unit 900, the transfer stage 590, the transfer device 700, the processing module 100, the stage 190, the sample decapping / capping unit 250, the tube decapping / capping unit 485, the processing preparation station 600, the second pipette unit 920, the first gripping unit 800, the second gripping unit 820, and the decapping / capping unit 960.

[0179] In exemplary embodiments, the controller 990 may operate at least two processing units so that the processing module 100 performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module 100. In addition, the controller 990 may control the at least two processing units (or optimize the function of each of the processing units) so that a function of one processing unit among the at least two processing units is changed in one run of the predetermined pre-analytic process depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for the type of the samples.

[0180] In other exemplary embodiments, when the modular pre-analytic system 1000 does not include the second reagent supplying device 350 and the second consumable supplying device 450 supplies first tube 465 where the second reagent is pre-filled and the empty first tube 465, the controller 990 may control the second consumable supplying device 450 so that the second consumable supplying device 450 selectively supplies the first tube 465 where the second reagent is pre-filled or the empty first tube 465 depending on the type of the samples.

[0181] The controller 990 may include at least one processor and at least one memory. For example, the processor may include a CPU (central processing unit), an MPU (microprocessor unit), a GPU (graphics processing unit), an APU (accelerated processing unit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), a CP (control processor), an AP (application processor), an SoC (system on chip), and an IC (integrated circuit). In addition, the memory may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (static random access memory) and D-RAM (dynamic random access memory), and non-volatile memory such as ROM (read only memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory), and EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). The processor and the memory may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. Further, the processor may process various data and various signals by using instructions, programs, and / or software stored in the memory.

[0182] The modular pre-analytic system 1000 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may perform pre-analytic processes for various samples, and all steps of the pre-analytic processes may be automatically performed. Accordingly, the pre-analytic process for samples such as the stool do not need to be manually performed by a person, and efficiency of molecular diagnostic tests may be increased as the pre-analytic process are automated.

[0183] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 are plan views for describing a pre-analytic processes performed in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1. For example, FIG. 5 is a plan view for describing a first pre-analytic process, and FIG. 6 is a plan view for describing a second pre-analytic process. FIG. 7 is a plan view for describing a third pre-analytic process, and FIG. 8 is a plan view for describing a fourth pre-analytic process.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, each of processing units included in the processing module 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 may have all of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function. In addition, for continuous loading of sample tubes, the sample tube in the processing module 100 may be moved in the first direction D1. In other words, after the sample tube is moved to the second processing unit 120, the sample tube is not moved to the first processing unit 110. Meanwhile, in the first to fourth pre-analytic processes, description of decapping and capping of cap of the tube through the decapping / capping unit 960 will be omitted.

[0185] Referring again to FIG. 5, the processing module 100 may perform the first pre-analytic process, and the first pre-analytic process may be run n times in the processing module 100, where n is an integer of 2 or more. For example, in the first pre-analytic process, a sample such as tuberculosis sputum may be pretreated. In addition, the first pre-analytic process may include a step of removing a supernatant generated in a sample tube, and the first pre-analytic process may be performed in an order of vortex, incubation, centrifugation, the removal of the supernatant, vortex, heating, and spin-down.

[0186] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, a first sample tube 981 may be provided to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the first sample tube 981 may contain a sample such as the tuberculosis sputum. The processing module 100 may perform the first pre-analytic process with respect to the first sample tube 981, and a case, where the sample contained in the first sample tube 981 is pretreated, is defined as a first run. For example, with respect to the first sample tube 981, the first processing unit 110 may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute.

[0187] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, after the first processing unit 110 performs the vortex function, the second gripping unit 820 may transfer the first sample tube 981 to the second processing unit 120, and the first sample tube 981 positioned in the second processing unit 120 may be incubated at room temperature for approximately fifteen minutes. Alternatively, with respect to the first sample tube 981, the second processing unit 120 may perform the heating function at a relatively low temperature for approximately fifteen minutes. After the first sample tube 981 is incubated in the second processing unit 120, the second processing unit 120 may perform the centrifugation function with respect to the first sample tube 981, and after the second processing unit 120 performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the first sample tube 981 positioned in the second processing unit 120 may be removed through the second pipette unit 920. Alternatively, after the supernatant is removed, the first reagent may be added to the first sample tube 981 through the second pipette unit 920. Thereafter, the second processing unit 120 may perform the vortex function with respect to the first sample tube 981. In addition, after the second processing unit 120 performs the vortex function for approximately one minute, the second processing unit 120 may perform the heating function with respect to the first sample tube 981 at approximately 100°C for five minutes, and after the second processing unit 120 performs the heating function, the second processing unit 120 may perform the spin-down function with respect to the first sample tube 981.

[0188] At the same time, the second gripping unit 820 may provide a second sample tube 982 to the first processing unit 110, and the second sample tube 982 may contain a sample such as the tuberculosis sputum. Here, the sample contained in the second sample tube 982 may be different from the sample contained in the first sample tube 981. In other words, the second sample tube 982 and the first sample tube 981 may contain tuberculosis sputum from different persons. The processing module 100 may perform the first pre-analytic process with respect to the second sample tube 982, and a case, where the sample contained in the second sample tube 982 is pretreated, is defined as a second run. In exemplary embodiments, with respect to the second sample tube 982, the first processing unit 110 may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute.

[0189] After the first processing unit 110 performs the vortex function, the second sample tube 982 positioned in the first processing unit 110 may be incubated at room temperature for approximately fifteen minutes. Alternatively, with respect to the second sample tube 982, the first processing unit 110 may perform the heating function at a relatively low temperature for approximately fifteen minutes.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 5C, after the first pre-analytic process of the first sample tube 981 is completed, the second gripping unit 820 may transfer the first sample tube 981 to the final stage 970. After the second sample tube 982 is incubated in the first processing unit 110, the first processing unit 110 or the second processing unit 120 may perform the centrifugation function, the vortex function, the heating function, and the spin-down function with respect to the second sample tube 982. For example, after the first sample tube 981 is moved to the final stage 970, the second sample tube 982 may be moved to the second processing unit 120, and the functions other than the functions performed in the first processing unit 110 among the centrifugation function, the vortex function, the heating function, and the spin-down function may be performed in the second processing unit 120.

[0191] At the same time, a third sample tube 983 may be provided to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the third sample tube 983 may contain a sample such as the tuberculosis sputum. Here, the sample contained in the third sample tube 983 may be different from the samples contained in the first and second sample tubes 981 and 982. The processing module 100 may perform the first pre-analytic process with respect to the third sample tube 983, a case, where the sample contained in the third sample tube 983 is pretreated, is defined as a third run. In exemplary embodiments, with respect to the third sample tube 983, the first processing unit 110 may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute.

[0192] In exemplary embodiments, the first run, the second run, and the third run may be simultaneously performed in the first processing unit 110, the second processing unit 120, and the final stage 970, and the continuous loading with respect to the sample tubes may be possible in the processing module 100. In addition, the first pre-analytic process may be performed with only two processing units.

[0193] As described above, with reference to the first pre-analytic process performed in the processing module 100 for each of the first sample tube 981 and the second sample tube 982, the first pre-analytic process for each of the third sample tube 983 and fourth to (n)th sample tubes may also be readily understood.

[0194] For pretreating the sample such as TB sputum, the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may be required to be installed in a BSL-3 (biosafety level 3) facility. Here, the BSL-3 facility refers to a high-security biological facility required for handling high-risk pathogens capable of an airborne transmission. Thus, in order to safely pretreat the sample such as TB sputum, the processing module 100 may be spatially separated from the outside by a housing. In this case, the housing may include a controllably openable and closable entrance.

[0195] Referring again to FIG. 6, the processing module 100 may perform the second pre-analytic process, and the second pre-analytic process may be run n times in the processing module 100, where n is an integer of 2 or more. For example, the second pre-analytic process may include a step of moving a supernatant generated in the sample tube to a second tube, and the second pre-analytic process may proceed in the order of centrifugation and the movement of the supernatant.

[0196] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a first empty tube 500a may be provided to the second processing unit 120 by the second gripping unit 820. 　The first sample tube 981 may be provided to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the processing module 100 may perform the second pre-analytic process with respect to the first sample tube 981. For example, with respect to the first sample tube 981, the first processing unit 110 may perform the centrifugation function for approximately two minutes. After the first processing unit 110 performs the centrifugation function, a supernatant generated in the first sample tube 981 may be transferred to the first empty tube 500a through the second pipette unit 920.

[0197] As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the first empty tube 500a, in which the supernatant is stored, may be transferred to a subsequent process system by the second gripping unit 820, and the first sample tube 981a, where the supernatant has been removed, may be transferred to the final stage 970 by the second gripping unit 820. The first sample tube 981a positioned at the final stage 970 may be discarded or stored in an external storage device.

[0198] A second empty tube 500b may be provided to the second processing unit 120 by the second gripping unit 820. The second sample tube 982 may be provided to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the sample contained in the first sample tube 981 may be different from the sample contained in the second sample tube 982. The processing module 100 may perform the second pre-analytic process with respect to the second sample tube 982. For example, with respect to the second sample tube 982, the first processing unit 110 may perform the centrifugation function for approximately two minutes. After the first processing unit 110 performs the centrifugation function, a supernatant generated in the second sample tube 982 may be transferred to the second empty tube 500b through the second pipette unit 920.

[0199] As illustrated in FIG. 6(c), the second empty tube 500b, in which the supernatant is stored, may be transferred to a subsequent process system by the second gripping unit 820. The first sample tube 981a positioned at the final stage 970 may be discarded or stored in an external storage device, and the second sample tube 981b, where the supernatant has been removed, may be transferred to the final stage 970 by the second gripping unit 820.

[0200] A third empty tube 500c may be provided to the second processing unit 120 by the second gripping unit 820. The third sample tube 983 may be provided to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and a sample contained in the third sample tube 983 may be different from samples contained in the first and second sample tubes 981 and 982. The processing module 100 may perform the second pre-analytic process with respect to the third sample tube 983. For example, with respect to the third sample tube 983, the first processing unit 110 may perform the centrifugation function for approximately two minutes. After the first processing unit 110 performs the centrifugation function, a supernatant generated in the third sample tube 983 may be transferred to the third empty tube 500c through the second pipette unit 920.

[0201] In exemplary embodiments, the second pre-analytic process of moving the supernatant to an empty tube may also be performed with only two processing units.

[0202] As described above, with reference to the second pre-analytic process performed in the processing module 100 for each of the first sample tube 981 and the second sample tube 982, the second pre-analytic process for each of the third sample tube 983 and fourth to (n)th sample tubes may also be readily understood.

[0203] Referring again to FIG. 7, the processing module 100 may perform the third pre-analytic process, and the third pre-analytic process may be run n times in the processing module 100, where n is an integer of 2 or more. For example, in the third pre-analytic process, a sample such as urine may be pretreated. In addition, the third pre-analytic process may include a step of removing a supernatant generated in a sample tube, and the third pre-analytic process may proceed in the order of centrifugation, the removal of the supernatant, vortex, and spin-down.

[0204] As illustrated in FIG. 7A, a first sample tube 981 may be provided to the second processing unit 120 by the second gripping unit 820, and the first sample tube 981 may contain a sample such as the urine. The processing module 100 may perform the third pre-analytic process with respect to the first sample tube 981. For example, with respect to the first sample tube 981, the second processing unit 120 may perform the centrifugation function for approximately fifteen minutes.

[0205] As illustrated in FIG. 7B, a second sample tube 982 may be provided to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the second sample tube 982 may contain a sample such as the urine. Here, the sample contained in the second sample tube 982 may be different from the sample contained in the first sample tube 981. The processing module 100 may perform the third pre-analytic process with respect to the second sample tube 982. For example, with respect to the second sample tube 982, the first processing unit 110 may perform the centrifugation function for approximately fifteen minutes.

[0206] After the second processing unit 120 performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the first sample tube 981 positioned in the second processing unit 120 may be removed through the second pipette unit 920. Alternatively, after the supernatant is removed, the first reagent may be added to the first sample tube 981 through the second pipette unit 920. Thereafter, with respect to the first sample tube 981, the second processing unit 120 may sequentially perform the vortex function and the spin-down function.

[0207] As illustrated in FIG. 7C, after the third pre-analytic process of the first sample tube 981 is finished, the second gripping unit 820 may move the first sample tube 981 to the final stage 970. After the first processing unit 110 performs the centrifugation function, the second gripping unit 820 may transfer the second sample tube 982 to the second processing unit 120. After the second sample tube 982 is moved to the second processing unit 120, the supernatant generated in the second sample tube 982 positioned in the second processing unit 120 may be removed through the second pipette unit 920. Thereafter, with respect to the second sample tube 982, the second processing unit 120 may sequentially perform the vortex function and the spin-down function.

[0208] At the same time, a third sample tube 983 may be provided to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the third sample tube 983 may contain a sample such as the urine. Here, the sample contained in the third sample tube 983 may be different from the samples contained in the first and second sample tubes 981 and 982. The processing module 100 may perform the third pre-analytic process with respect to the third sample tube 983. For example, with respect to the third sample tube 983, the first processing unit 110 may perform the centrifugation function for approximately fifteen minutes.

[0209] In exemplary embodiments, in order to enable continuous loading of the sample tubes in the processing module 100, the centrifugation with respect to the sample of the first sample tube 981 may be performed in the second processing unit 120. For example, since the centrifugation with respect to the sample may take a relatively long time, it may be performed in the second processing unit 120, and the centrifugation with respect to the sample of the second sample tube 982 may be performed in the first processing unit 110. In addition, the third pre-analytic process may be performed with only two processing units.

[0210] As described above, with reference to the third pre-analytic process performed in the processing module 100 for each of the first sample tube 981 and the second sample tube 982, the third pre-analytic process for each of the third sample tube 983 and fourth to (n)th sample tubes may also be readily understood.

[0211] Referring again to FIG. 8, the processing module 100 may perform the fourth pre-analytic process, and the fourth pre-analytic process may be run n times in the processing module 100, where n is an integer of 2 or more. For example, in the fourth pre-analytic process, a sample such as raw stool may be pretreated. In addition, the fourth pre-analytic process may include a step of moving a supernatant generated in a sample tube to a second tube, and the fourth pre-analytic process may proceed in the order of vortex, incubation, centrifugation, and the movement of the supernatant.

[0212] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, a first empty tube 500a may be provided to the third processing unit 130 by the second gripping unit 820. A first sample tube 981 may be provided to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the first sample tube 981 may contain a sample such as the raw stool. The processing module 100 may perform the fourth pre-analytic process with respect to the first sample tube 981. For example, with respect to the first sample tube 981, the first processing unit 110 may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute.

[0213] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, after the first processing unit 110 performs the vortex function, the first sample tube 981 may be transferred to the second processing unit 120 by the second gripping unit 820, and the first sample tube 981 positioned in the second processing unit 120 may be incubated at room temperature for approximately ten minutes. After the first sample tube 981 is incubated in the second processing unit 120, the second processing unit 120 may perform the centrifugation function for approximately two minutes with respect to the first sample tube 981, and after the second processing unit 120 performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the first sample tube 981 may be transferred to the first empty tube 500a through the second pipette unit 920.

[0214] At the same time, a second sample tube 982 may be transferred to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the second sample tube 982 may contain a sample such as the raw stool. Here, the sample contained in the first sample tube 981 may be different from the sample contained in the second sample tube 982. The processing module 100 may perform the fourth pre-analytic process with respect to the second sample tube 982. For example, with respect to the second sample tube 982, the first processing unit 110 may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute.

[0215] As illustrated in FIG. 8C, the first empty tube 500a, in which the supernatant is stored, may be transferred to a subsequent process system through the second gripping unit 820, and the first sample tube 981a, where the supernatant is removed, may be transferred to the final stage 970 by the second gripping unit 820. The first sample tube 981a positioned in the final stage 970 may be discarded or stored in an external storage device.

[0216] A second empty tube 500b may be provided to the third processing unit 130 by the second gripping unit 820. A second sample tube 982 may be provided to the second processing unit 120 by the second gripping unit 820, and the second sample tube 982 positioned in the second processing unit 120 may be incubated at room temperature for approximately ten minutes. After the second sample tube 982 is incubated in the second processing unit 120, the second processing unit 120 may perform the centrifugation function for approximately two minutes with respect to the second sample tube 982, and after the second processing unit 120 performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the second sample tube 982 may be transferred to the second empty tube 500b through the second pipette unit 920.

[0217] At the same time, a third sample tube 983 may be provided to the first processing unit 110 by the second gripping unit 820, and the third sample tube 983 may contain a sample such as the raw stool. Here, the sample contained in the third sample tube 983 may be different from the samples contained in the first and second sample tubes 981 and 982. The processing module 100 may perform the fourth pre-analytic process with respect to the third sample tube 983. For example, with respect to the third sample tube 983, the first processing unit 110 may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute.

[0218] In exemplary embodiments, the fourth pre-analytic process of pretreating the raw stool may also be performed with only three processing units.

[0219] As described above, with reference to the fourth pre-analytic process performed in the processing module 100 for each of the first sample tube 981 and the second sample tube 982, the fourth pre-analytic process for each of the third sample tube 983 and fourth to (n)th sample tubes may also be readily understood.

[0220] FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are plan views illustrating a method of operating the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 9, the controller 990 may control the first consumable supplying device 410, the second reagent supplying device 350, the sample supplying device 200, the second consumable supplying device 450, the first reagent supplying device 310, the third consumable supplying device 490, the processing module 100, etc. so that a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes is performed for a specific sample (or certain sample) depending on the type of samples stored in a sample container.

[0222] A first sample container 210 may be provided from the sample supplying device 200 to the fifth transfer stage 530, and depending on the type of samples stored in the first sample container 210, the tip container 420 may be provided from the first consumable supplying device 410 to the first transfer stage 510. In addition, depending on the type of samples, the second reagent container 360 may be selectively provided from the second reagent supplying device 350 to the third transfer stage 520, and the first tube container 460 may be provided from the second consumable supplying device 450 to the seventh transfer stage 540. Further, depending on the type of samples, the first reagent container 320 may be provided from the first reagent supplying device 310 to the ninth transfer stage 550, and depending on the type of samples, the second tube container 495 may be selectively provided from the third consumable supplying device 490 to the eleventh transfer stage 560.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 10, the first transfer device 710 may place the tip containers 420 at predetermined portions of the first transfer stage 510 (e.g., portions adjacent to the first standby stage 435 and the third standby stage 445), and the first transfer stage 510 may transfer the tip container 420 to the first standby stage 435 (or the third standby stage 445). In addition, the first standby stage 435 may transfer the tip container 420 to the first positioning stage 430, and the third standby stage 445 may transfer the tip container 420 to the third positioning stage 440.

[0224] The third transfer device 720 may place the second reagent container 360 at a predetermined portion of the third transfer stage 520 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the fourth standby stage 375), and the third transfer stage 520 may transfer the second reagent container 360 to the sixth transfer stage 375. In addition, the sixth transfer stage 375 may transfer the second reagent container 360 to the fourth positioning stage 370.

[0225] The fifth transfer device 730 may place the first sample container 210 at a predetermined portion of the fifth transfer stage 530 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the fifth standby stage 225), and the fifth transfer stage 530 may transfer the first sample container 210 to the fifth standby stage 225. In addition, the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may decap a cap of the first sample container 210, and the fifth standby stage 225 may transfer the first sample container 210, where the cap is removed, to the fifth positioning stage 220. Further, the fifth transfer device 730 may place the second sample container 215 at the predetermined portion of the fifth transfer stage 530.

[0226] The seventh transfer device 740 may place the first tube container 460 at a predetermined portion of the seventh transfer stage 540 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the sixth standby stage 475), and the seventh transfer stage 540 may transfer the first tube container 460 to the sixth standby stage 475. In addition, the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may decap a cap of the first tube 465 of the first tube container 460, and the sixth standby stage 475 may transfer the first tube container 460, where the first tubes 465 without the caps are accommodated, to the sixth positioning stage 470.

[0227] The ninth transfer device 750 may place the first reagent container 320 at a predetermined portion of the ninth transfer stage 550 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the second standby stage 335), and the ninth transfer stage 550 may transfer the first reagent container 320 to the second standby stage 335. In addition, the second standby stage 335 may transfer the first reagent container 320 to the second positioning stage 330. Further, the ninth transfer device 750 may place the first-second reagent container 325 at the predetermined portion of the ninth transfer stage 550. For example, the reagent stored in the first reagent container 320 may be a reagent used for pretreating the sample stored in the first sample container 210, and the reagent stored in the first-second reagent container 325 may be a reagent used for pretreating the sample stored in the second sample container 215.

[0228] The eleventh transfer device 760 may place the second tube container 495 at a predetermined portion of the eleventh transfer stage 560 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the seventh standby stage 507), and the eleventh transfer stage 560 may transfer the second tube container 495 to the seventh standby stage 507. In addition, the seventh standby stage 507 may transfer the second tube container 495 to the eighth positioning stage 505.

[0229] The first gripping unit 800 may transfer the first reagent container 320, which is positioned at the second positioning stage 330, to the second stage 620, and the first gripping unit 800 may transfer the tip container 420, which is positioned at the first positioning stage 430, to the first stage 610.

[0230] The first pipette unit 900 may be connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the third positioning stage 440, and may transfer the sample stored in the first sample container 210, which is positioned at the fifth positioning stage 220, to the first tube 465 accommodated in the first tube container 460 positioned at the sixth positioning stage 470. The first pipette unit 900 may release the used tip into the first tip waste container 850.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 11, the sixth positioning stage 470 may transfer the first tube container 460 to the seventh positioning stage 480, and the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may cap the cap to the first tube 465 included in the first tube container 460. In addition, the first tube container 460 supplied through the second consumable supply device 450 may be moved to the sixth standby stage 475, and the tube decapping / capping unit 485 may decap a cap of the first tube 465 included in the first tube container 460 positioned at the sixth standby stage 475.

[0232] The second gripping unit 820 may transfer the empty tube 500, which is included in the second tube container 495 positioned at the eighth positioning stage 505, to the fifth processing unit 150, and the second gripping unit 820 may transfer the first tube 465 (i.e., the first sample tube 981) included in the first tube container 460 positioned at the seventh positioning stage 480 to the first processing unit 110.

[0233] The fifth positioning stage 220 may transfer the first sample container 210 to the eighth standby stage 230, and the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may cap the cap to the first sample container 210. In addition, the second sample container 215 may be moved to the fifth standby stage 225, and the sample decapping / capping unit 250 may decap a cap of the second sample container 215 positioned at the fifth standby stage 225.

[0234] The tip container 420 supplied through the first consumable supply device 410 may be moved to the first standby stage 435, the third positioning stage 440, and the third standby stage 445, and the second reagent container 360 supplied from the second reagent supply device 350 may be selectively moved to the fourth positioning stage 370 and the sixth transfer stage 375 depending on the type of samples. In addition, the first-second reagent container 325 and the first-third reagent container 327 supplied through the first reagent supply device 310 may be selectively moved to the second standby stage 335 depending on the type of samples, and the second tube container 495 supplied through the third consumable supply device 490 may be selectively moved to the eighth positioning stage 505 and the seventh standby stage 507 depending on the type of samples.

[0235] Referring to FIG. 12, the first pre-analytic process with respect to the first sample tube 981 may be performed at the processing part 20. For example, the first processing unit 110 may have the vortex function, the second processing unit 120 may have the centrifugation function, the third processing unit 130 may have the vortex function, the fourth processing unit 140 may have the heating function, and the fifth processing unit 150 may have the spin-down function. In exemplary embodiments, at least one processing unit of the processing units may further have an additional function. For example, the first processing unit 110 may have the heating function together with the vortex function, or the second processing unit 120 may have the spin-down function together with the centrifugation function. In addition, the third processing unit 130 may have the spin-down function together with the vortex function, or the fourth processing unit 140 may have a cooling function together with the heating function. Further, the fifth processing unit 150 may have the heating function together with the spin-down function. After the first pre-analytic process with respect to the first sample tube 981 is performed through the processing module 100, the first sample tube 981 may be transferred to the final stage 970 through the second gripping unit 820.

[0236] In other exemplary embodiments, when each of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 has at least two functions, only the first to fourth processing units 110, 120, 130, and 140 may be primarily used, and the fifth processing unit 150 may serve as a spare processing unit. In other words, only the first to fourth processing units 110, 120, 130, and 140 except for the fifth processing unit 150 may be used to perform the pre-analytic process for a sample. For example, if one processing unit of the first to fourth processing units 110, 120, 130, and 140 fails (e.g., failure of the first processing unit 110), the second to fifth processing units 120, 130, 140, and 150 except for the failed first processing unit 110 may be used to perform the pre-analytic process for the sample. In other words, the fifth processing unit 150 may function as a backup processing unit. That is, even if one processing unit fails, the pre-analytic process for the sample may continue in the processing module 100.

[0237] When all of the tips included in the tip container 420 positioned at the first stage 610 are used, the empty tip container 420 may be transferred to the first positioning stage 430 through the first gripping unit 800, and the empty tip container 420 positioned at the first positioning stage 430 may be transferred to the first consumable supply device 410 through the second transfer device 715. In addition, when the use of the first reagent container 320 positioned at the second stage 620 is finished, the first reagent container 320 may be transferred to the second positioning stage 330 through the first gripping unit 800, and the first reagent container 320 positioned at the second positioning stage 330 may be transferred to the first reagent supply device 310 through the tenth transfer device 755.

[0238] The eighth standby stage 230 may transfer the first sample container 210 to the sixth transfer stage 535, and the first sample container 210 positioned at the sixth transfer stage 535 may be transferred to the sample supply device 200 through the sixth transfer device 735. In addition, the seventh positioning stage 480 may transfer the first tube container 460 to the eighth transfer stage 545, and the first tube container 460 positioned at the eighth transfer stage 545 may be transferred to the second consumable supply device 450 through the eighth transfer device 745.

[0239] In exemplary embodiments, by re-storing the first sample container 210 storing a sample and the first tube 466 storing a sample in the sample supply device 200 and the second consumable supply device 450, the first sample container 210 stored in the sample supply device 200 or the first tube 466 stored in the second consumable supply device 450 may be reused in cases where an issue occurs with a pretreated sample in a subsequent process system, or when additional testing is required from the same sample.

[0240] When all of the tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the third positioning stage 440 are used, the empty tip container 420 may be transferred to the first consumable supply device 410 through the second transfer device 715, and when the use of the second reagent container 360 positioned at the fourth positioning stage 370 is finished, the second reagent container 360 may be transferred to the second reagent supply device 350 through the fourth transfer device 725. In addition, when all of the second tube 500 included in the second tube container 495 positioned at the eighth positioning stage 505 are used, the empty second tube container 495 may be transferred to the third consumable supply device 490 through the twelfth transfer device 765.

[0241] As described above, with reference to the step of moving a sample from the first sample container 210 to the first tube container 460 and the step of pretreating the first sample tube 981, the step of moving a sample from the second sample container 215 (or the third sample container 217) to the first tube container 460 and the step of pretreating the second sample tube 982 (or the third sample container 217) may be easily understood.

[0242] FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention, and FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention. Modular pre-analytic systems 2000 and 3000 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 may have a configuration that is substantially identical or similar to the modular pre-analytic system 1000 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 except for a turn-on / off function of the processing unit. In FIGS. 13 and 14, a redundant description of components that is substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0243] Referring to FIG. 13, a modular pre-analytic system 2000 may include a supplying part 10, a processing part 20, an expandable portion 50, a controller 990, a first gripping unit 800, and a second gripping unit 820. Here, the processing part 20 may include a second pipette unit 920, a processing preparation station 600, a processing module 100, a second tip waste container 940, a liquid waste container 950, a decapping / capping unit 960, and a final stage 970. In addition, the processing module 100 may include a first processing unit 110, a second processing unit 120, a third processing unit 130, a fourth processing unit 140, and a fifth processing unit 150, and the processing preparation station 600 may include a first stage 610, a second stage 620, and a preliminary stage 630.

[0244] In exemplary embodiments, at least one processing unit among the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may have at least two functions selected from a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, a heating function, and an on / off function. In addition, the controller 990 may operate at least two processing units so that the processing module 100 performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module 100. Further, the controller 990 may control the at least two processing units so that the processing unit performs one function among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function together with the turn-on / off function in each run of the predetermined pre-analytic process depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for the type of the samples. For example, the controller 990 may selectively operate the processing units through the turn-on / off function in one run of the predetermined pre-analytic process depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for the type of the samples.

[0245] For example, in the modular pre-analytic system 2000, when only three processing units among the first to the fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 are used depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for type of the samples, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, each of the first to the third processing units 110, 120, and 130, in which the first to the third sample tubes 981, 982, and 983 are positioned, may perform one function among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function together with the turn-on function, and each of the fourth and fifth processing units 140 and 150, in which the sample tubes are not positioned, may perform the turn-off function. In addition, as illustrated shown in FIG. 13B, each of the first, second, and fourth processing units 110, 120, and 140, in which the first to the third sample tubes 981, 982, and 983, are positioned may perform one function among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function together with the turn-on function, and the third and fifth processing units 130 and 150, in which the first and second empty tubes 500a and 500b are positioned, may perform the turn-off function.

[0246] The modular pre-analytic system 2000 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may relatively reduce a power consumption of the modular pre-analytic system 2000 and may relatively increase a lifespan of the processing units by selectively turning off power of the processing units not in use through the turn-on / off function.

[0247] Referring to FIG. 14, a modular pre-analytic system 3000 may include two processing modules. For example, the processing module 100 may include the first to the fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 and additional first to fifth processing units 110a, 120a, 130a, 140a, and 150a.

[0248] The modular pre-analytic system 3000 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may simultaneously pretreat different types of samples by including two processing modules. Accordingly, a throughput of the modular pre-analytic system 3000 may be relatively increased.

[0249] FIGS. 15 and 16 are plan views illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention. A modular pre-analytic system 4000 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 may have a configuration that is substantially identical or similar to the modular pre-analytic system 1000 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 except for an additional processing unit. In FIGS. 15 and 16, a redundant description of components that is substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0250] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a modular pre-analytic system 4000 may include a supplying part 10, a processing part 20, an expandable part 50, a controller 990, a first gripping unit 800, and a second gripping unit 820. Here, the processing part 20 may include a second pipette unit 920, a processing preparation station 600, a processing module 100, a second tip waste container 940, a liquid waste container 950, a decapping / capping unit 960, and a final stage 970. In addition, the processing module 100 may include a first processing unit 110, a second processing unit 120, a third processing unit 130, a fourth processing unit 140, a fifth processing unit 150, and an additional processing unit 160, and the processing preparation station 600 may include a first stage 610, a second stage 620, and a preliminary stage 630.

[0251] In exemplary embodiments, at least one processing unit of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may have at least two functions among a vortex function, a spin-down function, and a heating function, and the additional processing unit 160 may have a centrifugation function. In addition, the controller 990 may operate at least two processing units and the additional processing unit 160 so that the processing module 100 performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for type of the samples supplied to the processing module 100. Further, the processing module 100 may pretreat one sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.

[0252] The first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may be sequentially arranged in a first direction D1, and the additional processing unit 160 may be positioned adjacent to the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150. In other words, the additional processing unit 160 may not be aligned with the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 in the first direction D1. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the processing module 100 may include one additional processing unit 160, and as illustrated in FIG. 15B, the processing module 100 may include two additional processing units 160. For example, when a user of the modular pre-analytic system 4000 handles samples, where the centrifugation function is relatively frequently used, it may be appropriate for the user to use the modular pre-analytic system 4000 including the processing module 100 of FIG. 15B, and when the user of the modular pre-analytic system 4000 handles samples, where the centrifugation function is relatively less frequently used, it may be appropriate for the user to use the modular pre-analytic system 4000 including the processing module 100 of FIG. 15A. Alternatively, at least two sample tubes may be placed in the additional processing unit 160, and the centrifugation function may be simultaneously performed with respect to the at least two sample tubes.

[0253] In other exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a level of the additional processing unit 160 may be lower (or higher) than a level of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150, and the additional processing unit 160 may be operatively connected to the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150. For example, a size of the additional processing unit 160 having a centrifugation function may be relatively large, and in order to increase spatial efficiency, the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 and the additional processing unit 160 may be positioned on different layers.

[0254] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention. A modular pre-analytic system 5000 shown in FIG. 17 may have a configuration that is substantially identical or similar to the modular pre-analytic system 1000 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 except for a transferring unit 840. In FIG. 17, a redundant description of components that is substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0255] Referring to FIG. 17, the modular pre-analytic system 5000 may include a supplying part 10, a processing part 20, an expandable portion 50, a controller 990, a first gripping unit 800, a second gripping unit 820, a third gripping unit, a fourth gripping unit, and a transferring unit 840. Here, the supplying part 10 may further include an output region 11, a first standby region 12, and a second standby region 13, and the processing part 20 may further include an input region 21, a third standby region 22, and a fourth standby region 23. In addition, the first and second standby regions 12 and 13 may be located adjacent to the third consumable supplying device 490. Further, the third standby region 22 may be located adjacent to the processing preparation station 600, and the fourth standby region 23 may be located adjacent to the first processing unit 110.

[0256] In exemplary embodiments, a level of the supplying part 10 may be different from a level of the processing part 20. For example, the supplying part 10 may be positioned on the processing part 20. Alternatively, the supplying part 10 may be positioned under the processing part 20.

[0257] In addition, compared to the first gripping unit 800 of FIG. 1, the first gripping unit 800 of FIG. 17 may be movable only in the supplying part 10, and the third gripping unit may be movable only in the processing part 20. For example, the first reagent container 320 or the tip container 420 may be transferred to the first standby region 12 through the first gripping unit 800, and the first reagent container 320 or the tip container 420 placed at the first standby region 12 may be transferred to the third standby region 22 through the transferring unit 840. Thereafter, the third gripping unit may transfer the first reagent container 320 or the tip container 420 to the processing preparation station 600.

[0258] Further, compared to the second gripping unit 820 of FIG. 1, the second gripping unit 820 of FIG. 17 may be movable only in the supplying part 10, and the fourth gripping unit may be movable only in the processing part 20. For example, the sample tube or the second tube 500 may be transferred to the second standby region 13 through the second gripping unit 820, and the sample tube or the second tube 500 placed at the second standby region 13 may be transferred to the fourth standby region 23 through the transferring unit 840. Thereafter, the fourth gripping unit may transfer the sample tube or the second tube 500 to the processing module 100.

[0259] FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention. A modular pre-analytic system 6000 shown in FIG. 17 may have a configuration that is substantially identical or similar to the modular pre-analytic system 1000 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In FIG. 18, a redundant description of components that is substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0260] Referring to FIG. 18, the modular pre-analytic system 6000 may include a supplying part 10, a processing part 20, an expandable portion 50, a controller 990, a first gripping unit 800, and a second gripping unit 820. Here, the processing part 20 may include a second pipette unit 920, a processing preparation station 600, a processing module 100, a second tip waste container 940, a liquid waste container 950, a decapping / capping unit 960, and a final stage 970. In addition, the processing module 100 may include a first processing unit 110, a second processing unit 120, a third processing unit 130, a fourth processing unit 140, and a fifth processing unit 150.

[0261] In exemplary embodiments, each of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may have one function among a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. In addition, the controller 990 may operate the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 so that the processing module 100 performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of samples supplied to the processing module 100. Further, the controller 990 may control a processing parameter of each of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 so that the processing parameter of the function performed in at least one processing unit among the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 is optimized depending on the type of samples. Here, the processing parameters may include an operation time of each of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function, revolutions per minute of each of the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the vortex function, and a temperature of the heating function.

[0262] As illustrated in FIG. 18A, in a first run for pretreating a first sample, the first processing unit 110 may perform the vortex function, and the revolutions per minute of the eccentric motor, which is the processing parameter of the vortex function, may be operated at approximately 3,200 rpm. In addition, the second processing unit 120 may perform the centrifugation function, and the revolutions per minute of the high-speed motor, which is the processing parameter of the centrifugation function, may be operated at approximately 20,000 rpm. Further, the third processing unit 130 may perform the vortex function, and the revolutions per minute of the eccentric motor, which is the processing parameter of the vortex function, may be operated at approximately 3,200 rpm. In addition, the fourth processing unit 140 may perform the heating function, and the temperature of the heating block, which is the processing parameter of the heating function, may be heated to 90 °C. Further, the fifth processing unit 150 may perform the spin-down function, and the revolutions per minute of the small motor, which is the processing parameter of the spin-down function, may be operated at 4,000 rpm.

[0263] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 18B, in a second run for pretreating a second sample, the first processing unit 110 may perform the vortex function, and the revolutions per minute of the eccentric motor, which is the processing parameter of the vortex function, may be operated at approximately 1,000 rpm. In addition, the second processing unit 120 may perform the centrifugation function, and the revolutions per minute of the high-speed motor, which is the processing parameter of the centrifugation function, may be operated at approximately 25,000 rpm. Further, the third processing unit 130 may perform the vortex function, and the revolutions per minute of the eccentric motor, which is the processing parameter of the vortex function, may be operated at approximately 1,000 rpm. In addition, the fourth processing unit 140 may perform the heating function, and the temperature of the heating block, which is the processing parameter of the heating function, may be heated to 60 °C. Further, the fifth processing unit 150 may perform the spin-down function, and the revolutions per minute of the small motor, which is the processing parameter of the spin-down function, may be operated at 5,000 rpm.

[0264] In exemplary embodiments, the controller 990 may change the processing parameter of each of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 so that the processing parameter of the function performed in each of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 is optimized depending on the type of samples. In addition, an operation time of the function performed in each of the first to fifth processing units 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 in the first and second runs may also be selectively changed.

[0265] As described above, although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the above, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present invention may be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims.

[0266] The present invention may be applied to devices pretreating a sample. For example, it may be applied to a pre-analytic system capable of pretreating various samples such as urine, LBC, semen, FFPE, saliva, RP sputum, TB sputum, bronchial washing, raw stool, etc.

[0267] <Explanation of symbols>

[0268] 10: supplying part 20: processing part

[0269] 50: expandable portion 100: processing module

[0270] 110, 120, 130, 140, 150: first to fifth processing units

[0271] 160: additional processing unit 190: stage

[0272] 200: sample supplying device 210: sample container

[0273] 215, 217: second and third sample containers

[0274] 220: fifth positioning stage 225: fifth standby stage

[0275] 230: eighth standby stage

[0276] 250: sample decapping / capping unit 300: reagent supplying device

[0277] 310: first reagent supplying device

[0278] 320, 360: first and second reagent containers

[0279] 325: first-second reagent container

[0280] 330: second positioning stage 335: second standby stage 335

[0281] 350: second reagent supplying device 370: fourth positioning stage

[0282] 375: fourth standby stage

[0283] 400: consumable supplying device

[0284] 410: first consumable supplying device 420: tip container

[0285] 430: first positioning stage 435: first standby stage

[0286] 440: third positioning stage 445: third standby stage

[0287] 450: second consumable supplying device

[0288] 460, 495: first and second tube containers

[0289] 465, 500: first and second tubes 470: sixth positioning stage

[0290] 475: sixth standby stage

[0291] 480: seventh positioning stage

[0292] 485: tube decapping / capping unit

[0293] 490: third consumable supplying device

[0294] 505: eighth positioning stage 507: seventh standby stage

[0295] 510, 515, 520, 525, 530, 535: first to sixth transfer stages

[0296] 540, 545, 550, 555, 560, 565: seventh to twelfth transfer stages

[0297] 570, 575: first and second connection stages 590: transfer stage

[0298] 600: processing preparation station

[0299] 610, 620: first and second stages 620: second stage

[0300] 630: preliminary stage 700: transfer device

[0301] 710, 715, 720, 725, 730, 735: first to sixth transfer devices

[0302] 740, 745, 750, 755, 760, 765: seventh to twelfth transfer devices

[0303] 800, 820: first and second gripping units

[0304] 810, 830, 910, 930: movement paths

[0305] 850, 940: first and second tip waste containers

[0306] 900, 920: first and second pipette units

[0307] 950: liquid waste container 960: decapping / capping unit

[0308] 970: final stage

[0309] 981, 982, 983: first to third sample tubes

[0310] 990: controller

[0311] 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000: modular pre-analytic system

Claims

A modular pre-analytic system for samples, the system comprising:(a) a supplying part where (i) sample containers each containing a sample, (ii) reagent containers each containing a reagent, and (iii) consumable containers each including a consumable are provided;(b) a processing part including:a processing module including at least two processing units, at least one of the processing units having at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function; and(c) a controller configured to operate the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module.The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to optimize the function of each of the at least two processing units so that a function of one processing unit of the at least two processing units is changed in one run of the predetermined pre-analytic process depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for the type of the samples.The system of claim 2, wherein at least two functions among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function in one processing unit are performed in one run.The system of claim 1, wherein the processing module is configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.The system of claim 1, wherein the consumable includes a tip, the consumable container includes a tip container, the reagent includes a first reagent, and the reagent container includes a first reagent container, andwherein the supplying part including:a first consumable supplying device configured to supply the tip containers each including the plurality of tips; anda first reagent supplying device configured to supply the first reagent containers each containing the first reagent.The system of claim 5, the processing part further including:a processing preparation station including (i) a first stage in which the tip container is positioned and (ii) a second stage in which the first reagent container is selectively positioned.The system of claim 6, further comprising:a first gripping unitconfigured to:(i) transfer the tip container to the first stage of the processing preparation station; and(ii) selectively transfer the first reagent container to the second stage of the processing preparation station.The system of claim 7, wherein the supplying part further includes:(i) a first positioning stage in which one tip container among the tip containers supplied from the first consumable supplying device is positioned; and(ii) a second positioning stage in which one first reagent container among the first reagent containers supplied from the first reagent supplying device is positioned, andwherein:the second positioning stage is spaced apart from the first positioning stage in a first direction,the first stage is spaced apart from the second positioning stage in the first direction,the second stage is spaced apart from the first stage in the first direction, andthe first positioning stage, the second positioning stage, the first stage, and the second stage are aligned with the first direction.The system of claim 8, wherein the first gripping unit is configured to:(i) transfer the one tip container positioned in the first positioning stage to the first stage; and(ii) selectively transfer the one first reagent container positioned in the second positioning stage to the second stage.The system of claim 5, wherein the type of the first reagents supplied from the first reagent supplying device is at least two.The system of claim 5, wherein the consumable further includes a first tube, and the consumable container further includes a first tube container,wherein the supplying part further including:a second consumable supplying device configured to supply the first tube containers each including the at least two first tubes;a sample supplying device configured to the sample container; anda first pipette unit configured to transfer a portion of the sample supplied from the sample supplying device to the first tube supplied from the second consumable supplying device, andwherein the first pipette unit is horizontally movable in both a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.The system of claim 11, wherein the reagent further includes a second reagent, and the reagent container further includes a second reagent container,wherein the supplying part further including:a second reagent supplying device configured to supply the second reagent containers each containing the second reagent, andwherein the first pipette unit is configured to selectively transfer the second reagent supplied from the second reagent supplying device to the sample container supplied from the sample supplying device or the tube supplied from the second consumable supplying device.The system of claim 12, wherein the first tube including the portion of the sample is defined as a sample tube,wherein the system further comprises:a second gripping unit configured to transfer the sample tube to one processing unit of the processing module.The system of claim 13, wherein the supplying part further including:a first tip waste container positioned to overlap a movement path of the first pipette unit between the first consumable supplying device and the sample supplying device.The system of claim 14, wherein the supplying part further includes:(i) a third positioning stage in which one tip container among the tip containers supplied from the first consumable supplying device is positioned;(ii) a fourth positioning stage in which one second reagent among the second reagents supplied from the second reagent supplying device is positioned;(iii) a fifth positioning stage in which one sample container among the sample containers supplied from the sample supplying device is positioned; and(iv) a sixth positioning stage in which one first tube container among the first tube containers supplied from the second consumable supplying device is positioned,wherein:the fourth positioning stage is spaced apart from the third positioning stage in the first direction,the fifth positioning stage is spaced apart from the fourth positioning stage in the first direction,the sixth positioning stage is spaced apart from the fifth positioning stage in the first direction,the first tip waste container is positioned between the fourth positioning stage and the fifth positioning stage, andthe third positioning stage, the fourth positioning stage, the first tip waste container, the fifth positioning stage, and the sixth positioning stage are aligned with the first direction.The system of claim 15, wherein:the first pipette unit is connected to the tip included in the one tip container positioned in the third positioning stage, and is configured to selectively transfer the second reagent positioned in the fourth positioning stage to the sample container positioned in the fifth positioning stage or the tube supplied from the second consumable supplying device,after the tip is connected to the first pipette unit, the used tip is released to the first tip waste container, and the first pipette unit is connected to the tip included in the one tip container positioned in the third positioning stage, andthe first pipette unit is configured to aspirate the portion of the sample in the sample container positioned in the fifth positioning stage to, and is configured to transfer the aspirated sample to the first tube included in the first tube container positioned in the sixth positioning stage.The system of claim 16, wherein the movement path of the first pipette unit is overlapped with a position of the first tip waste container and the third to sixth positioning stages.The system of claim 16, wherein the consumable further includes a second tube, and the consumable container further includes a second tube container,wherein the supplying part further including:a third consumable supplying device configured to supply the second tube containers each including the at least two second tubes;an eighth positioning stage in which the first tube container moved from the sixth positioning stage is positioned; anda ninth positioning stage in which one second tube container among the second tube containers supplied from the third consumable supplying device is positioned, andwherein the eighth positioning stage is spaced apart from the seventh positioning stage in the first direction, and the seventh positioning stage, the eighth positioning stage, and the at least two processing units are aligned with the first direction.The system of claim 18, wherein the second gripping unit is configured to:(i) transfer the sample tube positioned in the seventh positioning stage to one processing unit of the processing module, and(ii) selectively transfer the second tube positioned in the eighth positioning stage to one processing unit of the processing module.The system of claim 13, wherein the at least two processing units include first, second, and third processing units that are sequentially arranged in the first direction, and the sample tube position in the supplying part is transferred to the first or second processing units by the second gripping unit, andwherein the sample tube positioned in the first or second processing units is transferred along the first direction by the second gripping unit.The system of claim 13, wherein the at least two processing units include first, second, and third processing units, and the sample tube includes a first sample tube and a second sample tube,wherein after the first sample tube positioned in the first processing unit is moved to the second processing unit in a first run, the second sample tube positioned in the supplying part is moved to the first processing unit in a second run, andwherein the first run and the second run are simultaneously performed in the first to third processing units.The system of claim 13, wherein the second gripping unit is configured to transfer the sample tube positioned in a processing unit to another processing unit, andwherein the second gripping unit is horizontally movable in both the first and second directions, and a movement path of the second gripping unit do not intersect a movement path of the second pipette unit.The system of claim 13, the processing part further including:a second pipette unitconfigured to:(i) be connected to a tip included in the tip container of the processing preparation station; and(ii) selectively transfer a first reagent included in the first reagent container of the processing preparation station to the sample tube position in the processing module.The system of claim 23, wherein the second pipette unit is horizontally and vertically movable in the first direction, the second direction, a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, andwherein the second pipette unit is movable on both the processing preparation station and the processing module, and is not moved to the supplying part.The system of claim 23, wherein the processing part further including:a liquid waste container and a second tip waste container positioned to overlap the movement path of the second pipette unit between the processing preparation station and the processing module.The system of claim 25, wherein after the tip is connected to the second pipette unit, the used tip is released to the second tip waste container, andan unnecessary liquid generated in the sample tube is transferred to the liquid waste container by the second pipette unit while the predetermined pre-analytic process is performed.The system of claim 13, wherein the processing part further includes:a de-capping / capping unitconfigured to de-cap or cap a cap of the sample tube positioned in the at least two processing units.The system of claim 1, wherein the processing part further includes an expandable portion to accommodate an additional processing module that is the substantially same as or different from the processing module.The system of claim 28, wherein the processing part further includes:(i) an additional processing preparation station positioned in the expandable portion;(ii) an additional second pipette unit to be movable on the additional processing module and the additional processing preparation station of the expandable portion; and(iii) an additional de-capping / capping unit positioned adjacent to the additional processing module in the expandable portion,wherein the supplying part further includes an additional first pipette unit positioned in the expandable portion, andwherein the system further comprises:(i) an additional first gripping unit to be movable adjacent to the additional processing module in the expandable portion; and(ii) an additional second gripping unit to be movable adjacent to the additional processing preparation station in the expandable portion.The system of claim 1, wherein the type of the samples provided to the supplying part is at least two.The system of claim 1, wherein shapes of the sample containers depending on the type of the samples is different from each other.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least two processing units are sequentially arranged, and the sequentially arranged processing units are rearrangeable and replaceable.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the processing units has all of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function.A modular pre-analytic system for samples, the system comprising:(a) a supplying part where (i) sample containers each containing a sample, (ii) reagent containers each containing a reagent, and (iii) consumable containers each including a consumable are provided;(b) a processing part including:a processing module including at least two processing units each having a turn-on / off function, at least one of the processing units having at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function; and(c) a controller configured to:(i) operate the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module, and(ii) control the at least two processing units each so that the processing unit performs one function among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heat function together with the turn-on / off function in each run of the predetermined pre-analytic process depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for the type of the samples.The system of claim 34, wherein the at least two processing units include first, second, and third processing units that are sequentially arranged in a first direction, andwherein the controller is configured to selectively operate the first to third processing units by the turn-off function in one run of the predetermined pre-analytic process depending on the predetermined pre-analytic process for the type of the samples.The system of claim 34, wherein the processing module is configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.The system of claim 34, wherein the at least two processing units are sequentially arranged, and the sequentially arranged processing units are rearrangeable and replaceable.A modular pre-analytic system for samples, the system comprising:(a) a supplying part where (i) sample containers each containing a sample, (ii) reagent containers each containing a reagent, and (iii) consumable containers each including a consumable are provided;(b) a processing part including:a processing module including at least two processing units and an additional processing unit, at least one of the at least two processing units having at least two of a vortex function, a spin-down function, and a heating function, the additional processing unit having a centrifugation function; and(c) a controller configured to operate the at least two processing units and the additional processing unit so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module.The system of claim 38, wherein the at least two processing units include first, second, and third processing units that are sequentially arranged in the first direction, andwherein the additional processing unit is positioned adjacent to the first, second, and third processing units, and is not aligned with the first, second, and third processing units in the first direction.The system of claim 38, wherein a level of the additional processing unit is lower than a level of the at least two processing units, and the additional processing unit is operatively connected to the at least two processing units.The system of claim 38, wherein the processing module is configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.A modular pre-analytic system for samples, the system comprising:(a) a supplying part where i) sample containers each containing a sample, ii) reagent containers each containing a reagent, and iii) tubes that are empty or pre-filled with a buffer reagent for a type of the samples are provided, the supplying part including a pipette unit configured to transfer a portion of the sample contained in the sample container to the tube, wherein the tube containing the portion of the sample is defined as a sample tube;(b) a processing part including:(b1) a processing module including at least two processing units, at least one of the processing units having at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function;(c) a transferring unit positioned adjacent to the supplying part and the processing part, the transferring unit being configured to transfer the sample tube positioned at the supplying part to the processing part; and(d) a controller configured to operate the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module,wherein a level of the supplying part is different from a level of the processing part.A modular pre-analytic system for samples, the system comprising:(a) a supplying part where (i) sample containers each containing a sample, (ii) reagent containers each containing a reagent, and (iii) consumable containers each including a consumable are provided;(b) a processing part including:a processing module including at least two processing units, at least one of the processing units having at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function; and(c) a controller configured to optimize the function of each of the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module.A modular pre-analytic system for samples, comprising:(a) a supplying part where (i) sample containers each containing a sample, (ii) reagent containers each containing a reagent, and (iii) consumable containers each including a consumable are provided;(b) a processing part including:a processing module including at least two processing units, at least one of the processing units having at least two of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function; and(c) a controller configured to operate the at least two processing units so that the processing module performs a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the samples supplied to the processing module,wherein the controller is configured to optimize a processing parameter of each of the processing units depending on the type of samples so that the processing parameter of the function performed in at least one processing unit among the processing units is changed.The system of claim 44, wherein the processing parameter is an operation time of each of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function, revolutions per minute of each of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, and the spin-down function, and a temperature of the heating function.

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