Modular pre-analytic system

Abstract

A modular pre-analytic system includes a supplying part where samples of at least two types, reagents of at least two types, and consumables are provided, a processing part including a first processing module and a second processing module, and a controller. The first processing module includes a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a first general processing unit set and at least two processing units as a first sample-adapted processing unit set. The processing units each have one of a centrifugation function, a vortex function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The first sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a first pre-analytic process for a first type of the samples supplied to the first processing module. The second processing module includes a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a second general processing unit set and at least two processing units as a second sample-adapted processing unit set. The processing units each have one of the centrifugation function, the vortex function, the spin-down function, and the heating function. The second sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a second pre-analytic process for a second type of the samples supplied to the second processing module. The first sample-adapted processing unit set is different from the second sample-adapted processing unit set. Each of the first and second processing modules of the processing part is configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process. The controller is configured to control the supplying part and the gripping units so that one sample is specifically delivered to one processing module of the processing modules depending on the type of the samples.

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 process 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 pretreated.

[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 samples of at least two types, reagents of at least two types, and consumables are provided, a processing part including a first processing module and a second processing module, and a controller. The first processing module includes a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a first general processing unit set and at least two processing units as a first sample-adapted processing unit set. The processing units each have one of a centrifugation function, a vortex function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The first sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a first pre-analytic process for a first type of the samples supplied to the first processing module. The second processing module includes a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a second general processing unit set and at least two processing units as a second sample-adapted processing unit set. The processing units each have one of the centrifugation function, the vortex function, the spin-down function, and the heating function. The second sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a second pre-analytic process for a second type of the samples supplied to the second processing module. The first sample-adapted processing unit set is different from the second sample-adapted processing unit set. Each of the first and second processing modules of the processing part is configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process. The controller is configured to control the supplying part and the gripping units so that one sample is specifically delivered to one processing module of the processing modules depending on the type of the samples.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the processing units of the sample-adapted processing unit sets each may be arranged in a first direction, and the arranged processing units may be rearrangeable and replaceable.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the sample may be moved along the first direction by the gripping unit through the arranged processing units of the sample-adapted processing unit sets. The at least two processing units may include first and second processing units, and the samples may include a first sample and a second sample. After the first sample positioned in the first processing unit is moved to the second processing unit in a first run, the second sample positioned to the supplying part may be moved to the first processing unit in a second run. The first run and the second run may be simultaneously performed in the first and second processing units.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the first processing module may include the pipette unit, the de-capping / capping unit, and the gripping unit as the first general processing unit set and a first processing unit having the centrifugation function, a second processing unit having the vortex function, and a third processing unit having the spin-down function as the first sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a first section. The de-capping / capping unit of the first general processing unit set and the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the third processing unit of the first sample-adapted processing unit set may be positioned in the first section of the processing part, and the first to third processing units may be sequentially arranged along a first direction.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the first processing module may further include a tip waste container and a liquid waste container positioned adjacent to the first sample-adapted processing unit set. A movement path of the pipette unit of the first general processing unit set may overlap a position of each of the first to third processing units of the first sample-adapted processing unit, the tip waste container, and the liquid waste container.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the second processing module may include the pipette unit, the de-capping / capping unit, and the gripping unit as the second general processing unit set and a first processing unit having the vortex function and a second processing unit having the spin-down function as the second sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a second section. The de-capping / capping unit of the second general processing unit set and the first processing unit and the second processing unit of the second sample-adapted processing unit set may be positioned in the second section of the processing part, and the first and second processing units may be sequentially arranged along the first direction. The first section of the processing part may be substantially parallel to the second section of the processing part.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the de-capping / capping unit may include at least two de-capping / capping units, and the number of the de-capping / capping units may be the same as the number of the processing units.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the second processing module may include the pipette unit, the de-capping / capping unit, and the gripping unit as the second general processing unit set and a first processing unit having the vortex function and a second processing unit having the centrifugation function as the second sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the second processing module may further include a tip waste container and a liquid waste container positioned adjacent to the second sample-adapted processing unit set. A movement path of the pipette unit of the second general processing unit set may overlap a position of each of the first and second processing units of the second sample-adapted processing unit, the tip waste container, and the liquid waste container.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the reagents may include a first reagent for the first-typed sample and a second reagent for the second-typed sample, and the consumables may include a first consumable and a second consumable. The supplying part may further include a first positioning stage in which the first-typed sample is placed for specifically delivering to the first processing module, a second positioning stage in which the second-typed sample is placed for specifically delivering to the second processing module, a third positioning stage in which the first reagent is placed for specifically delivering to the first processing module, a fourth positioning stage in which the second reagent is placed for specifically delivering to the second processing module, a fifth positioning stage in which the first consumable is placed for using in the first processing module, and a sixth positioning stage in which the second consumable is placed for using in the second processing module.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the first positioning stage, the third positioning stage, and the fifth positioning stage may be sequentially arranged in the first direction and may be aligned with the first section of the processing part in the first direction.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the second positioning stage, the fourth positioning stage, and the sixth positioning stage may be sequentially arranged in the first direction and may be aligned with the second section of the processing part in the first direction.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the pipette unit of the first general processing unit set may be horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on the first positioning stage, the third positioning stage, the fifth positioning stage, and the first to third processing units of the first sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the gripping unit of the first general processing unit set may be horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on a lateral portion of each of the first positioning stage, the third positioning stage, the fifth positioning stage, and the first to third processing units of the first sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, the pipette unit of the second general processing unit set may be horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second positioning stage, the fourth positioning stage, the sixth positioning stage, and the first and second processing units of the second sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the gripping unit of the second general processing unit set may be horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on a lateral portion of each of the second positioning stage, the fourth positioning stage, the sixth positioning stage, and the first and second processing units of the second sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the consumables may include tip containers including a plurality of tips, and the first consumable may be the same as the second consumable.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the consumables may include tube containers including a plurality of tubes, and the first consumable may be the same as the second consumable.

[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include an expandable portion to accommodate an additional processing module that is the same as or different from one of the first and second processing modules.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a third processing module including a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a third general processing unit set and at least two processing units as a third sample-adapted processing unit set. The processing units each may have one of the centrifugation function, the vortex function, the spin-down function, and the heating function. The third sample-adapted processing unit set may be configured to perform a third pre-analytic process for a third type of the samples supplied to the third processing module. The third sample-adapted processing unit set may be different from the first and second sample-adapted processing unit sets. The third processing module of the processing part may be configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the third processing module may include the pipette unit, the de-capping / capping unit, and the gripping unit as the third general processing unit set and a first processing unit having the vortex function, a second processing unit having the centrifugation function, a third processing unit having the vortex function, a fourth processing unit having the heating function, and a fifth processing unit having spin-down function as the third sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a third section. The de-capping / capping unit of the third general processing unit set and the first processing unit, the second processing unit, the third processing unit, the fourth processing unit, and the fifth processing unit of the third sample-adapted processing unit set may be positioned in the third section of the processing part, and the first to fifth processing units may be sequentially arranged along a first direction. The third section of the processing part may be substantially parallel to each of the first and second sections of the processing part.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the third processing module may further include a tip waste container and a liquid waste container positioned adjacent to the third sample-adapted processing unit set. A movement path of the pipette unit of the third general processing unit set may overlap a position of each of the first to fifth processing units of the third sample-adapted processing unit, the tip waste container, and the liquid waste container.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, the reagents may further include a third reagent for the third-typed sample, and the consumables may further include a third consumable. The supplying part may further include a seventh positioning stage in which the third-typed sample is placed for specifically delivering to the third processing module, an eighth positioning stage in which the third reagent is placed for specifically delivering to the third processing module, and a ninth positioning stage in which the third consumable is placed for using in the third processing module.

[0032] In exemplary embodiments, the seventh positioning stage, the eighth positioning stage, and the ninth positioning stage may be sequentially arranged in the first direction and may be aligned with the third section of the processing part in the first direction.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the pipette unit of the third general processing unit set may be horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on the seventh positioning stage, the eighth positioning stage, the ninth positioning stage, and the first to fifth processing units of the third sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the gripping unit of the third general processing unit set may be horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on a lateral portion of each of the seventh positioning stage, the eighth positioning stage, the ninth positioning stage, and the first to fifth processing units of the third sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the supplying part and the gripping units so that one reagent is specifically delivered to one processing module of the processing modules depending on the type of the samples.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments, the supplying part may include a sample supplying device, a reagent supplying device, and a consumable supplying device. The samples of at least two types may be supplied from the sample supplying device, and the reagents of at least two types may be supplied from the reagent supplying device. The consumables may be supplied from the consumable supplying device.

[0037] 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 samples of at least two types, reagents of at least two types, and consumables are provided, a processing part including a first processing module and a second processing module, and a controller. The first processing module includes a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a first general processing unit set and at least two processing units as a first sample-adapted processing unit set. The processing units each have one of a centrifugation function, a vortex function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The second processing module includes a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a second general processing unit set and at least two processing units as a second sample-adapted processing unit set. The processing units each have one of the centrifugation function, the vortex function, the spin-down function, and the heating function. The controller is configured to control the supplying part and the gripping units so that one sample is specifically delivered to one processing module of the processing modules depending on the type of the samples. The first sample-adapted processing unit set is different from the second sample-adapted processing unit set. The first sample-adapted processing unit set is different from the second sample-adapted processing unit set, and a level of the supplying part is different from a level of the processing part.

[0038] 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 samples of at least two types, reagents of at least two types, and consumables are provided, a processing part including a first processing module and a second processing module, and controller. The first processing module includes a first sample-adapted processing unit set and the second processing module including a second sample-adapted processing unit set. Each of the first and second sample-adapted processing unit sets includes at least two processing units. The controller is configured to control the supplying part so that one sample is specifically delivered to one processing module of the processing modules depending on the type of the samples. Each of the processing units has one of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. The first sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a first pre-analytic process for a first type of the sample supplied to the first processing module, and the second sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a second pre-analytic process for a second type of the sample supplied to the second processing module. A protocol of the first pre-analytic process performed in the first sample-adapted processing unit set is different from a protocol of the second pre-analytic process performed in the second sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a plan view for describing a supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a plan view for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a plan view for describing an expandable portion of the processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a controller included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0046] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are plan views for describing a pre-analytic processes performed in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a plan view for describing another example of a processing module included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0048] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13 are plan views illustrating a method of operating the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0049] FIGS. 14 and 15 are plan views illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0050] Hereinafter, a modular pre-analytic system and a method of operating the 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 plan view for describing a supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a plan view for describing an expandable portion of the processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a controller included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1. 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.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may include a supplying part 10, a processing part 20, a controller 990, etc.

[0057] Here, the supplying part 10 may include a sample supplying device 200, a reagent supplying device 300, a consumable supplying device 400, a transfer stage 590, a connection stage 600, a transfer device 700, a stage 190, etc. The consumable supplying device 400 may include a first consumable supplying device 410 and a second consumable supplying device 490, and 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, and an eighth transfer device 745.

[0058] In addition, the stage 190 may include a first positioning stage 220, a second positioning stage 230, a third positioning stage 240, a fourth positioning stage 330, a fifth positioning stage 340, a sixth positioning stage 350, a seventh positioning stage 430, an eighth positioning stage 440, a ninth positioning stage 450, a tenth positioning stage 510, an eleventh positioning stage 520, a twelfth positioning stage 530, a first standby stage 225, a second standby stage 235, a third standby stage 245, a fourth standby stage 335, a fifth standby stage 345, a sixth standby stage 355, a seventh standby stage 435, an eighth standby stage 445, a ninth standby stage 455, a tenth standby stage 515, an eleventh standby stage 525, and a twelfth standby stage 535, and the transfer stage 590 may include a first transfer stage 610, a second transfer stage 615, a third transfer stage 620, a fourth transfer stage 625, a fifth transfer stage 630, a sixth transfer stage 635, a seventh transfer stage 640, and an eighth transfer stage 645. Further, the connection stage 600 may include a first connection stage 611, and a second connection stage 612, a third connection stage 613, a fourth connection stage 621, a fifth connection stage 622, a sixth connection stage 623, a seventh connection stage 631, an eighth connection stage 632, a ninth connection stage 633, a tenth connection stage 641, an eleventh connection stage 642, and a twelfth connection stage 643.

[0059] Meanwhile, the processing part 20 may include a first processing module 100, a second processing module 170, a third processing module 180, and an expandable portion 50

[0060] Here, the first processing module 100 may include a first general processing unit set 870, a first sample-adapted processing unit set 101, a first final stage 970, a first tip waste container 940a, and a first liquid waste container 950a, and the first general processing unit set 870 may include a first decapping / capping unit set 960a, a first gripping unit 800, and a first pipette unit 900. In addition, the first decapping / capping unit set 960a may include a first decapping / capping unit 961a, a second decapping / capping unit 962a, and a third decapping / capping unit 963a, and the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may include a first processing unit 110a, a second processing unit 120a, and a third processing unit 130a.

[0061] In addition, the second processing module 170 may include a second general processing unit set 880, a second sample-adapted processing unit set 102, a second final stage 975, a second tip waste container 940b, and a second liquid waste container 950b, and the second general processing unit set 880 may include a second decapping / capping unit set 960b, a second gripping unit 810, and a second pipette unit 910. In addition, the second decapping / capping unit set 960b may include a first decapping / capping unit 961b and a second decapping / capping unit 962b, and the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may include a first processing unit 110b and a second processing unit 120b.

[0062] The third processing module 180 may include a third general processing unit set 890, a third sample-adapted processing unit set 103, a third final stage 980, a third tip waste container 940c, and a third liquid waste container 950c, and the third general processing unit set 890 may include a third decapping / capping unit set 960c, a third gripping unit 820, and a third pipette unit 920. In addition, the third decapping / capping unit set 960c may include a first decapping / capping unit 961c, a second decapping / capping unit 962c, a third decapping / capping unit 963c, a fourth decapping / capping unit 964c, and a fifth decapping / capping unit 965c, and the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may include a first processing unit 110c, a second processing unit 120c, a third processing unit 130c, a fourth processing unit 140c, and a fifth processing unit 150c. 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 to third gripping units 800, 810, and 820 and the first to third pipette units 900, 910, and 920.

[0063] The supplying part 10 may be positioned at a side (e.g., a left side) of the modular pre-analytic system 1000, and a processing part 20 may be positioned at other side (e.g., a right side) of the modular pre-analytic system 1000.

[0064] The second consumable supplying device 490 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 610, the first connection stage 611, the second connection stage 612, the third connection stage 613, the second transfer stage 615, the tenth standby stage 515, the tenth positioning stage 510, the eleventh standby stage 525, the eleventh positioning stage 520, the twelfth standby stage 535, and the twelfth positioning stage 530 may be spaced apart from the second consumable supplying device 490 in the fourth direction D4.

[0065] The second consumable supplying device 490 may store tube containers 495 each including at least two tubes 500, and the second consumable supplying device 490 may supply the tube container 495 to the first transfer stage 610. Here, the tubes 500 may have the same shape.

[0066] The first transfer device 710 and the second transfer device 715 may be positioned on both lateral portions of the first transfer stage 610 and the second transfer stage 615. The first transfer device 710 may be positioned adjacent to the first transfer stage 610, 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 tube containers 495 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 490 and transfer the tube container 495 on the first transfer stage 610, and the first transfer device 710 may place the tube container 495, which moved on the first transfer stage 610, at predetermined portions of the first transfer stage 610 (e.g., portions adjacent to each of the tenth standby stage 515, the eleventh standby stage 525, and the twelfth standby stage 535).

[0067] The second transfer device 715 may be positioned adjacent to the second transfer stage 615, 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 tube container 495 without the tube 500 and move the empty tube container 495 on the second transfer stage 615.

[0068] The first transfer stage 610 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the second consumable supplying device 490, and the first transfer stage 610 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the second consumable supplying device 490 may correspond to a portion where a tube container 495 is supplied to the first transfer stage 610. For example, the second consumable supplying device 490 may provide the tube container 495 to a portion, which is adjacent to the first section of the second consumable supplying device 490, of the first transfer stage 610. In this case, the tube container 495 may be transferred from the second consumable supplying device 490 to the first transfer stage 610 by using a transfer unit included in the second consumable supplying device 490 or by using the first transfer device 710. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the first transfer device 710 places the tube container 495 at each of the predetermined portions of the first transfer stage 610, the first transfer stage 610 may transfer the tube containers 495 to the tenth standby stage 515, the eleventh standby stage 525, and the twelfth standby stage 535, respectively. Here, the tenth standby stage 515 (or the eleventh standby stage 525 and the twelfth standby stage 535) may function as a place where the tube container 495 stays so that the tube container 495 is relatively quickly provided to the tenth positioning stage 510 (or the eleventh positioning stage 520 and the twelfth positioning stage 530).

[0069] The second transfer stage 615 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the second consumable supplying device 490, and the second transfer stage 615 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the second transfer stage 615 may extend substantially in parallel with the first transfer stage 610. Here, the second section of the second consumable supplying device 490 may correspond to a portion where the empty tube container 495 is stored in the second consumable supplying device 490. For example, the empty tube container 495 positioned at a portion, which is adjacent to the second section of the second consumable supplying device 490, of the second transfer stage 615 may be received in the second consumable supplying device 490. In this case, the empty tube container 495 may be transferred from the second transfer stage 615 to the second consumable supplying device 490 by using a transfer unit included in the second consumable supplying device 490 or by using the second transfer device 715.

[0070] In exemplary embodiments, the first connection stage 611, the second connection stage 612, and the third connection stage 613 may be positioned between the first transfer stage 610 and the second transfer stage 615, and the first connection stage 611, the second connection stage 612, and the third connection stage 613 may be sequentially arranged along the fourth direction D4.

[0071] The tenth standby stage 515 and the tenth positioning stage 510 may be positioned at the first connection stage 611. The first connection stage 611 may transfer the tube container 495, which is moved from the first transfer stage 610 to the tenth standby stage 515, to the tenth positioning stage 510, and the first connection stage 611 may transfer the tube container 495, which is positioned at the tenth positioning stage 510, to the second transfer stage 615. Here, the tube container 495 moved to the tenth positioning stage 510 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one tube container 495 of the tube containers 495 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 490 may be positioned at the tenth positioning stage 510, and in order for the first gripping unit 800 to selectively transfer the tube 500 of the tube container 495 positioned at the tenth positioning stage 510 to the first processing module 100, the tube container 495 should always be positioned at the predetermined position at the tenth positioning stage 510. To implement such a device, the tenth positioning stage 510 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the tenth standby stage 515 may function in the same manner as the tenth positioning stage 510.

[0072] Similarly, the eleventh standby stage 525 and the eleventh positioning stage 520 may be positioned at the second connection stage 612. The second connection stage 612 may transfer the tube container 495, which is moved from the first transfer stage 610 to the eleventh standby stage 525, to the eleventh positioning stage 520, and the second connection stage 612 may transfer the tube container 495, which is positioned at the eleventh positioning stage 520, to the second transfer stage 615. Here, the tube container 495 moved to the eleventh positioning stage 520 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one tube container 495 of the tube containers 495 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 490 may be positioned at the eleventh positioning stage 520, and in order for the second gripping unit 810 to selectively transfer the tube 500 of the tube container 495 positioned at the eleventh positioning stage 520 to the second processing module 170, the tube container 495 should always be positioned at the predetermined position at the eleventh positioning stage 520. To implement such a device, the eleventh positioning stage 520 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the eleventh standby stage 525 may function in the same manner as the eleventh positioning stage 520.

[0073] In addition, the twelfth standby stage 535 and the twelfth positioning stage 530 may be positioned at the third connection stage 613. The third connection stage 613 may transfer the tube container 495, which is moved from the first transfer stage 610 to the twelfth standby stage 535, to the twelfth positioning stage 530, and the third connection stage 613 may transfer the tube container 495, which is positioned at the twelfth positioning stage 530, to the second transfer stage 615. Here, the tube container 495 moved to the twelfth positioning stage 530 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one tube container 495 of the tube containers 495 supplied from the second consumable supplying device 490 may be positioned at the twelfth positioning stage 530, and in order for the third gripping unit 820 to selectively transfer the tube 500 of the tube container 495 positioned at the twelfth positioning stage 530 to the third processing module 180, the tube container 495 should always be positioned at the predetermined position at the twelfth positioning stage 530. To implement such a device, the twelfth positioning stage 530 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the twelfth standby stage 535 may function in the same manner as the twelfth positioning stage 530.

[0074] Meanwhile, the tube container 495 positioned at the tenth positioning stage 510 (or the eleventh positioning stage 520 and the twelfth positioning stage 530) may be moved to the second transfer stage 615, and the tube container 495 moved to the second transfer stage 615 (e.g., the empty tube container 495) may be positioned at a portion, which is adjacent to the tenth positioning stage 510 (or the eleventh positioning stage 520 and the twelfth positioning stage 530) of the second transfer stage 615, and the tube container 495 moved to the second transfer stage 615 may be transferred by the second transfer device 715.

[0075] Although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to the second consumable supplying device 490, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device that transfers the tube container 495 may correspond to the second consumable supplying device 490, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0076] The sample supplying device 200 may be positioned at a second section of the supplying unit 10, and the third transfer device 720, the fourth transfer device 725, the third transfer stage 620, the fourth connection stage 621, the fifth connection stage 622, the sixth connection stage 623, the fourth transfer stage 625, the first standby stage 225, the first positioning stage 220, the second standby stage 235, the second positioning stage 230, the third standby stage 245, and the third positioning stage 240 may be spaced apart from the sample supplying device 200 in the fourth direction D4.

[0077] The sample supplying device 200 may store sample tubes 210 each including a sample, and the sample supplying device 200 may continuously supply the sample tube 210 to the third transfer stage 620. Here, a 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 sample. For example, the sample may include urine, LBC (liquid-based cytology), semen, FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded), saliva, respiratory (RP) sputum, tuberculosis (TB) sputum, bronchial washing, raw stool, etc. In addition, shapes of the sample tubes 210 may be identical according to the type of the samples. For example, in a pre-analytic preparation system (or a sample dispensing system), primary sample containers each including a primary sample may be supplied, and size and shape of the respective primary sample containers may be different from one another. In the pre-analytic preparation system, the primary sample may be transferred from each of the primary sample containers to a standardized (or normalized) tube, and the standardized tube 500 including the primary sample may be provided to the sample supplying device 200 of a modular pre-analytic system 1000. Alternatively, the primary sample containers each including the primary sample may be supplied to the sample supplying device 200, and in this case, the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may further include a decapping / capping unit that decaps and caps a cap of the primary sample container, a pipette unit that transfers the sample from the primary sample container, etc.

[0078] The third transfer device 720 and the fourth transfer device 725 may be positioned on both lateral portions of the third transfer stage 620 and the fourth transfer stage 625. The third transfer device 720 may be positioned adjacent to the third transfer stage 620, 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 bidirectional transfer path. In addition, the third transfer device 720 may grip a sample tube 210 supplied from the sample supplying device 200 and transfer the sample tube 210 on the third transfer stage 620, and the third transfer device 720 may position the sample tube 210, which is moved on the third transfer stage 620, at predetermined portions of the third transfer stage 620 (e.g., portions adjacent to each of the first standby stage 225, the second standby stage 235, and the third standby stage 245).

[0079] The fourth transfer device 725 may be positioned adjacent to the fourth transfer stage 625, 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 bidirectional transfer path. In addition, the fourth transfer device 725 may grip the sample tube 210 in which a portion of a sample remains and transfer the sample tube 210, in which the portion of the sample remains, on the fourth transfer stage 625.

[0080] For example, after the sample supplying device 200 decap a cap of the sample tube 210, the sample supplying device 200 may supply the opened sample tube 210 to the third transfer stage 620, and the first pipette unit 900 may aspirate a portion of a sample from the opened sample tube 210. The first gripping unit 800 may place the tube 500 at the first processing unit 110a, and the first pipette unit 900 may dispense the portion of the sample into the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110a. Here, a remaining portion of the sample may remain in the opened sample tube 210, and after the opened sample tube 210 may be moved to the sample supplying device 200, the sample container 210 may be stored in the sample supplying device 200 by capping the cap. In addition, when the first pipette unit 900 aspirates all of the sample from the opened sample tube 210, the empty sample tube 210 may be moved to the sample supplying device 200.

[0081] Otherwise, the sample supplying device 200 may supply the sample tube 210 to the third transfer stage 620, and the first gripping unit 800 may place the sample tube 210 positioned at the first positioning stage 220 at the first processing unit 110a. In this case, the sample supplying device 200 may supply the sample tube 210 capped with the cap, and the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may not include the fourth transfer stage 625.

[0082] The third transfer stage 620 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the sample supplying device 200, and the third transfer stage 620 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 tube 210 is supplied to the third transfer stage 620. For example, the sample supplying device 200 may provide the sample tube 210 to a section, which is adjacent to the first section of the sample supplying device 200, of the third transfer stage 620. In this case, the sample tube 210 may be transferred from the sample supplying device 200 to the third transfer stage 620 by using a transfer unit included in the sample supplying device 200 or by using the third transfer device 720. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the third transfer device 720 places the sample tube 210 at each of the predetermined portions of the third transfer stage 620, the third transfer stage 620 may transfer the sample tubes 210 to the first standby stage 225, the second standby stage 235, and the third standby stage 245. Here, the first standby stage 225 (or the second standby stage 235 and the third standby stage 245) may function as a place where the sample tube 210 stays so that the sample tube 210 is relatively quickly provided to the first positioning stage 220 (or the second positioning stage 230 and the third positioning stage 240). In exemplary embodiments, a type of the sample tubes 210 moved to the first standby stage 225, the second standby stage 235, and the third standby stage 245 may be different from one another. For example, the sample tube 210 supplied to the first standby stage 225 may be defined as a first type sample, the sample tube 210 supplied to the second standby stage 235 may be defined as a second type sample, and the sample tube 210 supplied to the third standby stage 245 may be defined as a third type sample. That is, the first type sample may be placed on the first positioning stage 220 so that the first type sample is specifically delivered to the first processing module 100, and the second type sample may be placed on the second positioning stage 230 so that the second type sample is specifically delivered to the second processing module 170. The third type sample may be placed on the third positioning stage 240 so that the third type sample is specifically delivered to the third processing module 180.

[0083] The fourth transfer stage 625 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the sample supplying device 200, and the fourth transfer stage 625 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the fourth transfer stage 625 may extend substantially parallel to the third transfer stage 620. Here, the second section of the sample supplying device 200 may correspond to a section where the sample tube 210, in which a portion of the sample remains, (or the empty sample tube 210) is stored in the sample supplying device 200. For example, the empty sample tube 210 or the sample tube 210, in which the portion of the sample remains, positioned at a portion, which is adjacent to the second section of the sample supplying device 200, of the fourth transfer stage 625 may be received in the sample supplying device 200. In this case, the empty sample tube 210 or the sample tube 210, in which the portion of the sample remains, may be transferred from the fourth transfer stage 625 to the sample supplying device 200 by using a transfer unit included in the sample supplying device 200 or by using the fourth transfer device 725.

[0084] In exemplary embodiments, the fourth connection stage 621, the fifth connection stage 622, and the sixth connection stage 623 may be positioned between the third transfer stage 620 and the fourth transfer stage 625, and the fourth connection stage 621, the fifth connection stage 622, and the sixth connection stage 623 may be sequentially arranged along the fourth direction D4.

[0085] The first standby stage 225 and the first positioning stage 220 may be positioned at the fourth connection stage 621. The fourth connection stage 621 may transfer the first type sample (or the sample tube 210 containing the first type sample), which is moved from the third transfer stage 620 to the first standby stage 225, to the first positioning stage 220, and the fourth connection stage 621 may selectively transfer the first type sample positioned at the first positioning stage 220 to the fourth transfer stage 625. Here, the first type sample moved to the first positioning stage 220 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one sample tube 210 containing the first type sample among the sample tubes 210 supplied from the sample supplying device 200 may be positioned at the first positioning stage 220, and the first type sample positioned at the first positioning stage 220 should always be positioned at the predetermined position so that the first pipette unit 900 aspirates the first type sample positioned at the first positioning stage 220 (or so that the first gripping unit 800 transfers the first type sample positioned at the first positioning stage 220 to the first processing module 100). To implement such a device, the first positioning stage 220 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the first standby stage 225 may also function in the same manner as the first positioning stage 220.

[0086] Similarly, the second standby stage 235 and the second positioning stage 230 may be positioned at the fifth connection stage 622. The fifth connection stage 622 may transfer a second type sample (or a sample tube 210 containing the second type sample), which is moved from the third transfer stage 620 to the second standby stage 235, to the second positioning stage 230, and the fifth connection stage 622 may selectively transfer the second type sample positioned at the second positioning stage 230 to the fourth transfer stage 625. Here, the second type sample moved to the second positioning stage 230 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one sample tube 210 containing the second type sample among the sample tubes 210 supplied from the sample supplying device 200 may be positioned at the second positioning stage 230, and the second type sample positioned at the second positioning stage 230 should always be positioned at the predetermined position so that the second pipette unit 910 may aspirate the second type sample positioned at the second positioning stage 230 (or so that the second gripping unit 810 transfers the second type sample positioned at the second positioning stage 230 to the second processing module 170). To implement such a device, the second positioning stage 230 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the second standby stage 235 may also function in the same manner as the second positioning stage 230.

[0087] In addition, the third standby stage 245 and the third positioning stage 240 may be positioned at the sixth connection stage 623. The sixth connection stage 623 may transfer a third type sample (or a sample tube 210 containing the third type sample), which is moved from the third transfer stage 620 to the third standby stage 245, to the third positioning stage 240, and the sixth connection stage 623 may selectively transfer the third type sample positioned at the third positioning stage 240 to the fourth transfer stage 625. Here, the third type sample moved to the third positioning stage 240 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one sample tube 210 containing the third type sample among the sample tubes 210 supplied from the sample supplying device 200 may be positioned at the third positioning stage 240, and the third type sample positioned at the third positioning stage 240 should always be positioned at the predetermined position so that the third pipette unit 920 aspirates the third type sample positioned at the third positioning stage 240 (or so that the third gripping unit 820 transfers the third type sample positioned at the third positioning stage 240 to the third processing module 180). To implement such a device, the third positioning stage 240 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the third standby stage 245 may also function in the same manner as the third positioning stage 240.

[0088] Meanwhile, the first type sample (or the second type sample and the third type sample) positioned at the first positioning stage 220 (or the second positioning stage 230 and the third positioning stage 240) may be selectively moved to the fourth transfer stage 625, and the first type sample (or the second type sample and the third type sample) selectively moved to the fourth transfer stage 625 may be positioned at a portion, which is adjacent to the first positioning stage 220 (or the second positioning stage 230 and the third positioning stage 240) of the fourth transfer stage 625. The first type sample (or the second type sample and the third type sample) moved to the fourth transfer stage 625 may be transferred by the fourth transfer device 725.

[0089] 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 tube 210 may correspond to the sample supplying device 200, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0090] The first consumable supplying device 410 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 630, the sixth transfer stage 635, the seventh connection stage 631, the eighth connection stage 632, the ninth connection stage 633, the seventh standby stage 435, the eighth standby stage 445, the ninth standby stage 455, the seventh positioning stage 430, the eighth positioning stage 440, and the ninth positioning stage 450 may be spaced apart from the first consumable supplying device 410 in the fourth direction D4.

[0091] 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 the fifth transfer stage 630. For example, the tips may include pipette tips connectable to each of the first pipette unit 900, the second pipette unit 910, and the third pipette unit 920, and the plurality of tips may be arranged in the tip container 420. In other words, when each of the first, second, and third pipette units 900, 910, and 920 aspirates or dispenses a sample or a reagent, the tips may be connected to each of the first, second, and third pipette units 900, 910, and 920, respectively. In exemplary embodiments, the tip containers 420 supplied from the first consumable supplying device 410 to the fifth transfer stage 630 may be identical.

[0092] In other exemplary embodiments, the tip containers 420 may include a tip container 420 including type A tips with a relatively small-diameter and a tip container 420 including type B tips with a relatively large-diameter, and 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 fifth transfer stage 630 depending on a type of the samples.

[0093] The fifth transfer device 730 and the sixth transfer device 735 may be positioned on both lateral portions of the fifth transfer stage 630 and the sixth transfer stage 635. The fifth transfer device 730 may be positioned adjacent to the fifth transfer stage 630, 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 bidirectional movement path. In addition, the fifth transfer device 730 may grip the tip container 420 supplied from the first consumable supplying device 410 and transfer the tip container 420 on the fifth transfer stage 630, and the fifth transfer device 730 may place the tip container 420 moved on the fifth transfer stage 630 at a predetermined portion of the fifth transfer stage 630 (e.g., a portion adjacent to each of the seventh standby stage 435, the eighth standby stage 445, and the ninth standby stage 455 of the fifth transfer stage 630).

[0094] The sixth transfer device 735 may be positioned adjacent to the sixth transfer stage 635, 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 bidirectional movement path. In addition, the sixth transfer device 735 may grip an empty tip container 420, in which all the tips are used, and transfer the empty tip container 420 on the sixth transfer stage 635.

[0095] The fifth transfer stage 630 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the first consumable supplying device 410, and the fifth transfer stage 630 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 fifth transfer stage 630. 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 fifth transfer stage 630. In this case, the tip container 420 may be transferred from the first consumable supplying device 410 to the fifth transfer stage 630 by using a transfer unit included in the first consumable supplying device 410 or by using the fifth transfer device 730. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the fifth transfer device 730 places the tip container 420 at the predetermined portion of the fifth transfer stage 630, the fifth transfer stage 630 may transfer the tip container 420 to the seventh standby stage 435 (or the eighth standby stage 445 and the ninth standby stage 455). Here, the seventh standby stage 435 (or the eighth standby stage 445 and the ninth standby stage 455) may function as a place where the tip container 420 stays so that the tip container 420 is relatively quickly provided to the seventh positioning stage 430 (or the eighth positioning stage 440 and the ninth positioning stage 450).

[0096] The sixth transfer stage 635 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the first consumable supplying device 410, and the sixth transfer stage 635 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the sixth transfer stage 635 may extend substantially in parallel with the fifth transfer stage 630. Here, the second section of the first consumable supplying device 410 may correspond to a section where an empty tip container 420 is stored in the first consumable supplying device 410. For example, the empty tip container 420 positioned at a portion, which is adjacent to the second section of the first consumable supplying device 410, of the sixth transfer stage 635 may be received in the first consumable supplying device 410. In this case, the empty tip container 420 may be transferred from the sixth transfer stage 635 to the first consumable supplying device 410 by using a transfer unit included in the first consumable supplying device 410 or by using the sixth transfer device 735.

[0097] In exemplary embodiments, the seventh connection stage 631, the eighth connection stage 632, and the ninth connection stage 633 may be positioned between the fifth transfer stage 630 and the sixth transfer stage 635, and the seventh connection stage 631, the eighth connection stage 632, and the ninth connection stage 633 may be sequentially arranged along the fourth direction D4.

[0098] The seventh connection stage 631 may be positioned at the seventh standby stage 435 and the seventh positioning stage 430. The seventh connection stage 631 may transfer the tip container 420, which is moved from the fifth transfer stage 630 to the seventh standby stage 435, to the seventh positioning stage 430, and the seventh connection stage 631 may transfer the tip container 420 positioned at the seventh positioning stage 430 to the sixth transfer stage 635. Here, the tip container 420 moved to the seventh 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 seventh positioning stage 430, and the tip container 420 should always be positioned at the predetermined position in the seventh positioning stage 430 so that the first pipette unit 900 is connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the seventh positioning stage 430. In order to implement such a device, the seventh positioning stage 430 may include at least one position adjusting member. That is, a consumable may be placed on the seventh positioning stage 430 so that the tip (e.g., the consumable) included in the tip container 420 is used in the first processing module 100. Alternatively, the seventh standby stage 435 may function in the same manner as the seventh positioning stage 430.

[0099] Similarly, the eighth standby stage 445 and the eighth positioning stage 440 may be positioned at the eighth connection stage 632. The eighth connection stage 632 may transfer the tip container 420, which is moved from the fifth transfer stage 630 to the eighth standby stage 445, to the eighth positioning stage 440, and the eighth connection stage 632 may transfer the tip container 420 positioned at the eighth positioning stage 440 to the sixth transfer stage 635. Here, the tip container 420 moved to the eighth 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 eighth positioning stage 440, and the tip container 420 should always be positioned at the predetermined position in the eighth positioning stage 440 so that the second pipette unit 910 is connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the eighth positioning stage 440. In order to implement such a device, the eighth positioning stage 440 may include at least one position adjusting member. That is, a consumable may be placed on the eighth positioning stage 440 so that the tip (e.g., the consumable) included in the tip container 420 is used in the second processing module 170. Alternatively, the eighth standby stage 445 may function in the same manner as the eighth positioning stage 440.

[0100] In addition, the ninth standby stage 455 and the ninth positioning stage 450 may be positioned at the ninth connection stage 633. The ninth connection stage 633 may transfer the tip container 420, which is moved from the fifth transfer stage 630 to the ninth standby stage 455, to the ninth positioning stage 450, and the ninth connection stage 633 may transfer the tip container 420 positioned at the ninth positioning stage 450 to the sixth transfer stage 635. Here, the tip container 420 moved to the ninth positioning stage 450 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 ninth positioning stage 450, and the tip container 420 should always be positioned at the predetermined position in the ninth positioning stage 450 so that the third pipette unit 920 is connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the ninth positioning stage 450. In order to implement such a device, the ninth positioning stage 450 may include at least one position adjusting member. That is, a consumable may be placed on the ninth positioning stage 450 so that the tip (e.g., the consumable) included in the tip container 420 is used in the third processing module 180. Alternatively, the ninth standby stage 455 may function in the same manner as the ninth positioning stage 450.

[0101] Meanwhile, the tip container 420 positioned at the seventh positioning stage 430 (or the eighth positioning stage 440 and the ninth positioning stage 450) may be moved to the sixth transfer stage 635, and the tip container 420 moved to the sixth transfer stage 635 may be positioned at a portion, which is adjacent to the seventh positioning stage 430 (or the eighth positioning stage 440 and the ninth positioning stage 450) of the sixth transfer stage 635. The tip container 420 moved to the sixth transfer stage 635 may be transferred by the sixth transfer device 735.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The reagent supplying device 300 may be positioned at a fourth section of the supplying unit 10, and the seventh transfer device 740, the eighth transfer device 745, the seventh transfer stage 640, the eighth transfer stage 645, the tenth connection stage 641, the eleventh connection stage 642, the twelfth connection stage 643, the fourth standby stage 335, the fifth standby stage 345, the sixth standby stage 355, the fourth positioning stage 330, the fifth positioning stage 340, and the sixth positioning stage 350 may be spaced apart from the reagent supplying device 300 in the fourth direction D4.

[0104] The reagent supplying device 300 may store reagent containers 320 each including a reagent, and the reagent supplying device 300 may supply the reagent containers 320 to the seventh transfer stage 640. In exemplary embodiments, the reagent supplying device 300 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the reagents. For example, the types of the reagents supplied from the reagent supplying device 300 may be at least two, and the type of the reagents provided from the reagent supplying device 300 may be determined depending on a type of the samples. The reagent may include phosphate buffered saline (PBS), lysis buffer, NALC-NaOH, proteinase K, saline buffer, etc.

[0105] The seventh transfer device 740 and the eighth transfer device 745 may be positioned on both lateral portions of the seventh transfer stage 640 and the eighth transfer stage 645. The seventh transfer device 740 may be positioned adjacent to the seventh transfer stage 640, 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 reagent container 320 supplied from the reagent supplying device 300 and transfer the reagent container 320 on the seventh transfer stage 640, and the seventh transfer device 740 may place the reagent container 320 moved on the seventh transfer stage 640 at a predetermined portion of the seventh transfer stage 640 (e.g., a portion adjacent to each of the fourth standby stage 335, the fifth standby stage 345, and the sixth standby stage 355 of the seventh transfer stage 640).

[0106] The eighth transfer device 745 may be positioned adjacent to the eighth transfer stage 645, 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 reagent container 320, in which a portion of the reagent remains, and transfer the reagent container 320, in which the portion of the reagent remains, on the eighth transfer stage 645.

[0107] For example, after the reagent supplying device 300 decaps a cap of the reagent container 320, the reagent supplying device 300 may supply the opened reagent container 320 to the seventh transfer stage 640, and the first pipette unit 900 may aspirate a portion of the reagent from the opened reagent container 320. The first pipette unit 900 may dispense the portion of the reagent into the tube 500, which includes the first type sample and is positioned in the processing unit 20. Here, a remaining portion of the reagent may remain in the opened reagent container 320, and after the opened reagent container 320 is moved to the reagent supplying device 300, the reagent container 320 may be stored in the reagent supplying device 300 by capping the cap. In addition, when the first pipette unit 900 aspirates all of the reagent from the opened reagent container 320, an empty reagent container 320 may be moved to the reagent supplying device 300.

[0108] The seventh transfer stage 640 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the reagent supplying device 300, and the seventh transfer stage 640 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the reagent supplying device 300 may correspond to a section where the reagent container 320 is supplied to the seventh transfer stage 640. For example, the reagent supplying device 300 may provide the reagent container 320 to a portion, which is adjacent to the first section of the reagent supplying device 300, of the seventh transfer stage 640. In this case, the reagent container 320 may be transferred from the reagent supplying device 300 to the seventh transfer stage 640 by using a transfer unit included in the reagent supplying device 300 or by using the seventh transfer device 740. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the seventh transfer device 740 places the reagent container 320 at the predetermined portion of the seventh transfer stage 640, the seventh transfer stage 640 may transfer the reagent container 320 to the fourth standby stage 335 (or the fifth standby stage 345 and the sixth standby stage 355). Here, the fourth standby stage 335 (or the fifth standby stage 345 and the sixth standby stage 355) may function as a place where the reagent container 320 stays so that the reagent container 320 may be relatively quickly provided to the fourth positioning stage 330 (or the fifth positioning stage 340 and the sixth positioning stage 350).

[0109] In exemplary embodiments, types of the reagent containers 320 moves to the fourth standby stage 335, the fifth standby stage 345, and the sixth standby stage 355 may be the same as or different from each other. For example, the reagent container 320 supplied to the fourth standby stage 335 may be defined as a first reagent for the first type sample, the reagent container 320 supplied to the fifth standby stage 345 may be defined as a second reagent for the second type sample, and the reagent container 320 supplied to the sixth standby stage 355 may be defined as a third reagent for the third type sample. That is, the first reagent may be placed on the fourth positioning stage 330 so that the first reagent is specifically delivered to the first processing module 100, and the second reagent may be placed on the fifth positioning stage 340 so that the second reagent is specifically delivered to the second processing module 170. The third reagent may be placed on the sixth positioning stage 350 so that the third reagent is specifically delivered to the third processing module 180. Alternatively, depending on a type of samples, a reagent for the sample may not be required.

[0110] The eighth transfer stage 645 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the reagent supplying device 300, and the eighth transfer stage 645 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the eighth transfer stage 645 may extend substantially in parallel with the seventh transfer stage 640. Here, the second section of the reagent supplying device 300 may correspond to a section where a reagent container 320, in which a portion of the reagent remains, (or the empty reagent container 320) is stored in the reagent supplying device 300. For example, the empty reagent container 320 or the reagent container 320, in which the a portion of the reagent remains, positioned at a portion, which is adjacent to the second section of the reagent supplying device 300, of the eighth transfer stage 645 may be received in the reagent supplying device 300. In this case, the empty reagent container 320 or the reagent container 320, in which a portion of the reagent remains, may be transferred from the eighth transfer stage 645 to the reagent supplying device 300 by using a transfer unit included in the reagent supplying device 300 or by using an eighth transfer device 745.

[0111] In exemplary embodiments, the tenth connection stage 641, the eleventh connection stage 642, and the twelfth connection stage 643 may be positioned between the seventh transfer stage 640 and the eighth transfer stage 645, and the tenth connection stage 641, the eleventh connection stage 642, and the twelfth connection stage 643 may be sequentially arranged along the fourth direction D4.

[0112] The fourth standby stage 335 and the fourth positioning stage 330 may be positioned at the tenth connection stage 641. The tenth connection stage 641 may transfer the first reagent for the first type sample (or a reagent container 320 containing the first reagent for the first type sample), which is moved from the seventh transfer stage 640 to the fourth standby stage 335, to the fourth positioning stage 330, and the tenth connection stage 641 may transfer the first reagent for the first type sample, which is positioned at the fourth positioning stage 330, to the eighth transfer stage 645. Here, the first reagent moved to the fourth positioning stage 330 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one reagent container 320, in which the first reagent is contained, of the reagent containers 320 supplied from the reagent supplying device 300 may be positioned at the fourth positioning stage 330, and the first reagent positioned at the fourth positioning stage 330 should always be positioned at the predetermined position so that the first pipette unit 900 aspirates the first reagent positioned at the fourth positioning stage 330. To implement such a device, the fourth positioning stage 330 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the fourth standby stage 335 may function in the same manner as the fourth positioning stage 330.

[0113] Similarly, the fifth standby stage 345 and the fifth positioning stage 340 may be positioned at the eleventh connection stage 642. The eleventh connection stage 642 may transfer the second reagent for the second type sample (or a reagent container 320 containing the second reagent for the second type sample), which is moved from the seventh transfer stage 640 to the fifth standby stage 345, to the fifth positioning stage 340, and the eleventh connection stage 642 may transfer the second reagent for the second type sample, which is positioned at the fifth positioning stage 340, to the eighth transfer stage 645. Here, the second reagent moved to the fifth positioning stage 340 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one reagent container 320, in which the second reagent is contained, of the reagent containers 320 supplied from the reagent supplying device 300 may be positioned at the fifth positioning stage 340, and the second reagent positioned at the fifth positioning stage 340 should always be positioned at the predetermined position so that the second pipette unit 910 aspirates the second reagent positioned at the fifth positioning stage 340. To implement such a device, the fifth positioning stage 340 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the fifth standby stage 345 may function in the same manner as the fifth positioning stage 340.

[0114] In addition, the sixth standby stage 355 and the sixth positioning stage 350 may be positioned at the twelfth connection stage 643. The twelfth connection stage 643 may transfer the third reagent for the third type sample (or a reagent container 320 containing the third reagent for the third type sample), which is moved from the seventh transfer stage 640 to the sixth standby stage 355, to the sixth positioning stage 350, and the twelfth connection stage 643 may transfer the third reagent for the third type sample, which is positioned at the sixth positioning stage 350, to the eighth transfer stage 645. Here, the third reagent moved to the sixth positioning stage 350 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one reagent container 320, in which the third reagent is contained, of the reagent containers 320 supplied from the reagent supplying device 300 may be positioned at the sixth positioning stage 350, and the third reagent positioned at the sixth positioning stage 350 should always be positioned at the predetermined position so that the third pipette unit 920 aspirates the third reagent positioned at the sixth positioning stage 350. To implement such a device, the sixth positioning stage 350 may include at least one position adjusting member. Alternatively, the sixth standby stage 355 may function in the same manner as the sixth positioning stage 350.

[0115] Meanwhile, the reagent container 320 containing the first reagent (or the reagent container 320 containing the second reagent and the reagent container 320 containing the third reagent) positioned at the fourth positioning stage 330 (or the fifth positioning stage 340 and the sixth positioning stage 350) may be moved to the eighth transfer stage 645, and the first reagent (or the second reagent and the third reagent) moved to the eighth transfer stage 645 may be positioned at a portion, which is adjacent to the fourth positioning stage 330, of the sixth transfer stage 645 (or the fifth positioning stage 340 and the sixth positioning stage 350), and the first reagent (or the second reagent and the third reagent) moved to the sixth transfer stage 645 may be transferred by a sixth transfer device 745.

[0116] Although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to the reagent supplying device 300, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device that transfers the reagent container 320 may correspond to the reagent supplying device 300, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0117] In addition, in the present invention, although it has been described that the second consumable supplying device 490, the sample supplying device 200, the first consumable supplying device 410, and the reagent supplying device 300 are sequentially arranged along a first direction D1 in a supplying part 10, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, an arrangement order of the second consumable supplying device 490, the sample supplying device 200, the first consumable supplying device 410, and the reagent supplying device 300 in the supplying part 10 may be changed.

[0118] Further, although the supplying part 10 of the present invention has been described as including four supplying devices (e.g., the sample supplying device 200, the reagent supplying device 300, the first consumable supplying device 410, and the second 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 reagent supplying device 300, the first consumable supplying device 410, and the second consumable supplying device 490 may be implemented as one supplying device.

[0119] The first processing module 100 may include the first general processing unit set 870, which includes the first gripping unit 800, the first pipette unit 900, and the first decapping / capping unit set 960a, and the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 including at least two processing units, and the first decapping / capping unit set 960a and the processing units may be positioned at a first section of a processing part 20. In addition, each of the processing units may have one of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function, and the processing units may be arranged in the first direction D1. The arranged processing units may be rearranged and replaceable. For example, each of the processing units may be manufactured as a module, and may be easily installed in or easily removed from the processing part 20. Further, the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may perform a first pre-analytic process for the first type sample supplied to the first processing module 100, and the first processing module 100 may pretreat one sample in each run of the first pre-analytic process. Alternatively, each of the processing units may have one of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, the heating function, a sonicating function, a cooling function, and a grinding function.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] In exemplary embodiments, the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may include the first processing unit 110a having the centrifugation function, the second processing unit 120a having the vortex function, and the third processing unit 130a having the spin-down function, and the first processing unit 110a, the second processing unit 120a, and the third processing unit 130a may be sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. In addition, the first decapping / capping unit set 960a may include the first decapping / capping unit 961a, the second decapping / capping unit 962a, and the third decapping / capping unit 963a, and the number of the decapping / capping units may be equal to the number of the processing units. In other words, the first processing unit 110a, the second processing unit 120a, and the third processing unit 130a may correspond to the first decapping / capping unit 961a, the second decapping / capping unit 962a, and the third decapping / capping unit 963a, respectively. Further, the first tip waste container 940a and the first liquid waste container 950a may be positioned adjacent to the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101, and an empty slot 160 and an empty slot 966 may be positioned between the first sample-adaptive processing unit set 101 and the first tip waste container 940a. For example, five empty slots 160 and five empty slots 966 may be positioned at the first section of the processing part 20, and the first processing unit 110a, the second processing unit 120a, and the third processing unit 130a may be mounted (or installed and electrically connected) in three of the five empty slots 160, and the first decapping / capping unit 961a, the second decapping / capping unit 962a, and the third decapping / capping unit 963a may be mounted in three of the five empty slots 966. In other words, since both the processing units and the decapping / capping units are manufactured in a modular manner, the configuration of the first processing module 100 may be easily changeable depending on the type of samples.

[0126] However, although it has been described that the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 of the present invention includes the first processing unit 110a having the centrifugation function, the second processing unit 120a having the vortex function, and the third processing unit 130a having the spin-down function, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101, the function of each of the first processing unit 110a, the second processing unit 120a, and the third processing unit 130a may be determined depending on the type of the samples pretreated in the first processing module 100, and depending on the type of the samples, the arrangement of the processing units may be changed, or an additional processing unit may be additionally mounted in the empty slot 160.

[0127] In exemplary embodiments, the tenth positioning stage 510, the first positioning stage 220, the seventh positioning stage 430, and the fourth positioning stage 330 may be sequentially arranged in the first direction D1, and the tenth positioning stage 510, the first positioning stage 220, the seventh positioning stage 430, and the fourth positioning stage 330 may be aligned with the first section of the processing unit 20 in the first direction D1.

[0128] The first pipette unit 900 may be positioned on the first positioning stage 220, the seventh positioning stage 430, the fourth positioning stage 330, the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101, the first tip waste container 940a, and the first liquid waste container 950a, and the first pipette unit 900 may transfer liquid (e.g., reagent, sample, supernatant, pellet, etc.) in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20. 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 905 of the first pipette unit 900 may be overlapped with a position of each of the first positioning stage 220, the seventh positioning stage 430, the fourth positioning stage 330, the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101, the first tip waste container 940a, and the first liquid waste container 950a. In other words, the first pipette unit 900 may not move in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4, and may be movable only on the first positioning stage 220, the seventh positioning stage 430, the fourth positioning stage 330, the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101, the first tip waste container 940a, and the first liquid waste container 950a. That is, the first pipette unit 900 may be movable in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20, and the first pipette unit 900 may have the bidirectional movement path 905.

[0129] For example, the first pipette unit 900 may be connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the seventh positioning stage 430, and the first pipette unit 900 may transfer a portion of the first type sample (e.g., the first type sample positioned at the first positioning stage 220) supplied from the sample supplying device 200 to the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110a. Here, the tube 500 including a portion of the first type sample is defined as a first sample tube. In addition, the first pipette unit 900 may transfer a portion of the first reagent (e.g., the first reagent positioned at the fourth positioning stage 330) supplied from the reagent supplying device 300 to the first sample tube positioned at the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 (or the tube 500 positioned at the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101). Further, after the tip is connected to the first pipette unit 900, the used tip may be released to the first tip waste container 940a, and while a predetermined pre-analytic process is performed in the first processing module 100, the first pipette unit 900 may aspirate unnecessary liquid generated in the first sample tube positioned at the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101, and may transfer the unnecessary liquid to the first liquid waste container 950a. Here, in a step of connecting the tip and in a step of aspirating and dispensing the first reagent, the supernatant, the pellet, the unnecessary liquid, etc., the first pipette unit 900 may move in the fifth direction D5 and in a direction opposite to the fifth direction D5.

[0130] The first gripping unit 800 may be movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20. In other words, the first gripping unit 800 may be horizontally movable on a lateral portion of each of the tenth positioning stage 510, the first positioning stage 220, the seventh positioning stage 430, the fourth positioning stage 330, the first processing unit 110a, the second processing unit 120a, and the third processing unit 130a. As described above, the first gripping unit 800 may grip the tube 500 included in the tube container 495 positioned at the tenth positioning stage 510, and may transfer the tube 500 to the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101. In addition, the first gripping unit 800 may transfer the first type sample in the first processing unit 110a, the second processing unit 120a, and the third processing unit 130a, and the first type sample in the first processing unit 110a, the second processing unit 120a, and the third processing unit 130a may be moved only in the first direction D1. That is, the first gripping unit 800 may have a bidirectional movement path 805. In addition, the movement path 805 of the first gripping unit 800 may not intersect with the movement path 905 of the first pipette unit 900.

[0131] In other exemplary embodiments, the first gripping unit 800 may grip the first sample tube capped with the cap and positioned at the first positioning stage 220, and may transfer the first sample tube capped with the cap to the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 (e.g., the first processing unit 110a). In this case, the first gripping unit 800 does not need to transfer the tube 500 included in the tube container 495 positioned at the tenth positioning stage 510 to the first processing unit 110a. In addition, since the first sample tube capped with the cap positioned at the first positioning stage 220 is moved to the first processing unit 110a, the fourth transfer stage 625 may be omitted.

[0132] The first tip waste container 940a and the first liquid waste container 950a may be positioned adjacent to the empty slot 160. 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 940a, and the unnecessary liquid generated in the first sample tube may be dispensed to the first liquid waste container 950a.

[0133] The first final stage 970 may be positioned adjacent to the first liquid waste container 950a. For example, the first final stage 970 may place the first sample tube or tube 500 containing the pretreated first type sample. The first sample tube or tube 500 containing the pretreated first type sample may be transferred to the first final stage 970 thorough the first gripping unit 800.

[0134] The second processing module 170 may include the second general processing unit set 880, which includes the second gripping unit 810, the second pipette unit 910, and the second decapping / capping unit set 960b, and the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 including at least two processing units, and the second decapping / capping unit set 960b and the processing units may be positioned in a second section of the processing part 20. In addition, each of the processing units may have one of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function, and the processing units may be arranged in the first direction D1. The arranged processing units may be rearranged and replaceable. For example, each of the processing units may be manufactured in a modular manner and may be easily installed in or easily removed from the processing part 20. Further, the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may perform a second pre-analytic process for the second type sample supplied to the second processing module 170, and the second processing module 170 may pretreat one sample in each run of the second pre-analytic process.

[0135] In exemplary embodiments, the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may include the first processing unit 110b having the vortex function and the second processing unit 120b having the spin-down function, and the first processing unit 110b and the second processing unit 120b may be sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. In exemplary embodiments, the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may be different from the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102. In addition, the second decapping / capping unit set 960b may include the first decapping / capping unit 961b and the second decapping / capping unit 962b, and the number of the decapping / capping units may be the same as the number of the processing units. In other words, the first processing unit 110b and the second processing unit 120b may correspond to the first decapping / capping unit 961b and the second decapping / capping unit 962b, respectively. Further, the second tip waste container 940b and the second liquid waste container 950b may be positioned adjacent to the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102, and an empty slot 160 and an empty slot 966 may be positioned between the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 and the second tip waste container 940b. For example, five empty slots 160 and five empty slots 966 may be positioned in the second section of the processing part 20, and the first processing unit 110b and the second processing unit 120b may be mounted in two of the five empty slots 160. The first decapping / capping unit 961b and the second decapping / capping unit 962b may be mounted in two of the five empty slots 966. In other words, since both the processing units and the decapping / capping units are manufactured in a modular manner, the configuration of the second processing module 170 may be easily changeable depending on the type of sample.

[0136] However, although it has been described that the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 of the present invention includes the first processing unit 110b having the vortex function and the second processing unit 120b having the spin-down function, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102, the function of each of the first processing unit 110b and the second processing unit 120b may be determined depending on the type of samples pretreated in the second processing module 170, and depending on the type of sample, the arrangement of the processing units may be changed, or additional processing units may be additionally mounted in an empty slot 160. Alternatively, in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102, the first processing unit 110b may have the vortex function, and the second processing unit 120b may have the centrifugation function.

[0137] In exemplary embodiments, the eleventh positioning stage 520, the second positioning stage 230, the eighth positioning stage 440, and the fifth positioning stage 340 may be sequentially arranged in the first direction D1, and the eleventh positioning stage 520, the second positioning stage 230, the eighth positioning stage 440, and the fifth positioning stage 340 may be aligned with the second section of the processing part 20 in the first direction D1. In addition, the second section of the processing part 20 and the first section of the processing part 20 may be substantially parallel.

[0138] The second pipette unit 910 may be positioned on the second positioning stage 230, the eighth positioning stage 440, the fifth positioning stage 340, the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102, the second tip waste container 940b, and the second liquid waste container 950b, and the second pipette unit 910 may transfer liquid in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20. In exemplary embodiments, the second pipette unit 910 may be horizontally movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and a movement path 915 of the second pipette unit 910 may overlap with a position of each of the second positioning stage 230, the eighth positioning stage 440, the fifth positioning stage 340, the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102, the second tip waste container 940b, and the second liquid waste container 950b. In other words, the second pipette unit 910 may not move in the third direction D3 or the fourth direction D4, and may move only on the second positioning stage 230, the eighth positioning stage 440, the fifth positioning stage 340, the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102, the second tip waste container 940b, and the second liquid waste container 950b. That is, the second pipette unit 910 may be movable in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20, and the second pipette unit 910 may have a bidirectional movement path 915.

[0139] For example, the second pipette unit 910 may be connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the eighth positioning stage 440, and the second pipette unit 910 may transfer a portion of a second type sample (e.g., the second type sample positioned at the second positioning stage 230) supplied from the sample supplying device 200 to the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b. Here, the tube 500 containing a portion of the second type sample is defined as the second sample tube. In addition, the second pipette unit 910 may transfer a portion of a second reagent (e.g., the second reagent positioned at the fifth positioning stage 340) supplied from the reagent supplying device 300 to the second sample tube positioned in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 (or the tube 500 positioned in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102). Further, after the tip is connected to the second pipette unit 910, the used tip may be released to the second tip waste container 940b, and while a predetermined pre-analytic process is performed in the second processing module 170, the second pipette unit 910 may aspirate unnecessary liquid generated in the second sample tube positioned in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 and transfer the unnecessary liquid to the second liquid waste container 950b. Here, in a step of connecting the tip and in a step of aspirating and dispensing the second reagent, the supernatant, the pellet, and the unnecessary liquid, the second pipette unit 910 may move in the fifth direction D5 and in a direction opposite to the fifth direction D5.

[0140] The second gripping unit 810 may be movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20. In other words, the second gripping unit 810 may be horizontally movable on a lateral portion of the eleventh positioning stage 520, the second positioning stage 230, the eighth positioning stage 440, the fifth positioning stage 340, the first processing unit 110b, and the second processing unit 120b. As described above, the second gripping unit 810 may grip a tube 500 included in the tube container 495 positioned at the eleventh positioning stage 520 and transfer the tube 500 to the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102. In addition, the second gripping unit 810 may transfer the second type sample in the first processing unit 110b and the second processing unit 120b, and the second type sample in the first processing unit 110b and the second processing unit 120b may be moved only in the first direction D1. That is, the second gripping unit 810 may have a bidirectional movement path 815. In addition, the movement path 815 of the second gripping unit 810 may not intersect with the movement path 915 of the second pipette unit 910.

[0141] In other exemplary embodiments, the second gripping unit 810 may grip the second sample tube capped with the cap and positioned at the second positioning stage 230, and may transfer the second sample tube capped with the cap and to the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 (e.g., the first processing unit 110b). In this case, the second gripping unit 810 does not need to transfer the tube 500 included in the tube container 495 positioned at the eleventh positioning stage 520 to the first processing unit 110b. In addition, since the second sample tube capped with the cap and positioned at the second positioning stage 230 is moved to the first processing unit 110b, the fourth transfer stage 625 may be omitted.

[0142] The second tip waste container 940b and the second liquid waste container 950b may be positioned adjacent to the empty slot 160. As described above, after a tip connected to the second pipette unit 910 is used, the tip may be released to the second tip waste container 940b, and the unnecessary liquid generated in the second sample tube may be dispensed to the second liquid waste container 950b.

[0143] The second final stage 975 may be positioned adjacent to the second liquid waste container 950b. For example, the second final stage 975 may place the first sample tube or tube 500 containing the pretreated second type sample. The second sample tube or tube 500 containing the pretreated second type sample may be transferred to the second final stage 975 thorough the second gripping unit 810.

[0144] The third processing module 180 may include the third general processing unit set 890, which includes the third gripping unit 820, the third pipette unit 920, and the third decapping / capping unit set 960c, and the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 including at least two processing units, and the third decapping / capping unit set 960c and the processing units may be positioned in a third section of the processing part 20. In addition, each of the processing units may have one of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function, and the processing units may be arranged in the first direction D1. The arranged processing units may be rearranged and replaceable. For example, each of the processing units may be manufactured in a modular manner and may be easily installed in or easily removed from the processing part 20. Further, the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may perform a third pre-analytic process for the third type sample supplied to the third processing module 180, and the third processing module 180 may pretreat one sample in each run of the third pre-analytic process.

[0145] In exemplary embodiments, the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may include the first processing unit 110c having the vortex function, the second processing unit 120c having the centrifugation function, the third processing unit 130c having the vortex function, the fourth processing unit 140c having the heating function, and the fifth processing unit 150c having the spin-down function, and the first processing unit 110c, the second processing unit 120c, the third processing unit 130c, the fourth processing unit 140c, and the fifth processing unit 150c may be sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. In exemplary embodiments, the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may be different from the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 and the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102. In addition, the third decapping / capping unit set 960c may include the first decapping / capping unit 961c, the second decapping / capping unit 962c, the third decapping / capping unit 963c, the fourth decapping / capping unit 964c, and the fifth decapping / capping unit 965c, and the number of the decapping / capping units may be the same as the number of the processing units. In other words, the first processing unit 110c, the second processing unit 120c, the third processing unit 130c, the fourth processing unit 140c, and the fifth processing unit 150c may correspond to the first decapping / capping unit 961c, the second decapping / capping unit 962c, the third decapping / capping unit 963c, the fourth decapping / capping unit 964c, and the fifth decapping / capping unit 965c, respectively. Further, the third tip waste container 940c and the third liquid waste container 950c may be positioned adjacent to the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103, and no empty slot may be positioned between the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 and the third tip waste container 940c. For example, five empty slots 160 and five empty slots 966 may be positioned at the third section of the processing part 20, and the first processing unit 110c, the second processing unit 120c, the third processing unit 130c, the fourth processing unit 140c, and the fifth processing unit 150c may be mounted in all five of the empty slots 160, and the first decapping / capping unit 961c, the second decapping / capping unit 962c, the third decapping / capping unit 963c, the fourth decapping / capping unit 964c, and the fifth decapping / capping unit 965c may be mounted in all five of the empty slots 966. In other words, since both the processing units and the decapping / capping units are manufactured in a modular manner, the configuration of the third processing module 180 may be easily changeable depending on the type of samples.

[0146] However, although it has been described that the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 of the present invention includes the first processing unit 110c having the vortex function, the second processing unit 120c having the centrifugation function, the third processing unit 130c having the vortex function, the fourth processing unit 140c having the heating function, and the fifth processing unit 150c having the spin-down function, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103, the function of each of the first processing unit 110c, the second processing unit 120c, the third processing unit 130c, the fourth processing unit 140, and the fifth processing unit 150c may be determined depending on the type of the samples pretreated in the third processing module 180, and depending on the type of the samples, the arrangement of the processing units may be changed.

[0147] In addition, although it has been described that a configuration of each of the first to third sample-adapted processing unit sets of the present invention is different from each other, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the configuration of the first sample-adapted processing unit set is the same as the configuration of the second sample-adapted processing unit set, and a protocol of the first pre-analytic process performed in the first sample-adapted processing unit set may be different from a protocol of the second pre-analytic process performed in the second sample-adapted processing unit set.

[0148] In exemplary embodiments, the twelfth positioning stage 530, the third positioning stage 240, the ninth positioning stage 450, and the sixth positioning stage 350 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction D1, and the twelfth positioning stage 530, the third positioning stage 240, the ninth positioning stage 450, and the sixth positioning stage 350 may be aligned with the third section of the processing part 20 in the first direction D1. In addition, the third section of the processing part 20 and each of the first and second sections of the processing part 20 may be substantially parallel.

[0149] The third pipette unit 920 may be positioned on the third positioning stage 240, the ninth positioning stage 450, the sixth positioning stage 350, the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103, the third tip waste container 940c, and the third liquid waste container 950c, and the third pipette unit 920 may transfer liquid in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20. In exemplary embodiments, the third pipette unit 920 may be horizontally movable along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and a movement path 925 of the third pipette unit 920 may be overlapped with a position of each of the third positioning stage 240, the ninth positioning stage 450, the sixth positioning stage 350, the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103, the third tip waste container 940c, and the third liquid waste container 950c. In other words, the third pipette unit 920 may not move along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4, and may be movable only on the third positioning stage 240, the ninth positioning stage 450, the sixth positioning stage 350, the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103, the third tip waste container 940c, and the third liquid waste container 950c. That is, the third pipette unit 920 may be movable in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20, and the third pipette unit 920 may have the bidirectional movement path 925.

[0150] For example, the third pipette unit 920 may be connected to a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the ninth positioning stage 450, and the third pipette unit 920 may transfer a portion of the third type sample (e.g., the third type sample positioned at the third positioning stage 240) supplied from the sample supplying device 200 to the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110c. Here, the tube 500 containing a portion of the third type sample is defined as a third sample tube. In addition, the third pipette unit 920 may transfer a portion of the third reagent (e.g., the third reagent positioned at the sixth positioning stage 350) supplied from the reagent supplying device 300 to the third sample tube positioned at the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 (or to the tube 500 positioned at the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103). Further, after the tip is connected to the third pipette unit 920, the used tip may be released to the third tip waste container 940c, and while a predetermined pre-analytic process is performed in the third processing module 180, the third pipette unit 920 may aspirate unnecessary liquid generated in the third sample tube positioned in the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 and transfer the unnecessary liquid to the third liquid waste container 950c. Here, in a step of connecting the tip and in a step of aspirating and dispensing the third reagent, the supernatant, the pellet, and the unnecessary liquid, the third pipette unit 920 may move in the fifth direction D5 and in a direction opposite to the fifth direction D5.

[0151] The third gripping unit 820 may be movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20. In other words, the third gripping unit 820 may be horizontally movable on a lateral portion of the twelfth positioning stage 530, the third positioning stage 240, the ninth positioning stage 450, the sixth positioning stage 350, the first processing unit 110c, the second processing unit 120c, the third processing unit 130c, the fourth processing unit 140c, and the fifth processing unit 150c. As described above, the third gripping unit 820 may grip the tube 500 included in the tube container 495 positioned at the twelfth positioning stage 530 and transfer the tube 500 to the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103. In addition, the third gripping unit 820 may transfer the third type sample in the first processing unit 110c, the second processing unit 120c, the third processing unit 130c, the fourth processing unit 140c, and the fifth processing unit 150c, and the third type sample in the first processing unit 110c, the second processing unit 120c, the third processing unit 130c, the fourth processing unit 140c, and the fifth processing unit 150c may be moved only in the first direction D1. That is, the third gripping unit 820 may have a bidirectional movement path 825. In addition, the movement path 825 of the third gripping unit 820 may not intersect with the movement path 925 of the third pipet unit 920.

[0152] In other exemplary embodiments, the third gripping unit 820 may grip the third sample tube capped with the cap and positioned at the third positioning stage 240, and may transfer the third sample tube capped with the cap to the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 (e.g., the first processing unit 110c). In this case, the third gripping unit 820 does not need to transfer the tube 500 included in the tube container 495 positioned at the twelfth positioning stage 530 to the first processing unit 110c. In addition, since the third sample tube capped with the cap and positioned at the third positioning stage 240 is moved to the first processing unit 110c, the fourth transfer stage 625 may be omitted.

[0153] The third tip waste container 940c and the third liquid waste container 950c may be positioned adjacent to the fifth processing unit 150c. As described above, after a tip connected to the third pipette unit 920 is used, the tip may be released to the third tip waste container 940c, and the unnecessary liquid generated in the third sample tube may be dispensed to the third liquid waste container 950c.

[0154] The third final stage 980 may be positioned adjacent to the third liquid waste container 950c. For example, the third final stage 980 may place the third sample tube or tube 500 containing the pretreated third type sample. The third sample tube or tube 500 containing the pretreated third type sample may be transferred to the third final stage 980 through the third gripping unit 820.

[0155] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the processing part 20 may further include an expandable portion 50 capable of accommodating additional processing modules the same as or different from the first to third processing modules 100, 170, and 180. For example, in the expandable portion 50, five empty slots 160 and five empty slots 966 may be positioned, and a user of the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may further equip the additional processing module, which has the same configuration as the first to third processing modules 100, 170, and 180 in consideration of a throughput of the first to third processing modules 100, 170, and 180, in the expandable portion 50, or may further equip the additional processing module, which has a different configuration from the first to third processing modules 100, 170, and 180, in the expandable portion 50. In this case, an additional decapping / capping units, an additional gripping unit, an additional pipette unit, an additional tip waste container, and an additional liquid waste container, etc. may be disposed at the expandable portion 50.

[0156] The controller 990 may control operations of each of the first processing module 100, the second processing module 170, the third processing module 180, the stage 190, the sample supplying device 200, the reagent supplying device 300, the first consumable supplying device 410, the second consumable supplying device 490, the transfer stage 590, the connection stage 600, and the transfer device 700.

[0157] In exemplary embodiments, the controller 990 may control the sample supplying device 200 and the gripping units so that one sample is specifically delivered to one processing module among the processing modules depending on the type of the samples. In addition, the controller 990 may control the reagent supplying device 300 and the gripping units so that one reagent is specifically delivered to one processing modules among the processing modules depending on the type of the samples. In other words, the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may have a random access capability for the processing module (e.g., a device that pretreats a sample).

[0158] 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.

[0159] FIGS. 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. 6 is a plan view for describing a first pre-analytic process, and FIG. 7 is a plan view for describing a second pre-analytic process. FIG. 8 is a plan view for describing a third pre-analytic process.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, each of the processing units included in the first to third sample-adapted processing unit sets 101, 102, and 103 illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 may have one of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function. In addition, for continuous loading with respect to the first to third sample tubes, each of the first to third sample tubes may be moved in the first direction D1 in each of the first to third sample-adapted processing unit sets 101, 102, and 103. In other words, after each of the first to third sample tubes is moved to each of the second processing units 120a, 120b, and 120c, each of the first to third sample tubes is not moved to each of the first processing units 110a, 110b, and 110c. Meanwhile, in the first to third pre-analytic processes, description of decapping and capping of cap of the tube through the first to third decapping / capping unit sets 960a, 960b, and 960c will be omitted.

[0161] Referring again to FIG. 6, the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may perform the first pre-analytic process, and the first pre-analytic process may be run n times in the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101, where n is an integer of 2 or more. For example, a sample such as urine may be pretreated in the first pre-analytic process. 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 centrifugation, the removal of the supernatant, vortex, and spin-down. In other words, the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may include the first processing unit 110a having the centrifugation function, the second processing unit 120a having the vortex function, and the third processing unit 130a having the spin-down function.

[0162] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, after the tube 500 is positioned in the first processing unit 110a by the first gripping unit 800, a first type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110a by the first pipette unit 900. That is, the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110a may contain a sample such as urine, and the tube 500 containing the first type sample is defined as a first-first sample tube 210a. The first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may perform the first pre-analytic process with respect to the first-first sample tube 210a, and a case, where the sample contained in the first-first sample tube 210a is pretreated, is defined as a first run. For example, with respect to the first-first sample tube 210a, the first processing unit 110a may perform the centrifugation function for approximately fifteen minutes.

[0163] As illustrated in FIG. 6B, after the first processing unit 110a performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the first-first sample tube 210a positioned in the first processing unit 110a may be removed through the first pipette unit 900. Alternatively, after the supernatant is removed, the first reagent may be added to the first-first sample tube 210a through the first pipette unit 900. Thereafter, the first gripping unit 800 may transfer the first-first sample tube 210a positioned in the first processing unit 110a to the second processing unit 120a, and the second processing unit 120a may perform the vortex function with respect to the first-first sample tube 210a.

[0164] At the same time, after a tube 500 is positioned in the first processing unit 110a by the first gripping unit 800, a first type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110a by the first pipette unit 900. That is, the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110a may contain a sample such as urine, and the tube 500 containing the first type sample is defined as a first-second sample tube 210b. Here, the sample contained in the first-first sample tube 210a may be different from the sample contained in the first-second sample tube 210b. For example, the first-first sample tube 210a and the first-second sample tube 210b may contain urine from different persons. The first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may perform the first pre-analytic process with respect to the first-second sample tube 210b, and a case, where the sample contained in the first-second sample tube 210b is pretreated, is defined as a second run. For example, with respect to the first-second sample tube 210b, the first processing unit 110a may perform the centrifugation function for approximately fifteen minutes.

[0165] As illustrated in FIG. 6C, after the second processing unit 120a performs the vortex function, the first gripping unit 800 may transfer the first-first sample tube 210a positioned in the second processing unit 120a to the third processing unit 130a, and the third processing unit 130a may perform the spin-down function with respect to the first-first sample tube 210a.

[0166] At the same time, after the first processing unit 110a performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the first-second sample tube 210b positioned in the first processing unit 110a may be removed through the first pipette unit 900. Alternatively, after the supernatant is removed, the first reagent may be added to the first-second sample tube 210b through the first pipette unit 900. Thereafter, the first gripping unit 800 may transfer the first-second sample tube 210b positioned in the first processing unit 110a to the second processing unit 120a, and the second processing unit 120a may perform the vortex function with respect to the first-second sample tube 210b.

[0167] At the same time, after a tube 500 is positioned in the first processing unit 110a by the first gripping unit 800, a first type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110a by the first pipette unit 900. That is, the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110a may contain a sample such as urine, and the tube 500 containing the first type sample is defined as a first-third sample tube 210c. Here, the sample contained in the first-first sample tube 210a and the sample contained in the first-second sample tube 210b may be different from the sample contained in the first-third sample tube 210c. The first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may perform the first pre-analytic process with respect to the first-third sample tube 210c, and a case, where the sample contained in the first-third sample tube 210c is pretreated, is defined as a third run. For example, with respect to the first-third sample tube 210c, the first processing unit 110a may perform the centrifugation function for approximately fifteen minutes.

[0168] After the third processing unit 130a performs the spin-down function, the first-first sample tube 210a positioned in the third processing unit 130a may be transferred to the first final stage 970 by the first gripping unit 800.

[0169] In exemplary embodiments, the continuous loading with respect to the first-first to first-third sample tubes 210a, 210b, and 210c may be possible in the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101. For example, the first-first to first-third sample tubes 210a, 210b, and 210c may be transferred along the first direction D1 in the first to third processing units 110a, 120a, and 130a of the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 by the first gripping unit 800, and are not transferred in the second direction D2. In addition, after the first-first sample tube 210a positioned in the first processing unit 110a is moved to the second processing unit 120a in the first run, the first-second sample tube 210b may be moved to the first processing unit 110a in the second run. That is, the first run and the second run may be simultaneously performed in the first processing unit 110a and the second processing unit 120a.

[0170] As described above, with reference to the first pre-analytic process performed in the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 for the first-first sample tube 210a, the first pre-analytic process for each of the first-second sample tube 210b, the first-third sample tube 210c, and the first-fourth to first-(n)th sample tubes may also be readily understood.

[0171] 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 third processing module 180 may be spatially separated from the first and second processing modules 100 and 170 by a housing. In this case, the housing may include a controllably openable and closable entrance. Alternatively, the first to third processing modules 100, 170, and 180 may be spatially separated from each other by the housing.

[0172] Referring again to FIG. 7, the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may perform a second pre-analytic process, and the second pre-analytic process may be run n times in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. For example, a sample such as semen, saliva, or sputum may be pretreated in the second pre-analytic process, and the second pre-analytic process may be performed in an order of vortex and spin-down. In other words, the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may include the first processing unit 110b having the vortex function and the second processing unit 120b having the spin-down function.

[0173] As illustrated in FIG. 7A, after a tube 500 may be positioned at the first processing unit 110b by the second gripping unit 810, a second type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110b by the second pipette unit 910. That is, the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110b may contain a sample such as semen, saliva, or sputum, and the tube 500 containing the second type sample may be defined as a second-first sample tube 215a. The second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may perform the second pre-analytic process with respect to the second-first sample tube 215a, and a case, where the sample contained in the second-first sample tube 215a is pretreated, is defined as a first run. For example, with respect to the second-first sample tube 215a, the first processing unit 110b may perform the vortex function for approximately 1 minute. Alternatively, before the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, the second reagent may be added to the second-first sample tube 215a positioned at the first processing unit 110b through the second pipette unit 910.

[0174] As illustrated in FIG. 7B, after the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, the second gripping unit 810 may transfer the second-first sample tube 215a positioned in the first processing unit 110b to the second processing unit 120b, and the second processing unit 120b may perform the spin-down function with respect to the second-first sample tube 215a.

[0175] At the same time, after a tube 500 is positioned in the first processing unit 110b by the second gripping unit 810, a second type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b by the second pipette unit 910. That is, the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b may contain a sample such as semen, saliva, or sputum, and the tube 500 containing the second type sample is defined as a second-second sample tube 215b. Here, the sample contained in the second-first sample tube 215a may be different from the sample contained in the second-second sample tube 215b. For example, the second-first sample tube 215a and the second-second sample tube 215b may contain semen, saliva, or sputum from different persons. The second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may perform the second pre-analytic process with respect to the second-second sample tube 215b, and a case, where the sample contained in the second-second sample tube 215b is pretreated, is defined as a second run. For example, with respect to the second-second sample tube 215b, the first processing unit 110b may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute. Alternatively, before the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, the second reagent may be added to the second-second sample tube 215b positioned in the first processing unit 110b through the second pipette unit 910.

[0176] As illustrated in FIG. 7C, after the second processing unit 120b performs the spin-down function, the second-first sample tube 215a positioned in the second processing unit 120b may be transferred to the second final stage 975 by the second gripping unit 810. Thereafter, after the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, the second gripping unit 810 may transfer the second-second sample tube 215b positioned in the first processing unit 110b to the second processing unit 120b, and the second processing unit 120b may perform the spin-down function with respect to the second-second sample tube 215b.

[0177] At the same time, after a tube 500 is positioned in the first processing unit 110b by the second gripping unit 810, a second type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b by the second pipette unit 910. That is, the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b may contain a sample such as semen, saliva, or sputum, and the tube 500 containing the second type sample is defined as a second-third sample tube 215c. Here, the sample contained in the second-first sample tube 215a and the sample contained in the second-second sample tube 215b may be different from the sample contained in the second-third sample tube 215c. The second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may perform the second pre-analytic process with respect to the second-third sample tube 215c, and a case, where the sample contained in the second-third sample tube 215c is pretreated, is defined as a third run. For example, with respect to the second-third sample tube 215c, the first processing unit 110b may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute. Alternatively, before the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, the second reagent may be added to the second-third sample tube 215c positioned in the first processing unit 110b through the second pipette unit 910.

[0178] In exemplary embodiments, the continuous loading with respect to the second-first to second-third sample tubes 215a, 215b, and 215c may be possible in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102. For example, the second-first to second-third sample tubes 215a, 215b, and 215c may be transferred along the first direction D1 in the first to third processing units 110b, 120b, and 130b of the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 by the second gripping unit 810, and are not transferred in the second direction D2. In addition, after the second-first sample tube 215a positioned in the first processing unit 110b is moved to the second processing unit 120b in the first run, the second-second sample tube 215b may be moved to the first processing unit 110b in the second run. That is, the first run and the second run may be simultaneously performed in the first processing unit 110b and the second processing unit 120b.

[0179] As described above, with reference to the second pre-analytic process performed in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 for the second-first sample tube 215a, the second pre-analytic process for each of the second-second sample tube 215b, the second-third sample tube 215c, and the second-fourth to second-(n)th sample tubes may also be readily understood.

[0180] Referring again to FIG. 8, the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may perform a third pre-analytic process, and the third pre-analytic process may be run n times in the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. For example, a sample such as tuberculosis sputum may be pretreated in the third pre-analytic process. In addition, the third pre-analytic process may include a step of removing supernatant generated in a sample tube, and the third pre-analytic process may be performed in an order of vortex, incubation, centrifugation, the removal of supernatant, vortex, heating, and spin-down. In other words, the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may include the first processing unit 110c having the vortex function, the second processing unit 120c having the centrifugation function, the third processing unit 130c having the vortex function, the fourth processing unit 140c having the heating function, and the fifth processing unit 150c having the spin-down function.

[0181] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, after a tube 500 may be positioned at the first processing unit 110c by the third gripping unit 820, a third type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110c by the first pipette unit 900. That is, the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110c may contain a sample such as TB sputum, and the tube 500 containing the third type sample may be defined as a third-first sample tube 217a. The third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may perform the third pre-analytic process with respect to the third-first sample tube 217a, and a case, where the sample contained in the third-first sample tube 217a is pretreated, is defined as a first run. For example, with respect to the third-first sample tube 217a, the first processing unit 110c may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute.

[0182] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, after the first processing unit 110c performs the vortex function, the third gripping unit 820 may transfer the third-first sample tube 217a to the second processing unit 120c, and the third-first sample tube 217a positioned at the second processing unit 120c may be incubated at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes. After the third-first sample tube 217a is incubated in the second processing unit 120c, the second processing unit 120c may perform the centrifugation function with respect to the third-first sample tube 217a for approximately two minutes.

[0183] At the same time, after a tube 500 is positioned at the first processing unit 110c by the third gripping unit 820, a third type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110c by the first pipette unit 900. That is, the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110c may contain a sample such as TB sputum, and the tube 500 containing the third type sample is defined as a third-second sample tube 217b. Here, the sample contained in the third-first sample tube 217a may be different from the sample contained in the third-second sample tube 217b. The third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may perform the third pre-analytic process with respect to the third-second sample tube 217b, and a case, where the sample contained in the third-second sample tube 217b is pretreated, is defined as a second run. For example, with respect to the third-second sample tube 217b, the first processing unit 110c may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute.

[0184] As illustrated in FIG. 8C, after the second processing unit 120c performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the third-first sample tube 217a positioned at the second processing unit 120c may be removed through the third pipette unit 920. Alternatively, after removing the supernatant, the third reagent may be added into the third-first sample tube 217a through the third pipette unit 920. Thereafter, the third gripping unit 820 may transfer the third-first sample tube 217a positioned at the second processing unit 120c to the third processing unit 130c, and the third processing unit 130c may perform the vortex function with respect to the third-first sample tube 217a for approximately one minute.

[0185] At the same time, after the first processing unit 110c performs the vortex function, the third gripping unit 820 may transfer the third-second sample tube 217b to the second processing unit 120c, and the third-second sample tube 217b positioned at the second processing unit 120c may be incubated at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes. After the third-second sample tube 217b is incubated in the second processing unit 120c, the second processing unit 120c may perform the centrifugation function with respect to the third-second sample tube 217b for approximately two minutes.

[0186] At the same time, after a tube 500 is positioned at the first processing unit 110c by the third gripping unit 820, a third type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110c by the first pipette unit 900. That is, the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110c may contain a sample such as TB sputum, and the tube 500 containing the third type sample is defined as a third-third sample tube 217c. Here, the sample contained in the third-first sample tube 217a and the sample contained in the third-second sample tube 217b may be different from the sample contained in the third-third sample tube 217c. The third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may perform the third pre-analytic process with respect to the third-third sample tube 217c, and a case, where the sample contained in the third-third sample tube 217c is pretreated, is defined as a third run. For example, with respect to the third-third sample tube 217c, the first processing unit 110c may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute.

[0187] As illustrated in FIG. 8D, after the third processing unit 130c performs the vortex function, the third gripping unit 820 may transfer the third-first sample tube 217a positioned at the third processing unit 130c to the fourth processing unit 140c, and the fourth processing unit 140c may perform the heating function with respect to the third-first sample tube 217a at about 100 °C for five minutes. After the fourth processing unit 140c performs the heating function, the third gripping unit 820 may transfer the third-first sample tube 217a positioned at the fourth processing unit 140c to the fifth processing unit 150c. The fifth processing unit 150c may perform the spin-down function with respect to the third-first sample tube 217a, and after the fifth processing unit 150c performs the spin-down function, the third-first sample tube 217a may be transferred to the third final stage 980 by the third gripping unit 820.

[0188] At the same time, after the second processing unit 120c performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the third-second sample tube 217b positioned at the second processing unit 120c may be removed through the third pipette unit 920. Alternatively, after removing the supernatant, the third reagent may be added into the third-second sample tube 217b through the third pipette unit 920. Thereafter, the third gripping unit 820 may transfer the third-second sample tube 217b positioned at the second processing unit 120c to the third processing unit 130c, and the third processing unit 130c may perform the vortex function with respect to the third-second sample tube 217b for approximately one minute.

[0189] At the same time, after the first processing unit 110c performs the vortex function, the third gripping unit 820 may transfer the third-third sample tube 217c to the second processing unit 120c, and the third-third sample tube 217c positioned at the second processing unit 120c may be incubated at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes. After the third-third sample tube 217c is incubated in the second processing unit 120c, the second processing unit 120c may perform the centrifugation function with respect to the third-third sample tube 217c for approximately two minutes.

[0190] In exemplary embodiments, the continuous loading with respect to the third-first to third-third sample tubes 217a, 217b, and 217c may be possible in the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103. For example, the third-first to third-third sample tubes 217a, 217b, and 217c may be transferred along the first direction D1 in the first to third processing units 110c, 120c, and 130c of the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 by the third gripping unit 820, and are not transferred in the second direction D2. In addition, after the third-first sample tube 217a positioned in the first processing unit 110c is moved to the second processing unit 120c in the first run, the third-second sample tube 217b may be moved to the first processing unit 110c in the second run. That is, the first run and the second run may be simultaneously performed in the first processing unit 110c and the second processing unit 120c.

[0191] As described above, with reference to the third pre-analytic process performed in the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 for the third-first sample tube 217a, the third pre-analytic process for each of the third-second sample tube 217b, the third-third sample tube 217c, the third-fourth sample tube 217d, and the third-fifth to third-(n)th sample tubes may also be readily understood.

[0192] Meanwhile, in other exemplary embodiments, referring again to FIG. 7, the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may perform the fourth pre-analytic process, and the fourth pre-analytic process may be run n times in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102, where n is an integer of 2 or more. For example, a sample such as stool may be pretreated in the fourth pre-analytic process, and the fourth pre-analytic process may include a step of transferring a supernatant generated in a sample tube to a tube 500, and the fourth pre-analytic process may be performed in an order of vortex, incubation, centrifugation, and the transfer of the supernatant. In other words, the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may include the first processing unit 110b having the vortex function and the second processing unit 120b having the centrifugation function.

[0193] As illustrated in FIG. 7A, after tubes 500 are positioned in the first processing unit 110b and the second final stage 975 by the second gripping unit 810, a fourth type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b by the second pipette unit 910. That is, the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b may contain a sample such as stool, and the tube 500 containing the fourth type sample is defined as a second-first sample tube 215a. The second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may perform the fourth pre-analytic process with respect to the second-first sample tube 215a, and a case, where the sample contained in the second-first sample tube 215a is pretreated, is defined as a first run. For example, with respect to the second-first sample tube 215a, the first processing unit 110b may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute. Alternatively, before the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, a fourth reagent may be added into the second-first sample tube 215a positioned in the first processing unit 110b through the second pipette unit 910.

[0194] As illustrated in FIG. 7B, after the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, the second gripping unit 810 may transfer the second-first sample tube 215a positioned in the first processing unit 110b to the second processing unit 120b, and the second-first sample tube 215a positioned in the second processing unit 120b may be incubated at room temperature for approximately ten minutes. After the second-first sample tube 215a is incubated in the second processing unit 120b, the second processing unit 120b may perform the centrifugation function for approximately two minutes with respect to the second-first sample tube 215a, and after the second processing unit 120b performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the second-first sample tube 215a may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the second final stage 975 through the second pipette unit 910. The tube 500 containing the supernatant may be transferred to a subsequent process system by the second gripping unit 810, and the second-first sample tube 215a where the supernatant is removed may be discarded or stored in an external storage device by the second gripping unit 810.

[0195] At the same time, after tubes 500 are positioned in the first processing unit 110b and the second final stage 975 by the second gripping unit 810, a fourth type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b by the second pipette unit 910. That is, the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b may contain a sample such as stool, and the tube 500 containing the fourth type sample is defined as a second-second sample tube 215b. Here, the sample contained in the second-second sample tube 215b may be different from the sample contained in the second-first sample tube 215a. The second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may perform the fourth pre-analytic process with respect to the second-second sample tube 215b, and a case, where the sample contained in the second-second sample tube 215b is pretreated, is defined as a second run. For example, with respect to the second-second sample tube 215b, the first processing unit 110b may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute. Alternatively, before the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, the fourth reagent may be added into the second-second sample tube 215b positioned in the first processing unit 110b through the second pipette unit 910.

[0196] As illustrated in FIG. 7C, after the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, the second gripping unit 810 may transfer the second-second sample tube 215b positioned in the first processing unit 110b to the second processing unit 120b, and the second-second sample tube 215b positioned in the second processing unit 120b may be incubated at room temperature for approximately ten minutes. After the second-second sample tube 215b is incubated in the second processing unit 120b, the second processing unit 120b may perform the centrifugation function for approximately two minutes with respect to the second-second sample tube 215b, and after the second processing unit 120b performs the centrifugation function, the supernatant generated in the second-second sample tube 215b may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the second final stage 975 through the second pipette unit 910. The tube 500 containing the supernatant may be transferred to the subsequent process system by the second gripping unit 810, and the second-second sample tube 215b where the supernatant is removed may be discarded or stored in the external storage device by the second gripping unit 810.

[0197] At the same time, after tubes 500 are positioned in the first processing unit 110b and the second final stage 975 by the second gripping unit 810, a fourth type sample may be transferred into the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b by the second pipette unit 910. That is, the tube 500 positioned in the first processing unit 110b may contain a sample such as stool, and the tube 500 containing the fourth type sample is defined as a second-third sample tube 215c. Here, the sample contained in the second-third sample tube 215c may be different from the samples contained in the second-first sample tube 215a and the second-second sample tube 215b. The second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may perform the fourth pre-analytic process with respect to the second-third sample tube 215c, and a case, where the sample contained in the second-third sample tube 215c is pretreated, is defined as a third run. For example, with respect to the second-third sample tube 215c, the first processing unit 110b may perform the vortex function for approximately one minute. Alternatively, before the first processing unit 110b performs the vortex function, the fourth reagent may be added into the second-third sample tube 215c positioned in the first processing unit 110b through the second pipette unit 910.

[0198] In exemplary embodiments, the continuous loading with respect to the second-first to second-third sample tubes 215a, 215b, and 215c may be possible in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102. For example, the second-first to second-third sample tubes 215a, 215b, and 215c may be transferred along the first direction D1 in the first to third processing units 110b, 120b, and 130b of the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 by the second gripping unit 810, and are not transferred in the second direction D2. In addition, after the second-first sample tube 215a positioned in the first processing unit 110b is moved to the second processing unit 120b in the first run, the second-second sample tube 215b may be moved to the first processing unit 110b in the second run. That is, the first run and the second run may be simultaneously performed in the first processing unit 110b and the second processing unit 120b.

[0199] As described above, the protocol of each of the first to fourth pre-analytic processes may be different from each other. In addition, as each of the processing units performs the vortex, centrifugation, spin-down, or heating function with respect to one sample tube, a size of each of the processing units may be manufactured in a relatively size.

[0200] 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.

[0201] FIG. 9 is a plan view for describing another example of a processing module included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1. For example, compared to the processing module of FIG.1, at least one processing unit is added in a processing module of FIG. 9.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 9, a first processing module 100 may include a first processing unit 110a, a second processing unit 120a, a third processing unit 130a, and a fourth processing unit 140a, the second processing module 170 may include a first processing unit 110b, a second processing unit 120b, and a third processing unit 130b, and the third processing module 180 may include a first processing unit 110c, a second processing unit 120c, a third processing unit 130c, a fourth processing unit 140c, a fifth processing unit 150c, and a sixth processing unit 160c.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 9A, in the first pre-analytic process, a centrifugation function may be performed for approximately fifteen minutes, and a time, where the centrifugation function is performed in the first pre-analytic process, may be relatively long. Therefore, as the first processing module 100 includes the first processing unit 110a having the centrifugation function, the second processing unit 120b having the centrifugation function, the third processing unit 130a having the vortex function, and the fourth processing unit 140a having the spin-down function, a throughput in the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 may be relatively increased.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 9B, in the fourth pre-analytic process, a sample tube may be incubated at room temperature for approximately ten minutes, and a time, where the sample tube is incubated in the fourth pre-analytic process, may be relatively long. Therefore, as the second processing module 170 includes the first processing unit 110b having the vortex function, the second processing unit 120b providing a space in which the sample tube is incubated, and the third processing unit 130b having the centrifugation function, a throughput in the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 may be relatively increased. Here, at least two sample tubes may be positioned in the space.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 9C, in the third pre-analytic process, a sample tube may be incubated at room temperature for approximately fifteen minutes, and a time, where the sample tube is incubated in the third pre-analytic process, may be relatively long. Therefore, as the third processing module 180 includes the first processing unit 110c having the vortex function, the second processing unit 120c providing a space in which the sample tube is incubated, the third processing unit 130c having the centrifugation function, the fourth processing unit 140c having the vortex function, the fifth processing unit 150c having the heating function, and the sixth processing unit 160c having the spin-down function, a throughput in the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 may be relatively increased. Here, at least two sample tubes may be positioned in the space. Alternatively, instead of the second processing unit 120c providing the space in which the sample tube is incubated, the second processing unit 120c having the centrifugation function may be additionally provided.

[0206] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13 are plan views illustrating a method of operating the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 1.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 10, the controller 990 may control the sample supplying device 200, the first consumable supplying device 410, the reagent supplying device 300, the second consumable supplying device 490, the first processing module 100, the second processing module 170, the third processing module 180, etc. so that a predetermined pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes may be performed for a specific sample based on a type of samples contained in a sample container.

[0208] A first type sample_1 210_1 may be provided from the sample supplying device 200 to the third transfer stage 620, and based on the type of the samples contained in the first type sample_1 210_1, the tip container 420 may be provided from the first consumable supplying device 410 to the fifth transfer stage 630. In addition, based on the type of the samples, a first reagent container 320a may be selectively provided from the reagent supplying device 300, and a tube container 495 may be provided from the second consumable supplying device 490 to the first transfer stage 610. Thereafter, a second type sample_1 215_1, a third type sample_1 217_1, a second reagent container 320b, a third reagent container 320c, the tip container 420, and the tube container 495 may be supplied.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 11, the third transfer device 720 may transfer the first type sample_1 210_1, the second type sample_1 215_1, and the third type sample_1 217_1 to respective portions adjacent to each of the first standby stage 225, the second standby stage 235, and the third standby stage 245 of the third transfer stage 620. Thereafter, the third transfer stage 620 may transfer the first type sample_1 210_1 to the first standby stage 225, may transfer the second type sample_1 215_1 to the second standby stage 235, and may transfer the third type sample_1 217_1 to the third standby stage 245.

[0210] The seventh transfer device 740 may transfer the first reagent container 320a, the second reagent container 320b, and the third reagent container 320c to respective portions adjacent to each of the fourth standby stage 335, the fifth standby stage 345, and the sixth standby stage 355 of the seventh transfer stage 640. Thereafter, the seventh transfer stage 640 may transfer the first reagent container 320a to the fourth standby stage 335, may transfer the second reagent container 320b to the fifth standby stage 345, and may transfer the third reagent container 320c to the sixth standby stage 355.

[0211] The first transfer device 710 may transfer tube containers 495 to respective portions adjacent to each of the tenth standby stage 515, the eleventh standby stage 525, and the twelfth standby stage 535 of the first transfer stage 610. Thereafter, the first transfer stage 610 may transfer the tube containers 495 to the tenth standby stage 515, the eleventh standby stage 525, and the twelfth standby stage 535.

[0212] The fifth transfer device 730 may transfer tip containers 420 to respective portions adjacent to each of the seventh standby stage 435, the eighth standby stage 445, and the ninth standby stage 455 of the fifth transfer stage 630. Thereafter, the fifth transfer stage 630 may transfer the tip containers 420 to the seventh standby stage 435, the eighth standby stage 445, and the ninth standby stage 455.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 12, the fourth connection stage 621 may transfer the first type sample_1 210_1, which is moved from the third transfer stage 620 to the first standby stage 225, to the first positioning stage 220. In addition, the fifth connection stage 622 may transfer the second type sample_1 215_1, which is moved from the third transfer stage 620 to the second standby stage 235, to the second positioning stage 230. Further, the sixth connection stage 623 may transfer the third type sample_1 217_1, which is moved from the third transfer stage 620 to the third standby stage 245, to the third positioning stage 240.

[0214] The tenth connection stage 641 may transfer the first reagent container 320a, which is moved from the seventh transfer stage 640 to the fourth standby stage 335, to the fourth positioning stage 330. In addition, the eleventh connection stage 642 may transfer the second reagent container 320b, which is moved from the seventh transfer stage 640 to the fifth standby stage 345, to the fifth positioning stage 340. Further, the twelfth connection stage 643 may transfer the third reagent container 320c, which is moved from the seventh transfer stage 640 to the sixth standby stage 355, to the sixth positioning stage 350.

[0215] The first connection stage 611 may transfer the tube container 495, which is moved from the first transfer stage 610 to the tenth standby stage 515, to the tenth positioning stage 510. In addition, the second connection stage 612 may transfer the tube container 495, which is moved from the first transfer stage 610 to the eleventh standby stage 525, to the eleventh positioning stage 520. Further, the third connection stage 613 may transfer the tube container 495, which is moved from the first transfer stage 610 to the twelfth standby stage 535, to the twelfth positioning stage 530.

[0216] The seventh connection stage 631 may transfer the tip container 420, which is moved from the fifth transfer stage 630 to the seventh standby stage 435, to the seventh positioning stage 430. In addition, the eighth connection stage 632 may transfer the tip container 420, which is moved from the fifth transfer stage 630 to the eighth standby stage 445, to the eighth positioning stage 440. Further, the ninth connection stage 633 may transfer the tip container 420, which is moved from the fifth transfer stage 630 to the ninth standby stage 455, to the ninth positioning stage 450.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 13, the first gripping unit 800 may place the tube 500 at the first processing unit 110a, and after the first pipette unit 900 is connected to the tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the seventh positioning stage 430, the first pipette unit 900 may aspirate a portion of a sample from the first type sample_1 210_1 positioned at the first positioning stage 220. In addition, the first pipette unit 900 may dispense the part of the sample into the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110a. In this case, the sample supplying device 200 may supply the first type sample_1 210_1 where a cap is decapped. Thereafter, a first reagent included in the reagent container 320 positioned at the fourth positioning stage 330 may be selectively provided to the tube 500 positioned at the first sample-adapted processing unit set 101 through the first pipette unit 900.

[0218] In other exemplary embodiments, the first type sample_1 210_1 capped with the cap may be positioned at the first positioning stage 220, and the first gripping unit 800 may transfer the first type sample_1 210_1 to the first processing unit 110a. In this case, the tube 500 may not be moved to the first processing unit 110a, and the first pipette unit 900 does not need to be moved to the first positioning stage 220.

[0219] The second gripping unit 810 may place the tube 500 at the first processing unit 110b, and after the second pipette unit 910 is connected with a tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the eighth positioning stage 440, and the second pipette unit 910 may aspirate a portion of a sample from the second type of sample_1 215_1 positioned at the second positioning stage 230. In addition, the second pipette unit 910 may dispense the portion of the sample into the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110b. In this case, the sample supplying device 200 may supply the second type of sample_1 215_1 where a cap is decapped. Thereafter, the second reagent included in the reagent container 320 positioned at the fifth positioning stage 340 may selectively be provided to the tube 500 positioned at the second sample-adapted processing unit set 102 through the second pipette unit 910.

[0220] In other exemplary embodiments, the second type of sample_1 215_1 capped with the cap may be positioned at the second positioning stage 230, and the second gripping unit 810 may transfer the second type of sample_1 215_1 to the first processing unit 110b. In this case, the tube 500 may not be moved to the first processing unit 110b, and the second pipette unit 910 may not need to be transferred to the second positioning stage 230.

[0221] The third gripping unit 820 may place the tube 500 at the first processing unit 110c, and after the third pipette unit 920 is connected to the tip included in the tip container 420 positioned at the ninth positioning stage 450, and the third pipette unit 920 may aspirate a portion of a sample from the third type of sample_1 217_1 positioned at the third positioning stage 240. In addition, the third pipette unit 920 may dispense the portion of the sample into the tube 500 positioned at the first processing unit 110c. In this case, the sample supplying device 200 may supply the third type of sample_1 217_1 where the cap is decapped. Thereafter, the third reagent included in the reagent container 320 positioned at the sixth positioning stage 350 may selectively be provided to the tube 500 positioned at the third sample-adapted processing unit set 103 through the third pipette unit 920.

[0222] In other exemplary embodiments, the third type of sample_1 217_1 capped with a cap may be positioned at the third positioning stage 240, and the third gripping unit 820 may transfer the third type of sample_1 217_1 to the first processing unit 110c. In this case, the tube 500 may not be moved to the first processing unit 110c, and the third pipette unit 920 may not need to be moved to the third positioning stage 240.

[0223] As described above, with reference to the movements of the first type of sample_1 210_1, the second type of sample_1 215_1, the third type of sample_1 217_1, the first reagent container 320a, the second reagent container 320b, the third reagent container 320c, the tube container 495, and the tip container 420, movements of the first type of sample_2 210_2, the second type of sample_2 215_2, the third type of sample_2 217_2, the first reagent container 320a, the second reagent container 320b, the third reagent container 320c, the tube container 495, and the tip container 420 supplied to the first, third, fifth, and seventh transfer stages 610, 620, 630, and 640 may also be easily understood.

[0224] In addition, as the process of pretreating the first type of sample_1 210_1, the second type of sample_1 215_1, and the third type of sample_1 217_1 in the processing part 20 has been described in FIGS. 6 to 9, redundant description is omitted.

[0225] FIGS. 14 and 15 are plan views illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention. A modular pre-analytic system 2000 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 may have a configuration that is substantially identical or similar to the modular pre-analytic system 1000 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In FIGS. 14 and 15, a redundant description of components that is substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 will be omitted.

[0226] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the modular pre-analytic system 2000 may include a supplying part 10, a processing part 20, a controller 990, etc. Here, the supplying part 10 may include a sample supplying device 200, a reagent supplying device 300, a consumable supplying device 400, a transfer stage 590, a connection stage 600, a transfer device 700, a stage 190, etc., and the processing part 20 may include a first processing module 100, a second processing module 170, a third processing module 180, and an expandable portion 50.

[0227] In exemplary embodiments, a level of the supplying part 10 and a level of the processing part 20 may be different from each other. For example, the supplying part 10 may be positioned under the processing part 20, and the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20 may not be overlapped with each other in the fifth direction D5. In other words, the supplying part 10 is defined to be positioned at a first section of a first level, and the processing part 20 is defined to be positioned at a second section of a second level. That is, the second section of the first level may be overlapped with the processing part 20 in the fifth direction D5, and the first section of the second level may be overlapped with the supplying part 10 in the fifth direction D5.

[0228] In this case, each of the tube containers 495 positioned at the tenth to thirteenth positioning stages 510, 520, and 530, the sample tubes 210 positioned at the first to third positioning stages 220, 230, and 240, the tip containers 420 positioned at the seventh to ninth positioning stages 430, 440, and 450, and the reagent containers 320 positioned at the fourth to sixth positioning stages 330, 340, and 350 may be transferred to the second section of the second level through a lift. For example, the first to thirteenth positioning stages 220, 230, 240, 330, 340, 350, 430, 440, 450, 510, 520, and 530 may be movable in the fifth direction D5 and a direction opposite to the fifth direction D5.

[0229] As the modular pre-analytic apparatus 2000 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes the supplying part 10 and the processing part 20 positioned at different levels, a space for disposing the controller 990, a power supply device, etc. may be secured in the second section of the first level.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] <Explanation of symbols>

[0233] 10: supplying part 20: processing part

[0234] 50: expandable portion

[0235] 100, 170, 180: first to third processing modules

[0236] 101, 102, 103: first to third sample-adapted processing unit sets

[0237] 110a, 110b, 110c: first processing units

[0238] 120a, 120b, 120c: second processing units

[0239] 130a, 130c: third processing units 140c: fourth processing unit

[0240] 150c: fifth processing unit 160: empty slot

[0241] 190: stage 200: sample supplying device

[0242] 210: sample tube

[0243] 210a, 210b, 210c: first-first to first-third sample tubes

[0244] 215a, 215b: second-first and second-second sample tubes

[0245] 217a, 217b, 217c: third-first to third-third sample tubes

[0246] 220, 230, 240, 330, 340, 350: first to sixth positioning stages

[0247] 430, 440, 450, 510, 520, 530: seventh to twelfth positioning stages

[0248] 225, 235, 245, 335, 345, 355: first to sixth standby stages

[0249] 435, 445, 455, 515, 525, 535: seventh to twelfth standby stages

[0250] 300: reagent supplying device 320: reagent container

[0251] 400: consumable supplying device

[0252] 410: first consumable supplying device 420: tip container

[0253] 495: tube container 500: tube

[0254] 590: transfer stage 600: connection stage

[0255] 611, 612, 613, 621, 622, 623: first to sixth connection stages

[0256] 631, 632, 633, 641, 642, 643: seventh to twelfth connection stages

[0257] 610, 615, 620, 625: first to fourth transfer stages

[0258] 630, 635, 640, 645: fifth to eighth transfer stages

[0259] 710, 715, 720, 725: first to fourth transfer devices

[0260] 730, 735, 740, 745: fifth to eighth transfer devices

[0261] 800, 810, 820: first to third gripping units

[0262] 870, 880, 890: first to third general processing unit sets

[0263] 900, 910, 920: first to third pipette units

[0264] 940a, 940b, 940c: first to third tip waste containers

[0265] 950a, 950b, 950c: first to third liquid waste containers

[0266] 700: transfer device 960: decapping / capping unit

[0267] 960a, 960b, 960c: first to third decapping / capping unit sets

[0268] 961a, 961b, 961c: first decapping / capping units

[0269] 962a, 962b, 963c: second decapping / capping units

[0270] 963a, 963c: third decapping / capping units

[0271] 964c: fourth decapping / capping unit 966: empty slot

[0272] 965c: fifth decapping / capping unit 990: controller

[0273] 970, 975, 980: first to third final stages

[0274] 1000, 2000: modular pre-analytic system

Claims

1.A modular pre-analytic system for samples, the system comprising:(a) a supplying part where (i) samples of at least two types, (ii) reagents of at least two types, and (iii) consumables are provided;(b) a processing part including:(b1) a first processing module including (i) a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a first general processing unit set and (ii) at least two processing units as a first sample-adapted processing unit set, the processing units each having one of a centrifugation function, a vortex function, a spin-down function, and a heating function, wherein the first sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a first pre-analytic process for a first type of the samples supplied to the first processing module; and(b2) a second processing module including (i) a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a second general processing unit set and (ii) at least two processing units as a second sample-adapted processing unit set, the processing units each having one of the centrifugation function, the vortex function, the spin-down function, and the heating function, wherein the second sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a second pre-analytic process for a second type of the samples supplied to the second processing module,wherein the first sample-adapted processing unit set is different from the second sample-adapted processing unit set, andwherein each of the first and second processing modules of the processing part is configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process; and(c) a controller configured to control the supplying part and the gripping units so that one sample is specifically delivered to one processing module of the processing modules depending on the type of the samples.2.The system of claim 1, wherein the processing units of the sample-adapted processing unit sets each are arranged in a first direction, and the arranged processing units are rearrangeable and replaceable.3.The system of claim 2, wherein the sample is moved along the first direction by the gripping unit through the arranged processing units of the sample-adapted processing unit sets,wherein the at least two processing units include first and second processing units, and the samples include a first sample and a second sample,wherein after the first sample positioned in the first processing unit is moved to the second processing unit in a first run, the second sample positioned to 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 and second processing units.4.The system of claim 1, wherein the first processing module includes (i) the pipette unit, the de-capping / capping unit, and the gripping unit as the first general processing unit set and (ii) a first processing unit having the centrifugation function, a second processing unit having the vortex function, and a third processing unit having the spin-down function as the first sample-adapted processing unit set.5.The system of claim 4, wherein the processing part further includes a first section, andwherein the de-capping / capping unit of the first general processing unit set and the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the third processing unit of the first sample-adapted processing unit set are positioned in the first section of the processing part, and the first to third processing units are sequentially arranged along a first direction.6.The system of claim 5, wherein the first processing module further includes a tip waste container and a liquid waste container positioned adjacent to the first sample-adapted processing unit set, anda movement path of the pipette unit of the first general processing unit set overlaps a position of each of the first to third processing units of the first sample-adapted processing unit, the tip waste container, and the liquid waste container.7.The system of claim 5, wherein the second processing module includes (i) the pipette unit, the de-capping / capping unit, and the gripping unit as the second general processing unit set and (ii) a first processing unit having the vortex function and a second processing unit having the spin-down function as the second sample-adapted processing unit set.8.The system of claim 7, wherein the processing part further includes a second section,wherein the de-capping / capping unit of the second general processing unit set and the first processing unit and the second processing unit of the second sample-adapted processing unit set are positioned in the second section of the processing part, and the first and second processing units are sequentially arranged along the first direction, andwherein the first section of the processing part is substantially parallel to the second section of the processing part.9.The system of claim 5, wherein the de-capping / capping unit includes at least two de-capping / capping units, and the number of the de-capping / capping units is the same as the number of the processing units.10.The system of claim 5, wherein the second processing module includes (i) the pipette unit, the de-capping / capping unit, and the gripping unit as the second general processing unit set and (ii) a first processing unit having the vortex function and a second processing unit having the centrifugation function as the second sample-adapted processing unit set.11.The system of claim 8, wherein the second processing module further includes a tip waste container and a liquid waste container positioned adjacent to the second sample-adapted processing unit set, anda movement path of the pipette unit of the second general processing unit set overlaps a position of each of the first and second processing units of the second sample-adapted processing unit, the tip waste container, and the liquid waste container.12.The system of claim 8, wherein the reagents include a first reagent for the first-typed sample and a second reagent for the second-typed sample, and the consumables include a first consumable and a second consumable,wherein the supplying part further includes:a first positioning stage in which the first-typed sample is placed for specifically delivering to the first processing module;a second positioning stage in which the second-typed sample is placed for specifically delivering to the second processing module;a third positioning stage in which the first reagent is placed for specifically delivering to the first processing module;a fourth positioning stage in which the second reagent is placed for specifically delivering to the second processing module;a fifth positioning stage in which the first consumable is placed for using in the first processing module; anda sixth positioning stage in which the second consumable is placed for using in the second processing module.13.The system of claim 12, wherein the first positioning stage, the third positioning stage, and the fifth positioning stage are sequentially arranged in the first direction and are aligned with the first section of the processing part in the first direction.14.The system of claim 12, wherein the second positioning stage, the fourth positioning stage, and the sixth positioning stage are sequentially arranged in the first direction and are aligned with the second section of the processing part in the first direction.15.The system of claim 12, wherein the pipette unit of the first general processing unit set is horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on the first positioning stage, the third positioning stage, the fifth positioning stage, and the first to third processing units of the first sample-adapted processing unit set.16.The system of claim 12, wherein the gripping unit of the first general processing unit set is horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on a lateral portion of each of the first positioning stage, the third positioning stage, the fifth positioning stage, and the first to third processing units of the first sample-adapted processing unit set.17.The system of claim 12, wherein the pipette unit of the second general processing unit set is horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second positioning stage, the fourth positioning stage, the sixth positioning stage, and the first and second processing units of the second sample-adapted processing unit set.18.The system of claim 12, wherein the gripping unit of the second general processing unit set is horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on a lateral portion of each of the second positioning stage, the fourth positioning stage, the sixth positioning stage, and the first and second processing units of the second sample-adapted processing unit set.19.The system of claim 12, wherein the consumables include tip containers including a plurality of tips, and the first consumable is the same as the second consumable.20.The system of claim 12, wherein the consumables include tube containers including a plurality of tubes, and the first consumable is the same as the second consumable.21.The system of claim 12, wherein the processing part further includes an expandable portion to accommodate an additional processing module that is the same as or different from one of the first and second processing modules.22.The system of claim 12, wherein a processing part further includes:a third processing module including (i) a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a third general processing unit set and (ii) at least two processing units as a third sample-adapted processing unit set, the processing units each having one of the centrifugation function, the vortex function, the spin-down function, and the heating function, wherein the third sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a third pre-analytic process for a third type of the samples supplied to the third processing module,wherein the third sample-adapted processing unit set is different from the first and second sample-adapted processing unit sets,wherein the third processing module of the processing part is configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.23.The system of claim 22, wherein the third processing module includes (i) the pipette unit, the de-capping / capping unit, and the gripping unit as the third general processing unit set and (ii) a first processing unit having the vortex function, a second processing unit having the centrifugation function, a third processing unit having the vortex function, a fourth processing unit having the heating function, and a fifth processing unit having spin-down function as the third sample-adapted processing unit set.24.The system of claim 23, wherein the processing part further includes a third section, andwherein the de-capping / capping unit of the third general processing unit set and the first processing unit, the second processing unit, the third processing unit, the fourth processing unit, and the fifth processing unit of the third sample-adapted processing unit set are positioned in the third section of the processing part, and the first to fifth processing units are sequentially arranged along a first direction, andwherein the third section of the processing part is substantially parallel to each of the first and second sections of the processing part.25.The system of claim 24, wherein the third processing module further includes a tip waste container and a liquid waste container positioned adjacent to the third sample-adapted processing unit set, anda movement path of the pipette unit of the third general processing unit set overlaps a position of each of the first to fifth processing units of the third sample-adapted processing unit, the tip waste container, and the liquid waste container.26.The system of claim 24, wherein the reagents further include a third reagent for the third-typed sample, and the consumables further include a third consumable,wherein the supplying part further includes:a seventh positioning stage in which the third-typed sample is placed for specifically delivering to the third processing module;an eighth positioning stage in which the third reagent is placed for specifically delivering to the third processing module; anda ninth positioning stage in which the third consumable is placed for using in the third processing module.27.The system of claim 26, wherein the seventh positioning stage, the eighth positioning stage, and the ninth positioning stage are sequentially arranged in the first direction and are aligned with the third section of the processing part in the first direction.28.The system of claim 26, wherein the pipette unit of the third general processing unit set is horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on the seventh positioning stage, the eighth positioning stage, the ninth positioning stage, and the first to fifth processing units of the third sample-adapted processing unit set.29.The system of claim 26, wherein the gripping unit of the third general processing unit set is horizontally movable in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction on a lateral portion of each of the seventh positioning stage, the eighth positioning stage, the ninth positioning stage, and the first to fifth processing units of the third sample-adapted processing unit set.30.The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the supplying part and the gripping units so that one reagent is specifically delivered to one processing module of the processing modules depending on the type of the samples.31.The system of claim 1, wherein the supplying part includes a sample supplying device, a reagent supplying device, and a consumable supplying device, andwherein:the samples of at least two types are supplied from the sample supplying device;the reagents of at least two types are supplied from the reagent supplying device; andthe consumables are supplied from the consumable supplying device.32.A modular pre-analytic system for samples, the system comprising:(a) a supplying part where (i) samples of at least two types, (ii) reagents of at least two types, and (iii) consumables are provided;(b) a processing part including:(b-1) a first processing module including (i) a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a first general processing unit set and (ii) at least two processing units as a first sample-adapted processing unit set, the processing units each having one of a centrifugation function, a vortex function, a spin-down function, and a heating function; and(b-2) a second processing module including (i) a pipette unit, a de-capping / capping unit, and a gripping unit as a second general processing unit set and (ii) at least two processing units as a second sample-adapted processing unit set, the processing units each having one of the centrifugation function, the vortex function, the spin-down function, and the heating function; and(c) a controller configured to control the supplying part and the gripping units so that one sample is specifically delivered to one processing module of the processing modules depending on the type of the samples,wherein the first sample-adapted processing unit set is different from the second sample-adapted processing unit set, andwherein the first sample-adapted processing unit set is different from the second sample-adapted processing unit set, and a level of the supplying part is different from a level of the processing part.33.A modular pre-analytic system for samples, the system comprising:(a) a supplying part where (i) samples of at least two types, (ii) reagents of at least two types, and (iii) consumables are provided;(b) a processing part including (i) a first processing module including a first sample-adapted processing unit set and (ii) a second processing module including a second sample-adapted processing unit set, wherein each of the first and second sample-adapted processing unit sets includes at least two processing units;(c) a controller configured to control the supplying part so that one sample is specifically delivered to one processing module of the processing modules depending on the type of the samples,wherein each of the processing units has one of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function,wherein the first sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a first pre-analytic process for a first type of the sample supplied to the first processing module, and the second sample-adapted processing unit set is configured to perform a second pre-analytic process for a second type of the sample supplied to the second processing module, andwherein a protocol of the first pre-analytic process performed in the first sample-adapted processing unit set is different from a protocol of the second pre-analytic process performed in the second sample-adapted processing unit set.

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