Modular pre-analytic system, method of operating modular pre-analytic system, and full automation system

Abstract

A modular pre-analytic system includes a primary sample supplying part, a sample dispensing part, a processing part, and a collecting part. The primary sample supplying part supplies primary sample containers. The sample dispensing part supplies first standard tubes and dispenses primary samples from the containers into the respective first standard tubes. The processing part includes multiple processing modules that perform a selected pre-analytic process according to the type of primary sample. A standard tube subjected to the pre-analytic process is defined as a sample vessel containing a processed sample. The collecting part includes a collecting station having first and second collecting stages. A first test rack with multiple wells is placed on the first collecting stage to receive sample vessels for a first test procedure, and a second test rack with multiple wells is placed on the second collecting stage to receive sample vessels for a second test procedure.

Description

MODULAR PRE-ANALYTIC SYSTEM, METHOD OF OPERATING MODULAR PRE-ANALYTIC SYSTEM, AND FULL AUTOMATION SYSTEM

[0001] Embodiments relate generally to a modular pre-analytic system, a method of operating modular pre-analytic system, and a full automation 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, a method of operating modular pre-analytic system, and a full automation system including a modular pre-analytic system.

[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, the samples may include urine, liquid-based cytology (LBC), semen, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), saliva, respiratory (RP) sputum, tuberculosis (TB) sputum, bronchial washing, raw stool, etc.

[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] Another object of a present invention provides a method of operating a modular pre-analytic system.

[0006] Still another object of a present invention provides a full automation system.

[0007] However, the present invention is not limited to the objects described above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0008] In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, a modular pre-analytic system for samples according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a primary sample supplying part including a primary sample supplying device, a sample dispensing part including a first standard tube supplying device and a sample dispensing device, a processing part including a processing device, and a collecting part including a collecting station. The primary sample supplying device is configured to supply primary sample containers each containing a primary sample. The first standard tube supplying device is configured to supply first standard tubes. The sample dispensing device is configured to dispense the primary samples contained in the primary sample containers into their respective first standard tubes. The processing device includes a plurality of processing modules, and is configured to perform a certain pre-analytic process selected from a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples fed to the processing module. The standard tube having been subject to the pre-analytic process is defined as a sample vessel that contains a processed sample. The collecting station includes a first collecting stage and a second collecting stage. A first test rack including a plurality of wells is placed on the first collecting stage, and the first test rack accommodates the sample vessels being meant to undergo a first test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel. A second test rack including a plurality of wells is placed on the second collecting stage, and the second test rack accommodates the sample vessels being meant to undergo a second test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, a procedure for each of a pathogen infection test, a blood screening test, a mutation test, a drug resistance test, a genotyping test, a haplotyping test, and a disease marker identification test may be defined as the test procedure.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the pathogen infection test may include a sexually transmitted infection test, a respiratory infection test, a tuberculosis infection test, a gastrointestinal tract infection test, HPV (human papilloma virus) test, a dermatophyte infection test, a tropical fever test, and an implant infection test. A procedure for each of the sexually transmitted infection test, the respiratory infection test, the tuberculosis infection test, the gastrointestinal tract infection test, the HPV test, the dermatophyte infection test, the tropical fever test, and the implant infection test may be defined as the test procedure.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, a portion of the processing modules may perform a first pre-analytic process among the pre-analytic processes, and a remaining portion of the processing modules may perform a second pre-analytic process among the pre-analytic processes.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the collecting part may further include a sample vessel station. The sample vessel station may include a plurality of sample vessel stages positioned adjacent to the processing modules, respectively. After the pre-analytic process is performed, the sample vessels may be placed on the sample vessel stages, respectively.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the system may further include a griping device including a plurality of griping units corresponding to the processing modules, respectively. The griping unit may be configured to move the first standard tube placed in the processing module to the sample vessel stage positioned in the collecting part, and the first standard tube moved to the sample vessel stage may corresponds to the sample vessel.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the collecting station may further include a preparation stage where the sample vessel moved from the sample vessel stage is placed.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the collecting part may further include an identification sensor sensing an identification information of the sample vessel placed in the preparation stage.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the collecting part may further include a test rack supplying device configured to supply the first and second test racks. A shape of the first test rack may be the substantially same as a shape of the second test rack.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the sample dispensing device may include at least two pipetting modules, and a distance between the pipetting modules may be adjustable.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the first standard tube supplying device may selectively supply the first standard tube where a reagent is prefilled depending on the type of the primary samples.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the collecting station may further include a third collecting stage on which a third test rack including a plurality of wells is placed, and the third test rack may accommodate the sample vessels being meant to undergo a third test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the first, second, and third test procedures may be different from each other. The processing modules may include first, second, and third processing modules, and the sample vessels accommodated in the first test rack may be provided from the first processing module. The sample vessels accommodated in the second test rack may be provided from the second processing module, and the sample vessels accommodated in the third test rack may be provided from the third processing module. Different pre-analytic processes from each other may be performed in the first to third processing modules, respectively.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the sample dispensing part may further include a primary sample rack station, a first de-capping / capping device, a second de-capping / capping device, and a tip supplying device. The primary sample container moved from the primary sample supplying part may be placed on the primary sample rack station, and the first de-capping / capping device may be configured to de-cap or cap a cap of the primary sample container. The second de-capping / capping device may be configured to de-cap or cap a cap of the first standard tube, and the tip supplying device may be configured to supply a tip rack including a plurality of pipetting tips.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, each of the processing modules may include at least two processing units, and at least one of the processing units may have one of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, each of the processing modules may include at least two processing units, and at least two functions among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function in one processing unit may be performed in one run.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments, each of the processing module includes at least two processing units, and at least two functions among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function in one processing unit are performed in one run.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, each of the processing modules may include at least two processing units, and the processing units may be arranged in a first direction. The arranged processing units may be rearrangeable and replaceable.

[0026] In exemplary embodiments, each of the processing modules may be configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a first standard tube rack station, a consumable supplying device, a processing preparation station, and a second standard tube supplying device. The first standard tubes moved from the sample dispensing part are placed on the first standard tube rack station, and the first standard tubes each may contain the sample. The consumable supplying device may be configured to supply (i) a plurality of pipetting tips and (ii) a reagent container. The processing preparation station may include (i) a first stage on which the tips are placed and (ii) a second stage on which the reagent container is selectively placed. The second standard tube supplying device may be configured to supply second standard tubes, and the second standard tube may be empty.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a waste container and a dispensing device. The dispensing device may be configured to dispense a supernatant generated in the first standard tube placed in the processing module into the second standard tube positioned in the processing module. The supernatant may correspond to the processed sample, and the second standard tube containing the supernatant may correspond to the sample vessel. The dispensing device may be configured to dispense an unnecessary liquid generated in the first standard tube placed in the processing module into the waste container positioned in the processing preparation station. The dispensing device may be configured to dispense a reagent of the reagent container placed in the processing preparation station into the first standard tube placed in the processing module.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, each of the processing modules may further include a plurality of de-capping / capping units.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the system may further include a first transporting device and a second transporting device. The first transporting device may be configured to move the primary sample container positioned in the primary sample supplying part to the primary sample rack station positioned in the sample dispensing part. The second transporting device may be configured to move the first standard tube positioned in the sample dispensing part to the first standard tube rack station positioned in the processing part.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, the processing part may further include a third transporting device, and the third transporting device may be configured to move each of the first standard tubes placed in the first standard tube rack station to each of the processing modules depending on the type of the primary samples.

[0032] In order to achieve another object of the present invention described above, a method of operating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a step of supplying primary sample containers each containing a primary sample, a step of supplying first standard tubes, a step of dispensing the primary samples contained in the primary sample containers to their respective first standard tubes, a step of performing a certain pre-analytic process selected from a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples fed to each of the processing modules, such that the standard tube having been subject to the pre-analytic process is defined as a sample vessel that contains a processed sample, a step of determining whether the sample vessels undergo first or second test procedures for the processed sample of the sample vessel upon sensing an identification information of each of the sample vessels, a step of collecting the sample vessels being meant to undergo the first test procedure to a first test rack including a plurality of wells placed in a first collecting stage of a collecting station, and a step of collecting the sample vessels being meant to undergo the second test procedure to a second test rack including a plurality of wells placed in a second collecting stage of the collecting station.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the method may further include prior to supplying the first standard tubes, sensing an identification information of the primary sample container and determining the first standard tube based on the identification information.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the first standard tube may include a first standard tube where a first reagent corresponding to the primary sample is pre-filled and a first standard tube that is empty.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the method may further include prior to performing the certain pre-analytic process selected from the plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples fed to each of the processing modules, moving the first standard tube, where each of the primary samples is dispensed, to a predetermined processing module among a plurality of processing modules based on the identification information and selectively preparing a reagent container that contains a second reagent corresponding to the primary sample based on the identification information.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments, the method may further include determining a parameter of each of the processing units included in the processing module so that the certain pre-analytic process performed in the predetermined processing module is performed.

[0037] In order to achieve still another object of the present invention described above, a full automation system for a molecular diagnostic testing according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a pre-analytic processing system for samples, an extraction system, a reaction setup system, and an amplification system. The pre-analytic processing system for samples includes a primary sample supplying part including a primary sample supplying device, a sample dispensing part including a first standard tube supplying device and a sample dispensing device, a processing part including a processing device, and a collecting part including a collecting station. The primary sample supplying device is configured to supply primary sample containers each containing a primary sample. The first standard tube supplying device is configured to supply first standard tubes. The sample dispensing device is configured to dispense the primary samples contained in the primary sample containers into their respective first standard tubes. The processing device includes a plurality of processing modules, and the processing module is configured to perform a certain pre-analytic process selected from a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples fed to the processing module. The standard tube having been subject to the pre-analytic process is defined as a sample vessel that contains a processed sample. The collecting station includes a first collecting stage and a second collecting stage. A first test rack including a plurality of wells is placed on the first collecting stage, and the first test rack accommodates the sample vessels being meant to undergo a first test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel. A second test rack including a plurality of wells is placed on the second collecting stage, and the second test rack accommodates the sample vessels being meant to undergo a second test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel. The extraction system is configured to extract a nucleic acid from a plurality of processed samples. The reaction setup system is configured to perform an amplification reaction setup for the samples where the nucleic acid is extracted. The amplification system is configured to amplify the samples where the amplification reaction setup is performed.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments, a first nucleic acid extraction process and a second nucleic acid extraction process may be extracted based on the first and second test procedures for the processed sample in the extraction system.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, the extraction system may include a first extraction device and a second extraction device. A first nucleic acid extraction process may be extracted based on the first test procedure for the processed sample in the first extraction device, and a second nucleic acid extraction process may be extracted based on the second test procedure for the processed sample in the second extraction device.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, first and second amplification reaction setup processes may be performed based on the first and second test procedures for the processed sample in the reaction setup system.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, the reaction setup system may include a first reaction setup device and a second reaction setup device. A first amplification reaction setup process may be performed based on the first test procedure for the processed sample in the first reaction setup device, and a second amplification reaction setup process may be performed based on the second test procedure for the processed sample in the second reaction setup device.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In addition, as the pretreated samples are respectively collected in the test racks according to the test procedures, a time required to perform the nucleic acid extraction process in the modular extraction system and a time required to perform the PCR setup process in the modular reaction setup system may be relatively reduced. Accordingly, the time to perform the molecular diagnostic test through the full automation system 2000 may be relatively reduced.

[0044] However, an effect of the present invention is not limited to the effect described above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a full automation system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system included in the full automation system.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a primary sample supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an example of a primary sample supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2.

[0049] FIG. 5A is a plan view for describing a sample dispensing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2.

[0050] FIG. 5B is a perspective view for describing a sample dispensing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2.

[0051] FIG. 6A is a plan view for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2.

[0052] FIG. 6B is a perspective view for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a plan view for describing a processing device included in the processing part of FIG. 6.

[0054] FIG. 8A is a plan view for describing a collecting part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2.

[0055] FIG. 8B is a perspective view for describing a collecting part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2.

[0056] FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are plan views illustrating a method of operating the modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0057] FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0058] Hereinafter, a modular pre-analytic system, a method of operating a modular pre-analytic system, and a full automation 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a full automation system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 1, a full automation system 2000 may include a modular pre-analytic system 1000, a modular extraction system 1100, a modular reaction setup system 1200, a modular amplification system 1300, and a controller 1400. Here, each of the modular pre-analytic system 1000, the modular extraction system 1100, the modular reaction setup system 1200, and the modular amplification system 1300 may include an identification sensor capable of sensing identification information. The identification information may be attached to primary sample containers, primary sample racks, standard tubes, standard tube racks, sample vessels, extraction containers, reaction containers, etc. used in the full automation system 2000, and the identification information may include a barcode, a QR code, etc.

[0065] The controller 1400 may track a position of each of the primary sample container, the primary sample rack, the standard tube, the standard tube rack, the sample vessel, the extraction container, the reaction container, etc. by receiving the identification information from the identification sensor. In addition, the controller 1400 may control an operation of each of the modular pre-analytic system 1000, the modular extraction system 1100, the modular reaction setup system 1200, and the modular amplification system 1300.

[0066] The controller 1400 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.

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, a molecular diagnostic test (or a molecular diagnostic test method) may be performed through the full automation system 2000. For example, procedures for a pathogen infection test, a blood screening test, a mutation test, a drug resistance test, a genotyping test, a haplotyping test, and a disease marker identification test are defined as test procedures, the test procedure may be distinguished depending on a type of analytes. The test procedures may be performed in the full automation system 2000 by using the molecular diagnostic test method.

[0068] In addition, the pathogen infection test may include a sexually transmitted infection test, a respiratory infection test, a tuberculosis infection test, a gastrointestinal tract infection test, a human papilloma virus (HPV) test, a dermatophyte infection test, a tropical fever test, and an implant infection test. Procedures for the sexually transmitted infection test, the respiratory infection test, the tuberculosis infection test, the gastrointestinal tract infection test, the HPV test, the dermatophyte infection test, the tropical fever test, and the implant infection test are defined as test procedures, and the test procedures may be distinguished depending on a type of pathogens. The test procedures may be performed in the full automation system 2000 by using the molecular diagnostic test method.

[0069] These test procedures may be performed such that a nucleic acid extraction process is carried out in different manners in the modular extraction system 1100. For example, the nucleic acid extraction process may be performed by using nucleic acid extraction reagents corresponding to each of the test procedures (and / or by using different protocols). That is, different nucleic acid extraction processes may be performed by using different nucleic acid extraction reagents depending on the test procedure. Meanwhile, these test procedures may be performed such that a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) setup process is carried out in different manners in the modular reaction setup system 1200. For example, although the same nucleic acid extraction process for the test procedures is carried out, the PCR setup process may be performed by using PCR setup reagents corresponding to each of the test procedures (and / or by using different protocols). That is, although the same nucleic acid extraction process for the test procedures is carried out, different PCR setup processes may be performed by using different PCR setup reagents depending on the test procedure.

[0070] In other exemplary embodiments, an immunoassay (or an immunoassay method) diagnostics test and a biochemical assay (or a biochemical assay method) may also be additionally performed through the full automation system 2000. In this case, the molecular diagnostic test method, the immunoassay method, and the biochemical assay method are defined as test procedures, and the test procedures may be distinguished depending on a type of test methods. In addition, the full automation system 2000 may further include a system corresponding to the immunoassay method and a system corresponding to the biochemical assay method, and the system corresponding to the immunoassay method and the biochemical assay method may be operatively connected to the modular pre-analytic system 1000. In other words, after a pre-analytic process for a sample is performed in the modular pre-analytic system 1000, the sample may be selectively moved to a system corresponding to the molecular diagnostic test method (e.g., the modular extraction system 110, the modular reaction setup system 1200, and the modular amplification system 1300), the system corresponding to the immunoassay method, and the biochemical assay method depending on the test procedure.

[0071] To perform the molecular diagnostic test, an analyte (e.g., a nucleic acid, a protein, a peptide, a carbohydrate, a lipid, an amino acid, a biological compound, a hormone, an antibody, an antigen, a metabolite, a cell, etc.) contained in a primary sample (e.g., a biological sample) must be extracted, and a step of pretreating the primary samples depending on the types of the primary samples is required before extracting the analyte. Here, the primary sample may include the biological sample (e.g., a fluid derived from cells, tissues, and biological sources), and the biological sample may include a virus, a bacterium, a tissue, a cell, blood (e.g., whole blood, plasma, and serum), lymph, bone marrow fluid, saliva, sputum, a swab, an aspiration, milk, urine, stool, ocular fluid, semen, a brain extract, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, thymus fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, ascites, tears, conjunctival secretion, hair, bone, an embryo, sweat, amniotic fluid, etc. In addition, the primary sample may include natural nucleic acid molecules isolated from a biological source and synthetic nucleic acid molecules. Further, the primary sample may include additional materials such as water, deionized water, saline, a pH buffer, an acidic solution, or an alkaline solution. Alternatively, the primary sample may include a non-biological sample (e.g., food, water, and soil). In exemplary embodiments, the primary sample may be a material (e.g., saliva, sputum, urine, stool, semen, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, etc.) among the biological samples handled in pathogen infection tests, and the analyte may be a nucleic acid.

[0072] A pre-analytic process may be performed in the modular pre-analytic system 1000. For example, the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may process the primary samples by using a vortex device, a centrifugation device, a spin-down device, a heating device, a pipette device, etc. In exemplary embodiments, after the primary samples are pre-treated, the pre-treated samples (or the processed sample) may be collected in respective test racks depending on the test procedures. Here, each of the pre-treated samples may be accommodated in a sample vessel, and the sample vessels may be accommodated in the test rack including a plurality of wells. After the pre-treated samples are collected in the test racks depending on the test procedures, the test racks may be moved to the modular extraction system 1100. Alternatively, after dispensing the pre-treated samples collected in each of the test racks into extraction containers, the extraction containers may be moved to the modular extraction system 1100.

[0073] A nucleic acid extraction process may be performed in the modular extraction system 1100. For example, the modular extraction system 1100 may extract nucleic acids from a plurality of pre-treated samples contained in an extraction container by using reagents used for extracting the nucleic acids. In exemplary embodiments, the test procedure may include a first test procedure and a second test procedure, and the nucleic acid extraction process may include first and second nucleic acid extraction processes. In addition, the reagents used to extract the nucleic acid in each of the first and second test procedures may be different from each other. Further, based on the first and second test procedures for the pre-treated sample, the first and second nucleic acid extraction processes may be performed in the modular extraction system 1100. In other exemplary embodiments, the modular extraction system 1100 may include a first extraction device and a second extraction device, and the nucleic acid extraction process may include a first nucleic acid extraction process and a second nucleic acid extraction process. The first nucleic acid extraction process may be extracted in the first extraction device based on the first test procedure for the pre-treated sample, and the second nucleic acid extraction process may be extracted in the second extraction device based on the second test procedure for the pre-treated sample. After the nucleic acids are extracted from the pre-treated samples, the extraction container containing the samples from which the nucleic acids have been extracted may be moved to the modular reaction setup system 1200.

[0074] A PCR setup process (e.g., an amplification reaction setup process) may be performed in the modular reaction setup system 1200. For example, to perform the PCR setup process, the modular reaction setup system 1200 may transfer the nucleic acid from the extraction container containing the samples from which the nucleic acids have been extracted and a reagent used to perform the PCR setup (that is, the PCR setup reagent) to a reaction container through a pipette module.

[0075] In exemplary embodiments, the amplification reaction setup process may include first and second amplification reaction setup processes, and the PCR setup reagents used in the respective first and second test procedures may be different from each other. In addition, based on the first and second test procedures for the pre-treated sample, the first and second amplification reaction setup processes may be performed in the modular reaction setup system 1200. In other exemplary embodiments, the modular reaction setup system 1200 may include a first reaction setup device and a second reaction setup device, and the amplification reaction setup processes may include a first amplification reaction setup process and a second amplification reaction setup process. The first amplification reaction setup process may be performed in the first reaction setup device based on the first test procedure for the pre-treated sample, and the second amplification reaction setup process may be performed in the second reaction setup device based on the second test procedure for the pre-treated sample. After the nucleic acid and the PCR setup reagent are transferred to the reaction container, the reaction container in which the PCR setup is performed may be moved to the modular amplification system 1300.

[0076] A PCR amplification process may be performed in the modular amplification system 1300. For example, the modular amplification system 1300 may amplify the samples in the reaction container (e.g., a sealed reaction container).

[0077] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system included in the full automation system, and FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a primary sample supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an example of a primary sample supplying part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5A is a plan view for describing a sample dispensing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2. FIG. 5B is a perspective view for describing a sample dispensing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6A is a plan view for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2. FIG. 6B is a perspective view for describing a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 is a plan view for describing a processing device included in the processing part of FIG. 6. FIG. 8A is a plan view for describing a collecting part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view for describing a collecting part included in the modular pre-analytic system of FIG. 2. For example, the modular pre-analytic system may be implemented as a stand-alone system or may be implemented as a modular system connectable to other systems (e.g., the modular extraction 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.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, a modular pre-analytic system 1000 may include a primary sample supplying part 10, a sample dispensing part 20, a processing part 40, a collecting part 70, a first transporting device 910, a second transporting device 920, etc.

[0079] Here, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the primary sample supplying part 10 may include a primary sample supplying device 100, a first transfer stage 350, a second transfer stage 355, a first transfer device 810, a second transfer device 815, and a first identification sensor 730. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the sample dispensing part 20 may include a first standard tube supplying device 200, a tip supplying device 300, a third transfer stage 360, a fourth transfer stage 365, a fifth transfer stage 370, a sixth transfer stage 375, a primary sample rack station 240, a first de-capping / capping device 250, a second de-capping / capping device 260, a sample dispensing device 230, a third transfer device 820, a fourth transfer device 825, a fifth transfer device 830, a sixth transfer device 835, a first standard tube rack stage 270, a tip rack standby stage 320, and a tip rack positioning stage 330.

[0080] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the processing part 40 may include a second standard tube supplying device 400, a consumable supplying device 500, a seventh transfer stage 380, an eighth transfer stage 385, a first standard tube rack station 430, a dispensing device 550, a processing preparation station 510, a first waste container 520, a second waste container 530, a processing device 600, a seventh transfer device 840, an eighth transfer device 845, a third transporting device 930, a fourth transporting device 940, a second standard tube rack stage 440, etc. Here, the processing device 600 may include a first processing module 610, a second processing module 620, a third processing module 630, and a fourth processing module 640, and the gripping device 650 may include a first gripping unit 651, a second gripping unit 652, a third gripping unit 653, and a fourth gripping unit 654. In addition, the first processing module 610 may include a first de-capping / capping unit 616, a first processing unit 611, a second processing unit 612, a third processing unit 613, a fourth processing unit 614, and a fifth processing unit 615, and the second processing module 620 may include a second de-capping / capping unit 626, a first processing unit 621, a second processing unit 622, a third processing unit 623, a fourth processing unit 624, and a fifth processing unit 625. Further, the third processing module 630 may include a third de-capping / capping unit 636, a first processing unit 631, a second processing unit 632, a third processing unit 633, a fourth processing unit 634, and a fifth processing unit 635, and the fourth processing module 640 may include a fourth de-capping / capping unit 646, a first processing unit 641, a second processing unit 642, a third processing unit 643, a fourth processing unit 644, and a fifth processing unit 645. The processing preparation station 510 may include a first stage 511 and a second stage 512.

[0081] Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the collecting part 70 may include a test rack supplying device 700, a collecting station 720, a second identification sensor 735, a fifth transporting device 950, a sixth transporting device 960, a seventh transporting device 970, a sample vessel station 710, etc. Here, the sample vessel station 710 may include a first sample vessel stage 711, a second sample vessel stage 712, a third sample vessel stage 713, and a fourth sample vessel stage 714, and the collecting station 720 may include a preparation stage 725, a first collecting stage 721, a second collecting stage 722, a third collecting stage 723, and a fourth collecting stage 724.

[0082] The primary sample supplying part 10 may be positioned in one side (e.g., a left side) of the modular pre-analytic system 1000, and the collecting part 70 may be positioned in the other side (e.g., a right side) of the modular pre-analytic system 1000. In addition, the sample dispensing part 20 and the processing part 40 may be positioned between the primary sample supplying part 10 and the collecting part 70, and the primary sample supplying part 10, the sample dispensing part 20, the processing part 40, and the collecting part 70 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction D1.

[0083] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first transfer device 810, the second transfer device 815, the first transfer stage 350, and the second transfer stage 355 in the primary sample supplying part 10 may be spaced apart from the primary sample supplying device 100 in the fourth direction D4.

[0084] The primary sample supplying device 100 may store a primary sample rack 110 accommodating at least two primary sample containers 120 each containing a primary sample, and may supply the primary sample rack 110 accommodating the primary sample containers 120 to the first transfer stage 350. Here, the types of the primary samples may be two or more. For example, the primary samples may include urine, liquid-based cytology (LBC), semen, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), saliva, respiratory (RP) sputum, tuberculosis (TB) sputum, bronchial washing, raw stool, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the primary sample rack 110 may accommodate four primary sample containers 120.

[0085] In addition, when a portion of the primary sample remains in the primary sample container 120 after the dispensing process is performed, the primary sample rack 110 accommodating the primary sample containers 120, in which the portion of the primary sample remains, may be provided from the second transfer stage 355 to the primary sample supplying device 100, and the primary sample supplying device 100 may store the primary sample rack 110 accommodating the primary sample containers 120, in which the portion of the primary sample remains. In other words, the primary sample supplying device 100 may store the primary samples. In exemplary embodiments, the primary sample supplying device 100 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the primary samples.

[0086] Further, a shape of the primary sample container 120 may be different from each other depending on the type of the primary sample. Alternatively, in a pre-analytic preparation system connected to the primary sample supplying device 100, each of various types of primary samples may be transferred to a standard tube, and the standard tube may be provided to the primary sample supplying device 100. In such a case, the sample dispensing process may be omitted. In other words, the standard tube may be provided to the processing part 40 without passing through the sample dispensing part 20.

[0087] Meanwhile, the identification information may be attached to each of the primary sample rack 110 and the primary sample container 120. For example, the identification information may include a barcode, a QR code, etc.

[0088] The first transfer device 810 and the second transfer device 815 may be positioned in both lateral portions of the first transfer stage 350 and the second transfer stage 355, and the first identification sensor 730 may be connected to the first transfer device 810. The first transfer device 810 may be positioned adjacent to the first transfer stage 350, and the first transfer device 810 may be movable along a third direction D3 and a fourth direction D4. That is, the first transfer device 810 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the first transfer device 810 may grip the primary sample rack 110 supplied from the primary sample supplying device 100 and may transfer the primary sample rack 110 on the first transfer stage 350. The first transfer device 810 may position the primary sample rack 110 transferred on the first transfer stage 350 at a predetermined portion (e.g., a portion adjacent to the primary sample rack station 240 in a horizontal direction) of the first transfer stage 350. Here, the horizontal direction are defined as the first and second directions D1 and D2.

[0089] The second transfer device 815 may be positioned adjacent to the second transfer stage 355, and the second transfer device 815 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the second transfer device 815 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the second transfer device 815 may grip the primary sample rack 110 accommodating an empty primary sample container 120 in which all of the primary sample is used (or the primary sample container 120 in which a portion of the primary sample remains) and may transfer the primary sample rack 110 on the second transfer stage 355.

[0090] The first transfer stage 350 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the primary sample supplying device 100, and the first transfer stage 350 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the primary sample supplying device 100 may correspond to a portion where the primary sample rack 110 is supplied to the first transfer stage 350. For example, the primary sample supplying device 100 may provide the primary sample rack 110 to a portion of the first transfer stage 350 that is adjacent to the first section of the primary sample supplying device 100. In this case, the primary sample rack 110 may be moved from the primary sample supplying device 100 to the predetermined portion by using a transfer unit included in the primary sample supplying device 100 or by using the first transfer device 810. Meanwhile, when the first transfer device 810 positions the primary sample rack 110 at the predetermined portion of the first transfer stage 350, the first transporting device 910 may transport the primary sample rack 110 to the primary sample rack station 240 of the sample dispensing part 20.

[0091] The second transfer stage 355 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the primary sample supplying device 100, and the second transfer stage 355 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the second transfer stage 355 may extend substantially parallel to the first transfer stage 350. Here, the second section of the primary sample supplying device 100 may correspond to a portion where the primary sample rack 110 accommodating an empty primary sample container 120 in which all of the primary sample is used (or the primary sample container 120 in which a portion of the primary samples remains) is stored in the primary sample supplying device 100. For example, the primary sample rack 110 positioned (or placed) at a portion of the second transfer stage 355 adjacent to the second section of the primary sample supplying device 100 may be received in the primary sample supplying device 100. In this case, the primary sample rack 110 may be moved from the second transfer stage 355 to the primary sample supplying device 100 by using a transfer unit included in the primary sample supplying device 100 or by using the second transfer device 815.

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 4(a), in other exemplary embodiments, the primary sample supplying part 10 may further include a positioning stage 130 positioned on a connection stage 135. For example, the first transfer device 810 may transfer the primary sample rack 110 to the predetermined portion of the first transfer stage 350, and the first transfer stage 350 may move the primary sample rack 110 placed at the predetermined portion to the positioning stage 130. The primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning stage 130 may be moved to the primary sample rack station 240 through the first transporting device 910, and after the dispensing process is performed, the primary sample rack 110 placed on the primary sample rack station 240 may be moved to the second transfer stage 355 adjacent to the positioning stage 130 through the first transporting device 910. Here, the primary sample rack 110 moved to the positioning stage 130 in order for the first transporting device 910 to grip the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning stage 130 should always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, the positioning stage 130 may include at least one position adjusting member, and a position of the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning stage 130 may be adjusted through the position adjusting member.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 4(b), in other exemplary embodiments, the primary sample supplying part 10 may further include a positioning stage 130 and a standby stage 140 positioned on a connection stage 135. Here, the standby stage 140 may function as a place where the primary sample rack 110 waits so that the primary sample rack 110 is relatively quickly provided to the positioning stage 130. For example, the first transfer device 810 may transfer the primary sample rack 110 to a predetermined portion of the first transfer stage 350, and the first transfer stage 350 may transfer the primary sample rack 110 placed at the predetermined portion to the standby stage 140. After the primary sample rack 110 placed on the standby stage 140 is moved to the positioning stage 130, the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning stage 130 may be moved to the primary sample rack station 240 through the first transporting device 910. At the same time, the first transfer device 810 may transfer another primary sample rack 110 to the predetermined portion of the first transfer stage 350, and the first transfer stage 350 may move the primary sample rack 110 placed at the predetermined portion to the standby stage 140. After the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning stage 130 is moved to the primary sample rack station 240 through the first transporting device 910, another primary sample rack 110 placed on the standby stage 140 may be moved to the positioning stage 130. Meanwhile, after the dispensing process is performed, the primary sample rack 110 placed on the primary sample rack station 240 may be moved to the second transfer stage 355 adjacent to the positioning stage 130 through the first transporting device 910. Here, the primary sample rack 110 moved to the positioning stage 130 in order for the first transporting device 910 to grip the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning stage 130 should always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, the positioning stage 130 may include at least one position adjusting member, and a position of the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning stage 130 may be adjusted through the position adjusting member. Alternatively, the standby stage 140 may function in the same manner as the positioning stage 130.

[0094] The first transporting device 910 may move in the horizontal direction to transport the primary sample container 120 (refer to a movement path 915 of the first transporting device 910 in FIG. 3), and the first transporting device 910 may include a gripper or a robot arm capable of gripping the primary sample container 120.

[0095] The first identification sensor 730 may sense an identification information, and the first identification sensor 730 may transmit the identification information to a controller (not shown) included in the modular pre-analytic system 1000 or to the controller 1400. For example, after the primary sample rack 110 is provided to a portion adjacent to the first section of the primary sample supplying device 100, during a step in which the first transfer device 810 grips the primary sample rack 110, the first identification sensor 730 may sense the identification information of the primary sample rack 110 and / or the identification information of the primary sample container 120.

[0096] However, although the primary sample supplying device 100 of the present invention has been described as supplying or storing the primary sample rack 110 accommodating the primary sample containers 120, a configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the primary sample supplying device 100 may supply or store the primary sample containers 120. In this case, the primary sample rack 110 may be moved on the first and second transfer stages 350 and 355, and the primary sample rack 110 fixed on the primary sample rack station 240 may accommodate the primary sample containers 120. In addition, the primary sample containers 120 may be moved through the first and second transfer devices 810 and 815 and the first transporting device 910.

[0097] In addition, although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to the primary sample supplying device 100, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device for transferring the primary sample rack 110 may correspond to the primary sample supplying device 100, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0098] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 5, the first standard tube supplying device 200 may be positioned in a first section of the sample dispensing part 20, and the third transfer device 820, the fourth transfer device 825, the third transfer stage 360, the fourth transfer stage 365, the first standard tube rack stage 270, the first de-capping / capping device 250, the primary sample rack station 240, and the second de-capping / capping device 260 may be spaced apart from the first standard tube supplying device 200 in the fourth direction D4.

[0099] The first standard tube supplying device 200 may store a first standard tube rack 210 accommodating at least two first standard tubes 220, and may supply the first standard tube rack 210 accommodating the first standard tubes 220 to the third transfer stage 360. In exemplary embodiments, the first standard tube rack 210 may accommodate four first standard tubes 220. For example, the first standard tubes 220 may have the same shape, and the first standard tube 220 may include a standardized tube (or a standardized container). In addition, the first standard tubes 220 may include an empty first standard tube 220 and a first standard tube 220 pre-filled with a preliminary pre-analytic reagent. For example, depending on the types of the primary samples contained in the primary sample containers 120, the preliminary pre-analytic reagent may be required, and the first standard tube supplying device 200 may store the first standard tube 220 prefilled with the preliminary pre-analytic reagent. The preliminary pre-analytic reagent may include phosphate buffered saline (PBS), lysis buffer, NALC-NaOH, proteinase K, saline buffer, etc.

[0100] In exemplary embodiments, after the first identification sensor 730 senses the identification information of the primary sample rack 110 or the primary sample container 120, the first identification sensor 730 may provide the identification information to the controller 1400. The controller 1400 may control the first standard tube supplying device 200 so that an empty first standard tube 220 and / or a first standard tube 220 prefilled with a preliminary pre-analytic reagent is accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 based on the identification information. In other words, the empty first standard tube 220 and / or the first standard tube 220 prefilled with the preliminary pre-analytic reagent that corresponds the primary sample containers 120 accommodated in the primary sample rack 110 may be accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210. That is, the first standard tube supplying device 200 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the first standard tube 220 prefilled with the preliminary pre-analytic reagent.

[0101] In addition, after the dispensing process is performed, the empty first standard tube rack 210 may be provided from the fourth transfer stage 365 to the first standard tube supplying device 200, and the first standard tube supplying device 200 may store the empty first standard tube rack 210.

[0102] Meanwhile, an identification information may be attached to each of the first standard tube rack 210 and the first standard tube 220. For example, the identification information may include a barcode, a QR code, etc.

[0103] The third transfer device 820 and the fourth transfer device 825 may be positioned in both lateral portions of the third transfer stage 360 and the fourth transfer stage 365. The third transfer device 820 may be positioned adjacent to the third transfer stage 360, and the third transfer device 820 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the third transfer device 820 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the third transfer device 820 may grip the first standard tube rack 210 supplied from the first standard tube supplying device 200 and may transfer the first standard tube rack 210 on the third transfer stage 360. The third transfer device 820 may position the first standard tube rack 210 transferred on the third transfer stage 360 at a predetermined portion (e.g., a portion adjacent to the first standard tube rack stage 270) of the third transfer stage 360.

[0104] The fourth transfer device 825 may be positioned adjacent to the fourth transfer stage 365, and the fourth transfer device 825 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the fourth transfer device 825 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the fourth transfer device 825 may grip the empty first standard tube rack 210 and may move the empty first standard tube rack 210 on the fourth transfer stage 365.

[0105] The third transfer stage 360 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the first standard tube supplying device 200, and the third transfer stage 360 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the first standard tube supplying device 200 may correspond to a portion where the first standard tube rack 210 is supplied to the third transfer stage 360. For example, the first standard tube supplying device 200 may provide the first standard tube rack 210 to a portion of the third transfer stage 360 adjacent to the first section of the first standard tube supplying device 200. In this case, the first standard tube rack 210 may be moved from the first standard tube supplying device 200 to the predetermined portion by using a transfer unit included in the first standard tube supplying device 200 or by using the third transfer device 820. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the third transfer device 820 positions the first standard tube rack 210 at the predetermined portion of the third transfer stage 360, the third transfer stage 360 may move the first standard tube rack 210 to the first standard tube rack stage 270. In addition, after the dispensing process is performed, the second transporting device 920 may transport the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270 to a first standard tube rack station 430 of the processing part 40.

[0106] The fourth transfer stage 365 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the first standard tube supplying device 200, and the fourth transfer stage 365 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the fourth transfer stage 365 may extend substantially parallel to the third transfer stage 360. Here, the second section of the first standard tube supplying device 200 may correspond to a portion where the empty first standard tube rack 210 is stored in the first standard tube supplying device 200. For example, the empty first standard tube rack 210 positioned at a portion of the fourth transfer stage 365 adjacent to the second section of the first standard tube supplying device 200 may be received in the first standard tube supplying device 200. In this case, the empty first standard tube rack 210 may be moved from the fourth transfer stage 365 to the first standard tube supplying device 200 by using a transfer unit included in the first standard tube supplying device 200 or by using the fourth transfer device 825.

[0107] In exemplary embodiments, the first standard tube rack stage 270 may be positioned on the fourth transfer stage 365. The first standard tube rack 210 transferred to the first standard tube rack stage 270 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one first standard tube rack 210 among the first standard tube racks 210 supplied from the first standard tube supplying device 200 may be positioned on the first standard tube rack stage 270, and in order for the second transporting device 920 to grip the first standard tube rack 210 positioned on the first standard tube rack stage 270, the first standard tube rack 210 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first standard tube rack stage 270. Similarly, after the sample dispensing device 230 aspirates a primary sample from the primary sample container 120 placed on the primary sample rack station 240, in order for the sample dispensing device 230 to dispense the aspirated primary sample into the first standard tube 220 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270, the first standard tube rack 210 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first standard tube rack stage 270. In this case, to implement such a device, the first standard tube rack stage 270 may include at least one position adjusting member.

[0108] The primary sample rack station 240 may be positioned adjacent to the third transfer stage 360, and the primary sample rack station 240 may face the first standard tube rack stage 270. The primary sample rack station 240 may function as a place where the primary sample rack 110 moved from the primary sample supplying part 10 is placed. Here, the primary sample rack 110 transferred to the primary sample rack station 240 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, in order for the sample dispensing device 230 to aspirate a primary sample from the primary sample container 120 placed on the primary sample rack station 240, the first standard tube rack 210 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first standard tube rack stage 270. In addition, after the dispensing process is performed, in order for the first transporting device 910 to grip the primary sample container 120 placed on the primary sample rack station 240, the first standard tube rack 210 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first standard tube rack stage 270. To implement such a device, the primary sample rack station 240 may include at least one position adjusting member.

[0109] The first de-capping / capping device 250 may be positioned adjacent to the primary sample rack station 240, and the first de-capping / capping device 250 may face the primary sample rack station 240. The first de-capping / capping device 250 may de-cap or cap a cap of each of the primary sample containers 120 accommodated in the primary sample rack 110 placed on the primary sample rack station 240. Here, the shapes of the primary sample containers 120 may be different from each other depending on the types of the primary samples, and the shapes of the cap of each of the primary sample containers 120 may also be different from each other. In exemplary embodiments, the first de-capping / capping device 250 may de-cap or cap all of the caps having various shapes. For example, the first de-capping / capping device 250 may include a cap gripping member, and after the cap gripping member grips the cap so that the cap gripping member corresponds to the shapes of the caps each, the cap gripping member may rotate the cap in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. Alternatively, when the standardized containers each containing the primary samples are provided to the primary sample supplying device 100, the cap gripping member may de-cap or cap only the caps having the same shape.

[0110] In addition, alternatively, the first de-capping / capping device 250 may be movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, in order to de-cap caps of the respective primary sample containers 120 accommodated in the primary sample rack 110 placed on the primary sample rack station 240, the first de-capping / capping device 250 may move in the first direction D1, and after de-capping the caps, the first de-capping / capping device 250 may move in the second direction D2.

[0111] The second de-capping / capping device 260 may be positioned adjacent to the first standard tube rack stage 270, and the first de-capping / capping device 250 may face the first standard tube rack stage 270. The first de-capping / capping device 250 may de-cap or cap the caps of the respective first standard tubes 220 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270. Here, the shapes of the respective first standard tubes 220 may be the same from each other, and the shapes of the caps of the respective first standard tubes 220 may also be the same from each other. For example, the second de-capping / capping device 260 may include a cap gripping member, and after the cap gripping member grips the cap so that the cap gripping member corresponds to the shapes of the caps each, the cap gripping member may rotate the cap in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction.

[0112] In addition, alternatively, the second de-capping / capping device 260 may be movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, in order to de-cap the caps of the respective first standard tubes 220 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270, the second de-capping / capping device 260 may move in the second direction D2, and after de-capping the caps, the second de-capping / capping device 260 may move in the first direction D1.

[0113] The tip supplying device 300 may be positioned in a second section of the sample dispensing part 20, and the fifth transfer device 830, the sixth transfer device 835, the fifth transfer stage 370, the sixth transfer stage 375, the tip rack standby stage 320, and the tip rack positioning stage 330 may be spaced apart from the tip supplying device 300 in the fourth direction D4.

[0114] The tip supplying device 300 may store a tip rack 310 including a plurality of pipetting tips, and may supply the tip rack 310 including the pipetting tips to the fifth transfer stage 370. For example, the pipetting tips may include pipetting tips connectable to the sample dispensing device 230, and the plurality of pipetting tips may be arranged in the tip rack 310. In other words, when the sample dispensing device 230 aspirates and dispenses the primary sample, the pipetting tip may be connected to the sample dispensing device 230.

[0115] In other exemplary embodiments, the tip rack 310 may include a tip rack 310 including type A pipetting tips having a relatively small diameter and a tip rack 310 including type B pipetting tips having a relatively large diameter, and the tip rack 310 including the type A pipetting tips or the tip rack 310 including the type B pipetting tips may be selectively supplied to the fifth transfer stage 370 depending on the type of the primary sample.

[0116] In addition, after all of the pipetting tips included in the tip rack 310 are used, the empty tip rack 310 may be provided from the sixth transfer stage 375 to the tip supplying device 300, and the tip supplying device 300 may store the empty tip rack 310.

[0117] The fifth transfer device 830 and the sixth transfer device 835 may be positioned in both lateral portions of the fifth transfer stage 370 and the sixth transfer stage 375. The fifth transfer device 830 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the fifth transfer device 830 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the fifth transfer device 830 may grip the tip rack 310 supplied from the tip supplying device 300 and may transfer the tip rack 310 on the fifth transfer stage 370. The fifth transfer device 830 may position the tip rack 310 transferred on the fifth transfer stage 370 at a predetermined portion (e.g., a portion adjacent to the tip rack standby stage 320) of the fifth transfer stage 370.

[0118] The sixth transfer device 835 may be positioned adjacent to the sixth transfer stage 375, and the sixth transfer device 835 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the sixth transfer device 835 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the sixth transfer device 835 may grip the empty tip rack 310 and may move the empty tip rack 310 on the sixth transfer stage 375.

[0119] The fifth transfer stage 370 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the tip supplying device 300, and the fifth transfer stage 370 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the tip supplying device 300 may correspond to a portion where the tip rack 310 is supplied to the fifth transfer stage 370. For example, the tip supplying device 300 may provide the tip rack 310 at a portion of the fifth transfer stage 370 adjacent to the first section of the tip supplying device 300. In this case, the tip rack 310 may be moved from the tip supplying device 300 to the predetermined portion by using a transfer unit included in the tip supplying device 300 or by using the fifth transfer device 830. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the fifth transfer device 830 positions the tip rack 310 at the predetermined portion of the fifth transfer stage 370, the fifth transfer stage 370 may move the tip rack 310 to the tip rack standby stage 320. Here, the fifth transfer stage 370 may function as a place where the tip rack 310 waits to be relatively quickly provided to the tip rack positioning stage 330.

[0120] The sixth transfer stage 375 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the tip supplying device 300, and the sixth transfer stage 375 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the sixth transfer stage 375 may extend substantially parallel to the fifth transfer stage 370. Here, the second section of the tip supplying device 300 may correspond to a portion where the empty tip rack 310 is stored in the tip supplying device 300. For example, the empty tip rack 310 positioned in a portion of the sixth transfer stage 375 adjacent to the second section of the tip supplying device 300 may be received in the tip supplying device 300. In this case, the empty tip rack 310 may be moved from the sixth transfer stage 375 to the tip supplying device 300 by using a transfer unit included in the tip supplying device 300 or by using the sixth transfer device 835.

[0121] In exemplary embodiments, the tip rack standby stage 320 and a tip rack positioning stage 330 may be positioned on the sixth transfer stage 375. The sixth transfer stage 375 may move the tip rack 310 transferred from the fifth transfer stage 370 to the tip rack standby stage 320 to the tip rack positioning stage 330, and the tip rack 310 transferred to the tip rack positioning stage 330 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one tip rack 310 among the tip racks 310 supplied from the tip supplying device 300 may be positioned on the tip rack positioning stage 330, and in order for the sample dispensing device 230 to be connected to the pipetting tip included in the tip rack 310 placed on the tip rack positioning stage 330, the tip rack 310 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the tip rack positioning stage 330. To implement such a device, the tip rack positioning stage 330 may include at least one position adjusting member.

[0122] Alternatively, the sample dispensing part 20 may further include a waste container positioned adjacent to the sixth transfer stage 375, and the empty tip rack 310 may be discharged (or released) into the waste container through the sixth transfer device 835. In addition, the sample dispensing part 20 may further include a waste container positioned adjacent to the second de-capping / capping device 260, and the sample dispensing device 230 may discharge the used pipetting tip into the waste container.

[0123] However, although the present invention has been described such that two transfer stages are disposed in the sample dispensing part 20 to transfer the tip rack 310, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), two transfer stages and one connection stage may be disposed to transfer the tip rack 310.

[0124] The sample dispensing device 230 may be movable in the horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and up-down directions on the primary sample rack station 240, the third transfer stage 360, the fourth transfer stage 365, the fifth transfer stage 370, the sixth transfer stage 375, the first standard tube rack stage 270, and the tip rack positioning stage 330 (refer to a movement path 235 of the sample dispensing device 230), and the sample dispensing device 230 may include at least two pipetting modules. Here, the vertical direction is defined as the third and fourth directions D3 and D4, and the up-down directions are defined as the fifth direction D5 and a direction opposite to the fifth direction D5. After the sample dispensing device 230 is connected to the pipetting tip included in the tip rack 310 placed on the tip rack positioning stage 330, the sample dispensing device 230 may move a portion of the primary sample from the primary sample container 120 placed on the primary sample rack station 240 to the first standard tube 220 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270. In addition, during a step of connecting the pipetting tip and a step of aspirating and dispensing the primary sample, the sample dispensing device 230 may move in the up-down directions. Meanwhile, after the dispensing process is performed, the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270 may be transferred to the first standard tube rack station 430 through the second transporting device 920.

[0125] In exemplary embodiments, the sample dispensing device 230 may be movable only in the sample dispensing part 20, and the sample dispensing device 230 may include four pipetting modules. In addition, a distance between the pipetting modules may be adjustable. For example, a size of the primary sample container 120 may be relatively larger than a size of the first standard tube 220, and a spacing between the primary sample containers 120 accommodated in the primary sample rack 110 may be larger than a spacing between the first standard tubes 220 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210. Accordingly, when aspirating the primary sample from the primary sample containers 120, the distance between the pipetting modules may be relatively large, and when the aspirated primary samples are dispensed into the first standard tubes 220, the distance between the pipetting modules may be relatively small. Further, after the aspirated primary sample is dispensed into the first standard tube 220 prefilled with the preliminary pre-analytic reagent, the sample dispensing device 230 may repeatedly perform aspiration and dispensing steps so that the preliminary pre-analytic reagent and the primary sample are mixed. In other exemplary embodiments, a mixing member for mixing the preliminary pre-analytic reagent and the dispensed primary sample and a stick member for swabbing or suspending the primary sample may be further added to the sample dispensing device 230.

[0126] The second transporting device 920 may move in the horizontal direction to transfer the first standard tube rack 210 (refer to a movement path 925 of the second transporting device 920 in FIG. 5A), and the second transporting device 920 may include a gripper, a robot arm, etc., capable of gripping the first standard tube rack 210.

[0127] In exemplary embodiments, depending on the types of the primary samples, the primary sample supplying part 10 and the sample dispensing part 20 may be sealed so that so as to prevent external air from penetrating (or to prevent internal air of the primary sample supplying part 10 and the sample dispensing part 20 from being released to the outside).

[0128] However, although the first standard tube supplying device 200 of the present invention has been described as supplying or storing the first standard tube rack 210 accommodating the first standard tubes 220, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the first standard tube supplying device 200 may supply or store the first standard tubes 220. In this case, the first standard tube rack 210 may be moved on the third and fourth transfer stages 360 and 365, and the first standard tube rack 210 fixed on the first standard tube rack stage 270 may accommodate the first standard tubes 220. In addition, the first standard tubes 220 may be moved through the third and fourth transfer devices 820 and 825 and the second transporting device 920.

[0129] In addition, although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to each of the first standard tube supplying device 200 and the tip supplying device 300, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one transfer device for transferring the first standard tube rack 210 (or the tip rack 310) may correspond to the first standard tube supplying device 200 (or the tip supplying device 300), and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0130] Referring again to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, the second standard tube supplying device 400 may be positioned at a first section of the processing part 40, and the seventh transfer device 840, the eighth transfer device 845, the seventh transfer stage 380, the eighth transfer stage 385, the first standard tube rack station 430, and the second standard tube rack stage 440 may be spaced apart from the second standard tube supplying device 400 in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first standard tube rack 210 accommodating the first standard tubes 220 into which the primary sample is dispensed may be provided from the sample dispensing part 20 to the first standard tube rack station 430 of the processing part 40, and the first standard tube 220 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack station 430 is defined as a first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample.

[0131] The second standard tube supplying device 400 may store a second standard tube rack 410 accommodating at least two second standard tubes 420, and may supply the second standard tube rack 410 accommodating the second standard tubes 420 to the seventh transfer stage 380. In exemplary embodiments, the second standard tube rack 410 may accommodate four second standard tubes 420. For example, the second standard tubes 420 may have the same shape from each other, and the second standard tube 420 may include a standardized tube. In addition, the second standard tube 420 may include an empty second standard tube 420. For example, depending on the types of the primary samples contained in the primary sample container 120, the empty second standard tube 420 may be required in the processing device 600, and when the second standard tube 420 is required, the second standard tube 420 may be provided to the processing device 600 before the first standard tube 221 is provided to the processing device 600.

[0132] In exemplary embodiments, after the first identification sensor 730 senses the identification information of the primary sample rack 110 or the primary sample container 120, the first identification sensor 730 may provide the identification information to the controller 1400. The controller 1400 may determine whether the second standard tube 420 is required in the processing device 600 based on the identification information, and when the second standard tube 420 is required, the controller 1400 may control the third transporting device 930 so that the second standard tube 420 is provided to the processing device 600.

[0133] In addition, after all of the second standard tubes 420 accommodated in the second standard tube rack 410 are provided to the processing device 600, the empty second standard tube rack 410 may be provided from the eighth transfer stage 385 to the second standard tube supplying device 400, and the second standard tube supplying device 400 may store the empty second standard tube rack 410.

[0134] Meanwhile, an identification information may be attached to the second standard tube 420. For example, the identification information may include a barcode, a QR code, etc.

[0135] The seventh transfer device 840 and the eighth transfer device 845 may be positioned in both lateral portions of the seventh transfer stage 380 and the eighth transfer stage 385. The seventh transfer device 840 may be positioned adjacent to the seventh transfer stage 380, and the seventh transfer device 840 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the seventh transfer device 840 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the seventh transfer device 840 may grip the second standard tube rack 410 supplied from the second standard tube supplying device 400 and may transfer the second standard tube rack 410 on the seventh transfer stage 380. The seventh transfer device 840 may position the second standard tube rack 410 transferred on the seventh transfer stage 380 at a predetermined portion (e.g., a portion adjacent to the second standard tube rack stage 440) of the seventh transfer stage 380.

[0136] The eighth transfer device 845 may be positioned adjacent to the eighth transfer stage 385, and the eighth transfer device 845 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the eighth transfer device 845 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the eighth transfer device 845 may grip the empty second standard tube rack 410 and may move the empty second standard tube rack 410 on the eighth transfer stage 385.

[0137] The seventh transfer stage 380 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the second standard tube supplying device 400, and the seventh transfer stage 380 may extend along the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the second standard tube supplying device 400 may correspond to a portion where the second standard tube rack 410 is supplied to the seventh transfer stage 380. For example, the second standard tube supplying device 400 may provide the second standard tube rack 410 to a portion of the seventh transfer stage 380 adjacent to the first section of the second standard tube supplying device 400. In this case, the second standard tube rack 410 may be moved from the second standard tube supplying device 400 to the predetermined portion by using a transfer unit included in the second standard tube supplying device 400 or by using the seventh transfer device 840. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the seventh transfer device 840 positions the second standard tube rack 410 at the predetermined portion of the seventh transfer stage 380, the seventh transfer stage 380 may move the second standard tube rack 410 to the second standard tube rack stage 440. In addition, when the second standard tube 420 is required in the processing device 600, the third transport device 930 may transport the second standard tube 420 accommodated in the second standard tube rack 410 placed on the second standard tube rack stage 440 to the processing device 600.

[0138] The eighth transfer stage 385 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the second standard tube supplying device 400, and the eighth transfer stage 385 may extend along the fourth direction D4. In other words, the eighth transfer stage 385 may extend substantially parallel to the seventh transfer stage 380. Here, the second section of the second standard tube supplying device 400 may correspond to a portion where the empty second standard tube rack 410 is stored in the second standard tube supplying device 400. For example, the empty second standard tube rack 410 positioned at a portion of the eighth transfer stage 385 adjacent to the second section of the second standard tube supplying device 400 may be received in the second standard tube supplying device 400. In this case, the empty second standard tube rack 410 may be moved from the eighth transfer stage 385 to the second standard tube supplying device 400 by using a transfer unit included in the second standard tube supplying device 400 or by using the eighth transfer device 845.

[0139] In exemplary embodiments, the second standard tube rack stage 440 may be positioned on the eighth transfer stage 385. The second standard tube rack 410 transferred to the second standard tube rack stage 440 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one second standard tube rack 410 among the second standard tube racks 410 supplied from the second standard tube supplying device 400 may be positioned at the second standard tube rack stage 440, and in order for the third transporting device 930 to grip the second standard tube 420 accommodated in the second standard tube rack 410 positioned at the second standard tube rack stage 440, the second standard tube rack 410 should always be positioned at the predetermined position in the second standard tube rack stage 440. To implement such a device, the second standard tube rack stage 440 may include at least one position adjustment member.

[0140] The first standard tube rack station 430 may be positioned adjacent to the seventh transfer stage 380. The first standard tube rack station 430 may function as a place where the first standard tube rack 210 transferred from the sample dispensing part 20 is placed. Here, the first standard tube rack 210 transferred to the first standard tube rack station 430 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, in order for the third transporting device 930 to grip the first standard tube 221 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack station 430, the first standard tube rack 210 should always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first standard tube rack station 430. To implement such a device, the first standard tube rack station 430 may include at least one position adjusting member. In addition, the third transporting device 930 may transport the first standard tube 221 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack station 430 to the processing device 600.

[0141] However, although the second standard tube supplying device 400 has been described as supplying or storing the second standard tube rack 410 that accommodates the second standard tubes 420, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the second standard tube supplying device 400 may supply or store the second standard tubes 420. In this case, the second standard tube rack 410 may be moved on the seventh and eighth transfer stages 380 and 385, and the second standard tube rack 410 fixed to the second standard tube rack stage 440 may accommodate the second standard tube 420. In addition, the second standard tubes 420 may be moved through the seventh and eighth transfer devices 840 and 845 and the third transporting device 930.

[0142] In addition, although it has been described that two transfer devices correspond to the second standard tube supplying device 400, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, a single transfer device that transfers the second standard tube rack 410 may correspond to the second standard tube supplying device 400, and the transfer device may be a robot arm.

[0143] The consumable supplying device 500 may be positioned in the second section of the processing part 40, and the processing preparation station 510, the first stage 511, the second stage 512, the first waste container 520, the second waste container 530, and the processing device 600 may be spaced apart from the consumable supplying device 500 in the fourth direction D4. Here, the processing preparation station 510 may include the first stage 511, the second stage 512, the first waste container 520, and the second waste container 530. Alternatively, the first waste container 520 and the second waste container 530 may be positioned spaced apart from the processing preparation station 510. In other words, only the first stage 511 and the second stage 512 may be positioned at the processing preparation station 510. In exemplary embodiments, the pipette tips used in the processing part 40 may be discharged to the first waste container 520, and an unnecessary liquid generated in the processing device 600 may be discharged to the second waste container 530.

[0144] The consumable supplying device 500 may store a tip rack 540 (refer to FIG. 12) including a plurality of pipette tips and a reagent container 545 (refer to FIG. 12) containing a reagent, and the tip rack 540 including the pipette tips and the reagent container 545 containing the reagents may be supplied to the processing preparation station 510 through the fourth transporting device 940. Here, the types of the reagents may be two or more. For example, the reagents may include PBS, lysis buffer, NALC-NaOH, proteinase K, saline buffer, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the consumable supplying device 500 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the reagents.

[0145] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the tip rack 540 may be placed on the first stage 511 through the fourth transporting device 940, and the reagent container 545 may be selectively placed on the second stage 512 through the fourth transporting device 940. In addition, the pipette tip may include a pipette tip connectable to the dispensing device 550, and the plurality of pipette tips may be arranged in the tip rack 540. In other words, when the dispensing device 550 aspirates and dispenses the reagent or aspirates and dispenses the supernatant and an unnecessary liquid generated in the processing device 600, the pipette tip may be connected to the dispensing device 550.

[0146] In addition, after all of the pipette tips included in the tip rack 540 are used, the empty tip rack 540 may be provided from the first stage 511 to the consumable supplying device 500 through the fourth transporting device 940, and the consumable supplying device 500 may store the empty tip rack 540.

[0147] Further, after all of the reagent contained in the reagent container 545 is used, the empty reagent container 545 may be provided from the second stage 512 to the consumable supplying device 500 through the fourth transporting device 940, and the consumable supplying device 500 may store the empty reagent container 545.

[0148] Meanwhile, the reagent container 545 may include a reagent container 545 containing a type-A reagent and a reagent container 545 containing a type-B reagent. For example, in order to use the type-A reagent in the processing device 600, the reagent container 545 containing the type-A reagent may be placed on the first stage 511, and after the type-A reagent is used, the type-B reagent may be required in the processing device 600. In this case, in order to move the reagent container 545 containing the type-B reagent, which is stored in the consumable supplying device 500, to the second stage 512, after the fourth transporting device 940 moves the reagent container 545 containing the type-A reagent (e.g., a portion of the type-A reagent remains in the reagent container 545) placed on the second stage 512 to the consumable supplying device 500, the reagent container 545 containing the type-B reagent may be moved to the second stage 512. Here, the reagent container 545, in which the portion of the type-A reagent remains, may be stored again in the consumable supplying device 500, and the reagent container 545, in which the portion of the type-A reagent remains, may be reused. In exemplary embodiments, the consumable supplying device 500 may include a cover member that seals an upper portion of the reagent container 545 in which the portion of the reagent remains, and the reagent container 545, in which the portion of the type-A reagent remains, may be stored in the consumable supplying device 500 in a state sealed by the cover member. In this case, the type-A reagent may be prevented from evaporating.

[0149] The fourth transporting device 940 may move in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to transport the tip rack 540 and the reagent container 545 (refer to a movement path 945 of the fourth transporting device 940 in FIG. 6A). The fourth transporting device 940 may include a gripper, a robot arm, etc., capable of gripping the tip rack 540 and the reagent container 545.

[0150] The processing device 600 may be spaced apart from the processing preparation station 510 in the fourth direction D4 (or spaced apart from the eighth transferring stage 385 in the first direction D1). The processing device 600 may include a plurality of processing modules, and each of the processing modules may include at least two processing units. In addition, the processing module may perform a certain pre-analytic process selected from among a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the types of primary samples supplied to the processing module, and each of the processing modules may pre-treat one sample in each run of the pre-analytic process. Further, the processing units included in each of the processing modules may be arranged in the first direction D1, and the arranged processing units may be rearrangeable and replaceable. For example, each of the processing units may be manufactured in a modular form and may be easily installed in or detached from the processing part 40. In exemplary embodiments, the processing device 600 may include four processing modules (e.g., the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640), and each of the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640 may include five processing units 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 641, 642, 643, 644, and 645 and one decapping / capping unit 616, 626, 636, and 646. In addition, the first to fifth processing units may be arranged sequentially in the first direction D1, and the decapping / capping unit may be positioned at one side of each of the first to fifth processing units.

[0151] In exemplary embodiments, at least two processing units among the first to fifth processing units may include one function among a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. In other exemplary embodiments, the at least one processing unit may have one function selected from the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, the heating function, a sonicating function, a cooling function, and a grinding function.

[0152] Alternatively, the at least one among the first to fifth processing units may have at least two functions selected from the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function. The at least two functions selected from the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function may be performed in the one run. For example, one processing unit may have the vortex and heating functions, the heating and spin-down functions, the vortex and spin-down functions, the centrifugation and spin-down functions, the centrifugation and vortex functions, the vortex, spin-down, and heating functions, the centrifugation, spin-down, and heating functions, or the vortex, spin-down, and heating functions. In addition, the at least one processing unit may have at least two functions selected from the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, the heating function, the sonicating function, the cooling function, and a grinding function. Further, the vortex and heating functions may be simultaneously performed.

[0153] 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.

[0154] For example, 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] The controller 1400 may determine parameters of each of the processing units included in a certain processing module among the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640 so that a certain pre-analytic process is performed in the certain processing module. For example, the parameters may include the revolutions-per-minute and the centrifugal force of the centrifugal function, the revolutions-per-minute and the centrifugal force of the spin-down function, the revolutions-per-minute of the vortex function, and the temperature of the heating function. In other words, the parameters of each of the processing units may be changed depending on the type of the primary samples.

[0159] In addition, a configuration of functions having the first to fifth processing units 611, 612, 613, 614, and 615 included in the first processing module 610, a configuration of functions having the first to fifth processing units 621, 622, 623, 624, and 625 included in the second processing module 620, a configuration of functions having the first to fifth processing units 631, 632, 633, 634, and 635 included in the third processing module 630, and a configuration of functions having the first to fifth processing units 641, 642, 643, 644, and 645 included in the fourth processing module 640 may be different from one another. In other words, different pre-analytic processes may be performed in the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640.

[0160] For example, in the first processing module 610, the first processing unit 611 may have the vortex function, and the second processing unit 612 may have the centrifugation function. In addition, the first standard tube 221, where the centrifugation function has been performed by the second processing unit 612, may be positioned in the third processing unit 613. Here, the third processing unit 613 does not have the function, and the third processing unit 613 may function as a station on which the first standard tube 221 is placed. In addition, the second standard tube 420 may be positioned in the fourth processing unit 614, and the fourth processing unit 614 does not have the function. In other words, the fourth processing unit 614 may function as a station on which the second standard tube 420 is placed. Further, the fifth processing unit 615 may correspond to a dummy processing unit, and the fifth processing unit 615 is not an essential component in the first processing module 610 (e.g., when a first pre-analytic process is performed in the first processing module 610). Alternatively, the second standard tube 420 may be positioned in the fifth processing unit 615, and in this case, the fourth processing unit 614 may correspond to the dummy processing unit. That is, the first processing module 610 may be configured with the first processing unit 611 having the vortex function, the second processing unit 612 having the centrifugation function, the station on which the first standard tube 221 subjected to the centrifugation function in the second processing unit 612 is placed, and the station on which the second standard tube 420 is placed. However, when an additional function (e.g., a spin-down function or a heating function) or an identical function (e.g., the centrifugation function) in order to increase a throughput is required in the first processing module 610, the fifth processing units 615 having at least one of the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function may be added to the configuration.

[0161] In exemplary embodiments, a first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample to undergo a procedure for a gastrointestinal infection test (e.g., a first test procedure) (or the first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample which is meant to undergo the first test procedure) may be provided to the first processing module 610, and the first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample may be one of the first standard tubes 221 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack station 430. That is, the first processing module 610 may perform a first pre-analytic process corresponding to the gastrointestinal infection test among the pre-analytic processes. In the first pre-analytic process, a supernatant may be generated in the first standard tube 221 placed in the second processing unit 612 having the centrifugation function, and the first standard tube 221 where the centrifugation function has been performed in the second processing unit 612 may be moved to the third processing unit 613. After the dispensing device 550 aspirates the supernatant from the first standard tube 221 placed in the third processing unit 613, the dispensing device 550 may dispense the supernatant into the second standard tube 420 placed in the fourth processing unit 614.

[0162] Meanwhile, after the first pre-analytic process is performed, the second standard tube 420 placed in the fourth processing unit 614 may be transferred to the first sample vessel stage 711 of the collecting part 70 through the first gripping unit 651, and the second standard tube 420 that has undergone the first pre-analytic process is defined as a first sample vessel including the processed sample. That is, the supernatant may correspond to the processed sample. As described above, since each of the processing units performs the vortex, centrifugation, spin-down, or heating function for one standard tube, each of the processing units may be manufactured in a relatively small size.

[0163] The first gripping unit 651 may be movable in the horizontal direction to transfer the first standard tube 221 and the second standard tube 420 provided to the first processing module 610 (refer to a movement path 656 of the first gripping unit 651 in FIG. 6A). For example, the first standard tube 221 placed in the first processing unit 611 may be sequentially moved to the second processing unit 612 and the third processing unit 613 through the first gripping unit 651, and the second standard tube 420 placed in the fourth processing unit 614 may be moved to the first sample vessel stage 711 of the collecting part 70 through the first gripping unit 651. The first gripping unit 651 may include a gripper, a robot arm, etc., capable of gripping the first standard tube 221 or the second standard tube 420.

[0164] The first de-capping / capping unit 616 may de-cap or cap a cap of the first standard tube 221 placed in one of the first to fifth processing units 611, 612, 613, 614, and 615, and the first de-capping / capping unit 616 may be movable in the horizontal direction. For example, after the first de-capping / capping unit 616 is positioned adjacent to the third processing unit 613, the first de-capping / capping unit 616 may de-cap the cap of the first standard tube 221 placed in the third processing unit 613, and the dispensing device 550 may aspirate the supernatant from the de-capped first standard tube 221. After the supernatant is aspirated, the first de-capping / capping unit 616 may cap the cap to the first standard tube 221. Here, since de-capping the cap of the first standard tube 221 or aspirating the supernatant from the first standard tube 221 in the second processing unit 612 having the centrifugation function is difficult, the first standard tube 221 may be moved to the third processing unit 613, and the de-capping process and the aspiration process may be performed thereafter. Alternatively, when it is possible to decap the cap of the first standard tube 221 or to aspirate the supernatant from the first standard tube 221 in the second processing unit 612 having the centrifugation function, the first standard tube 221 may not be moved to the third processing unit 613.

[0165] Otherwise, in the second processing module 620, the first processing unit 621 may have the centrifugation function, and the first standard tube 221 on which the centrifugation function has been performed in the first processing unit 621 may be positioned in the second processing unit 622. Here, the second processing unit 622 does not have the function, and the second processing unit 622 may function as a station on which the first standard tube 221 is placed. In addition, the third processing unit 623 may have the vortex function, and the fourth processing unit 624 may have the spin-down function. Further, the fifth processing unit 625 may correspond to a dummy processing unit, and the fifth processing unit 625 is not an essential component in the second processing module 620 (e.g., when a second pre-analytic process is performed in the second processing module 620). That is, the second processing module 620 may include the first processing unit 621 having the centrifugation function, the station on which the first standard tube 221 subjected to the centrifugation function in the first processing unit 621 is placed, the third processing unit 623 having the vortex function, and the fourth processing unit 624 having the spin-down function. However, when an additional function (e.g., a heating function) or an identical function (e.g., the centrifugation function) in order to increase a throughput is required in the second processing module 620, the fifth processing unit 625 may be added to the configuration.

[0166] In exemplary embodiments, a first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample to undergo a procedure for a sexually transmitted infection test (e.g., a second test procedure) (or the first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample which is meant to undergo the second test procedure) may be provided to the second processing module 620, and the first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample may be one of the first standard tubes 221 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed in the first standard tube rack station 430. That is, the second processing module 620 may perform a second pre-analytic process corresponding to the sexually transmitted infection test among the pre-analytic processes. In the second pre-analytic process, a supernatant (e.g., an unnecessary liquid) may be generated in the first standard tube 221 placed in the first processing unit 621 having the centrifugation function, and after the first standard tube 221, in which the unnecessary liquid has been generated, is moved to the station (e.g., the second processing unit 622), the dispensing device 550 may aspirate the unnecessary liquid. After discharging the unnecessary liquid to the first waste container 520, the dispensing device 550 may aspirate a reagent of the reagent container 545 and may dispense the aspirated reagent into the first standard tube 221 placed in the station.

[0167] Meanwhile, after the second pre-analytic process is performed, the first standard tube 221 placed in the fourth processing unit 624 may be transferred to the second sample vessel stage 712 of the collecting part 70 through the second gripping unit 652, and the first standard tube 221 that has undergone the second pre-analytic process is defined as a second sample vessel that contains a processed sample.

[0168] The second gripping unit 652 may be movable in the horizontal direction to transport the first standard tube 221 provided to the second processing module 620 (refer to a movement path 657 of the second gripping unit 652 in FIG. 6A). For example, the first standard tube 221 placed in the first processing unit 621 may be sequentially moved to the second processing unit 622, the third processing unit 623, and the fourth processing unit 624 through the second gripping unit 652, and the first standard tube 221 placed in the fourth processing unit 624 may be moved to the second sample vessel stage 712 of the collecting part 70 through the second gripping unit 652. The second gripping unit 652 may include a gripper, a robot arm, etc., capable of gripping the first standard tube 221.

[0169] The second de-capping / capping unit 626 may de-cap or cap a cap of the first standard tube 221 placed in one of the first to fifth processing units 621, 622, 623, 624, and 625, and the second de-capping / capping unit 626 may be movable in the horizontal direction. For example, after the second de-capping / capping unit 626 is positioned adjacent to the second processing unit 622, the second de-capping / capping unit 626 may de-cap the cap of the first standard tube 221 placed in the second processing unit 622, and the dispensing device 550 may aspirate the unnecessary liquid from the de-capped first standard tube 221. After the unnecessary liquid is aspirated, the reagent may be dispensed, and after the reagent is dispensed, the second de-capping / capping unit 626 may cap the cap to the first standard tube 221. Here, since de-capping the cap of the first standard tube 221 or aspirating the unnecessary liquid from the first standard tube 221 in the first processing unit 621 having the centrifugation function is difficult, the first standard tube 221 may be moved to the second processing unit 622, and the de-capping process and the aspiration process may be performed thereafter. Alternatively, when it is possible to decap the cap of the first standard tube 221 or to aspirate the supernatant from the first standard tube 221 in the first processing unit 621 having the centrifugation function, the first standard tube 221 may not be moved to the second processing unit 622.

[0170] Otherwise, in the third processing module 630, the first processing unit 631 may have the vortex function, and the second processing unit 632 may have the spin-down function. In addition, the third to fifth processing units 633, 634, and 635 may correspond to dummy processing units, and the third to fifth processing units 633, 634, and 635 are not essential components in the third processing module 630 (e.g., when a third pre-analytic process is performed in the third processing module 630). That is, the third processing module 630 may be constituted by the first processing unit 631 having the vortex function and the second processing unit 632 having the spin-down function. However, when an additional function (e.g., a centrifugation function or a heating function) or an identical function (e.g., the vortex function or the spin-down function) in order to increase a throughput is required in the third processing module 630, at least one of the third to fifth processing units 633, 634, and 635 may be additionally included in the configuration.

[0171] In exemplary embodiments, a first standard tube 221 containing a primary sample to undergo a procedure for a respiratory infection test (e.g., a third test procedure) (or the first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample which is meant to undergo the third test procedure) may be provided to the third processing module 630, and the first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample may be one of the first standard tubes 221 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack station 430. That is, the third processing module 630 may perform a third pre-analytic process corresponding to the respiratory infection test among the pre-analytic processes.

[0172] Meanwhile, after the third pre-analytic process is performed, the first standard tube 221 placed in the second processing unit 632 may be transferred to the third sample vessel stage 713 of the collecting part 70 through the third gripping unit 653, and the first standard tube 221 that has undergone the third pre-analytic process is defined as a third sample vessel including the processed sample.

[0173] The third gripping unit 653 may move in the horizontal direction to transfer the first standard tube 221 provided to the third processing module 630 (refer to a movement path 658 of the third gripping unit 653 in FIG. 6A). For example, the first standard tube 221 placed in the first processing unit 631 may be moved to the second processing unit 632 through the third gripping unit 653, and the first standard tube 221 placed on the second processing unit 632 may be moved to the third sample vessel stage 713 of the collecting part 70 through the third gripping unit 653. The third gripping unit 653 may include a gripper, a robot arm, etc., capable of gripping the first standard tube 221.

[0174] The third decapping / capping unit 636 may decap or cap a cap of the first standard tube 221 placed in one of the first to fifth processing units 631, 632, 633, 634, and 635, and the third decapping / capping unit 636 may be movable in the horizontal direction. For example, in the third processing module 630, a process in which the dispensing device 550 aspirates supernatant (or an unnecessary liquid) from the first standard tube 221 or dispenses a reagent may not be performed. In other words, in the third processing module 630, the third decapping / capping unit 636 is not an essential component (e.g., when the third pre-analytic process is performed in the third processing module 630). That is, in the configuration of the third processing module 630, the third decapping / capping unit 636 may be omitted.

[0175] Otherwise, in the fourth processing module 640, the first processing unit 641 may have the vortex function, and the second processing unit 642 may have the centrifugation function. In addition, the third processing unit 643 may have the vortex function, and the fourth processing unit 644 may have the heating function. Further, the fifth processing unit 645 may have the spin-down function. Here, the first processing unit 641 having the vortex function may be selectively included in the configuration of the fourth processing module 640 depending on the type of the primary sample.

[0176] In exemplary embodiments, a first standard tube 221 containing a primary sample to undergo a procedure for a tuberculosis infection test (e.g., a fourth test procedure) (or the first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample which is meant to undergo the fourth test procedure) may be provided to the fourth processing module 640, and the first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample may be one of the first standard tubes 221 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack station 430. That is, the fourth processing module 640 may perform a pre-analytic process corresponding to the tuberculosis infection test among the pre-analytic processes. In the fourth pre-analytic process, an unnecessary liquid may be generated in the first standard tube 221 placed in the second processing unit 642 having the centrifugation function, and after the first standard tube 221 in which the unnecessary liquid is generated is moved to the third processing unit 643, the dispensing device 550 may aspirate the unnecessary liquid. After the dispensing device 550 discharges the unnecessary liquid to the first waste container 520, the dispensing device 550 may aspirate the reagent of the reagent container 545, and may dispense the aspirated reagent into the first standard tube 221 placed in the third processing unit 643. After the reagent is dispensed, the third processing unit 643 may perform the vortex function for the first standard tube 221. That is, the third processing unit 643 may have the station function and the vortex function.

[0177] Meanwhile, after the fourth pre-analytic process is performed, the first standard tube 221 placed in the fifth processing unit 645 may be transferred to the fourth sample vessel stage 714 of the collection part 70 through the fourth gripping unit 654, and the first standard tube 221 that has undergone the fourth pre-analytic process is defined as a fourth sample vessel contains a processed sample.

[0178] The fourth gripping unit 654 may move in the horizontal direction to transfer the first standard tube 221 provided to the fourth processing module 640 (refer to a movement path 659 of the fourth gripping unit 654 of FIG. 6A). For example, the first standard tube 221 placed in the first processing unit 641 may be sequentially moved to the second processing unit 642, the third processing unit 643, the fourth processing unit 644, and the fifth processing unit 645 through the fourth gripping unit 654, and the first standard tube 221 placed in the fifth processing unit 645 may be moved to the fourth sample vessel stage 714 of the collection part 70 through the fourth gripping unit 654. The fourth gripping unit 654 may include a gripper, a robot arm, etc., capable of gripping the first standard tube 221.

[0179] The fourth decapping / capping unit 646 may decap or cap the cap of the first standard tube 221 placed in one of the first to fifth processing units 641, 642, 643, 644, and 645, and the fourth decapping / capping unit 646 may be movable in the horizontal direction. For example, after the fourth decapping / capping unit 646 is positioned adjacent to the third processing unit 643, the fourth decapping / capping unit 646 may decap the cap of the first standard tube 221 placed in the third processing unit 643, and the dispensing device 550 may aspirate the unnecessary liquid from the de-capped first standard tube 221. After the unnecessary liquid is aspirated, the reagent may be dispensed, and after the reagent is dispensed, the fourth decapping / capping unit 646 may cap the cap to the first standard tube 221. Here, since de-capping the cap of the first standard tube 221 or aspirating the unnecessary liquid from the first standard tube 221 in the second processing unit 642 having the centrifugation function is difficult, the decapping process, aspirating process, and dispensing process may be performed after the first standard tube 221 is moved to the third processing unit 643. Alternatively, when it is possible to decap the cap of the first standard tube 221 or to aspirate the supernatant from the first standard tube 221 in the second processing unit 642 having the centrifugation function, the first standard tube 221 may not be moved to the third processing unit 643.

[0180] However, since the fourth processing module 640 handles the primary sample where the procedure for the tuberculosis infection test is to be performed, the pre-analytic process performed in the fourth processing module 640 should be performed in a BSL-3 (biosafety Level 3) facility. Here, the BSL-3 facility refers to a highly safe biological facility that is required when handling high-risk pathogens that are capable of airborne transmission. Thus, the first processing module 610, the second processing module 620, and the third processing module 630 and the fourth processing module 640 may be spatially separated.

[0181] The dispensing device 550 may be movable in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the up-down directions on the processing device 600 and the processing preparation station 510 (refer to a movement path 555 of the dispensing device 550), and the dispensing device 550 may include a pipette module. As described above, after the dispensing device 550 is connected to a pipette tip included in the tip rack 540 placed on the first stage 511, the dispensing device 550 may transfer a supernatant or an unnecessary liquid from the first standard tube 221 in the first processing module 610, the second processing module 620, or the fourth processing module 640, and after the dispensing device 550 aspirates a reagent contained in the reagent container 545 placed on the second stage 512, the dispensing device 550 may dispense the reagent into the first standard tube 221 in the second processing module 620 or the fourth processing module 640. In addition, during a step in which the pipette tip is connected and a step in which the primary sample is aspirated and discharged, the dispensing device 550 may move in the up-down directions. In exemplary embodiments, the dispensing device 550 may be movable only in the processing part 40, and the dispensing device 550 may include one pipette module.

[0182] The third transport device 930 may transport each of the first standard tubes 221 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack station 430 to each of the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640 depending on the types of the primary samples. In other words, the first standard tube 221 may be transported to the first processing unit of the processing module corresponding to the primary sample contained in the first standard tube 221. To transport the first standard tube 221, the third transport device 930 may move in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction (refer to a movement path 935 of the third transport device 930 in FIG. 6A). The third transport device 930 may include a gripper, a robot arm, etc., capable of gripping the first standard tube 221.

[0183] However, although it has been described that the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640 of the processing device 600 perform the first to fourth pre-analytic processes, a configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the processing device 600 may include a plurality of processing modules, and a portion of the processing modules may perform the first pre-analytic process among the pre-analytic processes, and a remaining portion of the processing modules may perform the second pre-analytic process among the pre-analytic processes.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the collecting station 720, the second identification sensor 735, the first collecting stage 721, the second collecting stage 722, the third collecting stage 723, the fourth collecting stage 724, the sample vessel station 710, the first sample vessel stage 711, the second sample vessel stage 712, the third sample vessel stage 713, the fourth sample vessel stage 714, the fifth transporting device 950, the sixth transporting device 960, and the seventh transfer device 970 in the collecting part 70 may be spaced apart from the test rack supplying device 700 in the fourth direction D4.

[0185] The test rack supplying device 700 may store a first test rack 750, a second test rack 760, a third test rack 770, and a fourth test rack 780, and may supply the first to fourth test racks 750, 760, 770, and 780 to the collecting station 720 through the seventh transfer device 970 (refer to FIG. 10). Here, the first to fourth test racks 750, 760, 770, and 780 may have the same shape as each other. In exemplary embodiments, each of the first to fourth test racks 750, 760, 770, and 780 may include a plurality of wells.

[0186] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first test rack 750 may be placed on the first collecting stage 721 through the seventh transporting device 970, and the second test rack 760 may be placed on the second collecting stage 722 through the seventh transporting device 970. In addition, the third test rack 770 may be placed on the third collecting stage 723 through the seventh transporting device 970, and the fourth test rack 780 may be placed on the fourth collecting stage 724 through the seventh transporting device 970.

[0187] The seventh transporting device 970 may move in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to transport the first to fourth test racks 750, 760, 770, and 780 (refer to a movement path 975 of the seventh transporting device 970 in FIG. 8A). The seventh transporting device 970 may include a gripper, a robot arm, etc. capable of gripping the first to fourth test racks 750, 760, 770, and 780.

[0188] The preparation stage 725 may be positioned in the collection station 720, and the preparation stage 725 may be placed the first to fourth sample vessels 222 moved from the first to fourth sample vessel stages 711, 712, 713, and 714 of the sample vessel station 710. In other words, the preparation stage 725 may function as a place where the first to fourth sample vessels 222 wait before being transferred to one of the first to fourth test racks 750, 760, 770, and 780 through the sixth transporting device 960.

[0189] The second identification sensor 735 may sense an identification information of the sample vessel 222 placed on the preparation stage 725. The second identification sensor 735 may provide the identification information to a controller included in the modular pre-analytic system 1000 or to the controller 1400.

[0190] The sixth transport device 960 may move in the horizontal direction to transport the sample vessel 222 placed on the preparation stage 725 (refer to a movement path 965 of the sixth transport device 960 in FIG. 8A), and the sixth transport device 960 may transfer the sample vessel 222 placed on the preparation stage 725 to one of the first to fourth test racks 750, 760, 770, and 780. For example, the controller 1400 may control the sixth transport device 960 based on the identification information received from the second identification sensor 735.

[0191] The sample vessel station 710 may be positioned adjacent to the processing device 600, and the first sample vessel stage 711, the second sample vessel stage 712, the third sample vessel stage 713, and the fourth sample vessel stage 714 may be positioned on the sample vessel station 710. For example, the first sample vessel stage 711 may be positioned adjacent to the first processing module 610, and the first sample vessel 222 placed on the first sample vessel stage 711 may be provided from the first processing module 610. In addition, the second sample vessel stage 712 may be positioned adjacent to the second processing module 620, and the second sample vessel 222 placed on the second sample vessel stage 712 may be provided from the second processing module 620. In addition, the third sample vessel stage 713 may be positioned adjacent to the third processing module 630, and the third sample vessel 222 placed on the third sample vessel stage 713 may be provided from the third processing module 630. Further, the fourth sample vessel stage 714 may be positioned adjacent to the fourth processing module 640, and a fourth sample vessel 222 placed on the fourth sample vessel stage 714 may be provided from the fourth processing module 640. As described above, after the first to fourth pre-analytic processes are performed, the first to fourth sample vessels 222 may be placed on the first to fourth sample vessel stages 711, 712, 713, and 714, respectively.

[0192] The fifth transporting device 950 may move in the vertical direction to transport the sample vessel 222 placed on the first to fourth sample vessel stages 711, 712, 713, and 714 (refer to a movement path 955 of the fifth transporting device 950 in FIG. 8A), and the fifth transporting device 950 may transfer the sample vessel 222 placed on the first to fourth sample vessel stages 711, 712, 713, and 714 to the preparation stage 725. The fifth transporting device 950 may include a gripper, a robot arm, etc. capable of gripping the sample vessel 222.

[0193] The first collecting stage 721, the second collecting stage 722, the third collecting stage 723, and the fourth collecting stage 724 may be sequentially positioned in the collecting station 720. The first test rack 750 may be placed on the first collecting stage 721 so that the first sample vessels 222 to undergo the first test procedure for the processed samples of the sample vessels 222 are accommodated in the wells of the first test rack 750, and the second test rack 760 may be placed on the second collecting stage 722 so that the second sample vessels 222 to undergo the second test procedure for the processed samples of the sample vessels 222 are accommodated in the wells of the second test rack 760. In addition, the third test rack 770 may be placed on the third collecting stage 723 so that the third sample vessels 222 to undergo the third test procedure for the processed samples of the sample vessels 222 are accommodated in the wells of the third test rack 770, and the fourth test rack 780 may be placed on the fourth collecting stage 724 so that the fourth sample vessels 222 to undergo the fourth test procedure for the processed samples of the sample vessels 222 are accommodated in the wells of the fourth test rack 780.

[0194] 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 process may be automatically performed. Accordingly, it is not necessary to manually perform the pre-analytic process for samples such as stool, and as the pre-analytic process is automated, an efficiency of a molecular diagnostic test may be increased.

[0195] In addition, as the pretreated samples are respectively collected in the test racks according to the test procedures, a time required to perform the nucleic acid extraction process in the modular extraction system 1100 and a time required to perform the PCR setup process in the modular reaction setup system 1200 may be relatively reduced. For example, in a large hospital or a large clinical laboratory, various primary samples may be tested in large quantities, and various primary samples may be randomly supplied to the modular pre-analytic system 1000. Although the various primary samples are randomly supplied to the modular pre-analytic system 1000, the modular pre-analytic system 1000 may classify and collect the sample vessels containing the pretreated samples to the test racks depending on the test procedures for the primary samples. Accordingly, the time to perform the molecular diagnostic test through the full automation system 2000 may be relatively reduced.

[0196] FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are plan views illustrating a method of operating the modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention.

[0197] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 16, a method of operating the modular pre-analytic system may include a step of supplying primary sample containers each containing a primary sample, a step of sensing an identification information of the primary sample container, a step of determining the first standard tube based on the identification information, a step of supplying first standard tubes, a step of dispensing the primary samples contained in the primary sample containers to their respective first standard tubes, a step of moving the first standard tube, where each of the primary samples is dispensed, to a predetermined processing module among a plurality of processing modules based on the identification information, a step of selectively preparing a reagent container that contains a second reagent corresponding to the primary sample based on the identification information, a step of performing a certain pre-analytic process selected from a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples fed to each of the processing modules, wherein the standard tube having been subject to the pre-analytic process is defined as a sample vessel that contains a processed sample, a step of determining whether the sample vessels undergo first or second test procedures for the processed sample of the sample vessel upon sensing an identification information of each of the sample vessels, a step of collecting the sample vessels being meant to undergo the first test procedure to a first test rack including a plurality of wells placed in a first collecting stage of a collecting station, and a step of collecting the sample vessels being meant to undergo the second test procedure to a second test rack including a plurality of wells placed in a second collecting stage of the collecting station.

[0198] Referring again to FIG. 9, the primary sample supplying device 100 may supply the primary sample rack 110, in which the primary sample container 120 containing the primary sample is accommodated, to the first transfer stage 350.

[0199] The first transfer device 810 may position the primary sample rack 110 transferred on the first transfer stage 350 at a predetermined portion (e.g., a portion adjacent to a primary sample rack station 240 in the horizontal direction) of the first transfer stage 350. At the same time, the first identification sensor 730 may sense the identification information of the primary sample rack 110 and / or the identification information of the primary sample container 120, and the first identification sensor 730 may transmit the identification information to a controller included in the modular pre-analytic system 1000 or to the controller 1400.

[0200] The controller 1400 may determine the first standard tube corresponding to the primary sample based on the identification information. For example, the first standard tubes 220 may include an empty first standard tube 220 and a first standard tube 220 pre-filled with a first reagent corresponding to the primary sample. The first standard tube supplying device 200 may supply the first standard tube rack 210 accommodating the first standard tubes 220 to the third transfer stage 360, and the third transfer device 820 may position the first standard tube rack 210 at a predetermined portion (e.g., a portion adjacent to the first standard tube rack stage 270) of the third transfer stage 360. At the same time, the tip supplying device 300 may supply the tip rack 310 including the pipetting tips to the fifth transfer stage 370, and the fifth transfer device 830 may position the tip rack 310 at a predetermined portion (e.g., a portion adjacent to the tip rack standby stage 320) of the fifth transfer stage 370.

[0201] Referring again to FIG. 10, the first transporting device 910 may transport the primary sample rack 110 placed at the predetermined portion to the primary sample rack station 240 of the sample dispensing part 20, and the third transfer stage 360 may move the first standard tube rack 210 placed at the predetermined portion to the first standard tube rack stage 270.

[0202] The first de-capping / capping device 250 may de-cap the cap of each of the primary sample containers 120 accommodated in the primary sample rack 110 placed on the primary sample rack station 240, and the second de-capping / capping device 260 may de-cap the caps of the respective first standard tubes 220 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270. At the same time, the fifth transfer stage 370 may move the tip rack 310 to the tip rack standby stage 320, and the sixth transfer stage 375 may move the tip rack 310 placed on the tip rack standby stage 320 to the tip rack positioning stage 330.

[0203] The test rack supplying device 700 may supply the first to fourth test racks 750, 760, 770, and 780 to the collecting station 720 through the seventh transfer device 970. For example, the first test rack 750 may be placed on the first collecting stage 721, and the second test rack 760 may be placed on the second collecting stage 722. In addition, the third test rack 770 may be placed on the third collecting stage 723, and the fourth test rack 780 may be placed on the fourth collecting stage 724.

[0204] Referring again to FIG. 11, the sample dispensing device 230 is connected to the pipetting tip included in the tip rack 310 placed on the tip rack positioning stage 330, and the sample dispensing device 230 may move a portion of the primary sample from the primary sample container 120 placed on the primary sample rack station 240 to the first standard tube 220 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270.

[0205] The first de-capping / capping device 250 may cap the cap of each of the primary sample containers 120 accommodated in the primary sample rack 110 placed on the primary sample rack station 240, and the second de-capping / capping device 260 may cap the caps of the respective first standard tubes 220 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270.

[0206] Referring again to FIG. 12, the first transporting device 910 may transport the primary sample rack 110 placed on the primary sample rack station 240 to the second transfer stage 355, and the second transfer device 815 may transfer the primary sample rack placed on the second transfer stage 355 to the primary sample supply device 100.

[0207] The first standard tube 220 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack station 430 is defined as a first standard tube 221 containing the primary sample. The second transport device 920 may transport the first standard tube rack 210 accommodating the first standard tube 221 placed on the first standard tube rack stage 270 to the first standard tube rack station 430 of the processing part 40.

[0208] The second standard tube supplying device 400 may selectively supply the second standard tube rack 410 accommodating the second standard tube 420 to the seventh transfer stage 380 based on the identification information.

[0209] The seventh transfer device 840 may position the second standard tube rack 410 at a predetermined portion (e.g., a portion adjacent to the second standard tube rack stage 440) of the seventh transfer stage 380, and the seventh transfer stage 380 may move the second standard tube rack 410placed at the predetermined portion to the second standard tube rack stage 440.

[0210] The consumable supplying device 500 may supply he tip rack 540 including the pipette tips and the reagent container 545 containing the reagents to the processing preparation station 510 through the fourth transporting device 940 based on the identification information, and the reagent container 545 in which the second reagent corresponding to the primary sample is contained may be selectively prepared in the processing preparation station 510.

[0211] Referring again to FIGS. 13 and 14, the third transporting device 930 may transport the first standard tubes 221 accommodated in the first standard tube rack 210 placed on the first standard tube rack station 430 to a predetermined processing module of the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640 based on the identification information.

[0212] The third transporting device 930 may selectively transport the second standard tube 420 accommodated in the second standard tube rack 410 placed on the second standard tube rack stage 440 to the first, second, third, or fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640 based on the identification information.

[0213] A certain pre-analytic process selected from a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples supplied to each of the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640 may be performed in each of the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640. A parameter each of the processing units included in a certain processing module may be determined so that a certain pre-analytic process is performed in the certain processing module of the first to fourth processing modules 610, 620, 630, and 640. The first standard tube 221 or the second standard tube 420 that has undergone the pre-analytic process is defined as a sample vessel contains a processed sample.

[0214] For example, after the first pre-analytic process is performed in the first processing module 610, the second standard tube 420 placed on the fifth processing unit 615 may be transferred to the first sample vessel stage 711 of the collecting part 70 through the first gripping unit 651, and the second standard tube 420 the has undergone the first pre-analytic process is defined as a first sample vessel 222 containing a processed sample.

[0215] In addition, after the second pre-analytic process is performed in the second processing module 620, the first standard tube 221 placed on the fifth processing unit 625 may be transferred to the second sample vessel stage 712 of the collecting part 70 through the second gripping unit 652, and the first standard tube 221 the has undergone the second pre-analytic process is defined as a second sample vessel 222 containing a processed sample.

[0216] In addition, after the third pre-analytic process is performed in the third processing module 630, the first standard tube 221 placed on the fifth processing unit 635 may be transferred to the third sample vessel stage 713 of the collecting part 70 through the third gripping unit 653, and the first standard tube 221 the has undergone the third pre-analytic process is defined as a third sample vessel 222 containing a processed sample.

[0217] Further, after the fourth pre-analytic process is performed in the fourth processing module 640, the first standard tube 221 placed on the fifth processing unit 645 may be transferred to the fourth sample vessel stage 714 of the collecting part 70 through the fourth gripping unit 654, and the first standard tube 221 the has undergone the fourth pre-analytic process is defined as a fourth sample vessel 222 containing a processed sample.

[0218] Referring again to FIGS. 15 and 16, the fifth transporting device 950 may transport the first to fourth sample vessels 222 placed on the first to fourth sample vessel stages 711, 712, 713, and 714 to the preparation stage 725, and the second identification sensor 735 may sense the identification information of the first to fourth sample vessels 222 placed on the preparation stage 725. The second identification sensor 735 may provide the identification information to a controller included in the modular pre-analytic system 1000 or to the controller 1400.

[0219] The controller 1400 may determine whether the first test procedure, the second test procedure, the third test procedure, or the fourth test procedure for the processed sample contained in each of the first to fourth sample vessels 222 is performed based on the identification information.

[0220] The controller 1400 may control the sixth transporting device 960 so that the first sample vessels 222 which are meant to undergo the first test procedure is collected to the first test rack 750 placed on the first collecting stage 721 of the collecting station 720 through the sixth transporting device 960, and may control the sixth transporting device 960 so that the second sample vessels 222 which are meant to undergo the second test procedure is collected to the second test rack 760 placed on the second collecting stage 722 of the collecting station 720 through the sixth transporting device 960. In addition, the controller 1400 may control the sixth transporting device 960 so that the third sample vessels 222 which are meant to undergo the third test procedure is collected to the third test rack 770 placed on the third collecting stage 723 of the collecting station 720 through the sixth transporting device 960, and may control the sixth transporting device 960 so that the fourth sample vessels 222 which are meant to undergo the fourth test procedure is collected to the fourth test rack 780 placed on the fourth collecting stage 724 of the collecting station 720 through the sixth transporting device 960.

[0221] FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic system according to exemplary embodiments of a present invention. A modular pre-analytic system 1010 shown in FIG. 17 may have a configuration that is substantially identical or similar to the modular pre-analytic system 1000 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8B. In FIG. 17, a redundant description of components that is substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8B will be omitted.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 17, a modular pre-analytic system 1010 may include a primary sample supplying part 10, a sample dispensing part 20, a processing part 40, a collecting part 70, a first transporting device 910, a second transporting device 920, etc.

[0223] The primary sample supplying part 10 may include a primary sample supplying device 100, a first transfer stage 350, a second transfer stage 355, a first transfer device 810, a second transfer device 815, and a first identification sensor 730. The sample dispensing part 20 may include a first standard tube supplying device 200, a tip supplying device 300, a third transfer stage 360, a fourth transfer stage 365, a fifth transfer stage 370, a sixth transfer stage 375, a primary sample rack station 240, a first de-capping / capping device 250, a second de-capping / capping device 260, a sample dispensing device 230, a third transfer device 820, a fourth transfer device 825, a fifth transfer device 830, a sixth transfer device 835, a first standard tube rack stage 270, a tip rack standby stage 320, and a tip rack positioning stage 330.

[0224] The processing part 40 may include a second standard tube supplying device 400, a consumable supplying device 500, a seventh transfer stage 380, an eighth transfer stage 385, a first standard tube rack station 430, a dispensing device 550, a processing preparation station 510, a first waste container 520, a second waste container 530, a processing device 600, a seventh transfer device 840, an eighth transfer device 845, a third transporting device 930, a fourth transporting device 940, a second standard tube rack stage 440, etc. Here, the processing device 600 may include a first processing module 610, a second processing module 620, a third processing module 630, and a fourth processing module 640, and the gripping device 650 may include a first gripping unit 651, a second gripping unit 652, a third gripping unit 653, and a fourth gripping unit 654. In addition, the first processing module 610 may include a first de-capping / capping unit 616, a first processing unit 611, a second processing unit 612, a third processing unit 613, a fourth processing unit 614, and a fifth processing unit 615, and the second processing module 620 may include a second de-capping / capping unit 626, a first processing unit 621, a second processing unit 622, a third processing unit 623, a fourth processing unit 624, and a fifth processing unit 625. Further, the third processing module 630 may include a third de-capping / capping unit 636, a first processing unit 631, a second processing unit 632, a third processing unit 633, a fourth processing unit 634, and a fifth processing unit 635, and the fourth processing module 640 may include a fourth de-capping / capping unit 646, a first processing unit 641, a second processing unit 642, a third processing unit 643, a fourth processing unit 644, and a fifth processing unit 645. The processing preparation station 510 may include a first stage 511 and a second stage 512.

[0225] The collecting part 70 may include a test rack supplying device 700, a ninth transfer stage 390, a tenth transfer stage 395, a ninth transfer device 850, a tenth transfer device 855, a first collecting stage 721, a second collecting stage 722, a third collecting stage 723, a fourth collecting stage 724, a second identification sensor 735, a fifth transporting device 950, a sample vessel station 710, etc. Here, the sample vessel station 710 may include a first sample vessel stage 711, a second sample vessel stage 712, a third sample vessel stage 713, and a fourth sample vessel stage 714.

[0226] The ninth transfer device 850, the tenth transfer device 855, the ninth transfer stage 390, the tenth transfer stage 395 in the collecting part 70 may be spaced apart from the test rack supplying device 700 in the fourth direction D4.

[0227] The test rack supplying device 700 may store a plurality of test racks, and may supply the test rack to the ninth transfer stage 390. In addition, when the sample vessels are accommodated in the test rack, the test rack accommodating the sample vessels may be provided to the test rack supplying device 700 or may be provided to the modular reaction setup system 1200.

[0228] The ninth transfer device 850 and tenth transfer device 855 may be positioned in both lateral portions of the ninth transfer stage 390 and the tenth transfer stage 395, and the second identification sensor 735 may be connected to the ninth transfer device 850. The ninth transfer device 850 may along movable in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the ninth transfer device 850 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the ninth transfer device 850 may grip the test rack supplied from the test rack supplying device 700 and may transfer the test rack on the ninth transfer stage 390, and the ninth transfer device 850 may position the test rack transferred on the ninth transfer stage 390 at predetermined portions (e.g., a portion adjacent to each of the first to fourth collecting stages 721, 722, 723, 724 in a horizontal direction) of the ninth transfer stage 390.

[0229] The tenth transfer device 855 may be positioned adjacent to the tenth transfer stage 395, and the tenth transfer device 855 may be movable along the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4. That is, the tenth transfer device 855 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the tenth transfer device 855 may grip the test rack accommodating the sample vessels and may transfer the test rack on the tenth transfer stage 395.

[0230] The ninth transfer stage 390 may be positioned adjacent to a first section of the test rack supplying device 700, and the ninth transfer stage 390 may extend in the fourth direction D4. Here, the first section of the test rack supplying device 700 may correspond to a portion where the test rack is supplied to the ninth transfer stage 390. For example, the test rack supplying device 700 may provide the test rack to a portion of the ninth transfer stage 390 that is adjacent to the first section of the test rack supplying device 700. In this case, the test rack may be moved from the test rack supplying device 700 to the predetermined portions by using a transfer unit included in the test rack supplying device 700 or by using the ninth transfer device 850. Meanwhile, the ninth transfer device 850 positions the test rack at the predetermined portions of the ninth transfer stage 390, the ninth transfer stage 390 may transfer the test rack to each of the first to fourth collecting stages 721, 722, 723, and 724.

[0231] The tenth transfer stage 395 may be positioned adjacent to a second section of the test rack supplying device 700, and the tenth transfer stage 395 may extend in the fourth direction D4. In other words, the tenth transfer stage395 may extend substantially parallel to the ninth transfer stage 390. Here, the second section of the test rack supplying device 700 may correspond to a portion where the test rack accommodating the sample vessels is stored in the test rack supplying device 700. For example, the test rack positioned (or placed) in a portion adjacent to the second section of the test rack supplying device 700 of the tenth transfer stage 395 may be received in the test rack supplying device 700. In this case, the test rack may be moved from tenth transfer device 855 to the test rack supplying device 700 by using a transfer unit included in the test rack supplying device 700 or by using the tenth transfer device 855.

[0232] The test rack moved to the first collecting stage 721 is defined as a first test rack 750, and the test rack moved to the second collecting stage 722 is defined as a second test rack 760. In addition, the test rack moved to the third collecting stage 723 is defined as a third test rack 770, and the test rack moved to the fourth collecting stage 724 is defined as a fourth test rack 780.

[0233] In exemplary embodiments, the first to fourth collecting stages 721, 722, 723, and 724 may be positioned in the tenth transfer stage 395. Each of first to fourth test racks 750, 760, 770, and 780 moved to each of the first to fourth collecting stages 721, 722, 723, and 724 may always be positioned at a predetermined position.

[0234] The second identification sensor 735 may sense the identification information of the first to fourth sample vessels 222 placed on the first sample vessel stage 711, the second sample vessel stage 712, the third sample vessel stage 713, and the fourth sample vessel stage 714 of the sample vessel station 710. The second identification sensor 735 may transmit the identification information to a controller included in the modular pre-analytic system 1010 or to the controller 1400.

[0235] The fifth transporting device 950 may transport the first sample vessels 222 which is meant to undergo the first test procedure to the first test rack 750, and may transport the second sample vessels 222 which is meant to undergo the second test procedure to the second test rack 760. In addition, the fifth transporting device 950 may transport the third sample vessels 222 which is meant to undergo the third test procedure to the third test rack 770, and may transport the fourth sample vessels 222 which is meant to undergo the fourth test procedure to the fourth test rack 780.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] <Explanation of symbols>

[0239] 10: primary sample supplying part 20: sample dispensing part

[0240] 40: processing part 70: collecting part

[0241] 100: primary sample supplying device 110: primary sample rack

[0242] 120: primary sample container 130: positioning stage

[0243] 135: connection stage 140: standby stage

[0244] 200: first standard tube supplying device

[0245] 210: first standard tube rack

[0246] 220, 221: first standard tube 222: sample vessel

[0247] 230: sample dispensing device

[0248] 240: primary sample rack station

[0249] 250, 260: first and second de-capping / capping devices

[0250] 270: first standard tube rack stage 300: tip supplying device

[0251] 310: tip rack 320: tip rack standby stage

[0252] 330: tip rack positioning stage

[0253] 350, 355, 360, 365, 370, 375, 380, 385: first to eighth transfer stages

[0254] 400: second standard tube supplying device

[0255] 410: second standard tube rack 420: second standard tube

[0256] 430: first standard tube rack station

[0257] 440: second standard tube rack stage

[0258] 500: consumable supplying device

[0259] 510: processing preparation station

[0260] 511: first and second stages

[0261] 520: first and second waste containers

[0262] 540: tip rack 545: reagent container

[0263] 550: dispensing device 600: processing device

[0264] 610, 620, 630, 640: first to fourth processing module

[0265] 611, 621, 631, 641, 651: first processing unit

[0266] 612, 622, 632, 642, 652: second processing unit

[0267] 613, 623, 633, 643, 653: third processing unit

[0268] 614, 624, 634, 644, 654: fourth processing unit

[0269] 615, 625, 635, 645, 655: fifth processing unit

[0270] 616, 626, 636, 646: first to fourth de-capping / capping units

[0271] 650: gripping device

[0272] 651, 652, 653, 654: first to fourth gripping units

[0273] 700: test rack supplying device 710: sample vessel station

[0274] 711, 712, 713, 714: first to fourth sample vessel stages

[0275] 720: collecting station

[0276] 721, 722, 723, 724: first to fourth collecting stages

[0277] 725: preparation stage

[0278] 730: first and second identification sensors

[0279] 750, 760, 770, 780: first to fourth test racks

[0280] 810, 815, 820, 825, 830, 835, 840, 845: first to eighth transfer devices

[0281] 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970: first to seventh transporting devices

[0282] 1000: modular pre-analytic system

[0283] 1100: modular extraction system

[0284] 1200: modular reaction setup system

[0285] 1300: modular amplification system

[0286] 1400: controller 2000: full automation system

Claims

1.A modular pre-analytic processing system for samples, comprising:(a) a primary sample supplying part including:(a1) a primary sample supplying device configured to supply primary sample containers each containing a primary sample;(b) a sample dispensing part including:(b1) a first standard tube supplying device configured to supply first standard tubes; and(b2) a sample dispensing device configured to dispense the primary samples contained in the primary sample containers into their respective first standard tubes;(c) a processing part including:(c1) a processing device including a plurality of processing modules, the processing module being configured to perform a certain pre-analytic process selected from a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples fed to the processing module, wherein the standard tube having been subject to the pre-analytic process is defined as a sample vessel that contains a processed sample; and(d) a collecting part including:(d1) a collecting station including:(i) a first collecting stage on which a first test rack including a plurality of wells is placed, the first test rack accommodating the sample vessels being meant to undergo a first test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel; and(ii) a second collecting stage on which a second test rack including a plurality of wells is placed, the second test rack accommodating the sample vessels being meant to undergo a second test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel.2.The system of claim 1, wherein a procedure for each of a pathogen infection test, a blood screening test, a mutation test, a drug resistance test, a genotyping test, a haplotyping test, and a disease marker identification test are defined as the test procedure.3.The system of claim 2, wherein the pathogen infection test includes a sexually transmitted infection test, a respiratory infection test, a tuberculosis infection test, a gastrointestinal tract infection test, HPV (human papilloma virus) test, a dermatophyte infection test, a tropical fever test, and an implant infection test, andwherein a procedure for each of the sexually transmitted infection test, the respiratory infection test, the tuberculosis infection test, the gastrointestinal tract infection test, the HPV test, the dermatophyte infection test, the tropical fever test, and the implant infection test are defined as the test procedure.4.The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the processing modules performs a first pre-analytic process among the pre-analytic processes, and a remaining portion of the processing modules performs a second pre-analytic process among the pre-analytic processes.5.The system of claim 1, wherein the collecting part further includes:a sample vessel station including a plurality of sample vessel stages positioned adjacent to the processing modules, respectively, andwherein after the pre-analytic process is performed, the sample vessel is placed on the sample vessel stages, respectively.6.The system of claim 5, further comprising:a griping device including a plurality of griping units corresponding to the processing modules, respectively,wherein the griping unit is configured to move the first standard tube placed in the processing module to the sample vessel stage positioned in the collecting part, andwherein the first standard tube moved to the sample vessel stage corresponds to the sample vessel.7.The system of claim 1, wherein the collecting station further includes a preparation stage where the sample vessel moved from the sample vessel stage is placed.8.The system of claim 7, wherein the collecting part further includes an identification sensor sensing an identification information of the sample vessel placed in the preparation stage.9.The system of claim 1, wherein the collecting part further includes a test rack supplying device configured to supply the first and second test racks, andwherein a shape of the first test rack is the substantially same as a shape of the second test rack.10.The system of claim 1, wherein the sample dispensing device includes at least two pipetting modules, and a distance between the pipetting modules is adjustable.11.The system of claim 1, wherein the first standard tube supplying device selectively supplies the first standard tube where a reagent is prefilled depending on the type of the primary samples.12.The system of claim 1, wherein the collecting station further includes:a third collecting stage on which a third test rack including a plurality of wells is placed, the third test rack accommodating the sample vessels being meant to undergo a third test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel.13.The system of claim 12, wherein the first, second, and third test procedures are different from each other,wherein:the processing modules include first, second, and third processing modules,the sample vessels accommodated in the first test rack are provided from the first processing module,the sample vessels accommodated in the second test rack are provided from the second processing module,the sample vessels accommodated in the third test rack are provided from the third processing module, anddifferent pre-analytic processes from each other are performed in the first to third processing modules, respectively.14.The system of claim 1, wherein the sample dispensing part further includes:a primary sample rack station where the primary sample container moved from the primary sample supplying part is placed;a first de-capping / capping device configured to de-cap or cap a cap of the primary sample container;a second de-capping / capping device configured to de-cap or cap a cap of the first standard tube; anda tip supplying device configured to supply a tip rack including a plurality of pipetting tips.15.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the processing modules includes at least two processing units, and at least one of the processing units has one of a vortex function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function.16.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the processing modules includes at least two processing units, and at least two functions among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function in one processing unit are performed in one run.17.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the processing module includes at least two processing units, and at least two functions among the vortex function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function in one processing unit are performed in one run.18.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the processing modules includes at least two processing units, and the processing units are arranged in a first direction, andwherein the arranged processing units are rearrangeable and replaceable.19.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the processing modules is configured to pretreat a single sample in each run of the pre-analytic process.20.The system of claim 1, wherein the processing part further includes:(a) a first standard tube rack station where the first standard tubes moved from the sample dispensing part are placed, wherein the first standard tubes each contains the sample;(b) a consumable supplying device configured to supply (i) a plurality of pipetting tips and (ii) a reagent container;(c) a processing preparation station including (i) a first stage on which the tips are placed and (ii) a second stage on which the reagent container is selectively placed; and(d) a second standard tube supplying device configured to supply second standard tubes, wherein the second standard tube is empty.21.The system of claim 20, wherein the processing part further includes:a waste container; anda dispensing device configured to:(i) dispense a supernatant generated in the first standard tube placed in the processing module into the second standard tube positioned in the processing module, wherein the supernatant corresponds to the processed sample, and the second standard tube containing the supernatant corresponds to the sample vessel;(ii) dispense an unnecessary liquid generated in the first standard tube placed in the processing module into the waste container positioned in the processing preparation station; and(iii) dispense a reagent of the reagent container placed in the processing preparation station into the first standard tube placed in the processing module.22.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the processing modules further includes a plurality of de-capping / capping units.23.The system of claim 1, further comprising:(a) a first transporting device configured to move the primary sample container positioned in the primary sample supplying part to the primary sample rack station positioned in the sample dispensing part; and(b) a second transporting device configured to move the first standard tube positioned in the sample dispensing part to the first standard tube rack station positioned in the processing part.24.The system of claim 1, wherein the processing part further includes:a third transporting device configured to move each of the first standard tubes placed in the first standard tube rack station to each of the processing modules depending on the type of the primary samples.25.A method of operating a modular pre-analytic processing system, the method comprising:supplying primary sample containers each containing a primary sample;supplying first standard tubes;dispensing the primary samples contained in the primary sample containers to their respective first standard tubes;performing a certain pre-analytic process selected from a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples fed to each of the processing modules, wherein the standard tube having been subject to the pre-analytic process is defined as a sample vessel that contains a processed sample;determining whether the sample vessels undergo first or second test procedures for the processed sample of the sample vessel upon sensing an identification information of each of the sample vessels;collecting the sample vessels being meant to undergo the first test procedure to a first test rack including a plurality of wells placed in a first collecting stage of a collecting station; andcollecting the sample vessels being meant to undergo the second test procedure to a second test rack including a plurality of wells placed in a second collecting stage of the collecting station.26.The method of claim 25, further comprising:prior to supplying the first standard tubes, sensing an identification information of the primary sample container; anddetermining the first standard tube based on the identification information.27.The method of claim 25, wherein the first standard tube includes (i) a first standard tube where a first reagent corresponding to the primary sample is pre-filled and (ii) a first standard tube that is empty.28.The method of claim 25, further comprising:prior to performing the certain pre-analytic process selected from the plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples fed to each of the processing modules, moving the first standard tube, where each of the primary samples is dispensed, to a predetermined processing module among a plurality of processing modules based on the identification information; andselectively preparing a reagent container that contains a second reagent corresponding to the primary sample based on the identification information.29.The method of claim 28, further comprising:determining a parameter of each of the processing units included in the processing module so that the certain pre-analytic process performed in the predetermined processing module is performed.30.A full automation system for a molecular diagnostic testing comprising:a pre-analytic processing system for samples including:(a) a primary sample supplying part including:(a1) a primary sample supplying device configured to supply primary sample containers each containing a primary sample;(b) a sample dispensing part including:(b1) a first standard tube supplying device configured to supply first standard tubes; and(b2) a sample dispensing device configured to dispense the primary samples contained in the primary sample containers into their respective first standard tubes;(c) a processing part including:(c1) a processing device including a plurality of processing modules, the processing module being configured to perform a certain pre-analytic process selected from a plurality of pre-analytic processes for the type of the primary samples fed to the processing module, wherein the standard tube having been subject to the pre-analytic process is defined as a sample vessel that contains a processed sample; and(d) a collecting part including:(d1) a collecting station including:(i) a first collecting stage on which a first test rack including a plurality of wells is placed, the first test rack accommodating the sample vessels being meant to undergo a first test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel; and(ii) a second collecting stage on which a second test rack including a plurality of wells is placed, the second test rack accommodating the sample vessels being meant to undergo a second test procedure for the processed sample of the sample vessel;an extraction system configured to extract a nucleic acid from a plurality of processed samples;a reaction setup system configured to perform an amplification reaction setup for the samples where the nucleic acid is extracted; andan amplification system configured to amplify the samples where the amplification reaction setup is performed.31.The system of claim 30, wherein a first nucleic acid extraction process and a second nucleic acid extraction process are extracted based on the first and second test procedures for the processed sample in the extraction system.32.The system of claim 30, wherein the extraction system includes a first extraction device and a second extraction device, andwherein a first nucleic acid extraction process is extracted based on the first test procedure for the processed sample in the first extraction device, and a second nucleic acid extraction process is extracted based on the second test procedure for the processed sample in the second extraction device.33.The system of claim 30, wherein first and second amplification reaction setup processes are performed based on the first and second test procedures for the processed sample in the reaction setup system.34.The system of claim 30, wherein the reaction setup system includes a first reaction setup device and a second reaction setup device, andwherein a first amplification reaction setup process is performed based on the first test procedure for the processed sample in the first reaction setup device, and a second amplification reaction setup process is performed based on the second test procedure for the processed sample in the second reaction setup device.

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