Modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner and operating method of the same

Abstract

A modular pre-analytic processing system configured to process samples in a bundle manner includes a primary sample supply device that supplies primary sample containers containing primary samples, a standard container supply device that supplies a standard container rack having multiple holding sections for standard containers, a dispensing unit that transfers each primary sample from a corresponding primary sample container into a corresponding standard container, a processing device having a processing module with multiple processing units that receive the standard container rack and perform a pre-analytic process, and a transporting unit that moves the standard container rack from the standard container supply device to the processing device. The standard container rack is mountable on each processing unit to enable rack-based handling and pre-analytic processing.

Description

MODULAR PRE-ANALYTIC PROCESSING SYSTEM IN A BUNDLE MANNER AND OPERATING METHOD OF THE SAME

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner and an operating method thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner having capabilities of continuous loading of samples provided in a bundle and random access to devices that perform pre-analytic processing of the samples, and an operating method thereof.

[0002] A molecular diagnostic test is a method of determining the presence or absence of a disease or an infection by analyzing genetic information contained in a biological sample or a biological marker contained in a protein using molecular biology techniques. To perform a molecular diagnostic test, nucleic acids included in a biological sample must be extracted, and before extracting the nucleic acids, a process of pre-analytically processing the biological samples according to sample types is required.

[0003] In addition, pre-analytic processes may differ depending on types of samples. For example, various devices such as a vortex device, a centrifugation device, a spin-down device, a heating device, and a pipette device may be used to pre-process the samples, and various reagents may be used to pre-process the samples.

[0004] However, most conventional pre-analytic devices adopt a method of processing samples on a single-tube basis, and when a large number of samples must be processed simultaneously, each tube must be repeatedly transported, mounted, and pre-processed. Such a structure increases an overall processing time, significantly increases mechanical operation volume, and lowers system efficiency.

[0005] In addition, the single-tube-based processing method limits scalability of devices and also has limitations in parallelizing automated processes, making it difficult to configure high-speed, high-throughput systems. To solve such problems, a structure capable of configuring a plurality of tubes in one rack and pre-processing them simultaneously is required.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an automated modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an operating method of the automated modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner.

[0008] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described objects, and various modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.

[0009] To achieve at least one of the above-described objects of this disclosure, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented as follows.

[0010] In one embodiment, a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner may include a primary sample supply device configured to supply a plurality of primary sample containers containing a primary sample, a first standard container supply device configured to supply a standard container rack having multiple holding sections each configured to hold a standard container, a first dispensing unit configured to dispense the primary sample from the primary sample container to corresponding standard containers, a processing device that may include a processing module having a plurality of processing units configured to accommodate the standard container rack and perform a pre-analytic process, and a first transporting unit configured to transport the standard container rack supplied by the first standard container supply device to the processing device, and the standard container rack may be mounted on each of the processing units.

[0011] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that each of the processing units may simultaneously process a plurality of standard containers placed on the standard container rack.

[0012] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that each of the processing units may include a mounting section on which the standard container rack may be detachably mounted.

[0013] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that a processing unit that performs a centrifugation function may include two mounting sections.

[0014] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that a processing unit that performs a centrifugation function may have a balancer mounted relative to the mounting section, the balancer being positioned symmetrically with respect to a rotation center.

[0015] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing units may be arranged sequentially, and a processing unit configured to centrifuge and at least one processing unit subsequent thereto may operate with a plurality of standard container racks mounted thereon.

[0016] In one embodiment, the system may further include a controller configured to control operation of the processing module according to a selected pre-analytic process among multiple pre-analytic processes based on a type of the primary sample supplied by the primary sample supply device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing device may include a plurality of processing modules each configured to independently perform the pre-analytic process.

[0018] In one embodiment, the system may further include a controller configured to control operation of each processing module according to a selected pre-analytic process among multiple pre-analytic processes based on a type of the primary sample supplied by the primary sample supply device, and the controller may operate the processing modules independently.

[0019] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that a standard container transporting unit may transport the standard container rack to a selected one of the processing modules.

[0020] In one embodiment, the system may further include a first identification sensor configured to acquire information regarding a type of the primary sample from an identification mark of the primary sample container or a sample rack on which the primary sample containers are placed.

[0021] In one embodiment, the system may further include a controller configured to select a specific pre-analytic process based on information on the primary sample acquired by the first identification sensor, and the controller may control operation of the processing module according to the selected pre-analytic process.

[0022] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that a plurality of sets may be provided, each set may include the primary sample supply device and a corresponding processing module, and the primary sample supply device of each set may supply a different type of primary sample.

[0023] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing device may include a plurality of processing modules, a plurality of the processing modules may correspond to a single primary sample supply device, the primary sample supply device may supply a plurality of types of primary samples, and different processing modules may perform different pre-analytic processes.

[0024] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing units may be arranged in a first direction, and the processing device may include a plurality of processing modules arranged in parallel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the system may further include a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit may be placed, and the standard container transporting unit may transport the standard container rack placed on the pre-process station to each of the processing modules.

[0026] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing units may be arranged in a first direction, and the processing device may include a plurality of processing modules arranged in series in the first direction.

[0027] In one embodiment, the system may further include a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit may be placed, and the standard container transporting unit may transport the standard container rack placed on the pre-process station to each of the processing modules.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing units may be arranged in a first direction, and the processing units may be rearrangeable and replaceable.

[0029] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that at least one of the processing units may selectively perform at least two of a vortexing function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function in different runs.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that at least one of the processing units may perform at least two of a vortexing function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function in a single run.

[0031] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing module may variably operate to perform at least two different pre-analytic processes among a plurality of pre-analytic processes depending on a type of the primary sample supplied by the primary sample supply device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the controller may determine, based on information of the primary sample acquired by the first identification sensor, whether a reagent prefilled in the standard container supplied by the first standard container supply device is required or the reagent is not required, and the controller may control the first standard container supply device to supply a prefilled standard container when the reagent is determined to be required.

[0033] In one embodiment, the system may further include a primary sample storage device configured to store the primary sample container after the sample dispensing unit dispenses the primary sample from the primary sample container into a corresponding standard container, and the primary sample storage device may be temperature-controllable.

[0034] In one embodiment, the system may further include a standard container storage device configured to store standard containers supplied by the first standard container supply device.

[0035] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the standard container storage device may store empty standard containers and reagent-prefilled standard containers.

[0036] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the standard container storage device may include a storage region for storing the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers, and a gripper configured to deliver the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers from the storage region to the first standard container supply device.

[0037] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the gripper of the standard container storage device may receive a standard container rack on which the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers are placed.

[0038] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the standard container storage device may include a storage region for storing the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers, an interface configured to interact with the first standard container supply device, and an ejecting unit configured to eject the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers from the storage region to the interface.

[0039] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the interface may locate thereon a standard container rack on which the standard containers are placed.

[0040] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing device may further include a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit may be placed, and a post-process station on which a post-processing container rack holding a container containing a processed sample after the pre-analytic process performed in the processing module may be placed.

[0041] In one embodiment, the system may further include a collection station having a plurality of collection sections on which the post-processing container rack transported from the post-process station may be placed, and post-processing container racks accommodated in each of the collection sections may be derived from different types of primary samples.

[0042] In one embodiment, the system may further include a gripper corresponding to each processing module and configured to move a standard container rack placed on the processing module to the collection sections.

[0043] In one embodiment, the system may further include a second identification sensor configured to acquire identification mark information of a post-processing container rack that holds a container containing a sample processed by the pre-analytic process in the processing module.

[0044] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing device may further include a process-preparation station configured to locate thereon a tip rack on which a plurality of pipette tips are mounted and a reagent container rack on which at least two types of reagent containers are mounted, and the processing device may further include a process-dispensing unit configured to couple with a pipette tip from the process-preparation station and then dispense a reagent from the process-preparation station into a standard container of the processing module.

[0045] In one embodiment, the system may further include a second standard container supply device configured to transport a standard container rack to the processing device along a movement path that is not parallel to a movement path of the standard container transporting unit.

[0046] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the standard container transporting unit may be a gripper configured to pick a standard container rack from the first standard container supply device and transport it to the processing device, and the second standard container supply device may be a conveyor configured to transport the standard container rack from outside the first standard container supply device to the processing device.

[0047] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the processing device may further include a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit may be placed, and the system may further include a second standard container supply device configured to transport the standard container rack to the pre-process station along a movement path that is not parallel to a movement path of the standard container transporting unit.

[0048] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the primary sample supply device may supply a primary sample container rack having a plurality of holding sections on which primary sample containers are mounted, and the primary sample container rack may correspond to a standard container rack in a one-to-one relationship.

[0049] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the sample dispensing unit may include a plurality of pipettes, and a distance between the pipettes may be adjustable.

[0050] In one embodiment, the system may further include at least one decapping unit configured to perform at least one of simultaneously opening and closing caps of primary sample containers mounted on a primary sample container rack, simultaneously opening and closing caps of standard containers mounted on a standard container rack, and simultaneously opening and closing caps of standard containers mounted on a standard container rack of the processing module.

[0051] In one embodiment, the system may further include a collection part including a plurality of collection stations each configured to locate thereon an assay rack holding a plurality of sample containers, and sample containers placed on different collection stations may be prepared for different assay procedures.

[0052] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the assay procedures may include at least one of pathogen infection testing, blood screening, mutation testing, drug resistance testing, genotyping, chromosomal testing, and disease-marker identification.

[0053] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the assay procedures may include a procedure for pathogen infection testing selected from the group consisting of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, respiratory infection testing, tuberculosis (TB) infection testing, gastrointestinal (GI) infection testing, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, dermatophyte infection testing, tropical fever testing, and implant infection testing.

[0054] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the primary sample supply device may transport a plurality of primary sample container racks each having a plurality of holding sections on which primary sample containers are mounted, and the first standard container supply device may transport the same number of standard container racks as a number of sample container racks transported by the primary sample supply device.

[0055] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the assay procedures may include at least one of pathogen infection testing, blood screening, mutation testing, drug resistance testing, genotyping, chromosomal testing, and disease-marker identification.

[0056] In one embodiment, the system may be configured such that the sample dispensing unit may include a plurality of pipettes, and a distance between the pipettes may be adjustable.

[0057] In one embodiment, a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner may include a primary sample supply device configured to supply a primary sample rack on which a plurality of primary sample containers containing a primary sample are mounted, a first standard container supply device configured to supply a standard container rack on which a plurality of standard containers are mounted, a sample dispensing unit configured to dispense the primary sample from the primary sample container to a corresponding standard container, a processing device that may include a processing module including a plurality of processing units configured to perform a pre-analytic process, and a standard container transporting unit configured to transport the standard container rack supplied by the first standard container supply device to the processing module, and the primary samples may be transported from the primary sample supply device to the processing module on a rack basis.

[0058] In one embodiment, the system may further include a supply station on which the primary sample rack supplied by the primary sample supply device may be placed, a first standard container station on which the standard container rack supplied by the first standard container supply device may be placed, a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit may be placed, and a primary sample transporting unit configured to transport the primary sample rack supplied by the primary sample supply device to the supply station, and the standard container transporting unit may transport the standard container rack placed on the pre-process station to the processing module.

[0059] In one embodiment, the system may further include a second standard container supply device configured to supply the standard container rack to the processing device along a movement path that is not parallel to a movement path of the standard container transporting unit, and a second standard container station on which the standard container rack supplied by the second standard container supply device may be placed, and the standard container transporting unit may transport the standard container rack placed on the second standard container station to the processing module.

[0060] In one embodiment, a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner may include a primary sample supply device configured to supply a primary sample rack on which a plurality of primary sample containers are mounted, a first identification sensor configured to acquire information on a type of the primary sample from an identification mark of the primary sample container or the primary sample rack, a first standard container supply device configured to supply a standard container rack on which a plurality of standard containers are mounted, a sample dispensing unit configured to dispense the primary sample from the primary sample container to a corresponding standard container, a processing device that may include a processing module including a plurality of processing units configured to perform a pre-analytic process, and a controller, and all of the primary sample containers mounted on the primary sample rack may accommodate the same type of primary sample, and the controller may perform the pre-analytic process on the primary sample in the standard container rack according to information on the primary sample type acquired from the first identification sensor.

[0061] In one embodiment, a method of operating a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner may include supplying a primary sample rack on which a plurality of primary sample containers containing a primary sample are mounted, acquiring information on a type of the primary sample from an identification mark of the primary sample container or the primary sample rack, selecting a pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes based on the acquired information regarding the type of the primary sample, supplying a standard container rack on which a plurality of empty standard containers or reagent-prefilled standard containers are mounted according to the selected pre-analytic process, dispensing the primary sample from each of the primary sample containers to a corresponding standard container, and performing the selected pre-analytic process while the standard container rack on which the standard containers after dispensing are mounted is in a mounted state.

[0062] The modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may perform pre-analytic processes for various types of samples, and all processes of the pre-analytic process may be automatically performed. Accordingly, efficiency of molecular diagnostic testing may be increased by automating pre-analytic processes for sample types that have conventionally been performed manually.

[0063] In addition, in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, pre-analytic processes are not performed on individual samples but are simultaneously performed on a plurality of samples in a bundle manner, and thus processing time and efficiency may be improved.

[0064] In addition, in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of standard containers mounted on a standard container rack may be pre-processed by mounting the standard container rack on a processing unit, and thus a large number of tubes may be processed simultaneously, significantly improving an overall processing speed.

[0065] In addition, in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, because the standard container rack is transported as a single object, mechanical movements are reduced compared to a conventional individual-tube-transport method, and transportation and processing time is shortened.

[0066] In addition, in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, consistent pre-analytic conditions may be applied on a rack basis, thereby securing process stability and consistency. Further, as individual tube handling is reduced, a possibility of error may also be reduced. Furthermore, because the primary sample supply device, the standard container supply device, the sample dispensing unit, and the processing device are organically interlinked, an automation rate of the entire pre-analytic process may be significantly improved.

[0067] In addition, in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, because the processing unit is configured in a modular form, throughput may be flexibly increased by adding modules as needed, thereby increasing expandability of the system.

[0068] However, the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and various modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a fully automated system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system included in the fully automated system of FIG. 1.

[0071] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a primary sample feeding part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an example of the primary sample feeding part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a sample dispensing part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a processing device included in the processing part of FIG. 6.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a collection part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2.

[0077] FIGS. 9 to 16 are plan views illustrating a method of operating the modular pre-analytic processing system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner according to one embodiment.

[0080] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner according to another embodiment.

[0081] FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram briefly illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system according to one embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram briefly illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system according to another embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a standard container rack according to one embodiment.

[0084] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of FIG. 22.

[0085] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the standard container rack is mounted on a first processing device.

[0086] FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a state in which the standard container rack is mounted on a second processing device.

[0087] FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a state in which the standard container rack is mounted on a third processing device.

[0088] Hereinafter, a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner and an operating method of the modular pre-analytic processing system according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar reference numerals refer to identical or similar components.

[0089] In this specification, specific structural or functional descriptions are illustrated only for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein, and it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included within the idea and technical scope of the present disclosure are encompassed.

[0090] When a component is described as being “connected to” or “in contact with” another component, it may be directly connected to or directly in contact with the other component, but it should also be understood that another component may be interposed therebetween. In addition, when a component is described as being “directly connected to” or “directly in contact with” another component, it may be understood that no other component is interposed therebetween. Other expressions describing relationships between components, such as “between ~ and” and “directly between ~ and,” or “adjacent to ~” and “directly adjacent to ~,” may be interpreted in the same manner.

[0091] The terms used in this specification are used only for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless clearly indicated otherwise by the context. In this specification, terms such as “include,” “have,” or “contain” are intended to specify that a feature, number, step, operation, component, or element exists, but should be understood as not precluding a possibility of addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, or elements.

[0092] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0093] Terms that are defined in commonly-used dictionaries may be interpreted consistently with the meanings in the context of the relevant technical field and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined otherwise in the present application.

[0094] Terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only for distinguishing one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second or third component, and likewise, a second or third component may be interchangeably referred to as another component.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a fully automated system according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 1, a fully automated system 2000 may include a modular pre-analytic processing system 1000, an extraction system 1100, a reaction setup system 1200, an amplification system 1300, and a controller 1400.

[0098] Here, each of the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000, the extraction system 1100, the reaction setup system 1200, and the amplification system 1300 may include an identification sensor (not shown). An identification mark may be attached to a primary sample container, a primary sample rack, a standard container, a standard container rack, a post-process sample container, an extraction container, and a reaction container, which are used in the fully automated system 2000, and the identification mark may include a barcode and a QR code.

[0099] The controller 1400 may receive an identification mark from the identification sensor and may track a position of each of the primary sample container, the primary sample rack, the standard container, the standard container rack, the post-process sample container, the extraction container, and the reaction container. In addition, the controller 1400 may control an operation of each of the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000, the extraction system 1100, the reaction setup system 1200, and the amplification system 1300.

[0100] In exemplary embodiments, a molecular diagnostic test (or an assay procedure) may be performed through the fully automated system 2000. For example, the assay procedure may include procedures for pathogen infection testing, blood screening, mutation testing, drug resistance testing, genotyping, chromosomal testing, and disease-marker identification testing. In addition, the assay procedure may include a procedure for the pathogen infection testing selected from a group consisting of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, respiratory infection testing, tuberculosis (TB) infection testing, gastrointestinal (GI) infection testing, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, dermatophyte infection testing, tropical fever testing, and implant infection testing.

[0101] In such tests, a PCR setup process may be performed in different methods in the reaction setup system 1200. For example, the PCR setup process may be performed using a PCR setup reagent corresponding to each of the tests. That is, different tests may be performed using different PCR setup reagents according to the assay procedure. In other exemplary embodiments, an immunodiagnostic test may be performed through the fully automated system 2000.

[0102] In order 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.) included in a primary sample (e.g., a biological sample) should be extracted, and before extracting the analyte, a process of pre-analytically processing the primary sample according to types of the primary samples is required.

[0103] Here, the primary sample may include the biological sample (e.g., cells, tissues, and fluids from biological sources), and the biological sample may include viruses, bacteria, tissues, cells, blood (e.g., whole blood, plasma, and serum), lymph, bone marrow fluid, saliva, sputum, a swab, aspiration, milk, urine, feces, ocular fluid, semen, brain extract, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, bronchial lavage fluid, ascites, amniotic fluid, tears, conjunctival secretion, hair, bone, an embryo, sweat, etc. In addition, the primary sample may include natural nucleic acid molecules and synthetic nucleic acid molecules isolated from a biological source.

[0104] Furthermore, the primary sample may include additional materials such as water, deionized water, saline, a pH buffer solution, an acidic solution, or a basic solution. Optionally, the primary sample may include a non-biological sample (e.g., food, water, and soil). In exemplary embodiments, the primary sample is a material (e.g., saliva, sputum, urine, feces, semen, bronchial lavage fluid, etc.) handled in pathogen infection testing among the biological samples, and the analyte may be a nucleic acid.

[0105] A pre-analytic process may be performed in the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000. For example, the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000 may process the primary sample by using a vortex device, a centrifugation device, a spin-down device, a heating device, and / or a pipette device.

[0106] In exemplary embodiments, the pre-analytic processing system 1000 may be configured and operated in a modular type. As used in this specification, the term “modular type” means that a plurality of devices constituting the pre-analytic processing system 1000 are configured as independent units that are functionally and structurally separable. For example, the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000 may include at least two of a supply module that provides samples, reagents, and consumables; a transporting module that moves these to another location; a dispensing module that dispenses a predetermined amount; and a pre-analytic module that performs centrifugation or agitation. Each module may be physically and electrically detachably coupled to one another or to a main frame through a standardized interface.

[0107] In particular, the “modular” structure of this disclosure may include a state in which each unit module is not only hardware-separated so that it is independently repairable and replaceable, but also incorporates individual control logic within each module such that independent software-based control and operation are possible. Based on such structural independence, this disclosure provides technical scalability that allows the user to freely add, remove, or arrange modules of specific functions as needed, and this means that upgrades or maintenance of specific process units may be performed in real time without stopping the entire system.

[0108] In exemplary embodiments, the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000 may be operated in a bundle manner. As used in this specification, the “bundle manner” means a method of grouping a plurality of samples into a single unit and processing them simultaneously. In one embodiment, the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000 may simultaneously move and pre-analytically process a plurality of containers using a rack on which multiple containers are placed. Specifically, the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000 may use a rack that accommodates a plurality of sample containers, and may perform pre-analytic processes such as dispensing, mixing, and heating on the plurality of samples accommodated in the rack by a single control signal. Through this, the throughput per unit time may be maximized compared to processing on an individual-sample basis, and the reproducibility of data may be secured by minimizing process errors.

[0109] In exemplary embodiments, after the samples are processed, the processed samples may be respectively collected in different assay racks according to the assay procedures. Here, each of the processed samples may be accommodated in a post-process sample container, and the post-process sample containers may be accommodated in the assay rack that includes a plurality of wells. After the processed samples are respectively collected in the assay racks according to the assay procedures, the assay racks may be moved to the extraction system 1100. Optionally, after dispensing the processed samples collected in each of the assay racks into an extraction container, the extraction container may be moved to the extraction system 1100.

[0110] A nucleic acid extraction process may be performed in the extraction system 1100. For example, the extraction system 1100 may extract nucleic acid from the plurality of processed samples included in the extraction container by using a reagent used for nucleic acid extraction. After the nucleic acid is extracted from the processed samples, the extraction container including the samples from which the nucleic acid has been extracted may be moved to the reaction setup system 1200.

[0111] A PCR setup process (e.g., an amplification reaction setup process) may be performed in the reaction setup system 1200. For example, to perform the PCR setup process, the reaction setup system 1200 may move, by using a pipette module, the nucleic acid and the reagent used to perform the PCR setup (i.e., the PCR setup reagent) from the extraction container including the samples from which the nucleic acid has been extracted into a reaction container. After the nucleic acid and the PCR setup reagent are moved into the reaction container, the reaction container that has undergone the PCR setup may be moved to the amplification system 1300. That is, different PCR setup reagents may be used for different assays. After the PCR setup process is performed, the reaction container that has undergone the PCR setup may be moved to the amplification system 1300.

[0112] A PCR amplification process may be performed in the amplification system 1300. For example, the samples may be amplified in the reaction container (e.g., a sealed reaction container).

[0113] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system included in the fully automated system of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a primary sample feeding part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an example of the primary sample feeding part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a sample dispensing part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a processing part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a processing device included in the processing part of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a collection part included in the modular pre-analytic processing system of FIG. 2.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the modular pre-analytic processing system may be implemented as a standalone system or may be implemented to be connectable with other systems (e.g., an extraction system).

[0115] In addition, on the plane of the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000, a first direction (D1), a second direction (D2), a third direction (D3), a fourth direction (D4), and a fifth direction (D5) may be defined. For example, the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) are substantially opposite to each other, and the third direction (D3) and the fourth direction (D4) are substantially opposite to each other. In addition, the first and second directions (D1, D2) may intersect with, and may be substantially orthogonal to, the third and fourth directions (D3, D4). Furthermore, the fifth direction (D5) may be a direction substantially vertical to the first through fourth directions (D1, D2, D3, D4).

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000 may include a primary sample feeding part 10, a sample dispensing part 20, a processing part 40, a collecting part 70, a first transporting unit 910, a second transporting unit 920, and a third transporting unit 930.

[0117] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the primary sample feeding part 10 may include a primary sample supply device 100, a first transport line 350, a second transport line 355, a first transferring unit 810, a second transferring unit 815, and a first identification sensor 730.

[0118] In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the sample dispensing part 20 may include a first standard container supply device 200, a tip supply device 300, a supply station 240, a first decapper 250, a second decapper 260, a sample dispensing unit 230, a third transferring unit 820, a fourth transferring unit 825, a fifth transferring unit 830, a sixth transferring unit 835, a first standard container station 270, a tip waiting section 320, and a tip positioning section 330.

[0119] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the processing part 40 may include a second standard container supply device 400, a consumable supply device 500, a pre-process station 430, a process-dispensing unit 550, a process-preparation station 510, a first waste bin 520, a second waste bin 530, a processing device 600, a seventh transferring unit 840, an eighth transferring unit 845, a third transporting unit 930, a fourth transporting unit 940, and a second standard container station 440.

[0120] Here, the processing device 600 may include a plurality of processing modules. Each of the processing modules may include a gripping unit that transports a standard container rack. Alternatively, a single gripping unit may cover two or more processing modules.

[0121] According to one embodiment, 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 a gripper 650 may include a first gripping unit 651, a second gripping unit 652, a third gripping unit 653, and a fourth gripping unit 654.

[0122] Each of the processing modules (610, 620, 630, 640) may include a plurality of processing units. A processing module is configured to perform a predetermined or selected processing protocol, and the processing protocol may include a plurality of processes that are sequentially performed. A processing unit may be an independent device or may be a functional unit distinguished within a single device. The processing unit has one or more functions for performing a process constituting the processing protocol.

[0123] In addition, the first processing module 610 may include a first decapping 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. The second processing module 620 may include a second decapping 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. The third processing module 630 may include a third decapping 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. The fourth processing module 640 may include a fourth decapping 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.

[0124] The process-preparation station 510 may include a first section 511 and a second section 512.

[0125] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the collecting part 70 may include an assay rack supply device 700, a collection station 720, a second identification sensor 735, a fifth transporting unit 950, a sixth transporting unit 960, a seventh transporting unit 970, and a post-process station 710.

[0126] Here, the post-process station 710 may include a first post-process section 711, a second post-process section 712, a third post-process section 713, and a fourth post-process section 714, and the collection station 720 may include a preparation section 725, a first collection section 721, a second collection section 722, a third collection section 723, and a fourth collection section 724.

[0127] The primary sample feeding part 10 may be located on one side (e.g., a left side) of the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000, and the collecting part 70 may be located on the other side (e.g., a right side) of the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000.

[0128] In addition, the sample dispensing part 20 and the processing part 40 may be located between the primary sample feeding part 10 and the collecting part 70, and the primary sample feeding part 10, the sample dispensing part 20, the processing part 40, and the collecting part 70 may be arranged sequentially along the first direction (D1).

[0129] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, a primary sample supply device 100 may be located on one side of the primary sample feeding part 10, and a first transferring unit 810, a second transferring unit 815, a first transport line 350, and a second transport line 355 may be located in the fourth direction (D4) of the primary sample supply device 100.

[0130] The primary sample supply device 100 may store a primary sample rack 110 that accommodates 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 transport line 350. Here, types of the primary samples may be two or more. For example, the primary sample may include urine, LBC (Liquid-Based Cytology), semen, FFPE (Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded), saliva, RP sputum (respiratory sputum), TB sputum, bronchial washing, and raw stool. In exemplary embodiments, the primary sample rack 110 may accommodate four primary sample containers 120.

[0131] In addition, after a dispensing process is performed, when a portion of the primary sample remains in the primary sample container 120, the primary sample rack 110 accommodating the primary sample containers 120 in which a portion of the primary sample remains may be provided to the primary sample supply device 100 from the second transport line 355, and the primary sample supply device 100 may store the primary sample rack 110 accommodating the primary sample containers 120 in which a portion of the primary sample remains. In other words, the primary sample supply device 100 may store the primary sample. In exemplary embodiments, the primary sample supply device 100 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the primary sample.

[0132] Furthermore, shapes of the primary sample containers 120 may differ depending on the types of the primary samples. In some cases, even within the same type, the shapes of the primary sample containers 120 may differ. The shape of the primary sample container 120 may include length, a shape of a lower portion of the container, diameter, thickness of the container, shape of a cap, height of a cap, and so on.

[0133] Optionally, in a pre-analytic preparation system connected to the primary sample supply device 100, each of various types of primary samples may be transferred to a standard container, and the standard container may be provided to the primary sample supply device 100. In such a case, the sample dispensing process may be omitted. In other words, without passing through the sample dispensing part 20, the standard container may be provided to the processing part 40.

[0134] Meanwhile, an identification mark may be attached to each of the primary sample rack 110 and the primary sample container 120. For example, the identification mark may include a barcode and a QR code.

[0135] A first transferring unit 810 and a second transferring unit 815 may be located on both sides of the first transport line 350 and the second transport line 355, and a first identification sensor 730 may be connected to the first transferring unit 810. The first transferring unit 810 may be located adjacent to the first transport line 350, and the first transferring unit 810 may be movable along the third direction (D3) and the fourth direction (D4). That is, the first transferring unit 810 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the first transferring unit 810 may grip the primary sample rack 110 supplied from the primary sample supply device 100, may transfer the primary sample rack 110 on the first transport line 350, and may position the primary sample rack 110 being transferred on the first transport line 350 at a predetermined portion of the first transport line 350 (for example, a portion horizontally adjacent to the supply station 240). Here, the horizontal direction is defined as the first and second directions (D1, D2).

[0136] The second transferring unit 815 may be located adjacent to the second transport line 355, and the second transferring unit 815 may be movable along the third direction (D3) and the fourth direction (D4). That is, the second transferring unit 815 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the second transferring unit 815 may grip the primary sample rack 110 accommodating an empty primary sample container 120 (in which all of the primary sample has been used), or a primary sample container 120 in which a portion of the primary sample remains, and may move the primary sample rack 110 on the second transport line 355.

[0137] A first transport line 350 may be located adjacent to a first portion of the primary sample supply device 100, and the first transport line 350 may extend in the fourth direction (D4). Here, the first portion of the primary sample supply device 100 may correspond to a portion through which the primary sample rack 110 is supplied to the first transport line 350. For example, the primary sample supply device 100 may provide the primary sample rack 110 to a portion of the first transport line 350 adjacent to the first portion of the primary sample supply device 100. In such a case, the primary sample rack 110 may be moved from the primary sample supply device 100 to the predetermined portion by using a transferring unit included in the primary sample supply device 100, or by using the first transferring unit 810. Meanwhile, when the first transferring unit 810 positions the primary sample rack 110 at the predetermined portion of the first transport line 350, the first transporting unit 910 may transport the primary sample rack 110 to the supply station 240 of the sample dispensing part 20.

[0138] A second transport line 355 may be located adjacent to a second portion of the primary sample supply device 100, and the second transport line 355 may extend in the fourth direction (D4). In other words, the second transport line 355 may extend substantially parallel to the first transport line 350. Here, the second portion of the primary sample supply device 100 may correspond to a portion at which the primary sample rack 110 accommodating the empty primary sample containers 120 (or the primary sample containers 120 in which a portion of the primary sample remains) is stored in the primary sample supply device 100. For example, the primary sample rack 110 located (or placed) at a portion of the second transport line 355 adjacent to the second portion of the primary sample supply device 100 may be stored in the primary sample supply device 100. In such a case, the primary sample rack 110 may be moved from the second transport line 355 to the primary sample supply device 100 by using a transferring unit included in the primary sample supply device 100 or the second transferring unit 815.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 4(a), in another exemplary embodiment, the primary sample feeding part 10 may further include a positioning section 130 located on a connecting section 135. For example, the first transferring unit 810 may transfer the primary sample rack 110 to the predetermined portion of the first transport line 350, and the first transport line 350 may move the primary sample rack 110 placed at the predetermined portion to the positioning section 130. The primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning section 130 may be moved to the supply station 240 through the first transporting unit 910, and after the dispensing process is performed, the primary sample rack 110 placed on the supply station 240 may be moved to the second transport line 355 adjacent to the positioning section 130 through the first transporting unit 910. Here, in order for the first transporting unit 910 to grip the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning section 130, the primary sample rack 110 moved to the positioning section 130 must always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, the positioning section 130 may include at least one position-adjusting member, and the position of the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning section 130 may be adjusted through the position-adjusting member.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 4(b), in another exemplary embodiment, the primary sample feeding part 10 may further include the positioning section 130 and a waiting section 140, both located on the connecting section 135. Here, the waiting section 140 may function as a place where the primary sample rack 110 waits so that the primary sample rack 110 can be provided relatively quickly to the positioning section 130. For example, the first transferring unit 810 may transfer the primary sample rack 110 to the predetermined portion of the first transport line 350, and the first transport line 350 may move the primary sample rack 110 placed at the predetermined portion to the waiting section 140. After the primary sample rack 110 placed on the waiting section 140 is moved to the positioning section 130, the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning section 130 may be moved to the supply station 240 through the first transporting unit 910. At the same time, the first transferring unit 810 may transfer another primary sample rack 110 to the predetermined portion of the first transport line 350, and the first transport line 350 may move the primary sample rack 110 placed at the predetermined portion to the waiting section 140. After the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning section 130 is moved to the supply station 240 through the first transporting unit 910, another primary sample rack 110 placed on the waiting section 140 may be moved to the positioning section 130. Meanwhile, after the dispensing process is performed, the primary sample rack 110 placed on the supply station 240 may be moved to the second transport line 355 adjacent to the positioning section 130 through the first transporting unit 910. Here, in order for the first transporting unit 910 to grip the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning section 130, the primary sample rack 110 moved to the positioning section 130 must always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, the positioning section 130 may include at least one position-adjusting member, and the position of the primary sample rack 110 placed on the positioning section 130 may be adjusted through the position-adjusting member. Optionally, the waiting section 140 may also function in the same manner as the positioning section 130.

[0141] The first transporting unit 910 may move horizontally to transport the primary sample container 120 (refer to movement path 915 of the first transporting unit 910 in FIG. 3), and the first transporting unit 910 may include a gripper and a robotic arm capable of gripping the primary sample container 120.

[0142] The first identification sensor 730 may sense an identification mark, and the first identification sensor 730 may transmit the identification mark to a controller included in the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000, or to a controller independent of the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000. For example, after the primary sample rack 110 is provided to the portion adjacent to the first portion of the primary sample supply device 100, in a process in which the first transferring unit 810 grips the primary sample rack 110, the first identification sensor 730 may sense the identification mark of the primary sample rack 110 and / or the identification mark of the primary sample container 120.

[0143] Alternatively, as different from the drawings, the first identification sensor (not shown) may be provided in the primary sample supply device 100. Specifically, the first identification sensor may sense the identification mark of the primary sample rack 110 and / or the identification mark of the primary sample container 120, the primary sample rack 110 being provided at the first portion of the primary sample supply device 100 or at a portion adjacent to the first portion.

[0144] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 5, a first standard container supply device 200 may be located on one side of the sample dispensing part 20, and in a fourth direction (D4) of the first standard container supply device 200, a third transferring unit 820, a fourth transferring unit 825, a third transport line 360, a fourth transport line 365, a first standard container station 270, a first decapper 250, a supply station 240, and a second decapper 260 may be located.

[0145] The first standard container supply device 200 may store a first standard container rack 210 that accommodates at least two first standard containers 220, and may supply the first standard container rack 210 accommodating the first standard containers 220 to the third transport line 360. In exemplary embodiments, the first standard container rack 210 may accommodate four first standard containers 220. For example, the first standard containers 220 may have the same shape, and each first standard container 220 may include a standardized tube (or a standardized container). In addition, the first standard containers 220 may include empty first standard containers 220 and first standard containers 220 prefilled with a pre-analytic reagent. For example, depending on the types of the primary samples included in the primary sample container 120, the pre-analytic reagent may be required, and the first standard container supply device 200 may store first standard containers 220 prefilled with the pre-analytic reagent. The pre-analytic reagent may include phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a lysis buffer, NALC-NaOH, proteinase K, a saline buffer, and so on.

[0146] In exemplary embodiments, after the first identification sensor 730 senses the identification mark of the primary sample rack 110 or the primary sample container 120, the first identification sensor 730 may provide the identification mark to the controller 1400. The controller 1400, based on the identification mark, may control the first standard container supply device 200 such that empty first standard containers 220 and / or first standard containers 220 prefilled with the pre-analytic reagent are accommodated in the first standard container rack 210. In other words, empty first standard containers 220 and / or first standard containers 220 prefilled with the pre-analytic reagent may be accommodated in the first standard container rack 210 to correspond to the primary sample containers 120 accommodated in the primary sample rack 110. That is, the first standard container supply device 200 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the first standard containers 220 prefilled with the pre-analytic reagent.

[0147] In addition, after the dispensing process is performed, an empty first standard container rack 210 may be provided to the first standard container supply device 200 from the fourth transport line 365, and the first standard container supply device 200 may store the empty first standard container rack 210.

[0148] Meanwhile, the first standard container rack 210 and each of the first standard containers 220 may have an identification mark attached thereto. For example, the identification mark may include a barcode and a QR code.

[0149] A third transferring unit 820 and a fourth transferring unit 825 may be located on both sides of the third transport line 360 and the fourth transport line 365.

[0150] The third transferring unit 820 may be located adjacent to the third transport line 360, and the third transferring unit 820 may be movable along the third direction (D3) and the fourth direction (D4). That is, the third transferring unit 820 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the third transferring unit 820 may grip the first standard container rack 210 supplied from the first standard container supply device 200, may transfer the first standard container rack 210 on the third transport line 360, and may position the first standard container rack 210 being transferred on the third transport line 360 at a predetermined portion of the third transport line 360 (for example, a portion adjacent to the first standard container station 270).

[0151] The fourth transferring unit 825 may be located adjacent to the fourth transport line 365, and the fourth transferring unit 825 may be movable along the third direction (D3) and the fourth direction (D4). That is, the fourth transferring unit 825 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the fourth transferring unit 825 may grip the empty first standard container rack 210 and may move the empty first standard container rack 210 on the fourth transport line 365.

[0152] A third transport line 360 may be located adjacent to a first portion of the first standard container supply device 200, and the third transport line 360 may extend in the fourth direction (D4). Here, the first portion of the first standard container supply device 200 may correspond to a portion through which the first standard container rack 210 is supplied to the third transport line 360. For example, the first standard container supply device 200 may provide the first standard container rack 210 to a portion of the third transport line 360 adjacent to the first portion of the first standard container supply device 200. In such a case, the first standard container rack 210 may be moved from the first standard container supply device 200 to the predetermined portion by using a transferring unit included in the first standard container supply device 200, or by using the third transferring unit 820. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the third transferring unit 820 positions the first standard container rack 210 at the predetermined portion of the third transport line 360, the third transport line 360 may move the first standard container rack 210 to the first standard container station 270. In addition, after the dispensing process is performed, the second transporting unit 920 may transport the first standard container rack 210 placed on the first standard container station 270 to the pre-process station 430 of the processing part 40.

[0153] A fourth transport line 365 may be located adjacent to a second portion of the first standard container supply device 200, and the fourth transport line 365 may extend in the fourth direction (D4). In other words, the fourth transport line 365 may extend substantially parallel to the third transport line 360. Here, the second portion of the first standard container supply device 200 may correspond to a portion at which the empty first standard container rack 210 is stored in the first standard container supply device 200. For example, the empty first standard container rack 210 located at a portion of the fourth transport line 365 adjacent to the second portion of the first standard container supply device 200 may be stored in the first standard container supply device 200. In such a case, the empty first standard container rack 210 may be moved from the fourth transport line 365 to the first standard container supply device 200 by using a transferring unit included in the first standard container supply device 200, or by using the fourth transferring unit 825.

[0154] In exemplary embodiments, the first standard container station 270 may be located on the fourth transport line 365. The first standard container rack 210 transported to the first standard container station 270 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one of the first standard container racks 210 supplied from the first standard container supply device 200 may be located on the first standard container station 270, and in order for the second transporting unit 920 to grip the first standard container rack 210 located on the first standard container station 270, the first standard container rack 210 must always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first standard container station 270.

[0155] Similarly, after the sample dispensing unit 230 aspirates the primary sample from the primary sample container 120 placed on the supply station 240, in order for the sample dispensing unit 230 to dispense the aspirated primary sample into the first standard container 220 placed on the first standard container station 270, the first standard container rack 210 must always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first standard container station 270. To implement such a device, the first standard container station 270 may include at least one position-adjusting member.

[0156] The supply station 240 may be located adjacent to the third transport line 360, and the supply station 240 may face the first standard container station 270. The supply station 240 may function as a place where the primary sample rack 110 transferred from the primary sample feeding part 10 is placed. Here, the primary sample rack 110 transferred to the supply station 240 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, in order for the sample dispensing unit 230 to aspirate the primary sample from the primary sample container 120 placed on the supply station 240, the first standard container rack 210 must always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first standard container station 270. In addition, after the dispensing process is performed, in order for the first transporting unit 910 to grip the primary sample container 120 placed on the supply station 240, the first standard container rack 210 must always be positioned at the predetermined position on the first standard container station 270. To implement such a device, the supply station 240 may include at least one position-adjusting member.

[0157] The first decapper 250 may be located adjacent to the supply station 240, and the first decapper 250 may face the supply station 240. The first decapper 250 may decap or recap each of the primary sample containers 120 included in the primary sample rack 110 placed on the supply station 240. Here, depending on the types of the primary samples, shapes of the primary sample containers 120 may differ from each other, and shapes of the caps of each of the primary sample containers 120 may also differ from each other. In exemplary embodiments, the first decapper 250 may decap or recap all of the caps having different shapes. For example, the first decapper 250 may include a cap gripping member, and after gripping the cap so as to correspond to the shape of each of the caps, the cap gripping member may rotate the cap clockwise or counterclockwise. Optionally, when standardized containers containing the primary samples are provided to the primary sample supply device 100, the cap gripping member may decap or recap only the caps having the same shape.

[0158] In addition, optionally, the first decapper 250 may be movable in the first and second directions (D1, D2). For example, in order to decap each of the primary sample containers 120 included in the primary sample rack 110 placed on the supply station 240, the first decapper 250 may move in the first direction (D1), and after decapping the cap, the first decapper 250 may move in the second direction (D2).

[0159] The second decapper 260 may be located adjacent to the first standard container station 270, and the first decapper 250 may face the first standard container station 270. The first decapper 250 may decap or recap each of the first standard containers 220 included in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the first standard container station 270. Here, shapes of each of the first standard containers 220 may be identical to each other, and shapes of the caps of each of the first standard containers 220 may also be identical to each other. For example, the second decapper 260 may include a cap gripping member, and after gripping the cap so as to correspond to the shape of each of the caps, the cap gripping member may rotate the cap clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0160] In addition, optionally, the second decapper 260 may be movable in the first and second directions (D1, D2). For example, in order to decap each of the first standard containers 220 included in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the first standard container station 270, the second decapper 260 may move in the second direction (D2), and after decapping the cap, the second decapper 260 may move in the first direction (D1).

[0161] A tip supply device 300 may be located at a second portion of the sample dispensing part 20, and spaced apart from the tip supply device 300 in the fourth direction (D4), a fifth transferring unit 830, a sixth transferring unit 835, a fifth transport line 370, a sixth transport line 375, a tip waiting section 320, and a tip positioning section 330 may be located.

[0162] The tip supply device 300 may store a tip rack 310 that includes a plurality of pipette tips, and may supply the tip rack 310, which includes the pipette tips, to the fifth transport line 370. For example, the pipette tips may include pipette tips that may be connected to the sample dispensing unit 230, and the plurality of pipette tips may be arranged on the tip rack 310. In other words, when the sample dispensing unit 230 aspirates and dispenses the primary sample, the pipette tip may be connected to the sample dispensing unit 230.

[0163] In other exemplary embodiments, the tip rack 310 may include a tip rack 310 containing type A pipette tips having a relatively small diameter and a tip rack 310 containing type B pipette tips having a relatively large diameter, and depending on the type of the primary sample, the tip rack 310 containing the type A pipette tips or the tip rack 310 containing the type B pipette tips may be selectively supplied to the fifth transport line 370.

[0164] In addition, after all of the pipette tips included in the tip rack 310 are used, an empty tip rack 310 may be provided to the tip supply device 300 from the sixth transport line 375, and the tip supply device 300 may store the empty tip rack 310.

[0165] A fifth transferring unit 830 and a sixth transferring unit 835 may be located on both sides of the fifth transport line 370 and the sixth transport line 375. The fifth transferring unit 830 may be movable along the third and fourth directions (D3, D4). That is, the fifth transferring unit 830 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the fifth transferring unit 830 may grip the tip rack 310 supplied from the tip supply device 300, may transfer the tip rack 310 on the fifth transport line 370, and may position the tip rack 310 being transferred on the fifth transport line 370 at a predetermined portion of the fifth transport line 370 (for example, a portion adjacent to the tip waiting section 320).

[0166] The sixth transferring unit 835 may be located adjacent to the sixth transport line 375, and the sixth transferring unit 835 may be movable along the third and fourth directions (D3, D4). That is, the sixth transferring unit 835 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the sixth transferring unit 835 may grip the empty tip rack 310 and may move the empty tip rack 310 on the sixth transport line 375.

[0167] The fifth transport line 370 may be located adjacent to a first portion of the tip supply device 300, and the fifth transport line 370 may extend in the fourth direction (D4). Here, the first portion of the tip supply device 300 may correspond to a portion through which the tip rack 310 is supplied to the fifth transport line 370. For example, the tip supply device 300 may provide the tip rack 310 to a portion of the fifth transport line 370 adjacent to the first portion of the tip supply device 300. In such a case, the tip rack 310 may be moved to the predetermined portion by using a transferring unit included in the tip supply device 300, or by using the fifth transferring unit 830. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the fifth transferring unit 830 positions the tip rack 310 at the predetermined portion of the fifth transport line 370, the fifth transport line 370 may move the tip rack 310 to the tip waiting section 320. Here, the fifth transport line 370 may function as a place where the tip rack 310 waits in order to be provided relatively quickly to the tip positioning section 330.

[0168] The sixth transport line 375 may be located adjacent to a second portion of the tip supply device 300, and the sixth transport line 375 may extend in the fourth direction (D4). In other words, the sixth transport line 375 may extend substantially parallel to the fifth transport line 370. Here, the second portion of the tip supply device 300 may correspond to a portion at which the empty tip rack 310 is stored in the tip supply device 300. For example, the empty tip rack 310 located at a portion of the sixth transport line 375 adjacent to the second portion of the tip supply device 300 may be stored in the tip supply device 300. In such a case, the empty tip rack 310 may be moved from the sixth transport line 375 to the tip supply device 300 by using a transferring unit included in the tip supply device 300, or by using the sixth transferring unit 835.

[0169] In exemplary embodiments, the tip waiting section 320 and the tip positioning section 330 may be located on the sixth transport line 375. The sixth transport line 375 may move the tip rack 310 transferred from the fifth transport line 370 to the tip waiting section 320, and may move the tip rack 310 to the tip positioning section 330. The tip rack 310 transported to the tip positioning section 330 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, among the tip racks 310 supplied from the tip supply device 300, one tip rack 310 may be located on the tip positioning section 330, and in order for the sample dispensing unit 230 to couple with a pipette tip included in the tip rack 310 placed on the tip positioning section 330, the tip rack 310 must always be positioned at the predetermined position on the tip positioning section 330. To implement such a device, the tip positioning section 330 may include at least one position-adjusting member.

[0170] Optionally, the sample dispensing part 20 may further include a waste bin located adjacent to the sixth transport line 375, and the empty tip rack 310 may be discharged into the waste bin through the sixth transferring unit 835. In addition, the sample dispensing part 20 may further include a waste bin located adjacent to the second decapper 260, and the sample dispensing unit 230 may discharge a used pipette tip into the waste bin.

[0171] However, in this disclosure, although the sample dispensing part 20 has been described as having two transport lines to transport the tip rack 310, the configuration of the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), two transport lines and one connecting section may be arranged to transport the tip rack 310.

[0172] The sample dispensing unit 230 may be movable in a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and an up-and-down direction on the supply station 240, the third transport line 360, the fourth transport line 365, the fifth transport line 370, the sixth transport line 375, the first standard container station 270, and the tip positioning section 330 (refer to movement path 235 of the sample dispensing unit 230), and the sample dispensing unit 230 may include at least two pipette modules. Here, the vertical direction is defined as the third and fourth directions (D3, D4), and the up-and-down direction is defined as the fifth direction (D5) and a direction opposite to the fifth direction (D5). After connecting to a pipette tip included in a tip rack 310 placed on the tip positioning section 330, the sample dispensing unit 230 may transfer a portion of the primary sample from the primary sample container 120 placed on the supply station 240 to the first standard container 220 placed on the first standard container station 270. In addition, during a process in which the pipette tip is connected and during processes in which the primary sample is aspirated and dispensed, the sample dispensing unit 230 may move in the up-and-down direction. Meanwhile, after the dispensing process is performed, the first standard container rack 210 placed on the first standard container station 270 may be transferred to the pre-process station 430 through the second transporting unit 920.

[0173] In exemplary embodiments, the sample dispensing unit 230 may be movable only in the sample dispensing part 20, and the sample dispensing unit 230 may include four pipette modules. In addition, a distance between the pipette modules may be adjustable. For example, the size of the primary sample container 120 may be relatively larger than the size of the first standard container 220, and a distance between the primary sample containers 120 accommodated in the primary sample rack 110 may be greater than a distance between the first standard containers 220 accommodated in the first standard container rack 210. Accordingly, when aspirating the primary sample from the primary sample containers 120, the distance between the pipette modules may be relatively large, and when dispensing the aspirated primary samples into the first standard containers 220, the distance between the pipette modules may be relatively small. Furthermore, after the aspirated primary sample is dispensed into the first standard container 220 prefilled with the pre-analytic reagent, the sample dispensing unit 230 may repeatedly perform aspiration and dispensing processes so that the pre-analytic reagent and the primary sample are mixed. In other exemplary embodiments, the sample dispensing unit 230 may further include a mixing member that mixes the pre-analytic reagent and the dispensed primary sample, and a stick member that swabs or suspends the primary sample.

[0174] The second transporting unit 920 may move horizontally to transport the first standard container rack 210 (refer to movement path 925 of the second transporting unit 920 in FIG. 5), and the second transporting unit 920 may include a gripper, a robotic arm, and the like, capable of gripping the first standard container rack 210.

[0175] In exemplary embodiments, depending on the type of the primary sample, the primary sample feeding part 10 and the sample dispensing part 20 may be sealed to prevent external air from entering (or to prevent internal air of the primary sample feeding part 10 and the sample dispensing part 20 from escaping).

[0176] Referring again to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, a second standard container supply device 400 may be located at a first portion of the processing part 40, and spaced apart from the second standard container supply device 400 in the fourth direction (D4), a seventh transferring unit 840, an eighth transferring unit 845, a seventh transport line 380, an eighth transport line 385, a pre-process station 430, and a second standard container station 440 may be located. Here, the first standard container rack 210, accommodating the first standard container 220 in which the primary sample has been dispensed, may be provided from the sample dispensing part 20 to the pre-process station 430 of the processing part 40, and the first standard container 220 accommodated in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the pre-process station 430 is defined as a first standard container 221 containing the primary sample.

[0177] The second standard container supply device 400 may store a second standard container rack 410 that accommodates at least two second standard containers 420, and may supply the second standard container rack 410 accommodating the second standard containers 420 to the seventh transport line 380. In exemplary embodiments, the second standard container rack 410 may accommodate four second standard containers 420. For example, the second standard containers 420 may have the same shape, and each second standard container 420 may include a standardized tube. In addition, the second standard container 420 may include an empty second standard container 420. For example, depending on the types of the primary samples included in the primary sample container 120, an empty second standard container 420 may be required in the processing device 600, and when the second standard container 420 is required, the second standard container 420 may be provided to the processing device 600 before the first standard container 221 is provided.

[0178] In exemplary embodiments, after the first identification sensor 730 senses the identification mark of the primary sample rack 110 or the primary sample container 120, the first identification sensor 730 may provide the identification mark to the controller 1400. The controller 1400, based on the identification mark, may determine whether the second standard container 420 is required in the processing device 600, and when the second standard container 420 is required, the controller 1400 may control the third transporting unit 930 such that the second standard container 420 is provided to the processing device 600.

[0179] In addition, after all of the second standard containers 420 accommodated in the second standard container rack 410 are provided to the processing device 600, an empty second standard container rack 410 may be provided from the eighth transport line 385 to the second standard container supply device 400, and the second standard container supply device 400 may store the empty second standard container rack 410.

[0180] Meanwhile, an identification mark may be attached to the second standard container 420. For example, the identification mark may include a barcode and a QR code.

[0181] A seventh transferring unit 840 and an eighth transferring unit 845 may be located on both sides of the seventh transport line 380 and the eighth transport line 385. The seventh transferring unit 840 may be located adjacent to the seventh transport line 380, and the seventh transferring unit 840 may be movable along the third and fourth directions (D3, D4). That is, the seventh transferring unit 840 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the seventh transferring unit 840 may grip the second standard container rack 410 supplied from the second standard container supply device 400, may transfer the second standard container rack 410 on the seventh transport line 380, and may position the second standard container rack 410 being transferred on the seventh transport line 380 at a predetermined portion of the seventh transport line 380 (for example, a portion adjacent to the second standard container station 440).

[0182] The eighth transferring unit 845 may be located adjacent to the eighth transport line 385, and the eighth transferring unit 845 may be movable along the third and fourth directions (D3, D4). That is, the eighth transferring unit 845 may have a bi-directional movement path. In addition, the eighth transferring unit 845 may grip the empty second standard container rack 410 and may move the empty second standard container rack 410 on the eighth transport line 385.

[0183] A seventh transport line 380 may be located adjacent to a first portion of the second standard container supply device 400, and the seventh transport line 380 may extend in the fourth direction (D4). Here, the first portion of the second standard container supply device 400 may correspond to a portion through which the second standard container rack 410 is supplied to the seventh transport line 380. For example, the second standard container supply device 400 may provide the second standard container rack 410 to a portion of the seventh transport line 380 adjacent to the first portion of the second standard container supply device 400. In such a case, the second standard container rack 410 may be moved to the predetermined portion by using a transferring unit included in the second standard container supply device 400, or by using the seventh transferring unit 840. Meanwhile, in exemplary embodiments, when the seventh transferring unit 840 positions the second standard container rack 410 at the predetermined portion of the seventh transport line 380, the seventh transport line 380 may move the second standard container rack 410 to the second standard container station 440. In addition, when the second standard container 420 is required in the processing device 600, the third transporting unit 930 may transport the second standard container 420 accommodated in the second standard container rack 410 placed on the second standard container station 440 to the processing device 600.

[0184] An eighth transport line 385 may be located adjacent to a second portion of the second standard container supply device 400, and the eighth transport line 385 may extend in the fourth direction (D4). In other words, the eighth transport line 385 may extend substantially parallel to the seventh transport line 380. Here, the second portion of the second standard container supply device 400 may correspond to a portion at which the empty second standard container rack 410 is stored in the second standard container supply device 400. For example, the empty second standard container rack 410 located at a portion of the eighth transport line 385 adjacent to the second portion of the second standard container supply device 400 may be stored in the second standard container supply device 400. In such a case, the empty second standard container rack 410 may be moved from the eighth transport line 385 to the second standard container supply device 400 by using a transferring unit included in the second standard container supply device 400, or by using the eighth transferring unit 845.

[0185] In exemplary embodiments, the second standard container station 440 may be located on the eighth transport line 385. The second standard container rack 410 transported to the second standard container station 440 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, one of the second standard container racks 410 supplied from the second standard container supply device 400 may be located on the second standard container station 440, and in order for the third transporting unit 930 to grip the second standard container 420 accommodated in the second standard container rack 410 located on the second standard container station 440, the second standard container rack 410 must always be positioned at the predetermined position on the second standard container station 440. To implement such a device, the second standard container station 440 may include at least one position-adjusting member.

[0186] The pre-process station 430 may be located adjacent to the seventh transport line 380. The pre-process station 430 may function as a place where the first standard container rack 210 transferred from the sample dispensing part 20 is placed. Here, the first standard container rack 210 transferred to the pre-process station 430 may always be positioned at a predetermined position. For example, in order for the third transporting unit 930 to grip the first standard container 221 accommodated in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the pre-process station 430, the first standard container rack 210 must always be positioned at the predetermined position on the pre-process station 430. To implement such a device, the pre-process station 430 may include at least one position-adjusting member. In addition, the third transporting unit 930 may transport the first standard container 221 accommodated in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the pre-process station 430 to the processing device 600.

[0187] A consumable supply device 500 may be located at a second portion of the processing part 40, and spaced apart from the consumable supply device 500 in the fourth direction (D4), a process-preparation station 510, a first section 511, a second section 512, a first waste bin 520, a second waste bin 530, and the processing device 600 may be located. Here, the process-preparation station 510 may have the first section 511, the second section 512, the first waste bin 520, and the second waste bin 530. Optionally, the first waste bin 520 and the second waste bin 530 may be located spaced apart from the process-preparation station 510. In other words, only the first section 511 and the second section 512 may be located in the process-preparation station 510. In exemplary embodiments, used pipette tips in the processing part 40 may be discharged into the first waste bin 520, and unnecessary liquid generated in the processing device 600 may be discharged into the second waste bin 530.

[0188] The consumable supply device 500 may store a tip rack 540 (see FIG. 12) containing a plurality of pipette tips, and a reagent container 545 (see FIG. 12) containing reagents, and may supply the tip rack 540 containing the pipette tips and the reagent container 545 containing the reagents to the process-preparation station 510 through the fourth transporting unit 940. Here, types of the reagents may be two or more. For example, the reagents may include phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a lysis buffer, NALC-NaOH, proteinase K, a saline buffer, and so on. In exemplary embodiments, the consumable supply device 500 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature to store the reagents.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 12, the tip rack 540 may be placed on the first section 511 through the fourth transporting unit 940, and the reagent container 545 may be selectively placed on the second section 512 through the fourth transporting unit 940. In addition, the pipette tips may include pipette tips that can be coupled to the process-dispensing unit 550, and the plurality of pipette tips may be arranged in the tip rack 540. In other words, when the process-dispensing unit 550 aspirates and dispenses the reagent or aspirates and dispenses supernatant and unnecessary liquid generated in the processing device 600, a pipette tip may be coupled to the process-dispensing unit 550.

[0190] In addition, after all of the pipette tips included in the tip rack 540 are used, an empty tip rack 540 may be provided from the first section 511 to the consumable supply device 500 through the fourth transporting unit 940, and the consumable supply device 500 may store the empty tip rack 540.

[0191] Furthermore, after all of the reagent included in the reagent container 545 is used, the empty reagent container 545 may be provided from the second section 512 to the consumable supply device 500 through the fourth transporting unit 940, and the consumable supply device 500 may store the empty reagent container 545.

[0192] 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, 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 section 511, and after the type A reagent is used, the type B reagent may be required in the processing device 600. In such a case, to move the reagent container 545 containing the type B reagent stored in the consumable supply device 500 to the second section 512, the fourth transporting unit 940 may move the reagent container 545 containing the type A reagent placed on the second section 512 (for example, a reagent container 545 in which a portion of the type A reagent remains) to the consumable supply device 500, and may then move the reagent container 545 containing the type B reagent to the second section 512. Here, the reagent container 545 in which a portion of the type A reagent remains may be stored again in the consumable supply device 500, and may be reused. In exemplary embodiments, the consumable supply device 500 may include a cover member that seals an upper portion of the reagent container 545 in which a portion of the reagent remains, and the reagent container 545 in which a portion of the type A reagent remains may be stored in the consumable supply device 500 in a sealed state by the cover member. In such a case, evaporation of the type A reagent may be prevented.

[0193] The fourth transporting unit 940 may move horizontally and vertically to transport the tip rack 540 and the reagent container 545 (refer to movement path 945 of the fourth transporting unit 940 in FIG. 6). The fourth transporting unit 940 may include a gripper, a robotic arm, or the like capable of gripping the tip rack 540 and the reagent container 545.

[0194] The processing device 600 may be located spaced apart in the fourth direction (D4) from the process-preparation station 510 (or spaced apart in the first direction (D1) from the eighth transport line 385).

[0195] 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 specific pre-analytic process selected from among a plurality of pre-analytic processes corresponding to the types of primary samples supplied to the processing module, and each of the processing modules may pre-process one sample in each run. Furthermore, 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 type, 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 through fourth processing modules (610, 620, 630, 640)), and each of the first through fourth processing modules (610, 620, 630, 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, 645) and one decapping unit (616, 626, 636, 646). In addition, the first through fifth processing units may be arranged sequentially in the first direction (D1), and the decapper may be located on one side of each of the first through fifth processing units.

[0196] In exemplary embodiments, each of the first through fifth processing units may have one of a vortexing function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function. Optionally, at least one of the first through fifth processing units may have at least two of the vortexing function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function. In such a case, at least two of the vortexing function, the centrifugation function, the spin-down function, and the heating function may be performed in a single run in one processing unit. Here, the vortexing function may be used to rapidly mix a sample, the centrifugation function may be used to separate materials in a sample having different densities by centrifugal force, the spin-down function may be used to quickly sediment particles in a sample by centrifugal force, and the heating function may be used to heat a sample. In addition, the configuration of functions possessed by the first through fifth processing units (611, 612, 613, 614, 615) included in the first processing module 610, the configuration of functions possessed by the first through fifth processing units (621, 622, 623, 624, 625) included in the second processing module 620, the configuration of functions possessed by the first through fifth processing units (631, 632, 633, 634, 635) included in the third processing module 630, and the configuration of functions possessed by the first through fifth processing units (641, 642, 643, 644, 645) included in the fourth processing module 640 may differ from one another. In other words, different pre-analytic processes may be performed in the first through fourth processing modules (610, 620, 630, 640).

[0197] For example, in the first processing module 610, the first processing unit 611 may have the vortexing function, and the second processing unit 612 may have the centrifugation function. In addition, the third processing unit 613 may hold the first standard container 221 in which the centrifugation function has been performed in the second processing unit 612. Here, the second processing unit 612 may not have a function, and the second processing unit 612 may function as a station on which the first standard container 221 is placed. In addition, the fourth processing unit 614 may hold the second standard container 420, and the fourth processing unit 614 may not have a function. In other words, the fourth processing unit 614 may function as a station on which the second standard container 420 is placed. Furthermore, the fifth processing unit 615 may correspond to a dummy processing unit, and the fifth processing unit 615 may not be an essential component in the first processing module 610. That is, the first processing module 610 may be configured to include the first processing unit 611 having the vortexing function, the second processing unit 612 having the centrifugation function, the station on which the first standard container 221 on which the centrifugation function has been performed in the second processing unit 612 is placed, and the station on which the second standard container 420 is placed. However, when additional functions (e.g., the spin-down function or the heating function) or an increased throughput (e.g., additional centrifugation function) are required in the first processing module 610, at least one of the fifth processing units 615 may be added to the configuration.

[0198] In exemplary embodiments, the first standard container 221 containing the primary sample for which a gastrointestinal infection test procedure (e.g., a first test procedure) is to be performed may be provided to the first processing module 610, and the first standard container 221 containing the primary sample may be one of the first standard containers 221 accommodated in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the pre-process 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, supernatant may be generated in the first standard container 221 placed on the second processing unit 612 having the centrifugation function, and the first standard container 221 on which the centrifugation function has been performed in the second processing unit 612 may be moved to the third processing unit 613, and after the process-dispensing unit 550 aspirates the supernatant from the first standard container 221 placed on the third processing unit 613, the process-dispensing unit 550 may dispense the supernatant into the second standard container 420 placed on the fourth processing unit 614.

[0199] Meanwhile, after the first pre-analytic process is performed, the second standard container 420 placed on the fourth processing unit 614 may be transferred to the first post-process section 711 of the collecting part 70 through the first gripping unit 651, and the second standard container 420 that has undergone the first pre-analytic process is defined as a first sample vessel containing a processed sample.

[0200] The first gripping unit 651 may move horizontally to transfer the first standard container 221 and the second standard container 420 provided to the first processing module 610 (refer to movement path 656 of the first gripping unit 651 in FIG. 6). For example, the first standard container 221 placed on 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 container 420 placed on the fourth processing unit 614 may be moved to the first post-process section 711 of the collecting part 70 through the first gripping unit 651. The first gripping unit 651 may include a gripper, a robotic arm, and the like capable of gripping the first standard container 221 or the second standard container 420.

[0201] The first decapping unit 616 may decap or recap the cap of the first standard container 221 placed on one of the first through fifth processing units (611, 612, 613, 614, 615), and the first decapping unit 616 may be movable horizontally. For example, the first decapping unit 616 may be located adjacent to the third processing unit 613, and may decap the cap of the first standard container 221 placed on the third processing unit 613, and the process-dispensing unit 550 may aspirate the supernatant from the decapped first standard container 221. After the supernatant is aspirated, the first decapping unit 616 may recap the cap of the first standard container 221. Here, because it is difficult to decap the cap of the first standard container 221 or aspirate the supernatant from the first standard container 221 in the second processing unit 612 having the centrifugation function, the decapping process and the aspiration process may be performed after the first standard container 221 is moved to the third processing unit 613.

[0202] In contrast, in the second processing module 620, the first processing unit 621 may have the centrifugation function, and the second processing unit 622 may hold the first standard container 221 in which the centrifugation function has been performed in the first processing unit 621. Here, the second processing unit 622 may not have a function, and may function as a station on which the first standard container 221 is placed. In addition, the third processing unit 623 may have the vortexing function, and the fourth processing unit 624 may have the spin-down function. Furthermore, the fifth processing unit 625 may correspond to a dummy processing unit, and the fifth processing unit 625 may not be an essential component in the second processing module 620. That is, the second processing module 620 may be configured to include the first processing unit 621 having the centrifugation function, the station on which the first standard container 221 on which the centrifugation function has been performed in the first processing unit 621 is placed, the third processing unit 623 having the vortexing function, and the fourth processing unit 624 having the spin-down function. However, when additional functions (e.g., a heating function) or an increased throughput (e.g., additional centrifugation function) are required in the second processing module 620, the fifth processing unit 625 may be added to the configuration.

[0203] In exemplary embodiments, the first standard container 221 containing the primary sample for which a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test procedure (e.g., a second test procedure) is to be performed may be provided to the second processing module 620, and the first standard container 221 containing the primary sample may be one of the first standard containers 221 accommodated in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the pre-process station 430. That is, the second processing module 620 may perform a second pre-analytic process corresponding to the STI test among the pre-analytic processes. In the second pre-analytic process, supernatant (e.g., unnecessary liquid) may be generated in the first standard container 221 placed on the first processing unit 621 having the centrifugation function, and after the first standard container 221 in which the unnecessary liquid is generated is moved to the station (e.g., the second processing unit 622), the process-dispensing unit 550 may aspirate the unnecessary liquid. The process-dispensing unit 550 may discharge the unnecessary liquid into the first waste bin 520, and then aspirate a reagent from the reagent container 545, and the aspirated reagent may be dispensed into the first standard container 221 placed on the station. Meanwhile, after the second pre-analytic process is performed, the first standard container 221 placed on the fourth processing unit 624 may be transferred to the second post-process section 712 of the collecting part 70 through the second gripping unit 652, and the first standard container 221 that has undergone the second pre-analytic process is defined as a second sample vessel containing a processed sample.

[0204] The second gripping unit 652 may move horizontally to transfer the first standard container 221 provided to the second processing module 620 (refer to movement path 657 of the second gripping unit 652 in FIG. 6). For example, the first standard container 221 placed on 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 container 221 placed on the fourth processing unit 624 may be moved to the second post-process section 712 of the collecting part 70 through the second gripping unit 652. The second gripping unit 652 may include a gripper, a robotic arm, and the like capable of gripping the first standard container 221.

[0205] The second decapping unit 626 may decap or recap the cap of the first standard container 221 placed on one of the first through fifth processing units (621, 622, 623, 624, 625), and the second decapping unit 626 may be movable horizontally. For example, the second decapping unit 626 may be located adjacent to the second processing unit 622, and may decap the cap of the first standard container 221 placed on the second processing unit 622, and the process-dispensing unit 550 may aspirate the unnecessary liquid from the decapped first standard container 221. After the unnecessary liquid is aspirated, the reagent may be dispensed, and after the reagent is dispensed, the second decapping unit 626 may recap the cap of the first standard container 221. Here, because it is difficult to decap the cap of the first standard container 221 or aspirate the unnecessary liquid from the first standard container 221 in the first processing unit 621 having the centrifugation function, the decapping process and the aspiration process may be performed after the first standard container 221 is moved to the second processing unit 622.

[0206] In contrast, in the third processing module 630, the first processing unit 631 may have the vortexing function, and the second processing unit 632 may have the spin-down function. In addition, the third through fifth processing units (633, 634, 635) may correspond to dummy processing units, and may not be essential components in the third processing module 630. That is, the third processing module 630 may be configured to include the first processing unit 631 having the vortexing function and the second processing unit 632 having the spin-down function. However, when additional functions (e.g., a centrifugation function or a heating function) or an increased throughput (e.g., additional vortexing and spin-down functions) are required in the third processing module 630, the third through fifth processing units (633, 634, 635) may be added to the configuration.

[0207] In exemplary embodiments, the first standard container 221 containing the primary sample for which a respiratory infection test procedure (e.g., a third test procedure) is to be performed may be provided to the third processing module 630, and the first standard container 221 containing the primary sample may be one of the first standard containers 221 accommodated in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the pre-process 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.

[0208] Meanwhile, after the third pre-analytic process is performed, the first standard container 221 placed on the second processing unit 632 may be transferred to the third post-process section 713 of the collecting part 70 through the third gripping unit 653, and the first standard container 221 that has undergone the third pre-analytic process is defined as a third sample vessel containing a processed sample.

[0209] The third gripping unit 653 may move horizontally to transfer the first standard container 221 provided to the third processing module 630 (refer to movement path 658 of the third gripping unit 653 in FIG. 6). For example, the first standard container 221 placed on the first processing unit 631 may be moved to the second processing unit 632 through the third gripping unit 653, and the first standard container 221 placed on the second processing unit 632 may be moved to the third post-process section 713 of the collecting part 70 through the third gripping unit 653. The third gripping unit 653 may include a gripper, a robotic arm, and the like capable of gripping the first standard container 221.

[0210] The third decapping unit 636 may decap or recap the cap of the first standard container 221 placed on one of the first through fifth processing units (631, 632, 633, 634, 635), and the third decapping unit 636 may be movable horizontally. For example, in the third processing module 630, a process in which the process-dispensing unit 550 aspirates supernatant (or unnecessary liquid) from the first standard container 221 or dispenses a reagent may not be performed. In other words, in the third processing module 630, the third decapping unit 636 may not be an essential component. That is, the third decapping unit 636 may be omitted from the configuration of the third processing module 630.

[0211] In contrast, in the fourth processing module 640, the first processing unit 641 may have the vortexing function, and the second processing unit 642 may have the centrifugation function. In addition, the third processing unit 643 may have the vortexing function, and the fourth processing unit 644 may have the heating function. Furthermore, the fifth processing unit 645 may have the spin-down function. Here, the first processing unit 641 having the vortexing function may optionally be included in the configuration of the third processing module 630, depending on the type of primary sample.

[0212] In exemplary embodiments, the first standard container 221 containing the primary sample for which a tuberculosis (TB) infection test procedure (e.g., a fourth test procedure) is to be performed may be provided to the fourth processing module 640, and the first standard container 221 containing the primary sample may be one of the first standard containers 221 accommodated in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the pre-process station 430. That is, the fourth processing module 640 may perform a pre-analytic process corresponding to the TB infection test among the pre-analytic processes. In the fourth pre-analytic process, unnecessary liquid may be generated in the first standard container 221 placed on the second processing unit 642 having the centrifugation function, and after the first standard container 221 in which the unnecessary liquid is generated is moved to the third processing unit 643, the process-dispensing unit 550 may aspirate the unnecessary liquid. The process-dispensing unit 550 may discharge the unnecessary liquid into the first waste bin 520, and then aspirate a reagent from the reagent container 545, and the aspirated reagent may be dispensed into the first standard container 221 placed on the third processing unit 643. After the reagent is dispensed, the third processing unit 643 may perform the vortexing function on the first standard container 221. That is, the third processing unit 643 may have a station function and the vortexing function.

[0213] Meanwhile, after the fourth pre-analytic process is performed, the second standard container 420 placed on the fifth processing unit 645 may be transferred to the fourth post-process section 714 of the collecting part 70 through the fourth gripping unit 654, and the first standard container 221 that has undergone the fourth pre-analytic process is defined as a fourth sample vessel containing a processed sample.

[0214] The fourth gripping unit 654 may move horizontally to transfer the first standard container 221 provided to the fourth processing module 640 (refer to movement path 659 of the fourth gripping unit 654 in FIG. 6). For example, the first standard container 221 placed on 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 container 221 placed on the fifth processing unit 645 may be moved to the fourth post-process section 714 of the collecting part 70 through the fourth gripping unit 654. The fourth gripping unit 654 may include a gripper, a robotic arm, and the like capable of gripping the first standard container 221.

[0215] The fourth decapping unit 646 may decap or recap the cap of the first standard container 221 placed on one of the first through fifth processing units (641, 642, 643, 644, 645), and the fourth decapping unit 646 may be movable horizontally. For example, the fourth decapping unit 646 may be located adjacent to the third processing unit 643, and may decap the cap of the first standard container 221 placed on the third processing unit 643, and the process-dispensing unit 550 may aspirate the unnecessary liquid from the decapped first standard container 221. After the unnecessary liquid is aspirated, the reagent may be dispensed, and after the reagent is dispensed, the fourth decapping unit 646 may recap the cap of the first standard container 221. Here, because it is difficult to decap the cap of the first standard container 221 or aspirate the unnecessary liquid from the first standard container 221 in the second processing unit 642 having the centrifugation function, the decapping process, aspiration process, and dispensing process may be performed after the first standard container 221 is moved to the third processing unit 643.

[0216] However, because the fourth processing module 640 handles the primary sample on which the tuberculosis infection test procedure is to be performed, the pre-analytic process performed in the fourth processing module 640 must be performed in a BSL-3 (biosafety level 3) facility. Here, the BSL-3 facility refers to a high-level biological safety facility required when handling high-risk pathogens capable of airborne transmission. Therefore, 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.

[0217] The process-dispensing unit 550 may be movable in a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and an up-and-down direction on the processing device 600 and the process-preparation station 510 (refer to movement path 555 of the process-dispensing unit 550), and the process-dispensing unit 550 may include a pipette module. As described above, after the process-dispensing unit 550 is coupled with a pipette tip included in the tip rack 540 placed on the first section 511, the process-dispensing unit 550 may transfer supernatant or unnecessary liquid from the first standard container 221 in the first processing module 610, the second processing module 620, or the fourth processing module 640, and after aspirating a reagent included in the reagent container 545 placed on the second section 512, the process-dispensing unit 550 may dispense the reagent into the first standard container 221 in the second processing module 620 or the fourth processing module 640. In addition, during a process in which the pipette tip is coupled and during a process in which the primary sample is aspirated and dispensed, the process-dispensing unit 550 may move in the up-and-down direction. In exemplary embodiments, the process-dispensing unit 550 may be movable only in the processing part 40, and the process-dispensing unit 550 may include one pipette module.

[0218] The third transporting unit 930 may transport each of the first standard containers 221 included in the first standard container rack 210 placed on the pre-process station 430 to each of the first through fourth processing modules (610, 620, 630, 640) according to the types of the primary samples. In other words, the first standard container 221 may be transferred to a first processing unit of the processing module corresponding to the primary sample accommodated in the first standard container 221. To transport the first standard container 221, the third transporting unit 930 may move in the horizontal and vertical directions (refer to movement path 935 of the third transporting unit 930 in FIG. 6). The third transporting unit 930 may include a gripper, a robotic arm, and the like capable of gripping the first standard container 221.

[0219] However, although the first through fourth processing modules (610, 620, 630, 640) of the processing device 600 have been described as performing the first through fourth pre-analytic processes, the configuration of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the processing device 600 may include a plurality of processing modules, some of which may perform the first pre-analytic process among the pre-analytic processes, and the remaining ones may perform the second pre-analytic process among the pre-analytic processes.

[0220] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, a collection station 720, a second identification sensor 735, a first collection section 721, a second collection section 722, a third collection section 723, a fourth collection section 724, a post-process station 710, a first post-process section 711, a second post-process section 712, a third post-process section 713, a fourth post-process section 714, a fifth transporting unit 950, a sixth transporting unit 960, and a seventh transporting unit 970 may be located spaced apart in the fourth direction (D4) from the assay rack supply device 700 in the collection part 70.

[0221] The assay rack supply device 700 may store a first assay rack 750, a second assay rack 760, a third assay rack 770, and a fourth assay rack 780, and may supply the first through fourth assay racks (750, 760, 770, 780) to the collection station 720 through the seventh transporting unit 970 (see FIG. 10). Here, the first through fourth assay racks (750, 760, 770, 780) may have the same shape. In exemplary embodiments, each of the first through fourth assay racks (750, 760, 770, 780) may include a plurality of wells.

[0222] As shown in FIG. 10, the first assay rack 750 may be placed on the first collection section 721 through the seventh transporting unit 970, and the second assay rack 760 may be placed on the second collection section 722 through the seventh transporting unit 970. In addition, the third assay rack 770 may be placed on the third collection section 723 through the seventh transporting unit 970, and the fourth assay rack 780 may be placed on the fourth collection section 724 through the seventh transporting unit 970.

[0223] The seventh transporting unit 970 may move horizontally and vertically to transport the first through fourth assay racks (750, 760, 770, 780) (refer to movement path 975 of the seventh transporting unit 970 in FIG. 8). The seventh transporting unit 970 may include a gripper, a robotic arm, and the like capable of gripping the first through fourth assay racks (750, 760, 770, 780).

[0224] A preparation section 725 may be located in the collection station 720, and the first through fourth sample vessels 222 moved from the first through fourth post-process sections (711, 712, 713, 714) of the post-process station 710 may be placed on the preparation section 725. In other words, the preparation section 725 may function as a place where the first through fourth sample vessels 222 wait before being transferred to one of the first through fourth assay racks (750, 760, 770, 780) by the sixth transporting unit 960.

[0225] The second identification sensor 735 may sense an identification mark of the sample vessel 222 placed on the preparation section 725. The second identification sensor 735 may transmit the identification mark to the controller included in the modular pre-analytic processing system 1000, or to the controller 1400.

[0226] The sixth transporting unit 960 may move horizontally to transport the sample vessel 222 placed on the preparation section 725 (refer to movement path 965 of the sixth transporting unit 960 in FIG. 8), and the sixth transporting unit 960 may transfer the sample vessel 222 to one of the first through fourth assay racks (750, 760, 770, 780). For example, the controller 1400 may control the sixth transporting unit 960 based on the identification mark received from the second identification sensor 735.

[0227] The post-process station 710 may be located adjacent to the processing device 600, and the first post-process section 711, the second post-process section 712, the third post-process section 713, and the fourth post-process section 714 may be located on the post-process station 710. For example, the first post-process section 711 may be located adjacent to the first processing module 610, and the first sample vessel 222 placed on the first post-process section 711 may be provided from the first processing module 610. In addition, the second post-process section 712 may be located adjacent to the second processing module 620, and the second sample vessel 222 placed on the second post-process section 712 may be provided from the second processing module 620. In addition, the third post-process section 713 may be located adjacent to the third processing module 630, and the third sample vessel 222 placed on the third post-process section 713 may be provided from the third processing module 630. Furthermore, the fourth post-process section 714 may be located adjacent to the fourth processing module 640, and the fourth sample vessel 222 placed on the fourth post-process section 714 may be provided from the fourth processing module 640. As described above, after the first through fourth pre-analytic processes are performed, the first through fourth sample vessels 222 may be placed on the first through fourth post-process sections (711, 712, 713, 714), respectively.

[0228] The fifth transporting unit 950 may move vertically to transport the sample vessel 222 placed on the first through fourth post-process sections (711, 712, 713, 714) (refer to movement path 955 of the fifth transporting unit 950 in FIG. 8), and the fifth transporting unit 950 may transfer the sample vessel 222 placed on the first through fourth post-process sections (711, 712, 713, 714) to the preparation section 725. The fifth transporting unit 950 may include a gripper, a robotic arm, and the like capable of gripping the sample vessel 222.

[0229] The first collection section 721, the second collection section 722, the third collection section 723, and the fourth collection section 724 may be arranged sequentially in the collection station 720. In the first collection section 721, the first assay rack 750, which accommodates first sample vessels 222 in its wells and for which the first assay procedure will be performed on the processed sample contained in the sample vessel 222, may be placed. In the second collection section 722, the second assay rack 760, which accommodates second sample vessels 222 in its wells and for which the second assay procedure will be performed on the processed sample contained in the sample vessel 222, may be placed. In the third collection section 723, the third assay rack 770, which accommodates third sample vessels 222 in its wells and for which the third assay procedure will be performed on the processed sample contained in the sample vessel 222, may be placed. In the fourth collection section 724, the fourth assay rack 780, which accommodates fourth sample vessels 222 in its wells and for which the fourth assay procedure will be performed on the processed sample contained in the sample vessel 222, may be placed.

[0230] FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner according to one embodiment.

[0231] A modular pre-analytic processing system 1020 in a bundle manner according to one embodiment is transported and processed on a rack basis from a primary sample supplied from the primary sample supply device 100 to a post-process sample in which a pre-analytic process is performed in the processing device 600.

[0232] Racks used in the modular pre-analytic processing system 1020 in a bundle manner include a primary sample rack 110, a first standard container rack 210, and a second standard container rack 410. Here, the first standard container rack 210 and the second standard container rack 410 may not be distinguished from each other as standardized products. Alternatively, as needed, the first standard container rack 210 and the second standard container rack 410 may be distinguished by a color, a mark, or the like.

[0233] A rack may have a plurality of holding sections. Each holding section may have a well shape, and may be referred to as a rack-well. The holding sections may be arranged side-by-side in a column direction. According to one embodiment, four holding sections may be arranged side-by-side in the column direction. Alternatively, five holding sections may be arranged side-by-side in the column direction, or fewer or more holding sections than four or five may be arranged side-by-side in the column direction. Alternatively, the holding sections may be arranged side-by-side in column and row directions. According to one embodiment, four holding sections may be arranged as two holding sections in the column direction and two holding sections in the row direction. Alternatively, six holding sections may be arranged as two columns, each having three holding sections in the column direction.

[0234] In a rack in which a plurality of wells are arranged in the column direction, an opening may be formed in one of two surfaces that face each other in the row direction. An identification mark of a container may be exposed through the opening formed in one surface of the rack. Alternatively, in a rack in which a plurality of wells are arranged in the column direction, openings may be formed in both of the two surfaces that face each other in the row direction.

[0235] A rack may have a separate identification mark. For example, one surface of the rack may have an identification mark that is attached as a printed identification mark or is provided as an engraved identification mark.

[0236] A rack may have an open bottom surface such that a bottom surface of a container placed in a holding section is exposed through the open bottom surface. According to one embodiment, an identification mark located on the bottom surface of the container may be exposed through an opening formed in the bottom surface of the rack. For example, a QR code printed on the bottom surface of the container may be exposed through the opening formed in the bottom surface of the rack, and an identification sensor located below the rack may identify the QR code of the container. According to another embodiment, an anti-rotation structure located on the bottom surface of the container may be exposed through the opening formed in the bottom surface of the rack. For example, when a rack in which a container is placed in a holding section is placed on a station, the anti-rotation structure located on the bottom surface of the container may be fittingly coupled to an anti-rotation structure of the station through the opening formed in the bottom surface of the rack.

[0237] Alternatively, a rack may include a structure capable of preventing rotation of a placed container. In this case, rotation of the container may be limited to 180 degrees or less, and preferably may be limited to 90 degrees or less. In one embodiment, a projection or a groove extending in an up-and-down direction may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the well-shaped holding section, and a projection or a groove extending in the up-and-down direction may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the container. For example, when the container rotates in a state placed on the rack, interference may occur between the projection or groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the holding section and the projection or groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the container, thereby limiting rotation. In another embodiment, a groove or a projection may be formed on the bottom surface of the container, and a projection or a groove that is fittingly coupled to the groove or projection of the container may be formed on the bottom surface of the well-shaped holding section. For example, when the container rotates in a state placed on the rack, interference may occur between the projection or groove formed on the bottom surface of the holding section and the projection or groove formed on the bottom surface of the container, thereby limiting rotation.

[0238] The primary sample rack 110 may have a plurality of holding sections on which primary sample containers 120 are placed. The primary sample containers 120 may be provided in various shapes according to a sample type. For example, the primary sample containers 120 may be provided in two or more different shapes having different diameters, lengths, bottom-surface shapes, and / or cap shapes. According to one embodiment, the primary sample rack 110 may have a variable function so as to place primary sample containers 120 having different shapes. For example, even when diameters of the primary sample containers 120 are different from each other, the primary sample rack 110 may include a leaf-spring structure so as to firmly place the primary sample containers 120 within a reference diameter range.

[0239] Both the first standard container rack 210 and the second standard container rack 410 are configured to place standardized standard containers. Accordingly, the first standard container rack 210 and the second standard container rack 410 may have the same shape and structure of the holding sections. According to one embodiment, the first standard container rack 210 and the second standard container rack 410 may be partially different in color and shape so that an operator can visually distinguish them. According to another embodiment, a first standard container rack 210 on which an empty first standard container is placed may be identical to the second standard container rack 410, but a first standard container rack 210 on which a first standard container prefilled with a reagent is placed may be partially different in color and shape from the second standard container rack 410 so that an operator can visually distinguish them.

[0240] A processing unit is configured such that a standard container rack can be mounted. The meaning that a standard container rack is mounted on a processing unit includes support, attachment, or coupling to an extent that the standard container rack does not separate during operation of the processing unit. For example, in the case of a processing unit that performs a centrifugation function, a high rotational speed is required, and thus the standard container rack needs to be firmly mounted. However, in the case of a processing unit that performs a heating function, it is sufficient that the standard container rack is mounted only to an extent that it can maintain a set position. As such, a degree to which the standard container rack is mounted on the processing unit may vary depending on a function of the processing unit.

[0241] A processing unit is configured to simultaneously process a plurality of standard containers placed on a standard container rack. For example, when the processing unit has one of a vortexing function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function, processing may be simultaneously performed on the plurality of standard containers placed on the standard container rack. Furthermore, while the processing unit operates once, the plurality of standard containers may be processed at the same level. Alternatively, while the processing unit operates once, asymmetric processing may be performed in the column direction of the standard container rack, but when the standard container rack is rotated by 180 degrees and the processing unit is operated one more time, processing at the same level may be performed in the column direction of the standard container rack. For example, when the processing unit is a centrifuge, the standard container rack may be arranged in a radial direction of the centrifuge, and after the processing unit operates once, the standard container rack may be rotated by 180 degrees and operated one more time.

[0242] A processing unit may be configured such that a standard container rack is detachably mounted. According to one embodiment, a structure in which the standard container rack is coupled to and decoupled from the processing unit may include a push-lock structure. For example, when the gripper 650 presses the standard container rack on a coupling portion of the processing unit while gripping the standard container rack, coupling may occur, and when pressing once more, coupling may be released. When such a one-touch method is used, it is easy to automate a process of mounting and releasing the standard container rack on the processing unit.

[0243] Among the processing units, a processing unit that performs a centrifugation function may include two mounting sections. For centrifugation, weight balance is important. Therefore, the processing unit that performs the centrifugation function may operate in a state in which two standard container racks are respectively mounted at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to a rotation axis.

[0244] Alternatively, among the processing units, a processing unit that performs a centrifugation function is configured such that a balancer positioned symmetrically with respect to a rotation center is mounted relative to one mounting section.

[0245] Meanwhile, a processing module according to one embodiment may be operated in a state in which processing units are arranged sequentially, and a processing unit that performs a centrifugation function among the processing units and one or more subsequent processing units are operated with a plurality of standard container racks mounted thereon. Processing units other than the processing unit that performs the centrifugation function may operate even in a state in which one standard container rack is mounted, but when the processing unit that performs the centrifugation function waits to operate until two standard container racks are mounted in consideration of weight balance, the subsequent processing unit(s) may operate in a state in which two standard container racks are mounted. Alternatively, as the subsequent processing unit(s), two processing units each capable of having one standard container rack mounted thereon may be provided.

[0246] In a processing module according to another embodiment, processing units on which only one standard container rack is mounted may be arranged sequentially. In this case, the processing unit that performs the centrifugation function may include a balancer.

[0247] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner according to another embodiment.

[0248] The primary sample supply device 100 may be provided in a plurality of lines. The primary sample supply device 100 of each line may provide primary sample containers 120 of the same type. Primary samples supplied from the primary sample supply device 100 of the same line are pre-processed in the same processing module. In this case, the primary sample supply devices 100 and the processing modules may be provided in a number corresponding to a number of types of the primary samples. For example, when two types of primary samples are processed, two primary sample supply devices 100 and two processing modules may be provided.

[0249] FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram briefly illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system according to one embodiment, and FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram briefly illustrating a modular pre-analytic processing system according to another embodiment.

[0250] Referring to FIG. 20, the processing modules may be arranged in parallel. According to one embodiment, even when multiple types of primary samples are supplied through one primary sample supply device 100, the first standard container rack 210 accommodating type-specific primary samples may be distributed from the pre-process station 430 to each of the processing modules (610, 620, 630, 640).

[0251] Referring to FIG. 21, the processing modules may be arranged in series. According to one embodiment, even when multiple types of primary samples are supplied through one primary sample supply device 100, the first standard container rack 210 accommodating type-specific primary samples may be distributed from the pre-process station 430 to each of the processing modules (610, 620, 630, 640).

[0252] In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, the processing modules (610, 620, 630, 640) may be arranged in series and in parallel, respectively. A method of arranging the processing modules (610, 620, 630, 640) may vary depending on a space in which the modular pre-analytic processing system (1020, 1040) is installed.

[0253] Next, embodiments in which a standard container rack is mounted on a processing device will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 26.

[0254] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a standard container rack according to one embodiment, and FIG. 23 is a bottom view of FIG. 22.

[0255] A standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment of this disclosure may include a body including a top surface, a pair of first side surfaces facing each other in a first direction, and a pair of second side surfaces facing each other in a second direction.

[0256] In addition, the standard container rack 210 may include an insertion hole structure formed on the top surface of the body and configured such that a tube is inserted from above. The insertion hole structure includes an insertion hole 211a, which is an opening into which the tube is inserted, and is configured to support the inserted tube. The insertion hole structure may further include a structure that maintains the tube vertically. Hereinafter, the insertion hole 211a and the insertion hole structure will be used in the same meaning.

[0257] In addition, the standard container rack 210 may include a gripper access passage 211b configured to penetrate the pair of first side surfaces and the top surface of the body in the first direction and to pass through the insertion hole 211a. The gripper access passage 211b may allow a gripper to enter to a position lower than the top surface of the body. Alternatively, the gripper access passage 211b may allow the gripper to enter at a position lower than a surface on which the standard container rack 210 supports the tube. The gripper may include a tube transfer gripper for transferring a tube and a decapping gripper for decapping / capping a tube.

[0258] In addition, the standard container rack 210 may include a mounting cavity 212a having a recessed shape upward from a bottom surface. The standard container rack 210 is configured to be mounted on a processing device, and when mounted on a heater among the processing device, the mounting cavity 212a may be formed by opening the bottom surface so that a heating portion of the heater can be close to the tube. Further, a space between the opening of the insertion hole 211a and the opening of the mounting cavity 212a may be empty in a vertical direction. That is, heat of the heater may be directly transferred to the tube inserted into the insertion hole 211a through the mounting cavity 212a.

[0259] The insertion hole 211a, the gripper access passage 211b, and the mounting cavity 212a may form a space connected to each other. Specifically, the insertion hole 211a and the gripper access passage 211b may form a space connected in a row direction, and the insertion hole 211a and the mounting cavity 212a may form a space connected in a vertical direction.

[0260] The standard container rack 210 may be manufactured by injection molding. A material of the standard container rack 210 may be a composite plastic or a thermoplastic. The body may be generally hollow.

[0261] The standard container rack 210 may be divided into an upper solid part that supports the tube and a lower shell part. The solid part located at an upper portion may prevent twisting of a portion supporting the tube so that the tube can be maintained vertically, and may prevent deformation due to pressure when a transporting unit grips the standard container rack 210. The shell part located at a lower portion may provide the mounting cavity 212a. In addition, the shell part may reduce weight of the standard container rack 210 and may reduce a manufacturing cost.

[0262] The solid part may be formed up to a position adjacent to a lower end of the gripper access passage 211b. In the drawings, the lower end of the gripper access passage 211b is located below the solid part; however, alternatively, the lower end of the gripper access passage 211b may be located at the same level as a lower end of the solid part or above the lower end of the solid part.

[0263] The standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment of this disclosure may include an upper body 211, a lower body 212, and a stepped portion 213 connecting the upper body 211 and the lower body 212.

[0264] The standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment of this disclosure may include an opening 211a into which a tube is inserted, and a support portion that supports the tube. In addition, the standard container rack 210 may maintain the placed tube in an upright state without tilting.

[0265] The standard container rack 210 may be divided into the upper body 211 located above the stepped portion 213 and the lower body 212 located below the stepped portion 213. The upper body 211 and the lower body 212 may be integrally formed to provide one body. The standard container rack 210 may be manufactured by injection molding. In some cases, the upper body 211 and the lower body 212 may be manufactured separately and configured to be coupled to each other. Coupling of the upper body 211 and the lower body 212 may use a mechanical coupling structure or bonding. The bonding may include various methods such as thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and bonding using an adhesive.

[0266] The upper body 211 may provide an upper surface in which the insertion hole 211a into which the tube is inserted is formed, and the lower body 212 may be configured to be mounted on the processing device.

[0267] The standard container rack 210 may be provided such that two or more tubes are placed thereon. When two or more tubes are placed, the standard container rack 210 may be provided as a strip type arranged in one column, or may be provided as a plate type arranged in columns and rows.

[0268] Hereinafter, a standard container rack 210 in which four tubes can be placed in one column will be described as an example with reference to the drawings.

[0269] In the standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment, four tubes may be placed in one column. Diameters of the tubes placed on the standard container rack 210 may be the same. However, as long as diameters of the tubes are not greater than a diameter of the insertion hole 211a, tubes having different diameters may be placed together.

[0270] The insertion hole 211a structure may include a vertical support surface that extends downward from the opening and has the same inner diameter as the opening. The vertical support surface may have a shape of a portion of a cylinder. The vertical support surface may support an outer side of a cylindrical portion of the tube so that the tube is maintained vertically. The reason that the vertical support surface has a shape of a portion of a cylinder rather than a cylindrical shape is that the gripper access passage 211b intersects therewith.

[0271] The lower body 212 of the standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment may be configured not to interfere with the tube. Specifically, the mounting cavity 212a may be formed in the lower body 212 of the standard container rack 210 so as not to interfere with the tube.

[0272] In general, in a tube rack, a tube inserted through an opening is supported on a bottom surface. However, in the standard container rack 210, because the bottom surface is open to form the mounting cavity 212a, the tube may be supported on the top surface of the body. Specifically, a cylindrical portion of the tube is inserted through the insertion hole 211a, and a flange portion protruding outward from an outer circumferential surface below a cap of the tube is configured to be supported around the insertion hole 211a. That is, the tube may be placed in a suspended state around the insertion hole 211a.

[0273] The upper body 211 may include a plurality of insertion holes 211a arranged in a column direction, and in each of the insertion holes 211a, both sides in a row direction perpendicular to the column direction may be connected to the gripper access passage 211b. That is, a plurality of tube grippers may simultaneously pass through the gripper access passage 211b to grip tubes, respectively.

[0274] The standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment of this disclosure is mounted on the processing device, and furthermore, a process may proceed in a mounted state. In one embodiment, the processing device may be a sample pre-analytic processing device. The processing device may include various means for homogenizing a sample or a reagent inside a tube or for transferring heat to a sample or a reagent. For example, the processing device may include a centrifuge, a vortexer, a spinner, a heater, or a cooler.

[0275] The standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment may include a structure mounted on the processing device.

[0276] FIGS. 24 to 26 are conceptual diagrams illustrating a state in which a mountable standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment of this disclosure is mounted on a processing device according to one embodiment.

[0277] FIG. 24

[0278] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the standard container rack 210 is mounted on a first processing device 600-1.

[0279] Referring to FIG. 24, the standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment may include a pin hole 214, and the first processing device 600-1 may include a pin 602-1 fitted into the pin hole 214. One side of the pin 602-1 of the first processing device 600-1 may be supported by an elastic member, and a portion inserted into the pin hole 214 may have a rounded shape. In order to mount the standard container rack 210 on the first processing device 600-1, an external force sufficient to compress the elastic member that supports the pin 602-1 of the processing device is required, and a certain level of external force is also required to detach the standard container rack 210.

[0280] The pin hole 214 may be formed in the lower body 212. In addition, the pin hole 214 may be provided on each of both lateral side surfaces of the lower body 212, and two or more pin holes 214 may be provided in a column direction on each side surface.

[0281] A mounting portion of the processing device 600-1 may be inserted into the lower body 212 through the mounting cavity 212a. In this case, the pin 602-1 of the processing device 600-1 may be coupled outward toward the lower body 212 in the mounting cavity 212a.

[0282] The mounting cavity 212a of the lower body 212 may include an inclined surface having a width increasing downward. In addition, the mounting portion of the processing device 600-1 may also include an inclined surface corresponding thereto. Accordingly, an entrance of the mounting cavity 212a is provided with a width greater than a tip end of the mounting portion of the processing device 600-1, and thus an allowable tolerance when mounting the standard container rack 210 may be increased. Even when a transporting unit 930 (see FIG. 25) places the standard container rack 210 at a somewhat misaligned position, the inclined surface of the mounting cavity 212a may move along the mounting portion of the processing device 600-1 and may guide the standard container rack 210 to a set position.

[0283] The standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment may include a structure capable of transferring heat between the processing device 600-1 and a tube 221. Here, heat transfer includes heating the tube by the processing device and releasing heat of the tube to the processing device.

[0284] The standard container rack 210 may provide the mounting cavity 212a on a bottom surface of the lower body 212 to facilitate heat transfer after mounting the tube rack on a heater or a cooler. The mounting cavity 212a may expose a lower portion of the placed tube 221 to the processing device 600-1. As one example, the entire bottom surface of the standard container rack 210 may be open to provide the mounting cavity 212a.

[0285] The processing device 600-1 illustrated in FIG. 24 may be a heater or a cooler. For effective heat transfer, it is preferable that a lower portion of the tube contacts or is close to the heater or cooler. A cavity 601-1 configured to receive the lower portion of the tube may be formed in the mounting portion of the processing device 600-1 inserted through the mounting cavity 212a of the standard container rack 210. A tube received in the cavity 601-1 of the processing device may undergo heat transfer by conduction and / or radiation.

[0286] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the standard container rack is mounted on a second processing device.

[0287] The standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment may be configured to be inserted into a cavity 601-2 of a processing device 600-2 according to a second embodiment. The lower body 212 may be inserted into the cavity 601-2 of the processing device 600-2, and may have a shape corresponding to the cavity 601-2.

[0288] The lower body 212 may include an inclined surface having a width decreasing downward. In addition, the cavity 601-2 of the processing device 600-2 may also include an inclined surface corresponding thereto. Accordingly, an entrance of the cavity 601-2 of the processing device 600-2 is provided with a width greater than a tip end of the lower body 212, and thus an allowable tolerance when mounting the standard container rack 210 may be increased. Even when the transporting unit 930 places the standard container rack 210 at a somewhat misaligned position, the inclined surface of the lower body 212 may move along the inclined surface of the cavity 601-2 and may guide the standard container rack 210 to a set position.

[0289] The standard container rack 210 according to one embodiment may include a stepped portion 213 configured to be caught by a locking structure 602-2 of the processing device 600-2. The stepped portion 213 may form a locking jaw extending outward from the upper body 211.

[0290] The locking structure 602-2 may adopt various types of a lever or latch structure that rotates or slides.

[0291] Referring to FIG. 25(a), the locking structure 602-2 may be in a state in which an upper end is open outward of an entrance of the cavity 601-2 and a lower end is closed inward of the cavity 601-2. Referring to FIG. 25(b), while the lower body 212 of the descending standard container rack 210 pushes the lower end of the locking structure 602-2 and is inserted into the cavity 601-2, the locking structure 602-2 rotates and an upper end blocks above the stepped portion 213, thereby switching to a locked state.

[0292] Although not shown in the drawings, the locking structure 602-2 may be configured to maintain a closed state. Accordingly, separation of the standard container rack 210 from the cavity 601-2 during operation of the processing device 600-2 may be prevented.

[0293] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the standard container rack is mounted on a third processing device.

[0294] The third processing device 600-3 according to one embodiment may be a centrifuge. A standard container rack 210 may be detachably mounted on the third processing device 600-3. Although omitted in the drawings, a standard container may be placed on the standard container rack 210. For example, when two standard container racks 210 are mounted on the third processing device 600-3, eight standard containers may be centrifuged simultaneously.

[0295] The third processing device 600-3 may include a locking structure 602-3 that is the same as the locking structure 602-2 of the second processing device 600-2 described with reference to FIG. 25.

[0296] The third processing device 600-3 may include a rotating portion 604 and a mounting portion 603 on which the standard container rack 210 is detachably mounted.

[0297] The rotating portion 604 may be coupled to a rotation shaft 604a located at a center of the device and may be configured to rotate together with the rotation shaft 604a. The rotating portion 604 may include an inclined surface provided to be inclined upward relative to a horizontal plane. Preferably, the rotating portion 604 may include a pair of inclined surfaces facing each other with respect to the rotation shaft 604a. In addition, the mounting portion 603 may be coupled to each inclined surface of the rotating portion 604. By configuring weight distribution on both sides with respect to the rotation shaft 604a to be symmetrical, vibration during rotation may be suppressed.

[0298] The mounting portion 603 may be configured to be rotatable relative to the rotating portion 604. For example, the mounting portion 603 may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis 603a perpendicular to the inclined surface of the rotating portion 604. When the mounting portion 603 rotates by 180 degrees about the rotation axis 603a, an arrangement of the standard containers placed on the mounted standard container rack 210 is reversed. Accordingly, the standard containers placed on the standard container rack 210 may be centrifuged at the same level.

[0299] One of a pair of standard container racks 210 facing each other may be a balancer. When one standard container rack 210 is coupled to the mounting portion 603, a balancer may be mounted on the opposite mounting portion 603 so that weight distribution can be uniformly adjusted.

[0300] In addition, because a centrifuge may rotate at a speed as high as 15,000 RPM or higher, a locking structure for preventing separation of the standard container rack 210 may be required. However, the drawings do not illustrate a structure for preventing separation of the tube from the standard container rack 210. A conventional technique may be adopted for this.

[0301] As described above, although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims.

[0302] The present disclosure may be applied to devices for pre-analytically processing samples. For example, the present disclosure is applicable to a pre-analytic processing system that can pre-process various types of samples such as urine, LBC, semen, FFPE, saliva, respiratory sputum, tuberculosis sputum, bronchial washing, and stool.

Claims

1.A modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner, comprising:a primary sample supply device configured to supply a plurality of primary sample containers containing a primary sample;a first standard container supply device configured to supply a standard container rack having multiple holding sections, each of which holds a standard container;a first dispensing unit configured to dispense the primary sample from the primary sample container to the corresponding standard containers;a processing device comprising a processing module, the processing module including a plurality of processing units configured to accommodate the standard container rack and perform a pre-analytic process; anda first transporting unit configured to transport the standard container rack supplied by the first standard container supply device to the processing device;wherein the standard container rack is mounted on each of the processing units.2.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein each of the processing units is configured to simultaneously process the plurality of standard containers placed on the standard container rack.3.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein each of the processing units comprises a mounting section on which the standard container rack is detachably mounted.4.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit among the processing units that performs a centrifugation function includes two mounting sections.5.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit among the processing units that performs a centrifugation function is configured such that a balancer positioned symmetrically with respect to a rotation center is mounted relative to the mounting section.6.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing units are arranged sequentially, and wherein the processing unit configured to centrifuge and at least one processing unit subsequent thereto are configured to operate with a plurality of standard container racks mounted thereon.7.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control the operation of the processing module according to a selected pre-analytic process among multiple pre-analytic processes based on the type of the primary sample supplied by the primary sample supply device.8.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing device comprises a plurality of processing modules each configured to independently perform the pre-analytic process.9.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 8, further comprising a controller configured to control the operation of each processing module according to a selected pre-analytic process among multiple pre-analytic processes based on the type of the primary sample supplied by the primary sample supply device, and to operate the processing modules independently.10.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 9, wherein the standard container transporting unit is configured to transport the standard container rack to a selected one of the processing modules.11.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, further comprising a first identification sensor configured to acquire information regarding the type of the primary sample from an identification mark of the primary sample container or a sample rack on which the primary sample containers are placed.12.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 11, further comprising a controller configured to select a specific pre-analytic process based on the information on the primary sample acquired by the first identification sensor, and to control the operation of the processing module according to the selected pre-analytic process.13.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of sets, each comprising the primary sample supply device and the corresponding processing module, are provided, and the primary sample supply device of each set is configured to supply a different type of primary sample.14.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing device comprises a plurality of processing modules, a plurality of the processing modules correspond to a single primary sample supply device,wherein the primary sample supply device configured to supply a plurality of types of primary samples, andwherein different processing modules are operated to perform different pre-analytic processes.15.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing units are arranged in a first direction, and the processing device comprises a plurality of processing modules arranged in parallel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.16.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 15, wherein the processing device further comprises a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit is placed, and the standard container transporting unit is configured to transport the standard container rack placed on the pre-process station to each of the processing modules.17.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing units are arranged in a first direction, and the processing device comprises a plurality of processing modules arranged in series in the first direction.18.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 17, wherein the processing device further comprises a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit is placed, and the standard container transporting unit is configured to transport the standard container rack placed on the pre-process station to each of the processing modules.19.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing units are arranged in a first direction and are configured to be rearrangeable and replaceable.20.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the processing units is configured to selectively perform at least two of a vortexing function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function in different runs.21.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the processing units is configured to perform at least two of a vortexing function, a centrifugation function, a spin-down function, and a heating function in a single run.22.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing module is configured to variably operate to perform at least two different pre-analytic processes among a plurality of pre-analytic processes depending on the type of the primary sample supplied by the primary sample supply device.23.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to determine, based on the information of the primary sample acquired by the first identification sensor, whether (i) a reagent pre-filled in the standard container supplied by the first standard container supply device is required or (ii) the reagent is not required, and to control the first standard container supply device to supply a pre-filled standard container when the reagent is determined to be required.24.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, further comprising a primary sample storage device configured to store the primary sample container after the sample dispensing unit dispenses the primary sample from the primary sample container into the corresponding standard container, wherein the primary sample storage device is configured to be temperature-controllable.25.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, further comprising a standard container storage device configured to store the standard containers supplied by the first standard container supply device.26.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 25, wherein the standard container storage device is configured to store empty standard containers and reagent-prefilled standard containers.27.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 26, wherein the standard container storage device comprises a storage region for storing the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers, and a gripper configured to deliver the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers from the storage region to the first standard container supply device.28.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 27, wherein the gripper of the standard container storage device is configured to receive a standard container rack on which the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers are placed.29.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 26, wherein the standard container storage device comprises a storage region for storing the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers, an interface configured to interact with the first standard container supply device, and an ejecting unit configured to eject the empty standard containers or the reagent-prefilled standard containers from the storage region to the interface.30.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 29, wherein the interface is configured such that the standard container rack on which the standard containers are placed is located thereon.31.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing device further comprises a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit is placed, and a post-process station on which a post-processing container rack, which holds a container containing a processed sample after the pre-analytic process performed in the processing module, is placed.32.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 31, further comprising a collection station including a plurality of collection sections on which the post-processing container rack transported from the post-process station is placed,wherein the post-processing container racks accommodated in each of the collection sections are derived from different types of primary samples.33.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 32, further comprising a gripper corresponding to each of the processing modules and configured to move the standard container rack placed on the processing module to the collection sections.34.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, further comprising a second identification sensor configured to acquire identification mark information of a post-processing container rack that holds a container containing a sample processed by the pre-analytic process in the processing module.35.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing device further comprises:a process-preparation station configured to be placed a tip rack on which a plurality of pipette tips are mounted and a reagent container rack on which at least types of reagent containers are mounted; anda process-dispensing unit configured to couple with a pipette tip from the process-preparation station and then dispense a reagent from the process-preparation station into the standard container of the processing module.36.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, further comprising a second standard container supply device configured to transport the standard container rack to the processing device along a movement path that is not parallel to the movement path of the standard container transporting unit.37.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 36, wherein the standard container transporting unit is a gripper configured to pick the standard container rack from the first standard container supply device and transport it to the processing device, and the second standard container supply device is a conveyor configured to transport the standard container rack from outside the first standard container supply device to the processing device.38.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the processing device further comprises a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit is placed, andwherein the modular pre-analytic processing system further comprises a second standard container supply device configured to transport the standard container rack to the pre-process station along a movement path that is not parallel to the movement path of the standard container transporting unit.39.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the primary sample supply device is configured to supply a primary sample container rack having a plurality of holding sections on which the primary sample containers are mounted, and the primary sample container rack corresponds to the standard container rack in a one-to-one relationship.40.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 39, wherein the sample dispensing unit comprises a plurality of pipettes, and a distance between the pipettes is configured to be adjustable.41.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, further comprising at least one decapping unit configured to perform one or more of the following: (i) simultaneously opening and closing caps of the plurality of primary sample containers mounted on the primary sample container rack, (ii) simultaneously opening and closing caps of the plurality of standard containers mounted on the standard container rack, and (iii) simultaneously opening and closing caps of the plurality of standard containers mounted on the standard container rack of the processing module.42.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, further comprising a collection part including a plurality of collection stations each configured to be placed an assay rack holding a plurality of sample containers, wherein the sample containers placed on different collection stations are prepared for different assay procedures.43.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 42, wherein the assay procedures include at least one of pathogen infection testing, blood screening, mutation testing, drug resistance testing, genotyping, chromosomal testing, and disease-marker identification.44.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 42, wherein the assay procedures include a procedure for pathogen infection testing selected from the group consisting of: sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, respiratory infection testing, tuberculosis (TB) infection testing, gastrointestinal (GI) infection testing, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, dermatophyte infection testing, tropical fever testing, and implant infection testing.45.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the primary sample supply device is configured to transport a plurality of primary sample container racks each having a plurality of holding sections on which the primary sample containers are mounted, andwherein the first standard container supply device is configured to transport the same number of standard container racks as the number of sample container racks transported by the primary sample supply device.46.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the assay procedures include at least one of pathogen infection testing, blood screening, mutation testing, drug resistance testing, genotyping, chromosomal testing, and disease-marker identification.47.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 1, wherein the sample dispensing unit comprises a plurality of pipettes, and a distance between the pipettes is configured to be adjustable.48.A modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner, comprising:a primary sample supply device configured to supply a primary sample rack on which a plurality of primary sample containers containing a primary sample are mounted;a first standard container supply device configured to supply a standard container rack on which a plurality of standard containers are mounted;a sample dispensing unit configured to dispense the primary sample from the primary sample container to the corresponding standard container;a processing device comprising a processing module including a plurality of processing units configured to perform a pre-analytic process; anda standard container transporting unit configured to transport the standard container rack supplied by the first standard container supply device to the processing module;wherein the primary samples are transported from the primary sample supply device to the processing module on a rack basis.49.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 48, further comprising:a supply station on which the primary sample rack supplied by the primary sample supply device is placed;a first standard container station on which the standard container rack supplied by the first standard container supply device is placed;a pre-process station on which the standard container rack transported by the standard container transporting unit is placed; anda primary sample transporting unit configured to transport the primary sample rack supplied by the primary sample supply device to the supply station;wherein the standard container transporting unit is configured to transport the standard container rack placed on the pre-process station to the processing module.50.The modular pre-analytic processing system of claim 49, further comprising:a second standard container supply device configured to supply the standard container rack to the processing device along a movement path that is not parallel to the movement path of the standard container transporting unit; anda second standard container station on which the standard container rack supplied by the second standard container supply device is placed;wherein the standard container transporting unit is configured to transport the standard container rack placed on the second standard container station to the processing module.51.A modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner, comprising:a primary sample supply device configured to supply a primary sample rack on which a plurality of primary sample containers are mounted;a first identification sensor configured to acquire information on the type of the primary sample from an identification mark of the primary sample container or the primary sample rack;a first standard container supply device configured to supply a standard container rack on which a plurality of standard containers are mounted;a sample dispensing unit configured to dispense the primary sample from the primary sample container to the corresponding standard container;a processing device comprising a processing module including a plurality of processing units configured to perform a pre-analytic process; anda controller;wherein all the primary sample containers mounted on the primary sample rack accommodate the same type of primary sample, andwherein the controller is configured to perform the pre-analytic process on the primary sample in the standard container rack according to the information on the primary sample type acquired from the first identification sensor.52.A method of operating a modular pre-analytic processing system in a bundle manner, comprising:supplying a primary sample rack on which a plurality of primary sample containers containing a primary sample are mounted;acquiring information on the type of the primary sample from an identification mark of the primary sample container or the primary sample rack;selecting a pre-analytic process among a plurality of pre-analytic processes based on the acquired information regarding the type of the primary sample;supplying a standard container rack on which a plurality of empty standard containers or reagent-prefilled standard containers are mounted according to the selected pre-analytic process;dispensing the primary sample from each of the primary sample containers to the corresponding standard container; andperforming the selected pre-analytic process while the standard container rack, on which the standard containers after dispensing are mounted, is in a mounted state.

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