Automatic Analyzer Emergency Sample Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face delays in processing emergency samples due to the need to complete analysis of all samples on the conveyance path before prioritizing emergency samples, especially when multiple analysis items are requested for a sample, leading to prolonged dispensing times and potential delays in reporting results.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that prioritizes emergency samples by temporarily stopping non-emergency rack transfers, using a buffer with random accessibility, and optimizing rack conveyance to ensure emergency samples are processed immediately without replacing existing racks, allowing for efficient conveyance to the analysis unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple racks are conveyed sequentially from the buffer to the sample dispensing position, then the conveyance system can handle normal sample processing, but the analysis of emergency samples is delayed until all samples on the conveyance path are completed
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance control system dynamically adjusts rack transfer operations based on emergency sample detection. When emergency samples are detected, the system modifies the conveyance schedule to prioritize emergency racks by returning non-emergency racks to the buffer and preventing new racks from being carried in, thereby reducing emergency sample analysis delay while maintaining normal productivity during non-emergency operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of emergency samples at the rack input section before they reach the sample dispensing position. This early detection allows the conveyance control to proactively adjust the conveyance path and prioritize emergency racks, preventing delay before it occurs rather than reacting after the delay has begun
2Productivity
If racks are returned to the buffer to prioritize emergency samples, then emergency samples can be conveyed preferentially, but waiting time occurs due to route overlap between carrying-in and carrying-out operations
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance path is segmented into distinct operational zones: rack input section, buffer section, and sample dispensing position. This segmentation allows independent control of rack carry-in and carry-out operations, enabling the system to return racks to the buffer without blocking the emergency sample path, thereby reducing transfer waiting time while maintaining conveyance priority
3Productivity
If the number of racks to be carried in is limited, then emergency samples can be processed faster, but the processing time for samples with multiple analysis items is extended due to prolonged dispensing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance control implements local quality management by applying different carry-in limits to different rack types and analysis sections. Emergency racks are exempt from carry-in limits and receive preferential treatment, while normal racks subject to limits. This localized differentiation allows the system to accelerate emergency sample processing without excessively extending dispensing time for multi-item normal samples
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an automatic analyzer capable of conveying emergency samples to an analysis device and starting analysis of emergency samples immediately and efficiently without replacing racks when emergency samples are installed in the automatic analyzer. In determination whether a rack inputted to the automatic analyzer by the user is transferred to an analysis section or not, samples existing in a route from a buffer to a sample dispensing position in the analysis section are identified, and the number of items in which suction by a nozzle has not been completed in analysis items requested for the samples is managed. When the number of items is reduced to be smaller than a given number, the conveyance of a next rack from the buffer to the analysis section is controlled, thereby limiting the number of analysis items requested for samples in a waiting state for analysis in the analysis section constantly to be smaller than a fixed number, as a result, a period of time until a measurement result of emergency samples is outputted can be reduced even when emergency samples are newly inputted.