JP2003066050A - Specimen examination system and carrying control device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the suction frequency of a specimen to one. SOLUTION: The specimen is sorted to the most upstream side device group of device groups such that the measurement items (set items) of a device group perfectly include the items to be measured (order items) for the specimen. For example, the device groups include the upstream device group A (set item: a), a central device group B (set item: a, b), and a downstream device group C (set item: a, b, c). A specimen S001 (order item: a) is sorted to the device group A, and a specimen S002 (order item: a, b, c) is sorted to the device group C. Since each specimen requires only one suction, the specimen amount necessary for examination is reduced to reduce the load on a subject. The efficiency of examination is also improved.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for transporting a sample in a sample testing system in which a plurality of measuring devices are arranged along a transport line of a sample rack.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a sample inspection system in which a plurality of measuring devices are arranged along a transport line of a sample rack, for example, an automatic chemical measuring device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-180763 and a multi-sample measuring system described in Japanese Patent No. An item measuring device is included. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-180763, for example, when a measurement item a with a large number of requests and measurement items b and c with a small number of requests coexist, the measurement item a in the analysis module M1 constituting the automatic chemical analyzer is Only the measurement items b and c are measured by the analysis module M2. The measurement items of each analysis module are set so that the number of processing cases of each analysis module is averaged.

The technique described in Japanese Patent No. 3031242 aims to balance both the speed at which the processing of all samples is completed and the processing speed for individual samples in the sample testing system. In this system, if a subsequent sample does not require measurement by the measuring device M1 among a plurality of samples flowing from the upstream measuring device M1 to the downstream measuring device M2, the subsequent sample is the preceding sample. Can overtake.

[0004]

However, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-1 is used.
The techniques described in Japanese Patent No. 80763 and Japanese Patent No. 3031242 may cause a single sample to be sucked a plurality of times. For example, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-180763, among measurement items a and b required for a certain sample,
When the measurement item a is measured by the analysis module M1 and the measurement item b is measured by the analysis module M2, it is necessary to suck the specimens by the analysis modules M1 and M2, respectively. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a large amount of specimens, which imposes a heavy physical burden on the subject. In addition, by performing aspiration a plurality of times on one sample, the number of times of aspiration of the entire sample inspection system may increase. Patent No. 30
A similar problem exists in the technique described in No. 312242.

In order to complete the measurement with one suction for one sample, it is conceivable to set all the measurement items so that all the measurement items can be measured. In this method, it is necessary to set up all the reagents of the measurement item with a high request frequency and the reagents of the measurement item with a low request frequency in all of the measuring devices constituting the system. However, the reagents used for measurement have an expiration date. Therefore, it is highly likely that the reagent of the measurement item that is requested less frequently will expire before it is used up. The waste of the reagent leads to an increase in the cost burden on the user of the sample testing system such as a medical institution or a laboratory.

An object of the present invention is to suppress the number of times of aspirating a sample. Another object of the present invention is to prevent waste of reagents.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present application provides a sample testing system for carrying out a sample test, the system comprising the following components A to D. A: a group of transporting devices that configure a transporting path for transporting a sample, B: a group of measuring devices that are arranged along the transporting path, and measure the sample, C: each measuring device included in the group of measuring devices Device storage means for storing measurable test items (hereinafter referred to as setting items) for each measuring device, D: order storage means for storing order items to be measured for the sample.

In this system, any one of the measuring devices having setting items including all the order items described above can
For example, serum is measured. The measuring device is a device that measures a sample for a sample test, and examples thereof include a blood coagulation measuring device and an immunoagglutination measuring device. The inspection items that can be measured by the measuring device (hereinafter referred to as setting items) are
It is determined by the type of reagent loaded in the measuring device. The order item is an inspection item for which a doctor requests an inspection department to perform an inspection, and examples thereof include PT, APTT, and Hbg.

In this system, the sample is transported to the measuring device in which the setting items including the order items of the sample are set. For example, it is assumed that the setting items of the measuring device A are set to (a, b) and the setting items of the measuring device B are set to (a, b, c) (hereinafter, the measuring device and its setting items will be referred to as the measuring device A, for example). (A, b), measuring device B (a,
b))). The sample order items are (a, b,
In the case of c), this sample is measured by the measuring device B. Therefore, the number of times of aspirating the sample is only one, and the measurement can be performed with the minimum required amount of the sample. The device storage means and the order storage means are configured using a CD-ROM, a hard disk, or the like.

The second invention of the present application is the same as the first invention.
Provided is a sample inspection system which measures the sample with a measuring device having the smallest number of setting items among the measuring devices having setting items including all the order items. For example, the setting items of the three measuring devices A, B, and C are the measuring devices A (a,
b), measuring device B (a, b, c), measuring device C (a,
b, c, d). When the order item of the sample is (a, b, c), the measuring devices capable of measuring this order item are the measuring device B and the measuring device C, but the measuring device B having a smaller number of setting items performs the measurement. It is advisable to set measurement items with high measurement frequency in many measurement devices and reduce the number of devices for which measurement items with low measurement frequency are set. It is possible to prevent the test efficiency from being lowered due to the concentration of the sample on the measuring device having a large number of setting items. In addition, it is possible to prevent waste of the reagent.

The third invention of the present application is the same as the first invention,
The device storage means stores the setting items Mj of arbitrary measuring devices included in the measuring device group arranged along the transport path, which are located upstream of the measuring device in the transport direction on the transport path. The setting item of each measuring device that is set to be the same as or including (Mj ⊇ Mi) the setting item Mi is stored for each measuring device, and the measuring device having the setting item including all the order items is stored. There is provided a sample inspection system for measuring the sample with a measuring device located at the most upstream side.

For example, the setting items of the three measuring devices A, B and C are, in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction on the conveying path, measuring device A (a, b), measuring device B (a, b, c), It is assumed that the measuring device C (a, b, c, d) is set. When the order item of the sample is (a, b, c), the measuring devices capable of measuring this order item are the measuring device B and the measuring device C. In this case, the measurement is performed by the measuring device B on the most upstream side.

In a fourth invention of the present application, in the first to third inventions: -By classifying the measuring device group based on a setting item, a plurality of device groups including at least one measuring device are generated; A sample testing system that specifies a device group capable of measuring all of the order items based on the setting items of each device group and the order item, and measures the sample with any of the measuring devices included in the device group. I will provide a.

Here, the device group is composed of measuring devices having common setting items and includes at least one measuring device. For example, if the setting items of the measuring devices A, B, and C are measuring device A (a, b), measuring device B (a, b), and measuring device C (a, b, c), measuring devices A and B Form a group G1 and the device C forms a group G2. As the device for measuring the sample having the order item (a, b), one of the devices A and B included in the group G1 is selected.

The fifth invention of the present application is the same as the fourth invention.
There is provided a sample testing system that selects a measuring device for measuring the sample so that the number of measurement cases of each measuring device included in a device group capable of measuring all the order items is averaged. Which of the measuring devices A and B belonging to the same group G1 is to be used for measurement is preferably determined so that the number of measurement cases of these measuring devices is averaged. The averaging of the number of measurement cases of the measuring device means that the number of times the measuring device A sucks the sample and the number of times the measuring device B sucks the sample are substantially equal. For example, of the samples having the order items (a, b), the first sample is measured by the measuring device A, the second sample is measured by the measuring device B, and the third sample is measured again by the measuring device A, Similarly, the fourth and subsequent measuring devices may be alternately measured by the measuring device A or the measuring device B.

In a sixth invention of the present application, in the first to fifth inventions, the setting items of the respective measuring devices are acquired from the respective carrier devices or the respective measuring devices corresponding to the respective measuring devices and stored in the device storing means. Provided is a sample testing system further comprising a device information acquisition means for storing. Normally, the setting items of each measuring device are set by a medical institution, a testing institution (hereinafter, simply referred to as a user), or a sample testing system seller when the device is installed. The setting items are transmitted from the measurement device to the device information acquisition means via the transport device immediately after the power of the sample inspection system is turned on. Of course, the setting items are
It may be directly transmitted from the measuring device to the device information acquisition means.

The seventh invention of the present application is, in the first to sixth inventions, an order management device that receives an input of an order item and stores the input item, a request of the order management device to provide the order item, and There is provided a sample testing system further comprising an order acquisition unit that acquires and stores the order in the order storage unit.

The sample testing system according to the present invention acquires the order item of the sample from the order management device which receives the input of the order item. An eighth invention of the present application provides the sample testing system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein each of the measuring devices included in the measuring device group is a blood coagulation measuring device. The ninth invention of the present application provides a transport control program for causing a computer to function as a transport control device used in a sample testing system for performing a sample test. This program causes the computer to function as the following A to D means. A: Connection means for connecting to each of the transport device groups that configure the transport path for transporting the sample, B: Included in the measurement device group that is arranged along the transport path and performs the measurement for the sample test Device storage means for storing, for each measurement device, an inspection item (hereinafter referred to as a setting item) that can be measured by each measurement device, C: an order storage device for storing an order item to be measured for the sample, D: the order Control means for controlling the transport device group and / or the measurement device group in order to measure the sample with any measurement device having setting items including all items.

The tenth invention of the present application provides a transportation control method used in a sample inspection system for performing a sample test. This method includes the following steps AD. A: Connection step for connecting to each of a group of transporting devices that configures a transporting path for transporting a sample or to each of measuring devices that are arranged along the transporting path and that measure the sample, B: the measuring device Is a device storage step for storing measurable measurement items (hereinafter referred to as setting items) for each measurement device, C: an order storage step for storing order items to be measured for the sample, D: including all the order items A control step of controlling the transport device group and / or the measurement device group in order to measure the sample with any measurement device having a setting item.

The eleventh invention of the present application provides a conveyance control device including the following means A to D. A: Connection means for connecting to each of the transport devices that form the transport path for transporting the sample, B: Measurement items that can be measured by each of the measurement devices that are arranged along the transport path and that measure the sample Device storage means for storing (hereinafter, referred to as setting item) for each measuring device, C: Order storage means for storing order items to be measured for the sample, D: Any having setting items including all the order items Control means for controlling the transport device group and / or the measurement device group in order to measure the sample with the measurement device.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION <Outline of the Invention> An object of the present invention is to reduce the number of times of aspiration of a sample to one. In order to achieve this object, first, the measuring devices are classified based on the inspection items (hereinafter referred to as setting items) that can be measured by the measuring devices, and a device group including the measuring devices having the same setting items is generated. A device group in which the setting items of the device group completely include the items to be measured for the sample (hereinafter referred to as order items), and any of the measuring devices included in the device group having the smallest number of setting items, Measure the sample.

For example, a device group G1 whose setting item is "a" (hereinafter referred to as device group G1 (setting item: a)), device group G2 (setting item: a,
b), the device group G3 (setting items: a, b, c) is arranged in the order of the device group G1, the device group G2, and the device group G3 from the upstream side in the sample transport direction. Order item "a", sample number S00 that identifies the sample
Sample No. 1 (hereinafter referred to as Sample S001 (order item: a)) can be measured by any device group, but is measured by the most upstream device group G1 with the smallest number of setting items. It Similarly, the sample S002 (order item: a, b) is measured in the device group G2 of the device groups G2 and G3. When a plurality of measuring devices are included in each device group, it is preferable to distribute the samples so that the number of measurement cases of the measuring devices in the group is averaged.

In the present invention, since the number of times of aspiration of each sample is only one, the amount of sample required for the test is reduced, and it is not necessary to take a new sample for retesting, so Burden is reduced. <First embodiment example> [System configuration] Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a sample testing system according to a first embodiment example of the present invention. This sample inspection system includes measuring devices 1a to 1c and transport devices 2a to 2c.
c, a starting unit 3, a storage unit 4, a transfer control device 5, an order management device 6, and a host computer 7. As the sample inspection system shown in the figure, for example, CST
An example is a system in which the program of the series (manufactured by Sysmex Corporation) is changed. A label indicating the sample number, for example, a barcode is attached to the container of the sample measured by this system. Further, a bar code or the like indicating the sample rack ID is also attached to the sample rack on which the sample is mounted. The sample number is identification information for identifying the sample. The sample rack ID is identification information for identifying the sample rack.

The measuring devices 1a to 1c are devices for measuring a sample for a sample test. Examples of the measuring devices 1a to 1c include a blood coagulation measuring device and an immune agglutination measuring device. More specifically, the measuring device CA-1
500 (manufactured by Sysmex Corporation) can be mentioned. The setting items are set in each of the measuring devices 1a to 1c by a user such as a medical institution or an inspection institution. The setting item is a measurement item for a sample test, and is an item in which a reagent necessary for measurement is installed in the measurement device among the items that can be measured in terms of the performance of the measurement device. For example, setting items include PT, APTT, Fbg, TTO, HpT for a blood coagulation measuring device, and FDP, DD dimer for an immunoaggregation measuring device. The measuring devices 1a to 1c are specified on the present system by the measuring device IDs "CA0001", "CA0002" and "CA0003".
Although three measuring devices are illustrated in FIG. 1,
The number of measuring devices is not particularly limited.

The starter 3 sends the sample racks containing the samples to the transport device 2a one by one. Transport device 2a-
2c is each measuring device 1a-1c and 1 by RS232C.
They are connected to each other and transport the sample from upstream to downstream in the transport direction of the sample, that is, from the transport device 2a to the transport device 2c. Although three transfer devices are shown in this figure, the number of transfer devices is not particularly limited. The storage unit 4 stores the sample from the transport device 2c.

The transfer control device 5 includes transfer devices 2a to 2c,
It is a computer connected to the start unit 3 and the storage unit 4 by RS232C. The transfer control device 5 includes measuring devices 1a to 1
The measuring devices 1a to 1c are classified based on the setting items of c,
Create a device group. Further, the transport control device 5 distributes the sample to the transport device 2 based on the generated device group. Further, the transport control device 5 selects a measuring device (hereinafter, referred to as a destination) for measuring each sample based on the device group and the order item of each sample. The order item is an inspection item that a doctor requests the inspection department to perform an inspection.

The order management device 6 is a computer connected to the transfer control device 5 and the host computer 7 by RS232C. The order management device 6 receives from the host computer 7 the order items and the sample numbers input by the user to the host computer 7, and creates these information on the hard disk of an order database (hereinafter, the database will be referred to as DB). Save at 61. Figure 2
FIG. 9 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information accumulated in the order DB 61. The sample number and order item are 1 in the order DB 61.
It is stored in a one-to-one correspondence.

The host computer 7 is a computer connected to the order management device 6 and the measuring devices 1a to 1c by RS232C. The host computer 7 accepts the input of the sample number and the order item from the user, and transmits these pieces of information to the order management device 6. Further, the host computer 7 receives the measurement results from the measuring devices 1a to 1c and stores the measurement results in the measurement result DB 71 or the like on the hard disk of the host computer 7. As the host computer 7, PC-DPS (manufactured by Sysmex Corporation) can be exemplified.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the detailed construction of the conveying devices 2a to 2c, the starting portion 3 and the storage portion 4. As shown in FIG. First, the transport device 2 will be described. Each transport device 2a, 2b, 2c
Have the same configuration, the transport device 2a will be described here.
Will be described. The transfer device 2a has a measuring line 21a.
It has a jump line 22a, a movable part 23a, and a control part 24a. The measurement line 21a conveys the sample 8 mounted on the sample rack 9 to the suction position of the measuring apparatus 1a. Here, the suction position means the measuring device 1a.
This is the position where the sample suction pipette of can be inserted into the sample container. The jump line 22a is a transport path used for transporting the sample rack 9 to the downstream side in the transport direction when the measurement by the measuring device 1a is not performed. Movable part 23a
Is movable between the shaded portion α and the shaded portion β, and the sample rack 9 from the starting portion 3 is distributed to either the measurement line 21a or the interlaced line 22a.

The control section 24a is a computer which comprises an arithmetic section, a storage section, a receiving section and a transmitting section, and controls each section of the carrier device 2a according to an instruction from the carrier control device 5. The control unit 24a reads out the setting items of the measuring device 1a and sends them to the transport control device 5. Furthermore, the control unit 2
4a indicates to the transport controller 5 the sample number read by the barcode reader 12a from the barcode attached to the sample container and the sample rack ID read by the barcode reader 11a from the barcode attached to the sample rack 9. Send. Here, the barcode reader 12a is the measuring device 1a.
It is attached at a position where the barcode attached to the sample container 8 arranged at the suction position can be read. Further, the barcode reader 11a is attached to a position where the barcode attached to the sample rack 9 arranged on the movable portion 23a can be read.

The starting section 3 has a main body 31 for accommodating the sample racks 9 to be inserted by the user, and an input section 32 for inserting the sample racks 9 one by one into the transport device 2a.
The storage section 4 has a main body 41 that stores the sample rack 9 and a movable section 42 that is movable between a shaded portion γ and a shaded portion ε. Specimen rack 9 loaded from the start part 3 and transported to the measurement line 21c or the jump line 22c
Is moved to the shaded portion γ or the shaded portion ε by the movable portion 42 and then stored in the main body 41.

A bar code terminal 10 is provided adjacent to the starting portion 3. Bar code terminal 1
0 reads the barcode of the sample rack 9 and the barcode of the sample container 8 on the sample rack 9 loaded into the transport device 2a from the loading unit 32, and transmits the sample number and the sample rack ID to the transport control device 5. . Bar code terminal 10
Sample bar code reader, sample rack ID
BT-1 (manufactured by Sysmex Corporation) having a reading unit, a connecting unit, and a transmitting unit can be used.

Concerning the conveying devices 2a, 2b, 2c, the starting portion 3 and the storage portion 4, there are disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-141454, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-141455, and Japanese Utility Model Publication No.
No. 41456, No. Sho 63-141457,
It is described in more detail in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-141458. [Grouping and Determination of Destination] Next, the grouping of the measuring device and the allocation of the sample to the measuring device, which are the basis of the present invention, will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that the sample test system shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is used.

(1) Pattern 1 (when the bar code terminal 10 and the bar code reader 11 are not used (only the bar code reader 12 is used)) First, the case where the samples are distributed to the three device groups G1, G2 and G3 will be described. . For simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that only one sample 8 is mounted on the sample rack 9.

FIG. 4A shows four samples S001 to S0.
An example of a combination of order items for 04 is shown.
All four samples have different order items.
FIG. 4B shows the measuring devices 1a to 1c based on the setting items.
An example in which a device group including measurement devices having the same setting items is generated is shown. In this example, since the setting items of the measuring devices 1a to 1c are different from each other, three device groups G1, G2, and G3 are generated. Figure 4
FIG. 4C shows the result of allocating the sample having the order items shown in FIG. 4A to any of the device groups shown in FIG. 4B. Each sample is assigned to the group having the smallest number of setting items among the device groups of setting items including all order items of the sample. For example, the order item “a” of the sample S002 is device group G1, G
The device group which is included in both the setting items 2 and G3 but has the smallest number of setting items is G1. Therefore, the sample S002 is assigned to the device group G1.

FIG. 5A shows the device groups G1 and G.
An example of the arrangement relationship between G2 and G3 is shown. In this figure, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transport path, the device ID "CA0001"
A device group G1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a device group G1 (CA0001)), a device group G2 (CA0002), and a device group G3 (CA0) including the measuring devices of
003). Here, the setting items of the downstream device group are the same as or include the setting items of the upstream device group. That is, in FIG. 5A, the device groups are arranged so that the following expression is satisfied.

Mj⊇Mi Here, Mj: setting item of the device group Gj Mi: setting item of the device group Gi located upstream of the device group Gj In this case, a measurement item having a high measurement frequency is set in the upstream device group. However, measurement items with low measurement frequency should be set only in the downstream device group.

FIG. 5 (b) shows an outline of the processing for allocating the samples to the device groups G1, G2, G3 arranged as shown in FIG. 5 (a). First, the sample rack 9 is loaded into the transport device 2a from the starting unit 3 and the sample 8 is transported to the suction position (S1). Then, the barcode number is read by the barcode reader 12a, and the order item is read from the order DB 61. The order item of the sample is the measuring device CA0001.
If all the setting items are included (S2), the measurement of the sample (for example, S002) is performed by the measuring apparatus CA0001 (S3). After that, the movable part 23b, the jump line 2
The sample rack 9 is stored in the storage section 4 via 2b, the movable section 23c, the jump line 22c, and the movable section 42 (S4).

On the contrary, the order item of the sample is the measuring device CA00.
When it is not included in the setting item of 01 (S2), the sample 8 is introduced into the measurement line 21b and is transported to the suction position. The sample number is read by the barcode reader 12b, and the order item is read from the order DB 61. Next, it is determined whether the setting items of the measuring apparatus CA0002 include all the order items of the sample (S5).
When it is determined to be “Yes”, the sample (for example, S00
The measurement of 4) is performed by the measuring device CA0002 (S
6). Then, the sample rack 9 is stored in the storage section 4 via the movable section 23c, the jump line 22c, and the movable section 42 (S4).

The order item of the sample is the measuring apparatus CA0001.
, And CA0002 are not included in any of the setting items, the sample 8 is introduced to the measurement line 21c and transported to the suction position. The sample number is read by the barcode reader 12c, and the order item is read from the order DB 61. Next, it is determined whether or not the setting items of the measuring device CA0003 include all order items of the sample (S7). If the determination is “Yes”, the measurement device CA0003 measures the sample (eg, S003) (S8). Then, the sample rack 9 is stored in the storage section 4 via the movable section 42 (S4). Even if the order item of the sample is not included in any of the measuring devices, the sample rack 9 is moved through the movable section 23b, the jump line 22b, the movable section 23c, the jump line 22c, and the movable section 42.
Are stored in the storage section 4 (S4).

(2) Pattern 2 (when the bar code terminal 10 and the bar code reader 11 are not used (only the bar code reader 12 is used)) Next, the case where the samples are distributed to the two device groups G1 and G2 will be described. For simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that only one sample 8 is mounted on the sample rack 9.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the device group and the allocation of the sample rack 9 to the device group. The combination of the order items of the sample is the same as that in FIG. FIG. 6B shows another example of classification of measuring devices. In this example, the setting items of the measuring devices 1a and 1b are the same and the setting items of the measuring device 1c are different from the others, so that the two measuring devices 1a and 1b form the device group G1 and the measuring device 1c forms the device group G2. Is formed.

FIG. 6 (c) shows the result of distributing the sample to any of the device groups shown in FIG. 6 (b).
Also here, as in the case of FIG. 4, each sample is a device group of setting items including all order items of the sample and is allocated to the device group having the smallest number of setting items.
For example, the sample S002 includes the order item “a” in the setting items and has the smallest number of setting items in the device group G1.
Be assigned to. Which of the two measuring devices “CA0001” and “CA0002” in the device group G1 is to be the destination is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of inspection efficiency, it is preferable to distribute the samples so that the operating rates of both devices are averaged.

FIG. 7A shows an example of the arrangement relationship of the device groups G1 and G2. Similar to FIG. 5A, the setting items of the downstream device group are the same as or include the setting items of the upstream device group. Figure 7
FIG. 7B shows an outline of the process of allocating the sample to the measuring device having the arrangement shown in FIG. First, the sample rack 9 is loaded into the movable part 23a of the transport device 2a from the start part 3 (S11). Then, the barcode number is read by the barcode reader 12a, and the order item is read from the order DB 61. Next, attach the sample rack 9 to the device group G.
It is determined which of the measuring devices 1 is to be transported (S12). This determination is made by both measuring devices CA0001 and C.
The transport control device 5 performs so that the operation rates of A0002 are averaged, for example, the sample racks 9 are alternately allocated to both devices. That is, when the previous sample rack is transported to the measurement line 21a, the present sample rack 9 passes through the jump line 22a and the movable portion 23b, and then the measurement line 21b.
Be transported to. On the contrary, the previous sample rack jumps to the measurement line 21b via the jump line 22a and the movable part 23b.
If the sample rack 9 is transported to the measurement line 2
It is transported to 1a. The transport control device 5 makes the determination based on the device group and notifies the transport devices 2a and 2b of the instruction. Details of the instruction method will be described later.

When the sample rack 9 is conveyed to the measurement line 21a, the sample number is read by the bar code reader 12a, and the order item of the sample is read from the order DB 61. All the sample order items are measured by CA0001
If it is included in the setting item (S13), the measurement of the sample (here, S002 or S004) is performed by the measuring apparatus CA0001 (S14). After that, the movable part 2
The sample rack 9 is stored in the storage section 4 via 3b, the jump line 22b, the movable section 23c, the jump line 22c, and the movable section 42 (S15).

When the sample rack 9 is transported to the measurement line 21b, the sample number is read by the bar code reader 12b and the order item of the sample is read from the order DB 61. All sample order items are measured by CA0002
If it is included in the setting item of (S16), the measurement of the sample (here, S002 or S004) is performed by the measuring device CA00.
02 (S17). After that, the sample rack 9 is stored in the storage section 4 via the movable section 23c, the jump line 22c, and the movable section 42 (S15).

Measuring device CA0001 or CA0002
When the order item of the sample read in step 1 is not included in the setting items of the device group G1, the sample 8 is measured line 21.
It is introduced into c and conveyed to the suction position. The sample number is read by the barcode reader 12c, and the order DB61
The order item is read from. Next, it is determined whether the order item of the sample is included in the setting items of the measuring apparatus CA0003 (S18). When the determination is “Yes”, the measurement of the sample (here, S001 and S003) is performed by the measuring apparatus CA0003 (S19). After that, the sample rack 9 is stored in the storage section 4 via the movable section 42 (S19, S15).

(3) Pattern 3 (bar code terminal 10, bar code reader 11 and bar code reader 12)
Next, when a plurality of samples 8 are mounted on the sample rack 9,
A case where the sample 8 is distributed to the above-described three device groups G1, G2, G3 will be described. FIG. 8A shows a combination of sample order items, FIG. 8B shows a device group, and FIG. 8C shows a sample distribution result. These are the same as the pattern 1. However, the four samples shown in FIG. 8A are mounted on the sample rack specified by the sample rack ID “R002”. Therefore, on the sample rack R002, a sample to be measured by the device group G1, a sample to be measured by the device group G2, and a sample to be measured by the device group G3 are mixed.

FIG. 9A shows the device groups G1 and G.
An example of the arrangement relationship between G2 and G3 is shown. Similar to the pattern 1, the setting items of the downstream device group are the same as or include the setting items of the upstream device group. Figure 9
FIG. 9B shows an outline of the processing for distributing the sample rack 9 and the sample to the measuring device arranged as shown in FIG. First, the sample rack 9 is loaded from the starting unit 3 into the transport device 2a, and the sample numbers of all the samples on the sample rack 9 are read by the barcode terminal 10 (S21). Based on the read sample number, the order item is the order DB6
It is read from 1. The transport control device 5 stores, for each sample, a setting item, an order item, a sample number, a sample rack ID, and a sample rack number. Based on the stored information, each sample is distributed to any device group (see FIG. 8C) (S22, S23,
S24, S25, S26, S27).

Then, the transport of the sample rack 9 is started (S28). Sample rack ID is barcode reader 11
It is read by a, 11b, and 11c, and is transported to the measurement line 21a, 21b, 21c or the interlaced line 22a, 22b, 22c based on the distribution result of the sample (S29). In addition, the measurement lines 21a, 21b, 21c
The sample numbers of the samples carried on the sample rack 9 are read by the bar code readers 12a, 12b, and 12c (S29). Each sample on the sample rack 9 is measured by the measuring device located on the most upstream side among the measuring devices having the setting items including the order item of each sample (S210). When the measurement of each sample on the sample rack 9 is completed, the sample rack 9 is stored in the storage section 4 (S211).

(4) Pattern 4 (bar code terminal 10, bar code reader 11 and bar code reader 12)
Further, a case where a plurality of samples 8 are mounted on the sample rack 9 and the samples 8 are distributed to the above-described two device groups G1 and G2 will be described. FIG. 10 shows a combination of sample order items, and FIG. 10B shows a device group.
FIG. 10C shows the result of sample distribution. These are the same as those in the pattern 2. However, the four samples shown in FIG. 10A are mounted on the sample rack specified by the sample rack ID “R002”. Therefore, on the sample rack R002, a sample to be measured by the device group G1 and a sample to be measured by the device group G2 are mixed.

FIG. 11A shows the device group G1,
An example of the arrangement relationship of G2 is shown. Similar to the pattern 2, the setting items of the downstream device group are the same as or include the setting items of the upstream device group. Figure 11
FIG. 11B shows an outline of the processing for performing the measurement by allocating the sample rack 9 and the sample to the measuring device having the arrangement shown in FIG. First, the sample rack 9 is loaded into the transport device 2a from the starting unit 3, and the sample numbers of all the samples on the sample rack 9 are read by the barcode terminal 10 (S31). Based on the read sample number, the order item is the order DB6
It is read from 1. The transport control device 5 stores, for each sample, a setting item, an order item, a sample number, a sample rack ID, and a sample rack number. Based on the stored information, each sample is assigned to any device group (see FIG. 10C) (S32, S3).
3, S34, S35, S36, S37, S38). The determination as to which of the measuring apparatus CA0001 and the measuring apparatus CA0002 included in the apparatus group G1 is to measure the sample 8 is performed by alternately allocating the sample racks 9 to both apparatuses so that the operating rates of both apparatuses are averaged. (S32).

Then, the transport of the sample rack 9 is started (S39). Sample rack ID is barcode reader 11
It is read by a, 11b, and 11c, and is transported to the measurement line 21a, 21b, 21c or the interlaced line 22a, 22b, 22c based on the result of sorting the sample (S310). In addition, the measurement lines 21a, 21b, 21
The sample numbers of the samples on the sample rack 9 transported to c are read by the bar code readers 12a, 12b, and 12c (S310). Each sample on the sample rack 9 is measured by the measuring device located on the most upstream side among the measuring devices having setting items including order items (S311). When the measurement of each sample on the sample rack 9 is completed, the sample rack 9 is stored in the storage section 4 (S312).

[Processing Flow] (1) Overall Processing Flow FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing flow performed by the entire sample testing system according to this embodiment. In this sample inspection system, first, the pre-process and the order process are performed, and then the sample rack 9 allocation process and the sample 8 measurement process are repeatedly performed. These four processes will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18. It is assumed that the setting items of each device group are set such that the setting items of the downstream device group are the same as or include the setting items of the upstream device group.

(2) Flow of preprocessing and order processing FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of preprocessing and order processing. First, the preprocessing will be described. The pretreatment is usually performed immediately after the sample inspection system is powered on. The setting of the setting items is performed by the system seller or the user himself / herself before the preprocessing.

The measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c notify the setting items to the conveying devices 2a, 2b, 2c, respectively (# 1,
# 4, # 7). The transport devices 2a, 2b, and 2c transmit the notified setting items to the transport control device 5 (# 2, # 3, and # 3).
# 5, # 6, # 8, # 9). The transport control device 5 receives the setting items notified from the transport devices 2a to 2c one after another (# 10), classifies the measuring devices 1a to 1c based on the setting items, and generates a device group (#). 11). The transfer control device 5 temporarily stores in the memory the group ID that identifies the generated device group, the setting items of the device group, and the device IDs of the measuring devices that belong to each device group (see FIG. 4B above). , And transmits these pieces of information to the order management apparatus 6 (# 12). The order management device 6 displays the device group and the setting items of each device group on the display (# 13).

Next, the order processing will be described. Each time a new measurement request is generated, the user associates the sample number with the order item and inputs it into the host computer 7. The host computer 7 accepts the input (# 2
1) The received sample number and order item are transmitted to the order management device 6 (# 22). The order management device 6
The order item and sample number received from the host computer 7 are stored in the order DB 61 in association with each other (# 24).
(See FIG. 4 (a) above).

(3) Flow of distribution processing FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 are explanatory diagrams showing the flow of distribution processing. In this process, the transport control device 5 instructs the transport devices 2a, 2b, 2c to allocate the sample rack 9 to the measurement line or the jump line. For ease of explanation, the flow of the distribution process in the case of the pattern 1 or the pattern 2 will be described below.

(3-1) Transfer devices 2a, 2 from the start portion 3
14 is a flow chart of transporting the sample rack 9 from the start unit 3 to the transport device 2a.
2 shows the flow of processing carried to 2b. The starting unit 3 stores the sample racks 9 loaded by the user in the main body 31 (# 31), and sends the sample racks 9 one by one to the movable unit 23a of the transport apparatus 1a by the loading unit 32 (# 3).
2). After transporting the sample rack 9 to the movable unit 23a, the start unit 3 transmits a transport notification to the transport control device 5 (# 3).
3).

The transport control device 5 sorts the sample racks 9 based on the device groups generated in the preprocessing (# 34). That is, at this stage, since the transport control device 5 has not acquired the order item of the sample 8, the transport control device 5 assigns the sample rack 9 to either the measurement line 21a or the jump line 22a of the transport device 1a based on the device group. It is determined whether or not to carry (# 34). For example, in the pattern 1, 1 is assigned to the device group G1 on the most upstream side.
Since only one measuring device is included, the determination result is the “measurement line”. Further, for example, in the pattern 2, since two measurement devices are included in the device group G1 on the most upstream side, the sample racks 9 are distributed so that those transport devices operate on average. For example, the transfer control device 5 is
If the previous sample rack 9 has been allocated to the measurement line 21a, the current sample rack 9 is allocated to the jump line 22a. On the contrary, if the previous sample rack 9 has been assigned to the jump line 22a, the transport control device 5 assigns the current sample rack 9 to the measurement line 21a. The transport control device 5 instructs the transport device 2a on the determination result, that is, either the "measurement line" or the "interlacing line"(# 35).

When the "measurement line" is instructed, the transport device 2a moves the movable part 23a to the shaded part α to introduce the sample rack 9 into the measurement line 21a, and sucks the sample 8 on the sample rack 9 to the suction position. And carry it to (# 36). Here, the sample number is read from the barcode of the sample container by the barcode reader 12a and transmitted to the transport control device 5. Based on this, the transport control device 5 sends a request to send the order item to the order management device 6, and acquires the order item of the sample 8 mounted on the sample rack 9. Transport control device 5
Determines the destination of the sample 8 based on the notified order item and device group. If the destination of the sample 8 is the measuring device 1a, the sample 8 is sucked and measured. If the destination of the sample 8 is the measuring device 1b or 1c, the sample 8
The sample rack 9 is transported to the transporting device 2b without performing the suction (measurement process described later) (# 37).

On the contrary, when the carrier device 2a is instructed to the "jump line"(# 36), the carrier device 2a has the movable portion 23.
a is moved to the shaded portion β, and the sample rack 9 is introduced to the jump line 22a. The sample rack 9 introduced to the jump line 22a is transported to the movable portion 23b of the transport device 2b (# 38). Then, the transport device 2a transmits a transport notification indicating that the sample rack 9 has been transported to the transport device 2b to the transport control device 5 (# 39).

(3-2) Flow of Transport in Transport Apparatus 2b FIG. 15 shows the flow of processing in which the sample rack 9 is transported in the transport apparatus 2b. The transfer control device 5 is the transfer device 2
With respect to the samples 8 of the sample rack 9 transported to b, the sample racks 9 are distributed based on the device group generated in the preprocessing (# 40). This distribution is based on # 34 above.
As well as on the basis of equipment groups, "measurement line"
Alternatively, one of the "jump lines" is instructed to the transport device 2b (# 41). For example, in the pattern 1, since the measuring device 1b located second from the upstream side belongs to the device group G2 different from the measuring device 1a on the most upstream side, the determination result is “measurement line”. Further, for example, in the pattern 2, the measuring devices 1a and 1b are both in the device group G1.
, The sample racks 9 are distributed so that those measuring devices operate on average. In order to operate the measuring device evenly, the transport control device 5 allocates the previous sample rack 9 to the measurement line 21a and then allocates the current sample rack 9 to the jump line 22b. On the contrary, if the previous sample rack 9 has been allocated to the jump line 22a, the transport control device 5 allocates the current sample rack 9 to the measurement line 21b. The transport control device 5 instructs the transport device 2b on the determination result, that is, either the "measurement line" or the "interlacing line"(# 41).

When the measurement line is instructed (# 42),
The carrier device 2b shifts to the measurement process similarly to # 36 (# 43). That is, reading of the sample number, acquisition of the order item, comparison between the setting item and the order item are performed, and an instruction for measurement or an instruction for transport to the interlaced line is issued to the transport device 2b (measurement processing described later). . When the jump line is instructed (# 42), the transport device 2b
Transports the sample rack 9 to the movable portion 23c of the transport device 2c through the jump line 22b (# 44), and sends a transport notification to the transport control device 5 (# 45).

On the contrary, when the "jump line" is instructed (# 42), the transport device 2b moves the movable part 23b to the jump line 22b side and introduces the sample rack 9 to the jump line 22b. The sample rack 9 introduced to the jump line 22b is transported to the movable portion 23c of the transport device 2c (# 44). Then, the transport device 2b transmits a transport notification indicating that the sample rack 9 has been transported to the transport device 2c to the transport control device 5 (# 45).

(3-3) Flow of Transport in Transport Device 2c and Transport from Transport Device 2c to Storage Unit 4 In FIG. 16, the sample rack 9 is transported to the storage unit 4 in the transport device 2c and from the transport device 2c. The flow of processing is shown. The transfer control device 5 and the transfer device 2c are the same as those in # 40 to # 40.
The same processing as # 45 is performed. That is, the transfer control device 5
Allocates the sample racks 9 transported to the transport device 2c to the sample racks 9 based on the device group generated in the preprocessing (# 50). This distribution is performed based on the device group as in the case of # 34 and # 40, and either the "measurement line" or the "interlacing line" is instructed to the transport device 2c (# 51). For example, in the pattern 1, the measuring device 1c located at the third position from the upstream side belongs to the device group G3 which is different from the measuring devices 1a and 1b on the upstream side, so that the determination result is “measurement line”. Further, for example, in the pattern 2, the measurement device 1c located at the third position from the upstream side belongs to a device group G2 different from the measurement devices 1a and 1b on the upstream side, so the determination result is “measurement line”. The transport control device 5 instructs the transport device 2c on the determination result, that is, either the "measurement line" or the "interlacing line"(# 51).

When the measurement line is instructed (# 52),
The carrier device 2c shifts to the measurement process similarly to # 36 and # 43 (# 53). That is, reading of the sample number, acquisition of the order item, comparison between the setting item and the order item are performed, and an instruction for measurement or an instruction for transport to the interlaced line is issued to the transport device 2c (measurement processing described later). . When the jump line is instructed (# 52), the transport device 2b transports the sample rack 9 to the movable unit 42 of the storage unit 4 by the jump line 22c (# 54). The sample rack 9 is stored in the storage section 4 (# 55).

(4) Flow of measurement processing FIGS. 17 and 18 are explanatory diagrams showing the flow of measurement processing. In this process, measurement is performed by the measuring device that includes all the order items of the sample 8 in the setting items. When the distribution processing proceeds to # 37, # 43 or # 53, the following processing is started. In the following description, the case where the process shifts to # 37, that is, the case where the measurement is performed by the measuring device 1a is taken as an example. When the measurement is performed by the other measuring devices 1b and 1c, the same processing is performed except that the transport device 2a becomes the measuring devices 2b and 2c, respectively.

The transport device 2a is provided with the sample 8 on the sample rack 9.
The barcode is read by the barcode reader 12a, and an inquiry about the order item is transmitted to the transport control device 5 together with the sample number (# 61, # 62). Transport control device 5
Sends an inquiry about the order item together with the sample number to the order management apparatus 6 (# 63). The order management device 6 refers to the order DB 61, extracts the order item corresponding to the sample number, and transmits it to the transport control device 5 (# 6).
4).

When the transfer control device 5 receives the order item, it determines whether the setting item of the measuring device 1a includes the order item or both of them match (# 65). Then, according to the determination result, the measurement instruction or the transportation instruction is transmitted to the transportation device 2a (# 66). That is, when the setting item of the measuring device 1a is the same as or includes the order item, the measurement instruction is transmitted to the transport device 2a. When even one of the order items is not included in the setting items of the measuring device 1a, the transportation instruction is transmitted to the transportation device 2a.

When the carrier device 2a is instructed to measure,
The sample 8 is transported to the suction position, and the measurement instruction is transmitted to the measuring device 1a (# 67, # 68). On the contrary, when the transport is instructed, the process returns to the sorting process, and the sample rack 9 is transported to the movable part 23b of the next transport device 2b (# 38). When the measurement device 1a receives the measurement instruction, the measurement device 1a sucks the sample 8 and transmits the suction result indicating whether or not the suction has been normally performed to the transport device 2a (# 69, # 70). The transfer device 2a transfers the received suction result to the transfer control device 5 (# 71). The suction result transferred to the transfer control device 5 is displayed on the display of the transfer control device 5 or the like (# 72). On the other hand, in the measuring device 1a, when the suction is normally performed, the sample is continuously measured and the measurement result is transmitted to the host computer 7 (# 73, # 74, # 75). The host computer 7 stores the received measurement result in the measurement result DB 71 (# 76). If the suction result is abnormal (# 73),
The measuring device 2a sends an error message to the host computer 7 (# 75).

When the measurement device 1a transmits the measurement result to the host computer 7, the measurement device 1a transmits a measurement end notification to the transport device 2a (# 77). After that, the process returns to the sorting process, and the sample rack 9 is transported to the next transport device 2b (#
38). <Other Embodiments> (A) In the first embodiment, the sample number may be read and the order item may be acquired for the sample for which the order item measurement is completed. However, the transport devices 2a, 2
It is also possible for b and 2c to further transmit the measurement end notification received from the measuring devices 1a, 1b and 1c to the transport control device 5. The transport control device 5 that has received the measurement end notification
Is the line 22b and / or the line 22b which jumps over the sample.
It is introduced into c and stored in the storage section 4. It is not necessary to read the sample number or acquire the order item for the sample for which the order item measurement is completed, and the processing efficiency is improved.

(B) In the first embodiment, the reading of the sample number, the acquisition of the order item, and the determination of the destination of the sample 8 are performed for each transport device. However, the once determined destination of the sample 8 may be temporarily stored until the sample 8 is stored in the storage section 4. By doing this, the sample number is read, the order item is acquired, and the sample 8
Since it is only necessary to determine the destination of once, it is expected that the processing speed can be increased.

For example, in pattern 1, it is assumed that the transport control device 5 determines that "the destination of the sample 8 is the measuring device 1c" as a result of reading the sample number by the transport device 2a. In the transport control device 5, the destination of the sample 8 is the measurement device 1
It is memorized that it is c, and when the sample 8 arrives at the movable part 23b of the carrier device 2b, the "jump line" is instructed to the carrier device 2b. When the sample 8 reaches the movable portion 23c of the transport device 2c, the transport control device 5 instructs the “measurement line” to the transport device 2c.

(C) A program for executing the above processing method and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program are included in the present invention. As a recording medium, a computer-readable / writable flexible disk, hard disk, semiconductor memory, CD-ROM, DVD,
Magneto-optical disks (MO) and others.

[0076]

According to the present invention, since the number of times of aspiration for one sample is only one, the burden on the subject can be reduced and the waste of the reagent can be suppressed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a sample testing system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of information stored in an order DB.

3 is a configuration diagram of a starter unit, a transport unit, and a storage unit in the system of FIG.

FIG. 4 shows an example (pattern 1) in which a sample is distributed to device groups G1, G2, and G3.

5A illustrates an arrangement example of the device groups illustrated in FIG. (B) Outline of processing

FIG. 6 shows an example (pattern 2) of allocating a sample to device groups G1 and G2.

7A shows an example of arrangement of the device groups shown in FIG. (B) Outline of processing

FIG. 8 is an example (pattern 3) of allocating sample racks and samples to device groups G1, G2, and G3.

9A illustrates an arrangement example of the device groups in FIG. (B) Outline of processing

FIG. 10 shows an example (pattern 4) of allocating sample racks and samples to device groups G1 and G2.

11A illustrates an arrangement example of the device group in FIG. (B) Outline of processing

12 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall processing flow in the sample testing system of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of preprocessing and order processing.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of distribution processing (No. 1).

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of distribution processing (No. 2).

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of distribution processing (No. 3).

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram (1) showing the flow of measurement processing.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of measurement processing (No. 2).

[Explanation of symbols]

1a, 1b, 1c: Measuring device 2a, 2b, 2c: Conveying device 21a, 21b, 21c: measurement line 22a, 22b, 22c: jump line 23a, 23b, 23c: movable part 24a, 24b, 24c: control unit 3: Start section 31: Main body 32: Input section 4: Storage 41: Main body 42: Moving part 5: Transport control device 6: Order management device 61: Order DB 7: Host 71: Measurement result DB 8: Sample 9: Sample rack 10: Bar code terminal 11a, 11b, 11c: Bar code reader 12a, 12b, 12c: Bar code reader

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A sample inspection system for performing a sample test, comprising a group of transporting devices that configures a transporting path for transporting a sample, and a measurement that is arranged along the transporting path and measures the sample. A device group, a device storage unit that stores, for each measuring device, an inspection item (hereinafter referred to as a setting item) that can be measured by each measuring device included in the measuring device group, and an order item to be measured for the sample. A sample testing system, comprising: an order storage unit for performing the measurement of the sample by any measuring device having a setting item including all the order items. 2. The sample testing system according to claim 1, wherein the measuring device having the smallest number of setting items among the measuring devices having the setting items including all the order items measures the sample. 3. In the device storage means, a setting item Mj of an arbitrary measuring device included in a measuring device group arranged along the transport path is located upstream of the measuring device in the transport direction in the transport path. The setting item of each measuring device set to be the same as or including (Mj ⊇ Mi) the setting item Mi of the measuring device to be stored is stored for each measuring device, and the setting item includes all the order items described above. The sample inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the measurement device located at the most upstream side of the measurement devices measures the sample. 4. A plurality of device groups including at least one measuring device are generated by classifying the measuring device groups based on the setting items, and based on the setting items and the order items of each of the device groups. The sample testing system according to claim 1, wherein a device group capable of measuring all of the order items is specified, and the sample is measured by any of the measuring devices included in the device group. 5. The sample according to claim 4, wherein the measuring device for measuring the sample is selected so that the number of measurement cases of each measuring device included in a device group capable of measuring all the order items is averaged. Inspection system. 6. A device information acquisition means for acquiring the setting item of each of the measuring devices from each of the transport devices corresponding to each of the measuring devices or each of the measuring devices and storing the device information in the device storage means. The specimen inspection system according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. An order management device that receives input of order items and stores them, and requests the order management device to provide the order items,
The sample testing system according to claim 1, further comprising: an order acquisition unit that acquires this and stores it in the order storage unit. 8. The sample testing system according to claim 1, wherein each measuring device included in the measuring device group is a blood coagulation measuring device. 9. A transport control program for causing a computer to function as a transport control device used in a sample test system for performing a sample test, the program being connected to each of a group of transport devices that form a transport path for transporting a sample. Connection means for performing the inspection item (hereinafter, referred to as a setting item) that can be measured by each measurement device included in the measurement device group that is arranged along the transport path and performs the measurement for the sample inspection for each measurement device. In order to perform the measurement of the sample with any of the measuring devices having a device storage unit for storing the order item, an order storage unit for storing the order item to be measured for the sample, and a setting item including all the order items, A conveyance control program that causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls a device group and / or the measurement device group. 10. A transport control method used in a sample testing system for performing a sample test, comprising: each of the transport devices constituting a transport path for transporting a sample or the sample disposed along the transport path. Connection step for connecting to each of the measurement devices that perform the measurement, a device storage step of storing, for each measurement device, inspection items that can be measured by the measurement device (hereinafter referred to as setting items), and measurement for the sample An order storage step of storing an order item to be stored, and a control of the transport device group and / or the measurement device group in order to measure the sample with any measuring device having a setting item including all the order items. And a transfer control method including: 11. A connection means for connecting to each of the transporting devices constituting a transporting path for transporting a sample, and a measuring device arranged along the transporting path for measuring the sample, respectively. Any one of which has a device storage unit that stores an inspection item (hereinafter, referred to as a setting item) for each measuring device, an order storage unit that stores an order item to be measured for the sample, and a setting item including all the order items In order to perform the measurement of the sample by the measuring device, the control device for controlling the transport device group and / or the measurement device group, and a transport control device.