LABORATORY ANALYSIS SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED SAMPLE PIPETTING

Abstract

The invention lies in the field of laboratory automation and relates to a laboratory analysis system 100, in which a plurality of analysis devices 1 and an image recording station 101 are connected to a transportation apparatus 102 for sample vessels and in which sample-vessel-specific information items, which are established in the image recording station 101, are used for controlling the pipetting apparatuses in the analysis devices 1.

Claims

1. A laboratory analysis system (100), comprising a. a multiplicity of analysis devices (1), wherein each analysis device (1) has a control unit (20), at least one pipetting apparatus (3) with a vertically displaceable pipetting needle for taking a sample liquid volume from a sample vessel and at least one analysis apparatus (12) for analyzing a sample liquid; b. an image recording station (101) for recording images of sample vessels filled with sample liquid, and an associated image evaluation apparatus; and c. a transportation apparatus (102) for sample vessels, all analysis devices (1) and the image recording station (101) being connected thereto, characterized in that the laboratory analysis system (100) further comprises a data transmission apparatus, by means of which sample-vessel-specific information items are transferable from the image evaluation apparatus to the control unit (20) of at least one analysis device (1) and wherein the control unit (20) of the at least one analysis device (1), to which the sample-vessel-specific information items are transferable from the image evaluation apparatus, is configured in such a way that it controls a method including the following steps: evaluating the sample-vessel-specific information items from the image evaluation apparatus and establishing one or more sample-vessel-specific parameters for the operation of the pipetting apparatus (3) when taking a sample liquid volume from a specific sample vessel, and controlling the operation of the pipetting apparatus (1) when taking a sample liquid volume from a specific sample vessel by applying the established sample-vessel-specific parameters, wherein the sample-vessel-specific information items that are transferable from the image evaluation apparatus to the control unit (20) of the at least one analysis device (1) are selected from the group of fill level height of the sample liquid and height of separating layers within the sample liquid and wherein a parameter that is established for the operation of the pipetting apparatus (3) when taking a sample liquid volume from a specific sample vessel is the maximum perpendicular travel of the pipetting needle for the purposes of positioning the pipetting needle in an extraction position.

2. The laboratory analysis system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image recording station (101) is provided for recording images of sample vessels filled with coagulated, sedimented blood and the sample-vessel-specific information item that is transferable from the image evaluation apparatus to the control unit (20) of the at least one analysis device (1) is the height of the clot layer (30).

3. The laboratory analysis system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image recording station (101) is provided for recording images of sample vessels filled with sedimented blood that has been made incoagulable and the sample-vessel-specific information item that is transferable from the image evaluation apparatus to the control unit (20) of the at least one analysis device (1) is the height of the buffy coat layer (60).

4. The laboratory analysis system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image recording station (101) is provided for recording images of sample vessels filled with sedimented blood that has been mixed with a separating agent and the sample-vessel-specific information item that is transferable from the image evaluation apparatus to the control unit (20) of the at least one analysis device (1) is the height of the separating agent layer (80).

5. The laboratory analysis system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the maximum perpendicular travel of the pipetting needle for the purposes of positioning the pipetting needle in an extraction position from a specific sample vessel is chosen in such a way that the extraction position lies above the height of the clot layer (30), the buffy coat layer (60) or the separating agent layer (80) in the specific sample vessel.

6. The laboratory analysis system (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data transmission apparatus, by means of which sample-vessel-specific information items are transferable from the image evaluation apparatus to the control unit (20) of the at least one analysis device (1), is a direct link between the image evaluation apparatus and the control unit (20) of the analysis device (1).

7. The laboratory analysis system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the data transmission apparatus, by means of which sample-vessel-specific information items are transferable from the image evaluation apparatus to the control unit (20) of at least one analysis device (1), comprises a central control unit (103), which is linked to all analysis devices (1), to the image recording station (101) and to the transportation apparatus (102) for sample vessels.

8. An automated analysis device (1) with a control unit (20), with at least one pipetting apparatus (3) with a vertically displaceable pipetting needle for taking a sample liquid volume from a sample vessel, with at least one analysis apparatus (12) for analyzing a sample liquid and with a connector for connecting a transportation apparatus (102) for sample vessels, characterized in that the control unit (20) further has a connector for a data transmission apparatus, by means of which sample-vessel-specific information items are transferable from an image evaluation apparatus to the control unit (20) of the analysis device (1), and the control unit (20) is configured in such a way that it controls a method including the following steps: evaluating the sample-vessel-specific information items from the image evaluation apparatus and establishing one or more sample-vessel-specific parameters for the operation of the pipetting apparatus (3) when taking a sample liquid volume from a specific sample vessel, and controlling the operation of the pipetting apparatus (3) when taking a sample liquid volume from a specific sample vessel by applying the established sample-vessel-specific parameters, wherein the sample-vessel-specific information items that are transferable from the image evaluation apparatus to the control unit (20) of the analysis device (1) are selected from the group of fill level height of the sample liquid and height of separating layers within the sample liquid and wherein a parameter that is established for the operation of the pipetting apparatus (3) when taking a sample liquid volume from a specific sample vessel is the maximum perpendicular travel of the pipetting needle for the purposes of positioning the pipetting needle in an extraction position.

9. The automated analysis device (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the evaluation of the sample-vessel-specific information items from the image evaluation apparatus and the establishment of one or more sample-vessel-specific parameters for the operation of the pipetting apparatus (3) when taking a sample liquid volume from a specific sample vessel comprises the evaluation of the height of the clot layer (30), the height of the buffy coat layer (60) or the height of the separating agent layer (80) and the establishment of the height of the extraction position when taking a sample liquid volume from a specific sample vessel.

10. The automated analysis device (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the maximum perpendicular travel of the pipetting needle for the positioning of the pipetting needle in an extraction position from a specific sample vessel is chosen in such a way that the extraction position lies above the height of the clot layer (30), the height of the buffy coat layer (60) or the height of the separating agent layer (80) in the specific sample vessel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The invention will be explained below on the basis of a drawing.

[0039] In the drawing:

[0040] FIG. 1 shows sample vessels with sample liquids;

[0041] FIG. 2 shows an automated analysis device 1 according to the invention; and

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a laboratory analysis system 100 according to the invention.

[0043] Identical parts have been provided with the same reference signs in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of three sample vessels (A, B, C) containing treated whole blood, which forms different layers according to the treatment, said layers being separated by phase boundaries. Sample vessel A contains an anticoagulant-free and therefore clotted whole blood sample, which was briefly centrifuged. The solid constituents sediment on the base of the tube and form the so-called clot layer 30. As a supernatant, the serum 40 is situated above the clot layer. In order to ensure a take-up of serum 40 and in order to reliably preclude a removal of material from the clot layer 30, a height above the height of the clot layer 30 has to be chosen as a maximum immersion depth of a pipetting needle. Sample vessel B contains an anticoagulated whole blood sample that was briefly centrifuged. The cellular constituents sediment on the base of the tube and form a first layer of erythrocytes 50 and a thinner layer, lying there over, made of leukocytes and platelets, the so-called buffy coat layer 60. As a supernatant, the plasma 70 is situated above the buffy coat layer 60. In order to ensure a take-up of plasma 70 and in order to reliably preclude a removal of material from the buffy coat layer 60 or from the erythrocyte layer 50, a height above the height of the buffy coat layer 60 has to be chosen as a maximum immersion depth of a pipetting needle. Sample vessel C contains an anticoagulated whole blood sample that was mixed with a separating gel and briefly centrifuged. The cellular constituents sediment at the base of the tube and form a first layer of erythrocytes 50 and a thinner buffy coat layer 60 lying there over. A layer made of separating gel 80 is situated between the buffy coat layer 60 and the supernatant made of plasma 70. In order to ensure a take-up of plasma 70 and in order to reliably preclude a removal of material from the separating gel layer 80, the buffy coat layer 60 or from the erythrocyte layer 50, a height above the height of the separating gel layer 80 has to be chosen as a maximum immersion depth of a pipetting needle.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an automated analysis device 1 with some components contained therein. Here, only the most important components are illustrated in much-simplified fashion in order to explain the basic function of the automated analysis device 1, without presenting the individual parts of each component in detail in this case.

[0046] The automated analysis device 1 is embodied to carry out very different analyses of blood plasma, blood serum or other bodily fluids in a fully automated manner, without activities of a user being required to this end. Instead, necessary interventions of a user are restricted to servicing or repair and refill work, for example, if cuvettes have to be refilled or liquid containers have to be replaced.

[0047] The patient samples (primary samples) are fed into the automated analysis device 1 on carriages, not illustrated in any more detail, by way of a supply rail 2. Information items in respect of the analyses to be carried out for each sample may be transferred by means of barcodes attached to the sample vessels, for example, said barcodes being read in the automated analysis device 1 or being transmitted to the analysis device 1 by way of a laboratory information system. With the aid of a first pipetting apparatus 3 that is fastened to a transfer arm, sample aliquots are taken from the sample vessels by means of a vertically displaceable pipetting needle. The sample aliquots are supplied to cuvettes, likewise not illustrated in any more detail, which are arranged in receptacle positions 4 of a rotatable incubation appliance 5 whose temperature is controlled to 37 C. The cuvettes are taken from a cuvette storage container 6.

[0048] Reagent vessels 8 with different reagent liquids are stored in the reagent vessel storage container 7, which is cooled to approximately 8-10 C. Reagent liquid is taken from a reagent vessel 8 by means of the pipetting needle of a second pipetting apparatus 9 and said reagent liquid is added into the cuvette, which already contains the sample aliquot, for the purposes of providing a reaction assay. The cuvette with the assay mix is transported by a transfer arm 10 with a clamping gripper 11 from the incubation appliance 5 to a receptacle position 14 of the rotatable receptacle apparatus 15 for the photometric measuring station 12, where the attenuation of the reaction assay is measured.

[0049] The entire process is controlled by a control unit 20, such as a computer connected via a data line, for example, assisted by a multiplicity of further electronic circuits and microprocessors, not illustrated in any more detail, within the automated analysis device 1 and its components.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a laboratory analysis system 100 according to the invention with three analysis devices 1, an image recording station 101 and a transportation apparatus 102 for sample vessels, to which all analysis devices 1 and the image recording station 101 are connected. Further, the laboratory analysis system 100 comprises a central control unit 103 in the form of a computer, which is linked to all essential components of the laboratory analysis system. By way of a supply station 104, carriages or frames, in which one or more sample vessels are arranged and which are not illustrated in any more detail, are supplied to the transportation apparatus 102. The carriages with the sample vessels are transported on a conveyor belt of the transportation apparatus 102, initially in the direction of the image recording station 101. In the image recording station 101, the barcodes, which are attached to the transparent sample vessels, are read with the aid of a barcode scanner and a camera is used to record at least one image of each liquid-filled sample vessel. Each image is analyzed using an image evaluation apparatus, which comprises image processing and image evaluation software, and the fill level height of the sample liquid in a sample vessel and -provided separating layers were identifiedthe heights of separating layers within the sample liquid are established.

[0051] The established fill level height of the sample liquid in a sample vessel andprovided separating layers were identifiedthe heights of the separating layers within the sample liquid are transferred for each sample vessel of the image recording station 101 to the central control unit 103 via a data line, said central control unit in turn transmitting these sample-vessel-specific data together with analysis tasks to one or more of the analysis devices 1.

[0052] After the identification and the optical analysis of the sample vessels in the image recording station 101, the carriages with the sample vessels are returned to the conveyor belt of the transportation apparatus 102 and transported on in the direction of the analysis devices 1. The carriages with the sample vessels are supplied to an analysis device 1 by way of a supply rail. Initially, the barcode of each sample vessel is read in the analysis device 1, and a check is carried out as to what analysis tasks and what sample-vessel-specific information items from the image evaluation apparatus of the image recording station 101 are present in the control unit 20 of the analysis device 1. Taking account of device-specific variables, the sample-vessel-specific information items from the image evaluation apparatus are used to establish how the pipetting apparatus must be operated in order to ensure that only desired sample material (plasma or serum) is taken during the take-up of sample liquid and that an uptake of unwanted material from other layers is reliably excluded. To this end, the maximum perpendicular travel of the pipetting needle is calculated as an operating parameter for the pipetting apparatus in order to set the maximum immersion depth of the pipetting needle to a height above the height of the uppermost disturbance layer. Subsequently, a desired sample volume is taken from the sample vessel with the aid of the pipetting apparatus with application of the previously established operating parameter and said sample volume is processed further in the analysis device 1. After the sample aliquots have been taken, the carriage with the sample vessels is returned to the conveyor belt of the transportation apparatus 102 and transported on in the direction of further analysis devices 1 or in the direction of an exit station 105.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0053] 1 Analysis device [0054] 2 Supply rail [0055] 3 Pipetting apparatus [0056] 4 Receptacle position [0057] 5 Incubation appliance [0058] 6 Cuvette storage container [0059] 7 Reagent vessel storage container [0060] 8 Reagent vessel [0061] 9 Pipetting apparatus [0062] 10 Transfer arm [0063] 11 Clamping gripper [0064] 12 Measuring station [0065] 14 Receptacle position [0066] 15 Receptacle apparatus [0067] 20 Control unit [0068] 30 Clot layer [0069] 40 Serum [0070] 50 Erythrocyte layer [0071] 60 Buffy coat layer [0072] 70 Plasma [0073] 80 Separating gel layer [0074] 100 Laboratory analysis system [0075] 101 Image recording station [0076] 102 Transportation apparatus [0077] 103 Central control unit [0078] 104 Supply station [0079] 105 Exit station