GB2034088A - A method and a device for identifying chemical samples - Google Patents

Abstract

Chemical samples to be transferred between first and second receptacle magazines (1, 2) are identified by providing the first magazine (1) with a visual and machine readable coding (6), providing the second magazine (2) with a settable visual and machine readable coding (6), setting the coding of the second magazine to correspond to that of the first magazine and then machine checking the codings for correspondence prior to transfer. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A method and a device for identifying chemical samples The invention relates to a method and a device for continuously identifying samples in, for example, automated chemical analyses such as one carried out in clinical chemical laboratories.

Chemical analyses require a certain amount of time and may be carried out either in concentrated form in automatic machines or in separate test stations manual mode of operation, mechanized laboratory technique.

During the whole of the analysis time from transfer of the samples until the results of analysis are produced the connection between the sample and the patient must be perfectly preserved by some means of recognition identification, the specific form of this connection being predetermined by the organization of the laboratory being used. Thus transferring the sample and test material into new receptacles, for example for the purpose of exact metering of quantities, is a particularly problematic operating step as regards maintaining identification.

In order to safeguard the co-ordination between patient and test samples, result etc, various methods, identification codes and corresponding carriers have been developed.

There are various sample receptacles, in which the coding takes place with the aid of data carriers, which may be placed on to the sample receptacles, such as coding caps or flags, stick-on labels or attached cards (preprinted or punch coded).

Another solution provides identification symbols on magazines which contain, in predetermined manner, samples or sample receptacles joined together to form groups and also provides a step counter for the transportation steps which the magazines carry out. In one form of this method the codes are openings or refictors which are arranged in binary coded form and are scanned opto-electronically (GRD-WP 96586).

In another form, the data carrier comprises individual basic elements which are arranged firmiy on the magazine body and may be scanned electromechanically (GDR-WP 97761).

In a third form the information is obtained by electromechanically readable markings (openings) on the sample receptacle carrier (German Auslegeschrift No 2117279).

The feature which is common to all these solutions is that the data carriers may be read by machine and/or visually. The disadvantage is that the identification number is a predetermined fixed number for each individual receptacle or magazine and that a clear connection only exists between the result of analysis and the test material container used for measurement, while the sample removed from the patient has another number if transfer from one receptacle to another has been necessary in the course of analysis. The connection between this number, typical of the patient, and the number of the test material receptacle has to be produced manually by manuscript lists, keyboards for printers and typewriters or EDP input keys.

The most important disadvantage involved in this method is the uncertainty of identification which is connected with manual intervention.

Methods are known which eliminate this deficiency by machine coding the individual input receptacles or magazines during transfer processes in accordance with the incoming information. In FRG Auslegeschrift No 1 773404 a method of coding a plastics casing is described in which a machine-codable and machine-readable instruction is arranged on the outer surface of the receptacle indelibly and unalterably by means of grooving the surface or sticking on symbols stamped out of foil.

Another known device uses disposable receptables once-only (the design is commercially available), which are permeable to light and clad with foil on two opposite sides. The identity data is stamped into the foil and read opto/eiectronically.

With a further known system (FRG Offenlegungsschrift No 2402492) labels are arranged on the sample containers and on the test material containers, in order to achieve a continuous and perfect identification of the sampling from the patient until output of the result, these lables having data which is read off by machine magnetically and electronically stored.

If the result of measurement is available the number of the test material container is read and the co-ordination number of the sample container is called up from the memory. The result of the analysis and the number of the sample container are output jointly. A further way is shown in Finnish Patent Specification No 46570 in which the number of the sample receptacle is implemented so that is may serve as a master. The number of the sample receptacle is arranged on the data carrier firmly connected to the test material container with a special tool similar to a pair of pliers. In another method, the use of double magazines is provided. These magazines (the design is commercially available) bear a machinereadable code. Here a method of co-ordinating or transmitting numbers is not necessary.However, there is a higher cost in terms of apparatus for carrying out the individual operating steps of the analysis. Moreover, the essential disadvantage involved in this method is the restriction in the choice of analysis methods since only one transfer to new receptacles is possible.

This second large group of solutions requires a high material cost, above all in the case of machine transmission of the numbers from one receptacle to another, so that the use of it is only recommended in automatic analysis machines and in systems for sample distribution.

Furthermore it is disadvantageous that the content of the information produced by machine cannot be erased so that carriers or analysis receptacles cannot in general, be reed.

It is also disadvantageous that this group uses reading devices the mechanical contacts, reflectors or openings of which are very sensitive to sprayed liquid and may lead to faults.

All of the solutions mentioned above have the same disadvantage, that their ability to function remains restricted to devices of their own system.

Matching them to systems already present is not possible or only possible at a relatively large additional cost.

The invention seeks to provide a method and a device for identifying samples which is economical owing to a iow technical cost, which enables faultfree co-ordination of the test or analysis material and the test or analysis results and can correspond to the specific requirements of chemical laboratories with regard to corrosion resistance.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of identifying chemical samples to be transferred between first and second receptacles magazines in which the receptacle magazines are provided with a coding, wherein the coding on the receptacle magazines is coded with a visual and machine readable code, the coding on the second magazine is settable, and, prior to transfer, the second receptacle magazine has its code set to correspond with the code on the first receptacle magazine, thereafter the codes on the magazines being machine checked as to correspondence before transfer begins.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for identifying chemical samples to be transferred between first and second receptacle magazines in which the first receptacle magazine is provided with a coding, wherein the magazines are provided with manually settable visual and machine readable code carriers, read devices and a comparison device are provided to which the magazines are applied for reading and comparing the codes on the two magazines for correspondence and indication means are provided for indicating noncorrespondence.

The code on the code carrier of the magazine of test material may be reset as necessary if noncorrespondence is indicated. Sample receptacle and test material receptacle magazines may be provided with manually adjustable code carriers.

The reading devices may be arranged parallel to the intended position of the magazines and may be connected via a comparison circuit to the drive element of a transfer station and/or a transport device and to a signal device. The code carriers arranged on the magazines of receptacles may be arranged according to the decimal system, provided with known codings and manufactured from magnetic material, whereby the code on the code carrier may be constructed in a manner which is visually readable. The reading devices may be arranged in parallel with the direction of transportation of the receptacles magazines and may have several sets of reed contacts. The reading devices may be connected together to form a unit and may be arranged between the magazines of receptacles.

In a further form of the apparatus the code carriers may be provided with the numbers 0 to 9 which may be selected for coding, in the form of readable code markings and numeric symbols.

They are arranged so as to be movable perpendicular to the reading plane and may be moved only with a tool and may be set in a locked position. The code markings and the related numeric symbols may be implemented in columns in parallel with the reading plane. The code carriers may be implemented as rectangular plates the upper or lower edge of which has locking element. The plates are hidden in guides in the magazines or in guides of housing members which are connected releasably to the magazines. The guides may be provided with locking elements similar to that of the code carriers. The magazines or the housing members may have opening slits in the reading planes.

The invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first form of a magazine of samples or a test material receptacles having code carriers; Figure 2 shows a block circuit diagram of the device; Figure 3 shows a second form of sample or test material receptacle magazine to be analysed having code carriers according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a code carrier according to Figure 3; and Figure 5 shows the section on the line A-A of Figure 3.

Before inserting a magazine of test material receptacles into a transport rack, a code pre-set on the sample receptacle magazine in the form of a decimal number is set on the code carriers of the magazine of test material receptacles. When the setting has been carried out by displacing magnets contained in the code carriers the magazine for the test material receptacles is inserted into the transport device alongside the magazine of sample receptacles. As the magazines are inserted into the transport device, the reed contacts opposite the magnets of the code carriers are closed by the magnetic field, whereupon signals are produced in a read circuit.

If the signals from both magazines agree when checking them in a comparison circuit, then the transport device is set in motion and the magazines are transported to the processing area.

If the signals in the comparison circuit do not agree, then the code on the magazine of test material receptacles is not correctly set and a correction must be made. This type of check takes place each time the sample material is transferred, i.e. when a new magazine of test material receptacles is used on the analysis path. For example, after centrifuging, maual setting of the code on the magazine is set manually and corresponding comparison of the codes for agreement must be carried out.

In a first embodiment, as seen in Figure 1, three code carriers 5 comprising, in each case, a number plate 3 and a settable head 4 is manufactured from magnetic material are arranged on the sample receptacle magazine 1 and the magazine 2 of test material receptacles analysed. The codes 6 on the number plates 3 are visually readable. The codes 6 are shown as numbers from zero up to nine. Laterally of the transport device 7 the read devices 9, 1 0 equipped with reed contact 8 are provided, these read devices both being connected to a comparison circuit 11. Each read device 9, 10 is equipped with a number of reed contacts 8 corresponding to the number of all numbers depicted on the number plates 3.

Before the magazines 1, 2 are inserted into the transport device 7, manual setting of the code 6 on the code carriers 5 of the magazine 2 for the test material takes place. This setting of the code must agree with that present on the sample receptacle magazine 1. The head 4 which is adjustable and present on each code carrier 5 is set to the numbers predetermined by the sample receptacle magazine 1. After inserting the magazines into the transport device 7, each head 4 is located opposite a reed contact 8 corresponding to the set number. This reed contact is closed by magnetic action of the head 4.If the code set on the magazine 2 for test material receptacles and of the present code 6 on the magazine 1 of sample receptacles are checked and found to be the same by the comparison circuit 11 via the reed contacts 8, for example in the form of the number "120", then the drive of the transport device 7, (not shown) is triggered, the transport device 7 supplying the receptacle magazines 1, 2, to a treatment station, for example a metering device, (also not shown). If there is no agreement between the two codes, then the drive for the transport device remains blocked and an optical and/or acoustic signal is given by means of a signal device 1 2 until, by resetting or correcting the code 6 on the magazine 2 for the test material to be measured, the required agreement has been produced.Only then are the receptacle magazines 1, 2 transported to the treatment station.

In a second embodiment as shown in figures 3 to 5, three code carriers 5 are provided on the magazine 1 of sample receptacles and on the magazine 2 of the test material receptacles, these code carriers 5 being provided at their upper edge with the visually readable numbers zero to nine. A column 1 5 is present for each of these numbers on the code carrier. With the aid of horizontal lines the columns 1 5 are subdivided into rectangular areas which form the code markings 13. A locating element 1 6 is arranged at the lower edge of the code carriers 5, a counterpart for this element 1 6 being formed in a lower guide 1 7 in a housing member 18 the lower guide being arranged on the magazines 1, 2. A flat spring 20 for loading the code carrier 5 is located in the upper guide 17.On the face of the housing member 18, i.e. in the read plane 14, a vertical slit 1 9 exposing in each case a column 1 5 having readable numbers and the related code markings is provided in the magazines 1, 2 for each code carrier 5.

Before the magazines 1,2, are inserted into the transport device 7, manual setting of the code carriers 5 takes place on the magazine 2 for the test material in accordance with the setting present on the magazine 1 of sample receptales.

The setting takes place with the aid of an tool (not shown), which may be, by way of example, a gripping element having two pins. The code carrier 5 is raised against the pressure of the flat spring 20 out of the locking arrangement 1 6 and is brought, by displacement in an axial direction, into position which corresponds to the code 6 of the magazine 1 of sample receptacles.After removing the tool, the flat spring 20 presses the code carrier 5 back into the locking arrangement 1 6. If agreement between the machine-readable code marking 13 on the code carrier 5 of the magazine 2 of receptacles for test material and the code marking 1 3 pre set on the code carrier 5 of the magazine 1 of sample receptacles is established, then the drive of the transport device 7 which is (not shown) is triggered, the transport device 7 supplying the receptacle magazines 1, 2 to a treatment station, for example a metering device, which is not shown.

If there is no agreement between two code markings 13, then the drive for the transport device 7 remains blocked and an optical and/or acoustic signal is given, by means of the signal device 12, until the required agreement has been produced by resetting or correcting the setting of the code marking 1 3 on the magazine 2 of receptacles for the test material. Only then are the receptacle magazines 1,2 transported to the treatment station.

Claims (14)

1. A method of identifying chemical samples to be transferred between first and second receptacles magazines in which the receptacle magazines are provided with a coding, wherein the coding on the receptacle magazines is coded with a visual and machine readable code, the coding on the second magazine is settable, and, prior to transfer, the second receptacle magazine has its code set to correspond with the code on the first receptacle magazine, thereafter the codes on the magazines being machine checked as to correspondence before transfer begins.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the codes on the magazines are machine checked in a transport device and/or transfer station prior to operation of the transport device and/or transfer station.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein if the codes are found not to correspond, the operation of the transport device and/or transfer station is blocked until correction of the code on the second receptacle magazine.

4. Apparatus for identifying chemical samples to be transferred between first and second receptacle magazines in which the first receptacle magazine is provided with a coding, wherein the magazines are provided with manually settable visual and machine readable code carriers, read devices and a comparison device are provided to which the magazines are applied for reading and comparing the codes on the two magazines for correspondence and indication means are provided for indicating non-co-rrnspondence.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the read devices are provided at a transport device and/or transfer station in parallel with the intended position of the receptacle magazines and blocking means are provided for blocking operation of the transport devices and/or transfer station if noncorrespondence is indicated by the comparison device.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the code carriers comprise a number plate with an adjustable setting head.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the code is indicated on the number plate so as to be visually readable.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the adjustable setting head comprises magnetic material.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the read device comprises several reed contacts which are closed in air-tight manner.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein the read devices are connected together to form a unit and are arranged to lie in a position between the intended positions of the receptacle magazines.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the code carriers are provided with the numerals 0 to 9 which are visually readable and may be selected for coding as code markings which are machine readable and correspond to these numbers, the code carriers being arranged to be movable only by means of a tool with auxiliary vertically of the reading plane so as to be adjustable into locking positions.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, where the code markings and the related numbers are arranged in columns in parallel with the read plane wherein the code carriers are rectangular plates provided with locking elements at their upper or lower edge and are arranged in guides of the magazines these guides being equipped with a corresponding locking element hidden by housing members releasably connected to the magazines and wherein the magazines or housing members have opening slits in the read planes.

13. A method of identifying chemical samples to be transferred between receptacle magazines substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings

14. Apparatus for identifying chemical samples to be transferred between receptacle magazines substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.