WO2025013579A1 - Blood collection device, blood collection method, and blood collection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a blood collection device, a blood collection method, and a blood collection system with which it is possible to reduce work related to blood collection by adjusting a direction around the center axis of a blood collection container installed for blood collection, and to stably perform efficient blood collection into a blood collection tube and reading of information added to the blood collection tube. The blood collection device comprises a rotation mechanism (22) that adjusts the orientation by rotating a blood collection container (100) about a center axis. The blood collection container (100) includes a first container (101) that accommodates blood, and a second container (102) that accommodates the first container (101) in a state in which the orientation around the center axis is fixed. The rotation mechanism (22) rotates the second container (102) about the center axis, thereby adjusting the orientation of the first container (101) and the second container (102). The blood collection method includes: a step for preparing the blood collection container (100); and a step for rotating the blood collection container (100) around the center axis to adjust the orientation, wherein blood is collected into the first container (101) that has been adjusted in orientation. The blood collection system includes the blood collection device and a management server.

Description

BLOOD SAMPLING APPARATUS, BLOOD SAMPLING METHOD, AND BLOOD SAMPLING

The present invention relates to a blood collection device, a blood collection method, and a blood collection system that automatically collect blood from a subject.

In general hospitals and other facilities, many blood samples are taken every day for pre-examination testing, etc. Medical staff involved in blood collection are required not only to collect blood, but also to perform tasks and duties that accompany blood collection, such as preparing and checking blood collection tubes. Blood collection involves a wide variety of complicated tasks and duties, which places a heavy burden on staff, so there is a desire to automate the process as much as possible.

　Conventionally, blood collection devices that automatically collect blood have been developed. Generally, blood collection tubes for collecting blood from a subject are manually installed in blood collection devices that automatically collect blood. Patent Document 1 discloses a blood collection device to which a blood collection tube module is attached. Patent Document 2 discloses a blood collection tube preparation device that is provided with a direction detection means for detecting the orientation of the blood collection tube.

JP 2022-109441 A Patent No. 4662193

As shown in Figure 4, some blood collection tubes have a protrusion formed on the upper opening. The protrusion is formed by part of the circumference of the opening protruding upward. The protrusion forms a scoop-like socket around the opening. Such protrusions are mainly found on micro blood collection tubes used for blood collection from fingers. The protrusion functions as a receiving surface for receiving blood when performing delicate operations, and as a guide for tools such as pipettes.

In blood collection devices that automatically collect blood, such protrusions can be used to efficiently collect blood from the subject's puncture site into a collection tube. However, when collecting blood using protrusions, it is necessary to align the direction of the protrusion with the direction of the puncture site when placing the collection tube in the blood collection device. It is necessary to adjust the direction of the protrusion around the central axis of the collection tube so that the position of the protrusion in the circumferential direction of the opening of the collection tube is within a specified range with respect to the central axis of the collection tube.

In addition, information labels such as barcodes are attached to blood collection tubes to identify the recipient and the type of blood collection tube. In the case of small blood collection tubes, such as micro blood collection tubes used for finger blood collection, a barcode label or the like is affixed to the outer tube that contains the blood collection tube. Such information labels are used to manage blood test samples, blood collection results for each recipient, the type of blood collection tube, etc.

In blood collection devices that automatically collect blood, it is desirable to read such information labels and properly manage the blood collection results for each subject and the type of blood collection tube used. When reading the information label, the information label coded on the side must be faced toward the reader. The outer tube must be rotated around its central axis so that the position of the information label relative to the central axis of the outer tube is on the reader side.

When collecting blood, it is necessary to check the type of blood collection tube. Furthermore, when collecting blood from multiple blood collection tubes, multiple blood collection tubes must be placed in the blood collection device. When placing a blood collection tube in the blood collection device, manually adjusting the orientation of the tube around its central axis is extremely time-consuming. This places a heavy burden on the blood collection staff, which can result in longer blood collection times, affecting the condition of the blood, and increasing human error.

Furthermore, in blood collection devices that automatically collect blood, the direction of the puncture site on the subject, where the protrusion of the blood collection tube should be oriented, may not match the direction in which the reader that reads the information label is installed. After reading the information label and before blood is collected using the protrusion, it is necessary to readjust the orientation of the blood collection tube around its central axis. However, this task is difficult to perform manually.

The present invention aims to provide a blood collection device, blood collection method, and blood collection system that can adjust the orientation of a blood collection container installed for blood collection around its central axis, thereby reducing the work involved in blood collection, and can efficiently collect blood into a blood collection tube and stably read information attached to the blood collection tube.

In order to solve the above problems, the blood collection device of the present invention is a blood collection device that collects blood from a subject, and is equipped with a rotation mechanism that rotates a blood collection container around a central axis to adjust its orientation, the blood collection container being a first container that contains blood collected from the subject, and a second container that contains the first container with its orientation around the central axis fixed, and the rotation mechanism rotates the second container around the central axis to adjust the orientations of the first container and the second container around the central axis.

The blood collection method according to the present invention is a method for collecting blood from a subject, and includes the steps of preparing a blood collection container and rotating the blood collection container around a central axis to adjust its orientation, the blood collection container being a first container that contains blood collected from the subject and a second container that contains the first container with its orientation around the central axis fixed, the second container being rotated around the central axis to adjust the orientations of the first container and the second container around the central axis, and blood being collected into the first container whose orientation around the central axis has been adjusted.

The blood collection system according to the present invention is a blood collection system that supports a blood collection device that collects blood from a recipient, and includes a blood collection device that collects blood from a recipient, and a management server that manages data related to blood collection. The blood collection device includes a rotation mechanism that rotates a blood collection container around a central axis to adjust its orientation, and a reader that reads an information label attached to the blood collection container from the blood collection container. The blood collection containers include a first container that contains blood collected from the recipient, and a second container that contains the first container while fixing its orientation around the central axis. The rotation mechanism is a mechanism that rotates the second container around the central axis to adjust the orientations of the first container and the second container around the central axis. The management server manages data that identifies the recipient, data on the information label read by the reader, and data on the amount of blood collected in the blood collection container.

The present invention provides a blood collection device, blood collection method, and blood collection system that can adjust the orientation of a blood collection container installed for blood collection around its central axis, reduce the work involved in blood collection, and efficiently collect blood into a blood collection tube and stably read information attached to the blood collection tube.

1 is an external view of a blood sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a main part of a blood sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a blood collection container that can be used in the blood collection device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the blood collection container in an exploded state. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a method for fixing the orientation of a blood collection tube around its central axis. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a method for fixing the orientation of a blood collection tube around its central axis. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a method for fixing the orientation of a blood collection tube around its central axis. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a method for fixing the orientation of a blood collection tube around its central axis. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration related to control of the blood sampling device. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the blood sampling device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a blood collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Below, we will explain a blood collection device, a blood collection method, and a blood collection system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate common components in each of the following figures, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a blood sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As an example of a blood sampling device, FIG. 1 shows a finger blood sampling device that automatically samples blood from the subject's fingers. The symbol P in FIG. 1 is an enlarged partial view of the area around the finger placement area of the blood sampling device as viewed from below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10, a turntable 11, a number of holders 110 in which blood collection tubes are placed, a number of modules 120, a finger insertion section 130 into which the finger of the person to be blood-collected is inserted, a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the turntable 11, a lift drive mechanism (not shown) that raises and lowers the holders 110 and the modules 120, a pressure adjustment mechanism (not shown) that drives a cuff mechanism that tightens the fingers of the person to be blood-collected, and the like.

The housing 10 is formed from multiple structural materials, decorative panels, etc. Inside the housing 10, a turntable 11, a rotation drive mechanism, an elevation drive mechanism, a pressure adjustment mechanism, etc. are built in. On the top surface of the housing 10, there is a hand placement area where the hand of the person to be blood-collected is placed, and a circular opening adjacent to the hand placement area. The turntable 11 is located below the opening.

A finger insertion section 130 and a finger rest area 131 are provided on the opening side of the hand rest area. The finger insertion section 130 is provided above the finger rest area 131 so as to surround the blood recipient's finger 134 placed on the finger rest area 131. As shown in partial view P, a disposable finger rest part 132 is attached to the finger rest area 131. A blood collection window 133, which is a through hole, opens in the center of the finger rest part 132. The blood recipient's finger 134 is placed on the blood collection window 133 of the finger rest part 132.

The finger insertion section 130 is equipped with a cuff mechanism that tightens around the subject's finger (the subject's finger) 134. A cuff is placed inside the finger insertion section 130 so as to surround the finger 134 placed in the finger placement area 131. The cuff is, for example, in the shape of a flexible bag. A valve and a pump are connected to the cuff via a tube. The valve and the pump constitute a pressure adjustment mechanism that drives the cuff mechanism. The internal pressure of the cuff is controlled by the pressure adjustment mechanism, thereby adjusting the tightening pressure on the subject's finger 134.

The turntable 11 is generally disk-shaped and is supported inside the housing 10 with its main surfaces facing up and down. The turntable 11 is provided with a number of holders 110 that rotate integrally with the turntable 11, and a number of retaining holes that penetrate the turntable 11 from top to bottom. Modules 120 are held by being inserted through the retaining holes from top to bottom. The holders 110 and modules 120 are regularly spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the turntable 11.

The holder 110 is a location where blood collection containers are placed, and various types of blood collection tubes are placed therein, such as blood collection tubes for blood count tests and blood collection tubes for biochemistry and immunological tests. Blood collection tubes of a specified size or outer tubes containing blood collection tubes can be placed in the holder 110 as blood collection containers. The outer tubes are used for purposes such as adjusting the size of the installation object relative to the installation location of the blood collection container when using small micro blood collection tubes as blood collection tubes.

The blood collection container and module 120 placed in the holder 110 can be attached and detached to the turntable 11. The module 120 is formed with a flange-shaped portion, for example, with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holding hole of the turntable 11. The module 120 can be inserted into the holding hole to support the flange-shaped portion from below. The blood collection container and module 120 are held in a state in which they can be raised and lowered by pushing them up from below and releasing the pushing action.

Different types of modules can be attached to the module 120, such as a module for puncturing, a module for stopping bleeding, etc. A puncture device is attached to the module for puncturing. The puncture device has a built-in puncture needle (lancet). A hemostatic material such as gauze and a protective material such as a bandage are attached to the module for stopping bleeding. The bandage is attached to the module 120 with the adhesive side facing upwards.

The blood collection container and module 120 mounted on the holder 110 are driven to rise and pressed against the subject's fingers. When the puncture device is pressed against the subject's finger, the puncture needle extends and punctures the subject's finger. A hemostatic material such as gauze is pressed against the puncture site on the subject, absorbing the blood that has bled from the puncture site and stopping the bleeding. A protective material such as a bandage is pressed against the puncture site on the subject and attached to cover the puncture site, stopping the bleeding and protecting the puncture site.

2 is a diagram showing an example of a main part of a blood sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of a structure around a turntable 11 installed inside the blood sampling device 1.
2, in blood collection device 1, a turntable 11, a shaft 12, a rotation drive mechanism 13, a movable support member 14, an elevation drive mechanism 15, etc. are built in below the opening of housing 10. Rotation drive mechanism 13, movable support member 14, and elevation drive mechanism 15 are supported at predetermined positions by support members (not shown).

A shaft 12 is connected to the center of the turntable 11. The other end of the shaft 12 is supported for free rotation by a rotation drive mechanism 13. The rotation drive mechanism 13 is composed of a motor 13a and a power transmission mechanism 13b. The power transmission mechanism 13b connects the output shaft of the motor 13a to the shaft 12 via a specified mechanical mechanism. The rotational motion of the motor 13a is transmitted to the shaft 12 by the power transmission mechanism 13b.

The turntable 11 can be rotated in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions by the rotation drive mechanism 13 around a rotation axis passing through the center of the main surface. The turntable 11 is controlled to rotate at a predetermined step angle according to the blood collection operation or treatment operation. The holder 110 and the module 120 are each transported by the rotation of the turntable 11 to a blood collection position on the turntable 11 where a finger placement area 131 is formed.

At the blood collection position, the puncture needle is inserted by the puncture module, the hemostasis module stops the bleeding using gauze or the like, and the hemostasis module applies a bandage, in that order. The subject's finger 134 is compressed by the cuff, and then punctured with the puncture needle by the puncture module. Blood that flows out from the puncture site is collected in a blood collection tube that has been moved to the blood collection position on the turntable 11.

A movable support member 14 is positioned below the blood collection position. The movable support member 14 is supported by a lifting drive mechanism 15 so that it can be raised and lowered freely. The lifting drive mechanism 15 is composed of a motor 15a and a power transmission mechanism 15b. The power transmission mechanism 15b connects the output shaft of the motor 15a to the movable support member 14 via a specified mechanical mechanism. The rotational motion of the motor 15a is converted into vertical linear motion by the power transmission mechanism 15b.

When the blood collection container 100 and module 120 mounted on the holder 110 are moved to the blood collection position by the rotation of the turntable 11, the movable support member 14 is pushed up from below by rising, and pulled down by lowering, driving the relative vertical movement with respect to the finger placement area 131. This action causes the puncture needle to puncture the subject's finger 134, the blood collection tube to be pressed against the puncture site, and the hemostatic material or protective material to be pressed against the puncture site.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a blood collection container that can be used in the blood collection device. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the blood collection container in an exploded state. In Figs. 3 and 4, the dashed line indicates the central axis of the blood collection container 100.
As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a blood collection container 100 for collecting blood from a subject may be a blood collection tube 101 housed in an outer tube 102.

The blood collection tube 101 functions as a container (first container) for storing blood collected from a subject. Any type of blood collection tube can be used as the blood collection tube 101 depending on the use of the collected blood, for example, the test items of a blood test. Types of blood collection tubes include anticoagulant-containing tubes that contain an anticoagulant, plain tubes that do not contain an anticoagulant, etc.

The outer tube 102 functions as a container (second container) that contains the blood collection tube 101. The outer tube 102 can be of a type that has a diameter larger than that of the blood collection tube 101 and is compatible in size with the holder 110. If the blood collection tube 101 is small in size, containing it in the outer tube 102 can reduce rattling and enable stable lifting and lowering.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the blood collection tube 101 may be of a type having a protrusion 106 formed at the opening at the top. The blood collection tube 101 shown in Figure 4 has a cylindrical main body 105 with a bottom that is open at the top, and a protrusion 106 that protrudes upward. A circular opening 107 is formed at the top of the main body 105. The protrusion 106 protrudes upward from a portion of the circumference of the opening 107.

The protrusion 106 has a surface that is continuous with the inner peripheral surface of the main body 105, and is curved with the same curvature as the inner peripheral surface of the main body 105 to form a receptacle-like scoop on one side of the opening 107. When the blood collection tube 101 is tilted so that the protrusion 106 is on the bottom, the protrusion 106 becomes receptacle-like so as to easily receive droplets. The protrusion 106 can function as a receiving surface that receives blood flowing from the puncture site, or as a guide for instruments such as a pipette.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outer tube 102 may have an information label 108 attached thereto. In FIG. 4, a barcode label is attached to the side of the outer tube 102. The information label 108 can code a specimen ID for identifying a blood test specimen, blood collection tube information for identifying the type of blood collection tube 101, etc. The specimen ID is linked to a blood collection subject ID for identifying the person to whom blood was collected, information for identifying the date of blood collection, etc.

In addition, instead of attaching a barcode label, the information label 108 can be attached by any suitable method, such as printing a barcode, attaching a two-dimensional code label, printing a two-dimensional code, attaching a data matrix code label, printing a data matrix code, embedding an IC chip, etc. The information label may be attached to the outer tube 102 or the blood collection tube 101, as long as it can be read from the outside.

When using the blood collection device 1 with a blood collection tube 101 formed with a protrusion 106, it is desirable to align the direction of the protrusion 106, which is the blood receiving side, with the direction of the puncture site of the subject as a reference. From the viewpoint of reducing the burden on the blood collection worker and improving the ease of collecting blood into the blood collection tube 101, it is preferable that the blood collection container 100 can be installed in the holder 110 in any orientation. Even if installed in any orientation, it is preferable that the protrusion 106 faces a predetermined direction when the blood collection container 100 is moved to the blood collection position by rotation of the turntable 11.

For example, when wiping off blood from the puncture site with the protrusion 106, it is preferable to adjust the position of the protrusion 106 relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube 101 to be closer to the puncture site on a line passing through the central axis of the turntable 11 and the puncture site of the subject. It is also envisioned that the blood collection device 1 will have a function for tilting the blood collection container 100 in the radial direction of the turntable 11. In such a case, it is preferable to adjust the position of the protrusion 106 relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube 101 to be closer to or farther from the puncture site depending on the direction of tilt.

Furthermore, when using a blood collection container 100 with an information label 108 affixed thereto, it is required that the information label 108 be automatically read after the blood collection container 100 is placed in the holder 110. From the viewpoint of reducing the burden on the blood collection worker, it is preferable that the blood collection container 100 can be placed in the holder 110 in any orientation. Even if the blood collection container 100 is placed in any orientation, it is preferable that the information label 108 affixed to the side of the blood collection container 100 be configured to be automatically read.

The blood collection device 1 according to this embodiment therefore performs control to adjust the orientation around the central axis of the blood collection container 100 placed in the holder 110. By adjusting the orientation around the central axis, during preparation operations, the information label 108 attached to the side of the blood collection container 100 is oriented in the direction in which the reader 16 is placed. Furthermore, during blood collection operations, the protrusion 106 of the blood collection tube 101 is oriented within a range of a predetermined target orientation. In other words, the relative position of the protrusion 106 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection container 100 is controlled to be within a range of a predetermined target position.

As shown in FIG. 2, a measurement position is formed on the turntable 11 at a position different from the blood collection position. At the measurement position, before blood is collected at the blood collection position, the information label of the blood collection container 100 placed in the holder 110 is read by the reader 16, the position sensor 20 detects the position of the protrusion 106, and the rotation mechanism 22 adjusts the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around its central axis.

The holder 110 is formed with a first opening 111 and a second opening 112. The first opening 111 and the second opening 112 are formed as openings that penetrate the side wall of the holder 110. The side surface of the outer tube 102 installed in the holder 110 is exposed to the outside through the first opening 111 and the second opening 112.

The first opening 111 is formed on one of the side surfaces of the holder 110 that faces radially inward of the turntable 11. The first opening 111 is used by the reader 16 to read the information label attached to the blood collection container 100. It is preferable that the vertical width of the first opening 111 is greater than the vertical width of the information label. It is also preferable that the horizontal width is set to a width that allows the information label to be read.

The second opening 112 is formed on the side surface of the holder 110 that faces radially outward from the turntable 11. The second opening 112 is used to adjust the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around the central axis by the rotation mechanism 22. From the viewpoint of easily bringing the rotation mechanism 22 into close proximity, it is preferable that the second opening 112 be formed on the lower side of the side surface of the holder 110.

The reader 16 is positioned below the measurement position. The reader 16 reads the information label attached to the blood collection container 100. The reader 16 can be installed to the side of the holder 110 and opposite the first opening 111 so as to face the side of the blood collection container 100 placed in the holder 110.

The reader 16 targets the blood collection container 100 that has been moved to the measurement position, and performs operations such as reading barcode information and IC information depending on the format in which the information is written. In FIG. 2, the reader 16 is provided as an optical reader. Examples of optical readers include a CCD image sensor and a laser scanner. However, the reader 16 may also be provided as an RFID reader that receives electromagnetic waves.

A position sensor 20 is placed to the side of the measurement position. The position sensor 20 detects the position of the protrusion 106 of the blood collection tube 101 and detects the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around its central axis. The position sensor 20 detects, for example, the position of the side end of the protrusion 106 of the blood collection container 100 that has been moved to the measurement position, and detects the presence or absence of the protrusion 106 in a specified monitoring area. Based on the detection result by the position sensor 20, the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around its central axis is controlled toward the target orientation.

The position sensor 20 may be an optical sensor, a camera sensor, or the like. The position sensor 20 is preferably installed to the side above the turntable 11 at a fixed point at the height of the protrusion 106 so that the relative position of the side end of the protrusion 106 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 101 can be monitored at the measurement position on the turntable 11. As the position sensor 20, one sensor or multiple sensors may be installed.

The optical sensor is composed of a light source that irradiates laser light or the like, and an optical sensor that detects reflected light and scattered light from the irradiated light. Laser light or the like can be irradiated to a target range, which is the height of the protrusion 106 at the measurement position, and is the relative position of the protrusion 106 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 101. By measuring the light intensity of the reflected light and scattered light from the irradiated light, it is possible to detect the passage of the side end of the protrusion 106 through the target range. The light source and the optical sensor may be integrally arranged in the same location, or may be separately arranged in different locations.

The camera-type sensor captures an image of the height of the protrusion 106 at the measurement position, that is, the periphery of a target range of the relative position of the protrusion 106 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 101. The position of the protrusion 106 can be detected by processing the captured image. The camera-type sensor may be composed of multiple cameras with different capture positions, or may be composed of a stereo camera.

From the standpoint of securing an installation location and ease of detection processing, it is preferable to use an optical sensor as the position sensor 20, and it is more preferable to use a reflective optical sensor. With an optical sensor, the passage of the side end of the protrusion 106 through the target range can be optically detected, so the presence or absence of the protrusion 106 in the target range can be detected by a simple detection process.

A rotation mechanism 22 is disposed below the measurement position. The rotation mechanism 22 rotates the outer tube 102 placed in the holder 110 around its central axis to adjust the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 and the outer tube 102 around their central axes. The rotation mechanism 22 can be disposed on the side of the holder 110 and facing the second opening 112 so as to face the side of the blood collection container 100 placed in the holder 110. The rotation mechanism 22 can be disposed to be freely moved forward and backward from a position spaced apart from the side of the blood collection container 100 to a position in contact with it by a moving mechanism (not shown).

The rotation mechanism 22 may be an electrically powered mechanism. The rotation mechanism 22 may be composed of a motor 22a and a power transmission member 22b. The power transmission member 22b is connected to the output shaft of the motor 22a. The motor 22a rotates the power transmission member 22b at a predetermined step angle. After the power transmission member 22b moves to a position where it contacts the side of the blood collection container 100, its rotation is controlled while in contact. The orientation of the blood collection container 100 around the central axis is adjusted by the frictional force caused by the rotation.

The motor 22a can be composed of a stepping motor, a servo motor, or the like. The power transmission member 22b can be made of a material that has a large frictional resistance against the blood collection container 100 placed in the holder 110. For example, a roller-shaped pad can be used as the power transmission member 22b. By rotating the pad with the motor 22a, a frictional force can be generated that changes the orientation of the blood collection container 100 placed in the holder 110.

In addition to roller-shaped pads, the power transmission member 22b can also be a belt-shaped pad made of a material with high frictional resistance, a plate-shaped pad made of a material with high frictional resistance, etc. The rotation mechanism 22 can be configured with an appropriate mechanical mechanism depending on the type of power transmission member 22b and the surrounding structure of the blood collection container 100, etc.

Any suitable material can be used for the power transmission member 22b, so long as the frictional resistance experienced by the surface of the power transmission member 22b in contact with the blood collection container 100 is greater than the frictional resistance experienced by the surface of the holder 110 in contact with the blood collection container 100. Examples of materials for the power transmission member 22b include elastomers such as rubber, porous materials such as sponges, and cloth materials with raised naps.

In FIG. 2, the first opening 111 is formed on one of the side surfaces of the holder 110 facing radially inward of the turntable 11, and the second opening 112 is formed on one of the side surfaces of the holder 110 facing radially outward of the turntable 11; however, the first opening 111 may be formed radially inward of the turntable 11 and the second opening 112 may be formed radially outward of the turntable 11.

In addition, in FIG. 2, the reader 16 is installed inside the turntable 11 relative to the holder 110, but it may be installed outside the turntable 11. The rotation mechanism 22 is installed outside the turntable 11 relative to the holder 110, but it may be installed inside the turntable 11. The position sensor 20 is installed outside the turntable 11, but it may be installed on the turntable 11.

In the blood collection device 1, the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around the central axis is adjusted in a preparation operation performed before the start of the blood collection operation so that the information label attached to the side of the blood collection container 100 faces the reader 16. When the reader 16 reads the information label, the blood collection container 100 can be rotated at least once around the central axis.

In addition, after the reader 16 reads the information label, the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around its central axis is adjusted within a preset target range so that the protrusion 106 of the blood collection tube 101 faces a predetermined direction based on the puncture site. The blood collection operation is then performed by a lifting drive mechanism or the like. The blood collection operation is an operation in which the puncture needle is inserted into the subject and blood is collected from the subject into a blood collection tube.

The control target for the orientation around the central axis of the blood collection container 100 can be set in advance in the blood collection device 1 for adjusting the orientation of the protrusion 106. The control target can have any range width depending on the shape of the first opening 111 of the holder 110, the width of the protrusion 106 of the blood collection tube 101, etc.

The position of the protrusion 106 relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube 101 may be controlled to be closer to the puncture site or farther from the puncture site on a straight line passing through the central axis of the turntable 11 and the puncture site of the subject. The target range of the position of the protrusion 106 relative to the central axis of the blood collection tube 101 can be set to a half region located radially inward of the turntable 11 from the central axis of the blood collection tube 101, or a half region located radially outward of the turntable 11 from the central axis of the blood collection tube 101.

For example, the blood collection device 1 can be provided with a function to tilt the blood collection container 100 that has been moved to the blood collection position along the radial direction of the turntable 11. In such a case, it is preferable that the direction of the protrusion 106 is in the forward or reverse direction relative to the tilt direction of the blood collection container 100, from the viewpoint of arranging it like a receiving port below the puncture site. Therefore, it can be set on either side of the central axis of the blood collection tube 101 depending on the tilt direction. With such a setting, blood can be efficiently collected by flowing along the protrusion 106.

The orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around its central axis can be adjusted by changing the orientation of the outer tube 102 installed in the holder 110 around its central axis. When the blood collection tube 101 is housed in the outer tube 102 with its orientation around its central axis fixed, the blood collection tube 101 and the outer tube 102 can be rotated together, so that the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around its central axis can be adjusted by the rotation mechanism 22.

Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 are diagrams showing methods for fixing the orientation of a blood collection tube around its central axis. Figure 5 shows a method for fixing using an adapter. Figure 6 shows an oblique view of the adapter. Figure 7 shows a method for fixing using the contents of the outer tube 102. Figure 8 shows a method for fixing using the inner surface structure of the outer tube 102. Symbol Q in Figure 8 is a partial view showing a schematic enlarged view of the inner surface of the outer tube 102.

As shown in Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, methods for fixing the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis relative to the outer tube 102 include inserting an adapter 150 between the blood collection tube 101 and the outer tube 102, housing an object 153 for fixing inside the outer tube 102, and forming an inner surface structure 154 for fixing on the inner surface of the outer tube 102.

As shown in FIG. 5, a fixing adapter 150 can be interposed between the blood collection tube 101 and the outer tube 102. The adapter 150 is shaped to contact the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101 and the inner surface of the outer tube 102. The adapter 150 can be made of elastomer or the like. The orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis relative to the outer tube 102 can be fixed by the frictional force acting between the adapter 150 and the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101 or the inner surface of the outer tube 102.

In FIG. 5, the peripheral wall of the blood collection tube 101 protrudes downward from the bottom side of the blood collection tube 101 in a cylindrical shape. The bottom side of the blood collection tube 101 is formed inside the peripheral wall that protrudes downward, and is provided with a rounded bottom that protrudes partially spherically downward. A concave space surrounded by the peripheral wall that protrudes downward is formed on the bottom side of the blood collection tube 101.

The adapter 150 can be fitted into a concave space formed on the underside of the blood collection tube 101. The adapter 150 can be formed in a stepped cylindrical shape. The adapter 150 has a cylindrical upper portion 151 with a relatively small outer diameter, and a cylindrical lower portion 152 with a relatively large outer diameter. The upper surface of the upper portion 151 is partially recessed into a spherical shape so that it can be in close contact with the underside of the blood collection tube 101. This shape can provide a large frictional force when rotating after contacting the underside of the blood collection tube 101.

In FIG. 5, Da indicates the inner diameter of the bottom surface of the blood collection tube 101 formed on the inside of the downwardly protruding peripheral wall, and Db indicates the inner diameter of the outer tube 102. In FIG. 6, Dc indicates the outer diameter of the upper portion 151 of the adapter 150, and Dd indicates the outer diameter of the lower portion 152 of the adapter 150.

The outer diameter Dd of the lower portion 152 of the adapter 150 is preferably larger than the inner diameter Db of the outer tube 102 (Dd>Db) to the extent that it can be inserted into the outer tube 102. The inner diameter Db of the outer tube 102 is preferably larger than the outer diameter Dc of the upper portion 151 of the adapter 150 (Db>Dc). The outer diameter Dc of the upper portion 151 of the adapter 150 is preferably larger than the inner diameter Da of the lower surface of the blood collection tube 101 (Dc>Da) to the extent that it can be inserted into the space on the lower side of the blood collection tube 101.

With such a relationship between the inner and outer diameters (Dd>Db>Dc>Da), the adapter 150 is tightly fitted, and the frictional force between the adapter 150 and the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101 or the inner surface of the outer tube 102 can prevent the adapter 150 from spinning freely due to its own rotation. Since the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around its central axis relative to the outer tube 102 can be fixed, the blood collection tube 101 and the outer tube 102 can be rotated together by the rotation mechanism 22.

By using the method of inserting the adapter 150, the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis relative to the outer tube 102 can be fixed with high certainty. Because the adapter 150 is inserted inside the outer tube 102, the maximum outer diameter of the blood collection container 100 does not increase, and it is less likely to interfere with the surrounding area where the blood collection container 100 is installed. In addition, because it does not overlap with the side of the blood collection tube 101, it is possible to avoid any influence when optically measuring the amount of blood collected.

As shown in FIG. 7, the outer tube 102 can also accommodate a fixing container 153 inside. The fixing container 153 is accommodated so as to come into contact with the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101 and the inner surface of the outer tube 102. The orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis relative to the outer tube 102 can be fixed by the frictional force acting between the container 153 and the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101 or the inner surface of the outer tube 102.

As long as a frictional force is obtained to fix the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis, the fixation container 153 can be a solid or semi-liquid gel, a viscous liquid exhibiting high viscosity, an elastic solid exhibiting high elasticity, or the like. The gel or elastic solid may contain a bulk single body or a collection of multiple granular bodies. The gel material can be any suitable material, such as polyester, silicone resin, acrylic resin, acrylamide, agarose, or chlorinated polybutene.

By using the method of storing the fixing contents 153, the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis relative to the outer tube 102 can be fixed simply by storing the contents 153, regardless of the size or shape of the blood collection tube 101 or outer tube 102. This eliminates the need for special designs for the blood collection tube 101 or outer tube 102, or the need for an adapter 150, resulting in a highly versatile fixing method. In addition, it is possible to avoid interference with the surrounding area and effects on the measurement of the amount of collected blood.

As shown in FIG. 8, an inner surface structure 154 for fixing can also be formed on the inner surface of the outer tube 102. The inner surface structure 154 for fixing is formed as a structure that increases frictional force in the area where the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101 and the inner surface of the outer tube 102 come into contact. The frictional force acting between the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101 and the inner surface of the outer tube 102 due to the inner surface structure 154 can fix the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis relative to the outer tube 102.

As long as a frictional force is obtained that fixes the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis, the inner surface structure 154 for fixing can be a rough surface structure with fine irregularities, an uneven structure with concaves and convexities, an engagement structure with three-dimensional shapes that engage with each other, etc. When an engagement structure is used, it is preferable to form three-dimensional shapes that engage with each other on both the inner surface of the outer tube 102 and the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101. Examples of three-dimensional shapes include screw threads, screw grooves, protrusions, projections, depressions, grooves, etc.

In FIG. 8, the fixing inner surface structure 154 is formed on the entire inner surface of the outer tube 102, but it may be formed only on the inner surface of the upper side of the outer tube 102 that contacts the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101. The engagement structure may be formed in the area where the inner surface of the outer tube 102 and the outer surface of the blood collection tube 101 contact each other, such as near the opening on the upper side of the outer tube 102.

The method of forming the inner surface structure 154 for fixation allows the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis relative to the outer tube 102 to be fixed using only the specified blood collection tube 101 or outer tube 102, without the need for an adapter 150 or contents 153. Normally, the blood collection tube 101 or outer tube 102 is discarded after use, but since the adapter 150 and contents 153 are no longer necessary, the disposal work and amount of waste can be reduced. In addition, interference with the surrounding area and effects on the measurement of the amount of collected blood can be avoided.

As a blood collection method for collecting blood from a subject using the blood collection container 100, a method including the steps of preparing the blood collection container 100, rotating the blood collection container 100 around its central axis to adjust its orientation, and collecting blood into the blood collection tube 101 whose orientation around the central axis has been adjusted can be used.

In the process of preparing the blood collection container 100, as shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, the blood collection container 100 is prepared, which is composed of a blood collection tube 101 and an outer tube 102 that contains the blood collection tube 101 with its orientation around its central axis fixed. In the process of adjusting the orientation, the outer tube 102 is rotated around its central axis to adjust the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 and the outer tube 102 around their central axes.

Then, if necessary, the information label attached to the blood collection container 100 is read, and blood is collected into the blood collection tube 101 whose orientation around the central axis has been adjusted. The orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around the central axis can be adjusted so that the blood receiving side, such as the protrusion 106, is close to the puncture site or is positioned opposite the puncture site.

In this blood collection method, a blood collection container 100 is prepared that contains a blood collection tube 101 with its orientation around the central axis fixed, so the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around its central axis can be adjusted by adjusting the orientation of the outer tube 102 around the central axis. Since there is no need to directly rotate the blood collection tube 101, the operation and equipment required for rotation can be simplified.

9 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration related to control of the blood sampling device 1. FIG. 9 shows an example of a configuration related to control of main components of the blood sampling device 1.
9, the blood collection device 1 includes an input unit 210, a control unit 220, a storage unit (not shown) for storing programs and data, a display unit for displaying information related to blood collection, etc. The rotation mechanism 22 for adjusting the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around the central axis can be controlled by the control unit 220 according to a predetermined program.

The input unit 210 accepts input from a user of the blood collection device 1. The input unit 210 is composed of, for example, a touch panel, various switches, etc. Various data, instructions, etc. can be input to the blood collection device 1 via the input unit 210 or an external device.

The control unit 220 executes processing according to a program, reads programs and data, etc., and controls the main components involved in the operation of the blood collection device 1. The control unit 220 is composed of, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory).

The blood collection device 1 includes, as main components related to the operation of the blood collection device 1, a rotation drive mechanism 13 that rotates the turntable 11, a lift drive mechanism 15 that raises and lowers the holder 110 and the module 120, a reader 16, a position sensor 20, a rotation mechanism 22, a blood collection volume sensor 25, and a pressure adjustment mechanism 26 that drives the cuff mechanism. These components are controlled by a control unit 220.

The rotation drive mechanism 13 is connected to the control unit 220 via a motor controller 251 so as to be able to communicate signals. The lift drive mechanism 15 is connected to the control unit 220 via a motor controller 252 so as to be able to communicate signals. The reader 16 is connected to the control unit 220 via an interface 253 so as to be able to communicate signals. The position sensor 20 is connected to the control unit 220 via an A/D converter 254 so as to be able to communicate signals.

The rotation mechanism 22 is connected to the control unit 220 via a motor controller 255 so as to be able to communicate signals. The blood collection volume sensor 25 is connected to the control unit 220 via an A/D converter 256 so as to be able to communicate signals. The pressure adjustment mechanism 26 is connected to the control unit 220 via a pressure adjustment controller 257 so as to be able to communicate signals.

The blood collection amount sensor 25 is a sensor for measuring the amount of blood collected from the subject into the blood collection tube 101. The blood collection amount sensor 25 is installed, for example, to the side of the blood collection container 100 at the measurement position on the turntable 11. The blood collection amount sensor 25 can be composed of a light source that irradiates light such as near-infrared light toward the blood collection tube 101, and an optical sensor that detects reflected light and scattered light from the irradiated light.

The blood collection amount sensor 25 measures the light intensity of the reflected light and scattered light from the blood collected in the blood collection tube 101, and measures the height of the blood surface in the blood collection tube 101. The amount of blood collected in the blood collection tube 101 can be calculated based on the measurement result of the height of the blood surface in the blood collection tube 101 and dimensional information such as the inner diameter of the blood collection tube 101.

The pressure adjustment mechanism 26 is composed of a valve and a pump connected to the cuff. The internal pressure of the cuff is controlled by opening and closing the valve and adjusting the pressure with the pump, and the clamping pressure on the subject's finger 134 is adjusted. The pressure adjustment mechanism 26 can be built into the housing 10 of the blood collection device 1.

The control unit 220 can be provided as a system controller, and sets target values for the control of the rotation drive mechanism 13, the lift drive mechanism 15, the rotation mechanism 22, and the pressure adjustment mechanism 26 according to the program and the detection results of various sensors. The control unit 220 also performs sequence control between the components. Control signals for the target values are sent from the control unit 220 to the motor controllers 251, 252, 255 and the pressure adjustment controller 257.

The rotation drive mechanism 13, the lift drive mechanism 15, the rotation mechanism 22, and the pressure adjustment mechanism 26 are controlled by the motor controllers 251, 252, 255 and the pressure adjustment controller 257, respectively, so as to operate at a set target control amount. These components can also be configured to sense the control amount as necessary. By sensing the control amount, the control amount can also be feedback-controlled.

The reader 16 reads the information label on the side of the blood collection container 100 placed in the holder 110, and inputs a read signal indicating the read result to the control unit 220 via the interface 253. The data on the information label may be decoded by the control unit 220 or by the reader 16.

The position sensor 20 detects the position of the protrusion 106 of the blood collection container 100 placed in the holder 110, and inputs an analog detection signal indicating the detection result to the A/D converter 254. The A/D converter 254 converts the analog detection signal into a digital detection signal. The digital detection signal is amplified as necessary and then input to the control unit 220. Similar processing is also performed in the blood collection volume sensor 25 and the A/D converter 256.

The control unit 220 controls the operation of the rotation mechanism 22 so that the blood collection container 100 placed in the holder 110 rotates at least once around the central axis when the reader 16 reads the information label. Furthermore, when adjusting the orientation of the protrusion 106, the control unit 220 compares the detection result of the position of the protrusion 106 detected by the position sensor 20 with a preset target position range. The control unit 220 can read data indicating the target range from the memory unit and determine the difference between the detected current position and the preset target position. Based on such results, a target control amount for changing the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around the central axis can be set.

10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the blood collection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 shows a flow relating to reading of an information label attached to a blood collection container and adjustment of the orientation of the protrusion 106, which are performed when the blood collection device 1 is started up.
10, the information label can be read before detecting the orientation of the blood collection container 100. The orientation of the protrusion 106 can be adjusted based on the detection result after the orientation of the blood collection container 100 is detected.

Data indicating the target range of the relative position of the protrusion 106 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection container 100 can be stored in the memory unit of the blood collection device 1 before blood collection. For example, if an optical sensor is used as the position sensor 20, a light intensity threshold value or the like can be prepared to identify the presence or absence of the protrusion 106 for a specified monitoring area at the measurement position on the turntable 11. If a camera-type sensor is used as the position sensor 20, a reference image or the like can be prepared to identify the presence or absence of the protrusion 106.

When collecting blood using the blood collection device 1, first, the blood collection container 100 is placed in the holder 110 of the blood collection device 1, and the puncture module 120 and hemostasis module 120 are placed on the turntable 11 (step S101).

Next, the rotation drive mechanism 13, lift drive mechanism 15, rotation mechanism 22, etc. are reset and their operation is checked (step S102). After the blood collection device 1 is started, the turntable 11, movable support member 14, and rotation mechanism 22 are checked to see if they can operate normally within a predetermined range. They are also initialized to a standby state in a predetermined initial position.

Then, the blood collection container 100 is transported to the measurement position (step S103). Multiple blood collection containers 100 may be placed on the turntable 11. The blood collection containers 100 to be measured are transported to the measurement position in sequence by the rotation of the turntable 11.

Then, the information label attached to the blood collection container 100 is read (step S104). The control unit 220 starts the reader 16 and drives the rotation mechanism 22 so that the blood collection container 100 at the measurement position rotates at least once around the central axis. The rotation mechanism 22 rotates in contact with the side of the outer tube 102 through the first opening 111 of the holder 110, and rotates the outer tube 102 by the frictional force caused by the rotation, making it possible to read the information label 108 through the second opening 112. The reading result is stored in the memory unit of the blood collection device 1.

Next, the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around its central axis is detected (step S105). The control unit 220 activates the position sensor 20, detects the position of the protrusion 106 of the blood collection tube 101 at the measurement position, and detects the orientation of the blood collection tube 101 around its central axis. The detection result is input to the control unit 220.

Then, the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around the central axis is adjusted (step S106). The control unit 220 reads data indicating the target range of the relative position of the protrusion 106 with respect to the central axis of the blood collection tube 101 from the memory unit, compares the detection result of the position of the protrusion 106 detected by the position sensor 20 with the preset target range data, and determines the difference between the current position based on the detection result and the target position. Based on these results, the rotation mechanism 22 is controlled to the target control amount so that the current position based on the detection result and the target position coincide with each other.

Then, it is determined whether or not adjustment of all blood collection containers 100 has been completed (step S107). If multiple blood collection containers 100 are placed on the turntable 11, the presence or absence of a blood collection container 100 at each position on the turntable 11 can be detected by a sensor.

If the determination result is that adjustment of all blood collection containers 100 has not been completed, the process returns to step S103. On the other hand, if the determination result is that adjustment of all blood collection containers 100 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S108.

Then, the blood collection operation and treatment operation on the subject's fingers are controlled (step S108). The control unit 220 drives the rotation drive mechanism 13 and the lift drive mechanism 15 to control the puncture of the puncture needle into the subject's fingers, the collection of blood into the collection tube 101, and the pressing of the hemostatic material and protective material against the puncture site. Blood flowing out from the puncture site is collected into the collection tube 101 whose orientation around the central axis has been adjusted. During blood collection, the amount of blood collected in the collection tube 101 can be measured by the blood collection amount sensor 25. The measurement results are stored in the memory unit of the blood collection device 1.

Then, the blood collection container 100 containing the collected blood is removed from the blood collection device 1 (step S109). After being removed from the blood collection device 1, the blood collection container 100 containing the collected blood can be inverted to mix as necessary and then transported to an automatic analyzer or the like that performs blood tests.

The blood collection container 100 in which blood has been collected can be managed by an information label attached to the side. Data on the information label can be stored in association with data showing the measurement results of the amount of blood collected in the blood collection tube 101. The information label data and data showing the measurement results of the amount of blood collected in the blood collection tube 101 can be registered in the blood collection system's database.

The blood collection device 1 is equipped with a rotation mechanism 222 that rotates the blood collection container 100 around its central axis, so that it is possible to automatically read the information label attached to the side of the blood collection container 100 and adjust the orientation of the protrusion 106 of the blood collection tube 101 relative to the puncture site of the subject. Even if the blood collection container 100 is installed in any orientation, it is possible to appropriately read the information label and collect blood using the protrusion 106 without manually adjusting the orientation. There is no need for the blood collection worker to check the orientation of the information label or the protrusion 106, and the protrusion 106 whose orientation has been adjusted can be used as a blood receiving surface or a guide for instruments. Therefore, the orientation of the blood collection container installed for blood collection can be adjusted around the central axis by accurate and reliable automatic control, reducing the work involved in blood collection, and efficiently collecting blood into the blood collection tube and stably reading the information attached to the blood collection tube.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a blood sampling system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which diagrammatically shows an example of the configuration of a blood sampling system that supports a blood sampling device 1 that samples blood from a subject.
As shown in FIG. 11, a blood sampling system 300 according to this embodiment can be formed by incorporating the blood sampling device 1 into a higher-level system having a server function.

The blood collection system 300 is a system that supports blood collection-related tasks and manages data, and supports the blood collection device 1 that collects blood from subjects. The blood collection system 300 is composed of an electronic medical record system 310, a blood collection support system 320, a test information system 330, and the like. The blood collection system 300 can be constructed, for example, within a hospital or both within and outside a hospital.

The electronic medical record system 310, blood collection support system 320, and test information system 330 each function as a management server. These systems manage data, transfer data, share data, etc. These systems are connected to each other via communication lines such as a LAN, and are configured to send and receive data to each other.

The electronic medical record system 310 is a system that manages electronic medical records, and writes information to the electronic medical records, reads information from the electronic medical records, edits the electronic medical records, etc. A plurality of input terminals 311 are connected to the electronic medical record system 310 via communication lines.

The input terminal 311 is a terminal for performing operations on the electronic medical record, and is used to input information into the electronic medical record, output information from the electronic medical record, view the electronic medical record, etc. The input terminal 311 is composed of a computer, a tablet, etc. The input terminal 311 is operated by a doctor or medical staff. The input terminal 311 can be used to input information about the blood recipient into the electronic medical record and output information about the blood recipient from the electronic medical record.

The blood collection support system 320 is a system that provides support regarding blood collection, and performs operations such as registering data related to blood collection, updating data, and managing data, and issuing sample IDs that are added as information labels. The blood collection support system 320 is connected to a blood collection reception machine 321, a blood collection preparation device 322, a blood collector terminal 323, and the blood collection device 1 via communication lines.

The blood collection reception machine 321 is a device that receives blood samples from people who will be collected, and performs tasks such as verifying the blood collection subject's ID and issuing a blood collection ticket. The blood collection reception machine 321 is operated, for example, by the person who will be collected, a doctor, or medical staff. Information such as the name of the person who will be collected and the blood collection subject's ID is added to the blood collection ticket by printing a barcode, etc.

The blood collection preparation device 322 is a device that prepares blood collection, and stocks blood collection tubes and outer tubes, prepares blood collection containers for each subject, and attaches information labels such as sample IDs to blood collection containers, for example, attaching barcode labels or printing barcodes. Blood collection containers for each subject used for each test item in a blood test can be provided by the blood collection preparation device 322 as a set with information labels attached.

The blood collector terminal 323 is a terminal for performing operations related to blood collection, and inputs data related to blood collection, reads data, outputs data, etc. The blood collector terminal 323 is composed of a computer, tablet, etc. The blood collector terminal 323 is operated by a doctor or medical staff. The blood collector terminal 323 can be used to register the blood recipient ID, input blood collection date information, blood collection location information, and test item information, and confirm various information, etc.

The blood collection device 1 is a blood collection device that automatically collects blood from a subject, and transmits and receives data to and from the blood collection support system 320. Any number of blood collection devices 1 can be connected to the blood collection support system 320.

The test information system 330 is a system that manages information related to blood tests, and performs tasks such as entering data related to blood tests, registering data, updating data, and managing data related to test results. A test terminal 331 and multiple analyzers 332 are connected to the test information system 330 via communication lines.

The testing terminal 331 is a terminal for performing operations related to blood testing, and is used to operate the analysis device 332, input data, output data, check the test status and test results, etc. The testing terminal 331 is composed of a computer, etc. The testing terminal 331 is operated by the person performing the blood test. Using the testing terminal 331, it is possible to check the test status and test results of the blood collected in the blood collection container, and input data for reporting the test results, etc.

The analyzer 332 is a device that performs analyses related to blood tests, and performs analysis for each test item specified in the test order using blood collected in a blood collection container as a sample. Any number of analyzers 332 can be connected to the test information system 330. The analyzer 332 can be configured with various types of automatic biochemical analyzers that analyze blood components.

In the blood collection system 300, information labels such as a sample ID that identifies the blood test sample and collection tube information that identifies the type of collection tube are added to the blood collection containers used in the blood collection device 1. After being read by the reader 16, this information can be compared with information registered in the blood collection support system 320.

In addition, in the blood collection system 300, the blood collection support system 320 functions as a management server that manages data related to blood collection, and manages blood collection subject information for each blood collection subject, blood collection tube information for each blood collection tube, and sample information for each blood sample. This information is stored as a database in a storage device associated with the blood collection support system 320. This information is saved in the blood collection support system 320, and can be sent to the electronic medical record system 310 or the test information system 330 or output to a terminal, etc., according to instructions from a doctor, medical staff, or examiner.

The subject information is information about the person to whom blood is to be collected, and includes a subject ID that identifies the subject, blood type information that indicates the subject's blood type, blood collection date information that indicates the date the blood was collected, blood collection location information that indicates the location of the blood collection, and test item information that indicates the type of blood test item. The blood type information, blood collection date information, blood collection location information, and test item information are associated with the subject ID. The subject information is registered in advance for each subject before blood is collected. The type of test item is specified by a test order. The test order is entered by a doctor or medical staff. After blood is collected, the subject information is associated with blood collection result information that indicates the results of the blood collection.

The blood collection tube information indicates the type of blood collection tube, and is assigned to each type of blood collection tube used for blood collection. There are types of blood collection tubes according to the purpose of the blood collection tube, types according to the manufacturer that produced the blood collection tube, types according to the model number of the blood collection tube, etc. There are many types of blood collection tube uses that are distinguished by the blood test items. There are many types of blood collection tube model numbers that are distinguished by the shape of the bottom of the blood collection tube, and the size of the inner diameter, outer diameter, height, etc. The blood collection tube information is registered by the system operator, etc.

Specimen information is information about a blood test specimen, and includes a specimen ID that identifies the specimen, test date information indicating the date of the test, test location information indicating the test location, and test item information indicating the type of blood test item. The test date information, test location information, and test item information are associated with the specimen ID. Specimen information is registered in advance for each specimen before the blood test. After the blood test, test result information indicating the results of the blood test is associated with the specimen information.

The blood collection device 1 can receive the recipient information registered in the blood collection support system 320 before blood collection and collect blood from each recipient. Based on the received test item information, the type and number of blood collection containers 100 placed in the holder 110 can be collated. The blood collection device 1 can also transmit blood collection result information indicating the results of blood collection to the blood collection support system 320 in association with the information label of each blood collection container 100. Examples of blood collection result information include information indicating the measurement results of the amount of blood collected from each blood collection container 100 and information indicating the time required to collect blood from each blood collection container 100.

The blood collection support system 320 stores the data sent from the blood collection device 1 in association with registered subject information and sample information, and can manage data identifying the subject from whom blood was collected by the blood collection device 1, data on the information label 108 read from the blood collection container 100, and data on the amount of blood collected in the blood collection container 100, together with existing registered information data. These data can be sent to the test information system 330 and referenced during blood tests.

With this blood collection system 300, the contents of the information label read from the blood collection container 100 can be compared with data sent from a higher-level system, and can be associated with the blood collection results and sent to the higher-level system. This allows for automated adjustment of the orientation of the blood collection container 100 around the central axis, while also reducing the burden on blood collection personnel in terms of managing the blood collection containers 100 used for each recipient and managing the blood collection results for each recipient. By incorporating the blood collection device 1 equipped with the rotation mechanism 22 into a higher-level system, it is possible to achieve both efficient blood collection using the protrusions 106 of the blood collection tube 101 and reliable management of data using the information labels.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations of the above-described embodiments. It is possible to replace part of the configuration of an embodiment with another configuration, add part of the configuration of an embodiment to another form, or omit part of the configuration of an embodiment.

1 Blood collection device 10 Housing 11 Turntable 12 Shaft 13 Rotation drive mechanism 13a Motor 13b Power transmission mechanism 14 Movable support member 15 Lifting drive mechanism 15a Motor 15b Power transmission mechanism 16 Reader 20 Position sensor 22 Rotation mechanism 22a Motor 22b Power transmission member 100 Blood collection container 101 Blood collection tube (first container)
102 outer tube (second container)
105 Main body 106 Protrusion 107 Opening 108 Information label 110 Holder 111 First opening 112 Second opening 120 Module 130 Finger insertion section 131 Finger placement area 132 Finger placement part 133 Blood collection window 134 Blood collection subject's finger 150 Adapter 151 Upper part 152 Lower part 153 Contents 154 Inner surface structure 300 Blood collection system 310 Electronic medical record system 311 Input terminal 320 Blood collection support system 321 Blood collection reception machine 322 Blood collection preparation device 323 Blood collector's terminal 330 Test information system 331 Test terminal 332 Analysis device

Claims (12)

A blood sampling device for sampling blood from a subject, comprising:
A rotation mechanism is provided for rotating the blood collection container around a central axis to adjust the orientation of the blood collection container.
The blood collection container includes a first container for containing blood collected from a blood recipient, and a second container for containing the first container in a state in which the orientation around a central axis is fixed,
The rotation mechanism is a blood sampling device that rotates the second container about a central axis to adjust the orientations of the first container and the second container about the central axis. 2. The blood collection device of claim 1,
A detection unit that detects an orientation of the first container around a central axis,
The rotation mechanism is a blood collection device that rotates the second container around its central axis based on the detection result by the detection unit, and adjusts the orientation of the first container and the second container around their central axes within a predetermined target range. 2. The blood collection device of claim 1,
A detection unit that detects an orientation of the first container around a central axis,
The first container has a cylindrical main body portion having an open top and a bottom, and a protrusion portion that protrudes upward from a circumferential portion of the opening,
The detection unit detects the position of the protrusion relative to a central axis of the first container. 2. The blood collection device of claim 1,
A detection unit that detects an orientation of the first container around a central axis,
The first container has a cylindrical main body portion having an open top and a bottom, and a protrusion portion that protrudes upward from a circumferential portion of the opening,
The rotation mechanism rotates the second container about a central axis to adjust the position of the protrusion relative to the central axis of the first container within a preset target range. 2. The blood collection device of claim 1,
a holder for holding the blood collection container;
the holder has an opening for exposing a side surface of the second container,
The rotation mechanism rotates by contacting a side surface of the second container through the opening, and rotates the second container about a central axis by frictional force caused by the rotation. 2. The blood collection device of claim 1,
A holder for holding the blood collection container;
a reader for reading an information label attached to the blood collection container;
the holder has a first opening facing the rotation mechanism and exposing a side surface of the second container, and a second opening facing the reader and exposing a side surface of the second container,
The rotation mechanism rotates by contacting the side of the second container through the first opening, rotating the second container by frictional force caused by the rotation, thereby enabling the information label to be read through the second opening. 2. The blood collection device of claim 1,
A blood collection device in which the orientation of the first container relative to the second container around the central axis is fixed by an adapter interposed between the first container and the second container, or by a gel, viscous liquid or elastic solid contained in the second container, or by a rough surface structure, an uneven structure or an engagement structure formed on the inner surface of the second container. A blood collection method for collecting blood from a subject, comprising the steps of:
preparing a blood collection container;
and rotating the blood collection container around a central axis to adjust the orientation,
The blood collection container includes a first container for containing blood collected from a blood recipient, and a second container for containing the first container in a state in which the orientation around a central axis is fixed,
A blood collection method comprising: rotating the second container around a central axis to adjust the orientation of the first container and the second container around the central axis; and collecting blood into the first container whose orientation around the central axis has been adjusted. The blood collection method according to claim 8,
The first container has a cylindrical main body portion having an open top and a bottom, and a protrusion portion that protrudes upward from a circumferential portion of the opening,
A blood sampling method comprising: rotating the second container about its central axis to adjust the position of the protrusion relative to the central axis of the first container to within a preset target range. The blood collection method according to claim 9,
rotating the second container about a central axis to read an information label attached to the blood collection container;
Rotating the second container about its central axis to adjust the position of the protrusion relative to the central axis of the first container within a preset target range;
and collecting blood into the first container using the protrusion. The blood collection method according to claim 8,
A blood collection method in which the orientation of the first container relative to the second container around the central axis is fixed by an adapter interposed between the first container and the second container, or by a gel, viscous liquid or elastic solid contained in the second container, or by a rough surface structure, an uneven structure or an engagement structure formed on the inner surface of the second container. A blood collection system supporting a blood collection device that collects blood from a subject, comprising:
A blood sampling device for sampling blood from a subject;
A management server for managing data related to blood collection,
The blood collection device includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the blood collection container around a central axis to adjust the orientation, and a reader that reads an information label attached to the blood collection container from the blood collection container,
the blood collection container includes a first container for containing blood collected from a blood collection subject, and a second container for containing the first container in a fixed orientation around a central axis;
the rotation mechanism is a mechanism for rotating the second container around a central axis to adjust the orientations of the first container and the second container around the central axis,
The management server is a blood collection system that manages data for identifying the blood collection subject, data on the information label read by the reader, and data on the amount of blood collected in the blood collection container.

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