Sample processing apparatus that responds to trouble in a transport unit

摘要

A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of testing units arranged along a transport path and each configured to perform at least one type of test; a plurality of transport units configured to collectively constitute the transport path and collectively function to deliver samples to the plurality of testing units for testing; and at least one processor of a computer system and at least one memory that stores programs executable by the at least one processor to: (a) determine a type of test required to be performed on a sample; (b) if a trouble of a transport unit is reported, determine whether there is an available testing unit performable of the required type of test to which the sample is deliverable; (c) if there is the available testing unit, instruct to transport the sample to the available testing unit.

主权项

1. A sample processing apparatus comprising:
a plurality of testing units arranged along a transport path and each operable to perform at least one type of test, wherein at least one of the plurality of testing units is operable to perform one type of test that is not performable by a remainder of the plurality of test units; a plurality of transport units configured to collectively form the transport path and collectively function to transport a target sample, which requires a certain type of test to be performed thereon, to a selected one of the plurality of testing units which is operable to perform the required type of test on the target sample; a sample collecting unit for placing a sample rack; and at least one processor of a computer system and at least one memory that stores programs for programming the at least one processor to determine whether a trouble of any transport unit is reported, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to perform, when the at least one processor determines that a trouble of a transport unit is reported, the following operations, which are to:
determine whether there are any testing units reachable by the target sample, wherein the troubled transport unit causes at least some of the plurality of testing units to be unreachable by the target sample;upon a determination by the at least one processor that there is a testing unit found reachable by the target sample, determine whether the reachable testing unit is operable to perform the required type of test on the target sample, based on types of test performable by the reachable testing unit;upon a determination by the at least one processor that the reachable testing unit is operable to perform the required type of test on the target sample, instruct to transport the target sample to the reachable testing unit; andupon a determination by the at least one processor that the reachable testing unit is not operable to perform the required type of test on the target sample, instruct to transport the target sample to the sample collecting unit.