Abstract:
A sample processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample processing section configured to perform a process on a sample; and a controller configured to execute an order defining a process to be performed on a sample and to cause the sample processing section to perform the process on the sample according to the order. When the controller receives an instruction to perform a shutdown operation, the controller performs the following operations comprising: prohibiting the execution of the shutdown operation if an unexecuted order remains; and causing the sample processing section to perform the shutdown operation if there is no unexecuted order.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-281604 filed on Dec. 22, 2011, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a sample processing apparatus for processing clinical samples such as blood and urine. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Sample processing apparatuses for aspirating a sample from a sample container with an aspirating tube and processing the aspirated sample are known. When using a sample processing apparatus over a long period, dirt accumulates in the fluid flow system, such as the aspirating tube, flow path, valves, reaction chambers, and analysis unit. Therefore, washing of the fluid flow system is performed during the shutdown operation of the sample processing apparatus. When the fluid flow system washing operation is completed, the power source of the apparatus automatically turns OFF. 
     Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-254980 discloses a specimen analyzer that washes the fluid flow system by aspirating a washing liquid from a washing liquid container. In this apparatus, washing of the fluid flow system is performed by moving a rack holding the washing liquid container to an aspirating position, and aspirating the washing liquid from the transported washing liquid container with an aspiration part. 
     The washing of the fluid flow system requires a lengthy time to complete washing because washing liquid must be retained in the flow path. When a lengthy time has elapsed and the washing ends, a shutdown operation is performed to automatically turn OFF the power to the apparatus. After the apparatus is turned OFF, it must be restarted in order to be used. After the shutdown operation has started, therefore, the specimen analyzing apparatus cannot be used for a long time. An operator may initiate the shutdown operation, having forgotten that specimens remain to be measured. In this case, the operator must wait to measure the remaining specimens until restarting the apparatus is completed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is a sample processing apparatus comprising: a sample processing section configured to perform a process on a sample; and a controller configured to execute an order defining a process to be performed on a sample and to cause the sample processing section to perform the process on the sample according to the order, wherein when the controller receives an instruction to perform a shutdown operation, the controller performs the following operations comprising: prohibiting the execution of the shutdown operation if an unexecuted order remains; and causing the sample processing section to perform the shutdown operation if there is no unexecuted order. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is a sample processing apparatus comprising: a sample processing section configured to perform a process on a sample; and a controller configured to control the sample processing section; wherein the controller: controls the sample processing section according to an order, the order defining the process to be performed; and suspends a performance of a washing operation when an unexecuted order exists when a washing instruction to wash the sample processing section is received. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is a method of controlling a sample processing apparatus using a computer, comprising steps of: (a) receiving an input of an order defining content of a process to be performed on a sample; (b) receiving an input of identification information of a sample; (c) transmitting a command to perform a process on the sample to the sample processing apparatus according to an order corresponding to the identification information of the sample; (d) updating a status of the order to executed after completion of the process; (e) receiving a shutdown instruction; and (f) performing step (f-1) if status of all orders received in step (a) is executed, and performing step (f-2) if there is an unexecuted order when an instruction is received in step (e), (f-1) performing the shutdown operation of the sample processing apparatus; (f-2) suspending performing the shutdown operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exterior perspective view showing an embodiment of the sample analyzer; 
         FIG. 2A  is an exterior perspective view showing a sample container; 
         FIG. 2B  is an exterior perspective view showing a washing liquid container; 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view showing the rack structure; 
         FIG. 2D  shows the deployment rule for the washing liquid containers; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view showing the structures of the transporting unit and measurement unit of the embodiment viewed from above; 
         FIG. 4A  is a flow chart showing the sample container take-up operation performed by the measurement unit of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a flow chart showing the washing liquid container take-up operation performed by the measurement unit of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing a structure of the transporting unit and the measurement unit of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  shows a structure of the fluid flow circuit of the measurement unit of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  shows a structure of the information processing unit of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  shows an order input screen; 
         FIG. 9  shows a measurement record screen; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing a control operation by the information processing unit of the embodiment; 
         FIG. 11A  shows an example of a message dialog; 
         FIG. 11B  shows another example of a message dialog; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are flow charts showing the control operation of an information processing unit of a modification; 
         FIG. 13A  shows a structure of the host computer of the modification; 
         FIG. 13B through 13D  illustrate communications between the information processing unit and the host computer; 
         FIG. 14  is an external perspective view of another example of a sample analyzer; and 
         FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing the control operation of an information processing unit of a modification. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present embodiment describes the invention by way of an example of a sample analyzer for examining and analyzing a blood sample. 
     The sample analyzer of the embodiment is described below referring to the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is an exterior perspective view of a sample analyzer  1 . The sample analyzer  1  of the present embodiment includes a transporting unit  2 , measurement units  31 ,  32  composed of blood cell counters, and information processing unit  4 . 
     The transporting unit  2  is arranged in front of the measurement unit  31  and measurement unit  32 . The transporting unit  2  is configured by a right table  21 , left table  22 , and a rack transporter  23  connecting the right table  21  and the left table  22 . The right table  21  and the left table  22  are capable of accommodating a plurality of racks, which are capable of holding ten sample containers T and washing liquid containers C. 
     The transporting unit  2  can hold a rack L installed on the right table  21  by the operator. The transporting unit  2  transports the sample rack L held on the right table  21  to a predetermined position of the rack transporter  23  to supply the sample containers T and the washing liquid containers C to the measurement unit  31  and the measurement unit  32 . The transporting unit  2  then transports the sample rack L on the rack transporter  23  to the left table  22 . The rack L is therefore transported so as to move from the right table  21  toward the left table  22 . In the following description of the transport path, the direction approaching the right table  21  is referred to as the upstream transport direction, and the direction approaching the left table  22  is referred to as the downstream transport direction. 
     In the present embodiment, the container held in the rack L is picked up for processing by the measurement unit  21  or the measurement unit  22  at either the take-up position P 31   a  or P 32   a  on the rack transporter  23 (refer to  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C shows the structures of the sample container T, washing liquid container C, and the rack L.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  are exterior perspective views of the sample container T and the washing liquid container C.  FIG. 2C  is an exterior perspective view of the rack L holding ten sample containers T. Note that  FIG. 2C  shows the directions (front/back, left/right and upstream/downstream in the transporting direction) when the rack L is placed on the transporting unit  2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , the sample container T is a tube-like container, open at the top end, and formed of transparent synthetic resin or glass. A barcode label T 1  is adhered to the side surface of the sample container T. A barcode including the sample ID is printed on the barcode label T 1 . The sample container T contains a blood sample of whole blood collected from a patient, and the opening at the top end is sealed with a rubber cap T 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , the washing liquid container C is a tube-like container, open at the top end, and formed of colored synthetic resin or glass. The color of the washing liquid container C is different than the color of the sample container T for easy visual identification. The washing liquid container C has the same shape and size as the sample container T. 
     A barcode label C 1  is adhered to the side of the washing liquid container C. A barcode including the washing liquid ID is printed on the barcode label C 1 , and the washing liquid ID can be discriminated from the sample ID. The washing liquid container C holds a chlorine-based washing liquid for washing the fluid circuit within the measurement unit  31  or measurement unit  32 , and the opening on the top end of the container is sealed by a film C 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2C , a barcode label L 1  is adhered to the back side of the rack L. A barcode indicating the rack ID is printed on the barcode label L 1 . The rack L has holders capable of vertically holding ten sample containers T and washing liquid containers C. For convenience, the position of each holder is referred to by holding positions  1  through  10  arranged in ascending order from the downstream side to the upstream side in the transport direction. 
       FIG. 2D  illustrates the deployment rule of the washing liquid container C on the rack L.  FIG. 2D  shows the placement of the washing liquid container C when the rack L is viewed from above.  FIG. 2D  shows both the numbers of the holding positions of the rack L shown in  FIG. 2C  and the downstream-upstream transport direction. 
     When washing both the measurement units  31  and  32 , the operator sets the washing liquid containers C in holder positions  1  and  2 , and does not set either the sample containers T or washing liquid containers C in the other holding positions, as shown at the upper level of  FIG. 2D . In this case, the washing liquid container C of holding position  1  is allocated to the measurement unit  31 , and the washing liquid container C of the holding position  2  is allocated to the measurement unit  32 . 
     When only washing the measurement unit  31 , the operator sets the washing liquid container C only in holder position  1 , and does not set either the sample containers T or washing liquid containers C in the other holding positions, as shown in the mid level of  FIG. 2D . In this case, the washing liquid container C of the holding position  1  is allocated to the measurement unit  31 . When only washing the measurement unit  32 , the operator sets the washing liquid container C only in holder position  2 , and does not set either the sample containers T or washing liquid containers C in the other holding positions, as shown in the lower level of  FIG. 2D . In this case, the washing liquid container C of the holding position  2  is allocated to the measurement unit  32 . 
     Hence, when washing the measurement unit  31  and the measurement unit  32 , the washing liquid container C may be placed in either holding position  1  or holding position  2 , or both, of the rack L. 
     Returning now to  FIG. 1 , during measurement of a sample, the measurement unit  31  performs processing of the sample container C on the rack transporter  23  in front of the measurement unit  31 . That is, the measurement unit  31  removes the sample container T from the rack L via the hand part  31   a  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) at the take-up position P 31   a  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) of the rack transporter  23 , and moves the sample container T into the measurement unit  31 , and the sample within the sample container T then is aspirated in the measurement unit  31 . When the aspiration is completed, the measurement unit  31  returns the sample container T back to the original holder of the sample rack L. The measurement unit  32  aspirates samples in the same way as the measurement unit  31 . 
     During washing, the measurement unit  31  performs a process regarding the washing liquid container C on the rack L disposed in front of the measurement unit  31 . That is, similar to when measuring the sample container T, the measurement unit  31  removes the washing container C from the rack L by the hand part  31   a  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) at the take-up position P 31   a  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) of the rack transporter  23 , and moves the washing liquid container C into the measurement unit  31 . The measurement unit  31  then aspirates the washing liquid held in the washing liquid container C. The measurement unit  31  injects the washing liquid into the detection part and the flow path used in the measurement of the sample, and washing liquid is allowed to stand a predetermined time to clean. 
     The washing process is performed once per day. To avoid residual soiling caused by previous sample measurements, the washing liquid is allowed to stand for a long time to clean the flow path, detection part and the like. 
     When the aspiration of the washing liquid is completed, the measurement unit  31  returns the washing liquid container T back to the original holder of the sample rack L. The measurement unit  32  aspirates washing liquid in the same way as the measurement unit  31 . The washed measurement units  31  and  32  then have the power source turned OFF, or enter a standby state according to the set mode which will be described later. Hence, the measurement unit  31  and the measurement unit  32  complete shutdown by having the power source turned OFF after washing, or entering a standby state after washing. 
     The information processing unit  4  has an input part  41  and a display part  42 . The information processing unit  4  is connected via a communication network so as to be capable of communicating with the transporting unit  2 , measurement unit  31 , and measurement unit  32 . The information processing unit  4  controls the operation of the transporting unit  2 , the measurement unit  31 , and measurement unit  32 , and performs analysis based on the measurement results of the measurement units  31  and  32 . The information processing unit  4  also shows messages on the display part  42 . 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic view showing the structures of the transporting unit  2 , measurement unit  31 , and measurement unit  32  viewed from above. 
     The barcode information reading operation is described first referring to  FIG. 3 . 
     The rack L loaded in the right table  21  is moved to the feed position P 1  on the right end of the rack transporter  23  by the rack mover  21   a  pushing the front side of the rack L. The rack L placed at the feed position P 1  is then moved leftward by a belt (not shown in the drawing) of the rack transporter  23 . Note that there are two belts of the rack transporter  23  arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction, so that the racks L can be moved in lateral directions by each belt when two racks L are positioned on the rack transporter  23 . 
     A barcode unit B 2  with a barcode reader B 2   a  is installed near the center of the rack transporter  23 . When the holder of the rack L is set at the reading position P 2  in front of the barcode reader B 2   a , a determination is made as to whether a container (either a sample container T or a washing liquid container C) is held in the holder by a hold determining device (not shown in the drawing) of the barcode unit B 2 . The hold determining device is configured by a mechanism capable of grasping a container from the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). When a container can be gripped by the mechanism, it is determined that a container is held in the holder set at the reading position P 2 . 
     When a sample container T is held in the holder, the sample ID is read from the barcode label T 1  of the sample container T by the barcode reader B 2   a  as the sample container T is rotated. When a washing liquid container C is held in the holder, the washing liquid ID is read from the barcode label C 1  of the washing liquid container C by the barcode reader B 2   a  as the washing liquid container C is rotated. When the barcode label L 1  of the rack L is positioned in front of the barcode reader B 2   a , the rack ID is also read from the barcode label L 1  of the rack L by the barcode reader B 2   a.    
     Hence, the barcode information of the rack L, the information of the presence of a container in all ten holders at holder positions  1  through  10  of the rack L, and the barcode information of the containers held in the rack L are obtained. 
     The operations for supplying the sample container T and the washing liquid container C of the rack L to the measurement units  31  and  32  are described below. 
     In general, when reading the barcode information as described above, the sample containers T in the holders of the rack L are alternatingly supplied sequentially to the measurement unit  31  and measurement unit  32  in sequence from the container at the downstream (left direction) holding position in the transporting direction. For example, when sample containers T are present in holding positions  1  through  3  of the rack L, the sample container T at holding position  1  is set at the take-up position P 31   a  of the measurement unit  31 . The hand part  31   a  is installed in the measurement unit  31  so as to be movable in vertical directions (Z-axis direction) at the take-up position P 31   a . The sample container T set at the take-up position P 31   a  is gripped by the hand part  31   a  and removed in an upward direction (Z-axis positive direction) from the rack L, and placed into the measurement unit  31 . 
     After the sample container T of holding position  1  has been retrieved by the measurement unit  31 , the sample container T of the holding position  2  is set at the take-up position P 32   a  of the measurement unit  32 . The sample container T set at the take-up position P 32   a  is gripped by the hand part  32   a  and removed in an upward direction (Z-axis positive direction) from the rack L, and placed into the measurement unit  32 . 
     Thereafter, when the measurement is completed for the sample in the sample container T of the holding position  1  in the measurement unit  31 , the holding position  1  is again set at the take-up position P 31   a  of the measurement unit  31 . The sample container T held by the hand part  31   a  of the measurement unit  31  is set in the holding position  1  of the rack L from above (Z-axis positive direction). 
     Hence, the measurement unit  31  becomes empty and the sample container T of the holding position  3  is set at the take-up position  31   a  of the measurement unit  31  and then moves into the measurement unit  31 . 
     Supplying the washing liquid container C to the measurement units  31  and  32  is conducted according to the deployment rule shown in  FIG. 2D . For example, when the washing liquid container C is placed as shown in the upper level of  FIG. 2D , the washing liquid container C of holding position  1  and the washing liquid container C of holding position  2  are sequentially set at the take-up positions P 31   a  and P 32   a , respectively. The two washing liquid containers C are placed in the measurement units  31  and  32 , respectively. The washing liquid containers are thus placed in the measurement unit corresponding to the holding position of the rack. When the washing liquid container C is set as shown in the mid level of  FIG. 2D , the washing liquid container C of the holding position  1  is therefore placed in the measurement unit  31 . When the washing liquid container C is set as shown in the lower level of  FIG. 2D , the washing liquid container C of the holding position  2  is therefore placed in the measurement unit  32 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a flow chart showing the sample container T take-up operation of the measurement units  31  and  32 . The sample container T take-up operation performed by the measurement unit  31  is described as representative of the measurement units  31  and  32 . 
     When the sample container T is set at the take-up position P 31   a  of the measurement unit  31 , the sample container T is gripped by the hand part  31   a  and removed in an upward direction (Z-axis positive direction) (S 31 ). The hand part  31   a  moves the sample container T in a pendulum-like fashion to stir the sample (S 32 ). The container receiver  31   b  moves forward (Y-axis negative direction) above the take-up position P 31   a  so that the container receiver  31   b  is positioned beneath the hand part  31   a  (S 33 ). After stirring, the hand part  31   a  is moved downward (Z-axis negative direction) and the sample container T is set on the container receiver  31   b.    
     Thereafter, the container receiver  31   b  is moved backward (Y-axis positive direction) to the barcode reading position P 31   b  (S 35 ), the presence of the sample container T is recognized and the barcode is again read by the barcode unit B 31  provided with the barcode reader B 31   a  (S 36 ). Note that the barcode unit B 31  is provided with a hold determining device (not shown in the drawing) identical to the barcode unit B 2 . 
     The container receiver  31   b  is then set at the aspirating position P 31   c  directly below the pipette  31   d  (S 37 ). The pipette  31   d  then is moved downward and pierces the cap on the sample container T positioned at the aspirating position P 31   c , and aspirates the sample within the sample container T (S 38 ). 
     When the aspiration of the sample by the pipette  31   d  ends, the container receiver  31   b  is moved forward and set again at the take-up position P 31   a  (S 39 ). At the take-up position P 31   a , the sample container T is moved upward from the container receiver  31   b  by the hand part  31   a . The container receiver  31   b  is moved backward and the hand part  31   a  is moved downward (Z-axis negative direction) to return the sample container T to the holder of the rack L positioned in the rack transporter  23  (S 41 ). 
       FIG. 4B  is a flow chart showing the washing liquid container C take-up operation by the measurement unit  31  and measurement unit  32 . 
     S 51  and S 52  through S 60  in  FIG. 4B  are comparable to S 31  and S 33  through S 41  of  FIG. 4A , but the sample container T is replaced by the washing liquid container C. Hence, the description of each step is abbreviated. In the take-up operation of  FIG. 4B , the step corresponding to S 32  of  FIG. 4A  is omitted. This step is omitted inasmuch as the stirring operation is unnecessary since the container is the washing liquid container C. 
     After washing liquid has been aspirated from all the washing liquid containers C, the rack L is positioned at the rear position on the left table  22 , and is moved forward on the left table  22  by the rack mover  22   a.    
       FIG. 5  shows the structures of the transporting unit  2 , measurement unit  31  and measurement unit  32 . 
     The transporting unit  2  has a drive section  201 , sensor section  202 , barcode unit B 2 , and communication section  203 . 
     The drive section  201  includes a device for moving the rack L within the transporting unit  2 , and the sensor section  202  includes sensors for detecting the rack L on the transport path of the transporting unit  2 . The barcode unit B 2  includes a hold determining device (not shown in the drawing), and a barcode reader B 2   a , as described above. 
     The communication section  203  is connected to the information processing unit  4  and is capable of communication therewith. Each section of the transporting unit  2  is controlled by the information processing unit  4  through the communication section  203 . Signals output from the various sections in the transporting unit  2  are also transmitted to the information processing unit  4  through the communication section  203 . 
     The measurement unit  31  has an aspirating section  311 , sample preparing section  312 , detecting section  313 , drive section  314 , sensor section  315 , barcode unit B 31 , and communication section  316 . The measurement unit  32  has an aspirating section  321 , sample preparing section  322 , detecting section  323 , drive section  324 , sensor section  325 , barcode unit B 32 , and communication section  326 . 
     Since the measurement unit  31  and the measurement unit  32  have completely identical structures, only measurement unit  31  is described below. 
       FIG. 6  shows the structure of the fluid flow circuit of the measurement unit  31 . 
     The aspirating section  311  includes an aspirating pipette  31   d  for piercing a sealing of the containers and aspirating sample from the sample container T and washing liquid from the washing liquid container C that have been moved into the measurement unit  31 , and a syringe pump SP for exerting a negative pressure on the pipette  31   d . The tip of the pipette  31   d  is sharp to puncture and pierce the cap C 2  of the washing liquid container C and the cap T 2  of the sample container T. The sample preparing section  312  has a reaction chamber MC 1  for preparing samples for measuring red blood cells and platelets, and a reaction chamber MC 2  for preparing samples for measuring white blood cells. The detecting section  313  has an electrical resistance type detector DC 1  for measuring red blood cells and platelets, and optical type detector DC 2  for optically measuring white blood cells. The measurement unit  31  also has a waste fluid chamber WC for storing waste fluids. 
     When measuring a sample contained in a sample container T, the aspirating section  311  aspirates the sample through the pipette  31   d  by causing the syringe pump SP to exert a negative pressure on the pipette  31   d . The pipette  31   d  discharges the aspirated sample to the reaction chamber MC 1  and reaction chamber MC 2 . The sample preparing section  312  stirs and mixes the sample and reagent within the reaction chamber MC 1  to prepare a sample to be used for measuring red blood cells and platelets. The sample preparing section  312  also stirs and mixes the sample and reagent within the reaction chamber MC 2  to prepare a sample for measuring white blood cells. The sample prepared in the reaction chamber MC 1  is moved to the electrical resistance type detector DC 1  through a flow path, and the sample prepared in the reaction chamber MC 2  is moved to the optical type detector DC 2  through a flow path. The detecting section  313  detects the optical information (side fluorescent light signals, forward scattered light signals, and side scattered light signals) from the white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells in the sample as sample data via the optical type detector DC 2 . The detecting section  313  also detects the electrical information from the red blood cells and platelets in the sample as sample data via the electrical resistance type detector DC 1 . The samples that have passed through the detecting section  313  are then moved to the waste liquid chamber WC through a flow path. 
     When washing using the washing liquid contained in the washing liquid container C, the washing liquid flows through the same flow path as the sample. That is, the flow path from each reaction chamber to the waste liquid chamber WC is filled with washing liquid by aspirating the washing liquid from the washing liquid container C and discharging the aspirated washing liquid into each reaction chamber of the sample preparing section  312  by the aspirating section  311 . The residue of sample and reagent adhered to the inner walls of each reaction chamber are removed therefrom by being filled with the washing liquid for a long time. 
     Returning to  FIG. 5 , the drive section  314  includes a mechanism to transport the sample container T and the washing liquid container C within the measurement unit  31 . The sensor section  315  includes sensors to detect the sample container T and the washing liquid container C at predetermined positions on the transport path within the measurement unit  31 . The barcode unit B 31  includes a hold determining device (not shown in the drawing), and a barcode reader B 31   a , as described above. 
     The communication section  316  is connected to the information processing unit  4  and is capable of communication therewith. Each section of the measurement unit  3  is controlled by the information processing unit  4  through the communication section  316 . Signals output from the various sections in the measurement unit  3  are also transmitted to the information processing unit  4  through the communication section  316 . 
       FIG. 7  shows the structure of the information processing unit  4 . 
     The information processing unit  4  is configured by a personal computer having a main body  40 , input section  41 , and display section  42 . The main body  40  has a CPU  401 , ROM  402 , RAM  403 , hard disk  404 , reading device  405 , I/O interface  406 , image output interface  407 , and communication interface  408 . 
     The CPU  401  is capable of executing a computer program stored in the ROM  402  and a computer program loaded in the RAM  403 . The RAM  403  is used when reading the computer program stored in the ROM  402  and recorded on the hard disk  404 . The RAM  403  is also used as the work area of the CPU  401  when the CPU  401  executes the computer programs. 
     An operating system and application programs, as well as the data used when executing the operating system and application programs that are executed by the CPU  401 , are installed on the hard disk  404 . That is, the hard disk  404  stores programs for analyzing the sample data transmitted from the measurement units  31  and  32  and generating measurement results such as the red blood cell count and white blood cell count, and showing results on the display section  42  based on the generated measurement results. 
     A database  404 A for associating and storing measurement orders (described later), recording date and time information, and status information is also stored on the hard disk  404 . Measurement orders are information including various items as well as the sample ID, and measurement items associated with the sample ID. The recording date and time is information representing the date and time the measurement order was recorded, and is stored in memory associated with each measurement order. The status information is information indicating whether the measurement was completed based on the measurement order, and is stored in memory associated with each measurement order. 
     The reader  405  is a CD drive or DVD drive capable of reading computer programs and data recorded on a recording medium. The I/O interface  406  is connected to the input section  41  configured by a mouse and keyboard, and the user uses the input section  41  to input instructions and data to the information processing unit  4 . The image output interface  407  is connected to the display section  42  configured by a display of some type, and the image output interface  407  outputs image signals corresponding to the image data to the display  42 . 
     The display section  42  displays images based on the input image signals. Various types of program screens are shown on the display section  42 . Data transmission and reception is possible with the transporting unit  2 , measurement unit  31 , and measurement unit  32  through the communication interface  408 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an order input screen D 1  being displayed on the display section  42  of the information processing unit  4 . 
     The order input screen D 1  includes a sample number input field D 101 , rack number input field D 102 , test tube position input field D 103 , discrete selection field D 104 , sample comment input field D 105 , patient number input field D 106 , patient information input region D 110 , order selection region D 120 , measurement channel selection region  130 , and buttons D 141  and D 142 . The operator can show the order input screen D 1  on the display section  42  by operating the input section  41  of the information processing unit  4 . 
     The sample number input field D 101  is an input box for entering the sample ID included in the barcode label T 1  of the sample container T. The rack number input field D 102  is an input box for entering the rack ID included in the barcode label L 1  of the rack L. The test tube position input field D 103  is an input box for entering the hold position of the sample container T. The discrete selection field D 104  is a selection box for selecting the combination of measurement items prepared in advance from among the measurement items (discrete). When selecting a measurement item combination in the discrete selection field D 104 , selection of a checkbox included the order selection region D 120  and the measurement channel selection region D 130  is performed. The sample comment field D 105  and patient number input field D 106  are input boxes for entering comments of the sample and the number of the patient from whom the sample was collected. 
     The patient information input region D 110  includes a selection box and input box for selecting and entering various information of the patient from whom the sample was collected. 
     The order selection field D 120  includes a CBC field D 121 , DIFF field D 122 , and RET field D 123 , and is a region for detailed setting of measurement items for a sample. The CBC field D 121 , DIFF field D 122 , and RET field D 123  include checkboxes for selecting measurement items included in the CBC item, DIFF item, and RET item, respectively. The measurement channel selection region D 130  includes checkboxes for selecting two measurement items. Note that when an operator designates a specific combination of measurement items from the order selection region D 120  and the measurement channel selection region D 130 , the display of the discrete selection field D 104  becomes “Free Selection.” 
     When the button D 141  is pressed, input and selected items in the order input screen D 1  are stored on the hard disk  404  of the information processing unit  4 . When the button D 142  is pressed, the input and selected items within the order input screen D 1  are deleted. Hence, the operator can set various items including measurement items to be performed on the sample associated with the sample ID through the order input screen D 1  shown in  FIG. 8 . Items set through the order input screen D 1  are referred to as “measurement order” hereinafter. 
     When the button D 141  is pressed and the measurement order is stored in memory, the date and time when the button D 141  is pressed (record date and time information) is associated with the sample ID and stored on the hard disk  404 . When the button D 141  is pressed and the measurement order is stored, the information indicating whether the measurement has been completed based on the measurement information (hereinafter referred to as “status information”) is associated with the sample ID and stored on the hard disk  404 . The content of the status information is either “unmeasured” or “completed”. The status information is set by default to “unmeasured” when the measurement order is recorded. 
       FIG. 9  shows a measurement record screen D 2  being displayed on the display section  42  of the information processing unit  4 . 
     The measurement record screen D 2  includes an order list region D 210 , an order region D 220 , and a patient information region D 230 . 
     The measurement orders stored on the hard disk  404  through the order input screen D 1  are shown in the form of a list in the order list region D 210 . Specifically, the rack item representing the rack ID, position item representing the test tube position, the sample number item representing the sample ID, discrete item representing the measurement items, and the patient ID item representing the patient ID are shown among the measurement orders. Other items are shown through the side scroll bar of the order list region D 210 . 
     The status item representing the status information associated with the sample ID, and the recording date/time item representing the recording date and time information associated with the sample ID are shown in the order list region D 210 . Status information content (“unmeasured” or “completed”) is displayed in the status items, and recording date/time information content (year/month/day and time) is displayed in the recording date/time items. Hence, the status item and the recording date/time item of the measurement order corresponding to a single sample ID are displayed together in the order list region D 210 . 
     Details of the discrete item of the measurement order selected in the order list region D 210  is shown in the order region D 220 . All measurement items in the order selection region D 120  and the measurement channel selection region D 130  of  FIG. 8  are shown among the items of the order region D 220 . Order items of the order region D 220  are displayed with a check mark indicating whether to perform the measurement relative to the measurement items shown among the items. Note that the order region D 220  shown in  FIG. 9  allows the display content to be moved vertically via the vertical scroll bar. 
     Patient information of the measurement order selected by the order list D 210  is shown in the patient information region D 230 . The patient information region D 230  corresponds to each item included in the patient information input region D 110  of  FIG. 8 . 
     The operator can verify the content of the measurement order stored on the hard disk  404  by referring to the measurement record screen D 2  shown  FIG. 9 . The operator can be informed of the date and time recorded in the measurement order, and whether the sample measurement has been performed based on the measurement order by referring to the status item and the recording date/time item of the order list region D 210 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing the transport control of the rack L. Note that the operation of each section mentioned below is realized by the CPU  401  of the information processing unit  4  transmitting commands to each section according to an algorithm shown in the flow chart. 
     The transporting unit  2  moves the rack L disposed on the right table  21  to the reading position P 2  of the barcode unit B 2  (S 111 ). The barcode unit B 2  then reads the barcode of the containers held at holding position  1  and  2  of the rack L (S 112 ). More specifically, the barcode information is read from the container when a determination is made as to whether a container is held at the holding position  1  and  2 , and a container is determined to be present. Hence, the CPU  401  determines whether the container is a sample container T or washing liquid container C. 
     When the CPU  401  determines that a washing liquid container T is not held in either the holding position  1  or  2  by the reading performed by the barcode unit B 2  (S 113 : NO), the barcode unit B 2  then reads the barcode information from the containers at the holding positions  3  through  10 . The measurement units  31  and  32  then perform sequential measurements of the samples of each container (S 114  through S 116 ). Note that in this case measurement is only performed for samples of the sample containers T and the washing liquid container C is ignored even if a washing liquid container C is set at a holding position  3  through  10 . 
     The CPU  104  retrieves the corresponding measurement order from the measurement order database  404 A stored on the hard disk  404  using the sample ID read from the sample container T as a key (S 114 ). The measurement unit  31  (or  32 ) performs measurements by moving the sample container T into the measurement unit according to the take-up operation of  FIG. 4A  (S 115 ). When the measurement of the sample is completed, the CPU  401  updates the content of the status information from “unmeasured” to “completed” in the measurement order corresponding to the sample ID of the sample just measured (S 116 ). Then, when the measurement process ends for all samples held in the rack L, the transporting unit  2  moves the rack L to the left table  22  (S 127 ). 
     When the CPU  401  determines that a washing liquid container C is held in either the holding position  1  or holding position  2  by the reading performed by the barcode unit B 2  (S 113 : YES), the CPU  401  sets a washing appointment for the corresponding measurement unit according to the deployment rule shown in  FIG. 2D  (S 117 ). For example, a washing appointment is set for both the measurement units  31  and  32  when a washing liquid container C is set at both holding positions  1  and  2 , and a washing appointment is set for only one or another of the measurement units  31  and  32  when a washing liquid container C is set at only holding position  1  or holding position  2 . 
     The transporting unit  2  then moves the rack L to place the washing liquid container C at the take-up position of the measurement unit with the washing appointment (S 118 ). For example, when a washing appointment is set for both the measurement unit  31  and the measurement unit  32 , the washing liquid container C at the holding position  1  is moved to the take-up position P 31   a  of the measurement unit  31 , and the washing liquid container C at the holding position  2  is moved to the take-up position P 32   a  of the measurement unit  32 . When a washing appointment is set for only one of the measurement units  31  or  32 , the washing liquid container C at either the holding position  1  or  2  is moved to one or another of the take-up positions P 31   a  or P 32   a.    
     Note that when the washing liquid container C is set at the take-up position of the destination measurement unit, the transporting unit  2  stops the transport of the washing liquid container C. That is, the transporting unit  2  moves the washing liquid container C to the take-up position according to the washing appointment set in S 117 , and if any uncompleted measurement order remains, the washing liquid container C remains at the take-up position until an operation is performed in a message dialog D 3 , which is described later. 
     The CPU  401  then refers to the status information stored in the database  404 A on the hard disk  404  (S 119 ). The database  404 A stores information regarding whether measurement has been completed (“unmeasured” or “completed”) based on each measurement order as the status information, as shown in  FIG. 9 . When the CPU  401  determines that the measurement order is “unmeasured” (S 120 : YES) as a result of referring to the status information, the execution of the shutdown operation is temporarily stopped (deferred), and the message dialog D 3  shown in  FIG. 11A  is shown in the display section  42  (S 121 ). Alternatively, when the CPU  401  determines the measurement order is not “unmeasured” (S 120 : NO), the process advances to S 123 . 
       FIG. 11A  shows the message dialog D 3 . 
     A summary of the measurement order indicating “unmeasured” is shown in the message dialog D 3 . The shutdown operation is performed when the button D 31  is pressed, and the shutdown operation is not performed when the button D 32  is pressed. The message dialog D 3  remains open if neither button is pressed; the message dialog D 3  is a so-called dialog box, and the shutdown operation is deferred while the dialog box is displayed. Note that the message dialog D 3  also may contain a button D 33  as shown in  FIG. 11B . In this case, when the button D 33  is pressed, the measurement record screen D 2  of  FIG. 9 , or a dialog box similar to the measurement record screen D 2 , is shown on the display section  42 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the CPU  401  determines whether the button D 31  or the button D 32  has been pressed in the message dialog D 3  (S 122 , S 124 ). When the button D 31  corresponding to the selection branch [YES] is pressed (S 122 : YES), the CPU  401  performs the shutdown of the measurement unit that is the destination in S 118  (S 123 ). The shutdown is an operation that either turns OFF the power source of the sample analyzer  1  including the measurement unit  31 , measurement unit  32 , and information processing unit  4  after washing processes have been performed using the washing liquid containers C (power OFF mode), or places a washed measurement unit that has been subjected to the washing process in a standby condition (standby mode). The standby condition is a condition in which the sample analyzer  1  is at standby status and is capable of receiving an instruction to start measurement. The operator may preset execution of either mode as the shutdown operation. 
     The measurement unit  31  or  32  is subjected to a washing process using the corresponding washing liquid container C according to the take-up operation of  FIG. 4B . Thereafter, the power source is turned OFF or the apparatus transitions to the standby condition according to the set mode. When the CPU  401  determines that the button D 32  corresponding to the selection branch [NO] has been pressed in the message dialog D 3  (S 122 : NO; S 124 : YES), the process of S 123  is skipped. If none of the buttons is pressed (S 124 : NO), the determinations of S 122  and S 124  are repeated and the shutdown deferment continues. 
     Note that when the standby mode is set and a shutdown process is performed for only one of the two operating measurement units, only one of the measurement units enters the standby condition after the washing process, whereas the remaining measurement unit continues operation. When one measurement unit is in the standby condition and the remaining measurement unit undergoes the shutdown process, both measurement units transition to the standby condition after the washing process has been performed. 
     When shutdown operation is performed for only one of the two operating measurement units and the power supply OFF mode is set, the washing process is performed and then only the washed measurement unit becomes sleep (that is, a condition in which sample processing is rejected). When a single measurement unit is in the sleep condition and the remaining measurement unit undergoes the shutdown process, the washing process is performed and thereafter the power source of the sample analyzer  1  is turned OFF, including both measurement units and the information processing unit. 
     The CPU  401  then cancels the washing appointment of the measurement unit (S 125 ), and determines whether a washing appointment is set for the other measurement unit (S 126 ). When a washing appointment is set for the other measurement unit (S 126 : YES), the process returns to S 118 , and process of S 118  through S 125  are performed for the other measurement unit. Alternatively, when washing appointment is not set for the other measurement unit (S 126 : NO), the transporting unit  2  moves the rack L to the left table  22  (S 127 ). 
     According to the present embodiment, the operations of S 117  through S 126  of  FIG. 10  are performed when the barcode reader B 2   a  reads the washing liquid ID from the barcode label of the washing liquid container C placed as shown in  FIG. 2D  (S 113 :YES of  FIG. 10 ). At this time the CPU  401  of the information processing unit  4  refers to the status information of the measurement order stored in the database  404 A. When the status information indicates the sample is “unmeasured” (measurement order), the information processing unit  4  shows the message dialog D 3  on the display section  42 , and defers the execution of the shutdown operation until an instruction is received from the operator. Hence, automatically starting the shutdown operation can be avoided even when the operator forgets about the presence of an unmeasured sample and starts to transport the washing liquid container C. It is therefore possible to prevent a situation in which an operator becomes aware of the presence of an unmeasured sample after shutdown, but must wait a long time to measure the sample until the shutdown ends or until the sample analyzer  1  is restarted. 
     According to the present embodiment, the operator can readily comprehend the presence of an unmeasured sample (measurement order) when an unmeasured sample remains by showing the message dialog D 3  on the display section  42 . Since the message dialog  3  includes the buttons D 31  and D 32 , execution of the shutdown operation can be easily selected by operating the button D 31  or D 32 . When a button D 33  is included in the message dialog D 3  as shown in  FIG. 11B , the operator can verify an unmeasured order by operating the button D 33 . The operator therefore can suitable determine whether to execute the shutdown operation. 
     Although the present invention has been described above by way of an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. 
     For example, although the example of a blood cell counter is used as an example of a measurement unit in the above embodiment, the measurement unit broadly applied insofar as the apparatus is provided with an apparatus for processing a clinical sample. Hence, the measurement unit also may be a urine analyzer, blood coagulation analyzer, immunological analyzer, or biochemical analyzer. Neither is the present invention limited to apparatuses for measuring and analyzing a sample, inasmuch as the invention is also applicable to apparatuses for preparing a smeared sample from a specimen. 
     The above embodiment is described by way of example in which an input shutdown instruction is dealt with based on having read the barcode of the washing liquid container C. The present invention is not limited to this variation, however. 
     Suppose, for example, a case in which a shutdown instruction for the measurement unit  31  or measurement unit  32  can be issued from the information processing unit  4 . In this case, a button (hereinafter referred to as “shutdown button”) for initiating a shutdown is shown on an application screen displayed on the display section  42 . When the operator presses this shutdown button, a determination is made as to whether there is an unmeasured order similar to steps S 119  through S 121  of  FIG. 10 . 
     If an unmeasured order does not exist, the information processing unit  4  transmits a shutdown signal to the measurement unit  31  or  32 , and the power source is turned OFF for the measurement unit  31  or  32 . 
     If an unmeasured order does exist, the message dialog screen of  FIG. 11A  or  FIG. 11B  is displayed. If the [YES] branch is selected, a shutdown signal is transmitted from the information processing unit  4 . When the [NO] branch is selected, the operation of the shutdown button is canceled, and the screen returns to the original application screen. 
     Note that shutdown in this case includes only the operation of turning OFF the power source of the measurement unit and does not include washing using a washing liquid. 
     Although the shutdown operation in the above embodiment includes washing by aspirating washing liquid from a washing liquid container that holds a special washing liquid and retaining the aspirated washing liquid in the fluid flow circuit, the present invention is not limited to this variation. The special washing liquid also may be held in a bottle (hereinafter referred to as “washing liquid bottle”) installed within the measurement unit. When a shutdown signal is transmitted from the information processing unit  4 , the measurement unit  31  inserts a pipette  31   d  into the bottle, aspirates the washing liquid, and executes washing as in the above embodiment. 
     A further modification of this embodiment also may connect the bottle to the sample preparing section  312  and the detecting section  313  through a flow path, and move the washing liquid through the flow path. 
     Although the above embodiment is described by way of example in which a sample analyzer  1  aspirates a sample by a pipette  31   d  after the sample container T has been moved into the measurement unit by the hand  31   a  of the measurement unit  31 , the present invention is not limited to this variation. Aspiration of the sample also may be performed without moving the sample container T into the measurement unit. Specifically, the sample analyzer  1  may be provided with a pipette at the take-up position P 31   a  to aspirate the sample in the sample container T on the rack transporter  23 . 
     In the above embodiment, when an unmeasured sample (measurement order) exists, the washing liquid container C waits at the take-up position of the corresponding measurement unit until either button D 31  or D 32  is pressed in the message dialog D 3 . The present invention is not limited to this variation, however. The washing liquid container C also may wait at another position on the rack transporter  23 , for example, the reading position P 2 . The method of prohibiting shutdown also may be a method in which the washing liquid container C is taken into the measurement unit, but the container transporter  31   c  ( 32   c ) avoids setting the washing liquid container C at the aspirating position P 31   c  (P 32   c ). Another method may be avoiding aspiration of the washing liquid by the pipette  31   d  ( 32   d ). 
     Although the barcode adhered to the container is read on the rack transporter  23  connecting the right table  21  and the left table  22  in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this variation. For example, the barcode also may be read midway on the transport path of the transporter when the transporter that supplies the rack L to the right table  21  is connected upstream of the transport uniting  2 . 
     Although the above embodiment is described by way of example in which a sample analyzer  1  is provided with two measurement units  31  and  32 , a single measurement unit or three or more measurement units also may be provided and, moreover, a smear sample preparing apparatus having a device for aspirating and smearing blood on a slide may be provided in place of a measurement unit. 
     Note that when the sample analyzer  1  is provided with a smear sample preparing apparatus, a special order is used including the sample ID and whether to prepare a smear sample associated with the sample ID. The status information also includes information indicating whether preparation is completed (“unprepared” or “completed”) based on the smear sample preparation order. When preparing to supply a washing liquid container C to either the measurement unit or the smear sample preparation apparatus, the CPU  401  of the information processing unit  4  refers to the status information, and displays the message dialog D 3  and whether there is an unmeasured or unprepared sample. 
     Although the message dialog D 3  is displayed insofar as there is an unmeasured sample (measurement order) after referring to the status information in the above embodiment, whether to display the message dialog D 3  also may be determined by referring to the recording date/time information of the measurement order. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  are flow charts with modified step S 120  of the flow chart of  FIG. 10 . In  FIGS. 12A and 12B , only the modified part of the flow chart is shown; the dashed line indicates the modified part from the flow chart of  FIG. 10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12A , the CPU  401  of the information processing unit  4  refers to the status information (S 119 ), then refers to the recording date/time information relating to the day and time the measurement order was recorded (S 131 ). The status information and recording date/time information are stored in the database  404 A on the hard disk  404  as mentioned above. The CPU  401  then determines whether there is a measurement order that is unmeasured and the recording date/time is within a predetermined time since the current time (for example, within 24 hours). That is, in the algorithm shown in  FIG. 12A , measurement orders that are unmeasured but the recording date/time is not within a predetermined time from the current time are ignored. 
     When there is an unmeasured measurement order recorded within the predetermined time (S 132 : YES), the CPU  401  shows the message dialog D 3  on the display section  42  similar to the above embodiment (S 121 ). Alternatively, when there is not an unmeasured measurement order recorded within the predetermined time (S 132 : NO), the process advances to S 123 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12B , the CPU  401  of the information processing unit  4  refers to the status information (S 119 ), then refers to the recording date/time information corresponding to the measurement order (S 141 ). The CPU  401  then determines whether there is an unmeasured measurement order with a recording date/time after the date/time the previous washing process was performed (washing date/time) (S 142 ). That is, in the algorithm shown in  FIG. 12B , unmeasured measurement orders having a recording date/time before the previous washing process was performed are ignored. Note that the execution date and time of the most recent washing process performed by either the measurement unit  31  or  32  is stored on the hard disk  404 . 
     When there is an unmeasured measurement order recorded after the previous washing process date/time (S 142 : YES), the CPU  401  shows the message dialog D 3  on the display section  42  similar to the above embodiment (S 121 ). Alternatively, when there is not an unmeasured measurement order recorded after the previous washing process date/time (S 142 : NO), the process advances to S 123 . 
     According to the configuration as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , even if an unnecessary measurement order, that has been forgotten to be canceled, is remained, the shutdown process is performed without displaying the message dialog D 3 . Hence, the shutdown process can be performed smoothly. 
     Note that in S 142 , the CPU  401  determines whether there is an unmeasured measurement order with a recording date/time that is later than the date/time of the previous shutdown process (shutdown date/time). 
     In the above embodiment, the status information is referenced to determine whether there is an unmeasured measurement order each time the washing liquid container C is moved to the take-up position of the measurement unit having the washing appointment. Alternatively, the determination whether uncompleted order remains may be skipped when both of two measurement units are working but the washing is done for only one of the two measurement units. In this configuration, if only one of measurement units is working and the washing appointment is set for the working unit, the determination is executed. 
     Although the existence of an unmeasured measurement order is determined when the washing liquid container C arrives at the take-up position in the above embodiment, the existence of the unmeasured measurement order also may be determined when the barcode is read in S 112 . 
     Although the sample container T and the washing liquid container C are placed in the rack L and supplied to the measurement units  31  and  32  in the above embodiment, the sample container T and the washing liquid container C also may be transported one by one placed directly in the rack transporter  23  and supplied to the measurement units  31  and  32  without being set in the rack L. 
     In the above embodiment, the presence of a container is determined by the barcode unit B 2 . Classification as a sample container T and washing liquid container C is determined by reading the barcode. The carrier of the identification information is not limited to a barcode. For example, an IC chip representing the sample ID and washing liquid ID may be allocated to a container with an IC reader being used to obtain the identification information, and an RFID (radio frequency identification) representing the sample ID and washing liquid ID may be allocated to a container with the an RFID reader being used to obtain the identification information. When containers having different shapes are established beforehand for the sample and the washing liquid, an optical sensor may be used to distinguish the shape, or the container may be photographed and the shape may be recognized by image analysis. In place of a linear barcode, a two-dimensional code may be used, such as a QR code (registered trademark). 
     In the above embodiment, when the washing liquid ID is read from the barcode label C 1  of the washing liquid container C placed as shown in  FIG. 2D , a washing appointment is set according to the position of the washing liquid container C. However, the present invention is not limited to this variation inasmuch as shutdown may be accepted by using a special rack. In this case, when it is determined there is a rack L to be washed by the rack ID read by the barcode reader B 2   a , the message dialog D 3  may be displayed if there is an unmeasured measurement order. 
     Although whether a measurement of a sample has been completed is determined using the status information in the above embodiment, the status information need not be used. When measurement of a sample ends based on the measurement order, the measurement order can be erased from the database  404 A instead of S 116  of  FIG. 10 . In this case, measurement orders stored on the hard disk  404  all are unmeasured. Therefore, in this case, the determination of existence of unmeasured measurement order can be simply done based on whether any order remains in the database  404 A or not. 
     Although the measurement units  31  and  32  enter a power OFF condition, inactive condition, or standby condition after washing has been executed in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this variation inasmuch as the measurement units  31  and  32  may be restarted, or the operator may set the power OFF condition, inactive condition, standby condition, or restart the units by an application of the information processing unit  4 . 
     When the power OFF mode is set in the above embodiment, shutdown process is performed for the corresponding measurement unit according to the deployment rule shown in  FIG. 2D . However, the invention is not limited to this variation; when the power OFF mode is set, the shutdown process may be executed only when a washing liquid container C is set at both holding positions  1  and  2  as shown in the condition of  FIG. 2D . In the shutdown process in this instance, after the washing process is performed in parallel in both measurement units using the washing liquid containers C held at the holding positions  1  and  2 , the power is turned OFF to the sample analyzer  1  including both measurement units and the information processing unit  4 . When a rack L which holds a washing liquid container C only at one holding position, either holding position  1  or  2 , and the rack L is placed on the right table  21 , a shutdown instruction by the rack L is invalid and the rack L is moved as is to the left table  22 . Note that when the operation in the power OFF mode is modified in this way, the power is turned OFF to both measurement units with approximately the same timing without the inactive condition mentioned above. 
     When there is an unmeasured sample in the above embodiment (S 120 : YES in  FIG. 10 ), the message dialog D 3  is displayed and the operator presses either the button D 31  or D 32  to select whether to perform the shutdown process. However, the present invention is not limited to this variation; when an unmeasured sample is present, the normal shutdown process may be prohibited without displaying the message dialog D 3 . Displaying the message dialog D 3  as in the above embodiment, and not performing the normal shutdown process also may be set by the operator. 
     Although the message dialog D 3  is displayed when there is an unmeasured sample in the above embodiment (S 120 : YES in  FIG. 10 ), the invention is not limited to this variation inasmuch as an audio sound may be emitted from a speaker provided in the information processing unit  4  to warn that an unmeasured sample is present and to allow the transport of the washing liquid container C to be suspended. When a shutdown instruction is issued and the operator is at a position some distance from the apparatus, the operator is soon alerted that the execution of the shutdown is deferred by the emitted audio even when the operator is separated from the apparatus after issuing an instruction to start the transport of the washing liquid container C. 
     Although the shutdown prohibition is released by pressing the button D 31  displayed on the screen when the shutdown operation has been deferred in the above embodiment, the prohibition also may be released by other means. For example, the prohibition may be released by pressing a hardware button installed on the body of the measurement unit, or the prohibition may be released by a predetermined key operation. 
     When there is an unmeasured sample in the above embodiment (S 120 : YES in  FIG. 10 ), a message dialog D 3  is displayed and includes a button D 32  to stop the shutdown operation. However, a message may also be displayed on the message dialog D 3  urging the operator to perform a predetermined operation (for example, pressing a predetermined key) via the input section  41 . 
     In the above embodiment, when the message dialog D 3  shown in  FIG. 11B  is displayed and the button D 33  is pressed, the measurement record screen D 2  of  FIG. 9  or a dialog similar to the measurement record screen D 2  is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this variation; after the message dialog D 3  has been displayed, the measurement record screen D 2  or a dialog similar to the measurement record screen D 2  may be displayed automatically with a predetermined timing (for example, after 10 seconds has elapsed). In this case, a list including only the unmeasured measurement order may be displayed instead of the measurement record screen D 2 . 
     In the above embodiment, the measurement order, status information, and recording date/time are stored in the database  404 A on the hard disk  404  of the information processing unit  4 . However, the present invention is not limited to this variation and when a host computer  5  is connected to the information processing unit  4  so as to allow communication therebetween, the measurement order, status information, and recording date/time may be stored on the hard disk  52  of the host computer  5  as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     In this case, the host computer  5  can display the order input screen D 1  similar to the information processing unit  4 , and is configured to accept a measurement order record from the operator through the screen. 
     An example of a series flow is given using the host computer  5 . The physician who examined the patient receives the result of the examination, and determines the items that need to be measured for the patient. The physician enters the determined measurement items as a measurement order in the host computer  5 . The host computer  5  associates and stores the measurement order, status information, and recording date/time information with the sample ID on the hard disk  52 . The physician issues a barcode indicating the sample ID, and adheres the barcode to the sample container holding the collected sample. 
     The barcode adhered to the sample container is read when the sample container holding the sample collected from the patient arrives at the sample analyzer  1 . In S 114  of  FIG. 10 , the information processing unit  4  transmits to the host computer  5  the information with an additional summary of an order query of the sample ID represented by the read barcode as shown in  FIG. 13B . The host computer  5  reads the measurement order stored on the hard disk  52 , and transmits the information to the information processing unit  4 . The measurement units  31  and  32  of the information processing unit  4  perform measurements on the sample based on the received measurement order. When the measurement are completed, the information processing unit  4  transmits to the host computer  5  the information with added information of the completion for the sample ID as shown in  FIG. 13C . The host computer  5  updates the content of the status information associated with the sample ID to “completed.” 
     In S 119  of  FIG. 10 , the information processing unit  4  transmits to the host computer  5  the information with added request for status information of the washing liquid ID as shown in  FIG. 13D . The host computer  5  refers to the status information stored on the hard disk  52 , and transmits whether there is an unmeasured measurement order to the information processing unit  4 , and the information processing unit  4  performs the determination of S 120  based on the received information. Note that the host computer  5  also may transmit to the information processing unit  4  the measurement order with the latest recording date/time, and the number of unmeasured measurement orders together with the unmeasured measurement orders, or in replacement thereof. 
     Thus, when the measurement order is stored on the hard disk  52  of the host computer  5 , the button D 33  of the message dialog D 3  shown in  FIG. 11B  is used to display the content transmitted from the host computer  5  to the information processing unit  4  according to the query on the existence of unmeasured measurement orders. 
     The above embodiment shows by way of example a shutdown instruction by reading the washing liquid ID. Specifically, when the washing liquid ID was read from the barcode label C 1  of the washing liquid container C (S 113 : YES in  FIG. 10 ), the operation shown in S 117  through S 126  of  FIG. 10  was performed as a shutdown operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this variation inasmuch as the processes of S 117  through S 126  also may be performed when a shutdown instruction and washing instruction are manually entered by the operator. 
     When the operator manually enters the shutdown instruction or washing instruction, the sample analyzer need not have a transporting unit. 
       FIG. 14  is an exterior perspective view of an example of a sample analyzer  6  that is not provided with a transporting unit. The sample analyzer  6  is configured by a measurement unit  61 , and an information processing unit identical to the information processing unit  4 . 
     A concavity  611  is formed on the bottom right part on the front of the measurement unit  611 . A pipette  612  is installed so as to protrude on the top surface of the concavity  611 , and a start switch  613  is provided on the back side of the concavity  611 . The operator presses the start switch  613  when the pipette  612  is inserted in the container to issue an instruction to aspirate the liquid within the container. The measurement unit  61  has a handheld barcode reader  614 . The operator reads the barcodes of the containers one by one using the barcode reader  614 . Either the sample ID assigned specifically to the sample or the washing liquid ID representing the washing liquid is stored on the barcode. In other aspects the structure of the measurement unit  61  is similar to the measurement units  31  and  32 . 
     The information processing unit  62  has a CPU  620 , display section  621 , and input section  622 , and is connected to the measurement unit  61  so as to allow communication therebetween. The information processing unit  62  has a hard disk (not shown in the drawing), and a database of associated measurement orders, status information, and recording information is stored on the hard disk similar to the information processing unit  4 . In other aspects the structure of the information processing unit  62  is similar to the information processing units  31  and  32 . 
     When measuring a sample, the operator reads the barcode adhered to the sample container via the barcode reader  614 . After the barcode has been read, the pipette is inserted in the sample container, and the start switch  613  is pressed. 
     When executing the washing process and shutdown process, the barcode adhered to the washing liquid container is read by the barcode reader  614 . After the barcode has been read, the pipette is inserted in the washing liquid container, and the start switch  613  is pressed. 
       FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing the processing performed by the information processing unit  62 . 
     A series of processes start when the ID is input by the operator reading the barcode of the container via the barcode reader  614 . The CPU  620  of the information processing unit  62  determines whether the input ID is a sample ID. 
     When the input ID is a sample ID (S 201 : YES), the CPU  620  refers to the measurement order using the input sample ID as a key (S 202 ). When the measurement order associated with the sample ID is retrieved, the CPU  620  shows a message indicating the sample can be aspirated on the display section  621  (S 203 ). The start switch  613  is invalid until the message is displayed, and aspiration will not start if the switch is pressed before the message is displayed. The CPU  620  validates the start switch  613  together with the message display. The CPU  620  determines whether the start switch  613  has been pressed (S 204 ). When the start switch  613  has been pressed, the CPU  620  performs aspiration in the measurement unit  61  (S 205 ), and performs the measurements (S 206 ). The status information of the measurement order corresponding to the sample ID is then updated to “completed” (S 207 ), and the process ends. 
     When the input ID is not a sample ID (S 201 : NO), the CPU  620  determines whether the ID is a washing liquid ID (S 208 ). When the ID is not a washing liquid ID (S 208 : NO), the CPU  620  shows an error message on the display section  621  as a barcode reading error (S 218 ). 
     When the input ID is a washing liquid ID (S 208 : YES), the CPU  620  refers to the hard disk and verifies the existence of an uncompleted measurement order (S 209 ). If an uncompleted order exists (S 210 ), the CPU  620  shows the message dialog of  FIG. 11A  or  11 B on the display section  621  (S 211 ). When [YES] is selected on the screen (S 212 : YES), the CPU  620  shows a message indicating the washing liquid can be aspirated on the display section  621  (S 213 ). At the same time the CPU  620  validates the start switch  613 . In the subsequent steps S 214  through S 216 , aspiration of the washing liquid, washing process, and shutdown process are performed. When [YES] is not selected in step S 212 , a determination is made whether [NO] is selected (S 217 ); if no selection branch is chosen the process returns to step S 212  and the process loops until any selection branch is chosen. When [NO] is selected in step S 217  (S 217 : YES), the input ID is erased and the process ends. 
     When there is no uncompleted order in step S 210  (S 210 : NO), the CPU  620  skips steps S 211  and S 212 , and moves to displaying the message indicating aspiration is possible. 
     Note that the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments and may be variously modified insofar as such modification are within the scope of the claims.