Abstract:
A sample analyzer is disclosed. The sample analyzer comprises: a reader for reading ID of a sample from a sample container; an aspirator that aspirates a sample in a sample container; an analyzing section that analyzes the aspirated sample; a manual input receiver for receiving a manual input of an ID of a sample; an start instruction receiver for receiving a start instruction to cause the aspirator to aspirate a sample; and a controller. When receiving the start instruction without receiving the manual input, the controller controls the reader to read an ID from a sample container and then controls the aspirator to aspirate the sample from the sample container. When receiving the start instruction after receiving the manual input, the controller controls the aspirator to aspirate a sample without reading of an ID of the sample.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a sample analyzer which analyzes a sample in a sample container. The present invention also relates to a sample processing apparatus which processes a sample contained in a sample container. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently, sample processing apparatuses for processing a clinical sample such as blood and urine are used in medical facilities. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication 2009-0325274 discloses a sample analyzer in which a rack which holds sample containers containing a normal sample is transported to sequentially take the sample containers into the apparatus and measure the samples therein, and a priority sample to be measured in priority to a normal sample is allowed to interrupt the measurement of the normal sample so as to be measured. In this apparatus, when a normal sample is measured, the sample container is taken into the apparatus to read a barcode adhered to the sample container by a barcode reader provided in the apparatus. In addition, in this apparatus, when a priority sample is measured, a user manually inputs the sample number and the measurement items of the priority sample from a priority sample measurement instruction screen. 
     The sample container containing a priority sample is not limited to those with no barcode adhered thereto, and may have a barcode adhered thereto. However, in the sample analyzer of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2009-0325274, when a priority sample is measured, the sample number thereof is required to be manually input. Even if the priority sample has a barcode adhered thereto, the barcode cannot be read by the barcode reader. Therefore, a technology is desired which allows identification data of the priority sample to be more smoothly input. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is a sample analyzer comprising: a reader for reading identification data (ID) of a sample from a sample container; an aspirator that aspirates a sample in a sample container; an analyzing section that analyzes the aspirated sample; a manual input receiver for receiving a manual input of an ID of a sample; an start instruction receiver for receiving a start instruction to cause the aspirator to aspirate a sample; and a controller, wherein when receiving the start instruction without receiving the manual input, the controller controls the reader to read an ID from a sample container and then controls the aspirator to aspirate the sample from the sample container, and when receiving the start instruction after receiving the manual input, the controller controls the aspirator to aspirate a sample without reading of an ID of the sample. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is a sample processing apparatus comprising: a holder for holding a sample container; a reader that reads identification data (ID) from a sample container held by the holder at a reading position; a display; a first instruction receiver for receiving a first instruction to cause the display to show an input screen for inputting an ID of a sample container; a transfer section that transfers the holder from a placing position where an operator sets a sample container onto the holder via the reading position to an aspirating position; a sample processing section that aspirates a sample in a sample container at the aspirating position and processes the aspirated sample; a second instruction receiver for receiving a second instruction to cause the sample processing section to start sample processing; and a controller, wherein when receiving the second instruction, the controller controls the reader to read an ID of a sample container on a path of transferring the sample container, when receiving the first instruction, the controller receives the second instruction after receiving the input of the ID from the input screen, and then transfers the holder to the aspirating position with skipping the reading of the ID. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sample processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows the configurations of a sample container, a sample rack, and a tube according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view showing the configuration when a transport unit and a measuring unit according to the embodiment are viewed from the upper side. 
         FIG. 4  shows plan views showing the vicinity of a sample container transport section according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  shows views illustrating a reading operation by barcode units according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a view showing the configurations of the transport unit and the measuring unit according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing the configuration of an information processor according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  show views showing a control menu screen and a manual measurement screen which are displayed on a display section of the information processor according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a process of the information processor when the priority sample measurement is performed in the case in which the sampler measurement according to the embodiment is performed. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a process of the information processor when the priority sample measurement is performed in the case in which the sampler measurement according to the embodiment is performed. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a receiving process according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows error screens which are displayed on the display section of the information processor according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a modified example of the flowchart showing the process of the information processor when the priority sample measurement is performed in the case in which the sampler measurement according to the embodiment is performed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     This embodiment relates to a sample analyzer for examining and analyzing blood to which the invention is applied. 
     Hereinafter, a sample analyzer according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sample analyzer  1 . The sample analyzer  1  according to this embodiment is constituted of a transport unit  2 , a measuring unit  3 , and an information processor  4 . In addition, the sample analyzer  1  of this embodiment is connected to a host computer  5  (see  FIG. 6 ) via a communication network so as to communicate therewith. 
     The transport unit  2  is disposed ahead of the measuring unit  3  and is provided with a right table  21 , a left table  22 , and a rack transport section  23  connecting the right table  21  to the left table  22 . The right table  21  and the left table  22  can accommodate a plurality of sample racks L capable of holding ten sample containers T. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are views showing the configurations of a sample container T and a sample rack L.  FIG. 2A  is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sample container T, and  FIG. 2B  is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sample rack L in which ten sample containers T are held. In  FIG. 2B , directions (the forward and backward, and rightward and leftward directions in  FIG. 1 ) in which the sample rack L is placed in the transport unit  2  are also shown. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , the sample container T is a tubular container made of glass or a synthetic resin having translucency, and the upper end thereof is opened. A blood sample which is whole blood collected from a patient is contained therein and the opening at the upper end is sealed by a cap section CP. A barcode label BL 1  is adhered to a side surface of the container T. A barcode showing a sample ID is printed on the barcode label BL 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , in the sample rack L, ten holders are formed at holding positions  1  to  10  as shown in the drawing so as to hold ten containers T in parallel in a vertical state (erect state). In addition, a barcode label BL 2  is adhered to a rear side surface of the sample rack L as shown in the drawing. A barcode showing a rack ID is printed on the barcode label BL 2 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a view showing the configuration of a tube M for accommodating a tiny amount of a sample. The tube M is configured to be smaller than a sample container T, and is set in a sample container setting section  321   b  when a priority sample to be described later is measured. A barcode label is not adhered to the tube M. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the transport unit  2  accommodates a sample rack L which is placed on the right table  21  by a user. In addition, the transport unit  2  transports the sample rack L which is accommodated on the right table  21 , and positions the sample rack L at a predetermined position of the rack transport section  23  so as to supply sample containers T to the measuring unit  3 . Furthermore, the transport unit  2  transports the sample rack L positioned on the rack transport section  23 , and collects the sample rack L to the left table  22 . 
     The measuring unit  3  is provided with an opening button  3   a , a measurement start button  3   b , a hand section  31  (see  FIG. 3 ) capable of grasping a sample container T, and a base  321 . In the base  321 , a sample container setting section  321   a  capable of setting a sample container T and a sample container setting section  321   b  capable of setting a tube M are installed. 
     The measuring unit  3  processes a sample container T which is positioned on the rack transport section  23  of the transport unit  2  disposed ahead of the measuring unit  3 . That is, the measuring unit  3  takes a sample container T out of a sample rack L by the hand section  31  (see  FIG. 3 ) at the predetermined position of the rack transport section  23 , and measures the sample contained in the sample container T in the measuring unit  3 . When the measurement is completed, the measuring unit  3  returns the sample container T to the original holder of the sample rack L. Hereinafter, the measurement which is performed by sequentially taking out sample containers T transported by the transport unit  2  from the predetermined position of the rack transport section  23  by the hand section  31  as above will be referred to as “sampler measurement”. 
     When a user presses the opening button  3   a , the base  321  protrudes forward from a front surface of the measuring unit  3  via an opening section  3   c  formed on a front surface of the measuring unit  3 , and the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  are positioned ahead of the front surface of the measuring unit  3 . The user sets a sample container T or a tube M in the sample container setting section  321   a  or  321   b  and presses the measurement start button  3   b  to interrupt the sampler measurement, whereby a sample to be measured urgently can be preferentially measured. Hereinafter, the measurement which interrupts the sampler measurement to be preferentially performed as above will be referred to as “priority sample measurement”. 
     The information processor  4  is provided with an input section  41  and a display section  42 . In addition, the information processor  4  is connected to the transport unit  2 , the measuring unit  3 , and the host computer  5  (see  FIG. 6 ) via a communication network so as to communicate therewith. 
     The information processor  4  controls the operations of the transport unit  2  and the measuring unit  3 . In addition, the information processor  4  inquires of the host computer  5  (see  FIG. 6 ) about a measurement order when a barcode reader B 31  (see  FIG. 3 ) in the transport unit  2  and a barcode reader C 31  (see  FIG. 3 ) in the measuring unit  3  read a sample ID. Furthermore, the information processor  4  performs analysis based on the result of the measurement performed by the measuring unit  3 , and transmits the analysis result to the host computer  5  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view showing the configuration when the transport unit  2  and the measuring unit  3  are viewed from the upper side.  FIG. 4  shows plan views showing the vicinity of a sample container transport section  32 . 
     First, the sampler measurement will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ( a ), and  4 ( b ). 
     The front side surface of a sample rack L which is placed on the right table  21  is pressed by a rack input mechanism  21   a , so that the sample rack L is transported to the right end position of the rack transport section  23 . The sample rack L which is positioned at the right end position of the rack transport section  23  is transported in the leftward direction by a belt (not shown) of the rack transport section  23 . 
     A barcode unit B provided with the barcode reader B 31  is installed in the vicinity of the center of the rack transport section  23 . When a holder of the sample rack L is positioned ahead of the barcode reader B 31 , the barcode unit B determines whether or not the positioned holder holds a sample container T. When this holder holds a sample container T, the barcode reader B 31  reads a sample ID of the sample container T. In addition, when a barcode label BL 2  of the sample rack L is positioned ahead of the barcode reader B 31 , the barcode reader B 31  reads a rack ID of the sample rack L. The readout operation by the barcode unit B will be described later with reference to  FIG. 5(   c ). 
     The sample container T whose sample ID has been read by the barcode reader B 31  is further transported in the leftward direction to be positioned at a take-in position P 1 . At the take-in position P 1 , the hand section  31  is installed in the measuring unit  3  to be movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The sample container T positioned at the take-in position P 1  is grasped by the hand section  31 , and taken out of the sample rack L in the upward direction (Z-axis positive direction). The transport of the sample rack L is put on hold during the period in which the sample container T returns to the sample rack L. 
     The sample container transport section  32  is formed of the base  321  having the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  installed therein, and a mechanism (not shown) for moving the base  321  forward and backward within an area surrounded by the alternated long and short dash line. Such a mechanism includes a belt which moves forward and backward and a stepping motor for moving the belt. The base  321  is installed on the belt, and configured to move forward and backward in accordance with the driving of the stepping motor. 
     When the sample container T grasped by the hand section  31  is lifted above the sample container transport section  32 , the base  321  is moved to position the sample container setting section  321   a  at the take-in position P 1 .  FIG. 4A  shows the position of the base  321  at this time. In this state, the hand section  31  is moved in the downward direction (Z-axis negative direction), and the sample container T grasped by the hand section  31  is set in the sample container setting section  321   a.    
     Next, the base  321  is moved backward, and the sample container setting section  321   a  is positioned at a position (barcode reading position P 2 ) opposed to the barcode reader C 31  of the barcode unit C.  FIG. 4B  shows the position of the base  321  at this time. In this state, the barcode unit C determines whether or not the sample container T is set in the sample container setting section  321   a , and when the sample container T is set, the sample ID of the sample container T is read. The reading operation by the barcode unit C will be described later with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
     Next, the base  321  is moved backward and the sample container setting section  321   a  is positioned at a position (aspirating position P 4 ) immediately below a piercer  33 . Here, the piercer  33  is moved in the downward direction, and the sample is aspirated from the sample container T positioned at the aspirating position P 4 . The aspirated sample is mixed with a reagent in a specimen preparation section  302  to be described later to produce a measurement specimen. In a detecting section  303 , blood cells which are included in the measurement specimen are detected and counted. 
     When the aspiration of the sample by the piercer  33  ends, the base  321  is moved forward, and the sample container setting section  321   a  is positioned at the take-in position P 1  again. At the take-in position P 1 , the sample container T is taken out of the sample container setting section  321  in the upward direction by the hand section  31 . In this state, the base  321  is moved backward, and then the hand section  31  is moved in the downward direction (Z-axis negative direction). The sample container T returns to the original holder of the sample rack L which is positioned on the rack transport section  23 . 
     In this manner, when the measurement of the samples of all of the sample containers T held in the sample rack L ends, the sample rack L is sent to the left end position of the rack transport section  23 . Then, the sample rack L is pushed to the rear position of the left table  22  by a rack pushing mechanism  23   a . The sample rack L positioned at the rear position of the left table  22  is transported to the front of the left table  22  by a rack input mechanism  22   a . In this manner, when the measurement process of all of the sample racks L on the right table  21  ends, the sampler measurement ends. 
     Next, the priority sample measurement will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4B  to  4 D. 
     When a user presses the opening button  3   a  (see  FIG. 1 ), the base  321  is moved forward, and the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  are positioned at priority sample setting positions P 5   a  and P 5   b , respectively.  FIG. 4C  shows the position of the base  321  at this time. In this state, the user sets a sample container T or a tube M containing a sample to be preferentially measured in the sample container setting section  321   a  or  321   b.    
     When the measurement start button  3   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) is pressed to start the measurement of the priority sample, it is determined whether or not the sample container T and the tube M are held in the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b . Whether or not the sample container T is held in the sample container setting section  321   a  is determined by the barcode unit C in the state of  FIG. 4B  as in the case of the sampler measurement. Whether or not the tube M is held in the sample container setting section  321   b  is determined by a sensor  34 . That is, the base  321  is moved, and the sample container setting section  321   b  is positioned at a position (sensor reading position P 3 ) corresponding to the sensor  34 . The sensor  34  is a transmission-type sensor formed of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section.  FIG. 4D  shows the position of the base  321  at this time. In this state, the sensor  34  determines whether or not the tube M is set in the sample container setting section  321   b . When samples are set in both of the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b , an error screen is displayed on the display section  42 , and as shown in  FIG. 4C , the base  321  is positioned ahead of the measuring unit  3 . 
     When the sample container T is set in the sample container setting section  321   a , the barcode reader C 31  reads the sample ID of the sample container T in the state of  FIG. 4B  as in the case of the above-described sampler measurement. When the tube M is set in the sample container setting section  321   b , the sample ID of the tube M is input by a user via the input section  41 . 
     Next, the base  321  is moved backward, and the sample container T or the tube M is positioned at the position (aspirating position P 4 ) immediately below a piercer  33 . Here, the piercer  33  is moved in the downward direction, and the sample is aspirated from the sample container T or the tube M positioned at the aspirating position P 4 . 
     When the aspiration of the sample by the piercer  33  ends, the base  321  is moved forward, and the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  are positioned at the priority sample setting positions P 5   a  and P 5   b , respectively. A user takes the sample container T or the tube M in which the aspiration has ended out of the sample container setting section  321   a  or  321   b . In this manner, the priority sample measurement ends. 
       FIG. 5  shows views illustrating the reading operation by the barcode units B and C.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are plan views showing the configuration of the barcode unit C, and  FIG. 5C  is a plan view showing the configuration of the barcode unit B. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , the barcode unit C is constituted of two rollers C 11 , a roller C 21 , a base C 30 , and the barcode reader C 31 . The two rollers C 11  are configured to be rotated around the Z axis, and are configured to be movable in the X-axis direction on the base C 30 . The roller C 21  is configured to be rotated and driven around the Z axis, and is fixed onto the base C 30 . The barcode reader C 31  is fixed to the base C 30  and reads a barcode which is positioned on the right side (Z-axis negative direction). 
     When the barcode reader C 31  reads the sample ID of a sample container T which is positioned on the right side, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the tow rollers C 11  are moved to the right side to be brought into contact with a side surface of the sample container T. At this time, when the rollers C 11  are movable to the right side by a predetermined amount or more without being brought into contact with the sample container T, it is determined that the sample container T is not held in the sample container setting section  321   a . In this case, a sensor (not shown) detects that the rollers C 11  are moved to the right side of the position where the rollers C 11  are brought into contact with the sample container T. On the other hand, when the two rollers C 11  is brought into contact with the sample container T, and does not move to the right side by a predetermined amount or more, it is determined that the sample container T is held in the sample container setting section  321   a.    
     When it is determined that the sample container T is held in the sample container setting section  321   a , the barcode reader C 31  reads the sample ID of the sample container T. That is, in the state shown in  FIG. 5B , the rollers C 11  is rotated and driven, and thus the sample container T is rotated around the Z axis, and the barcode reader C 31  reads the barcode label BL 1  during the rotation of the sample container T. Accordingly, even when the barcode label BL 1  of the sample container T is positioned on the opposite side to the barcode reader C 31 , it is possible to read the sample ID of the sample container T. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5C , as in the case of the barcode unit C, the barcode unit B is constituted of two rollers B 11 , a roller B 21 , a base B 30 , and the barcode reader B 31 . The two rollers B 11  are configured to be rotated around the Z axis, and are configured to be movable in the Y-axis direction on the base B 30 . The roller B 21  is configured to be rotated and driven around the Z axis, and is fixed onto the base B 30 . The barcode reader B 31  is fixed to the base B 30  and reads a barcode which is positioned anteriorly (Y-axis negative direction). 
     When the barcode unit B is configured as above, as in the case of the barcode unit C, the barcode unit B determines whether or not the sample container T is held in a holder of the sample rack L positioned ahead of the barcode reader B 31 . In addition, the sample ID of the sample container T positioned ahead of the barcode reader B 31  and the rack ID of the sample rack L are read. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing the configurations of the transport unit  2  and the measuring unit  3 . 
     The transport unit  2  is provided with a driving section  201 , a sensor section  202 , a communication section  203 , and the barcode unit B. 
     The driving section  201  includes a mechanism for transporting a sample rack L in the transport unit  2 , and the sensor section  202  includes a sensor for detecting a sample rack L in the transport unit  2 . The barcode unit B includes a mechanism for driving the rollers B 11  and B 21  and the barcode reader B 31 . 
     The communication section  203  is connected to the information processor  4  so as to communicate therewith. The sections in the transport unit  2  are controlled by the information processor  4  via the communication section  203 . In addition, the signals output from the sections in the transport unit  2  are transmitted to the information processor  4  via the communication section  203 . 
     The measuring unit  3  is provided with an aspirator  301 , a specimen preparation section  302 , a detecting section  303 , a driving section  304 , a sensor section  305 , a communication section  306 , and the barcode unit C. 
     The aspirator  301  includes a mechanism which aspirates a sample contained in a sample container T or a tube M via the piercer  33 . The specimen preparation section  302  is provided with a plurality of reaction chambers. The specimen preparation section  302  mixes and stirs the aspirated sample and a reagent in a reaction chamber to prepare a measurement specimen. The detecting section  303  measures the specimen prepared by the specimen preparation section  302 . 
     The driving section  304  includes a mechanism for transporting a sample container T and a tube M in the measuring unit  3 . Specifically, the driving section  304  includes a mechanism for driving the hand section  31  and a mechanism for driving the sample container transport section  32 . The sensor section  305  includes a sensor for detecting a sample container T and a tube M in the measuring unit  3 . Specifically, the sensor section  305  includes the sensor  34 . In addition, the sensor section  305  includes a sensor which detects the pressing of the opening button  3   a  and the measurement start button  3   b . The barcode unit C includes a mechanism for driving the rollers C 11  and C 21  and the barcode reader C 31 . 
     The communication section  306  is connected to the information processor  4  so as to communicate therewith. The sections in the measuring unit  3  are controlled by the information processor  4  via the communication section  306 . In addition, the signals output from the sections in the measuring unit  3  are transmitted to the information processor  4  via the communication section  306 . 
       FIG. 7  is a view showing the configuration of the information processor  4 . 
     The information processor  4  is formed of a personal computer including a main body  40 , the input section  41 , and the display section  42 . The main body  40  has a CPU  401 , a ROM  402 , a RAM  403 , a hard disk  404 , a readout device  405 , an I/O interface  406 , an image output interface  407 , and a communication interface  408 . 
     The CPU  401  executes computer programs which are stored in the ROM  402  and computer programs which are loaded in the RAM  403 . The RAM  403  is used in the readout of computer programs which are recorded in the ROM  402  and the hard disk  404 . In addition, the RAM  403  is also used as a work area of the CPU  401  when these computer programs are executed. 
     In the hard disk  404 , various computer programs for execution by the CPU  401 , such as operating systems and application programs, and data which are used to execute the computer programs, are installed. That is, in the hard disk  404 , programs and the like to analyze the measurement result transmitted from the measuring unit  3  and perform display on the display section  42  on the basis of the analysis result are installed. In addition, in the hard disk  404 , programs and the like for displaying a control menu screen D 1  (see  FIGS. 8A and 8B ), a manual measurement screen D 2  (see  FIG. 8C ), and error screens D 31  to D 34  (see  FIGS. 12A to 12D ) and receiving an input via the screens are installed. 
     The readout device  405  is constituted of a CD drive, a DVD drive or the like, and can read out computer programs and data recorded on recording mediums. The input section  41  formed of a mouse or a keyboard is connected to the I/O interface  406 , and a user uses the input section  41  to input instructions and data to the information processor  4 . The image output interface  407  is connected to the display section  42  constituted of a display or the like is connected to, and outputs a video signal according to image data to the display section  42 . 
     The display section  42  displays an image based on the input video signal. The display section  42  displays various program screens in addition to the control menu screen D 1  (see  FIGS. 8A and 8B ), the manual measurement screen D 2  (see  FIG. 8C ), and the error screens D 31  to D 34  (see  FIGS. 12A to 12D ). In addition, using the communication interface  408 , data transmission and reception to and from the transport unit  2 , the measuring unit  3 , and the host computer  5  is possible. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are views showing the control menu screen D 1  which is displayed on the display section  42  of the information processor  4 . The control menu screen D 1  is always displayed in a corner of the display section  42 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A , the control menu screen D 1  includes a sampler/manual button D 11 . When the sampler measurement is performed, the sampler/manual button D 11  is displayed as “SAMPLER” as shown in  FIG. 8A . When the opening button  3   a  is pressed and the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  are positioned ahead of the measuring unit  3 , the sampler/manual button D 11  is displayed as “MANUAL” as shown in  FIG. 8B . In the case in which the sampler/manual button D 11  is displayed as “MANUAL”, when the sampler/manual button D 11  is pressed, the manual measurement screen D 2  shown in  FIG. 8C  is displayed. 
       FIG. 8C  is a view showing the manual measurement screen D 2  which is displayed on the display section  42  of the information processor  4 . 
     The manual measurement screen D 2  includes a sample number display region D 21 , a patient ID display region D 22 , a discrete display region D 23 , a host inquiry display region D 24 , an OK button D 25 , and a cancel button D 26 . 
     The same letter string as the sample ID of a barcode label BL 1  is input to the sample number display region D 21 . A letter string for identifying a patient from which the sample has been collected is input to the patient ID display region D 22 . Measurement items including a check box are listed in the discrete display region D 23 , and by checking the check boxes of the measurement items, the content (measurement order) of the measurement which is subjected to the sample is designated. The host inquiry display region D 24  is provided with a check box, and when this check box is checked, an inquiry is made to the host computer  5  about a measurement order on the basis of the sample number which is input to the sample number display region D 21 . 
     When the OK button D 25  is pressed, the sample measurement is performed with the content set in the respective display regions of the manual measurement screen D 2 . That is, when the host inquiry display region D 24  is not checked, the sample measurement is performed on the basis of the discrete display region D 23 . When the host inquiry display region D 24  is checked, a measurement order corresponding to the sample number which is input to the sample number display region D 21  is acquired from the host computer  5 , and the sample measurement is performed on the basis of the acquired measurement order. When the cancel button D 26  is pressed, the content set in the respective display regions of the manual measurement screen D 2  is discarded and the manual measurement screen D 2  is closed. 
     When the manual measurement screen D 2  is used as above, the measurement of a sample which is contained in a sample container T without a barcode label BL 1  adhered thereto and the measurement of a sample which is contained in a tube M can be performed in the same manner as in the measurement of a sample which is contained in a sample container T with a barcode label BL 1  adhered thereto. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a process of the information processor  4  when the priority sample measurement is performed in the case in which the sampler measurement is performed. 
     When the sampler measurement is performed, the CPU  401  of the information processor  4  determines whether or not the opening button  3   a  of the measuring unit  3  has been pressed (S 11 ). When the opening button  3   a  is pressed (S 11 : YES), the CPU  401  interrupts the sampler measurement (S 12 ), and the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  are pulled out forward from the front surface of the measuring unit  3  to be positioned at the priority sample setting positions P 5   a  and P 5   b , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 4C  (S 13 ). When the opening button  3   a  is not pressed (S 11 : NO), the CPU  401  repeats the determination of S 11  and continues the sampler measurement. 
     Here, in a state in which the sampler measurement is interrupted, a sample container T on the rack transport section  23  of the transport unit  2  is not set in the sample container setting section  321   a  by the hand section  31 . That is, a sample container T on the rack transport section  23  stops on the transport unit  2 . Accordingly, the sample container transport section  32  can be used only in the priority sample measurement, and the priority sample measurement can be rapidly performed. Moreover, even in a state in which the sampler measurement is interrupted, a sample container T on the rack transport section  23  may be transported in the transport unit  2  as long as not being set in the sample container setting section  321   a . In this case, it is desirable that the position of a sample container T on the rack transport section  23  does not vary significantly so as to rapidly restart the sampler measurement after the end of the priority sample measurement. 
     When the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  are pulled out (S 13 ), the CPU  401  changes the display of the sampler/manual button D 11  of the control menu screen D 1  which is displayed on the display section  42  from “SAMPLER” to “MANUAL” (S 14 ). Next, a “receiving process” for receiving an input of a sample number (sample ID) by the input section  41  from a user is performed (S 15 ). The “receiving process” will be described later with reference to  FIG. 11 . 
     Next, the CPU  401  determines which one of the measurement start button  3   b  and the opening button  3   a  has been pressed by the user. When the measurement start button  3   b  is pressed (S 16 : YES), the process advances to a connector A. Accordingly, the process advances to S 101  of  FIG. 10 . When the opening button  3   a  is pressed (S 16 : NO, S 17 : YES), the process advances to S 18 . When none of the buttons is pressed (S 16 : NO, S 17 : NO), the process advances to a connector B. Accordingly, the process returns to S 15 . 
     When the user wants to restart the sampler measurement after ending the priority sample measurement, the user takes samples out of the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b , and presses the opening button  3   a . When the opening button  3   a  is pressed (S 17 : YES), the CPU  401  brings the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  into the measuring unit  3  (S 18 ). 
     At this time, the CPU  401  determines whether or not a sample container T or a tube M is set in the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  (S 19 ). Whether or not a sample container T is set in the sample container setting section  321   a  is determined by the barcode unit C as described above, and whether a tube M is set in the sample container setting section  321   b  is determined by the sensor  34  as described above. 
     When a sample container T or a tube M is set in the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  (S 19 : YES), the CPU  401  displays the error screen D 31  shown in  FIG. 12A  on the display section  42  (S 20 ). Furthermore, the CPU  401  pulls out the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  to the front of the measuring unit  3  as shown in  FIG. 4C  (S 21 ), and the process advances to a connector B. Accordingly, the process returns to S 15 . 
     On the other hand, when a sample container T and a tube M are not set in any of the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  (S 19 : NO), the CPU  401  changes the display of the sampler/manual button D 11  from “MANUAL” to “SAMPLER” (S 22 ). In addition, the CPU  401  restarts the sample measurement interrupted in S 12  (S 23 ). When a power source of the measuring unit  3  is not turned off (S 24 : NO), the process returns to S 11 , and when the power source of the measuring unit  3  is turned off (S 24 : YES), the process ends. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a process after the connector A. 
     The CPU  401  of the information processor  4  brings the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  into the measuring unit  3  (S 101 ), and determines whether or not a sample container T is in the sample container setting section  321   a  (S 102 ). 
     When it is determined that there is a sample container T (S 102 : YES), an operation of reading a barcode of the sample container T is performed by the barcode reader C 31  (S 103 ). Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the roller C 21  is rotated, and the barcode reader C 31  reads the barcode label BL 1  during the rotation of the sample container T. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no sample container T (S 102 : NO), the CPU  401  displays the error screen D 32  shown in  FIG. 12B  on the display section  42  (S 104 ), and the process advances to S 111 . 
     Next, the CPU  401  determines whether or not the barcode has been read from the barcode label BL 1  of the sample container T by the process of S 103  (S 105 ). When the barcode is read (S 105 : YES), the CPU  401  inquires the host computer  5  about a measurement order on the basis of the sample ID which is included in the read barcode (S 106 ). On the other hand, when the barcode is not read (S 105 : NO), the CPU  401  displays the error screen D 33  shown in  FIG. 12C  on the display section  42  (S 107 ), and the process advances to S 111 . 
     Examples of the case in which the barcode is not read include a case in which the barcode label BL 1  is not adhered to the sample container T, and a case in which even if the barcode label BL 1  is adhered to the sample container T, the barcode label BL 1  is obliquely adhered or contaminated, and thus the barcode information cannot be appropriately acquired, and the like. 
     As a result of the inquiry to the host computer  5  about the measurement order, the CPU  401  determines whether or not it was possible to acquire the measurement order from the host computer  5  (S 108 ). When it was possible to acquire the measurement order (S 108 : YES), the CPU  401  aspirates a sample by the piercer  33  from the sample container T which is set in the sample container setting section  321   a  (S 109 ), and measures the sample. On the other hand, when it was not possible to acquire the measurement order (S 108 : NO), the CPU  401  displays the error screen D 34  shown in  FIG. 12D  on the display section  42  (S 109 ), and the process advances to S 111 . 
     Thereafter, the CPU  401  pulls out the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  to the front of the transport unit  2  (S 111 ), and the process advances to the connector B. Accordingly, the process returns to S 15  of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing the receiving process. In the receiving process, the sampler/manual button D 11  becomes active. 
     The CPU  401  of the information processor  4  determines whether or not the sampler/manual button D 11  has been pressed (S 201 ). When the sampler/manual button D 11  is not pressed (S 201 : NO), the receiving process ends. When the sampler/manual button D 11  is pressed (S 201 : YES), the CPU  401  displays the manual measurement screen D 2  on the display section  42  (S 202 ), and invalidates the measurement start button  3   b  disposed on the front surface of the measuring unit  3  (S 203 ). The user inputs information of a sample to be subjected to the priority sample measurement in the respective regions in the manual measurement screen D 2 . 
     Next, it is determined which one of the OK button D 25  and the cancel button D 26  of the manual measurement screen D 2  has been pressed by the user (S 204 , S 205 ). When the OK button D 25  is pressed (S 204 : YES), the process advances to S 206 . When the cancel button D 26  is pressed (S 204 : NO, S 205 : YES), the process returns to the connector B. Accordingly, the process returns to S 15  of  FIG. 9 . When none of the buttons is pressed (S 204 : NO, S 205 : NO), the process returns to S 204 . 
     When the OK button D 25  is pressed (S 204 : YES), the CPU  401  determines whether or not the check box of the host inquiry display region D 24  of the manual measurement screen D 2  has been checked (S 206 ). When the box is checked (S 206 : YES), the CPU  401  inquires the host computer  5  about a measurement order on the basis of the sample number (sample ID) which is input to the sample number display region S 21  (S 207 ). On the other hand, when the box is not checked (S 206 : NO), the process advances to S 210 . 
     As a result of the inquiry to the host computer  5  about the measurement order, the CPU  401  determines whether or not it was possible to acquire the measurement order from the host computer  5  (S 208 ). When it was not possible to acquire the measurement order (S 208 : NO), the error screen D 34  shown in  FIG. 12D  is displayed on the display section  42  (S 209 ), and the process returns to S 204 . On the other hand, when it was possible to acquire the measurement order (S 208 : YES), the CPU  401  validates the measurement start button  3   b  (S 210 ). 
     Next, the CPU  401  puts the process on hold until the measurement start button  3   b  is pressed (S 211 ). The user sets a sample container T or a tube M in the sample container setting section  321   a  or  321   b  before pressing the measurement start button  3   b . When the measurement start button  3   b  is pressed (S 211 : YES), the CPU  401  brings the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  into the measuring unit  3  (S 212 ), and determines whether or not a sample container T or a tube M is in the sample container setting section  321   a  or  321   b  (S 213 ). 
     When it is determined that there is a sample container T or a tube M (S 213 : YES), the CPU  401  positions the sample container T or the tube M at the aspirating position P 4 , aspirates a sample by the piercer  33  (S 214 ), and measures the sample. Thereafter, the sample container setting sections  321  and  321   b  are pulled out to the front of the measuring unit  3  (S 215 ) as shown in  FIG. 4C , and the process advances to the connector B. Accordingly, the process returns to S 15  of  FIG. 9 . 
     On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no sample container T or tube M (S 213 : NO), the error screen D 32  shown in  FIG. 12B  is displayed on the display section  42  (S 216 ), and the process returns to S 204 . Further, when the sample container T and the tube M are set in both of the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b , the determination result is NO in S 213 . 
     According to this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , in the case in which the priority sample measurement is performed, when the measurement start button  3   b  is pressed in a state in which a sample container T is set in the sample container setting section  321   a , the barcode information is read from the sample container T, and the aspiration of the sample contained in the sample container T is started. In addition, when the sampler/manual button D 11  is pressed in a state in which a sample container T is set in the sample container setting section  321   a , the manual measurement screen D 2  is displayed. When the measurement start button  3   b  is pressed after the input of a sample number and the like via the manual measurement screen D 2 , the aspiration of the sample contained in the sample container T is started without an operation of reading the barcode of the sample container T. In this manner, a user can appropriately select between the input of barcode information by the barcode reader C 31  and the input of a sample number and the like via the manual measurement screen D 2 , and thus the identification data of the sample can be smoothly input. 
     Further, also in a state in which the tube M is set in the sample container setting section  321   b , the manual measurement screen D 2  is displayed when the sampler/manual button D 11  is pressed. When the measurement start button  3   b  is pressed after the input of a sample number and the like via the manual measurement screen D 2 , the aspiration of the sample contained in the Tube M is started without an operation of reading the barcode of the Tube M. In addition, even when a sample container T having a barcode label BL 1  which cannot be appropriately read is used, a user can input the information such as a sample number by operating the sampler/manual button D 11 . 
     In addition, according to this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 11 , when information such as a sample number is appropriately input to the manual measurement screen D 2  in the receiving process, the priority sample measurement is performed without the reading by the barcode reader C 31 . Accordingly, the priority sample processing can be rapidly performed on the basis of the information such as a sample number input to the manual measurement screen D 2 . 
     In addition, according to this embodiment, when the barcode is not read by the barcode reader C 31 , the error screen D 33  shown in  FIG. 12C  is displayed. In addition, when the measurement order is not acquired on the basis of the sample number input to the manual measurement screen D 2 , the error screen D 34  shown in  FIG. 12D  is displayed. Accordingly, a user can know that the barcode cannot be read and the measurement order cannot be acquired. 
     In addition, according to the invention, the measurement start button  3   b  is invalidated from when the manual measurement screen D 2  is displayed to when the input of identification data is completed (S 206  of  FIG. 11 : NO, S 208 : YES). Accordingly, the priority sample measurement is not started by mistake during the input of a sample number and the like by the manual measurement screen D 2 . 
     In addition, according to this embodiment, when the opening button  3   a  is pressed during the sampler measurement, the sampler measurement is interrupted, and the display of the sampler/manual button D 11  is changed to “MANUAL”. In this manner, the sampler/manual button D 11  can display the manual measurement screen D 2  after the interruption of the sampler measurement, and thus it is possible to prevent the incorrect input via the manual measurement screen D 2 . 
     The embodiments of the invention have been described as above, but are not limited thereto. 
     For example, in the above-described embodiments, blood is exemplified as a measurement target. However, urine may be a measurement target. That is, the invention can also be applied to sample processing systems which examine urine and can be further applied to clinical sample processing apparatuses which examine other clinical samples. 
     In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the receiving process shown in  FIG. 9  is performed between S 14  and S 16 . However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the receiving process may be performed between S 16  and S 17 , and may be performed immediately after the determination result “NO” is obtained in S 17 . That is, the receiving process may be performed at any time if it is performed before the reading by the barcode reader C 31 . 
     In addition, in the above-described embodiments, in  FIG. 10 , when the barcode is not read through the reading operation by the barcode reader C 31  (S 105 : NO), the error screen D 33  is displayed, and then the process returns to S 15  of  FIG. 9 . However, the invention is not limited thereto, and when the barcode is not read (S 105 : NO), an input of a sample number and the like by the manual measurement screen D 2  may be received. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart when the process between the process of S 105  and the process of S 106  of  FIG. 10  is changed. 
     When the barcode is not read (S 105 : NO), the CPU  401  of the information processor  4  displays the error screen D 33  on the display section  42  (S 301 ). Next, the CPU  401  displays the manual measurement screen D 2  shown in  FIG. 8C  on the display section  42  (S 302 ). A user inputs a sample number (sample ID) and the like of a sample container T whose barcode is not read to the respective regions in the manual measurement screen D 2 . 
     Next, it is determined which one of the OK button D 25  and the cancel button D 26  of the manual measurement screen D 2  has been pressed by the user. When the OK button D 25  is pressed (S 303 : YES), the process advances to S 306 , and when the cancel button D 26  is pressed (S 303 : NO, S 304 : YES), the process advances to S 207 . When none of the buttons is pressed (S 303 : NO, S 304 : NO), the process returns to S 303 . 
     When the OK button D 25  is pressed (S 303 : YES), the CPU  401  determines whether or not the check box of the host inquiry display region D 24  of the manual measurement screen D 2  has been checked (S 305 ). When the box is checked (S 305 : YES), the process advances to S 106 . On the other hand, when the box is not checked (S 305 : NO), the sample is aspirated from the sample container T (S 306 ), and the sample is measured. Thereafter, the sample container setting sections  321   a  and  321   b  are pulled out to the front of the measuring unit  3  (S 307 ), and the process advances to the connector B. Accordingly, the process returns to S 15  of  FIG. 9 . 
     When such a process is performed, there is no need to repeat the reading operation until the sample ID is properly read by the barcode reader C 31 , and the priority sample measurement is performed on the basis of the sample number and the like input to the manual measurement screen D 2 . Accordingly, the priority sample measurement can be rapidly performed. 
     In addition, in the above-described embodiments, when the sampler measurement is performed, the barcode readers B 31  and C 31  sequentially read a barcode label BL 1  of a sample container T. Here, when the barcode readers B 31  and C 31  can not read a barcode, a user may be allowed to input a sample number and the like. That is, a user may be allowed to input a sample number and the like of a sample container T whose barcode can not be read, via the manual measurement screen D 2  in place of the display of an error screen. Accordingly, even when the barcode reading is sequentially performed in the sampler measurement, a sample number and the like can be easily input using the manual measurement screen D 2 . 
     In the embodiments of the invention, various modifications can be made appropriately in the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.