Abstract:
An analyzing system, comprising: a sample processor for processing a sample based on a designated dilution parameter; a measurement section for measuring the sample processed by the sample processor; a dilution parameter memory for storing a first dilution parameter and a second dilution parameter which is different from the first dilution parameter and can be supplied by a user of the analyzing system; and a measurement controller for controlling the sample processor and the measurement section so as to process the sample based on the first dilution parameter and obtain a measurement value by measuring the processed sample; wherein, when a comparison of the measurement value and a predetermined threshold indicates a retest, the second dilution parameter is used for the retest, is disclosed. A diagnostic processing device and computer program product thereof are also disclosed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates an analyzing system which comprises an analyzer for measuring a sample based on a designated dilution parameter, diagnostic information processing devices, and computer program product thereof.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Analyzers are known which are capable of diluting and measuring specimens at a plurality of dilution ratios. Inspection data processing systems provided with an auto analyzer for measuring specimens based on a dilution ratio included in analysis-request information transferred from an inspection data processing apparatus are known as diagnostic information processing systems provided with such analyzers (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 4-38467).  
         [0003]     In the inspection data processing system disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 4-38467, the inspection data processing apparatus automatically determines a dilution ratio based on past measurement values, and includes the dilution ratio in analysis-request information which is transmitted to an auto analyzer. Then, the auto analyzer dilutes and analyzes the specimen according to the transmitted dilution ratio.  
         [0004]     For example, this inspection processing apparatus determines a dilution ratio to transmit to an auto analyzer; a dilution ratio identical to the previous ratio is used when the previous measurement value does not exceed a maximum 80% of the measurement range, and a dilution ratio is calculated by adding “1” to the ratio of the previous measurement value, and next previous measurement value, when the previous measurement value exceeds a maximum 80% of the measurement range.  
         [0005]     However, since the inspection data processing system disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 4-38467 determines the dilution ratio based on past measurement values, it cannot determine which dilution ratio would be appropriate for a specimen when a specimen is to be measured for a new patient for whom there are no past measurement values and there is no optimum dilution ratio. In this instance, therefore, the measurement must be repeated a number of times by gradually increasing the dilution ratio until the specimen is diluted at an optimum dilution ratio. Thus, diagnostic efficiency is reduced when the number of measurements increases. For example, since the reagents used for measurements are extremely expensive in the case of hormone and tumor marker diagnostics, there is a need to reduce the number of measurements to as low a number as possible.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary.  
         [0007]     A first aspect of the present invention is an analyzing system, comprising: a sample processor for processing a sample based on a designated dilution parameter; a measurement section for measuring the sample processed by the sample processor; a dilution parameter memory for storing a first dilution parameter and a second dilution parameter which is different from the first dilution parameter and can be supplied by a user of the analyzing system; and a measurement controller for controlling the sample processor and the measurement section so as to process the sample based on the first dilution parameter and obtain a measurement value by measuring the processed sample; wherein, when a comparison of the measurement value and a predetermined threshold indicates a retest, the second dilution parameter is used for the retest.  
         [0008]     A second aspect of the present invention is an analyzing system, comprising: an analyzer for measuring a sample based on a designated dilution parameter; a memory for storing a first dilution parameter which is used as a default parameter and a second dilution parameter which is different from the first dilution parameter and can be supplied by a user of the analyzing system; a retriever for retrieving one of the first dilution parameter and the second dilution parameter as a next dilution parameter from the memory based on a measurement result of the sample; and a transmitter for transmitting the retrieved next dilution parameter to the analyzer; wherein the retriever retrieves the second dilution parameter when the first dilution parameter is not suitable for measuring the sample.  
         [0009]     A third aspect of the present invention is a diagnostic information processing device connected to an analyzer for measuring a sample based on a designated dilution parameter, comprising: a memory for storing a first dilution parameter which is used as a default parameter and a second dilution parameter which is different from the first dilution parameter and can be supplied by a user of the diagnostic information processing device; a retriever for retrieving one of the first dilution parameter and the second dilution parameter as a next dilution parameter from the memory based on a measurement result of a sample; and a transmitter for transmitting the retrieved next dilution parameter to the analyzer; wherein the retriever retrieves the second dilution parameter when the first dilution parameter is not suitable for measuring the sample.  
         [0010]     A fourth aspect of the present invention is a computer program product for processing diagnostic information, comprising: a computer readable medium; and computer instructions, on the computer readable medium, for enabling a computer to perform the operation of: storing a first dilution parameter which is used as a default parameter and a second dilution parameter which is different from the first dilution parameter and can be supplied by a user of the computer; retrieving one of the first dilution parameter and the second dilution parameter as a next dilution parameter based on a measurement result of a sample; and transmitting the retrieved next dilution parameter to an analyzer; wherein the second dilution parameter is retrieved when the first dilution parameter is not suitable for measuring the sample. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  briefly shows the overall structure of the analysis system of an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a test tube used in the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates the content of the upper and lower limit DB of the analysis apparatus of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates the content of the subject DB of the diagnostic information processing apparatus of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  shows a progress confirmation screen displayed on the display part of the diagnostic information processing apparatus of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  shows a retest selection screen displayed on the display part of the diagnostic information processing apparatus of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  shows the master setting screen displayed on the display part of the diagnostic information processing apparatus of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart briefly showing the operation of the specimen examination of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates the content of a measurement instruction message transmitted to the analyzer from the diagnostic information processing apparatus of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating the processing performed by the diagnostic information processing apparatus and the analyzer of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates the content of a result message transmitted to the diagnostic information processing apparatus from the analyzer of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is a flow chart showing details (subroutines) of the data check process performed by the diagnostic information processing apparatus of the embodiment of the analysis system shown in step S 37  of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart showing details (subroutines) of the data check process performed by the diagnostic information processing apparatus of the embodiment of the analysis system shown in step S 37  of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 15  is a flow chart showing details (subroutines) of the data check process performed by the diagnostic information processing apparatus of the embodiment of the analysis system shown in step S 37  of  FIG. 11 ; and  
         [0026]      FIG. 16  is a block diagram showing a modification of the analyzer of the analysis system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]     The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described hereinafter with reference to the drawings.  
         [0028]     The structure of an analysis system  1  of an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 8 .  
         [0029]     The analysis system  1  of the embodiment of the present invention performs blood examinations by processing (preparing) specimens collected from subjects at specified dilution ratios, then measuring and analyzing specific materials contained in the processed specimens. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the analysis system  1  is provided with a host computer  10 , client device  20 , transport part  30  for transporting a rack  110  accommodating a plurality of test tubes  100 , two analyzers  40  and  50 , and a diagnostic information processing apparatus  60 .  
         [0030]     The host computer  10  is a computer configuring the internal system of a hospital or the like, and is connected to a client device  20  and diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  so as to be capable of wired or wireless communications. The host computer  10  has a function for issuing a barcode number (specimen number) for a barcode label  120  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) adhered to the test tube  100  accommodated in the rack  110 .  
         [0031]     The client device  20  is disposed in the medical examination room, and is a computer for specifying requested examination items (measurement items) for a specimen collected from a subject.  
         [0032]     The transport part  30  is configured so as to transport the rack  110  accommodating a plurality (four, in the present embodiment) of test tubes  100  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) containing specimens collected from subjects to the analyzers  40  and  50 . The transport part  30  has transport line entrance  31  for setting the rack  110  accommodating the test tubes  100  containing the unprocessed specimens, transport line  32  for transporting the rack  110  placed at the transport line entrance  31  to the analyzers  40  and  50 , and a transport rack yard  33  for receiving the rack  110  accommodating the test tubes  100  containing the analyzed specimens.  
         [0033]     The analyzers  40  and  50  are enzyme immunoassay devices arranged along the transport line  32 . The analyzers  40  and  50  are respectively connected to the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  so as to be capable of wired or wireless communication. The analyzers  40  and  50  collect the specimen in the test tube  100 , process the collected specimen at a specified dilution ratio, and analyze the characteristics of the processed specimen. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the analyzer  40  includes barcode reader  41 , specimen suction part  42 , sample preparation part  43 , detection part  44 , control part  45 , and I/O interface  46 . Since the analyzer  50  has the same structure as the analyzer  40  in the present embodiment, the structure of the analyzer  40  is described below and description of the analyzer  50  is omitted.  
         [0034]     In the present embodiment, the barcode reader  41  of the analyzer  40  is provided to read the barcode number printed on the barcode label  120  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) adhered to the test tube  100 . The specimen suction part  42  is provided to collect the specimen contained in the test tube  100  accommodated in the rack  110 .  
         [0035]     In the present embodiment, the sample preparation part  43  processes specimens to a plurality of dilution ratios, and when a specimen collected by the sample suction part  42  is processed, the specimen is diluted to a specified dilution ratio among the plurality of dilution ratios. In the present embodiment, the sample preparation part  43  is capable of changing the dilution ratio to 1-fold, 2-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, and 50-fold. The sample preparation part  43  also has a function for adding various reagents to the specimen in accordance with the requested examination item (measurement item). In the description of the present embodiment, “processing a specimen at a 1-fold dilution ratio” means the specimen is not diluted.  
         [0036]     The detection part  44  is provided to obtain optical information by measuring the specimen processed by the sample preparation part  43 . The control part  45  is provided to sends and receives information to and from the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  through the I/O interface  46 , and controls the operations of the barcode reader  41 , specimen suction part  42 , sample preparation part  43 , and detection part  44 . The control part  45  is configured by a CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk and the like. The control part  45  has the function of analyzing the characteristics of the specimen processed by the sample preparation part  43  at the specified dilution ratio and measured by the detection part  44 , and obtaining measurement values. The control part  45  includes an upper limit and lower limit DB (database)  45   a  for storing an upper limit value representing the upper limit of the measurement value, and a lower limit value representing the lower limit of the measurement value. An upper limit value and lower limit value corresponding to a dilution ratio are stored for every measurement item in the upper limit and lower limit DB  45   a . Specifically, since the specimen dilution ratio is changeable among 1-fold, 2-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, and 50-fold, a lower limit value 1 and upper limit value 200 corresponding to the dilution ratio 1-fold are be stored in the upper and lower limit DB  45   a , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Similarly, the upper limit and lower limit DB  45   a  also stores a lower limit value 2 and upper limit value 400 corresponding to the dilution ratio 2-fold, lower limit value 5 and upper limit value 1000 corresponding to the dilution ratio 5-fold, lower limit value 10 and upper limit value 2000 corresponding to the dilution ration 10-fold, lower limit value 20 and upper limit value 4000 corresponding to the dilution ratio 20-fold, and lower limit value 50 and upper limit value 10,000 corresponding to the dilution ratio 50-fold. The lower limit values and upper limit values stored in the upper limit and lower limit DB  45   a  of the analyzer  40  may be minimum values and maximum values of the measurement values calculable by the control part  45  when analyzing the characteristics of a specimen, or may be the maximum value and minimum value of a measurement values obtainable with sufficient reliability given the measurement accuracy of the analyzer  40 . The table shown in  FIG. 4  shows the upper limit and lower limit values of CA19-9, and tables with upper and lower limit values for other measurement items, such as HCG, are also stored in the upper and lower limit DB  45 .  
         [0037]     In the present embodiment, the control part  45  has the function of reading the upper limit value for comparison with the measurement value from the upper and lower limit DB  45   a  according to the dilution ratio of the specimen processed by the sample preparation part  43 , and compares the read upper limit value with the measurement value. Similarly, the control part  45  has the function of reading the lower limit value for comparison with the measurement value from the upper and lower limit DB  45   a  according to the dilution ratio of the specimen processed by the sample preparation part  43 , and compares the read lower limit value with the measurement value.  
         [0038]     The diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  is connected to the host computer  10  and the two analyzers  40  and  50  so as to be capable of wired or wireless communication. The diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  is configured by a computer, and includes a control part  61 , input part  62 , display part  63 , and I/O interface  64 . The control part  61  is configured by a CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk and the like.  
         [0039]     The control part  61  is provided to send and receive information to/from the analyzers  40  and  50  through the I/O interface  64 , and control the operations of the input part  62  and display part  63 . The control part  61  has a default dilution DB  61   a  for storing the default dilution ratios, subject DB  61   b  for storing subject information, over original dilution DB  61   c , and specifiable dilution DB  61   d  for storing the dilution ratios that can be specified for the sample preparation part  43  of the analyzer  40 . The default dilution DB  61   a  stores default (original) dilution rates corresponding to the requested examination items (measurement items) . Although the default dilution ratio is 1-fold in the present embodiment, it is not necessarily limited to 1-fold and may be a dilution ratio relative to a normal specimen. The default dilution ratio is set beforehand for each measurement item using the input part  62  by the data entry personnel (a person from a manufacturer) when the diagnostic information processing device  60  is installed at a hospital, laboratory center or the like. The subject DB  61   b  stores tables associating subject ID, specimen number, measurement item name, past result values, and next dilution ratio, as shown in  FIG. 5 . The specimen number is a barcode number (specimen number) generated by the host computer  10 , and the subject ID is a number identifying the subject who provided the specimen corresponding to the specimen number. The measurement item name (CA-19-9 and HCG in the example of  FIG. 5 ) are requested examination items (measurement items through received as input from the client device  20  and input to the host computer  10 . The requested exam item (measurement item) are not only input from the client device  20 , they may also be input from the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60 . The past result values (CA19-9=400 and HCG=450 in the example of  FIG. 5 ), and the date corresponding to the result value and the measurement item are stored as past result values. The result value is the analysis result of a specimen ultimately displayed on the display part  63  to report to the user of the analysis system  1 . When the subject is an initial exam subject, there is no past result value information stored for the subject. A dilution ratio when performing a next measurement of a specimen collected from a subject is associated with a measurement item and stored as a next dilution ratio.  
         [0040]     In the present embodiment, an over original dilution ratio that is larger than the default dilution ratio is stored in the over original dilution DB  61   c . An over original dilution ratio is set for each examination item using the input part  62  by data entry personnel (a person from a manufacturer) or the user of the analysis system  1 , and in the present embodiment the dilution ratio is 10-fold or more than the default dilution ratio. The over original dilution ratio is a dilution ratio specified for retesting when the measurement value at the default dilution ratio exceeds the upper limit value.  
         [0041]     In the present embodiment, the specifiable dilution DB  61   d  stores ratios of 1-fold, 2-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, and 50-fold which are processable by the sample preparation part  43 .  
         [0042]     The display part  63  is provided to display a screen for confirming the examination progress status of the analysis system  1  (progress confirmation screen), screen for confirming result values and selecting result values of a specific specimen (retest selection screen), and a maintenance screen for setting the data check method and changing the basic values for each measurement item (master setting screen).  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the progress confirmation screen displays a display column  631  for displaying specimen numbers, display column  632  for displaying patient names, display column  633  for displaying examination and treatment information, display column  634  for displaying hospital wards, display column  635  for displaying the number of the rack  110  (“rack” on the screen), display column  636  for displaying the position of a test tube  100  (“tube” on the screen) in the rack  110 , display column  637  for displaying specimens for expedited examination, display column  638  for displaying elapsed time, display column  639  for displaying specimen processing status in the analyzer  40 , and display column  640  for displaying specimen processing status in the analyzer  50 . Barcode numbers of the barcode label  120  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) that were read by the barcode reader  41  of the analyzer  40  are displayed in the display column  631  for displaying specimen numbers, and the name of the subject who provided the specimen is displayed in the display column  632 . Diagnostic and treatment information is displayed in the display column  633  for displaying treatment information, and the hospital ward in which the treatment information of the requested examination exists is displayed in the display column  634  for displaying the hospital ward. A flag (for example, “C”) warning of the need for expedited examination of a specimen is displayed in the display column  637  for displaying specimens for expedited examination, so as to allow confirmation by a technician. The elapsed time from the start of reading of the barcode label  120  by the barcode reader  41  of the analyzer  40  is displayed in the display column  638  for displaying elapsed time. Displayed in the display columns  639  and  640  for displaying the specimen processing status of the analyzers  40  and  50 , for respective specimens, are either “◯” indicating the presence of a performed measurement item, “retest” indicating the need for retesting, “done” indicating confirmation (approval) of the result value obtained from the specimen, and “⊚” indicating result value confirmation completion for all requested examination items. A retest examination screen is displayed by clicking the button  641  located at the bottom of the progress confirmation screen.  
         [0044]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the retest selection screen displays a display column  642  for displaying various information relating to a specific specimen, display column (button)  643  for displaying requested examination items, display column  644  for displaying result values (“result” on the screen) obtained by measurements, display column  645  for displaying the dilution ratio (“dilution ratio” on the screen) at which the result value was obtained, display column  646  for displaying the reason for retesting (“retest” on the screen), display column  647  for displaying the result value level (“*” on the screen), display column  648  for displaying result restart (“R” on the screen), display columns  649  and  650  for respectively displaying first and second measurement values, display columns  651  and  652  for respectively displaying the reasons for retesting of first and second measurement values, display columns  653  and  654  for respectively displaying the dilution ratios at which first and second measurement values were obtained, display column (entry column)  655  for displaying a next dilution ratio (“next dilution ratio” on the screen), display column  656  for displaying a previous measurement value (“previous value” on the screen), display column  657  for displaying the data on which the previous measurement value was obtained, and button  658  for executing a retest command.  
         [0045]     A plurality of requested examination items (measurement items) that the analyzer  40  can perform are displayed in the display column (button)  643 . The measurement items for display in the display column (button)  643  can be measurement items for each specimen specified for examination by the client device  20 . The result values ultimately obtained by a plurality of measurements, including retesting are displayed in the display column  644 . Displayed in the display columns  646  and  651  are each type of error information described later, such as a flag “A” indicating the generation of a “device error”, flag “B” indicating the generation of an “over upper limit scale anomaly” and “over lower limit scale anomaly”, flag “C” indicating the generation of “low dilution value check anomaly”, flag “G” indicating a “dispersion check anomaly”, flag “D” indicating the generation of a “previous value check anomaly”, and flag “Z” indicating none of the above occurred. With regard to specific measurement items, a flag “O” indicating an unperformed test or need for a retest, flag “ 1 ” indicating a need for approval of a result value obtained from a specimen, and flag “ 2 ” indicating the result value has been approved are displayed in the display column  648 .  
         [0046]     In the present embodiment, the dilution ratio (next dilution ratio) of the next measurement automatically determined based on the latest measurement value is displayed in the display column (entry column)  655 . The next dilution ratio displayed in the display column (entry column)  655  can be changed using the input part  62  (refer to  FIG. 2 ). An error message is displayed when a value is input that is at variance with the possible dilution ratios (1-fold, 2-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, 50-fold) of the sample preparation part  43  of the analyzer  40 .  
         [0047]     In the retest selection screen it is possible to specify retesting of specific measurement items by clicking the display column (button)  643  in which each measurement item is displayed. When the button  658  has been clicked, it is possible to specify re-measurement of all measurement items specified for a particular specimen without clicking the display column (button)  643 .  
         [0048]     The master setting screen shown in  FIG. 8  is the maintenance screen, and is locked by password or the like so as to only allow a manager to change the basic values and data check method. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the master setting screen, displays an examination item  659  for displaying a requested examination item (“exam item” on the screen), range setting item  660  for setting the range level indicated in the display column  647  of the retest selection screen (refer to  FIG. 7 ), and a delta check item  661  having entry columns  661   a  through  661   e  for setting a plurality of parameters for performing a data check of the measurement values.  
         [0049]     Specifically, one (“CA-19-9” in the present embodiment) among the requested examination items is displayed in the examination item  659 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Entry columns  660   a  through  660   f  for dividing the range of the result values are provided in the range setting item  660 , and “0.0” is entered in the entry column  660   c  (“1” on the screen), “37.0” is entered in the entry column  660   d  (“h” on the screen) . Thus, when the result value of the measurement item “CA19-9” obtained by the analyzer  40  is greater than “0.0” and less than “37.0”, the flag “ 1 ” is displayed in the display column  647  of the retest selection screen (refer to  FIG. 7 ). When the result value is greater than “37.0”, the flag “h” is displayed in the display column  647 . The valid period of the previous value (“45” in the present embodiment) is specified beforehand in the entry column  661   a  (“0” on the screen) of the delta check item  661 , and result values older than this set number of days become invalid. A retest pattern (“4” in the present embodiment) is specified beforehand in the entry column  661   b  (“1” on the screen), to specify the application of retesting. For example, the application of retesting is specified by the entry column  661   b  since there are measurement items that are applied without dilution even during retesting depending on the measurement item.  
         [0050]     A previous value increase check value (“200” in the present embodiment) and a previous value decrease check value (“70” in the present embodiment) are specified in the entry column  661   c  (“2” on the screen). The previous value increase check value and previous value decrease check value are parameters used for suppressing specimen error (taking the wrong specimen and the like) . An over original dilution ratio (“10” in the present embodiment) and dilution measurement minimum effective value (“30” in the present embodiment) are specified in the entry column  661   d  (“3” on the screen). When the measurement value of a specimen measured at the original dilution (default dilution ratio) is greater than the upper limit value stored in the upper limit DB  45   a , the over original dilution ratio is set in the sample preparation part  43  of the analyzer  40  as the next dilution ratio, and is stored in the over original dilution DB  61   c . The dilution measurement value minimum effective value is a parameter for determining whether or not the measurement value obtained by the analyzer  40  has been measured at a dilution ratio of high reliability. That is, the dilution measurement value minimum effective value is a parameter used to measure a specimen that has a possibility of being within the upper and lower limit value range at a dilution ratio that is less than the previous dilution ratio (1 level lower) in the next measurement cycle even when measured at a dilution ratio that is lower than the previous dilution ratio. A dispersion check value is specified in the entry column  661   e  (“4” on the screen). The dispersion check value (85% in the present embodiment) is a parameter for determining when the measurement value obtained in a re-measurement is suddenly a greater value compared to the measured value of a first measurement.  
         [0051]     The sequence of the specimen examination of the analysis system  1  of the present embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , and  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The numbers shown in  FIG. 9  correspond to the numbers in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0052]     A technician places the rack  110  holding the test tubes  100  at the transport line entrance  31  of the analysis system  1  shown in  FIG. 1  in step S 1  of  FIG. 9 , and thereafter the rack  110  is moved by the transport line  32  in step S 2 . Thus, in step S 3 , the rack  110  arrives at the analyzer  40 , and the barcode number of the barcode label (refer to  FIG. 3 ) adhered to the test tube  100  is read by the barcode reader  41  of the analyzer  40 . Then, in step S 4 , requests are made from the analyzer  40  to the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  based on the read barcode number. Specifically, the barcode number (specimen number) is sent from the analyzer  40  to the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  to inquire about patient information and the content of measurement items (requested exam items) for the specimen corresponding to the barcode. Then, in step S 5  of the present embodiment, the control part  61  of the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  acquires the measurement items and the dilution ratio (next dilution ratio) corresponding to the measurement items from the subject DB  61   b  based on the barcode received from the analyzer  40 , and prepares a measurement instruction message. Thereafter, in step S 6 , the control part  61  of the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  sends the measurement instruction message prepared in step S 5  to the analyzer  40 . The measurement instruction message includes information of the specimen number read by the barcode reader  41 , measurement items names to be performed on the specimen corresponding to this specimen number, and measurement dilution ratios for these measurement items.  
         [0053]     Then, in step S 7 , a determination is made by the analyzer  40  as to whether or not there are measurement items included in the measurement instruction message shown in  FIG. 10 . When it is determined that there are measurement items in step S 7 , then in step S 8  the specimen contained in the test tube  100  is suctioned for measurement by the specimen suction part  42  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) of the analyzer  40  according to the measurement instruction message. After the specimen has been suctioned, the rack  110  is moved in the direction of the analyzer  50  by transporting the rack  110  via the transport line  32  in step S 9 . When it is determined there are not measurement items in step S 7 , however, the routine advances to step S 9  without performing the measurement in step S 8 , and the above process is executed. Thus, in step S 10  the rack  110  arrives at the analyzer  50  and the processes from steps S 3  to S 9  are executed, and the rack  110  is transported again by the transport line  32 . In step S 11 , the rack  110  transported by the transport line  32  arrives at the transport rack yard  33 , and thereafter in step S 12 , the specimen needed fro retesting is picked up by the technician and returned to step S 1 .  
         [0054]     The control flow executed by the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  and analyzer  40  of the analysis system  1  of the present invention for the execution of the above sequence is described below with reference to  FIGS. 2 through 4 , and  FIGS. 10 through 12 . The alphabetical references in  FIG. 11  correspond to the alphabetical references in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0055]     On the analyzer  40  side, first, in step S 20  of  FIG. 11 , a determination is made as to whether or not the rack  110  holding the test tube  100  containing the specimen has arrived at the analyzer  40 , and when it is determined that the rack  110  has arrived, then, in step S 21 , the barcode number of the barcode label  120  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) adhered to the test tube  100  is read by the barcode reader  41 . When it is determined in step S 20  that the rack  110  has not arrived at the analyzer  40 , the determination of step S 20  is repeated until the rack  110  has arrived at the analyzer  40 . Then, in step S 22 , a request is made from the analyzer  40  to the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  (sending of barcode number).  
         [0056]     On the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  side, in step S 23 , the a determination is made as to whether or not a request (barcode) has been received from the analyzer  40 . When it is determined in step S 23  that a request has not been received, the determination of step S 23  is repeated until a request is received. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S 23  that a request has been received, then in step S 24  the control part  61  of the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  prepares the measurement instruction message shown in  FIG. 10  by reading the measurement item names and next dilution ratio from the subject DB  61   b  based on the received barcode number. The prepared measurement instruction message is sent from the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  to the analyzer  40  in step S 25 .  
         [0057]     On the analyzer  40  side, in step S 26 , a determination is made as to whether or not the measurement instruction message (refer to  FIG. 10 ) sent by the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  in step S 25  has been received. When it is determined that the measurement instruction message has not been received in step S 26 , the determination of step S 26  is repeated until the measurement instruction message is received. When it is determined that the measurement instruction message has been received in step S 26 , then a determination is made as to whether or not the measurement instruction message contains measurement items in step S 27 . When it is determined that there are measurement items in step S 27 , then in step S 27   b  a determination is made as to whether or not the measurement instruction message contains a next dilution ratio. When it is determined that the measurement instruction message contains a next dilution ratio in step S 27   b , then in step S 28  the specimen in the test tube  100  is suctioned (collected) by the specimen suctioning part  42  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) of the analyzer  40 . In step S 29 , a sample is prepared (the specimen is processed) at the specified dilution ratio for each measurement item by the sample preparation part  43  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) of the analyzer  40 . That is, in the present embodiment, the specimen is processed at the specified measurement dilution ratio by the sample preparation part  43  of the analyzer  40  via the measurement instruction message that includes the measurement dilution ratio prepared by the control part  61  of the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60 . Thereafter, in step S 30 , the detection part  44  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) detects optical information from the sample (specimen) by illuminating the sample obtained in the process of step S 29  with light, then in step S 31 , the detected optical information is analyzed and the measurement values are obtained by the control part  45  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) of the analyzer  40 .  
         [0058]     In step S 32  of the present embodiment, the control part  45  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) of the analyzer  40  executes the upper limit and lower limit value check on the measurement value obtained by analyzing the optical information in step S 31 . Specifically, the control part  45  references the lower limit and upper limit values corresponding to the dilution ratio included in the measurement instruction message (refer to  FIG. 10 ) received in step S 26  using the upper limit and lower limit DB  45   a  (refer to  FIG. 4 ), and determines whether the measurement value obtained from the measurement sample is between the lower limit and upper limit values. For example, in the case of the dilution ratio of “2-fold” shown in  FIG. 2  corresponding to the measurement item “CA19-9” of the measurement instruction message, the control part  45  references the lower limit  2  and upper limit  400  corresponding to 2-fold in the upper and lower limit DB  45   a  shown in  FIG. 4 . Then, the control part  45  of the analyzer  40  determines whether or not the measurement value obtained from the specimen is between the lower limit value 2 and the upper limit value 400.  
         [0059]     In step S 33 , a result message, such as shown in  FIG. 12 , is prepared based on the measurement result obtained by the control part  45  of the analyzer  40 . When there are a plurality of measurement items in the measurement instruction message (refer to  FIG. 10 ) received in step S 26 , a plurality of result messages are prepared for the measurement items. The result message includes information such as specimen number, measurement item name, measurement value, measurement dilution ratio, and error information, as shown in  FIG. 12 . In the present embodiment, since the measurement value (450) of the measurement item (CA19-9) at 2-fold dilution is greater than the upper limit value (400) of the upper and lower limit DB  45   a  corresponding to a 2-fold dilution ratio, error information “over upper limit scale anomaly” is generated.  
         [0060]     The analyzer  40  sends the result message (refer to  FIG. 12 ) prepared in step S 33  to the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60 . Thereafter, in step S 35 , the analyzer  40  determines whether or not to shutdown. When it has been determined in step S 27   a  that there are no measurement items in the measurement instruction message, and when it has been determined in step S 27   b  that there is no next dilution ratio in the measurement instruction message, the routine advances to step S 35  and the analyzer  40  determines whether or not to shutdown. When a shutdown determination has been made in step S 35 , the shutdown process is executed by the analyzer  40  in step S 36 , and the processes of the analyzer  40  end. The series of processes in steps S 20  through S 22  and steps S 26  through S 34  of the analyzer  40  are repeated until the analyzer  40  makes a shutdown determination.  
         [0061]     On the other hand, a determination as to whether or not a result message has been received is made in step S 37  on the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  side when a result message (refer to  FIG. 12 ) has been received from the analyzer  40  in step S 34 . When a result message has not been received, then the determination of step S 37  is repeated until a result message is received. When it is determined in step S 37  that a result message has been received, then in step S 38  the data check process is performed based on the information included in the result message. The result value and measurement value are displayed on the display part  63  (refer to  FIGS. 2, 6 , and  7 ) of the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  in step S 39  based on the result of the predetermined data check process performed in step S 38 . Thereafter, the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  determines whether or not to shutdown in step S 40 . When a shutdown determination has been made in step S 40 , the shutdown process is executed by the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  in step S 41 , and the processes of the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  ends. The series of processes in steps S 23  through S 25  and steps S 37  through S 39  pf the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  are repeated until a shutdown is determined by the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  in step S 40 .  
         [0062]     Details of the data check process in step S 38  are described below with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4 ,  5 ,  7 ,  8 , and  FIGS. 12 through 15 .  
         [0063]     When a result message (refer to  FIG. 12 ) is received from the analyzer  40 , a determination is made in step S 51  whether or not an error has occurred in the analyzer  40 . Specifically, it is determined whether or not the information “device error” is included in the error information of the analyzer  40 . The “device error” is mainly caused by an anomaly (tube blockage, empty reagent and the like) of the analyzer  40 . When it is determined in step S 51  that a device error has occurred, then in step S 52  the measurement dilution ratio included in the result message is immediately set as the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . In this case, the flag “A” indicating the generation of “device error” is displayed at predetermined positions of the display columns  646 ,  651 , and  652  of the retest selection screen shown in  FIG. 7 . Thereafter, the routine continues to step S 53  shown in  FIG. 15 , a determination is made as to whether or not the current measurement is an initial measurement (first measurement on this day). When the current measurement is determined to be an initial measurement in step S 53 , a required retesting condition is set for the item in step S 54 . When the item required retesting condition is set in step S 54 , “0” is displayed in the display column  648  to display the result status of the retest selection screen shown in  FIG. 7 , and retesting is executed. When the current measurement is determined to not be an initial measurement in step S 53 , a required confirmation condition is set for the item in step S 55 . When the item required confirmation condition is set in step S 55 , “1” is displayed in the display column  648  of the retest selection screen shown in  FIG. 7 , and technician confirmation is required.  
         [0064]     When it has been determined that a device error has not occurred in step S 51 , a determination is made in step S 56  as to whether or not the measurement value is an over the upper limit scale anomaly. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the information “over upper limit scale anomaly” is included in the error information of the result message. The “over upper limit scale anomaly” information indicates that the measurement value exceeds the predetermined upper limit value stored in the upper limit Db  45   a , as previously described. This error information indicates that the dilution ratio used in the measurement of the specimen is unsuitable and a retest is required. When an over upper limit scale anomaly is determined in step S 56 , then the measurement value is changed to “upper limit &lt;” and displayed on the retest selection screen (refer to  FIG. 7 ) in step S 57 . With regard to the measurement item “CA15-3” on the retest selection screen shown in  FIG. 7 , for example, when the measurement value at a 5-fold dilution ratio is determined to be over the upper limit scale anomaly by the analyzer  40 , the measurement value is changed to “1000.0&lt;” and displayed in the display column  649  based on the upper limit value of 1000 of the upper and lower limit DB  45   a  corresponding to the 5-fold dilution ratio. In this case, the flag “B” indicating the generation of “over upper limit scale anomaly” is displayed at predetermined positions of the display columns  646 ,  651 , and  652  of the retest selection screen shown in  FIG. 7 . Thereafter, in step S 58 , a determination is made as to whether or not the current measurement dilution ratio is the original (default dilution ratio). When the current measurement dilution ratio is not the original ratio in the determination of step S 58 , then in step S 59  a determination is made as to whether or not the current measurement dilution ratio is a maximum effective value. The maximum effective value is the maximum dilution ratio of the sample preparation part  43  of the analyzer  40 , and in the present embodiment the maximum value is set at 50-fold (refer to  FIG. 4 ).  
         [0065]     When the current measurement dilution ratio is determined to be the maximum effective value (50-fold) in step S 59  of the present embodiment, then a blank entry is set in the next dilution ratio column of the subject DB  61   b  in step S 60 . That is, when the measurement value obtained at the maximum effective dilution ratio is greater than the upper limit value in the upper limit and lower limit DB  45  via the processes of steps S 56  and S 59 , nothing is stored in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . Thus, since the determination result is “NO” in step S 27   b  (refer to  FIG. 11 ) in the next measurement, the specimen of the subject from whom the specimen was collected is not measured by the analyzers  40  and  50 , and “Through” is displayed in the display column  649  of the retest selection screen shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0066]     Since measurement is impossible in the analysis system  1  when the measurement value obtained at a maximum effective dilution ratio is greater than the upper limit value of the upper and lower limit DB  45   a , the user analyzes the specimen of the subject who provided the specimen microscopically, or manually dilutes the specimen at a ratio greater than 50-fold and measures the specimen using the analyzer  40 .  
         [0067]     When the current measurement dilution ratio is determined to be the original ratio in step S 58  of the present embodiment, the value “over original dilution ratio” stored in the over original dilution ratio DB  61   c  is set in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . That is, in the present embodiment, if the measurement value obtained with the specimen at the default dilution ratio (original ratio) is greater than the upper limit value of the upper and lower limit DB  45   a , the over original dilution ratio is stored in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b  via the processes of steps S 56  and S 58 . In this case, over original dilution ratio is displayed in the display column (entry column)  655  on the retest selection screen (refer to  FIG. 7 ). The dilution ratios displayed in the display column (entry column)  655  including the over original dilution ratio are changeable via the input part  62  (refer to  FIG. 2 ), and the changed over original dilution ratio is set in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b.    
         [0068]     When it is determined that the current measurement dilution ratio is not the maximum effective value (50-fold) in step S 59  of the present embodiment, the dilution ratio one level higher than the current measurement dilution ratio is read from the specifiable dilution ratio DB  61   d  and set in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . That is, in the present embodiment, if the measurement value obtained with the specimen at a dilution ratio greater than the default dilution ratio (original ratio) is greater than the upper limit value of the upper and lower limit DB  45   a , the dilution ratio one level higher is stored in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b  via the processes of steps S 56  and S 58 . For example, when a specimen is measured at a 2-fold measurement dilution ratio, the 5-fold dilution ratio, which is one level higher than 2-fold, is set in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . After the processes of steps S 60  through S 62  have been executed, the routine moves to step S 52 , and steps S 53  through S 55  are performed.  
         [0069]     On the other hand, when the measurement value obtained by the analyzer  40  is determined to not be an over the upper limit scale anomaly in step S 56 , a determination is made in step S 63  as to whether or not the measurement value is an over the lower limit scale anomaly. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the information “over lower limit scale anomaly” is included in the error information of the result message (refer to  FIG. 12 ). The “over lower limit scale anomaly” indicates that the measurement value is less than a predetermined lower limit value stored in the upper limit DB  45   a . When an over lower limit scale anomaly is determined in step S 63 , then the measurement value is changed to “lower limit&gt;” and displayed on the retest selection screen in step S 64 . In this case, a flag “B” indicating the occurrence of an “over lower limit scale anomaly” is displayed at a predetermined position in the display columns  646 ,  651 , and  652  of the retest selection screen. Thereafter, a determination is made in step S 65  as to whether or not the current measurement dilution ratio is an original ratio. When the current measurement dilution ratio is not the original ratio in the determination of step S 65 , then in step S 66  the dilution ratio one level lower than the current measurement dilution ratio is read from the specifiable dilution ratio DB  61   d  and set in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b.    
         [0070]     That is, when the measurement value of a specimen at a predetermined dilution ratio is less than the lower limit value of the upper and lower limit DB  45   a , the dilution ratio one level lower than a predetermined dilution ratio is stored in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b , via the processes of steps S 63  and S 65 , such that this next dilution ratio is specified to the sample preparation part  43  by the control part  61  of the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  at the next dilution time. After the process of step S 66  has been executed, the routine moves to step S 53 , and steps S 53  through S 55  are performed.  
         [0071]     When the measurement value is determined to not be an over the lower limit scale anomaly in step S 63 , a determination is made in step S 67  as to whether or not the current dilution ratio is an original ratio. When the current measurement dilution ratio is not the original ratio in the determination of step S 67 , then in step S 68  a determination is made as to whether or not it is a dilution low value check anomaly. Specifically, a dilution low value check anomaly is determined when a value obtained by dividing the measurement value by the current dilution ratio is less-than the “minimum effective value for dilute measurement (30 in the present embodiment)” settable in the entry column  661   d  of the delta check item  661  on the master setting screen (refer to  FIG. 8 ). For example, when the “minimum effective value for dilute measurement” is 30, that is, when the dilution ratio is 10-fold and the measurement value is less than 300, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a dilution low value check anomaly is determined since the value obtaining by dividing the measurement value by the current dilution ratio is less than 30. Thus, it is possible to determine whether or not a measurement value is within a sufficient measurement range even when the dilution ratio is one level lower than the current measurement dilution ratio, that is, whether or not a specimen measured at the current measurement dilution ratio is “over diluted”. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a highly reliable measurement value since it is possible to obtain a measurement value from a specimen that has not been unnecessarily diluted. In the case of a dilution low value check anomaly, a flag “C” indicating the occurrence of a“dilution low value check anomaly” is displayed at predetermined locations in the display columns  646 ,  651 , and  652  of the retest selection screen. When the current measurement has been determined to be a dilution low value check anomaly in step S 68 , then in step S 69  the dilution ratio one level lower than the current measurement dilution ratio is read from the specifiable dilution ratio DB  61   d  and set in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . After the process of step S 69  has been executed, the routine moves to step S 53  of  FIG. 15 , and steps S 53  through S 55  are performed.  
         [0072]     When the current measurement dilution ratio is determined to be an original ratio in steps S 65  and S 67 , a determination is made in step S 70  shown in  FIG. 14  as to whether or not the current measurement is a subsequent measurement (not the initial test (first measurement of the current day)). Even when the current measurement has been determined to not be a dilution low value check anomaly in step S 68 , the routine advances to step S 70  and the above determination is made. When the current measurement has been determined to be a subsequent measurement in step S 70 , a determination is made in step S 71  as to whether or not an over upper limit scale anomaly has occurred during the initial (first) measurement of the current day. When it has been determined that an over upper limit scale anomaly has occurred during the initial measurement in step S 71 , a determination is made in step S 72  as to whether or not a dispersion check anomaly has occurred. Specifically, a dispersion check anomaly is determined when the current measurement value is less than a value obtained by multiplying the initial (first of the current day) measurement value by the settable“dispersion check value (85% (0.85) in the present embodiment)” in the entry column  661   e  of the delta check item  661  of the master setting screen (refer to  FIG. 8 ). For example, when the “dispersion check value” is 85% as shown in  FIG. 8 , a dispersion check anomaly is determined if the current measurement value is less than 850 and the initial measurement value is “1000&lt;”. The dispersion check value is preferably set near 100%, such as 85% and the like. In this case, a flag “G” indicating the occurrence of a “dispersion check anomaly” is displayed at a predetermined location of the display columns  646 ,  651 , and  652  of the retest selection screen (refer to  FIG. 7 ).  
         [0073]     When the current measurement value has been determined to be a dispersion check anomaly in step S 72 , a determination is made in step S 73  as to whether or not the current measurement dilution ratio is an original ratio. When the current measurement dilution ratio is not the original ratio in the determination of step S 73 , then in step S 74  the dilution ratio one level lower than the current measurement dilution ratio is read from the specifiable dilution DB  61   d  and set in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . When the current measurement dilution ratio is the original ratio in the determination of step S 73 , then in step S 75  the original ratio is read from the default dilution DB  61   a  and set in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . After the processes of steps S 74  and S 75  have been executed, the routine moves to step S 53  of  FIG. 15 , and steps S 53  through S 55  are performed.  
         [0074]     When the current measurement is determined to not be a subsequent measurement (that is, when it is an initial measurement) in step S 70 , a determination is made in step S 76  as to whether or not the there is an valid current value. Specifically, whether or not the existing result value is within the settable “previous value valid period (45 days in the present embodiment)” in the entry column  661   a  of the delta check item  661  of the master setting screen (refer to  FIG. 8 ) is determined by reference to the column of past results of the subject DB  61   b . For example, when the “current valid period” is 45 days as shown in  FIG. 8 , a result value is deemed invalid if the previous result value is older than 45 days, and the current result value is deemed valid if obtained within the last 45 days. When it has been determined that an over upper limit scale anomaly has not occurred during the initial measurement in step S 71 , the routine advances to step S 76  and the above determination is performed even when there is no dispersion check anomaly.  
         [0075]     When the previous effective value has been determined to exist in step S 76 , a determination is made in step S 77  as to whether or not there is a previous value check anomaly. The previous value check is a process for detecting a wrong specimen by comparing the result values of a current measurement and previous (most recent) measurement using examination result having little change and excluding special circumstances. Specifically, a previous value check anomaly is determined when a current measurement value satisfies either of equations (1) or (2) below.
 
(current measurement value)&gt;(previous result value)×{1+(“previous increase check value”/100)  (1)
 
(current measurement value)&lt;(previous result value)×{1−(“previous decrease check value”/100)  (2)
 
         [0076]     The “previous increase check value” and “previous decrease check value” are settable in the entry column  661   c  of the delta check item  661  of the master setting screen (refer to  FIG. 8 ). For example, a previous value check anomaly is determined by equation (1) or equation (2) when the “previous increase check value” is 200 and the “previous decrease check value” is 70 and the previous measurement value is 1000, as shown in  FIG. 8 , and the current measurement value is greater than 3000 or less than 300. In this case, the flag “D” indicating the generation of a “previous value check anomaly” is displayed at predetermined positions of the display columns  646 ,  651 , and  652  of the retest selection screen. When a previous value check anomaly has been determined in step S 77 , then in step S 78  the previous measurement dilution ratio is set directly in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . After the processes of step S 78  has been executed, the routine moves to step S 53  of  FIG. 15 , and steps S 53  through S 55  are performed.  
         [0077]     When it has been determined that an effective previous value does not exist in step S 76 , the routine advances to step S 79  of  FIG. 15 , and the current measurement dilution ratio is set directly in the next dilution ratio of the subject DB  61   b . Even when there is no previous value check anomaly in step S 77 , the routine advances to step S 79  and the above process is executed. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the current measurement value is a subsequent measurement (not an initial measurement). When the current measurement has been determined to be a subsequent measurement in step S 80 , the item is set so as to require confirmation in step S 55 . When the current measurement has been determined to not be a subsequent measurement in step S 80 , the item is automatically confirmed in step S 81 . Specifically, when an item is automatically confirmed in step S 81 , “2” is displayed in the display column  648  for displaying the result status on the retest selection screen of  FIG. 7 , and the measurement value is displayed in the display column  644 . In this case, the flag “Z” is displayed at predetermined positions of the display columns  646 ,  651 , and  652  of the retest selection screen. Then, this measurement value is stored in the past result values of the subject DB  61   b  (refer to  FIG. 5 ).  
         [0078]     The measurement values that do not correspond to any among the over upper limit scale (step S 56 ), over lower limit scale (step S 63 ), dilution low value check anomaly (step S 68 ), dispersion check anomaly (step S 72 ), or previous value check anomaly (step S 77 ) are used as result values and displayed in the display column  644  of the retest selection screen.  
         [0079]     Since the next dilution ratio set in step S 38  (refer to  FIG. 11 ) is changeably displayed in the display column  655 , the user of the analysis system  1  can pick up the specimen from the transport line  33 , and estimates an optimum dilution ratio by observing the color and density of the specimen, and input the estimated dilution ratio in the display column  655 .  
         [0080]     In the present embodiment, an a dilution ratio with a high possibility of being optimum is stored as a default (original ratio) dilution ratio in the default dilution DB  61   a  when measuring the specimen of a healthy subject or subject with light symptoms of illness by providing a default dilution DB  61   a  and original over original dilution ratio DB  61   c  in the control part  61  of the diagnostic information processing apparatus  60 , and a dilution ratio with a high possibility of being optimum is stored as an over original dilution ratio (a default ratio of 10-fold or higher in the present embodiment) is stored in the over original dilution ratio DB  61   c  when measuring specimens of subjects with symptoms of severe illness. Accordingly, in the case of a healthy subject or subject with light symptoms, and even new patients (subjects) for whom there are no past measurement values, the default (original) dilution ratio becomes an optimum dilution ratio, and in the case of subjects with severe symptoms of disease, there is a high possibility that only one or two measurements will be needed to determine an optimum dilution ratio since the over original dilution ratio becomes the optimum dilution ratio. Thus, in the present embodiment, the number of measurements required to determine an optimum dilution ratio is reduced.  
         [0081]     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the over original dilution ratio stored in the over original dilution DB  61   c  is 10-fold or higher than the default original ratio) dilution ratio stored in the default dilution DB  61   a , and the measurement value measured at the default dilution ratio is greater than the upper limit value corresponding to the default dilution ratio, the control part  61  determines the over original dilution ratio as the next dilution ratio, and when next measuring a specimen that has a concentration greater than the default dilution ratio stored in the default dilution ratio DB  61   a , the specimen is processed at an over original dilution ratio that is 10-fold or higher than the default dilution ratio as an optimum dilution ratio, such that there is a possibility that the measurement value will be within a measurable range. Therefore, the number of measurements required to determine an optimum dilution ratio is reduced.  
         [0082]     In the present embodiment, since a next dilution ratio is associated and stored with information stored in a subject DB  61   b  by providing a subject DB  61   b  for associating and storing a next dilution ratio determined by the control part  61  with a subject ID and past measurement values, and controlling the sample preparation part  43  so as to process a specimen at a next dilution ratio stored in the subject DB  61   b  when performing a next measurement of a specimen of a subject who provided the specimen, the control part  45  reads the next dilution ratio based on the information stored in the subject DB  61   b  when subsequently measuring a specimen provided by the subject.  
         [0083]     Since a determined next dilution ratio can be confirmed and modified by a technician by providing a display column (entry column)  655  for displaying a modifiable next dilution ratio determined by the control part  61 , the technician can set an optimum next dilution ratio that corresponds to the specimen characteristics (color, viscosity, pathological condition of the subject providing the specimen and the like)  
         [0084]     The present embodiment disclosed herein should not be construed as being limited in any way by this description which only provides examples. The scope of the present invention is expressed by the scope of the claims and not in any way by the description of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalences in meaning with the scope of the claims and all modifications are included within the scope of the invention.  
         [0085]     For example, in the present embodiment, a lowest level dilution ratio within the measurable range of a measurement value may be calculated from the measurement values obtained at the over original dilution ratio, and set as the next dilution ratio. Thus, the dilution ratio of a next measurement can be optimized even further.  
         [0086]     Although examples have been described in which an analyzer makes a determination of an over upper limit (lower limit) scale anomaly when a measurement value obtained by an analyzer is greater that (less than) an upper limit (lower limit) stored in an upper limit and lower limit DB of the analyzer in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as a determination as to whether or not a measurement value obtained by an analyzer is an over upper limit (lower limit) scale anomaly also may be made on the diagnostic information processing apparatus side.  
         [0087]     Although examples have been described in which a host computer and two analyzers are connected with the diagnostic information processing apparatus via a communication line in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as a client computer may be connected to the diagnostic information processing apparatus such that the diagnostic information processing apparatus may be operated from the client computer.  
         [0088]     Although examples have been described in which the barcode of a barcode label adhered to a test tube includes information such as specimen number, date and exam type and the like in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as subject identification information (subject ID) may be included beforehand in the barcode of the barcode label, such that a next dilution ratio corresponding to the read subject identification information (subject ID) may be provided to the sample preparation part (specimen dilution part).  
         [0089]     Although examples have been described in which a subject DB (refer to  FIG. 3 ) is configured by one table in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as the subject DB also may be configured by two tables including a table associating a subject ID and a nest dilution ratio, and a table associating a subject ID and a specimen number.  
         [0090]     Although examples have been described in which an over original dilution ratio for each item stored in an over original dilution DB  61   c  is 10-fold or greater than a default dilution ratio in all cases in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as a dilution ratio less than 10-fold of a default dilution ratio for each item may be stored in the over original dilution DB  61   c.    
         [0091]     Although an enzyme immunoassay apparatus is used as the analyzers  40  and  50  in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as another analyzer such as a biochemical analyzer, urine analyzer and the like may be used as the analyzer  40 .  
         [0092]     Although examples have been described in the above embodiment in terms of separately providing a control part  61  including a default dilution DB  61   a , subject DB  61   b , over original dilution ratio DB  61   c , and specifiable dilution DB  61   d , and an analyzer  40  provided with a barcode reader  41 , specimen suction part  42 , sample preparation part  43 , detection part  44 , and control part  45  including an upper and lower limit DB  45  and a diagnostic information processing apparatus  60  provided with an input part  62  and display part  63 , the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as a detection part  144 , sample preparation part  143 , specimen suction part  142 , barcode reader  141 , display part  163 , input part  162 , and control part  145  including a upper and lower limit DB  145   a , default dilution DB  161   a , subject DB  161   b , over original dilution DB  1161   c  and specifiable dilution DB  161   d  may all be incorporated in a single analyzer (analysis system)  40   a , as shown in the modification of  FIG. 16 , such that the control part  145  executes the data check processes shown in  FIGS. 13 through 15 .