Abstract:
The present invention is a clinical test information managing apparatus including at least one display configured to display cascading tiers of clinical test information, the apparatus further including at least one processor of a computer system and at least one memory that stores programs executable by the at least one processor to: display a first tier of clinical test information including a listing of items which include process stages that show progresses of testing, associated with an indication of presence of samples which are situated at a respective stage; and when receiving a selection by a user among the items, display a second tier of clinical test information including a listing of identifications of samples which are identified by the indication of presence associated with a selected item.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-039847 filed on Feb. 25, 2010, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a clinical test information managing apparatus, and a non-transitory storage medium for managing information related to a sample test by a clinical sample analyzer. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A clinical test information managing apparatus called a WAM (Work Area Manager) or a LIS (Laboratory Information System), connected to a plurality of clinical sample analyzers, for receiving test information transmitted from the clinical sample analyzer, and storing and displaying the same is known. 
         [0006]    For such clinical test information managing apparatus, Japanese Patent Publication No. H08-233825 describes a data managing apparatus which receives measurement results from a plurality of analyzers, and displays the progress situation of the measurements in the plurality of analyzers in association with corresponding analyzer and sample on one process management screen for every measurement field (e.g., biochemical, blood, blood serum etc.). 
         [0007]    However, in the data managing apparatus described in Japanese Patent Publication No. H08-233825, the entire process management screen needs to be looked to check the presence of a sample in a specific process such as waiting for first measurement, waiting for re-test, and the like, which is troublesome. In particular, if there are great number of specimens or analyzers, switching of screens, operations such as scrolling, and the like are necessary for many times, which is troublesome. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    A first aspect of the present invention is a clinical test information managing apparatus comprising at least one display configured to display cascading tiers of clinical test information, the apparatus further comprising at least one processor of a computer system and at least one memory that stores programs executable by the at least one processor to: display a first tier of clinical test information comprising a listing of items which comprise process stages that show progresses of testing, associated with an indication of presence of samples which are situated at a respective stage; and when receiving a selection by a user among the items, display a second tier of clinical test information comprising a listing of identifications of samples which are identified by the indication of presence associated with a selected item. 
         [0010]    A second aspect of the present invention is a clinical test information managing apparatus comprising at least one display configured to display cascading tiers of clinical test information, a first tier of clinical test information comprising a listing of items which comprise process stages that show progresses of testing, associated with an indication of presence of samples which are situated at a respective stage, wherein an operation on the display by a user selecting one of the items cascades to displaying a second tier of clinical test information, the second tier of clinical test information comprising a listing of identifications of samples which are identified by the indication of presence associated with a selected item. 
         [0011]    A third aspect of the present invention is a non-transitory storage medium which stores computer-executable programs executed by at least one processor of a computer system to: display a first tier of clinical test information comprising a listing of items which comprise process stages that show progresses of testing, associated with an indication of presence of samples which are situated at a respective stage; and when receiving a selection by a user among the items, display a second tier of clinical test information comprising a listing of identifications of samples which are identified by the indication of presence associated with a selected item. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a view showing a hospital clinical test apparatus group including a clinical test information managing apparatus according to the embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view showing a partial configuration of the clinical test information managing system according to the embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement unit arranged in a blood cell analyzer according to the embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information processing unit arranged in the blood cell analyzer according to the embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the clinical test information managing server according to the embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing a structure of a process management table; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing a configuration of a client device according to the embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a flow of the entire clinical test; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a view showing the transition of the clinical test process in the present embodiment, that is, the transition of the process information registered in F 5  of the process management table; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a flow of a measurement order registration process of the clinical test information managing server according to the embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a flow of a measurement order inquiry accepting process of the clinical test information managing server according to the embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a flow of a test result accepting process of the clinical test information managing server according to the embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a flow of an error notifying information accepting process of the clinical test information managing server according to the embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing a flow of a display process of the clinical test information management screen of the clinical test information managing server according to the embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a view showing one example of a menu screen; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a view showing one example of a measurement awaiting sample list screen; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a view showing one example of a remeasurement awaiting sample list screen; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a view showing one example of an acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a view showing one part of a detailed information screen; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a view showing a variant of the menu screen. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 
       [Configuration of Clinical Test Information Managing System] 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  is a view showing a hospital clinical test apparatus group including a clinical test information managing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In hospitals, a host computer  100 , a clinical test information managing server  9  or a clinical test information managing apparatus, a client device  10 , a blood analyzing system  200 , a blood cell analyzer  300 , a blood coagulation measurement device  400 , and a urine analyzer  500  are connected to each other through a communication network NW configured by a LAN (Local Area Network). The host computer  100  is a server at the higher level of the clinical test information managing server  9  and manages the operations of the entire test department in the hospital. The host computer  100  also transmits a measurement order to the clinical test information managing server  9 . The clinical test information managing server  9  manages measurement progress, measurement result, and the like by the clinical sample analyzer belonging to a specific test field. In the present embodiment, the clinical test information managing server  9  manages the measurement progress, the measurement result, and the like by the blood analyzing system  200 , the blood cell counting device  300 , the blood coagulation measurement device  400 , and the urine analyzer  500 . The client device  10  is a computer used to input data to the clinical test information managing server  9  and to browse through a display screen. In the present example, the clinical test information managing server  9 , two client devices  10 , the blood analyzing system  200 , the blood cell counting device  300 , the blood coagulation measurement device  400 , and the urine analyzer  500  configure the clinical test information managing system. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view showing a partial configuration of the clinical test information managing system according to the present embodiment. In other words,  FIG. 2  shows the configuration of only the clinical test information managing server  9 , two client devices  10 , and the blood analyzing system  200 . To simplify the description, only the clinical test information managing server  9 , two client devices  10 , and the blood analyzing system  200  will be described below. 
       &lt;Configuration of Blood Analyzing System  200 &gt; 
       [0035]    The blood analyzing system  200  is mainly configured by a sample inserting device  2 , a sample transporting device  3 , a sample accommodating device  4 , a blood cell analyzer  5  or a clinical sample analyzer, a smear creating device  6 , a blood cell image display device  7 , and a system control device  8 . The sample inserting device  2  includes a barcode reading unit  22 , and reads a sample ID from a plurality of sample containers held in a sample rack, and transports the sample rack, which reading of the sample ID is finished, to the sample transporting device  3 . The sample transporting device  3  selectively transports the sample rack to the blood cell analyzer  5 , the smear creating device  6 , and the blood cell image display device  7 . The sample accommodating device  4  receives and accommodates the sample rack, which transportation by the sample transporting device  3  is completed. The blood smear creating device automatically creates a blood smear on a slide glass. The blood cell image display device  7  images a blood smear, automatically analyzes the obtained specimen image, and classifies the sub-class of white blood cells. 
       &lt;Configuration of Blood Cell Analyzer  5 &gt; 
       [0036]    The blood cell analyzer  5  is a multi-item blood cell analyzer of an optical flow cytometry method that acquires a side scattered light intensity, a fluorescent intensity, and the like regarding the blood cells contained in the blood sample, classifies the blood cells contained in the sample based thereon, counts the number of blood cells for each type, creates a scattergram in which the classified blood cells are distinguished by color for each type, and displays the same. The blood cell analyzer  5  includes a measurement unit  51  for measuring the blood sample and an information processing unit  52  for processing the measurement data output from the measurement unit  51  and displaying the analysis result of the blood sample. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the measurement unit  51 . The measurement unit  51  includes a sample dispensing section  511 , a measurement specimen preparing section  512 , an optical detecting section  513 , a signal processing circuit  514 , and a control section  515 . 
         [0038]    The sample dispensing section  511  includes a suction tube (not shown), and pierces the suction tube through the lid of the sample container transported on the measurement line of the sample transporting device  3  to suck the blood sample from the sample container. The measurement specimen preparing section  512  includes a mixing container (not shown), and mixes and stirs the blood sample dispensed by the sample dispensing section  511 , a reagent, and a diluting solution to prepare a measurement specimen. 
         [0039]    The optical detecting section  513  includes a flow cell (not shown), and forms a thin flow of the measurement specimen by supplying the measurement specimen to the flow cell, irradiates the measurement specimen with light, and acquires a side scattered optical signal, a forward scattered optical signal, and a fluorescent signal from an optical sensor. Such signals are output to the signal processing circuit  514 . The signal processing circuit  514  is a circuit for processing the electric signals output from the optical detecting section  513 . Such signal processing circuit  514  acquires parameters such as the peak and the pulse width of the side scattered optical signal, the forward scattered optical signal, and the fluorescent signal. 
         [0040]    The control section  515  includes a CPU and a memory, and is data communicably connected to the sample transporting device  3 . The control section  515  controls the sample dispensing section  511 , the measurement specimen preparing section  512 , the optical detecting section  513 , and the signal processing circuit  514  according to the analyzed items provided from the sample transporting device  3 , and executes the measurement operations corresponding to the analyzed items. The control section is also configured to transmit the measurement data including the parameters obtained by the signal processing circuit  514  to the information processing unit  52 . 
         [0041]    The configuration of the information processing unit  52  will now be described. The information processing unit  52  is configured by a computer.  FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information processing unit  52 . The information processing unit  52  is configured by a computer  52   a . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the computer  52   a  includes a main body  521 , an image display portion  522 , and an input portion  523 . The main body  521  includes a CPU  521   a , a ROM  521   b , a RAM  521   c , a hard disc  521   d , a read-out device  521   e , an input/output interface  521   f , a communication interface  521   g , and an image output interface  521   h , where the CPU  521   a , the ROM  521   b , the RAM  521   c , the hard disc  521   d , the read-out device  521   e , the input/output interface  521   f , the communication interface  521   g , and the image output interface  521   h  are connected by a bus  521   j.    
         [0042]    The read-out device  521   e  can read out a computer program  524   a  for causing the computer to function as the information processing unit  52  from a portable recording medium  524 , and install the computer program  524   a  in the hard disc  521   d.    
       &lt;Configuration of System Control Device  8 &gt; 
       [0043]    The system control device  8  is realized by a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disc, and the like. The computer functions as the system control device  8  when the CPU executes a system control program installed in the hard disc. The system control device  8  receives the sample ID from the sample inserting device  2 , and acquires the measurement order from the clinical test information managing server  9  with the sample ID as the key. The system control device  8  also transmits the measurement order to the sample transporting device  3 . 
       &lt;Configuration of Clinical Test Information Managing Server  9 &gt; 
       [0044]    The configuration of the clinical test information managing server  9  will now be described.  FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing the configuration of the clinical test information managing server  9  according to the present embodiment. The clinical test information managing server  9  is realized by a computer  90 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the computer  90  includes a main body  91 , an image display portion  92 , and an input portion  93 . The main body  91  includes a CPU  91   a , a ROM  91   b , a RAM  91   c , a hard disc  91   d , a read-out device  91   e , an input/output interface  91   f , communication interfaces  91   g ,  91   h ,  911 , and an image output interface  91   j , where the CPU  91   a , the ROM  91   b , the RAM  91   c , the hard disc  91   d , the read-out device  91   e , the input/output interface  91   f , the communication interface  91   g , the communication interface  91   h , the communication interface  91   i , and the image output interface  91   j  are connected by a bus  91   k.    
         [0045]    The read-out device  91   e  can read out a computer program  94   a  for causing the computer to function as the clinical test information managing server  9  from a portable recording medium  94 , and install the computer program  94   a  in the hard disc  91   d.    
         [0046]    The hard disc  91   d  includes a region for a process management table PT for managing the progress situation of the clinical test for each sample.  FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing a structure of a process management table PT. The clinical test information server  9  communicates with the host computer  100 , and receives the measurement order from the host computer  100 . The received measurement order includes a sample ID for identifying the sample and a measurement item for the relevant sample. The received measurement order is stored (registered) in the process management table PT. The clinical test information server  9  receives a transmission request of the measurement order from the system control device  8 , and transmits the requested measurement order to the system control device  8 . The transmission request data of the measurement order includes the sample ID. The sample ID contained in the received transmission request data is stored in the process management table PT. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the process management table PT stores a record related to the sample for each sample. The process management table PT includes a field F 1  for storing the sample ID contained in the measurement order received from the host computer  100 , a field F 2  for storing the measurement item contained in the measurement order, a field F 3  for storing the sample ID contained in the transmission request data of the measurement order received from the system control device  8 , a field F 4  for storing the measurement item related to re-test (hereinafter referred to as “re-test item”) when re-test is necessary, a field F 5  for storing process information indicating the clinical test process which the relevant sample corresponds at the relevant time point, and a field F 6  for storing error information indicating abnormality when abnormality occurs with respect to the relevant sample. 
         [0048]    The clinical test information managing server  9  communicates with the client device  10 , and provides various functions to the client device  10  in response to the request from the client device  10 . For instance, when the user operates the client device  10  to instruct login to the clinical test information managing system, such login request is received and the login process is carried out. After succeeding in login, a menu screen, to be described later, is displayed on the client device  10 , and thereafter, the process is executed according to the instruction from the user and the results thereof are transmitted to the client device  10 . For instance, when receiving from the client device  10  a display request for a screen of a list of samples in the measurement process by the blood cell analyzer  5 , information regarding the relevant sample is extracted from the process management table PT and such information regarding the sample is transmitted to the client device  10 . The client device  10  receives such information, and displays a screen of a list of samples in the measurement process. 
       &lt;Configuration of Client Device  10 &gt; 
       [0049]    The configuration of the client device  10  will now be described.  FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the client device  10 . The client device  10  is realized by a computer  110 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the computer  110  includes a main body  111 , an image display portion  112 , and an input portion  113 . The main body  111  includes a CPU  111   a , a ROM  111   b , a RAM  111   c , a hard disc  111   d , a read-out device  111   e , an input/output interface  111   f , communication interfaces  111   g ,  111   h ,  111   i , and an image output interface  111   j , where the CPU  111   a , the ROM  111   b , the RAM  111   c , the hard disc  111   d , the read-out device  111   e , the input/output interface  111   f , the communication interface  111   g , the communication interface  111   h , the communication interface  111   i , and the image output interface  111   j  are connected by a bus  111   k.    
         [0050]    The read-out device  111   e  can read out a computer program  114   a  for causing the computer to function as the client device  10  from a portable recording medium  114 , and install the computer program  114   a  in the hard disc  111   d.    
       [Operation of Clinical Test Information Managing System] 
       [0051]    First, the flow of the entire clinical test will be described.  FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a flow of the entire clinical test. The measurement items of the clinical test necessary for the patient are determined by the doctor, and the clinical test order (measurement order) including such measurement items is registered in the host computer  100 . The host computer  100  transmits the registered measurement order to the clinical test information managing server  9 . The clinical test information managing server  9  receives the measurement order (step S 101 ), and registers the data of the sample ID and the measurement item contained in the measurement order in the process management table PT as a new record (step S 102 ). In this case, information “AP” indicating the measurement standby or the target of the measurement process is registered in the field F 5  of the process management table PT as process information of the relevant record. 
         [0052]    The blood sample collected from the patient is stored in the sample container, and a barcode label printed with a barcode indicating the sample ID contained in the measurement order is attached to the sample container. The sample container is held in the sample rack along with other sample containers, and the sample rack is mounted in the sample inserting device  2 . The sample rack mounted in the sample inserting device  2  is transferred to the barcode reading unit  22 , and the sample ID is read from the barcode of the sample container by the barcode reading unit  22  (step S 103 ). The read sample ID is transmitted to the system control device  8 , and the system control device  8  generates measurement order transmission request data including the sample ID, and transmits the same to the clinical test information managing server  9  (step S 104 ). The clinical test information managing server  9  that received the sample ID from the barcode reading result matches the sample ID contained in the received transmission request data and the sample ID registered in the process management table PT, and transmits the measurement order including the measurement item corresponding to the sample ID to the system control device  8  when the sample ID that matches the sample ID contained in the transmission request data is found from the process management table PT (step S 105 ). In this case, the clinical test information managing server  9  changes the process information from “AP” to “P” indicating in-measurement in the record including the sample ID of the process management table PT. 
         [0053]    When receiving the measurement order, the system control device  8  determines the transporting destination based on the measurement order and transmits instruction data to the sample transporting device  3  so as to transport the sample rack to the transporting destination. The instruction data is contained in the measurement order, and such measurement order is transmitted to the blood cell analyzer  5  of the transporting destination. The sample rack is transported to the blood cell analyzer  5  of the transporting destination by the sample transporting device  3 , and the sample is measured according to the measurement order by the blood cell analyzer  5  (step S 106 ). 
         [0054]    After the measurement is finished, the measurement result is transmitted from the blood cell analyzer  5  to the clinical test information managing server  9 . The clinical test information managing server  9  stores the measurement result in the hard disc  91   d , and determines the necessity of re-test based on the measurement result. The re-test includes the re-measurement by the blood cell analyzer  5 , the white blood cell automatic classification (hereinafter referred to as “automatic classification”) by the blood cell image display device  7 , and the test (hereinafter referred to as “microscope test”) by the microscope. That is, the clinical test information managing server  9  determines whether the re-measurement by the blood cell analyzer  5  is necessary, the white blood cell automatic classification by the blood cell image display device  7  is necessary, the microscope test is necessary, or the re-test is not necessary for the sample by analyzing the measurement result of the sample (step S 107 ). When determined that the re-measurement by the blood cell analyzer  5  is necessary, the measurement item of such re-measurement is determined. 
         [0055]    When determined that the re-test is not necessary (NO in step S 107 ), the process proceeds to step S 112 . In this case, the clinical test information managing server  9  changes “P” of the process information to “PR” indicating wait for acknowledgement of the measurement result in the record including the sample ID of the process management table PT. When determined that the re-test is not necessary (YES in step S 107 ), the re-test item is registered in the field F 4  in the record of the corresponding sample of the process management table PT, and the process information is registered in the field F 5 . In this case, “AR” is registered as the process information when determined that the re-measurement by the blood cell analyzer  5  is necessary, “HG” is registered as the process information when determined that the automatic classification is necessary, and “AF” is registered as the process information when determined that the microscope test is necessary. 
         [0056]    The sample rack for accommodating the sample, which measurement is completed, is transported by the sample transporting device  3 , and accommodated in the sample accommodating device  4 . The user operates the client device  10  and accesses the clinical test information managing server  9 , and the like to check whether any sample, which measurement is finished, is determined that re-test is necessary. The user checks the necessity of re-test, and then again mounts the sample rack holding the sample determined that the re-test is necessary to the sample inserting device  2 . Thereafter, the sample barcode is read (step S 108 ) and the measurement order transmission request to the clinical test information managing server  9  is made (step S 109 ), similar to steps S 103  and S 104  described above. The clinical test information managing server  9  that received the sample ID from the barcode reading result matches the sample ID contained in the received transmission request data and the sample ID registered in the process management table PT, and transmits the re-test order including the re-test item corresponding to the sample ID to the system control device  8  when the sample ID that matches the sample ID contained in the transmission request data is found from the process management table PT (step S 110 ). In this case, the clinical test information managing server  9  changes the process information from “AR”, “HG”, or “AF” to “R”, “G”, or “F” indicating in-re-test in the record including the sample ID of the process management table PT. “R” means during re-test by the blood cell analyzer  5 , “G” means during re-test by the blood cell image display device  7 , and “F” means during observation of the blood smear created by the smear creating device  6 . 
         [0057]    When receiving the re-test order, the system control device  8  determines the transporting destination based on the re-test order, and transmits the instruction data to the sample transporting device  3  so as to transport the sample rack to the transporting destination. The sample rack is transported to the instructed transporting destination, and the re-test is carried out (step S 111 ). 
         [0058]    After the re-test is finished, the re-test result is transmitted from the blood cell analyzer  5  or the blood cell image display  7  to the clinical test information managing server  9 . The clinical test information managing server  9  stores the re-test result in the test information database in the hard disc  91   d , and changes “R”, “G”, or “F” of the process information to “RR” indicating wait for acknowledgement of the measurement result in the record including the sample ID of the sample of the process management table PT. The user operates the client device  10  to access the clinical test information managing server  9 , display the measurement result, and input the acknowledgement thereof (step S 112 ). When the input of acknowledgement of the re-test is received in the clinical test information managing server  9  (YES in step S 112 ), the acknowledgement information of the re-test result is stored in the test information database in the hard disc  91   d  and the process information “RR” is deleted from the record of the sample of the process management table PT. The clinical test of one sample is thereby finished. 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  is a view showing the transition of the clinical test process in the present embodiment, that is, the transition of the process information registered in F 5  of the process management table. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the clinical test process is configured by each process of “AP” indicating measurement standby, “P” indicating measurement, “AR”, “HG” or “AF” indicating re-test standby, “R”, “G” or “F” indicating during re-test, and “PR” indicating acknowledgement standby. When re-test is not necessary, the process of “AR”, “HG”, “AF”, “R”, “G”, and “F” are skipped. 
       &lt;Process Management of Clinical Test&gt; 
       [0060]    The operation related to the process management of the clinical test of the clinical test information managing server  9  will now be described. First, the measurement order registration process will be described.  FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing the flow of the measurement order registration process of the clinical test information managing server  9 . The CPU  91   a  of the clinical test information managing server  9  waits for the reception of the measurement order from the host computer  100  (NO in step S 201 ). When the clinical test information managing server  9  receives the measurement order (YES in step S 201 ), the CPU  91   a  registers the relevant measurement order in the process management table PT (step S 202 ). In this case, the CPU  91   a  registers the process information “AP” in the field F 5  of the newly added record of the process management table PT. After executing the process of step S 202 , the CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 201 . Thus, the measurement order registration process described above is repeatedly executed. 
         [0061]    The measurement order inquiry accepting process of the clinical test information managing server  9  will now be described.  FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing the flow of the measurement order inquiry accepting process of the clinical test information managing server  9 . The measurement order inquiry accepting process is a process related to the update of the process management table PT when the clinical test information managing server  9  receives the measurement order transmission request data from the system control device  8 . The CPU  91   a  of the clinical test information managing server  9  waits for the reception of the measurement order transmission request data from the system control device  8  (NO in step S 301 ). When the clinical test information managing server  9  receives the measurement order transmission request data (YES in step S 301 ), the CPU  91   a  references the process management table PT, and determines whether or not the sample ID that matches the sample ID contained in the received measurement order transmission request data is registered in the process management table PT as the sample ID contained in the measurement order (step S 302 ). 
         [0062]    The inquiry of the measurement order is carried out on the sample which is inserted to the sample inserting device  2  and which sample barcode is read by the barcode reading unit  22 . The sample inserted to the sample inserting device  2  is not only the target of execution of the first measurement (hereinafter referred to as “initial test”) but also the target of second and subsequent measurement or microscope test, that is, re-test. In the process management table PT, the process information of the sample that is the target of initial test is “AP”, and the process information of the sample that is the target of re-test is “AR”, “HG”, or “AF”. When the sample ID that matches the sample ID contained in the received measurement order transmission request data is found in the process management table PT (YES in step S 302 ), the CPU  91   a  specifies the process information in the record including the sample ID (step S 303 ). 
         [0063]    If the specified process information is “AP” in step S 303  (“AP” in step S 303 ), the relevant sample is in the state waiting for measurement. Therefore, in this case, the CPU  91   a  reads out the relevant measurement order from the hard disc  91   d , and transmits the measurement order to the system control device  8  (step S 304 ). The CPU  91   a  also updates the process information contained in the record of the sample in the process management table PT from “AP” to “P” (step S 305 ), and returns the process to step S 301 . 
         [0064]    If the specified process information is “AR”, “HG”, or “AF” in step S 303  (“AR, HG, or AF” in step S 303 ), the relevant sample is in the state waiting for re-test. Therefore, in this case, the CPU  91   a  reads out the relevant re-test order from the hard disc  91   d , and transmits the re-test order to the system control device  8  (step S 306 ). The CPU  91   a  also updates the process information contained in the record of the sample in the process management table PT to “R” if “AR”, updates to “G” if “HG”, and updates to “F” if “AF” (step S 307 ). The CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 301  after such processes are finished. 
         [0065]    When, in step S 302 , the sample ID that matches the sample ID contained in the received measurement order transmission request data is not found in the process management table PT (NO in step S 302 ), the measurement order corresponding to such sample ID is not registered. In this case, the CPU  91   a  adds a new record to the process management table PT (step S 308 ). In this process, the CPU  91   a  registers the sample ID contained in the received measurement order transmission request data in the field F 3  in the record, and registers the information indicating order unknown in the field F 6 . After such process is finished, the CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 301 . 
         [0066]    The test result accepting process of the clinical test information managing server  9  will now be described.  FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing the flow of the test result accepting process of the clinical test information managing server  9 . The test result accepting process is a process related to the update of the process management table PT of when the clinical test information managing server  9  receives the measurement result of the first time from the blood cell analyzer  5 , or receives the re-test result from the blood cell analyzer  5  or the blood cell image display device  7 . 
         [0067]    The CPU  91   a  of the clinical test information managing server  9  waits for the reception of the test result data (data indicating measurement result or re-test result) (NO in step S 401 ). When the clinical test information managing server  9  receives the test result data (YES in step S 401 ), the CPU  91   a  matches the sample ID contained in the received test result data and the sample ID of each record of the process management table PT, searches for the record in which the sample ID matches, and references the process information included in the relevant record to specify whether the test result data is the measurement result of the first time or is the re-test result (step S 402 ). 
         [0068]    When the test result data is the measurement result of the first time in step S 402  (“measurement result” in step S 402 ), the CPU  91   a  registers the measurement result in the test information database of the hard disc  91   d  (step S 403 ), and executes the analyzing process of the measurement result (step S 404 ). In the analyzing process, whether or not the measurement result is normal, whether or not the re-test is necessary if the measurement result is abnormal, whether or not one of re-measurement by the blood cell analyzer  5 , automatic classification or microscope test is necessary if re-test is necessary are determined, where the re-test item is determined when re-measurement by the blood cell analyzer  5  is necessary. 
         [0069]    When determined that the re-test is not necessary after the above analyzing process is executed (NO in step S 405 ), the CPU  91   a  changes the process information “P” contained in the record of the sample in the process management table PT to “PR” (step S 406 ) and returns to the process to step S 401 . When determined that the re-test is necessary (YES in step S 405 ), the CPU  91   a  registers the re-test item in the record of the sample in the process management table PT, changes the process information of the record from “P” to “AR” when the re-measurement by the blood cell analyzer  5  is necessary, changes the process information of the record from “P” to “HG when the automatic classification is necessary, and changes the process information of the record from “P” to “AF” when the microscope test is necessary (Step S 407 ). The CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 401  after such processes are finished. 
         [0070]    When the test result data is the re-test result in step S 402  (“re-test result in step S 402 ), the CPU  91   a  registers the relevant re-test result in the test information database of the hard disc  91   d  (step S 408 ), and changes the process information “R”, “G”, or “F” contained in the record of the sample in the process management table PT to “RR” (step S 409 ). The CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 401  after such processes are finished. 
         [0071]    The error notifying information accepting process of the clinical test information managing server  9  will now be described.  FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing the flow of the error notifying information accepting process of the clinical test information managing server  9 . The error notifying information accepting process is a process related to the update of the process management table PT when the clinical test information managing server  9  accepts the error notifying information. 
         [0072]    When an error related to the sample or an error related to the device occurs, the sample inserting device  2 , the system control device  8 , the blood cell analyzer  5 , the smear creating device  6 , and the blood cell image display device  7  transmit error notifying information to the clinical test information managing server  9 . The error notifying information includes an error code corresponding to the type of error, so that the type of error can be specified. If the error is related to the sample, the error notifying information includes the sample ID of the sample. For instance, when a reading error of the barcode occurs in the barcode reading unit  22 , the error notifying information including the error code of barcode reading error is transmitted. When the sample amount is less than the defined amount, and measurement or smear creation cannot be carried out, the error notifying information including an error code indicating lack of sample amount and the sample ID of the sample is transmitted. Furthermore, when abnormality is found in the numerical value of the measurement result, the fractionation in the scattergram and the like, the error notifying information including the measurement result, the error code indicating measurement result abnormality, and the sample ID of the sample is transmitted. 
         [0073]    The CPU  91   a  of the clinical test information managing server  9  waits for the reception of the error notifying information (NO in step S 501 ). When the clinical test information managing server  9  receives the error notifying information (YES in step S 501 ), the CPU  91   a  analyzes the received error notifying information and distinguishes the type of error related to the relevant error notifying information (step S 502 ). 
         [0074]    When the type of error is the barcode reading error (“barcode reading error” in step S 502 ), the CPU  91   a  registers a new record related to the error notifying information in the process management table PT (step S 503 ). In this process, the CPU  91   a  generates an error sample ID unique to the error notifying information in place of the sample ID related to the barcode reading error, and registers the error sample ID in the field F 3  of the new record and the error information indicating the barcode reading error in the field F 6 . In this case, the CPU  91   a  deletes the process information from the field F 5  of the record. The CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 501  after such process is finished. 
         [0075]    When the type of error is lack of sample amount (“lack of sample amount” in step S 502 ), the CPU  91   a  updates the record in which the sample ID included in the error notifying information is registered in the process management table PT (step S 504 ). In this process, the CPU  91   a  searches for the record in which the sample ID same as the sample ID included in the error notifying information is registered in the field F 1  in the process management table PT, and registers the error information of lack of sample amount in the field F 6  of the record. In this case, the CPU  91   a  deletes the process information from the field F 5  of the record. The CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 501  after such process is finished. 
         [0076]    When the type of error is measurement result abnormality (“measurement result abnormality” in step S 502 ), the CPU  91   a  registers the measurement result included in the error notifying information in the test information database (step S 505 ), and updates the record in which the sample ID included in the error notifying information is registered in the process management table PT (step S 506 ). In the process of step S 506 , the CPU  91   a  searches for the record in which the sample ID same as the sample ID included in the error notifying information is registered in the field F 1  in the process management table PT, and registers the error information of measurement result abnormality in the field F 6  of the record. In this case, the CPU  91   a  deletes the process information from the field F 5  of the record. The CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 501  after such process is finished. 
         [0077]    Various types of errors exist other than the above errors. Although omitted here, in the error notifying information accepting process, the CPU  91   a  detects the type of error when accepting such error notifying information, and executes the process corresponding to the type of error. 
         [0078]    Other than the above, a process in which the sample information, where measurement is executed but the transmission request of the measurement order is not made, is specified from the process management table PT, the error information indicating “no ID” is registered in the field F 6  of the record, and the process information is deleted from the field F 5 . 
       &lt;Display of Clinical Test Information Management Screen&gt; 
       [0079]    The operation related to the display of the clinical test information managing server  9  will now be described.  FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing the flow of the display process of the clinical test information management screen of the clinical test information managing server  9 . When browsing through or operating the information of the sample related to clinical test using the clinical test information managing server  9 , the user needs to log into the clinical test information managing server  9 . The CPU  91   a  first displays a login screen for the user to log into the clinical test information managing system on the image display unit  92  (step S 601 ). The login screen (not shown) includes an input box for inputting the user name and the password, an OK button for confirming the input user name and the password, and a cancel button for canceling the input user name and the password. The user performs the operation of inputting the user name and the password corresponding thereto, and then selecting the OK button. The CPU  91   a  executes the user authentication process using the user name and the password, which inputs are received in the above manner (step S 602 ). 
         [0080]    When the user name and the password do not match those that are registered and the authentication of the user fails in the user authentication process (NO in step S 602 ), the CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 601  and again displays the login screen. When the user name and the password match those that are registered and the authentication of the user is successful in the user authentication process (YES in step S 602 ), the CPU  91   a  reads out the setting information of the user from the hard disc  91   d  (step S 603 ). Thereafter, the CPU  91   a  adds up the number of samples (number of records) for every process information and every error information with reference to the process management table PT (step S 604 ), generates a menu screen based on the setting information read in step S 603  and the added result of step S 604  (step S 605 ), and displays the menu screen  5605  on the image display unit  92  (step S 606 ). 
         [0081]      FIG. 15  is a view showing one example of a menu screen. As shown in the figure, the menu screen W 1  includes a menu bar region A 1  at the upper part of the screen, a tool bar region A 2  at the lower side thereof, and a work region A 3  arranged on the lower side of the tool bar region A 2  and occupying most part of the menu screen W 1 . The regions A 1  to A 3  are commonly arranged in all the display screens of the clinical test information managing server  9 . In the menu bar region A 1 , menus such as “File”, “Enquiry (information query)”, and “Administration (management)” are lined, where each menu can be selected by operating the mouse to display the pull-down menu. A plurality of menus are lined in each pull-down menu, where one of the menus is selected by operating the mouse to execute the relevant menu. A plurality of icons is lined in the tool bar region A 2 . The names of icons such as “Home” and “Enquiry (information query)” are displayed on the lower side of each icon. 
         [0082]    The work region A 3  includes a fixed icon region A 31  on the left side and a variable icon region A 32  on the right side as shown in  FIG. 15 . The fixed icon region A 31  includes a plurality of icons Q 11  to Q 19 . In the fixed icon region A 31 , the icons to be displayed cannot be determined by the setting of the user and the icons Q 11  to Q 19  defined in advance are fixedly displayed. 
         [0083]    The name (character string) N 11  of “No ID or Invalid ID” is displayed next to the icon Q 11 , and the function for switching the display to the ID unknown sample list screen that displays in a list the information regarding the sample with unknown ID is assigned to the icon Q 11 . If the information regarding the sample displayed in the ID unknown sample list screen exists, the sample number information indicating the number of such samples is displayed next to the name N 11 . 
         [0084]    The name (character string) N 12  of “Missing LIS order” is displayed next to the icon Q 12 , and the function for switching the display to the measurement order unknown sample list screen that displays in a list the information regarding the sample with unknown measurement order is assigned to the icon Q 12 . If the information regarding the sample displayed in the measurement order unknown sample list screen exists, the sample number information indicating the number of such samples is displayed next to the name N 12 . 
         [0085]    The name (character string) N 13  of “Awaiting processing (waiting for measurement)” is displayed next to the icon Q 13 , and the function for switching the display to the measurement awaiting sample list screen that displays in a list the information regarding the sample which measurement order is acquired but is not yet subjected to measurement is assigned to the icon Q 13 . If the information regarding the sample displayed in the measurement awaiting sample list screen exists, the sample number information M 13  indicating the number of such samples is displayed next to the name N 13 . 
         [0086]    The name (character string) N 14  of “Awaiting reprocessing (waiting for remeasurement)” is displayed next to the icon Q 14 , and the function for switching the display to the re-measurement awaiting sample list screen that displays in a list the information regarding the sample which re-test order is acquired but is not yet subjected to re-measurement is assigned to the icon Q 14 . If the information regarding the sample displayed in the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen exists, the sample number information M 14  indicating the number of such samples is displayed next to the name N 14 . 
         [0087]    The name (character string) N 15  of “Awaiting film review (waiting for microscope test)” is displayed next to the icon Q 15 , and the function for switching the display to the awaiting film review sample list screen that displays in a list the information regarding the sample which re-test order is acquired but is not yet subjected to microscope test is assigned to the icon Q 15 . If the information regarding the sample displayed in the awaiting film review sample list screen exists, the sample number information M 15  indicating the number of such samples is displayed next to the name N 15 . 
         [0088]    The name (character string) N 16  of “Repeats review (re-test review)” is displayed next to the icon Q 16 , and the function for switching the display to the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen that displays in a list the information regarding the sample in which acknowledgment of the measurement result is not carried out is assigned to the icon Q 16 . If the information regarding the sample displayed in the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen exists, the sample number information M 16  indicating the number of such samples is displayed next to the name N 16 . 
         [0089]    The name (character string) N 17  of “Locked samples” is displayed next to the icon Q 17 , and the function for switching the display to the locked sample list screen that displays in a list the information regarding the sample locked (operation disabling change, edit, and delete) so that the user (super user) having management authority can again consider the measurement result is assigned to the icon Q 17 . If the information regarding the sample displayed in the locked sample list screen exists, the sample number information indicating the number of such samples is displayed next to the name N 17 . 
         [0090]    The name (character string) N 18  of “Awaiting sign-out” is displayed next to the icon Q 18 , and the function for switching the display to the awaiting sign-out sample list screen that displays in a list the information regarding the sample awaiting for a predetermined sing-out is assigned to the icon Q 18 . If the information regarding the sample displayed in the awaiting sing-out sample list screen exists, the sample number information indicating the number of such samples is displayed next to the name N 18 . 
         [0091]    The name (character string) N 19  of “Alerts” is displayed next to the icon Q 19 , and the function for switching the display to the alert sample list screen that displays in a list the information regarding the sample that has been issued an alert with the detection of abnormality is assigned to the icon Q 19 . If the information regarding the sample displayed in the alert sample list screen exists, the sample number information M 19  indicating the number of such samples is displayed next to the name N 19 . 
         [0092]    The variable icon region A 32  includes a plurality of icons Q 21  to Q 23 . In the variable icon region A 31 , the icons to be displayed can be determined by the setting by the user, and the icons Q 21  to Q 23  display-set by the user are displayed. The icons to be displayed in the variable icon region A 32  can be changed by the setting by the user. 
         [0093]    The “icon” referred to here is an example of an object operated by the user when changing the displayed screen to a predetermined screen defined in advance, and includes an image assigned with a specific function, designed to symbolically represent such function and displayed within the window. 
         [0094]    The sample number information displayed next to the names N 11  to N 19  of the icons displayed in the fixed icon region A 31  will now be described in detail below. In step S 604 , the CPU  91   a  adds up the number of records having the same process information in the process management table PT for every process information. For instance, the number of records in which the process information is “AP”, the number of records in which the process information is “AR”, and the number of records in which the process information is “AF” are counted respectively. In the process of step S 604 , the CPU  91   a  counts the number of records registered with the error information in the process management table PT, and adds up the number of records having the same error information for every error information. For instance, the number of records in which the error information is “order unknown”, the number of records in which the error information is “barcode reading error”, and the number of records in which the error information is “no ID” are counted respectively. 
         [0095]    After adding up as above, the CPU  91   a  generates a menu screen in which the corresponding process information or the sample number information, which is the result of adding up for the error information, is displayed next the name of each icon in step S 605 . More specifically describing, the number of records in which the error information is “no ID” is displayed next to the name N 11 , and the number of records in which the error information is “order unknown” is displayed next to the name N 12  as sample number information. More specifically describing, the number of records in which the process information is “AP” is displayed next to the name N 13 , the number of records in which the process information is “AR” is displayed next to the name N 14 , the number of records in which the process information is “AF” is displayed next to the name N 15 , the number of records in which the process information is “RR” is displayed next to the name N 16 , and the total number of records registered with the error information is displayed next to the name N 19  as sample number information. 
         [0096]    The user can select the icon displayed in the work region A 3  by performing the operation of clicking the left button of the mouse with such menu screen displayed, where when the icon is selected, the screen corresponding to the icon is displayed. That is, for example, when the icon Q 11  is selected, the display switches to the ID unknown sample list screen, and when the icon Q 12  is selected, the display switches to the measurement order unknown sample list screen. The CPU  91   a  determines whether or not the selection of the icon, that is, the screen display switching instruction from the user is accepted (step S 607 ). 
         [0097]    If the screen display switching instruction is not accepted in step S 607  (NO in step S 607 ), the CPU  91   a  determines whether or not a predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds) has elapsed from the update of the menu screen of the previous time (if menu screen is not updated before that, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from when the menu screen is displayed) (step S 608 ). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S 608 ), the CPU  91   a  determines whether or not the instruction to log out is accepted (step S 609 ). If the instruction to log out is accepted (YES in step S 609 ), the CPU  91   a  executes the log out process (step S 610 ), and returns the process to step S 601 . 
         [0098]    If the instruction to log out is not accepted in step S 609  (NO in step S 609 ), the CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 608 , and repeats the processes of steps S 608  and S 609  until the elapse of a predetermined time. If a predetermined time has elapsed in step S 609  (YES in step S 609 ), the CPU  91   a  returns the process to step S 604 , again adds up the number of samples for every process information and every error information, re-generates the menu screen, and updates the display of the menu screen. 
         [0099]    If the screen display switching instruction is accepted in step S 607  (YES in step S 607 ), the CPU  91   a  switches the display to the screen corresponding to the selected icon (step S 611 ). The CPU  91   a  determines whether or not the instruction for information processing corresponding to the display screen is accepted from the user (step S 612 ), and proceeds the process to step S 614  if the instruction is not accepted. If the instruction for information processing corresponding to the display screen is accepted (YES in step S 612 ), the CPU  91   a  executes the information processing corresponding to the display screen (step S 613 ), and proceeds the process to step S 614 . 
         [0100]    The processes of steps S 613  and S 614  will be specifically described. For instance, when the icon Q 13  is selected in the menu screen W 1 , the measurement awaiting sample list screen is displayed.  FIG. 16  is a view showing one example of a measurement awaiting sample list screen. As shown in the figure, the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2  also includes the menu bar region A 1 , the tool bar region A 2 , and the work region A 23 , similar to the menu screen W 1 . The menu included in the menu bar region A 1  of the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2  is the same as the menu of the menu bar region A 1  of the menu screen W 1 . The icons in the tool bar region A 2  of the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2  are the same as the icons of the tool bar region A 2  of the menu screen W 1 . The menu and the icons same as the menu screen W 1  are provided to instruct the executable processes in the menu screen W 1 , and such processes can be given instruction to be executed in the measurement awaiting sample list screen. 
         [0101]    The information regarding one or a plurality of samples can be displayed in a list in the form of a table in the work region A 23  of the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2 . The sample information is displayed by one sample in each row in the work region A 23 . The work region A 23  includes a plurality of columns, where the information such as the sample ID, the name of the patient, the time the clinical test information managing server received the measurement order, and the priority of the measurement are respectively displayed in such columns. The sample information displayed in such manner can be selected through the operation of clicking the left button of the mouse for every row. A plurality of sample information may be selected all at once. Three buttons, the “Enquiry (information query)” button B 21 , the “Refresh (screen update)” button B 22 , and the “Exit (display end)” button B 23  are displayed near the lower end of the work region A 23 . The button B 21  is a button for displaying the detailed information of the sample, where more detailed information of the selected sample information is displayed when the button B 21  is selected through the operation of clicking the left button of the mouse with the sample information selected. The button B 22  is a button for updating the screen, where the screen is updated by the most recent sample information when the button B 22  is selected. The button B 23  is a button for terminating the display of the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2 , where the display switching instruction to the menu screen W 1  is given to the CPU  91   a  and the display is switched to the menu screen W 1  when the button B 23  is selected. 
         [0102]    The sample information displayed in the relevant measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2  is the sample information regarding the record having the process information “AP” in the process management table PT. That is, the sample information for the sample having the process information “AP” in the process management table PT is displayed in a list in the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2 . The number of sample information displayed in the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2  is the same as the number of sample information M 13  displayed in correspondence with the icon Q 13  next to the name N 13  in the menu screen W 1 . In other words, the number of sample information M 13  displayed in correspondence with the icon Q 13  indicates the number of sample information displayed in the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2  displayed when the icon Q 13  is selected, so that the user can know whether or not the sample (sample to be the target of the measurement process) waiting for the measurement process displayed in the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2  exists, and how many samples exists by simply looking at the menu screen W 1  without displaying the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2 . 
         [0103]    When the icon Q 14  is selected in the menu screen W 1 , the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen is displayed.  FIG. 17  is a view showing one example of a remeasurement awaiting sample list screen. Similar to the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2  described above, the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen W 3  also includes the menu bar region A 1 , the tool bar region A 2 , and the work region A 33 . 
         [0104]    The information regarding one or a plurality of samples can be displayed in a list in the form of a table in the work region A 33  of the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen W 3 . The sample information is displayed by one sample in each row in the work region A 33 . The work region A 33  includes a plurality of columns, where information on “Action” indicating what kind of re-test is being requested, “Position” indicating the sample rack and the holding position where the relevant sample is being held, “Sample ID”, “Name (name of patient)”, “Time” indicating the time the clinical test information managing server received the measurement order, and “Priority” indicating the priority of the measurement are respectively displayed in such columns. The sample information displayed in such manner can be selected through the operation of clicking the left button of the mouse for every row. A plurality of sample information may be selected all at once. Three buttons, the “Enquiry (information query)” button B 31 , the “Refresh (screen update)” button B 32 , and the “Exit (display end)” button B 33  are displayed near the lower end of the work region A 33 . The button B 31  is a button for displaying the detailed information of the sample, where more detailed information of the selected sample information is displayed when the button B 31  is selected with the sample information selected. The button B 32  is a button for updating the screen, where the screen is updated by the most recent sample information when the button B 32  is selected. The button B 33  is a button for terminating the display of the re-measurement awaiting sample list screen W 3 , where the display switching instruction to the menu screen W 1  is given to the CPU  91   a  and the display is switched to the menu screen W 1  when the button B 33  is selected. 
         [0105]    The sample information displayed in the relevant re-\measurement awaiting sample list screen W 3  is the sample information regarding the record having the process information “AR” in the process management table PT. That is, the sample information for the sample having the process information “AR” in the process management table PT is displayed in a list in the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen W 3 . The number of sample information displayed in the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen W 3  is the same as the number of sample information M 14  displayed in correspondence with the icon Q 14  next to the name N 14  in the menu screen W 1 . In other words, the number of sample information M 14  displayed in correspondence with the icon Q 14  indicates the number of sample information displayed in the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen W 3  displayed when the icon Q 14  is selected, so that the user can know whether or not the sample (sample to be the target of the remeasurement process) waiting for the remeasurement process displayed in the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen W 3  exists, and how many samples exists by simply looking at the menu screen W 1  without displaying the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen W 3 . 
         [0106]    When the icon Q 16  is selected in the menu screen W 1 , the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen is displayed.  FIG. 18  is a view showing one example of an acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen. Similar to the measurement awaiting sample list screen W 2  described above, the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen W 4  also includes the menu bar region A 1 , the tool bar region A 2 , and the work region A 43 . 
         [0107]    The information regarding one or a plurality of samples can be displayed in a list in the form of a table in the work region A 43  of the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen W 4 . The sample information is displayed by one sample in each row in the work region A 43 . The work region A 43  includes a plurality of columns, where information on “Sample ID”, “Name (name of patient)”, “Time”, and “Priority” are respectively displayed in such columns. The sample information displayed in such manner can be selected through the operation of clicking the left button of the mouse for every row. A plurality of sample information may be selected all at once. Three buttons, the “Enquiry (information query)” button B 41 , the “Refresh (screen update)” button B 42 , and the “Exit (display end)” button B 43  are displayed near the lower end of the work region A 43 . The functions of the buttons B 41  to B 43  are similar to the functions of the buttons B 21  to B 23 , and thus the description will be omitted. 
         [0108]    When the button B 41  is selected with the sample information selected, the detailed information screen including the more detailed information of the selected sample information is displayed.  FIG. 19  is a view showing one part of a detailed information screen. The detailed information screen W 5  displays the sample ID, the patient number, the name of the patient, the degree of urgency, the sex, the detailed test result, and the re-test result. The detailed information screen W 5  includes an acknowledgement button (not shown), where the user selects the acknowledgement button after checking the detailed information of the sample including the re-test result to acknowledge the re-test result. After the re-test result is acknowledged, the record related to the sample information of the process management table PT is updated by the CPU  91   a , and the process information “PR” contained in the record is deleted. 
         [0109]    The sample information displayed in the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen W 4  is the sample information regarding the record including the process information “RR” in the process management table PT. That is, the sample information for the sample having the process information “RR” in the process management table PT is displayed in a list in the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen W 4 . The number of sample information displayed in the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen W 4  is the same as the number of sample information M 16  displayed in correspondence with the icon Q 16  next to the name N 16  in the menu screen W 1 . In other words, the number of sample information M 16  displayed in correspondence with the icon Q 16  indicates the number of sample information displayed in the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen W 4  displayed when the icon Q 16  is selected, so that the user can know whether or not the sample (sample to be the target of the acknowledgement process) waiting for the acknowledgement process displayed in the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen W 4  exists, and how many samples exists by simply looking at the menu screen W 1  without displaying the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen W 4 . 
         [0110]    In step S 614 , the CPU  91   a  determines whether or not the display switching instruction to the menu screen (selection of the above described button B 23 , B 33 , B 43 ) is made (step S 614 ), and returns the process to step S 612  when the display switching instruction of the menu screen is not made (NO in step S 614 ). When the display switching instruction of the menu screen is accepted in step S 614  (YES in step S 614 ), the CPU returns the process to step S 604 , again executes the adding process of the process management table PT, and displays the menu screen on the image display unit  92 . 
         [0111]    As described in detail above, in the clinical test system  1  according to the present embodiment, the display unit  92  is configured to display cascading tiers of screens, and the number of samples to be displayed in the screen that is called out by the relevant icon is displayed next to the icons Q 11  to Q 19 , and hence the presence of the sample information to be checked in each screen, and the number of samples if the sample to be checked exists can be easily checked in the menu screen W 1  without displaying each screen. In particular, the icons Q 13  to Q 16  are assigned functions to call out the screen in which the information related to a sample in a specific process (measurement process, re-measurement process, microscope test process, acknowledgement process) of the clinical test is displayed, and the number of samples to be the target of each process is displayed in correspondence with the icons Q 13  to Q 16 . Therefore, the user can easily grasp the presence of the sample in each process and the number of samples if the target sample exists by simply checking the menu screen. 
         [0112]    In the present embodiment, only a case of displaying the menu screen in the clinical test information managing server  9  has been described, but the menu screen and other clinical test screens can be displayed in the client device  10 . In this case, when the user accesses the clinical test information managing server  9  using the client device  10 , the log in screen is displayed in the client device  10 . When the user inputs the user name and the password to the client device  10  and gives the instruction to log in, the login request is transmitted to the clinical test information managing server  9  and the login authentication is carried out, where the setting information by the user is read out if the log in is successful, and the adding process of the fixed management table PT is carried out. The setting information and the adding process result obtained in such manner are then transmitted from the clinical test information managing server  9  to the client device  10 , and the client device  10  generates the menu screen based on such information and displays the menu screen. When the icons Q 11  to Q 19  are selected, the request data corresponding to the selected icon is transmitted to the clinical test information managing server  9 , and the data necessary for the display of the screen called out by the selected icon is transmitted from the clinical test information managing server  9  to the client device  10 . The client device  10  displays the screen based on the data. Instead of displaying the clinical test screen by the computer program  114   a  or a dedicated program for functioning the computer as the client device  10  of the clinical test information managing system, the clinical test screen may be displayed by the WWW browser executed on the client device  10 . In this case, the clinical test information managing server  9  has the function of the WWW server, generates the HTML data for the menu screen, the measurement awaiting sample list screen, the remeasurement awaiting sample list screen, the microscope test awaiting sample list screen, and the acknowledgement awaiting sample list screen according to the request from the client device  10 , and transmits the same to the client device  10 , so that the CPU  91   a  of the clinical test information managing device  9  controls the client device  10  so as to display the clinical test screen on the image display unit  112  of the client device  10 . 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0113]    In the embodiment described above, the configuration in which the icons Q 11  to Q 19  are arranged in the menu screen W 1 , and the display transitions to the screen corresponding to the selected icon when the icon Q 11  to Q 19  is selected has been described, but this is not the sole case. Objects other than icons such as a button or a link (character string) may be displayed on the menu screen, and the display may transition to a screen by selecting the button or the link. 
         [0114]    If the sample, which information regarding the sample is to be displayed in the screen corresponding to the icon Q 11  to Q 19 , exists, the number of samples is displayed in correspondence to the icon Q 11  to Q 19 , but this is not the sole case. If the sample, which information regarding the sample is to be displayed in the screen corresponding to the icon Q 11  to Q 19 , exists, a symbol (e.g., “*”, “$”. “#”, etc.) may be displayed instead of numbers in correspondence to the icon, or the display of the icons Q 11  to Q 19  may be in a mode (color, pattern, size, etc.) different from when the sample does not exist, or the names N 11  to N 19  displayed next to the icons Q 11  to Q 19  may be displayed in a character style (thick, italic, font, etc.) different from when the sample does not exist. 
         [0115]    In the embodiment described above, a configuration of displaying the number of records in which the process information is “AP”, the number of records in which the process information is “AR”, the number of records in which the process information is “AF”, and the like in the menu screen W 1  has been described, but this is not the sole case, and the number of samples in other process such as the number of records in which the process information is “P” and the number of records in which the process information is “PR” may be displayed in the menu screen W 1 . 
         [0116]    In the embodiment described above, it is shown that the relevant sample is not present by not displaying anything for the process in which the number of records is “0”, but “0” may be displayed along with each name (character string) for the process in which the number of records is “0”. The menu screen W 1  in this case is shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         [0117]    In the embodiment described above, an example in which the clinical test information managing server  9  is connected to the blood analyzing system  200 , the blood cell counting device  300 , the blood coagulation measurement device  400 , and the urine analyzer  500  has been described, but may be connected to other clinical sample analyzers, or may be connected to only one clinical sample analyzer such as the blood analyzing system  200 .