Specimen analyzer and specimen analysis method

Abstract

This specimen analyzer includes: an analysis unit which analyzes a specimen collected from a subject; a manual input unit which receives an input of information by manual operation; an information read unit which receives an input of information by reading an information record section provided in a consumable; and a controller which does not permit an input of information on the consumable with the manual input unit, and permits an input of the information on the consumable with the information read unit.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A specimen analyzer comprising:
 an analysis unit comprising one or more detectors, which perform measurement of a specimen collected from a subject;   a manual input unit comprising one or more of a touch panel, a keyboard and a mouse;   an information read unit comprising one or more of a barcode reader, a two-dimensional code reader, an RFID reader and a camera to read a consumable information attached to a consumable;   a display; and   a processor programmed to cause the display to show a screen with a message prompting a user to input the consumable information with the information read unit and accept the consumable information only if the consumable information is entered through the information read unit, wherein the analysis unit does not become ready unless the consumable information is entered by the information read unit.   
     
     
         24 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the processor is programmed to cause the display to show a message based on the inputted information.   
     
     
         25 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the processor is programmed to acquire an expiration date of the consumable based on the information read through the information read unit and cause the display to show a message based on the expiration date.   
     
     
         26 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the processor is programmed to cause the display to show an error message in response to information read from a used consumable.   
     
     
         27 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the processor is programmed to determine whether the consumable is usable based on the information on the consumable and cause the display to show an error message when the consumable is unusable.   
     
     
         28 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , further comprising
 a communication unit comprising a network interface, the network interface capable of communicating with an external server, wherein   the processor is programmed to cause the communication unit to transmit the information on the consumable inputted through the information read unit to the server.   
     
     
         29 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 28 , wherein
 the processor is programmed to not permit the input of the information on the consumable through the information read unit when communication with the server is not established.   
     
     
         30 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 28 , wherein
 the processor is programmed to inquire the server whether the information of the consumable is registered in the server, and the processor permits a use of the consumable when it is registered.   
     
     
         31 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 30 , wherein
 the processor is programmed to use a lot number included in the information on the consumable to inquire the server.   
     
     
         32 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the processor is programmed to not shift to a next process concerning placement or replacement of the consumable unless the information on the consumable is input with the information read unit.   
     
     
         33 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the information on the consumable includes at least one of a type of a consumable, an expiration date, a lot number, and a serial number of the consumable.   
     
     
         34 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the analysis unit analyzes the specimen by use of the consumable.   
     
     
         35 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the specimen comprises a blood, and   the analysis unit analyzes a number of blood cells in the blood.   
     
     
         36 . The specimen analyzer according to  claim 23 , wherein
 the consumable comprises at least one of a reagent used for analysis, a quality control sample, and a cleaning liquid.   
     
     
         37 . A control method of a sample analyzer, comprising:
 showing on a display of the sample analyzer a screen with a message prompting a user to input a patient information or an operator information;   receiving, at a processor of the sample analyzer, the patient information or the operator information at least through a manual input unit of the sample analyzer, the manual input unit comprising at least one of a touch panel, a keyboard and a mouse;   showing on the display a screen with a message prompting a user to input a consumable information attached to a consumable by an information read unit comprising at least one of a barcode reader, a two-dimensional code reader, an RFID reader and a camera; and   receiving, at the processor, a consumable information only if the consumable information is read through the information read unit but not through the manual input unit.   
     
     
         38 . A specimen analyzer comprising:
 an analysis unit comprising one or more detectors, which perform measurement of a specimen collected from a subject;   a manual input unit comprising at least one of a touch panel, a keyboard and a mouse;   an information read unit comprising at least one of a barcode reader, a two-dimensional code reader, an RFID reader and a camera;   a display; and   a processor programmed to receive a patient information or an operator information at least through the manual input unit and receive a consumable information attached to a consumable only if the consumable information is read through the information read unit but not through the manual input unit.