JP6180753B2 - Microbiological testing system for food - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a food microbiological test system that performs microbiological tests such as the number of viable bacteria on food samples.

  Conventionally, as a device for testing how much live bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria are contained in samples such as beverages, it is included in the sample dilution section that performs sample dilution work and the diluted sample Sample dispensing unit that injects a predetermined amount of viable bacteria into the petri dish and a medium dispensing unit that injects the medium into the petri dish, sample dilution work, work of injecting the diluted specimen into the petri dish, medium injection There is known a viable cell count inspection apparatus that automates operations and the like. In this sample dilution section, the sample test tube of the sample rack is set in one of the two dilution mixers by the manipulator, and the empty test tube is set in the other dilution mixer, and then the empty sample tube is set by the dilution head. A predetermined amount of diluent is injected into the test tube, and a sample aspirated by a predetermined amount from the sample test tube is injected into the test tube into which the diluent has been injected by the sample aspirator, and stirred by the mixer for dilution. Dilution is done. After completion of the dilution operation, the test tube is returned to the sample rack (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-135293 A

By the way, in recent years, interest in food sanitation has increased, and it is expected that the demand for microbial testing of foods (number of specimens) will increase in the future. Therefore, there is a demand for a testing apparatus that not only automates the dilution work of the specimen, but also can perform this quickly. However, in the conventional viable cell count inspection apparatus, every time the dilution operation is performed, a test tube (test container) is set from the sample rack or the test tube rack to the dilution mixer by a manipulator, and the test tube is returned to the sample rack after dilution. Therefore, it takes time to move the test tube. In particular, in food microbiological testing, since a single food sample is usually diluted in multiple stages (eg, 10 times, 10 ² times, 10 ³ times, ...), As described above, if the sample is returned to the sample rack of the test tube at each dilution stage, it takes a considerable time only to move the test tube, which is not suitable for processing a large amount of food samples.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a food microbiological examination system capable of rapidly diluting a sample stock solution prepared from a food sample and preparing an inoculation medium obtained by inoculating a medium with a sample solution.

The food microbe inspection system of the present invention includes a transport line for transporting a rack capable of holding a plurality of test containers, a test container containing a sample stock solution prepared from a food sample, and a plurality of empty test containers. The holding rack is carried in from the transfer line, and in a plurality of empty test containers, a dilution unit for preparing a plurality of diluted samples by diluting a sample stock solution in a plurality of stages, and provided downstream of the dilution unit in the transfer direction, The rack carried out from the dilution section is carried in from the transport line, and one or more of a plurality of sample solutions consisting of a sample stock solution and a plurality of diluted samples are inoculated into a culture medium in separate culture containers, and one or more inoculations are performed. An inoculation medium preparation section for preparing a medium , and a rack loading / unloading mechanism for loading / unloading the rack between the conveyance line and the dilution section and between the conveyance line and the inoculation medium preparation section To

According to this configuration, since the test container in which the sample stock solution is stored and the plurality of empty test containers are held in the rack and are collectively loaded in the dilution unit, these test containers are individually supplied to the dilution unit. Compared to the case of setting, it is possible to rapidly dilute the sample stock solution without requiring time for setting the test tube. Moreover, since the rack carried out from the dilution unit is carried into the inoculation medium preparation unit from the conveyance line, it takes time to carry in the test tubes, compared with the case where a plurality of test containers are carried in one by one. The inoculation medium inoculated with the sample solution can be rapidly prepared. Thus, the dilution of the sample stock solution prepared from the food sample and the preparation of the inoculation medium in which the medium is inoculated with the sample solution can be rapidly performed.
Examples of the inoculation medium preparation unit include a pour apparatus for injecting and mixing the sample solution and the medium solution into the culture container, and a sample coating apparatus for applying the sample solution to the medium in the culture container. .

  In this case, the test container in which the sample stock solution is stored has an identifier indicating the sample identification information of the food sample corresponding to the sample stock solution, is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction from the dilution unit, and is held in the rack The inoculation medium number data in which the reading unit for reading the identifiers, the specimen identification information, and the inoculation medium number information relating to the number of the inoculation medium adjusted by the inoculation medium preparation unit are stored is stored. And a control unit that transmits the inoculation medium number information associated with the specimen identification information indicated by the read identifier to the dilution unit and the inoculation medium preparation unit, and the dilution unit transmits the transmitted inoculation The sample stock solution is diluted in multiple stages until the number of sample solutions corresponding to the number of inoculum cultures indicated by the culture medium number information is prepared. Preparation It is preferable to.

In some cases, such as when the predicted number of bacteria in a food sample is different, it is required to vary the number of inoculation media for each food sample. For this reason, it is convenient if the number of inoculation media of the sample solution can be varied for each food sample.
In this regard, according to the present configuration, the number of inoculation medium information previously associated with the specimen identification information is transmitted from the control unit to the dilution unit and the inoculation medium preparation unit, and the dilution unit and the inoculation medium preparation unit are transmitted to the inoculation A number of sample solutions are prepared and an inoculation medium is prepared based on the medium number information. Thereby, the number of inoculation media can be varied for each food sample.

  In this case, the control unit stores the sample type inoculation medium number data associated with the food type information that is the type of the food sample and the inoculation medium number information, and the control unit It is preferably created from the inoculation medium number information associated with the acquired food type information with reference to the specimen type inoculation medium number data.

The number of bacteria in a food sample is affected by the type of food sample, for example, the type of food sample material (meat, seafood, vegetables, etc.). For this reason, if the type of food sample can be reflected in the inoculation medium number data in which the specimen identification information and the inoculation medium number information are associated, appropriate inoculation medium number information can be set.
In this regard, according to this configuration, the control unit stores the sample type inoculation medium number data in which the food type information and the inoculation medium number information are associated, and associates the food type information with the sample type inoculation medium number data. The inoculum number data is created from the obtained inoculum number information. For this reason, inoculation medium number data will reflect food classification information, and appropriate inoculation medium number information can be easily set.

  In this case, the inoculation medium preparation unit prepares an inoculation medium having the number indicated by the inoculation medium number information transmitted from the control unit, and a second inoculation medium less than the number indicated by the inoculation medium number information. The control unit is configured to include use sample solution data in which inoculation medium number information is associated with use sample solution information on the sample solution used for preparation of the inoculum medium in the second preparation unit. Refers to the used sample solution data, transmits the used sample solution information associated with the inoculum number information to be transmitted to the first preparation unit to the second preparation unit, and the second preparation unit transmits The inoculation medium is preferably prepared using a sample solution based on the used sample solution information.

  According to this configuration, the second preparation unit prepares the inoculation medium using only the sample solution indicated by the used sample solution information transmitted from the control unit among the plurality of sample solutions. For this reason, in the 2nd preparation part, when it is not necessary to prepare an inoculation culture medium about all the some sample solutions, a useless process can be abbreviate | omitted and an inoculation culture medium can be prepared rapidly.

  In this case, the rack holds a plurality of test containers each containing a sample stock solution prepared from a plurality of food samples, and the control unit provides information on the number of inoculation media for each of the plurality of food samples to the dilution unit. In the case where the transmitted inoculum number information is different among a plurality of food samples, the dilution unit creates a number of sample solutions corresponding to the number of inoculum media indicated by the maximum inoculum number information, Preferably, the sample stock solution is diluted in a plurality of stages at the same time.

  According to this configuration, even when the transmitted inoculum number information is different among a plurality of food specimens, the specimen solution required by the inoculum preparation section is obtained by performing dilution based on the maximum inoculum number information. Can be obtained. In addition, by diluting a plurality of sample stock solutions at the same time, the sample stock solution can be rapidly diluted.

1 is a perspective view of a food microorganism testing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the microorganisms inspection system for foodstuffs. It is a perspective view of the test tube rack provided to the foodstuff microbe inspection system. It is a table | surface which shows the example of a food sample and its food classification. 10 is a table showing an example of sample type petri dish number data (basic data). 10 is a table showing an example of sample type petri dish number data (storage test data). It is a table | surface which shows the example of use specimen solution data. It is a table | surface which shows the example of petri dish number data. It is a figure which shows the whole operation | movement in the microbe inspection system for foodstuffs.

  Hereinafter, a food microorganism testing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The food microbiological test system of this embodiment is for performing a microbiological test on a food sample, such as the number of general viable bacteria and coliforms, and automates the dilution of the sample stock solution.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a food microbiological testing system 1 includes a transport device 2, a processing device group 3, a base 4 on which these are placed, a terminal computer 5 (terminal PC), and a host computer. 6 is provided. The processing device group 3 includes a diluting device 7, two pouring devices 8, and two sample coating devices 9 arranged along the transport direction. The diluting device 7, the two pour devices 8, and the two sample coating devices 9 are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the transport direction. In addition, a label printer 11 is attached to each of the two pour devices 8 and the two sample coating devices 9. The number balance of the diluting device 7, the pour device 8 and the sample applying device 9 is set in consideration of the processing speed in each device. In other words, each apparatus can exhibit the maximum processing speed within a range that does not affect the inspection accuracy (so that processing waiting time is not generated as much as possible). Of course, this number balance can be changed as appropriate.
The pour device 8 is an example of a “first preparation unit” in the claims, and the sample coating apparatus 9 is an example of a “second preparation unit” in the claims.

  The transport device 2 transports a test tube rack 13 holding a plurality of test tubes 12 (inspection containers). The conveyance device 2 has a substantially “U” -shaped conveyance line 10 in plan view. The conveyance line 10 is provided at a line main body 14 along which the diluting device 7, the pour device 8 and the sample coating device 9 are arranged, and one end of the line main body 14, and supplies a predetermined number of test tube racks 13. A possible rack supply unit 15 and a rack collection unit 16 provided at the other end of the line main body 14 and capable of collecting a predetermined number of test tube racks 13 are configured. In addition, the occupation area of the whole food microbe inspection system 1 can be reduced by arrange | positioning the conveyance line 10 in "U" shape.

Further, the transport device 2 includes five rack loading / unloading mechanisms (not shown) provided corresponding to the diluting device 7, the two pour devices 8, and the two sample coating devices 9, and transport control. Part 17. Each rack loading / unloading mechanism loads and unloads the test tube rack 13 between each corresponding device and the line main body 14. The conveyance control unit 17 transmits / receives various information to / from the terminal computer 5 and controls the conveyance process of the test tube rack 13 in the conveyance apparatus 2 and the carry-in / out process of the test tube rack 13 to / from each apparatus. . The test tube rack 13 supplied to the rack supply unit 15 by the operator is transported on the line main body 14 while being carried in and out of the diluting device 7, the pour unit 8, and the sample coating device 9, and is received by the rack recovery unit 16. Collected.
Note that the rack carry-in / out mechanism may be provided toward each device of the processing device group 3 or may be provided independently from each device of the transfer device 2 and the processing device group 3.

  The diluting device 7, the pour device 8, and the specimen applying device 9 are each provided with a work area 18 on the front side for an operator to perform work on each device (replenishment of medium, dispensing tips, etc.). The rear side is a transfer area 19 in which the line main body 14 is provided. That is, the working area 18 and the transport area 19 are partitioned by the diluting device 7, the pour device 8, and the sample applying device 9. This improves workability and prevents entry into the transfer area 19 unless an operator needs it. Further, the transport line 10 is provided with a transparent cover (not shown) that can be opened and closed along the transport path. This prevents an operator from accidentally removing the test tube rack 13 or the test tube 12 being conveyed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the test tube rack 13 has 5 columns × 8 rows = 40 test tube holders 21 and is configured to hold a maximum of 40 test tubes 12. In the test tube rack 13, a test tube 12 in which a sample stock solution prepared from a food sample is stored is held in each row, and an empty test tube 12 is held in each row after the second row. Then, it is supplied to the rack supply unit 15. That is, a single test tube rack 13 can test up to five food samples. Of course, these numerical values can be appropriately changed.

A specimen identifier 22 indicating specimen identification information (for example, a serial number) of a food specimen corresponding to the contained specimen stock solution is affixed to the test tube 12 that contains the specimen stock solution. A rack identifier 23 indicating the rack identification information of the test tube rack 13 is attached to the test tube rack 13. A sample reader 24 that reads the sample identifier 22 and a supply-side rack reader 25 that reads the rack identifier 23 are provided near the rack supply unit 15 of the line body 14 (see FIG. 2). A collection side rack reader 26 for reading the rack identifier 23 is provided in the vicinity of the rack collection unit 16 of the line body 14.
As the sample identifier 22 and the rack identifier 23, for example, a label on which a barcode is printed can be used. Accordingly, a barcode reader can be used as the sample reader 24, the supply-side rack reader 25, and the collection-side rack reader 26.

  The dilution apparatus 7 creates a plurality of diluted specimens obtained by diluting the test stock solution in a plurality of stages in the empty test tube 12 held in the test tube rack 13 carried in from the line main body 14. The diluting device 7 includes a diluting solution dispensing unit, a sample dispensing unit, a rack moving mechanism, a test tube stirring mechanism (not shown), a dilution control unit 27, and the like. The dilution liquid dispensing unit dispenses the dilution liquid stored in a dilution bottle (not shown) to the test tube 12 held in the test tube rack 13. The sample dispensing unit sucks the sample stock solution or diluted sample from the test tube 12 held in the test tube rack 13 and discharges it to another test tube 12 held in the test tube rack 13. The rack moving mechanism moves the test tube rack 13 in the row direction with respect to the diluent dispensing part and the sample dispensing part. The test tube stirring mechanism vibrates each test tube 12 while being held by the test tube rack 13 to stir the contents. The dilution control unit 27 transmits / receives various information to / from the terminal computer 5 and controls each unit of the dilution device 7.

The diluent dispensing unit has five dispensing needles and dispenses the diluent simultaneously to the test tubes 12 in each row and five columns held in the test tube rack 13. Similarly, the sample dispensing unit has five suction nozzles, and simultaneously sucks and discharges the diluted solution to the test tubes 12 in each row and five columns held in the test tube rack 13. Further, the test tube agitation mechanism simultaneously vibrates and agitates the test tubes 12 in each row and 5 columns. In this manner, the diluting device 7 can simultaneously perform the dilution process on the test tubes 12 in each row and 5 columns.
The diluting device 7 includes two each of the diluting solution dispensing unit, the sample dispensing unit, the rack moving mechanism, and the test tube stirring mechanism, and performs dilution processing on the two test tube racks 13 respectively. It is configured to be able to do.

  In the diluting device 7 configured as described above, when the test tube rack 13 is loaded from the line body 14 by the rack loading / unloading mechanism, the sample dispensing unit causes each test tube 12 in the first row of the test tube rack 13 to move. Then, a predetermined amount (for example, 1 ml) of the sample stock solution is aspirated. Subsequently, the rack moving mechanism moves the test tube rack 13 so that the sample dispensing unit faces the test tube 12 (empty test tube 12) in the second row. The sample dispensing unit discharges the aspirated sample stock solution to each test tube 12 in the second row by a predetermined amount (for example, 1 ml). Next, the rack moving mechanism moves the test tube rack 13 so that the diluent dispensing unit and the test tube stirring mechanism face the test tube 12 in the second row. The diluent dispensing unit dispenses a predetermined amount (for example, 9 ml) of the diluent to each test tube 12 in the second row. Then, the test tube stirring mechanism vibrates and stirs each test tube 12 in the second row. In this way, the diluting device 7 creates a diluted sample by diluting the sample stock solution at a predetermined magnification (for example, 10 times) in each test tube 12 in the second row.

  The diluting device 7 repeats the above operation to create a diluted sample in which the sample stock solution is diluted step by step by a predetermined magnification (for example, 10 times) in each test tube in the third and subsequent rows. Note that the number of dilution steps is set based on petri dish number information described later. When all the dilution processes are completed, the test tube rack 13 is carried out to the line main body 14 by the rack carry-in / out mechanism. The unloaded test tube rack 13 is transported toward the pour unit 8.

  The two pour devices 8 are configured in the same manner, and the sample stock solution or diluted sample (sample solution) in the test tube 12 held in the test tube rack 13 that has passed through the diluting device 7 and the medium solution are used. An inoculation medium is prepared by dispensing into a petri dish (culture container) and mixing.

  The pour unit 8 includes a pour side petri dish supply unit, a sample solution dispensing unit, a medium dispensing unit, a pour rotor, a pour side petri collection unit (not shown above), a pour control unit 28, and the like. . The pour side petri dish supply unit takes out an empty petri dish from the petri dish placed in the pour unit 8 and sets the petri dish on the pour rotor. The sample solution dispensing unit dispenses the sample solution in the test tube 12 held in the loaded test tube rack 13 into a petri dish. The medium dispensing part dispenses the medium solution into the petri dish. The pour rotor moves the petri dish in a circular motion so that the dispensed sample solution and medium solution are mixed. The petri dish collection unit collects the petri dish in another petri dish that is placed in the pour unit 8. The pour control unit 28 transmits / receives various information to / from the terminal computer 5 and controls each unit of the pour device 8.

  In the pour device 8 configured as described above, when the test tube rack 13 is loaded from the line body 14 by the rack loading / unloading mechanism, the pour side petri dish supply unit sets the petri dish on the pour rotor. Subsequently, the sample solution dispensing unit dispenses a predetermined amount (for example, 1 ml) of the sample solution (sample stock solution) in the test tube 12 in the first row and the first row, for example, to the petri dish. In parallel with this, the medium dispensing unit dispenses a predetermined amount (about 15 ml) of the medium solution to the same petri dish. Next, the pour rotor moves the petri dish in a circular motion to pour the dispensed sample solution and medium solution. After the pour, the pour side petri collection unit collects the petri dish from the pour rotor. At this time, the label printer 11 attached to the pour device 8 prints a label indicating necessary information and affixes it to the petri dish. In this way, the pour device 8 pours the sample solution and the medium solution in the test tube 12 to prepare an inoculation medium.

The pour unit 8 prepares each inoculation medium by repeatedly performing the above pour process for each sample solution. In the present embodiment, one pour is performed for each of a plurality of sample containers diluted in a plurality of stages. When all the pour processing is completed, the test tube rack 13 is carried out to the line main body 14 by the rack carry-in / out mechanism. The unloaded test tube rack 13 is transported toward the specimen applying device 9.
Note that the petri dish (inoculation medium) collected in the petri dish is cultured under predetermined conditions, the number of colonies is measured, and the number of bacteria per gram of food sample is calculated.

  The two specimen application devices 9 are each constituted by a spiral plater, and the specimen stock solution or the diluted specimen (sample solution) in the test tube 12 held in the test tube rack 13 that has passed through the diluting device 7 is placed in the petri dish. An inoculum medium is prepared by applying the agar medium solidified in step 1 in a spiral manner.

  The sample coating apparatus 9 includes a coating side petri dish supply unit, a petri dish rotating mechanism, a coating mechanism, a coating side petri dish collection unit (not shown above), a coating control unit 29, and the like. The application-side petri dish supply unit takes out the petri dish on which the agar medium is formed from the petri dish placed in the specimen coating device 9, and sets the petri dish on the petri dish rotating mechanism. The petri dish rotating mechanism rotates the set petri dish. The application mechanism applies the sample solution in the test tube 12 held in the loaded test tube rack 13 onto the agar medium from the center of the petri dish toward the outside in the radial direction. The application-side petri dish collection unit collects the petri dish in another petri dish that is placed in the sample coating apparatus 9. The application control unit 29 transmits / receives various information to / from the terminal computer 5 and controls each part of the sample application device 9.

  In the specimen coating apparatus 9 configured as described above, when the test tube rack 13 is loaded from the line body 14 by the rack loading / unloading mechanism, the coating-side dish supply unit sets the dish on the dish rotating mechanism. Subsequently, the petri dish rotating mechanism rotates the set petri dish. At the same time, the application mechanism applies, for example, a predetermined amount (for example, 50 μl) of the sample solution (specimen stock solution) in the test tube 12 in the first row and the first row onto the agar medium from the center of the rotating petri dish toward the outside. To do. As a result, the specimen solution is spirally applied onto the agar medium. The amount of the sample solution applied in the sample applying device 9 is one digit or more smaller than the amount of the sample solution dispensed in the pour device 8. After application, the application-side petri dish collection unit collects the petri dish from the petri dish collection unit. At this time, the label printer 11 attached to the sample applying device 9 prints a label indicating the identification information of the inoculation medium, and affixes the label on the petri dish. In this way, the specimen applying device 9 prepares the inoculation medium by applying the specimen solution in the test tube 12 to the agar medium.

The specimen application device 9 prepares each inoculation medium by repeatedly performing the above operation for each specimen solution. For each food sample, which sample solution is used to prepare the inoculum culture medium among the plurality of sample solutions is set based on the used sample solution information described later. When all the coating processes are completed, the test tube rack 13 is carried out to the line main body 14 by the rack carry-in / out mechanism. The unloaded test tube rack 13 is transported toward the rack collection unit 16.
The petri dishes collected in the petri dish are cultured under predetermined conditions, the number of colonies is measured, and the number of bacteria per gram of food sample is calculated.

  The terminal computer 5 receives the sample identification information indicated by the sample identifier 22 from the sample reader 24 and also receives the rack identification information indicated by the rack identifier 23 from the supply side rack reader 25 and the collection side rack reader 26. . Then, the terminal computer 5 transmits the received sample identification information and rack identification information to the host computer 6.

  The terminal computer 5 receives petri dish number information and used sample solution information, which will be described later, from the host computer 6. Then, the terminal computer 5 transmits the received petri dish number information and used sample solution information to the diluting device 7, the pour device 8, and the sample applying device 9.

  The host computer 6 receives the sample identification information and rack identification information transmitted from the terminal computer 5. The host computer 6 sets the petri dish number information and the used sample solution information and transmits them to the terminal computer 5.

  Next, a series of processes in the food microbiological inspection system 1 will be described more specifically. Here, it is assumed that the number of general viable bacteria is inspected for the 10 food samples shown in FIG.

The host computer 6 stores in advance the sample type petri dish number data (sample type inoculation medium number information) shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the used sample solution data shown in FIG. The sample type petri dish number data is information in which food type information and petri dish number information are associated with each other. The petri dish number information is information relating to the petri dish number used for each food sample in the pour device 8. As described above, the pour unit 8 pours one by one for each of the plurality of sample containers diluted in a plurality of stages. For example, if the petri dish number information is “3”, the sample stock solution, It means that the three specimen solutions of the diluted specimen diluted 10 times and the diluted specimen diluted 10 ² times are subjected to pour, and three inoculation media are prepared.

In the sample type petri dish number data, as the food type information, basic data on the type of food sample material (raw meat, processed grain products, meat products, etc.) and the condition type of food sample (normal product, heat-treated product, complaint product) (See FIG. 5) and food type information include storage test data (see FIG. 6) relating to storage temperature and storage time in a storage test for food specimens. When the food sample is a non-preserved test product, only basic data is used, and when the food sample is a stored test product, basic data and storage test data are used. In the sample-type petri dish number data, the number of petri dishes is larger as the type of food specimen is expected to have a larger number of bacteria based on the rule of thumb. For other test items such as coliforms, sample type petri dish number data is stored for each test item.
In FIGS. 5 and 6, symbols “A” to “U” shown in the petri dish number information column each mean, for example, one of integers from 1 to 8 (different symbols). May mean the same number).

The used sample solution data is obtained by associating petri dish number information and used sample solution information. The used sample solution information is information on the sample solution used for the coating process among the plurality of sample solutions of each sample stock solution in the sample coating apparatus 9. In this embodiment, the used sample solution information is represented as “test tube position”. That is, the “test tube position n” means the sample solution stored in the test tube 12 held in the nth row of the test tube rack 13. For example, if the petri dish number information is “2”, the test tube position in the column with “◎” in the row of the petri dish number information “1-3” in the used sample solution data, that is, “test tube position” 1 ”(the test tube 12 held in the first row of the test tube rack 13) is used for the coating process. As described above, the amount of the sample solution applied to the sample applying device 9 is one digit or more smaller than the amount of the sample solution dispensed to the pour device 8, and therefore the number of petri dishes is “3” (sample stock solution diluted specimen of 10-fold dilutions, even of 10 diluted specimen of ^2-fold dilution), if applied only analyte stock solution, it is possible to perform appropriate inspection.

  Prior to the start of operation, the operator inputs the sample identification information and food type information of each food sample in the host computer 6. The host computer 6 refers to the stored sample type petri dish number data, creates petri dish number data (see FIG. 8) from the petri dish number information associated with the input food type information, and stores this. .

  For example, for the food sample of the sample identification information “0001” shown in FIG. 4, the operator sends “0001” as the sample identification information to the host computer 6 as the food type information and the material type “meat (raw meat)”. ”And condition type“ regular product ”. In the case of a storage test product, a message to that effect is input, and a storage temperature and a storage period are input. As shown in the sample type petri dish number data of FIG. 5, in the case of the material type “meat (raw meat)” and the condition type “regular product”, the petri dish number information is “A”. The computer 6 creates petri dish number data with the petri dish number information of the sample identification information “0001” as “A”. As described above, the host computer 6 stores the sample type petri dish number data in which the food type information and the petri dish number information are associated, and refers to the sample type petri dish number data and associates it with the input food type information. The petri dish number data is created from the obtained petri dish number information. For this reason, the petri dish number data reflects the food type information, and appropriate petri dish number information can be easily set (for the operator, only by inputting the specimen identification information and the food type information).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the operator has five test tubes 12 each containing a sample stock solution prepared from five food samples out of ten food samples (see FIG. 4), and 35 test tubes 12. The test tube rack 13 holding the empty test tube 12 is set in the rack supply unit 15 (S1). Here, as will be described later, in the test tube rack 13, the diluting device 7 is the number corresponding to the petri dish number indicated by the maximum petri dish number information when the transmitted petri dish number information differs among a plurality of food samples. Since the sample stock solution is diluted in multiple stages until the sample solution is prepared, the operator puts the sample stock solutions of five food samples that have no difference in the number of petri dishes into the test tube rack 13 as much as possible. This is preferable because there is no waste in the dilution process. Here, five test tubes 12 each containing sample stock solutions prepared from food samples having sample identification information “0001”, “0002”, “0004”, “0005”, and “0006” are mounted on the test tube rack 13. Shall be.

  Sample identifiers 22 indicating the sample identification information (“0001”, “0002”, “0004”, “0005”, “0006”) of the corresponding food samples are affixed to the five test tubes 12 containing the sample stock solutions, respectively. Yes. A rack identifier 23 indicating rack identification information (for example, “01”) is attached to the test tube rack 13.

  The operator operates the terminal computer 5 to start driving (S2). First, the sample reader 24 provided in the vicinity of the rack supply unit 15 of the line body 14 reads the sample identifier 22 of each test tube 12 held in the test tube rack 13 conveyed from the rack supply unit 15. The sample identification information (“0001” “0002” “0004” “0005” “0006”) is transmitted to the host computer 6 via the terminal computer 5. Further, the supply side rack reader 25 provided in the vicinity of the rack supply unit 15 reads the rack identifier 23 of the transported test tube rack 13, and uses the terminal computer 5 for the rack identification information (“01”). To the host computer 6 (S3). The host computer 6 receives the sample identification information and the rack identification information (S4).

  The host computer 6 refers to the stored petri dish number data, and the petri dish number information associated with the sample identification information (“0001” “0002” “0004” “0005” “0006”) received from the terminal computer 5. (“A”, “B”, “D”, “P”, “D”) is transmitted to the terminal computer 5. Further, the host computer 6 refers to the stored used sample solution data and transmits the used sample solution information associated with the petri dish number information to be transmitted to the terminal computer 5 (S5). Here, if the maximum value is, for example, “3” among the petri dish number information “A”, “B”, “D”, “P”, and “D” of the five food samples, Also, the sample solution information to be used is only “test tube position 1”.

  The terminal computer 5 transmits the petri dish number information received from the host computer 6 to the diluting device 7 and the pour device 8, and transmits the used sample solution information to the sample applying device 9. The diluting device 7 and the pour device 8 receive the petri dish number information, and the sample applying device 9 receives the used sample solution information (S6). Of course, the terminal computer 5 may transmit both the petri dish number information and the used sample solution information to the diluting device 7, the pour unit 8, and the sample applying device 9, respectively.

  When it is determined that the diluting device 7 has received the test tube rack 13, the transport device 2 transports the test tube rack 13 toward the diluting device 7 and carries the test tube rack 13 into the diluting device 7. .

When the test tube rack 13 is loaded, the diluting device 7 dilutes the sample stock solution in a plurality of stages until the number of sample solutions corresponding to the number of petri dishes indicated by the maximum petri dish number information is created (S7). Here, since the number of petri dishes indicated by the maximum petri dish number information “3” is “3”, the sample stock solution is diluted in two stages until three sample solutions are prepared. That creates a sample solution of 10-fold dilutions, and the sample solution of 10 ^two-fold dilutions. Thus, even when the transmitted petri dish number information differs among a plurality of food specimens, the sample solution necessary for the pour unit 8 and the specimen coating apparatus 9 is obtained by performing dilution based on the maximum petri dish number information. Can be obtained. In addition, by diluting a plurality of sample stock solutions at the same time, the sample stock solution can be rapidly diluted.

  When it is determined that the diluting device 7 has completed the dilution process and any of the mixing devices 8 is ready to accept the test tube rack 13, the transport device 2 carries out the test tube rack 13 from the diluting device 7. At the same time, it is transported toward the pour unit 8 and carried into the pour unit 8.

When the test tube rack 13 is loaded, the pour unit 8 pours the number of petri dishes indicated by the petri dish number information of each food sample received from the terminal computer 5 (S8). For example, regarding the food sample with the sample identification information “0004”, the petri dish number information is “D”, and therefore the petri dish number to be subjected to the pour processing is “D”. More specifically, with respect to food sample having the sample identification information "0004", the test tube rack 13, a specimen stock solution, the sample 10-fold dilutions and 10 ^doubling dilutions in the sample solution is test tubes 12 accommodated respectively Although it is retained, the pour treatment is performed using D diluted specimens having a low dilution rate. In this example, the number of petri dishes for the five food samples is “A”, “B”, “D”, “P”, and “D”. “D”, “P”, “D”.
As described above, the petri dish number information associated with the specimen identification information in advance is transmitted from the host computer 6 to the diluting device 7 and the pour device 8, and the diluting device 7 and the pour device 8 include the transmitted petri dish number information. Prepare and pour the sample solution based on the number. Thereby, the number of petri dishes (number of inoculation media) can be varied for each food sample.

  When the pour unit 8 completes the pour processing for the five food samples and determines that any one of the sample application devices 9 is ready to accept the test tube rack 13, the transport device 2 tests the test tube rack. 13 is unloaded from the pour device 8 and transported toward the sample applying device 9 and is loaded into the sample applying device 9.

  When the test tube rack 13 is carried in, the sample applying device 9 performs an application process using the sample solution based on the used sample solution information received from the terminal computer 5 (S9). Here, since the information on the sample solution used for all of the five food samples is only “test tube position 1”, only the sample solution contained in the test tube 12 at the test tube position 1, that is, the sample stock solution, is used. Application processing is performed. As described above, in the specimen coating apparatus 9, when it is not necessary to perform the coating process on all of the plurality of sample solutions, the unnecessary process can be omitted, and the coating process can be performed quickly.

  When the transport device 2 determines that the sample coating device 9 has completed the coating process for five food samples and the rack recovery unit 16 is ready to receive the test tube rack 13, the transport device 2 applies the test tube rack 13 to the sample coating. It is unloaded from the apparatus 9 and conveyed toward the rack collection unit 16.

  A collection-side rack reader 26 provided in the vicinity of the rack collection unit 16 reads the rack identifier 23 of the transported test tube rack 13 and transmits the rack identification information (“01”) to the terminal computer 5. When the terminal computer 5 receives the rack identification information “01” from the collection-side rack reader 26, the terminal computer 5 transmits the inspection processing contents regarding the test tube rack 13 to the host computer 6 (S10), and the host computer 6 receives this. (S11). In this way, by reading the rack identifier 23 with the collection side rack reader 26, even when the test tube rack 13 is mistakenly removed during the transportation, it can be confirmed. Then, each apparatus of the conveying apparatus 2 and the processing apparatus group 3 complete | finishes an operation | movement (S12). When the operator confirms the end of operation (S13), the worker ends the operation.

As described above, according to the food microbiological testing system 1 of the present embodiment, the test tube 12 in which the sample stock solution is stored and the plurality of empty test tubes 12 are held in the test tube rack 13 in the dilution device 7. Therefore, since the test tubes 12 are individually set in the diluting device 7, it is possible to rapidly dilute the sample stock solution without requiring time for setting the test tubes 12. it can. Further, since the test tube rack 13 carried out from the diluting device 7 is carried from the line main body 14 to the pour device 8 or the sample coating device 9, compared to the case where a plurality of test tubes 12 are carried one by one. It is possible to carry out the pour treatment and the coating treatment (preparation of the inoculation medium) quickly without taking time for the delivery of 12.
In the present embodiment, the food microorganism testing system 1 includes both the pour device 8 and the sample coating device 9, but is not limited thereto, and includes either one. However, the present invention is applicable.

  1: Microbiological testing system for food, 2: Transport device, 5: Terminal computer, 6: Host computer, 7: Dilution device, 8: Pouring device, 9: Sample application device, 12: Test tube, 13: Test tube rack , 14: transport line, 22: specimen identifier, 24: specimen reader

Claims (5)

A transport line for transporting a rack capable of holding a plurality of cuvettes;
The test container containing a sample stock solution prepared from a food sample, and the rack holding a plurality of empty test containers are carried from the transport line, and the sample stock solution is placed in the plurality of empty test containers. A dilution part for preparing a plurality of diluted samples obtained by diluting
One or more of a plurality of sample solutions comprising the sample stock solution and the plurality of diluted samples, the rack being provided downstream of the dilution unit and transported from the dilution unit and loaded from the transport line Inoculating a medium in a separate culture vessel to prepare one or more inoculation mediums,
A rack loading / unloading mechanism for loading / unloading the rack between the conveyance line and the dilution unit and between the conveyance line and the inoculation medium preparation unit;
A microbe inspection system for foods characterized by comprising: The test container containing the sample stock solution has an identifier indicating sample identification information of the food sample corresponding to the sample stock solution,
A reading unit that is provided upstream of the dilution unit in the transport direction and reads the identifier of the cuvette held in the rack;
The inoculation medium number data associated with the specimen identification information and the inoculation medium number information relating to the number of the inoculation medium adjusted by the inoculation medium preparation unit is stored, and the inoculation medium number data is referred to. A control unit that transmits the inoculum number information associated with the specimen identification information indicated by the read identifier to the dilution unit and the inoculum preparation unit,
The dilution unit dilutes the sample stock solution in a plurality of stages until the number of the sample solutions corresponding to the number of the inoculated media indicated by the transmitted number of inoculated media information is created,
The food inoculation medium preparation system according to claim 1, wherein the inoculation medium preparation unit prepares the number of the inoculation mediums indicated by the transmitted inoculation medium number information. The control unit stores food type information inoculation medium number data associated with the food type information that is the type of the food sample and the inoculation medium number information,
The inoculation medium number data is created by the control unit from the inoculation medium number information associated with the acquired food type information with reference to the specimen type inoculation medium number data. The microorganism testing system for food according to claim 2. The inoculation medium preparation unit prepares the inoculation medium less than the number indicated by the first preparation unit for preparing the number of the inoculation mediums indicated by the inoculation medium number information transmitted from the control unit. And a second preparation part,
The control unit stores use sample solution data in which the inoculation medium number information and the use sample solution information regarding the sample solution used for the preparation of the inoculation medium in the second preparation unit are associated, With reference to the use sample solution data, send the use sample solution information associated with the inoculum number information to be sent to the first preparation unit to the second preparation unit,
The food microbiological testing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second preparation unit prepares the inoculation medium using the sample solution based on the transmitted use sample solution information. The rack holds a plurality of the test containers each containing the sample stock solution prepared from a plurality of the food samples,
The control unit transmits the inoculum number information of each of the plurality of food specimens to the dilution unit,
The dilution unit creates the number of sample solutions corresponding to the number of the inoculum cultures indicated by the maximum inoculum culture number information when the transmitted inoculum number information differs among the plurality of food specimens. 5. The food microorganism testing system according to claim 2, wherein the sample stock solution is diluted in a plurality of stages at the same time.

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