WO1999030167A1 - Sample data managing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Identification information, i.e. ID, is printed on a label (22) as bar code information and the label (22) is stuck to a sample container (21). When the ID of a sample delivered from a host stage is read by an ID detecting section, an ID judging section (10) judges whether or not the ID (main ID) of an upper level sample corresponds to the relevant stage. When it corresponds to the relevant stage, an ID issuing section (11) issues a new ID (subordinate ID) by adding a sequence number to stage identification information indicative of the relevant stage. Experimental data of the sample, and the like, is stored in a database (4) along with the master ID and the subordinate ID. The samples and data generated at a series of stages are mutually correlated and can be managed and stored.

Description

 Description Sample Data Management System Technical Field

 The present invention relates to a sample data management system suitable for use in managing data of a series of samples generated at predetermined stages, such as a gene expression analysis experiment. Background art

 For example, when investigating certain substances or phenomena, such as gene expression analysis, for each predetermined experiment stage, perform a predetermined operation to prepare samples and collect experimental data for each sample I do. For example, when analyzing the expression state of a gene in a certain cell, cells and the like are prepared by an appropriate means, and RNA is analyzed for each type of the cell. For each sample prepared in each stage, for example, a label in which the name of the sample, the name of the person in charge, etc. are entered is attached. Then, the result of each experiment is written in the experiment notebook by the researcher. Disclosure of the invention

 As described above, when managing samples and experimental data related to gene expression experiments, experimental data must be saved for each experiment and each experimental data must be able to be referred to each other. However, in the past, researchers had to record data manually, which made it inconvenient to record and refer to data overnight, and had the problem of low efficiency of experimental work.

In addition, it is necessary to clearly distinguish the sample for each experimental stage from other samples. However, conventionally, researchers write the sample name on a label or the like and affix it to a container such as a tube. Therefore, mistakes may occur in the sample identification work (label creation work). There is also a problem that the work efficiency of the experiment is low.

 The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method of easily managing a series of sample data generated at each predetermined stage. To provide an overnight management system. It is another object of the present invention to provide a sample data management system capable of easily managing sample data by effectively utilizing existing resources.

 Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the sample data management system according to the present invention issues identification information unique to each sample and associates data of each sample.

 In the invention according to claim 1, there is provided a sample data management system for managing data of a series of samples generated at predetermined stages, wherein identification information unique to each sample is issued. Management means, detection means for detecting the identification information, and data management means for managing data inputted in connection with each of the samples, wherein the identification information management means comprises: On the basis of the identification information of the upper sample located at the upper position, the identification information of the lower sample generated subsequent to the upper sample is issued, and the data management means includes the identification information of the upper sample and the lower sample. The identification information is managed in association with the identification information of the lower order sample.

 Here, “every predetermined stage” means each inspection stage or each operation stage. Specifically, for example, when sample Y is generated by manipulating sample X and sample Z is generated by manipulating sample Y, generation of sample X · generation of experimental sample Y • generation of experimental sample Z 'Indicate each stage of the experiment. Further, “upper sample positioned at a higher level in the predetermined stage” means the original sample from which the sample originated. In the above example, for sample Y, sample X is the upper sample, and for sample Z, sample Y is the upper sample.

When the sample (upper sample) is passed from the upstream stage to the downstream stage, the downstream stage, for example, collects a part of the upper sample and performs a predetermined operation. By doing so, a lower sample is generated. The upper sample has already been given unique identification information. For example, a bar code or the like can be used as the identification information.

 In the downstream stage, first, the identification information of the upper sample is read by the detecting means. Thus, the identification information management means issues identification information to be assigned to the lower sample based on the identification information of the upper sample.

 Here, "based on the identification information of the upper sample" means, for example, that when the identification information of the lower sample is issued by reading the identification information of the upper sample as a trigger signal, the consistency between the upper sample and the lower sample is determined. This includes the case where the identification information of the lower sample is issued after confirmation. In the above example, the consistency is the stage of the sample Y immediately before the stage of the sample Z. Therefore, if the sample X is passed to the stage of the sample Z, it is determined that there is an inconsistency and the identification information is determined. Means to refuse to issue.

 When the identification information of the lower sample is issued from the identification information managing means in this way, the identification information is given to the lower sample. Then, the data management means associates the identification information of the upper sample with the identification information of the lower sample, and manages the data inputted for the lower sample. Therefore, the data table in each stage is created in association with the identification information of the upper sample and the identification information of the lower sample.

 Further, as in the invention according to claim 2, further comprising a hypertext type information processing environment, and a browsing / input means for utilizing the information processing environment, each of the identification information and data is the information The identification information and the data are provided in a processing environment, and the identification information and the data may be input and browsed through the browsing and input means.

Here, the “hypertext type information processing environment” is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) described as “protocol: \ server name / path name”. (HyperText Markup Language) to identify information resources, and to indicate the environment in which this information resource can be transferred in accordance with HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), in other words, a shelf (World-Wide Web) server It means an information processing environment that provides functions. In addition, "viewing and input means" It refers to a web browser, etc., that can browse and input various information resources provided on the WWW server.

 By providing data and identification information at each stage in a hypertext type information processing environment, data entry, browsing and display can be performed easily. Also, without switching the operation environment, other information resources connected on the network, for example, の resources such as web pages can be browsed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall flow of the sample data management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sample data management system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the menu processing.

 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the ID issuing / label printing process.

 FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the data input processing.

 FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the search / update processing.

 FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall flow of application to a gene expression data management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a system configuration.

 FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the screen configuration.

 FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the screen configuration. Explanation of reference numerals

 1 Management device

 2 ID Management Department

 3 Data Management Department

4 Database 8 ID detector

 9 Printing department

 10 ID judgment section

 11 ID issuing department

 21 Sample container

 22 labels

 31 1st management device

 32 web browser

 41 Second management device

 42 Web Server Function Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

 1. First Embodiment

 1-1 Configuration

 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the overall flow of the present embodiment. In the sample data management system according to the present embodiment, data collected in each stage from a starting material through three inspection stages SX, SY, and SZ is managed.

In the first stage SX, sample X is generated from the starting materials, and data of sample X is collected. Data DX1 and DX2 such as inspection results and remarks are stored in the specified location of the table TX. The table TX stores unique identification information (hereinafter abbreviated as “ID”) X001 assigned to the sample X and data DX1 and DX2. The parent ID in the figure indicates the ID of the sample generated at the upstream side of the stage, and the child ID indicates the ID assigned to the sample generated at the stage. In this embodiment, since the starting material located on the upstream side is not assigned an ID, No data is stored in the parent ID column.

 The ID is preferably printed on a label as barcode information and affixed to the surface of the container. This is because each sample can be easily identified simply by attaching the barcode label to the container, and the barcode can be read stably. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various methods can be adopted. For example, the ID may be expressed using only characters and symbols such as alphanumeric characters, or another expression method such as a Kara code may be used instead of a bar code. Further, the ID may be recorded as magnetic information, or the ID may be recorded directly on the container without using a label. The barcode label can be expressed as, for example, an identification medium.

 In the next stage SY, sample Y is generated from sample X, and data of sample Y is collected. Here, the ID “Y 001” given to the sample Y is generated based on the ID “X 001” of the sample X. Specifically, the reading of the ID “X001” of the upper sample X is used as a trigger signal to generate a serial number “001”, and by adding the stage identification information “Y” to the serial number “001”, the sample Υ Generate ID "Y00 1" to be given to

 Table テ ー ブ ル stores the upper sample ID “X001”, the ID “Y001” related to the stage Y, and the data DY 1 and D Υ 2 for sample Υ. Therefore, by searching table ΤΥ using parent ID “Χ001” as a search key, table の of sample X from which sample Υ is derived can be called.

 Similarly, in the last stage SZ, sample Ζ is generated from sample Υ, and the data of sample Ζ is collected. The ID “Ζ001” assigned to sample Ζ is generated based on the ID “Y001” of upper sample Υ, as in the above case. The collected data DZ 1 and DZ 2 are stored in the table TZ together with the parent ID “Y001” and the child ID “Z 001”.

SDTS.

The above stage SX stage SY—stage SZ corresponds to “predetermined stage”, and one cycle is completed. In addition, a new cycle, sample XI Is generated, the ID of the sample X1 is “X002”, and similarly, the ID of the sample Y1 is “Y002” and the ID of the sample # 1 is “Ζ002”. That is, by changing the serial number of each ID, each ID is set as a unique value, and duplication of IDs is prevented.

 Next, the configuration of the sample management system according to the present embodiment will be described based on the functional block diagram of FIG.

 For example, as will be described later, the management device 1 configured as a personal computer or a workstation includes an ID management unit 2 as “identification information management means” and a data management unit 3 as “data management means”. , A database 4, and an ID storage unit 5. In addition, a display unit 6, a data input unit 7, an ID detection unit 8, and a printing unit 9 are connected to the management device 1.

 The ID management unit 2 manages issuance of an ID assigned to a sample, and includes an ID determination unit 10 and an ID issuing unit 11 as internal functions. An ID determination unit 10 that can be expressed as identification information determination means determines the consistency of the ID between stages based on the ID of the upper sample. That is, the ID determination unit 10 determines whether or not the detected upper sample ID is the ID provided in the immediately upstream stage. This determination can be made based on the stage identification information included in the ID. The ID issuing unit 11 issues a new ID by incrementing the latest serial number stored in the ID storage unit 5 by 1 and adding the stage identification information of the stage.

The data management unit 3 manages various data inputted in relation to the sample. The data management unit 3 includes a registration unit 12 and a search unit 13 as internal functions. Tables TX, ΤΥ, and ΤΖ are set up for each stage in Data Base 4. The registration unit 12 stores the data inputted in relation to the sample at a predetermined position of each table and registers it. The search unit 13 searches each table in the database 4 based on the input search key. The display unit 6 is configured as, for example, a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display, or the like. The display unit 6 is configured to display all or a part of a table related to the sample.

 The data input unit 7 includes, for example, a keyboard switch, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like, and inputs data, a search key, and the like to the management device 1.

 The ID detection unit 8 as “identification information detecting means” is configured as, for example, a bar code reader, reads an ID from a label 22 attached to a container 21, and stores the read ID in the ID. It notifies the management unit 2.

 The printing unit 9 that can be expressed as an identification medium generating unit is configured as, for example, a barcode printer. When the ID is input from the ID management unit 2, the printing unit 9 converts the ID into barcode information and prints it on the label 22.

 As shown in FIG. 2, for example, in the case of stage SY, when sample X is passed from stage SX on the upstream side, ID “X 001” of sample X is read by ID detector 8. Is notified to the ID management unit 2. When the ID discrimination unit 10 confirms that the stage identification information “X” corresponds to the stage SY, the ID issuing unit 11 issues an ID “Y001” to be added to the sample Y. The issued ID is printed as barcode information on the label 22 by the printing unit 9 and attached to the container 21 of the sample Υ. The experimental data and the like of the sample Υ are input to the data management unit 3 via the data input unit 7. Further, the ID “X001” of the upper sample X read by the ID detector 8 and the ID “Y001” of the newly generated sample Y are input to the data management unit 3. As a result, the data management unit 3 associates the related data with each ID and stores them in the predetermined table SY.

 1-2 action

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the menu processing. However, the flowchart in this specification and Does not faithfully show the actual operation of the program, but shows an example of the processing flow related to the gist of the invention. Therefore, even if various steps not shown in the drawings are added, the steps fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they are included in the gist of the present invention.

 First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1, the display unit 6 displays a menu screen. Next, in S2, when a desired menu is input via the data input unit 7, in S3, which stage is selected is analyzed based on the input information. When the stage SX is selected, the process shifts to a process for operating the table TX relating to the stage SX (S4). Similarly, when the stage SY and SZ are selected, the process shifts to a process for operating the tables TY and ΤΖ. Yes (S5, S6). In the processing in each stage, ID issuing processing and the like described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 can be performed. Then, it is monitored whether or not the end button has been operated, and if the end button has been operated, the menu processing ends (S7). Note that a comprehensive menu process may be constructed on the menu process shown in FIG. The comprehensive menu can be configured to select, for example, each process such as ID issue / print process, data input / update process, data search / registration process, and the like.

 Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an ID issuing / label printing process executable in each stage.

 First, the ID (parent ID) of the upper sample passed from the upstream stage is read by the ID detector 8 (S ll), and it is determined whether or not the parent ID matches the child ID to be issued in the stage. The judgment is made (S12). If there is no consistency between the IDs, an error message is displayed on the display unit 6 (S13).

On the other hand, if the parent ID matches the ID of the stage, the read parent ID is set in the parent ID column of the table relating to the stage (S14). Next, a new serial number is generated by incrementing the previously issued serial number by 1 (S15), and the stage identification information is added to this serial number to obtain the relevant serial number. —Issue a child ID to be used in the process (S16). This child ID is set in the child ID column of the table (S17). As a result, the table related to the stage on the upstream side and the table related to the stage are related to each other by the parent ID of each of them.

 Then, for example, it is monitored whether or not the print button has been operated (S18), and when the print button has been operated, the barcode of the child ID is printed on the label 22 (S19). The printed label 22 is affixed to the container of the sample prepared from the upper sample. As a result, the ID can be issued accurately along the flow of sample generation, and each sample flowing between stages can be clearly distinguished.

 Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing data input processing that can be executed in each stage. First, the ID (child ID) of the sample relating to the stage is read by the ID detection unit 8 (S31), and then it is determined whether the read ID is correct (S32). Here, when the ID is incorrect, for example, the stage identification information in the ID does not correspond to the corresponding stage, or the data on the read ID has already been input. The ID may be duplicated, or the ID may be related to a discarded sample. If the ID is incorrect, an error message is displayed (S33).

 On the other hand, if the ID is correct, the table relating to the read ID is read out from Data 4 overnight (S34). Next, data on the sample is input via the data input unit 7 (S35). The relevant data may include various experimental data in the relevant stage, names of persons in charge, remarks, and the like. Next, for example, it is monitored whether or not the registration button has been operated (S36). If the registration button has been operated, the input data is registered in a predetermined portion of the table (S37). As a result, the experiment data at each stage is stored in a predetermined location of a predetermined table.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 6 shows search processing that can be executed in each stage. First, a search key is input (S41). As a search key, for example, each Species ID can be mentioned. Next, the database 4 is searched based on the search key (S42), and it is determined whether or not the corresponding data has been extracted (S43). When the data related to the search key is extracted, the data is displayed (S444). If there is no corresponding data, an error message is displayed (S45). In addition, in the case of performing a correction over time, for example, the ID may be read, the corresponding table may be read, and data may be added or corrected.

 According to the present embodiment configured as described above, since the ID of the sample related to the stage is issued based on the ID of the sample passed from the upstream stage, a series of steps generated for each predetermined stage is performed. The sample can be accurately identified. That is, since a unique ID can be issued along the flow of sample generation, it is possible to prevent an ID issuance error or the like, and to accurately manage sample data.

 In addition, since the parent ID and the child ID are registered in each table along with the sample data, the tables between adjacent stages can be correlated. Therefore, it is possible to easily search for a table and easily know which sample the data is derived from, thereby improving the efficiency of research work.

 2. Second Embodiment

 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The feature of this embodiment is that it is applied to a networked system as a sample data overnight management system. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

 First, FIG. 7 shows a schematic flow of a gene expression data management system using blood cells as an example according to the present embodiment. In this system, for example, a sample can be generated and data can be collected according to the following procedure. Figure 7 shows only the main parts.

 (1) Blood sample: T1

First, blood is collected from multiple subjects once or multiple times. Sample I for blood samples D (BL nnnnn, where BL indicates a blood sample. N is a sequential number. Similarly, each of the following IDs also starts with an uppercase alphabetic letter and the sample type (stage). The following n indicates a serial number.) Is added and registered in the table Sm together with related data.

 (2) Plasma separation: T 2

 The cell fraction and plasma are separated from each blood sample by centrifugation. A plasma ID (PL nnnnn) is assigned to the plasma, and information such as the sample ID, the person in charge, the yield (ml), and the cryocontainer is recorded in the table PL. Plasma is stored in a designated freezer with the plasma ID printed on a barcode label and affixed. Samples and data stored with a barcode label attached are not limited to this plasma sample, but their IDs must be detected with a wireless barcode reader, and the necessary information can be retrieved from the database and displayed. Can be.

 (3) Cell separation · Cell count: T 3

 B cells, T cells, etc. are separated from the cell fraction obtained by the above centrifugation by various cell separation systems. Among these cells, RNA (total RNA) is extracted from T cells, etc., and the abundance of mRNAs of various genes present in the cells at the time of collection is collected using differential display, etc. These cells are compared between the cells and analyzed for their gene expression status.

Among the separated cells, to each T cell, etc., add an RNA extraction solution, and store at 180 ° C when proceeding to the stage before RNA extraction. B cells are not subjected to RNA extraction and proceed to preparation of immortalized B cells. Each type of cell is assigned a cell ID consisting of cell identification information (indicating the cell type) such as CT and CB and a 5-digit serial number. Sample ID, contact person, date of separation, number of cells, It is stored in the table Cell together with the relevant data such as the cell storage box. Then, for each sample excluding B cells, the cell ID is printed on a barco label, affixed, and stored at a predetermined location at -80 ° C. Proceed to the next stage without storing the B cells. (4) Creating immortalized cell lines

 Each isolated B cell sample is used as an immortalized B cell line using EB virus. For immortalized B cell lines, information such as cell ID, contact person, immortalized cell ID (IMnnnn), date of freezing, number of cells, and storage location are recorded. Note that a barcode reader can be used to input the cell ID in this part. The immortalized cell ID is printed on a barcode label, attached, and stored in liquid nitrogen.

 (5) Total RNA preparation: T4

 Among the separated cells, T cells and the like were stored at 180 ° C with the addition of a solution for RNA extraction. In the preparation of total RNA, the above cell extract is treated by a phenol-monochrome form extraction method or the like to prepare total RNA. The prepared total RNA is given total RNA—ID. This ID is configured as, for example, RXnnnn. R represents RNA, X represents cell type (T etc.), and n represents serial number. Then, it is stored in the table Rn together with the relevant data such as the cell ID, the person in charge, the preparation date, the RNA concentration, the total amount, and the freezer storage box ID. Note that a barcode reader can be used to input the cell ID in this portion. For this sample, print the total RNA-ID on a barcode label, affix it, and store it at a designated place at 180 ° C for a short period of time.

 (6) cDNA preparation: T5

In order to perform analysis by the differential display method, it is necessary to convert RNA into DNA. This process is based on the fact that the RNA is type II, and the corresponding (complementary) RNA to RNA is reverse transcriptase (RNA is type II, called a primer, and a short DNA complementary to a part thereof). An enzyme that synthesizes complementary DNA starting from A) (Note: cDNA means complementary DNA, that is, complementary DNA.) The bases complementary to each other form a pair between RNAs, between DNAs, and between RNA and DNA. Here, blood The total RNA prepared from the liquid cells was converted into type III, and three types of anchor primers complementary to the 3'-terminal polyA sequence of the mRNA sequence (GT15A, GT15C, GT15G;を 持 つ has 15 consecutive sequences) to generate cDN に よ り by reverse transcriptase reaction.

 A cDNA-ID consisting of DXnnnnn is assigned to the prepared cDNA. Here, D represents DNA, X represents one of A, C, and G indicating the type of anchor / primer used, and n represents a serial number. Then, it is recorded on the table cD together with the total RNA-ID, the person in charge, the date of preparation, the amount of RNA used, the final concentration, the final volume, and the ID of the freezer box. In this case, a barcode reader can be used for the input of the total RNA-ID. For the sample, print the cDNA-ID on a barcode label, affix it, and store it in a designated place at -80 ° C.

 The prepared cDNA is subjected to Differential 'display to analyze the abundance of various mRNAs in the original sample. Differential display is a method in which cDNA is amplified by a PCR reaction under special conditions using an arbitrary primer and an anchor primer, and separated by precision acrylamide gel electrophoresis. This is to visualize (display) the fingerprint images of DNAs of various sizes amplified from the mRNA present in the sample.

 (7) PCR plate preparation: T 6

Take the cDNA sample into a 96-well PCR plate and dispense it.Add the optional primers, the same anchor primer as used for cDNA preparation, PCR reaction buffer, and PCR polymerase for PCR. Perform PCR reaction (T7). Then, the dispensed cDNA—ID, person in charge, date of creation, ID stored in the freezer, the type of arbitrary primer used, the location of the cDNA sample on the 96-well plate, etc., and the PCR plate ID (Qnnnnn) Record in one bull Pp. The barcode reader must be used to enter the cDNA-ID of the cDNA sample used. Can be used. Also, print and affix the PCR plate ID on the barcode label and store it at -80 ° C in the specified place.

 (8) Differential display gel electrophoresis: T 8

 After the PCR reaction, remove a part of the reaction solution from the PCR plate, separate it by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, scan the gel with an image analyzer, and record the image file. Then, the PCR plate ID, the arrangement of each sample on electrophoresis (lane information), the person in charge, the date of creation, the image file ID (Gnnnnn, G indicates DD gel electrophoresis), etc. are recorded in the table DD. Here, the PCR plate ID can be registered with a barcode reader. In addition, the image file ID is printed on a barcode label and affixed to the printed DD gel image, and it is stored after firing.

 (9) Band cut out: T 9

 If the analysis of the image reveals a band that shows an increase or decrease in the specific sample, return to the original RNA sample, prepare the cDNA again, and perform a PCR reaction on the differential display under the same conditions. Separate by DD gel electrophoresis and record the image file. Collect the band that reproduces the increase / decrease from the acrylamide gel. The excised band is placed in an extraction buffer, and the DNA is recovered from the band. Record the data such as the person in charge, the date of creation, the image file ID, the lane number containing the collected DNA band, the position on the lane, the ID in the freezer, and the DNA band ID in Table Bn. Here, a barco reader can be used to input the image file ID.

 Next, a functional configuration of the present system will be described with reference to FIG. This system also includes an ID management unit 2, a data management unit 3, a data base 4, and the like, as in the first embodiment described above.

However, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in several points. First, a management device according to the present embodiment is a first management device 3 having an ID management unit 2. 1 and a second management device 41 having a data management unit 3. Each of the management devices 31 and 41 is connected to a network 100 such as a LAN via the communication control units 33 and 43, and performs two-way data communication between the management devices 31 and 41. It is configured as follows.

 Second, a web browser 32 as a “browsing / input means” is mounted on the first management device 31, and a web browser as a “hypertext information processing environment” is mounted on the second management device 41. A server function 42 is provided. The data on the side of the second management device 41 is provided via the web server function 42. Therefore, the first management device 31 can view the data on the second management device 41 side via the web browser 32 and the like. In addition, when the network 100 is connected to the Internet, by inputting a predetermined URL, it is possible to seamlessly access external information resources such as web pages and net news.

 Next, FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example of a screen configuration of the gene expression data management system. Fig. 9 (a) shows the configuration of the menu screen. The menu screens include “Experimental sample management” for managing a series of samples generated from blood samples, “Freezer management” for managing the frozen state of samples, and “ General-purpose data search / update tool ". At the upper left of the screen, there is provided a bar code display column G1 for displaying the read ID. Below the bar code display column G1, a link column G for jumping to each menu is provided. 2 are provided. At the top of the screen, a URL input field G3 is provided. By inputting the URL of the information resource provided by the second management device 41 in the URL input field G3, the gene expression data can be displayed. Distributed management is possible.

Fig. 9 (b) shows the screen configuration for each cell separated and generated from a blood sample. As shown in the figure, the system is configured to allow input of sample IDs as parent IDs and cell IDs as child IDs, as well as related data such as cell numbers and separation dates. FIG. 10 shows a screen configuration regarding immortalized B cells generated from a B cell sample. In the same manner as described above, the cell ID (parent ID), the immortalized B cell ID (child ID), and the related data can be input.

 Also in the present embodiment configured as described above, a unique ID can be issued to a series of samples generated by performing a predetermined operation on a blood sample, and the data of each sample is stored in association with each other Therefore, the efficiency of the experimental work can be improved. In particular, when investigating gene expression data as in the present embodiment, it is necessary to generate a large number of samples and collect data, and so the present invention is preferably used.

 In addition, since the system is divided into a plurality of management devices 31 and 41 and the management devices 31 and 41 are connected via a network 100, relatively few convenience resources such as personal computers are used. By interconnecting, a distributed sample data management system can be obtained.

 Furthermore, a web browser 32 is mounted on the first management device 31, and the second management device 41 is connected to a network because it is configured to provide information via the web server function 42. Browsing of web pages and the like and browsing of gene expression data can be performed seamlessly. In addition, since a web browser is actually a standard function of a personal computer, various types of computers can participate in the gene expression data management system without depending on the platform.

 The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various additions, deletions, modifications, and the like can be made. For example, the ID storage unit 5 can be abolished and the latest serial number can be generated by referring to the database 4.

 Further, the present invention can also be expressed as follows.

Expression 1. A sample data management system for managing data of a series of samples generated for each predetermined stage, comprising: detection means (8) for detecting identification information given to each sample; Determining means (10) for determining whether or not the identification information of the upper sample located at the position corresponds to the stage; and determining means (10) If it is determined that the stage is more compatible, a serial number is added to the stage identification information indicating the stage, and identification information issuing means (11) for issuing identification information given to the sample related to the stage. And a data management means (3) for associating the identification information of the upper sample with the identification information of the lower sample, and managing data inputted in relation to the lower sample. De-night management system.

 Expression 2. In a program recording medium storing a sample data management program for managing data of a series of samples generated at each predetermined stage, the correspondence between the upper sample and the lower sample at the predetermined stage is managed. Identification information for issuing identification information of a lower sample generated following the upper sample based on the correspondence management function (for example, S12, S32) to be performed and the identification information set for the upper sample. A data management function (e.g., S15, S16) that associates the identification information of the upper sample with the identification information of the lower sample, and manages data input in connection with the lower sample. For example, 334 to 337) and a program recording medium in which a data management program for causing a computer to realize is stored in a form that can be read and understood by a computer.

 Here, as the program recording medium, for example, various recording media such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, and a memory can be adopted. Also, by downloading a program via a communication line, the gist of the present invention can be realized on a computer. Industrial applicability

As described above, in the sample data management system according to the present invention, the identification information of the lower sample related to the stage is issued based on the identification information of the upper sample passed from the upstream stage. A series of samples generated each time can be accurately identified. Then, sample data between adjacent stages can be stored in association with each other, thereby improving work efficiency. In addition, since identification information and data are provided in a hypertext type information processing environment and browsing work is performed through browsing and input means, other network search work and sample data overnight management work can be performed seamlessly. It can be switched, and the resources of the existing convenience store can be used effectively.

Claims

The scope of the claims 1. A sample data management system for managing data of a series of samples generated at predetermined stages,  Identification information management means for issuing identification information unique to each sample, detection means for detecting the identification information,  Data management means for managing data input in relation to each sample,  The identification information management means issues identification information of a lower sample generated subsequent to the upper sample based on the identification information of the upper sample positioned at the upper stage of the predetermined stage.  The data management means associates the identification information of the upper sample with the identification information of the lower sample, and manages data inputted in relation to the lower sample. Management system.  2. It further comprises a hypertext type information processing environment, and a browsing / input means for using the information processing environment,  The identification information and the data are provided under the information processing environment, and the identification information and the data are browsed and input via the browsing and input means.