Controlling method of preprocessing apparatus

A controlling method of a preprocessing apparatus for preprocessing of one or more samples in preparation for sample analysis, wherein

• the preprocessing apparatus comprises:
• a preprocessing container which is prepared for each sample of the one or more samples and includes a separation device and a collecting container,
• a carrying mechanism, which includes a holding part configured to hold the separation device and the collecting container of the preprocessing container individually, the carrying mechanism carrying the separation device and the collecting container individually by moving the holding part;
• a preprocessing-container setting part configured to set the preprocessing container in a position on a path of the holding part;
• a plurality of stirring ports, each having a stirring mechanism, configured to receive the separation device from the holding part of the carrying mechanism and provided for executing a stirring processing to the separation device,
• a plurality of filtration ports configured to receive the collecting device from the holding part of the carrying mechanism and provided for executing a filtration processing which is a process to extract the sample from the separation device which is set on the collecting container to the collecting container,
• wherein the separation device has a pre-extraction internal space containing the sample, and includes a separation agent or a separation membrane for separating a specific component in the sample from the sample in the pre-extraction internal space, and an extraction outlet provided below the separation agent or the separation membrane, through which the sample in the pre-extraction internal space is extracted,
• wherein the controlling method comprises:
• determining the preprocessing procedure to be executed to each sample based on analysis items for each sample previously designated by an analyst;
• controlling preprocessing performed in each of the plurality of stirring ports and the plurality of filtration ports;
• controlling availability of each of the plurality of stirring ports and the plurality of filtration ports by remembering the plurality of stirring ports and the plurality of filtration ports that have received the separation device or collecting container of the preprocessing container or by using sensors provided to each of the plurality of stirring ports and the plurality of filtration ports that senses presence of the separation device or collecting container of the preprocessing container within the respective stirring ports and the respective filtration ports;
• wherein the preprocessing procedure to be executed to each sample is including the filtration processing and the stirring processing,
• wherein the controlling method further comprises:
• checking availability of the plurality of stirring ports,
• setting the separation device containing the sample in one of the plurality of stirring ports based on a determination that the one of the stirring ports is available;
• executing the stirring processing to the separation device set in the one of the stirring ports;
• while the stirring processing to the separation device is executed, checking availability of the plurality of filtration ports and setting the collecting container in one of the plurality of filtration ports based on a determination that the one of the filtration ports is available;
• after the stirring processing to the separation device is completed, setting the separation device, to which the stirring processing has been executed, on the collecting container set in the one of the filtration ports, and executing the filtration processing by applying negative pressure to the sample in the separation device set on the collecting container so that the sample is extracted from the separation device to the collecting container.