JP2010190779A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer which enables at any time to check inspection result information of a single analyte from an inspection item that requires a shorter reaction time even when an inspection item that requires a longer reaction time and an inspection item that requires a shorter reaction time are requested together for the single analyte. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer analyzes an analyte of a biological sample and includes a function to display inspection result information of one or more types of inspection items of the single analyte for each inspection item. The automatic analyzer includes a displaying means for displaying a plurality of reaction vessels used by the automatic analyzer and includes a function to display the inspection result information of an optionally selected one from the reaction vessels on the displaying means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic immunoanalyzer that analyzes biological samples such as blood and urine, and when there are requests for a plurality of test items per sample, what is a conventionally known result output in units of samples? In addition, the present invention relates to a technique for outputting the analysis status and results for each inspection item unit.

  Automatic analyzers analyze biological samples such as blood and urine, but the output of test requests and measurement results (test result information) should be handled in units of samples, that is, multiple items requested for one sample. It is common. This is because a doctor diagnoses a disease of a subject by comprehensively determining test result information of a plurality of test items.

  For this reason, it is important to grasp the progress of analysis of a sample in a laboratory in units of samples, and as a technique related to this, JP-A-7-280815 (Patent Document 1) and JP-A-2002-156380 are disclosed. The gazette (patent document 2) etc. are known. However, there has been no means for notifying the user of the scheduled output time of test result information including the progress of analysis for each test item requested for each sample.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-280815 JP 2002-156380 A

  In general, an automatic analyzer handles a test request and output of measurement results (test result information) in units of specimens, that is, a plurality of items requested for one specimen.

  On the other hand, due to advances in reagents for automatic analyzers in recent years, the reaction time for emergency test items that require urgent diagnosis and treatment, that is, the time required for the chemical reaction required to quantify the target component is shorter than before. A new analytical method has been developed. As a result, when measuring a plurality of items per sample, items with a short reaction time and items with a long reaction time are mixed.

  However, if the test result information is handled only on a sample basis as before, all the test result information for the test requested for that sample will be output, and the advantage of shortening the reaction time will not be utilized. . Even when test items with a short reaction time and long test items coexist, if the test result information can be obtained from the test item that has been analyzed early, the subsequent treatment for the subject can be performed more quickly.

  Further, when a plurality of test items are tested for one specimen, the urgency and importance may be different for each test item. For example, inspection items with a short reaction time as described above are often inspection items that require urgent diagnosis such as an emergency inspection. Some test items are particularly important for diagnosing a certain disease regardless of reaction time.

  Therefore, if a test item that is particularly urgent or important can be extracted and its analysis status and test result information can be notified, this is an effective function for the user. However, depending on the purpose of the inspection for each user facility, there may be cases where the level of urgency and importance for each inspection item differ, and therefore means and a function for selecting the inspection item according to the user's purpose are required.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention has means and functions that allow a user to easily know measurement results (test result information) in units of test items, so that test items with a short reaction time and a long time are included in one sample. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can check inspection result information at any time from inspection items with a short reaction time even when inspection requests for inspection items are mixed.

  The present invention is an automatic analyzer for analyzing a specimen of a biological sample, wherein examination result information for one kind of examination item or a plurality of kinds of examination items for one specimen is indicated in units for each examination item. It is characterized by having a function that can.

  According to the present invention, since the test result information is shown in units for each test item, even when a test item for a reaction solution with a short reaction time and a test request for a test item with a long reaction solution are mixed for one sample, the reaction time Test result information can be confirmed at any time from the test item of the short reaction solution.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the automatic analyzer which advances analysis by rotation of the disk type reaction container conveyance mechanism which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the measurement sequence using the automatic analyzer which advances analysis by rotation of the disk type reaction container conveyance mechanism which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process for an apparatus to recognize the progress condition for every test | inspection item by memorize | stored the execution time or the executed fact in the memory | storage device at the time of execution of each process of the measurement sequence of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the logic which calculates | requires the result output scheduled time of a test item from sample dispensing time and the reaction time of a test item. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen showing the progress of the test | inspection corresponding to each reaction container on the disk type reaction container conveyance mechanism which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display screen which displays the progress of a test | inspection in list format only with respect to a specific test | inspection item. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation screen for a user to select arbitrarily the specific test | inspection item displayed on the screen which displays the progress of a test | inspection of FIG.

  Before describing embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings, an analysis outline of an automatic analyzer and main features of the present invention will be described.

  An automatic analyzer samples a biological sample such as blood or urine as a specimen, adds a reagent to the sample, causes a chemical reaction, and detects the absorbance or luminescence amount of the reaction product generated as an electrical signal. Analyze and quantify the target component of the specimen.

  Processes required for analysis such as sample sampling, reagent addition, agitation, and detection of electrical signals are defined in advance for each examination item as a measurement sequence. Therefore, if the fact that each process of the measurement sequence is executed is stored in the automatic analyzer, the progress of analysis can be notified to the user for each inspection item.

  Further, the reaction time required for the reaction between the specimen and the reagent, that is, the time required for the entire measurement sequence is determined in advance for each inspection item from the characteristics of the reagent. Therefore, it is possible to easily predict the output time of the inspection result information of the inspection item being analyzed from the analysis start time and the reaction time for each inspection item, and notify the user at any time.

  On the other hand, a plurality of reaction containers for causing a chemical reaction in the mixed liquid of the specimen and the reagent can be installed in the automatic analyzer, and usually one reaction container is used for one inspection item. Therefore, the situation of each inspection item can be grasped by paying attention to each reaction container.

  The following may be considered as means and functions for notifying the user of information for each inspection item as described above.

  The reaction vessels installed in the automatic analyzer are displayed on the screen of the automatic analyzer so that the progress of analysis in all reaction vessels can be easily confirmed visually, and the user arbitrarily selects on the screen. More detailed information on the analysis can be displayed for the reaction vessel.

  On the other hand, when testing a plurality of items for one specimen, the urgency and importance may be different. For example, inspection items with a short reaction time are often items that require urgent diagnosis such as an emergency inspection. In addition, there are items that are particularly important for diagnosing a certain disease regardless of the reaction time. Depending on the purpose of inspection for each user facility, the level of urgency and importance for each inspection item may differ.

  As means for notifying the user of information about only such specific inspection items, a screen that can register in advance inspection items with high urgency or importance from among inspection items, and a screen that corresponds to the registered inspection items. A screen for extracting from the inspection items and displaying the analysis status and inspection result information in a list format is prepared so that the user can easily check only the inspection items considered to be highly important.

  For example, when two test items, that is, a test item that takes 10 minutes for a reaction time and a test item that takes 5 minutes are requested for one sample at the same time, a plurality of test items that are requested for each sample, that is, one sample are collected. When handled, the output result can be obtained at the timing when the slower reaction time is output, that is, the inspection result information for two inspection items about 10 minutes after the start of the inspection.

  However, according to the present invention, since it is possible to know test result information at any time by handling a plurality of test items requested for one specimen in units of test items, the test starts for test items with a reaction time of 5 minutes. The test result information can be found at an early time about 5 minutes after.

  In addition, for the inspection items in the middle of analysis, the user can easily know the analysis progress of each reaction container and specific inspection items and the scheduled output time of the analysis results. Can be efficiently prepared.

  Furthermore, by providing a screen that displays only the inspection items designated by the user in advance, only items that are urgent or important for the user can be listed, and the efficiency of inspection work in the laboratory can be expected.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an outline of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 includes an automatic analysis main body and an operation unit 1-13 for operating the automatic analysis main body.

  The automatic analysis main body includes a disc-shaped reaction container transport mechanism 1-1, a reaction container installation position 1-2, a reaction container 1-3, a sample pipetting mechanism 1-4, a sample container 1-9, and a first reagent pipetting. Mechanism 1-5, first reagent container 1-10, second reagent pipetting mechanism 1-6, second reagent container 1-11, stirring mechanism 1-7, reaction liquid suction mechanism 1-8, detector 1-12 Have

  The disc-shaped reaction container transport mechanism 1-1 has a reaction container installation position 1-2 arranged on the circumference thereof. The reaction vessel 1-3 is actually installed at the installation position 1-2. By rotating the reaction container transport mechanism, the reaction container is transported to the position of each mechanism necessary for analysis.

  The sample pipetting mechanism 1-4 sucks the sample from the sample container 1-9 and discharges it to the reaction container 1-3. The first reagent pipetting mechanism 1-5 sucks the reagent from the first reagent container 1-10 and discharges it to the reaction container 1-3. Similarly, the second reagent pipetting mechanism 1-6 sucks the reagent from the second reagent container 1-11 and discharges it to the reaction container 1-3. The stirring mechanism 1-7 stirs the specimen and the reagent in the reaction container 1-3.

  Since the reaction container transport mechanism 1-1 is maintained at a constant temperature, the mixed liquid in the reaction container 1-3 is kept at a constant temperature while the reaction container 1-3 is installed on the reaction container transport mechanism 1-1. The chemical reaction proceeds. This process is called incubation. The reaction solution is incubated for a specified time, and then the reaction solution suction mechanism 1-8 is sucked and sent to the detector 1-12. In the detector, the amount of light emitted from the reaction solution, the absorbance, and the like are converted into an electric signal, and the target component is quantified by measuring it. The final measurement result (inspection result information) is displayed on the operation unit 1-13.

  The operation unit 1-13 includes an operation control unit that operates and controls analysis of the automatic analysis main body unit, and a display (display unit) that displays operation control and inspection information.

  An example of a series of the above measurement sequences is shown in FIG. Each process of the measurement sequence of 2-1 is realized by the operation of each mechanical facility in FIG. Therefore, by detecting the operation of each mechanism, it is possible to know the fact that each process has been executed, and if this is recorded at any time, it is possible to determine which process in the measurement sequence is being executed, that is, the progress of the inspection. The device can recognize it. A process in which the apparatus recognizes the progress of the inspection will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing for the apparatus to recognize the progress of each inspection item by storing the execution time or the fact of execution in the storage device when each process of the measurement sequence of FIG. 2 is executed. is there. The fact and time when the sample dispensing process is executed in step 3-1 are stored in the storage device. The fact that the reagent addition 1 process is executed in step 3-2 is stored in the storage device.

  The fact that the incubation 1 process is executed in step 3-3 is stored in the storage device. The fact that the reagent addition 2 process is executed in step 3-4 is stored in the storage device. The fact that the stirring process is executed in step 3-5 is stored in the storage device. The fact that the incubation 2 process is executed in step 3-6 is stored in the storage device.

  The fact that the electric signal measurement process is executed in step 3-7 is stored in the storage device. The information in steps 3-1 to 3-7 is stored in a table format such as 3-8 in the storage device. This table is provided for the number of inspection items.

  Since the execution time of the sample dispensing process is information that determines the scheduled output time of the inspection result, only this process stores the execution time as 3-9.

  Next, the logic for obtaining the measurement result output scheduled time from the sample dispensing process execution time of each inspection item and the reaction time will be described with reference to FIG.

  The time at which the inspection item completes the entire process of the measurement sequence, that is, the reaction time, is determined in advance as a fixed value for each inspection item depending on the characteristics of the reagent used for the inspection. This is stored in the storage device in the form of a table, for example 4-4. In step 4-1, the reaction time of the inspection item is read from the table 4-4, and this is defined as (A).

  In step 4-2, the sample dispensing process execution time of the inspection item is read from the table 3-8, and this is defined as (B). In step 4-3, (A) + (B) is calculated, and this is set as the scheduled output time of the inspection item.

  The means by which the user can easily confirm the information for each inspection item obtained by the processing of the flowcharts described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described below using examples of screens.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the progress of inspection corresponding to each reaction container on the disk-type reaction container transport mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 5-1 denotes an examination progress display screen displayed on the operation unit screen. 5-2 represents the current time, and 5-3 represents the reaction container transport mechanism. 5-4 represents a reaction container installation position on the reaction container transport mechanism, and 5-5 represents a reaction container installation position number. Since one inspection item corresponds to one reaction container on each installation position of 5-4, the progress of the inspection in each reaction container is obtained by reading the table of 3-8 in the storage device. Can show.

  For example, the user can be informed of the progress using the display pattern shown in 5-6. Further, when the user selects an arbitrary reaction container installation position with a pointing device such as a mouse, more detailed information on the corresponding inspection item can be displayed.

  As an example, a case where detailed information is displayed in a window format when a reaction vessel having an installation position number of 3 is selected is shown in 5-7. When the 5-8 specific item display screen display button is pressed, a transition can be made to a specific item display screen as shown in FIG.

  This is a display screen that displays the progress of the inspection in a list format for only a specific inspection item as a display format different from FIG. 6-1 is a specific item display screen, 6-2 is the current time, 6-3 is a reaction container installation position number, a patient ID, a test item name, a result output time, an analysis progress status, and a measured value for each specific test item ( (Analysis result value) is displayed.

  By pressing the button 6-4, it is possible to switch to the inspection progress display screen of the reaction container transport mechanism image of 5-1. In addition, it is possible to allow the user to arbitrarily register the specific inspection item displayed in the area 6-3 according to the importance level and the urgency level. By pressing a button 6-5, the screen changes to a screen for registering the specific item in FIG. Reference numeral 7-1 denotes a specific item registration screen. 7-2 is a list of all inspection items that can be measured by the apparatus.

  By selecting an arbitrary item in this list with a pointing device such as a mouse and pressing the registration button 7-3, it can be registered in the specific item list 7-4 and registered by the release button 7-5. It can be canceled. By pushing an update button 7-6, the registered content is saved in the storage device, and the screen returns to the specific item display screen 6-1. When the cancel button 7-7 is pressed, the registered contents are not saved and the screen returns to the specific item display screen 6-1. Only the items registered in the specific item list 7-4 are displayed on the specific item display screen 6-1.

1-1 ... Reaction container transport mechanism, 1-2 ... Reaction container installation position, 1-3 ... Reaction container, 1-4 ... Sample pipetting mechanism, 1-5 ... First reagent pipetting mechanism, 1-6 ... First 2 reagent pipetting mechanism, 1-7 ... stirring mechanism, 1-8 ... reaction liquid suction mechanism, 1-9 ... sample container, 1-10 ... first reagent container, 1-11 ... second reagent container, 1-12 ... Detector, 1-13 ... Operation section, 2-1 ... Measurement sequence, 5-1 ... Inspection progress status display screen, 5-2 ... Current time, 5-2 ... Reaction container transport mechanism image on the screen, 5- 4 ... Reaction container installation position, 5-5 ... Reaction container installation position number, 5-6 ... Progress status display pattern for each reaction container installation position, 5-7 ... Detailed information display section for designated position, 5-8 ... Specific item Display screen display button, 6-1 ... specific item display screen, 6-2 ... current time, -3 ... Detailed information display area for each specific item, 6-4 ... Switch button for inspection progress display screen, 6-5 ... Switch button for specific item registration screen, 7-1 ... Specific item registration screen, 7- 2 ... measurable item list, 7-3 ... registration button, 7-4 ... specific item list, 7-5 ... release button, 7-6 ... update button, 7-7 ... cancel button.

Claims (8)

In an automatic analyzer for analyzing a specimen of a biological sample,
An automatic analyzer having a function capable of indicating test result information for one type of test item or a plurality of types of test items for one sample in units of the test items. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The automatic analysis apparatus, wherein the inspection result information includes at least one of an analysis progress status, an analysis result output time, and an analysis result value for each inspection item. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
Display means for displaying a plurality of reaction containers used by the automatic analyzer, and selection means for arbitrarily selecting the reaction containers displayed on the display means,
An automatic analyzer having a function of displaying the inspection result information for the inspection item of the reaction container selected by the selection unit on the display unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
An automatic analyzer comprising a function capable of narrowing down specific inspection items from the plurality of types of inspection items. In the automatic analyzer according to claim 4,
The automatic analyzer is provided with a function that can be specified and registered in advance in accordance with the importance or urgency of the inspection for narrowing down to the specific inspection item. An automatic analysis main body, and an operation unit for operating the automatic analysis main body,
The automatic analysis main body includes a reaction container transport mechanism for transporting a reaction container, a sample pipetting mechanism for dispensing a sample from a sample container to the reaction container, and a reagent for dispensing a reagent from a reagent container to the reaction container. A pipetting mechanism, a stirring mechanism for mixing the sample and the reagent in the reaction container, and a tester for inspecting a reaction solution in which the sample and the reagent have reacted,
The operation unit includes an operation control unit that performs operation control of the analysis of the automatic analysis main body unit, and a display unit that displays operation control and inspection information.
Inspection result information displayed on the display means is provided with a function that can be shown in units for each of the inspection items. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6,
The automatic analysis apparatus, wherein the inspection result information includes at least one of an analysis progress status, an analysis result output time, and an analysis result value for each inspection item. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7,
The automatic analysis apparatus characterized in that the scheduled time of the test result information related to the progress of the analysis and the output time of the analysis result is calculated based on the dispensing time by the sample pipetting mechanism.

Images