CN101131394A - Fluid metering in a metering zone - Google Patents
Fluid metering in a metering zone Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN101131394A CN101131394A CNA2007101527426A CN200710152742A CN101131394A CN 101131394 A CN101131394 A CN 101131394A CN A2007101527426 A CNA2007101527426 A CN A2007101527426A CN 200710152742 A CN200710152742 A CN 200710152742A CN 101131394 A CN101131394 A CN 101131394A
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- metering
- sample
- arm
- samples
- zone
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims description 16
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 247
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 claims description 61
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 108010090804 Streptavidin Proteins 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000012491 analyte Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 description 17
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 17
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 13
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000003745 diagnosis Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000013610 patient sample Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000000987 immune system Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010219 correlation analysis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008151 electrolyte solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 108091008695 photoreceptors Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 229910052701 rubidium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- IGLNJRXAVVLDKE-UHFFFAOYSA-N rubidium atom Chemical compound [Rb] IGLNJRXAVVLDKE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010129 solution processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Abstract
A method for metering samples located in a metering zone of a diagnostic analyzer includes: providing samples located within the metering zone on the analyzer; providing a metering system having a robotic arm which is extendable from a linearly translatable pivot. The arm accesses multiple sample points in the metering zone. The robotic arm is moved to position a metering probe located on the end of the arm distal from the pivot point over the sample. The probe moves vertically relative to the sample in the direction of the sample and aspirates the sample. A metering system for a diagnostic analyzer includes: a truck mounted on a guide rail, said truck linearly movable along the guide rail; a robotic arm pivotably attached and extending away from the truck, the robotic arm being rotatable in a plane that is horizontal and parallel to the line of linear motion of the truck; a metering head having a probe thereon for aspirating and dispensing a liquid, the metering head is attached to the robotic arm. At least one of the metering head or robotic arm is movable in a vertical direction to lower the probe. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail extends along the rear of the analyzer and the arm extends in front of the guide rail. In another preferred embodiment, a second metering system is provided.
Description
The application requires the right of priority of the U.S. Provisional Application 60/832,045 of submission on July 20th, 2006, and full text reference this application.
Technical field
The present invention relates to fluid metering, measure as the sample in the automatic diagnosis analyzer.Particularly, the present invention relates to the fluid visit in the metering zone in the automatic diagnosis analyzer, to allow visiting a large amount of samples more.The invention still further relates to the robots arm who allows the visit metering zone.
Background technology
Sample metering system in the known diagnostic analysis device is usually operated on predetermined metering regularly circulates, and can suck fresh sample when each new timing circulation beginning.For the analyzer handling capacity of maximum, need circulate in each metering timing all have fresh sample can supply to suck, otherwise will miss the opportunity that beginning is newly tested, and the minimizing of analyzer handling capacity.In order to suck and to begin new test, analyzer also calculates according to the predetermined rules of this test and carries out needed all operations subsequently of this test.This analyzer is this test dispatching and predetermined all essential analyzer resources, for example consumables, reactor, photoreceptor, reagent, reagent transport subsystem and all correlation analysis device resources of being used for this test.If one of needed those resources of fc-specific test FC can not be scheduled and keep, this test can not begin so, all is the available new time up to all resources.For traditional analyzer, this scheduling behavior is the main cause that handling capacity reduces, and has no time to carry out in the conflict because test must be waited until before they can begin, so handling capacity significantly reduces.
Use for convenience, before be integrated into now in the single analyzer in a large number, and make scheduler task complicated at each different test technologies (form) of independently working in the analyzer.Test request for specific sample may require: utilize optical cuvette to handle with wet system form to some tests that this sample carried out, some other test utilizes the dry slide element to handle with the dry systems form, and some other test is handled with electrochemical forms, or the like.Usually, can on analyzer, carry out, to obtain the required whole test results of this sample with some different processing form to the test that a patient samples is carried out.Test the needed time at this specific sample, if one of those processing form are because it is being used maybe at the moment and will be used and unavailable temporarily, the availability of this processing form becomes handle up quantitative limitation or bottleneck so.In the traditional analysis device, this often means that, when one of some analyzer processing form are unavailable, without any need beginning its test tabulation from the sample that this processing form begins to test.This sample and all tests of being asked thereof must wait until that all processing form that need are all available when carrying out these tests in this sample.
In known analyzer, operator's (being the user) rearranges the sample order by the complicacy of each processing form of understanding analyzer and by analyzing in advance, adapts to this shortcoming, with the minimum that drops to of maintenance handling capacity.
Known diagnostic analysis device example comprises immunodiagnosis analyzer (for example Vitros ECi immunodiagnosis analyzer) or clinical chemistry analyzer, and (for example Vitros 5,1 FS), these two kinds of analyzers all are to be sold by Oritho-Clinical Diagnostics company limited.All such analyzers are referred to as the diagnostic analysis device.The U. S. application No.11/091 that representative system is for example submitted in U.S. publication application No.2003/0026733 and on March 28th, 2005 disclose in 283, and these two pieces of documents here full text are incorporated herein by reference.These systems have the sample manipulations system.For example this ' 733 open text in, sample manipulations device 14 has sample tray 18, it accommodates for example testing tube of each sampling receptacle.This sample manipulations device transports sample tray to metering conveyor track 26 on the belt (not shown).This metering coaster can suck from those sample trays, those sample tray alinements (promptly along the straight line that is parallel to conveyor track 26), and the metering coaster 30 that wherein comprises sample suction/dispense probes is with each sampling receptacle of sample sucking-off.This sample tray 18 illustrates in greater detail in Fig. 3 of ' 283 applications.This sample tray (or sample rotation transmission dish) 220 is positioned on sample tray conveyer 210 tops, and this sample tray conveyer 210 transmits for magnetic force or is sent to sample by belt system with elliptical path and sucks station 230 (see figure 1)s.This sample tray is rotatable so that make each sample suck place, station and this metering probe alignment at sample.
The limitation of these two kinds of systems is to measure only addressable at every turn all the available sample rotation transmission dishes that are less than of probe.This has brought the influence that reduces the metering processing speed.Equally, it has limited addressable sample size of single time.For example, be used for first sample that HDL analyzes if a rotation transmission dish holds, and another rotation transmission dish held also and also be used for second sample that HDL analyzes, it will improve handling capacity is used for HDL with analysis two samples so.Yet if sample rotation transmission dish is in outside the scope, the sample conveyer must be located the second rotation transmission dish below this measures probe so, therefore, reduce total system speed.Therefore, need the more substantial sample rotation of visit transmission dish.Since previous reasons, thus need the metering arm to be used to visit more substantial sample, in the diagnostic analysis device, to obtain bigger handling capacity.
Equally, in so-called combination clinical analysis device, a plurality of dry chemical systems and a plurality of wet-chemical system for example can be located in the housing.Each above-mentioned chemical system is unique in their operating aspect.For example, known " doing " chemical system generally includes sample supply, metering/connecting gear and has the incubator that the station is read in a plurality of tests, and wherein the sample supply comprises many dry slide elements.Utilize and movably measure suction pipe or the probe that coaster carries, some samples are sucked metering end along conveyor track.Then metering (distribution) from some samples of this end to the dry slide element, to be loaded in the incubator.This runner element is cultivated, and reads optics or other readings to be used for detection of analytes.On the other hand, " wetting " chemical system utilizes for example test tube of reactor, wherein makes up some patient samples, at least a reagent fluid and/or other fluids and chemically examines being used to.This chemical examination is cultivated equally, and tests to be used for detection of analytes.Should comprise metering mechanism equally by " wetting " chemical system, to transmit the patient samples fluid to reactor from the sample supply.
In these combinatorial chemistry systems, need addressable doing and the metering arm of wet system.
The U.S. applies for that openly No.2005/0220670 discloses the hyperchannel access system that is used for the automatic diagnosis analyzer.U.S. Patent application No.2004/0022680 discloses a kind of device, and it comprises the tool holder that rotation is installed, and this tool holder is removable on x, y and z direction, also can rotate around the z axle.
Therefore, in the prior art, need in the diagnostic analysis device, visit more substantial sample and needn't mobile example, with raising analyzer handling capacity.
Summary of the invention
The present invention relates to solve the method for the problem of aforementioned access greater amount sample, so that higher handling capacity to be provided in the diagnostic analysis device.
One aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of method that is used for measuring the sample of the metering zone that is positioned at the diagnostic analysis device.This method comprises: the sample that is arranged in the metering zone on this analyzer is provided; Metering system is provided, and this metering system has the robots arm, and this robots arm can extend along the pivot of rectilinear translation from one, and described arm is visited a plurality of sample spot in the described metering zone; Move described robots arm, be positioned at one of described sample top will measure probe, this metering probe is positioned on the far-end away from described pivoting point of described arm; On the sample direction, move this probe with respect to this samples vertical; With this sample of suction.。
The present invention provides a kind of method that is used for increasing at the diagnostic analysis device handling capacity on the other hand.This method comprises: provide a plurality of samples in the known arrangement mode near the metering zone the metering arm; Provide dispatching algorithm to determine sample being sucked to increase handling capacity with which order; Utilize this metering arm at whole metering zone visit sample; Suction order based on this algorithm is determined sucks this sample in one of these samples residing position in this metering zone; With with this sample transfer to the receiving element that is positioned at another position on this analyzer.In a preferred embodiment, this receiving element is one or more in dry slide element, optical clear test tube or the cup-shaped microcavity.
Another aspect of the invention provides a kind of metering system that is used for the diagnostic analysis device.This system comprises: be installed in the coaster on the guide rail, described coaster can move along described guide rail is linear; The robots arm is pivotably connected to and extends and leave described coaster, and described robots arm is rotatable in a plane, and this plane is level and line that be parallel to described coaster linear movement place; Metering head has probe to be used for suction and distributing fluids on this metering head, described metering head is connected to described robots arm; With, but at least one in the vertical direction moves to reduce described probe among described metering head or the robots arm.In a preferred embodiment, this guide rail extends along this analyzer back side, and described arm extends in this guide rail front.In a preferred embodiment, provide second metering system.
Another aspect of the invention provides a kind of diagnostic analysis device, and this analyzer comprises: the sample manipulations device; Guide rail extends along this analyzer back side; Coaster is installed on the described guide rail, and described coaster can linearly move along described guide rail; The robots arm is pivotably connected to and extends and leave described coaster, and described robots arm is rotatable in the plane of level and straight line that be parallel to described coaster linear movement; Metering head has probe to be used for suction and distributing fluids on it, described metering head is connected to described robots arm; With, but at least one in the vertical direction moves to reduce described probe among described metering head or the robots arm; Receiving element is used to receive the sample that is sucked by this metering head; Incubator; Measurement mechanism with existence that is used for the measuring samples analyte or concentration.
Another aspect of the invention provides a kind of be used for the determining existence of the one or more analytes of a plurality of samples or the method for concentration.This method comprises: sampling in the metering zone on the diagnostic analysis device; Measure these samples according to the method described above; Distribute in these samples at least one to receiving element; In this receiving element, cultivate these samples; With, measure sample the existing or concentration of being cultivated with definite this analyte.In a preferred embodiment, at least three samples have the existence or the concentration of definite three or more analytes, one of these samples are assigned in the receiving element into runner element, second sample is assigned in the receiving element into the optical clear test tube, and the 3rd sample is assigned in the receiving element for the cup-shaped microcavity that is coated with streptavidin.
In aspect the present invention is preferred, do not consider the test request in sample or the analyzer Resource Availability scope, the combination of metering zone and flexible dispatching algorithm has all solved throughput constraints and analyzer is operated in very near its theoretical maximum throughput.
To those skilled in the art, other purpose of the present invention, feature and advantage will become obvious from following preferred embodiment is described in detail.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the schematic top view of diagnostic analysis device, and this diagnostic analysis device comprises the sample of visit more than one dimension.
Fig. 2 shows four sample trays according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the sample that they are positioned to be used for more than one dimension is visited.
Fig. 3 shows the sample manipulations device with 8 sample tray conveyers according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is the combined diagnosis analyser plane synoptic diagram that has two metering systems according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 is the floor map of two metering systems and guide rail according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 is metering head and robots arm's floor map according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, and this robots arm is pivotably connected to the track that coaster is installed.
Fig. 7 shows four sample trays according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and they are positioned to be used to utilize robots arm and metering head to carry out visiting more than the sample of one dimension.
Embodiment
The invention solves aforesaid problem, it measures sample in metering zone rather than at a single point or station or along straight line.As use herein, " metering zone " is defined as zone or the area on the analyzer, wherein, sample can be positioned at metering accessibility any point of arm or position in this zone.Preferably, the center line of metering system probe can be positioned and remain on this point or position, suck so that carry out sample.This metering zone be not the same with known diagnostic analysis device, (for example be used for single stoichiometric point that sample sucks and metering line, linearity by the metering coaster of announcing in ' 733 30 moves formed single metering line), but by there being endless sample to suck the zone that point is constituted in theory, institute has a few all in sample measures the accessibility scope of arm.Have the border on the horizontal axis that this zone for example is perpendicular to one another on both direction at least, therefore have bidimensional at least.These samples can be positioned on the plane surface that is limited by this zone, perhaps these samples can be positioned in this zone, in the space above or below this plane surface.In a preferred embodiment, metering zone is positioned near the metering system and visits these samples by the metering arm with convenient.The example of metering zone 214 (dotted line) has been shown among Fig. 1.This metering region can be taked any desired shape, is preferably polygon for example rectangle or square.
With single " point in the space " and metering system or traditional straight line or rotation metering system are compared, can be on 2 dimension metering regions any some place suck and/or distribute the ability of sample or reagent fluid to make the layout of the suction of analyzer and distribution point more flexible.This makes that the analyzer layout is compact more and meet ergonomics more, and this is convenient to the user of analyzer and can visits all samples.
And, according to the present invention, can be in this metering zone any some place metering and going up at any given time can arrive that the ability of all samples makes the operator load the sample with various test sizing material in those sample scopes in the metering zone, and load those samples and do not need to understand the working method of analyzer with any order easily, and realized processing handling capacity greater than common handling capacity, preferably, near the theoretical throughput of this analyzer.A large amount of samples in this metering zone (preferably utilizing following flexible dispatching algorithm) make analyzer have firm handling capacity, and can not be subjected to testing the influence of sizing material or the variation of sample input sequence.
Can be used for metering system because compared more various product, so after they are inhaled into this analyzer, can change the sample state of each sample with known analyzer.This can form operator's dedicated rules to the right of priority that sample sucks.For example, the operator can stipulate that the sample of any paediatrics obtains first priority, and does not influence whole analyzer handling capacity.Another example can be this situation, that is, to be in plate first-class when pending when sample, and the visit sample result becomes urgent.By the present invention, the operator can inform that analyzer makes this sample have highest priority, and it can the substantial effect handling capacity, and this operator physically needn't do anything to this sample.
Method of the present invention can be used for analyzer, for example the analyzer shown in Fig. 1-3.Fig. 1 has described the interior layout of critical component of the preferred embodiment of the diagnostic analysis device that uses the inventive method and device.This sample manipulations device 10 is divided into two zones, metering zone 202 and operator's load/unload district 201.What each zone comprised is to keep the nearly sample tray or the rotation transmission dish 13 of 10 samples.Three chemistry districts are arranged, two humidifying school districts 205 and 206 and mummification school districts 207, these chemistry districts cultivate and measure handling sample.Among this embodiment, one of humidifying school district is based on the system of test tube, and this system has sample and the reagent that adds in the test tube, and another humidifying school district is the immunodiagnosis system that utilizes cup-shaped microcavity, and preferably, this cup-shaped microcavity is coated with streptavidin.In addition, have two agent delivery zone 209 and 210, can abandon needle point feed region 208 and five equilibrium buffer device 211.Two robots arms are contained in the shelf, a robots arm 212 can arbitrarily enter into any one that three chemistry are distinguished in the arbitrfary point from metering zone, to suck and the metering sample, another robots arm 213 can arbitrarily enter into any one of three chemistry districts from arbitrary agent delivery zone, to suck and and meters reagents.Each robots arm pivots around pivoting point 215.
Fig. 2 and 3 shows the sample manipulations device 10 on the diagnostic analysis device for example mentioned above.Sample manipulations device 10 comprises sample carrier 11 and travelling belt 17.Sample carrier 11 further comprises sample tray or rotation transmission dish 13, it is positioned on sample tray conveyer 14 tops, this sample tray conveyer 14 is circular discs (Fig. 3) in a preferred embodiment, as common pending trial U. S. application sequence number No.11/672 that submit on February 2nd, 2007, " two-dimentional sample manipulations device " by name, described in 614 like that, the document is as with reference to introducing here.Sample manipulations device shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 adopts two-dimentional sample array.The preferred embodiment of sample manipulations device has 8 sample carrier, and wherein four carrier are positioned at the load/unload district and four sample carrier are in metering zone.In addition, can provide route independently to be used to be equipped with the sample tray of STAT sample (sample that promptly has right of priority).This can make one or more additional samples pallets be visited by the robots arm.This STAT route can provided within the sample manipulations device or on the sample manipulations device both sides.In the embodiment of Fig. 2, four carrier in the metering zone are depicted as sample tray and the sampling receptacle retainer with combination, and two in four carrier in this dress rubidium unload zone are depicted as and only have sample tray conveyer 14.In the embodiments of figure 3, have registration element 15 and 16 at four sample tray conveyers shown in the metering zone.This sample tray conveyer is connected to travelling belt 17 by bender element 20.
The sample carrier is driven from a position by travelling belt 17 delivers to the another location.In a preferred embodiment, as described below, nearly four sample trays that the metering arm will be visited can be located or registration simultaneously.In one embodiment, each pallet is rotatable, with a position that provides the robots arm to visit on each pallet.This provides complexity control still less for the robots arm.
In a preferred embodiment, two or more samples (preferred three or more samples) are positioned in the metering zone scope on the analyzer.These samples are preferably placed at position known in this metering zone, so that operator or know in the suitable time to suck sample where for the microprocessor of sample operation testing algorithm.
For example, discern bar code, or discern sample by the artificial inlet of sample identification by reading accompanying sample.Take to sample in the metering zone then and be registered in physical location in the metering zone.In case registration in metering zone is just visited any sample in this metering zone by metering system.A kind of preferred embodiment is to have a large amount of samples in this metering zone, and all sample all is that this metering system is addressable.
Metering system comprises pivoting point, and the metering arm extends out from pivoting point.This metering arm extends from this pivoting point also can be around this pivoting point rotation.But this pivoting point is linear translation also, thereby provides two required degree of freedom of sample of visiting in this metering zone Anywhere for this suction/dispense probes.Preferably, this pivoting point moves along the track that is positioned at the analyzer shown in Figure 1 back side.When this metering arm was positioned this probe for the testing sample top, this probe moved so that probe is visited this sample relative to sample.This probe or metering arm can be lowered with sampling visits.Preferably, the metering arm is static on vertical direction (z axle), and this probe rises and descends with the visit sample along vertical.Preferred metering system will more in depth be described hereinafter.
This metering zone is positioned such that the sample of any position in addressable this metering zone of this metering arm.Preferably, this metering zone is positioned at front by the line that linear translation limited of pivoting point shown in Figure 1.In another preferred embodiment, can by above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings the path that limited of the described travelling belt of 1-3 limit the scope of this metering zone.
In when operation, these samples are arranged in this metering zone, perhaps load these samples automatically by sample Load System (for example part of known automatic system), perhaps by user's artificial loading to this analyzer.This user or analyzer microprocessor are selected will carry out which test and with what carry out in proper order.Preferably, (scheduling algorithm) carries out this selection by dispatching algorithm, and this will more in depth describe below.This metering arm is by moving to first sample that will suck around this pivoting point rotation and/or along the guide rail linearity then.In case the probe of this metering arm far-end is positioned in this sample top, just reduces this probe and sucks sample.After sucking, this metering arm can with this sample delivery to the accessibility analyzer of this metering arm Anywhere.Usually, this sample will be transferred to be used for further processing, according to the test that will carry out on this sample, for example be transported to aforesaid doing or wet-chemical system form, perhaps immune system form.
As mentioned above, can provide the advantage that increases by the sample throughput of device in the ability that metering zone is visited sample Anywhere.Therefore, the present invention provides a kind of method that increases handling capacity in the diagnostic analysis device on the other hand, and it is included in the ability of measuring in the metering zone and the utilization of dispatching algorithm.Preferably, increase handling capacity and will make maximum throughput reach at least 65% of theoretical maximum, preferred 70%, more preferably 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably be up to 97%.By increasing the handling capacity of sample by this analyzer, the test quantity of being carried out also will increase.As use herein, " increase handling capacity " is defined as than such diagnostic analysis device (promptly, measure on the contrary from metering zone with above-mentioned, this diagnostic analysis device is from a single point or along single straight line metering sample) handling capacity that obtainable maximum throughput is bigger.Preferably, the increase of this handling capacity is greater than 5%, more preferably greater than 10%, most preferably greater than 25%.The test quantity that can be described as handling capacity per hour being carried out.Another measure of the analyzer efficient that increases is reducing of turnaround time.To be defined as the turnaround time from sample and arrive analyzer to the time that sample result is reported to user or operator.Based on the turnaround time of above-mentioned traditional clinical analysis device, the minimizing of turnaround time in the present invention is preferably in 6% to 44% scope.
In order to increase the handling capacity of analyzer, can adopt dispatching algorithm.This dispatching algorithm determines that to whether all can be used for each independent test on the required accurate and special time of all resources in handling rules of the single test of sample these resources will be that this test is required in these processing rules.Resource comprises any technology or the system that needs to carry out test in the analyzer, and it comprises cultivation, sample interpolation, washing, detection etc.The formation of this metering zone, and have many samples to can be used for sample to introduce, preferably the analyzer dispatching algorithm is known to mean test to these samples.Make this dispatching algorithm know that a large amount of samples and the required test of each sample have several advantages.
If this dispatching algorithm is known these tests that sample on a large amount of plates is required, so it can in those samples, search can with the matched test of vacant time that exists in this analyzer timetable.Because can finding any sample in the metering zone, this sample metering system can not reduce handling capacity (for example, in a metering cycle), so can be by being different from the order suction sample that sample is loaded into the order on the analyzer.Therefore, this dispatching algorithm can be determined preferred sampling order, more effectively to arrange the time of analyzer operation.No matter sample is with what to be loaded in proper order on this analyzer, also regardless of the mixing of test request in each sample, this all makes handling capacity keep near theoretical throughput.
(for example the test of this dry chemical electrolytic solution processing enter is saturated, and unacceptable new test in 5 minutes if when concrete processing form in the analyzer (for example wet, do or immune) has reached tolerance and unacceptable new test.) so this metering zone and scheduling flexibly have the ability to skip the test that need operate in the overload test form under, and change into move this sample or other samples are needed, can be in overload and every other test that under form available on this analyzer, move.In case the test form of this overload is available once more, then dispatching these need be with the test of this form processing.The concrete dispatching algorithm of using of the present invention has been described in the U.S. Patent application No. () of common pending trial, " method of scheduling sample in combination clinical analysis device " (attorney docket No.CDS 5043) by name, and with the document in full with reference to introducing.
Above-mentioned metering realizes by the metering system that can move at least two degree of freedom is provided, so that in a metering cycle, any sample in addressable this metering zone of this suction/dispense probes.
This metering system comprises one and preferred two robots arms, this robots arm not only has the ability linear mobile, but also can in the plane of level and straight line that be parallel to linear movement, rotate, can go up move can obtaining sample (promptly sucking) or to discharge sample (promptly distributing) at vertical direction (z direction) in addition, or obtain reagent or discharge reagent.Have these robots arms of suction/dispense probes and metering head in accessibility space (being metering zone) should locate about 25 discrete points, and more preferably, they can be positioned on optional position in this space (being metering zone) physically.There is not this arm of physical restriction only to arrive discrete contact point.This metering system preferably includes four following elements:
(1) linear track, wherein, the position of the coaster on this track (comprise or be supported with robots arm) is controlled by himself servomotor or stepper motor or be used for moves this arm with the front and back linear mode device.
(2) robots arm, it can move along linear track via this coaster, and can pivot at place, the arbitrfary point on this linear track in level and plane that be parallel to linear track.
(3) a kind of device obtains (promptly sucking) sample and discharge (promptly distributing) sample or obtains reagent and the metering head of discharging reagent such as being used for, and this metering head is connected with each robot arm end.
(4) a kind of device is used for vertically (z direction) and moves sample or the reagent operating control (being probe or suction pipe) that is in robot arm end.
In the preferred embodiment shown in these accompanying drawings, the diagnostic analysis device not only comprises dry systems A but also comprise the wet B of system.The B of wet-chemical system also comprises wet-chemical system and immune system.Guide rail 2 is along at least a portion length location of analyzer.The embodiment of Fig. 1 shows the metering system that is used to suck and distribute reagent.Use the reference marker identical to represent to be used for the common trait of the metering system of meters reagents, except having increased apostrophe (') with the sample metering system.This metering system comprises the coaster 1 that moves along this guide rail 2.Robots arm 3 pivots by axle (C) and is connected to coaster 1.As described in Figure 1, this robots arm is pivotable and moves by plane 4.
The design of metering system of the present invention knows that than oneself the bench type structure (for example U.S.'s published application No.2003/0086822) in the system has advantage, particularly under the environment of diagnostic system.In platform system, need framework to surround movably zone of metering head.In order to move this metering head backward or conversely along this direction in the past, this support frame must extend to the analyzer front portion from the analyzer back.Yet, have support frame structure in the analyzer front portion, interference is positioned at this analyzer front loading or unloads the user (operator) of sample to this analyzer.In addition, will significantly increase the profile of this analyzer so that anterior this frame height that adapts to.On the contrary, among the present invention, all supporting constructions are positioned at the analyzer back.Do not need framework is extended to the analyzer front portion.
Another advantage of metering system of the present invention is depositing of this metering arm when not in use.As shown in the profile of Fig. 4, when not in use, will measure arm 3a and 3a ' and retract or fold up, with against this guide rail 2.This makes it possible to free remainder near analyzer.In the multi-arm analyzer, this guaranteed that other arms can be handled sample and can not with the arm collision that is pulled against this guide rail.
Fig. 4 shows the robots arm 3 and the metering head 5 of visit a plurality of (among this embodiment being 4) rotatable sample pallet 20, and each all has sample hose 21 (being ten sample hoses among this embodiment) this sample tray 20.As described in Figure 4, this metering system can be on more than one dimension the length of this guide rail (promptly along) visits these sample hoses.That is, this metering system because this can pivot robots arm and the Zone Full of addressable all sample tray 20.
Also allow to reduce mechanical adjustment according to metering system of the present invention at each subsystem place.Particularly, because this metering system can arrive any contact point in the metering zone, whole adjustment of the physics interface between this metering subsystem and its contact point can be carried out rather than this contact point is carried out metering system so.
The present invention also provides the diagnostic analysis device and has determined that at least one sample analyte exists or the method for concentration.As mentioned above, this analyzer comprises sample manipulations device and metering system.These metering systems distribute sample to receiving element.This receiving element can be thin-film component, for example film dry chemical slideway (for example A of dry chemical system), can add a kind of optical clear test tube (for example B of wet-chemical system) of and plurality of reagents, or be used to carry out the cup-shaped microcavity that immunodiagnosis is analyzed, for example be coated with the microcavity (for example B of wet-chemical system) of streptavidin.
This analyzer comprises also and is used to cultivate the incubator and the receiving element of sample and the measurement mechanism that is used for the measuring samples characteristic that wherein this sample characteristics of for example is relevant with the concentration that this analyte exists.Depend on the analysis of just carrying out, this measurement mechanism can be photometer, spectrophotometer, reflectometer or illuminometer.
This analyzer also can comprise and is used for distributing the agent delivery device of reagent to test tube or microcavity.Be used to visit and distribute the metering system of reagent can comprise aforesaid metering system, same, for the immunodiagnosis chemical examination, also can provide rinse water to supply with.
In a preferred embodiment, utilize each above-mentioned different chemical system, will analyze at least three samples.That is, one of these samples will be assigned on the runner element, and second sample will be assigned in the optical clear test tube, and the 3rd sample will be assigned in the cup-shaped microcavity that is coated with streptavidin.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that and to carry out various modifications and variations these compounds of the present invention, composition and technology.Therefore, the invention is intended to cover this modifications and variations, as long as they have fallen in the scope of appended claims and their equivalent.
With above-mentioned all publications of quoting as proof open expressly with its identical in full scope as with reference to introducing here, just as individually as with reference to introducing each.
Claims (30)
1. method that is used for measuring the sample that is positioned at the metering zone on the diagnostic analysis device comprises:
The sample that is arranged in the metering zone on this analyzer is provided;
Metering system is provided, and this metering system has the robots arm, and this robots arm can extend along the pivot of rectilinear translation from one, and described arm is visited a plurality of sample spot in the described metering zone;
Move described robots arm, be positioned at one of described sample top will measure probe, this metering probe is positioned on the far-end away from described pivoting point of described arm;
On the sample direction, move this probe with respect to this samples vertical; With
Suck this sample.
2. method as claimed in claim 1 wherein, provides at least three samples.
3. method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, this metering zone is near the zone this metering system.
4. method as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the line that linear translation limited by this pivot is not crossed in the zone of this metering zone.
5. method as claimed in claim 4 also comprises: the three or more sample arrangement on non-linear forwarder become to make not alinement of these samples.
6. method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, this moves and also comprises and make this robots arm do linear translation and rotation.
7. method as claimed in claim 5, wherein, this forwarder forms a kind of continuous rectangular rail, and these samples are placed around this forwarder.
8. method as claimed in claim 7, wherein, this metering zone zone is delimited by this forwarder.
9. method as claimed in claim 5 wherein, is positioned at these samples on the sample rotation transmission dish that is positioned on this forwarder.
10. method that is used for increasing at the diagnostic analysis device handling capacity comprises:
Provide a plurality of samples in the known arrangement mode near the metering arm the metering zone;
Provide dispatching algorithm to determine sample being sucked to increase handling capacity with which order;
Utilize this metering arm at whole metering zone visit sample;
Suction order based on this algorithm is determined sucks this sample in one of these samples residing position in this metering zone; With
With this sample transfer to the receiving element that is positioned at another position on this analyzer.
11. as the method for claim 10, wherein, this handling capacity is calculated with test quantity hourly.
12. as the method for claim 10, wherein, this handling capacity is increased at least 70% of theoretical maximum.
13. as the method for claim 10, wherein, this receiving element is one or more in dry slide element, optical clear test tube or the cup-shaped microcavity.
14. a metering system that is used for the diagnostic analysis device comprises:
Be installed in the coaster on the guide rail, described coaster can move along described guide rail is linear;
The robots arm is pivotably connected to and extends and leave described coaster, and described robots arm is rotatable in a plane, and this plane is level and line that be parallel to described coaster linear movement place;
Metering head has probe to be used for suction and distributing fluids on this metering head, described metering head is connected to described robots arm; With
But at least one in the vertical direction moves to reduce described probe among described metering head or the robots arm.
15. as the metering system of claim 14, wherein, this guide rail extends along this analyzer back side, and described arm extends in this guide rail front.
16. as the metering system of claim 15, wherein, this arm is not crossed over this guide rail.
17. as the metering system of claim 16, wherein, when not using, this metering arm is back to and leans on the initial position of this guide rail.
18. as the metering system of claim 14, wherein, this metering head in the vertical direction is removable to reduce described probe.
19. as the metering system of claim 14, wherein, the addressable metering zone that wherein has sample to be tested of this robots arm.
20. the metering system as claim 14 also comprises:
Second coaster, this second coaster is installed on the described guide rail, and described second coaster can linearly move along described guide rail;
Second robots arm, second robots arm are pivotably connected to and extend and leave described coaster, and described second robots arm is rotatable in the plane of level and straight line that be parallel to the described second coaster linear movement;
Second metering head has probe to be used for suction and distributing fluids on second metering head, described second metering head is connected to described second robots arm; With
At least one in the vertical direction is removable to reduce described probe among described second metering head or second robots arm.
21. metering system as claim 20, wherein, this coaster, robots arm, metering head and probe are positioned with the dry systems in the visit combination diagnostic analysis device, and second coaster, second robots arm, second metering head and second probe are positioned with the wet system in the visit combination diagnostic analysis device.
22. a diagnostic analysis device comprises:
The sample manipulations device;
Guide rail extends along this analyzer back side;
Coaster is installed on the described guide rail, and described coaster can linearly move along described guide rail;
The robots arm is pivotably connected to and extends and leave described coaster, and described robots arm is rotatable in the plane of level and straight line that be parallel to described coaster linear movement;
Metering head has probe to be used for suction and distributing fluids on it, described metering head is connected to described robots arm; With
But at least one in the vertical direction moves to reduce described probe among described metering head or the robots arm;
Receiving element is used to receive the sample that is sucked by this metering head;
Incubator; With
Be used for the existence of measuring samples analyte or the measurement mechanism of concentration.
23. the diagnostic analysis device as claim 22 also comprises the agent delivery device.
24. as the diagnostic analysis device of claim 22, wherein, this receiving element also comprises dry slide element, optical clear test tube and cup-shaped microcavity.
25. as the diagnostic analysis device of claim 24, wherein, this microcavity is the microcavity that is coated with streptavidin, and also comprises the washing fluid supply and be used for distributing the washing fluid divider of washing fluid to this microcavity.
26. as the diagnostic analysis device of claim 22, wherein, this measurement mechanism is photometer, reflectometer or illuminometer.
27. as the diagnostic analysis device of claim 22, wherein, this sample manipulations device device comprises load/unload district and metering zone.
28. as the diagnostic analysis device of claim 22, wherein, this sample manipulations device comprises the travelling belt and a plurality of sample tray forwarders that are installed on the described travelling belt of rectangular shape.
29. one kind is used for determining the existence of the one or more analytes of a plurality of samples or the method for concentration, comprises:
Sampling in the metering zone on the diagnostic analysis device;
Measure these samples according to the method for claim 1;
Distribute in these samples at least one to receiving element;
In this receiving element, cultivate these samples; With
Measure sample the existing or concentration of being cultivated with definite this analyte.
30. method as claim 29, also comprise at least three samples, these at least three samples have the existence or the concentration of three different analytes will determining, one of these samples are assigned in the receiving element into runner element, second sample is assigned in the receiving element into the optical clear test tube, and the 3rd sample is assigned in the receiving element for the cup-shaped microcavity that is coated with streptavidin.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US83204506P | 2006-07-20 | 2006-07-20 | |
| US60/832045 | 2006-07-20 | ||
| US11/756273 | 2007-05-31 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN101131394A true CN101131394A (en) | 2008-02-27 |
Family
ID=39128739
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA2007101527426A Pending CN101131394A (en) | 2006-07-20 | 2007-07-20 | Fluid metering in a metering zone |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN101131394A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101750506A (en) * | 2008-12-12 | 2010-06-23 | 北京量质科技有限公司 | Reagent reacting cup and fully automatic inspection and detection instrument |
-
2007
- 2007-07-20 CN CNA2007101527426A patent/CN101131394A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101750506A (en) * | 2008-12-12 | 2010-06-23 | 北京量质科技有限公司 | Reagent reacting cup and fully automatic inspection and detection instrument |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP2008032710A (en) | Metering of fluid in metering zone | |
| JP4330625B2 (en) | Random access reagent delivery system for automated clinical analyzers | |
| JP4406644B2 (en) | Automatic multistage detector analyzer | |
| US11940360B2 (en) | Biological sample treatment apparatus | |
| US20140100139A1 (en) | Method for scheduling samples in a combinational clinical analyzer | |
| JP3931150B2 (en) | Automatic analyzer | |
| JP3914837B2 (en) | Automatic analyzer | |
| JP5184121B2 (en) | 2D sample handler | |
| JP2008281453A (en) | Automatic analysis system | |
| JP2007531881A (en) | Method to increase throughput by duplicating reagent resources in an automated clinical analyzer | |
| US10261000B2 (en) | Automated specimen processing systems and multistep processing of microscope slides | |
| EP1543334B1 (en) | Increasing throughput of an automatic clinical analyzer system by partitioning assays according to frequency of requested performance | |
| JP2010501859A (en) | Automated patient sample storage and reprocessing system in an automated clinical analyzer | |
| CN1534298B (en) | Analysis instrument having fixed multifunction probe | |
| JPWO2018163674A1 (en) | Automatic analyzer | |
| KR101206465B1 (en) | Analyzer having concentric rotors | |
| JP2004301844A (en) | Test element holder with probe guide for analyzer | |
| CN109975569A (en) | Control method, system and the chemiluminescence detector of chemiluminescence detector | |
| CN101131394A (en) | Fluid metering in a metering zone | |
| JP7109937B2 (en) | automatic analyzer | |
| WO2024088938A1 (en) | A sample carrier transport device | |
| CN117805357A (en) | Sample analyzer and liquid injection control method |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| C06 | Publication | ||
| PB01 | Publication | ||
| C10 | Entry into substantive examination | ||
| SE01 | Entry into force of request for substantive examination | ||
| C02 | Deemed withdrawal of patent application after publication (patent law 2001) | ||
| WD01 | Invention patent application deemed withdrawn after publication |
Application publication date: 20080227 |