JP2000105248A - Method for handling organism sample and analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an analyzer in which an analysis measured value of an immuno-assay item is not affected by a carry over between samples even if a pipette nozzle repeatedly used for collecting the samples for biochemical analysis item is used. SOLUTION: A sample collection to an analysis unit 200 for analyzing a biochemical analysis item is carried out by a dispensation device 202 using a pipette nozzle repeatedly used and a sample collection to an analysis unit 100 for analyzing an immuno-assay item is carried out by a dispensation device 102 using a disposable nozzle tip. A sample container having a sample in which both biochemical analysis item and immuno-assay item should be analyzed is transferred such that a sample is firstly collected from the nozzle tip and then, the sample is collected from the pipette nozzle.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for analyzing a biological sample, and more particularly, to a sample handling method and an analyzer capable of collecting a biological sample using a plurality of dispensers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine from patients is widely performed to diagnose pathological conditions, and automated analyzers are used in hospitals and clinical laboratories. .

In many cases, test results obtained by a single automatic analyzer are insufficient for diagnosing a disease state. In such a case, it is necessary to collect test data from a plurality of analyzers. The analysis system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-281113 is configured so that one system can analyze various types of analysis items. This JP 9
In -281113, a plurality of analysis units for biochemical analysis are arranged along the transport line of the sample rack,
An analysis system has been proposed in which a sample rack from a rack supply unit is stopped at any analysis unit and a sample on the sample rack is dispensed by a pipette nozzle.

Also, US Pat. No. 5,470,534 discloses that
1 shows an analysis system in which a biochemical analyzer, an immunoanalyzer, a nucleic acid analyzer, and the like are arranged along a transport path of a sample container so that the same sample can be measured by each analyzer. In this example, it is determined whether or not to advance the sample to the second measurement stage according to the analysis result in the first measurement stage. In the first measurement stage, a biochemical analysis item is analyzed, and a sample that needs to be transferred to the second measurement stage in order to determine a disease state is analyzed in the second measurement stage by an immunoanalyzer and / or a nucleic acid analyzer. .

On the other hand, in an apparatus for automatically analyzing a biological sample, it is common to dispense a large number of samples one after another using one pipette probe. The problem of contamination of subsequent samples by A well-known example dealing with this type of carryover is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-169851. This example uses an array of reaction vessels formed on the same circumference to analyze biochemical analysis items, such as measuring components normally contained in blood, and to utilize latex particle agglutination. Analysis of an immunoassay item to detect the identified antigen or antibody.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-169851 discloses that a reagent dispensing probe after dispensing a reagent of an immunological analysis item is washed with a washing solution for a sufficient washing time, or the discharge amount of the washing solution is reduced. After washing more and dispensing the reagents for the biochemical analysis items, wash the reagent dispensing probe for a short time or wash it with a smaller discharge amount of the washing solution to reduce waste of the washing solution. It states that consumption is eliminated, and it is pointed out that even in the case of a sample dispensing probe different from a reagent, wasteful consumption of the cleaning liquid can be eliminated by adjusting the flow rate of the cleaning liquid.

As another type of dispensing a biological sample, it is known to use a disposable nozzle tip. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-146010 discloses that a tip holder is provided within a movable range of a coupling pipe to which a nozzle tip can be coupled. After transporting one nozzle tip by the gripper, coupling the nozzle tip to the end of the coupling pipe on the tip holder, discharging the sample sucked into the coupled nozzle tip to the reaction container, and It is shown that the nozzle tip is removed from the connection tube at the tip release station after the discharge.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 25755/1990 discloses that a plurality of reaction sections are arranged near a transport line for transporting a sample rack, and a bypass line and a sample dilution section are arranged between the transport line and each reaction section. An analytical device is described. It is suggested that the plurality of reaction units can be configured to perform colorimetric analysis, electrode method analysis, and immunoassay analysis. In this example, the sample rack is transferred from the transport line to the bypass line by the rack changer attached to the transport line, and the dilution arm dispense the sample from the sample rack on the bypass line to the sample diluting unit, and the dispensing unit of another configuration is used. The injection arm dispenses the sample from the sample dilution section to the reaction section. In this example, it is pointed out that it is desirable to arrange the plurality of reaction units in an order that avoids mutual contamination between samples.

[0009]

A method for measuring an immunological analysis item often includes an operation of binding a labeling substance to a solid phase using an antigen-antibody reaction (that is, an immune reaction). If it is necessary to analyze the immunological analysis items by such a method and the biochemical analysis items by the method of measuring the absorbance of the reaction solution resulting from the chemical reaction, or analyze the DNA analysis items and the biochemical analysis items If it is necessary to arrange a plurality of analysis units in the analysis system and use the same sample container commonly for each analysis unit, it is convenient for handling the sample. U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,534 relating to such an analysis system does not describe any measures to avoid carryover between samples. Also, JP-A-9-28111
Publication No. 3 shows a plurality of analysis units, but the biochemical analysis unit and the immunological analysis unit should be installed side by side.
It does not disclose that a biochemical analysis unit and a DNA analysis unit are provided side by side.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-169851 proposes that the same dispensing probe used repeatedly is used for both biochemical analysis items and immunological analysis items, and that carryover can be avoided only by a washing operation. However, practically applicable washing time and washing flow rate are limited, so it is difficult to eliminate the effect of carryover on the measured values of immunoassay items that cause problems even if a very small amount of residual sample is present. .

According to the configuration using the disposable nozzle tip disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-146010, the nozzle tip is replaced for each sample, so that there is no possibility of the influence of carryover between samples. However, since the joining operation and the detaching operation of the nozzle tip accompany each sample,
When a large number of analysis items must be processed in a short time such as biochemical analysis items, there is a problem in that sufficient processing capacity cannot be obtained.

In the analyzer disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 25755/1990, there is no difference in the configuration of a plurality of reaction units, and mutual contamination between samples can be avoided only by the arrangement order of the reaction units. Intended. However,
Since the dilution arm and the dispensing arm are repeatedly used in common for all samples, it is difficult to avoid carryover between samples caused by the interposition of these arms.

An object of the present invention is to prevent the measurement value of an immunological analysis item from being affected by carryover between samples even when a repeatedly used pipette nozzle is used for collecting a sample for a biochemical analysis item. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for analyzing a biochemical analysis item and an immunological analysis item using different analysis units without reducing the processing capacity of the biochemical analysis item. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus that can avoid carryover between samples.

Another object of the present invention is to provide both a dispensing device of the type that collects a sample using a repeatedly used pipette nozzle and a dispensing device of a type that collects a sample using a disposable nozzle tip. The object of the present invention is to make it possible to avoid carryover between samples.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to analyze a specific sample in which both an analysis item having a high need to avoid carryover and an analysis item having a low need to avoid carryover are indicated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus capable of processing a specific sample so as not to affect the analysis result due to carry-over with another sample.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an analysis method in which a plurality of sample dispensers are used to collect samples from the same sample container into a plurality of receiving containers, and the sample received in each receiving container is analyzed. In the apparatus, the plurality of sample dispensers include a first dispenser using a disposable nozzle tip and a second dispenser using a repetitive pipette nozzle to collect a sample from the same sample container. The operation is configured to be executed by the second dispensing device after being executed by the first dispensing device.

The analyzer preferably has at least two
The first analysis unit has a dispensing device that collects a sample using a disposable nozzle tip, and the second analysis unit collects a sample using a repeatedly used pipette nozzle. Dispensing device. In this case, for the specific sample to be analyzed and measured by the first and second analysis units, the first analysis unit executes the sample collection prior to the sample collection by the second analysis unit, and performs the first analysis. After completion of the collection of the specific sample by the unit, the collection of the specific sample is executed in the second analysis unit.

The analyzer causes the first analysis unit to wait for a sample rack (sample rack having a specific sample) in which sample collection has already been performed and no sample has been collected in the second analysis unit. A standby unit is provided.
When the measurement result of the first analysis unit requires a re-measurement with respect to the specific sample described above, the specific sample is set in the second
Before being collected by the first analysis unit, the specific sample is transferred from the standby unit to the first analysis unit and collected by the first analysis unit for re-measurement.

The first analysis unit is an immunological analysis item or D
The configuration is such that the NA analysis item is measured, and the second analysis unit is configured to measure the biochemical analysis item, so that the immunological analysis item or the DNA analysis item is sampled before sampling the biochemical analysis item. In this case, since the nozzle tip is replaced every time the sample is changed, the analysis measurement value of the immunological analysis item or the DNA analysis item is not affected by the carryover between the samples. In addition, by washing the pipette nozzle used repeatedly for collecting samples for biochemical analysis items using a known cleaning method each time a sample is changed, analytical measurement values of biochemical analysis items are affected by carry-over between samples. Absent.

In the analyzer, an analysis item for which it is necessary to avoid the influence of carryover between a very small amount (that is, at a high level) of a sample, that is, a specific analysis item for which sampling by a nozzle tip is necessary is specified in advance. Register. Such a specific analysis item is stored in the storage unit of the control unit, and if a specific analysis item is included in each of the items to be analyzed instructed by the operator for a large number of samples, the When a sample is sampled, it is first conveyed to the first analysis unit to be sampled by the nozzle tip before being conveyed to another analysis unit.

A specific sample rack having a specific sample that needs to be analyzed in both the first and second analysis units is subject to the above-described restrictions on the transport order or transport path, but the sample by the nozzle tip A sample rack having only a sample that does not need to be collected is dropped in and collected as needed in the arrangement order of the plurality of analysis units arranged along the transport path of the transport device. In this case, an efficient sample collection process is performed.

The plurality of analysis units include a first analysis unit having a dispensing device using a disposable nozzle tip, and second and third analysis units having a dispensing device using a repetitively used pipette nozzle. And the third analysis unit closer to the rack supply device,
In the case where the first analysis unit and the second analysis unit are arranged in this order, first regarding a specific sample rack having a specific sample that requires analysis measurement by the first, second, and third analysis units, After being transported to the first analysis unit and collecting a sample by the nozzle tip, the specific sample rack is made to stand by in a standby unit, and re-measurement of the specific sample by the first analysis unit is required, The specific sample rack waiting in the standby unit is delivered to the rack transport device via the return line, and the first analysis unit collects a sample for re-measurement.

Then, the specific sample rack, which has been subjected to sampling for re-measurement of a specific sample in the first analysis unit, is delivered to a rack transport device via a return line, and is then transferred to the third analysis unit. And / or a particular sample is taken in the second analysis unit. On the other hand, when the re-measurement of the specific sample is not required, the specific sample rack which has been waiting in the standby unit is delivered to the rack transport device via the return line, and is returned to the third analysis unit and / or the third analysis unit. A specific sample is taken in two analysis units.

In the method for handling a biological sample according to the present invention, a sample rack having a sample is positioned in at least one of a plurality of analysis units, and a sample collected from the sample rack is analyzed by the analysis unit. A sample is processed by a dispensing device having a first analysis unit having a dispensing device using a disposable nozzle tip and a second analysis unit having a dispensing device using a pipette nozzle used repeatedly. Transporting a specific sample rack having a specific sample to be analyzed in the first and second analysis units to the first analysis unit prior to transport to the second analysis unit;
Collecting a specific sample in the first analysis unit, temporarily holding a specific sample rack sampled in the first analysis unit in a standby unit before sending it to the second analysis unit, Determining the necessity of re-measurement by the first analysis unit with respect to the sample. If the result of the determination is no re-measurement, transport the specific sample rack from the standby unit to the second analysis unit, and use the pipette nozzle. If a specific sample is collected and the result of the determination regarding the specific sample requires re-measurement, the specific sample rack is transported from the standby unit to the first analysis unit, and the first analysis rack is re-measured. A specific sample is collected by the unit, and a specific sample rack that has been sampled for re-measurement is transported to the second analysis unit and specified by the pipette nozzle. Taking a sample, and wherein the.

Further, in the method for handling a biological sample according to the present invention, a screen for selecting an analysis item for each sample is displayed on a display device, and the influence of carry-over between samples on the selected analysis item is avoided. An instruction field that can indicate that there is a need is displayed on the display device. Then, when a sample to be analyzed together with the analysis item indicated to need to avoid the carryover and the analysis item not indicated to need to avoid the carryover through the display device is taken by the analysis unit. Then, after completing the sampling of the analysis item for which the necessity of the avoidance is indicated, the sampling of the analysis item for which the necessity of the avoidance is not indicated is executed. In this case, information indicating that it is necessary to avoid carryover is stored in the storage unit for the analysis item for which the need to avoid carryover is indicated, and when the same analysis item is subsequently selected, the stored information is stored. Is output to the display device.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sample container containing a biological sample such as serum, plasma or urine is handled in a state of being loaded on a sample rack as a container holder. The sample rack may be any as long as it can hold one or more sample containers, but the following embodiment shows an example that can hold up to five sample containers.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied. In FIG.
The rack supply device 10 operates to supply the sample rack 2 to the rack transport line 60 of the rack transport device.
The rack supply device 10 has an area on which a tray in which a plurality of sample racks are arranged can be placed, and an identification reading unit 15.
A sample rack 2 having a sample is provided in the rack supply device 10.
, And may be referred to as a rack insertion unit.
The sample racks 2 put into the rack supply device are pushed out one by one to the entrance side of the rack transport line 60 by a known rack pushing mechanism. The pushed sample rack 2 is moved to the reading position of the identification reading unit 15 by a moving device such as a movable hook.

The sample rack 2 is, for example, a support having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and can hold a plurality of sample containers 5 in a line along the length direction of the sample rack. A bar code label on which rack identification information including a rack type and a rack number is encoded is attached to such a sample rack 2. Each sample container 5 has a barcode label on which sample information such as a container identification number, a patient code, a medical department code, and a sample reception number is encoded.

The automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 includes a rack storage section 30 in which the sample racks 2 transported by the rack transport line 60 are stored neatly. Rack supply device 1
0 and the rack storage unit 30, a rack transport line 60
Along the line, the electrolyte item analysis unit 300, the immune item or DNA item analysis unit 100, the biochemical item analysis unit 200, and the standby unit 20 as a standby unit are arranged in this order from the side closer to the rack supply device.

The electrolyte item analysis unit 300 dispenses a sample from the sample rack stopped at the sample collection position of the analysis unit 300 on the rack transport line 60 to a dilution container 305 built in the analysis unit 300. It has an injection device 302. This dispensing device 302
Has a repeated use pipette nozzle, i.e. a dispensing nozzle commonly used for different samples,
The sample in the sample container on the sample rack is sucked and held in the pipette nozzle, and the held predetermined amount of the sample is discharged to the dilution container 305. The sample diluted with the diluent in the dilution container 305 is led to a flow cell by a suction pipe (not shown), and electrolyte components such as sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions contained in the sample are disposed in the flow cell. It is measured by the ion selection electrode corresponding to each ion. The analysis unit control unit 301 incorporated in the analysis unit 300 performs an operation for calculating the concentration of each electrolyte component based on the detection signal of each ion, and reports the obtained measurement value to the overall control unit 50.

Analysis unit 1 for immunity items or DNA items
00 uses a disposable nozzle tip as will be described later, sucks and holds a sample into the nozzle tip from a sample container on a sample rack positioned at a sample collection position of the bypass line 61, and holds a predetermined amount of the held sample. A dispensing device 102 operable to discharge a sample to a reaction container on a reaction disk 103 is provided. The dispensing device 102 changes the nozzle tip as the sample is changed. For example, when there is only one analysis item to be analyzed in the analysis unit 100 with respect to the previous sample, the dispensing apparatus 102 sets one for the previous sample.
After each sampling operation, the used nozzle tip is removed and a new nozzle tip is mounted. On the other hand, when there are three analysis items to be analyzed in the analysis unit 100 with respect to the next sample, the dispensing apparatus 102 removes the used nozzle tip after performing three sampling operations on three reaction vessels. Install a new nozzle tip for subsequent samples.

When the analysis unit 100 is a unit for analyzing an immunological analysis item, the sample collected on the reaction disk 103 is mixed with a reagent for an immune reaction, and after the immune reaction between the sample and the reagent, the sample becomes necessary. The analysis item is measured through further steps accordingly. In this case, immune response is a synonym for antigen-antibody reaction. Analysis unit 1
When 00 is a unit for analyzing a DNA analysis item, the sample collected in the reaction disk 103 is mixed with a nucleic acid analysis reagent, and after the hybridization reaction, the site to which the label is bound is cleaved with a restriction enzyme. Then, the analysis result of the DNA analysis item is obtained based on the measurement of the label.

One embodiment for obtaining a measurement value of an immunoanalytical item using an immune reaction between a sample and a reagent is a method of measuring a labeling substance using a solid phase such as magnetic particles sensitized with an antibody. is there. For example, an analyte in a sample and a solid phase are bound by an immunoreaction, and a reagent having a labeling substance is bound to the first complex by an immunoreaction, and then the solid phase and the liquid phase are separated. The separated liquid phase is introduced into a flow cell, and the labeling substance is measured by fluorescence photometry or chemiluminescence photometry. Alternatively, the solid phase after the liquid phase separation is led to a photometric position, and the label bound on the solid phase is measured by a chemiluminescence method or an electrochemiluminescence method. Analysis unit control unit 101 built in analysis unit 100
Manages operation control of each mechanism in the analysis unit 100 and calculation of measurement data of analysis items.

As will be described later, the biochemical item analysis unit 200 includes a dispensing device 202 for collecting a sample using a pipette nozzle that is used repeatedly, that is, a commonly used dispensing nozzle. This dispensing device 202
Sucks and holds a sample from the sample container on the sample rack positioned at the sample collection position of the bypass line 62 through the rack transfer line 60 near the tip of the pipette nozzle, and transfers the held predetermined amount of the sample to the reaction disk 2.
It operates so as to be discharged to the reaction container on 03. The chemical reaction between the sample and the reagent proceeds in the reaction vessel, and the optical characteristics of the formed reaction solution are measured. In this example, the reaction solution is optically measured in a state where the reaction solution is contained in the reaction container, and the measured value of the biochemical analysis item is obtained. Analysis unit 20
The analysis unit control unit 201 incorporated in the control unit 0 controls the operation of each mechanism in the analysis unit 200 and calculates measurement data of analysis items.

In the analyzer shown in FIG. 1, a rack transport device for transporting a sample rack having a sample includes a rack transport line 60 and a bypass line 6 for the analysis unit 100.
1 and a bypass line 62 for the analysis unit 200. Each of the bypass lines 61 and 62 is a rack transfer line 6
0, the sample rack is received from the rack transport line 60 on the upstream side of the bypass line, and the sample rack on which the sample has been dispensed is transferred to the rack transport line 60 on the downstream side of the bypass line. Rack transfer line 60 and bypass lines 61 and 6
The sample rack on 2 is transported to a predetermined position by a known transport unit that drives a belt conveyor or a movable hook by a motor.

The sample rack 2 having a sample is positioned in at least one of the plurality of analysis units. After a sample is collected from the sample rack in the corresponding analysis unit, the sample rack 2 is transported to the standby unit 20. The sample rack that may be retested is waited in the standby unit 20 until the control unit determines whether remeasurement is necessary. The sample rack that has entered the standby unit 20 is moved in a u-shape. The sample rack in which the measurement result of the analysis unit is determined to be unnecessary for all the samples on the sample rack is immediately stored in the rack storage unit 30.
However, a sample rack having a sample whose measurement result in the relevant analysis unit is determined to require re-measurement is transferred from the standby unit 20 to the return line 65, and is returned to the entrance side of the rack transport line 60 by the return line 65. The sample is conveyed to the rack conveyance line 60 again, conveyed to the analysis unit to be re-measured, and receives a sample.

As described above, the standby unit 20 temporarily suspends the sample rack which has been subjected to the sampling in any one of the plurality of analysis units. Sample racks received are treated specially. That is, three analysis units 100 and 2
00 and 300 or two analysis units 100 and 2
00, the sample indicated to require the analysis measurement by 00 is referred to as a specific sample, and the sample rack having the specific sample is referred to as a specific sample rack for convenience. Prior to transfer to the immunization item analysis unit 100, a specific sample is first collected by a nozzle tip connected to the dispensing device 102 prior to transfer to the immunization item analysis unit 100. The specific sample rack is put into the standby unit 20 without stopping at another analysis unit. Then, when it is determined that the re-measurement of the specific sample is necessary based on the result of the measurement by the analysis unit 100, the specific sample rack waiting in the standby unit 20 is returned via the return line 65. Deliver to the rack transport device.

The specific sample rack for re-measurement can be used for the analysis unit 1 for the immunity item without stopping at another analysis unit.
00 and transported by a rack transporter to take a specific sample for re-measurement. At this time, the dispensing device 1
A new pipette tip is connected to the nozzle connection tube 02. Such an operation is performed when only one sample container is held in the sample rack. In the case of a plurality of samples, it is necessary to satisfy the collection of all the samples, so that the operation of transporting the sample rack becomes complicated. .

The operations of the rack supply device 10, the standby unit 20, the rack storage unit 30, the transfer device including the transfer line 60, and the return line 65 in FIG. 1 are controlled by the general control unit 50. The reading result of the bar code reader 16 as the identification information reading device of the sample rack and the sample container of the rack supply device 10 is also transmitted to the general control unit 50. The overall control unit 50 includes a storage unit 51, an operation unit 52 having a keyboard, and a CRT 5 as a screen display device.
3. Printer 5 for outputting analysis results of each sample
4 and a floppy disk memory 55 storing an operation program of the analyzer.

The items to be analyzed for each sample on each sample rack are specified in advance by the operation unit 52 before the start of the analysis operation, and are stored in the storage unit 51. The information read by the code reader 16 is collated with the analysis item information already stored, and the analysis unit to which each sample rack is to be transported can be determined based on the collation result.

The example of FIG. 1 shows an example in which one analysis unit 100 used for analysis and measurement of immunological analysis items and one analysis unit 200 used for analysis and measurement of biochemical analysis items are arranged. Each of these analysis units is arranged along the rack transfer line 60, respectively.
More than one unit can be arranged.

Next, details of a configuration example of an analysis unit for an immune analysis item will be described with reference to FIGS. The analysis unit 100 includes a dispensing device 102 for collecting a sample, a reaction disk 103 having a function of maintaining a constant temperature and capable of rotating and transferring a mounted reaction container 105, and a reagent bottle 117 in which a plurality of types of reagents are combined for each analysis item. Are arranged along the circumference and are rotatable reagent disk 115, reagent dispensing pipetter 110 for dispensing reagent from reagent bottle 117 to reaction vessel 105 on reaction disk 103, and sample formed on reaction disk 103 Detection unit 1
Shipper mechanism 130 to be introduced into 40, parts supply area 1
And a transport mechanism 120 for transporting the unused reaction vessel 105 and the unused nozzle tip 125 to a predetermined position by a gripper.

The dispensing device 102 for sampling is shown in FIG.
Has a connecting pipe 104 to which a disposable nozzle tip 125 as shown in FIG. The connecting pipe 104 is communicated with a pump system 109 having a suction / discharge mechanism, and is held by a movable arm 106 that performs a vertical movement and a horizontal turning movement.

When the analysis operation is started, the transport mechanism 120
Holds the disposable unused reaction container 105 placed in the component supply area 135 by the grip portion 128 and transports it to the reaction disk 103, releases the grip at the position 121, and places the reaction container on the reaction disk. . Next, the transport mechanism 120 holds the unused nozzle tip 125 placed in the component supply area 135 by the holding unit 128, releases the holding at the coupling position 107, and places the nozzle tip.

The sample rack 2 transported from the rack supply device 10 via the rack transport line 60 is
00 to the bypass line 61, where the sample is taken
Moved to 111. The dispensing device 102 includes the movable arm 10
6 is positioned at the coupling position 107, the connecting pipe 104 is lowered, and an unused nozzle tip 125 is fitted to the tip of the connecting pipe 104 (see FIG. 3). Next, the dispensing device 102 pivots the connecting tube 104 to the collection position, inserts the tip of the nozzle tip 125 slightly below the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 5 on the sample rack, and dispenses a predetermined amount of sample. It is sucked and held in the nozzle tip 125.

Since the unused reaction vessel 105 has been moved from the position 121 to the discharge position 112, the dispensing device 102
Discharges a predetermined amount of the sample held in the nozzle tip 125 into the reaction vessel 105 at the discharge position 112. After the required number of samplings for one sample, the dispensing device 102 disconnects the connecting pipe 104 to the disengagement position 1.
08, the used nozzle tip 125 is removed from the connecting pipe 104. The operation of removing the nozzle tip is achieved by bringing the upper end face of the nozzle tip into contact with the lower surface of the split groove that is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 104 and smaller than the outer diameter of the upper end of the nozzle tip 125 and raises the connecting pipe 104. You. The removed nozzle tip is collected in a waste box. When there are a plurality of analysis items to be analyzed by the analysis unit 100 with respect to the sample in the same sample container,
After one nozzle tip is continuously used for sampling those analysis items, the nozzle tip is removed from the connecting pipe 104. This reduces the number of wear of the nozzle tip.

The reaction container receiving the sample is moved to the reagent receiving position 113 by the reaction disk 103. The reagent dispensing pipetter 110 sucks the dispersion liquid of the magnetic fine particles as the solid phase into the pipette nozzle at the position 118 and discharges the dispersion liquid to the reaction container on the reagent receiving position 113. Along with this, a first immune reaction in which an analyte, for example, an antigen in the sample binds to the solid phase is started. After a predetermined time, the reagent dispensing pipetter 110 discharges the reagent containing the labeling substance sucked into the pipette nozzle at the position 119 to the reaction container again positioned at the reagent receiving position 113. Accordingly, a second immune reaction in which the labeling substance binds to the analyte in the reaction container is started. The pipette nozzle of the reagent dispensing pipetter 110 is washed and used each time the reagent is dispensed.

Thereafter, the reaction vessel 105 containing the reaction solution for the immune reaction is positioned at the suction position 114 by the reaction disk 103. The sipper mechanism 130 introduces the reaction liquid from the reaction container at the suction position 114 to the detection unit 140 through the suction nozzle. In the detection unit 140, a liquid phase containing a substance not bound to the magnetic particles flows while the magnetic particles are being adsorbed on the wall surface of the flow channel by the magnet. Thereby, a solid phase and a liquid phase are separated. The separated liquid phase is led to a measurement unit, and the fluorescence or chemiluminescence of the labeling substance contained in the liquid phase is measured. Alternatively, the measurement is performed by generating chemiluminescence or electrochemiluminescence on the labeling substance bonded to the magnetic particles with the analyte interposed therebetween by using both the separation site and the measurement unit. Thereafter, the sipper mechanism 130 suctions the cleaning liquid from the cleaning tank 131 through the suction nozzle, and the detection unit 1
The inside of the channel 40 is washed. The used reaction container is removed from the reaction disk 103 at the position 121 by the transport mechanism.

Next, an example of the configuration of the analysis unit for biochemical analysis items in FIG. 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the analysis unit 200 for analyzing and processing the biochemical analysis items includes a translucent reaction vessel 205.
Are arranged concentrically. Water maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.) is supplied to the constant temperature bath of the reaction disk 203 from a constant temperature water supply device 230.
There are two reagent supply systems, and the first reagent disk 215
The reagent selected from the many reagent bottles 217 arranged according to the analysis item is dispensed to the reaction vessel 205 on the reaction disk 203 by the reagent dispensing pipetter 210,
A reagent selected from a large number of reagent bottles 218 arranged on the second reagent disk 216 according to the analysis item is dispensed by the reagent dispensing pipetter 211 to the reaction vessel 205 on the reaction disk. The stirring device 219 stirs the mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel.

The dispensing apparatus 202 for collecting a sample is provided with a pipette nozzle 225 capable of sucking and discharging a liquid. The pipette nozzle is connected to a sample collecting position on the bypass line 62 and a sample discharging position 204 on the reaction disk 203. And the probe cleaning tank 207. The pipette nozzle 225 dispensing one sample on the sample rack 2 cleans the outer wall and the inner wall of the pipette nozzle with a cleaning liquid in the probe cleaning tank 207 before collecting another sample. Used repeatedly for.

The reaction liquid of the sample and the reagent formed in the reaction vessel 205 on the reaction disk 203 is irradiated with a light beam from the multi-wavelength light source 235 in a state of being accommodated in the reaction vessel. The light transmitted through the reaction vessel is a multi-wavelength photometer 24.
The light is spectrally separated by 0, the wavelength corresponding to the analysis item is selectively detected, and the photometric signal is digitized by the analog-digital converter 245, input to the analysis unit control unit 201, and subjected to arithmetic processing. The photometric reaction vessel is washed in a vessel washing section (not shown) and moved to a sample discharge position so that a new sample can be received.

In the analysis unit 200 shown in FIG. 4, the sample rack 2 transported via the rack transport line 60 and transferred to the bypass line 62 is positioned at a sampling position on the bypass line 62. The pipetting device 202 inserts the tip of the pipette nozzle 225 slightly below the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 5 at the sample collection position, sucks and holds a predetermined amount of the sample near the nozzle tip, and places the pipette nozzle 225 in the vicinity. It moves to the sample discharge position 204 in the reaction vessel row. Then, the sample held in the nozzle is discharged into the cleaned reaction container 205 at the discharge position.

The reaction vessel 205 receiving the sample is
The reaction disk 203 is moved to the position where the first reagent is added, and the reagent dispensing pipetter 210 dispenses the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item. Next, the mixture in the reaction vessel is stirred by the stirring mechanism 219, and the chemical reaction between the sample and the reagent proceeds. In the case of an analysis item requiring the second reagent, the second reagent is further added by the reagent dispensing pipetter 211 at the addition position of the second reagent. The reaction vessel containing the reaction solution is transferred across the light beam at the photometry position 241, the absorbance of the reaction solution is determined based on the transmitted light at that time, and the analysis unit control unit 201 determines the absorbance of the measurement target in the sample. The concentration or the enzyme activity value is calculated and stored in the storage unit 51 of the overall control unit 50.

Next, an operation example of the automatic analyzer in the embodiment of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Prior to the start of the analysis operation, the analysis items required for each patient-derived sample are input through the operation unit 52. Each sample is usually requested to analyze a plurality of analysis items. In this automatic analyzer, analysis items for which it is highly necessary to avoid carryover of the sample are set in advance and stored in the storage unit 51 of the overall control unit 50.

When an instruction to set analysis conditions is given from the operation unit 52, an analysis condition setting screen 70 is displayed on the CRT 53 as a screen display device. As shown in FIG. 5, the screen 70 has a routine operation screen call button 7
1. Reagent management screen call button 72, calibration screen call button 73, accuracy management screen call button 7
4 and a utility screen call button 75 are arranged. By pressing each button with a finger by a touch panel method or by operating a mouse or the like and clicking with a pointer, the corresponding screen is displayed in the center part. . FIG. 5 shows an example of instructing the utility screen call button 75 to call the corresponding screen. Analysis condition setting screen 7
A help button 76 is arranged below 0, and when this button is designated, an explanation is displayed for screen operation.

In the left or right area of the analysis condition setting screen 70, a stop instruction button 81 for the analyzer and a stop instruction button 8 for stopping the sampling operation during the analysis operation are provided.
2, a call button 83 on the alarm screen, a call button 84 on the screen showing the status of each analysis unit and the rack transport,
A print instruction button 85 for the printer 54, a start instruction button 86 for the analyzer, and the like are arranged. The above-described buttons are always displayed while the analysis condition setting screen 70 is displayed.

Now, a utility screen call button 75
Is selected, the display area 150 shows the system 15
1, a maintenance 152, an application 153, a calculation item 154, a carryover 155, a report 156, a screen call button of a unit configuration 157, an addition instruction button 161, a database write instruction button 162 for a floppy disk memory, and a button 162 A delete instruction button 163 and a read instruction button 164 from the floppy disk memory appear. When the application screen call button 153 is selected in this state, a list 170 showing a plurality of analysis items and sample types appears, and detailed screen call buttons 171 to 174 appear.

Further, when the analysis button 171 is selected from the detail screen call buttons, the display area 180 is displayed.
A screen as shown in FIG. 5 appears. That is, a sample amount setting column 181, a reagent dispensing amount setting column 182, a carryover avoidance level setting column 183 between samples, and a storage instruction button 184 are displayed.

In the screen shown in FIG. 5, the analysis items displayed in the list 170 are TSH for thyrotropin and T4 for thyroxin.
ne) and FT4 is free thyroxine
ne) and T3 is triiodothyronine (tri-iodoth
yronine) and CEA is a carcino-emb
ryonic antigen), HCG is human chorionic gonadotropin, TNT is troponin T, HBsAg is hepatitis B surface antigen, and a
-HBs are antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen. Incidentally, these are all immunoassay items.

Now, among the analysis items in the list 170, H
BsAg is selected, 30 μl is input as a sample collection amount in the sample amount setting column 181, and 70 μl is set as the addition amount of the first reagent R 1 in the reagent dispensing amount setting column 182.
μl, 60 μl as the addition amount of the second reagent R2, and 40 μl as the addition amount of the bead reagent are input. It is also assumed that the user selects and instructs the “high” level of “high” and “low” in the carryover avoidance level setting column 183. High and low levels are selected with the level selection button 187. Next, a storage instruction button 184
Is selected, the avoidance level of the carry-over between samples is indicated in association with the analysis item, together with the sample amount and the reagent dispensed amount, with respect to the analysis item of HBsAg, and is stored in the storage unit 51.

Next, another analysis item displayed in the list 170 is selected, and the sample amount, reagent dispensing amount,
By setting the carryover avoidance level and the carryover avoidance level in accordance with the item, these conditions can be set one after another. Further, by selecting a plurality of analysis items from the list 170 and designating a common carryover avoidance level, it is possible to collectively designate the carryover avoidance level for a plurality of analysis items. Will be possible.

The “high” level in the carryover avoidance level setting column 183 is for causing the sampling to be performed under the condition that there is no carryover between the samples, and specifically, is replaced with a new one for each sample. The general control unit 50 controls the transport destination of the corresponding sample rack so that the dispensing device using the disposable nozzle tip performs sample collection. When “high level” is instructed for a specific analysis item, the storage unit 51 stores a specific analysis item that requires dispensing with a disposable nozzle tip. In contrast, "low"
Is an indication that sample collection may be performed using a pipetting device having a pipette nozzle that is repeatedly used for a large number of samples by washing.
The analysis item corresponding to this can be analyzed and measured by the analysis unit 200 and / or the analysis unit 300 in FIG.

The analysis conditions set on the setting screen as shown in FIG. 5 are continuously used for each analysis item unless the conditions are changed thereafter. Therefore, when an examination of a patient sample is requested and an analysis item described later is input, the analysis conditions set in FIG. 5 are automatically applied.

As described above, in the analyzer of FIG.
For an analysis item that has a special need to avoid carryover between samples, that is, is indicated as being at the “high” level, the indicating information is stored in the storage unit. Then, when the same analysis item as the designated analysis item is selected through the analysis condition setting screen 70 for the subsequent new analysis condition setting, the stored information, that is, the information indicating the need to avoid carryover is displayed. It operates to be output to a display device. In the case of the example of FIG. 5, if an analysis item is selected, “high” is displayed in the setting column 183.

Next, the operation of the operator at the start of daily analysis work will be described. When a routine operation screen call button 71 is selected on the analysis condition setting screen 70, an item selection screen as shown in FIG.
3 is displayed. In this screen, a sample type selection field 251, a sample number input field 252, a patient identification number input field 253, a sample cup type selection field 254, an analysis item selection area 255, a pre-sample instruction button 256, and a rear specimen instruction button 257, a registration instruction button 258 is displayed. Of these, the analysis item selection area 255 has a reservation registration function for 5 pages, and each page has 24 functions.
It has an item input column or an analysis item selection column. When the pre-sample instruction button 256 is selected, the analysis item information on the sample immediately before the currently displayed sample is displayed instead of the currently displayed content. When the post-specimen instruction button 257 is selected, the analysis item information on the sample immediately after the currently displayed sample is displayed.

The screen shown in FIG. 6 shows the analysis item selected on the first page of the analysis item selection area 255. The analysis items displayed are those in which AST is aspartate aminotransferase (aspartate).
ALT, and ALT is alanine aminotransferase.
nsferase) and IP is inorganic phosph
orus) and TP is total protein (A)
lb is albumin, LD is lactated ehydrogenase, UA is uric acid, and CRE is creatinine.
inine), Na is a sodium ion, and K is a potassium ion.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which ten biochemical analysis items to be analyzed on the first page are selected for the serum sample having the sample number 1. FIG. 7 shows an example in which seven immune analysis items to be analyzed on the second page of the analysis item selection area 255 are selected for samples having the same sample number. After the input of all the analysis items requested to be inspected for the same sample is completed, by selecting the registration instruction button 258, a plurality of analysis items for the corresponding sample are reserved for analysis and measurement, and stored in the storage unit 51. . Since the screen of the display area 150 is updated by this registration operation, the analysis item relating to the sample of the next sample number can be selected. In this way, the operator performs the analysis item selecting operation for all the samples requested to be inspected one after another. In the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, 17 analysis items have been registered for the sample with the sample number 1.

When a button 72 for calling a reagent management screen on the analysis condition setting screen 70 is selected, a setting screen for an analysis item to be analyzed and measured for each analysis unit in the analyzer of FIG. 1 is displayed. Such assignment of analysis items to each analysis unit is performed in advance before inputting requested analysis items for each sample as shown in FIG. When assigning which analysis item is to be processed to each analysis unit, the level of avoidance of carryover between samples set in FIG. 5 is reflected. That is, the “high” level analysis item is assigned to the analysis unit 100 having the dispensing device using the disposable nozzle tip.

On the other hand, when designating items to be analyzed for each sample during routine work, the relationship between the analysis items and the level of avoidance of carry-over and the analysis items assigned to each analysis unit are already determined by the automatic analyzer. Since the control unit is registered in the control unit, the control unit collates, for example, the requested analysis item relating to the sample with the sample number 1, and determines which analysis unit of the plurality of analysis units performs the analysis processing on the sample. In the sample of sample number 1, the electrolyte component relates to the analysis unit 300, the immunological analysis item relates to the analysis unit 100, and the biochemical analysis item relates to the analysis unit. Will be analyzed by the analysis unit. When setting analysis conditions for each analysis item through the screens shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a screen for selecting an analysis item for which the analysis condition is to be set is displayed on the display device, and the screen is selected on the screen. An indication column is displayed on the display device, which can indicate that it is necessary to avoid the effect of carry-over between samples for the analysis item that has been set. Thereafter, the analysis units 100, 200, and 300 analyze the analysis items indicated to need to avoid the carryover and the analysis items not indicated to need to avoid the carryover through the display device.
When sampling is performed by the analysis unit, sampling of analysis items for which the necessity of avoidance is not instructed is executed after sampling of the analysis item for which necessity of avoidance is instructed.

Next, an example of sample handling by the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 will be described. Here, for convenience, the first sample rack first supplied from the rack supply device 10 to the rack transport line 60 holds a single sample for analyzing and measuring the electrolyte analysis item and the biochemical analysis item.
It is assumed that the second sample rack supplied first holds a single sample for analyzing and measuring an electrolyte analysis item, an immune analysis item, and a biochemical analysis item. If multiple samples are loaded in the same sample rack,
In the sample rack, a transport route is determined so that sampling of analysis items related to all samples is performed.

The first sample rack pushed out from the rack supply device 10 to the entrance of the transfer device is positioned at the reading position of the identification reading section 15 and reads the sample information of the bar code label attached to the sample container with a bar code reader. 16
Read by The overall control unit 50 compares the read information with the information on the analysis conditions instructed for the sample, and based on the comparison result, determines that there is no specific analysis item that requires sampling by the nozzle tip. And the requested analysis item corresponding to the analysis item assigned to each analysis unit, and the analysis unit to which the first sample rack should drop in is determined.

Since the first sample rack has only samples that do not need to be analyzed by the immunity item analysis unit 100, the first sample rack stops at the electrolyte item analysis unit 300 arranged from the side close to the rack supply device 10. The general control unit 50 decides to convey so as to drop by the biochemical item analysis unit 200. That is, the sample racks in this case are transported so as to drop in as needed in the arrangement order of the plurality of analysis units. Each of the analysis unit 200 and the analysis unit 300 is an analysis unit having a pipetting device using a pipette nozzle that is used repeatedly.

The first sample rack from which the identification information has been read is moved to the sample collection position of the analysis unit 300 for electrolyte items, and a part of the sample on the sample rack is sucked by the dispensing device 302 as a receiving container. Is discharged to the dilution container 305. The first sample rack for which the sample collection in the analysis unit 300 has been completed is conveyed to the biochemical item analysis unit 200 without stopping at the immune item analysis unit. The first sample rack is temporarily stopped at the entrance of the bypass line 62, subsequently moved to the bypass line 62, and positioned at a sampling position on the bypass line 62. The pipetting device 202 repeats the operation of pipetting the sample in the sample container on the first sample rack to the number of reaction containers 205 corresponding to the number of items to be analyzed by the pipette nozzle 225. When sampling of the predetermined number of analysis items is completed, the first sample rack is moved to the rack transport line 60, and then the standby unit 2
It is conveyed into 0.

The result of the analysis measurement by each analysis unit is as follows:
If the control unit determines that re-measurement is unnecessary, the first sample rack exits the standby unit 20 and is stored in the rack storage unit 30. If the control unit determines that the analysis measurement result of the analysis unit 200 requires re-measurement for one or more analysis items, the first sample rack which has been waiting in the standby unit 20 is returned to the return line. It is transferred to the entrance side of the transfer line 60 and then transferred again to the analysis unit 200 by the transfer line. After the number of samples corresponding to the number of analysis items for re-measurement has been collected, the first sample rack is stored in the rack storage unit 30 via the transport line 60. Analysis units 200 and 30 for samples on first sample rack
The analysis result based on 0 can be output to the CRT 53 and the printer 54.

While the first sample rack is being processed, the second sample rack can be supplied from the rack supply device 10 to the entrance side of the rack transport device. The bar code reader 16 reads the sample information displayed as a bar code on the outer wall of the sample container from the second sample rack moved to the reading position of the identification reading unit 15. The control unit collates the analysis condition setting information, the instruction information input or selected from the operation unit 52, and the read information with respect to the sample on the second sample rack, and determines an analysis unit to be stopped by the second sample rack. Since the biological sample held in the second sample rack is instructed to analyze and measure an electrolyte analysis item, an immune analysis item, and a biochemical analysis item, the second sample rack has three analysis units in the configuration example of FIG. 100,
It is decided to stop at 200 and 300.

In this case, the control unit recognizes that a plurality of analysis items instructed to be analyzed include a specific analysis item that needs to be dispensed by a disposable nozzle tip, and accordingly, the A decision is made to first transport the second sample rack to the analysis unit 100 that can perform the note. Based on this determination, the control unit controls the operation of the rack transport device so that the second sample rack is transported to the analysis unit 100 prior to transport to another analysis unit.
The analysis items assigned to the analysis unit 100 are not limited to the immunological analysis items, and even the biochemical analysis items are set to have the carryover avoidance level “high” between the samples as shown in FIG. If the analysis item is used, a sample is collected for the analysis item.

The second sample rack in the identification reading section 15 does not stop at the analysis unit 300 closest to the rack supply device based on the above-described determination of the transport order.
It is carried into the bypass line 61 corresponding to the second analysis unit 100 in the arrangement order via the rack transfer line 60,
It is positioned at a sampling position on the bypass line 61. The dispensing apparatus 102 couples an unused disposable nozzle tip 125 to the connecting pipe 104 and performs a dispensing operation of the same sample on the second sample rack to the reaction vessels 105 corresponding to the number of the indicated analysis items. repeat. The second sample rack that has received the sample by the nozzle tip is moved from the bypass line 61 to the rack transport line 60 and transported to the standby unit 20 without stopping at the third analysis unit 200 in the arrangement order.

While the second sample rack is temporarily on standby in the standby unit 20, the analysis measurement result of the analysis unit 100 for the corresponding sample is obtained. The control unit is
Based on the analysis measurement result by the analysis unit 100, it is determined whether or not re-measurement is necessary for each of the measured analysis items. If the determination result indicates that re-measurement is unnecessary for any of the analysis items, the second sample rack waiting in the standby unit 20 is moved to the return line 65, and the rack is returned by the return line 65. It is transported to the entrance side of the transport line 60. Next, the second sample rack stops at the analysis unit 300 for electrolyte items, and
A specific sample is collected by the second pipette nozzle. Next, the second sample rack is placed in the third analysis unit 20 in the third
The pipette nozzle 2 of the pipetting device 202 is transported to the
25 to obtain a specific sample.

Analysis unit 300 and analysis unit 20
The second sample rack that has received the sample at 0 is transported to the standby unit 20 and temporarily stands by. Then, the necessity of re-measurement is determined based on the analysis measurement results by the second and third analysis units. If re-measurement is unnecessary, the re-measurement is stored in the rack storage unit 30. The sample is conveyed again to the analysis unit 300 and / or the analysis unit 200 via the return line 65 to receive a sample for re-measurement. Thereafter, the second sample rack is transported to and stored in the rack storage unit 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined that re-measurement is required for any of the analysis items based on the analysis and measurement results by the immunity item analysis unit 100, the control unit proceeds to the second sample rack. Is transported as follows. That is, the second sample rack holding the specific sample is delivered from the standby unit 20 to the return line 65,
It is transported to the entrance side of the rack transport line 60 by the return line 65, and delivered to the rack transport line. The rack transport line 60 transports the second sample rack to the bypass line 61 corresponding to the analysis unit 100 without stopping at the analysis unit 300. At this point, sampling of the second sample rack by the other analysis units 200 and 300 has not been performed.

The dispensing device 102 of the analysis unit 100
A specific sample on the second sample rack positioned at the sample collection position on the bypass line 61 is subjected to a reaction container 105 on the reaction disk 103 for re-measurement of an analysis item determined to require re-measurement. Dispense using a new disposable nozzle tip.

The second sample has been taken for remeasurement.
The sample rack is temporarily moved to the rack transport line 60,
The bypass line 6 corresponding to the analysis unit 200 immediately
Conveyed to 2. Then, the first sampling by the pipette nozzle 225 of the dispensing device 202 is received. The second sample rack, which has received a sample for a specific sample, is moved to the return line 65 via the rack transport line 60, and then transferred to the rack transport line 60 and transported to the analysis unit 300. And the dispensing device 302
Receive a first sample for a particular sample with a pipette nozzle.

Alternatively, when the sampling of the analysis unit 100 for re-measurement is completed, the second sample rack is moved to the rack transport line 60 and then to the return line 65, where It can be controlled so that the sample is conveyed from the inlet side of the sample, and then the analysis unit 300 and then the analysis unit 200 receive a sample for a specific sample. In any case, the second sample rack that has been sampled by the analysis units 200 and 300 is placed in the standby unit 2
0, and temporarily waits until it is determined whether re-measurement by those analysis units is necessary. The transport operation for the second sample rack after the determination of the necessity of re-measurement is the same as that described above.

Depending on the patient sample, analysis of only one of the three analysis units of FIG. 1, analysis by two analysis units of immunity and biochemistry, or analysis of immunity and electrolytes by two
In some cases, analysis by one analysis unit is sufficient. In the case of a sample to be analyzed and measured by the analysis unit 100 and the analysis unit 200 or 300, first, a sample is collected by the analysis unit 100, and then a sample for re-measurement is executed by the same analysis unit 100. The unit 200 or 300 is configured to perform an operation of collecting a sample in the same sample container.

As described above, in the apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, after the sampling by the analysis unit having the dispensing device using the disposable nozzle tip is completed, the dispensing using the pipette nozzle which is washed and used repeatedly is performed. Since the analysis unit having the device is configured to collect samples in the same sample container, it is possible to analyze and measure analysis items that must avoid the influence of carryover between samples with high reliability while maintaining high reliability. it can. In addition, since analysis items that are not so strongly affected by carry-over between samples are collected by a dispenser using a pipette nozzle that is used repeatedly, the processing capacity of the entire analyzer does not need to be significantly reduced. This is because there are overwhelmingly many items to be analyzed using a pipette nozzle, compared to items that require the use of a disposable nozzle tip.

Next, the structure of another embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The automatic analyzer for analyzing a biological sample in FIG. 8 includes a sample container transfer device 800, a first analysis unit 810 for analyzing and measuring an immunological analysis item,
Second analysis unit 82 for analyzing and measuring biochemical analysis items
0 is provided. The sample container transfer device 800 has a rotatable sample disk 801 capable of holding a large number of sample containers 802 in a circle.

The first dispensing device 830 is a dispensing device that uses a disposable nozzle tip by exchanging it for each sample. The second dispensing device 840 is a dispensing device that uses a pipette nozzle that is washed and used repeatedly. First
In the analysis unit 810, a large number of reaction vessels 812 can be exchangeably arranged on a reaction disk 811. The analysis unit 810 includes a reaction vessel exchange device 813 for replacing used reaction vessels with unused reaction vessels. Reaction disk 8
The necessary reagents corresponding to the immunological analysis items are dispensed from the reagent supply unit 816 to the reaction container 812 on 11.

The first dispensing device 830 can connect a disposable unused nozzle tip on the tip supply device 814 to the tip connecting tube. The used nozzle tip is removed from the connection pipe and discarded in the waste box 815. The first analysis unit 810 includes a measurement unit that measures a reaction solution or a solid phase after an immune reaction. The reaction disk 821 in the second analysis unit 820 has a row of translucent reaction vessels 822. In those reaction vessels 822,
A necessary reagent according to the biochemical analysis item is dispensed from the reagent supply unit 826. The second analysis unit 820 includes a measurement unit that measures optical characteristics of the reaction solution after the chemical reaction.

In the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that a specific sample which needs to analyze and measure both the immunological analysis item and the biochemical analysis item is contained in one specific sample container 802. When the analysis is started for such a specific sample, the corresponding specific sample container is positioned at the sampling position a by the sample disk 801. Then, a part of the specific sample is sucked into the nozzle tip by the first dispensing device 830 to which the unused nozzle tip is connected, and is discharged to the reaction vessel 812 on the reaction disk 811. In the reaction vessel, an immune reaction between the sample and the reagent is advanced, and an immunoanalytical item to be analyzed is measured.

After the above-mentioned sampling of the specific sample container by the first dispensing device is completed, the same sample container is positioned at the sampling position b and programmed to execute the sampling by the second dispensing device. ing. In the reaction vessel 822 on the reaction disk 821, the second
The specific sample dispensed by the pipette nozzle of the dispensing device undergoes a chemical reaction with the reagent in the reaction vessel, and the biochemical analysis item is measured based on the photometry of the formed reaction solution.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, both the biochemical analysis item and the immunological analysis item can be measured, but the analytical measurement value of the immunological analysis item is not affected by the carryover between samples. When measuring biochemical analysis items and immunological analysis items, a dispensing device using a disposable nozzle tip and a dispensing device using a pipette nozzle that is used repeatedly are applied to samples in the same sample container, and dispensing using a disposable nozzle tip is performed. By performing the injection operation prior to the use of the pipette nozzle, carryover between samples caused by the interposition of the pipette nozzle can be avoided for an analysis item that extremely dislikes carryover, and for a biochemical analysis item Allows commonly used pipette nozzles to be used for sampling.

[0093]

According to the present invention, a dispensing device using a disposable nozzle tip and a dispensing device using a pipette nozzle that is used repeatedly are associated with different analysis units, and each dispensing device is used from the same sample container. , It is possible to suitably avoid a carryover between samples when measuring an analysis item that is strict with respect to avoidance of carryover and a relatively gentle analysis item. Further, according to the present invention, when analyzing a specific sample that must analyze both analysis items that need to avoid carryover between samples and analysis items that do not need to avoid carryover, the other A specific sample can be processed so as not to affect the analysis result of each analysis item by the carryover between the sample and the sample.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of an immunological analysis item analysis unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the operation of the dispensing device in the analysis unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an analysis unit for a biochemical analysis item in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a screen for setting a sample amount, a reagent dispensing amount, and a carryover avoidance level.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a designated analysis item for each sample.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary screen for selecting a designated analysis item for the same sample as that of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another embodiment based on the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Sample rack, 5,802 ... Sample container, 10 ... Rack supply device, 20 ... Standby unit, 30 ... Rack storage unit, 50 ... Overall control unit, 60 ... Rack transport line, 6
1, 62: bypass line, 65: return line, 70:
Analysis condition setting screen, 100, 200, 300, 810,
820 analysis unit, 101, 201, 301 analysis unit control unit, 102, 202, 302 dispensing device,
104: connecting pipe, 105, 205, 812, 822: reaction vessel, 125: nozzle tip, 800: sample vessel transfer device, 830: first dispensing device, 840: second dispensing device.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A first analysis unit for collecting a sample using a disposable nozzle tip, and a second analysis unit for collecting a sample using a repeatedly used pipette nozzle.
The first and second analysis units are provided with a specific sample to be analyzed and measured by the first and second analysis units prior to the sample collection in the second analysis unit.
And the second analysis unit performs the collection of the specific sample after completion of the collection of the specific sample by the first analysis unit. Analysis equipment. 2. The analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the first analysis unit measures the labeling substance after an immunoreaction between the analyte in the sample and the labeling substance, and the second analysis unit performs the second analysis. An analyzer wherein the unit is for measuring optical characteristics of a reaction solution of a chemical reaction between a sample and a reagent. 3. The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein a sample is collected in said first analysis unit,
The analysis unit is provided with a standby unit for waiting for a sample that has not been collected, and when the measurement result of the first analysis unit requires re-measurement of the specific sample, the specific sample is subjected to the second analysis. An analyzer characterized by transferring the specific sample from the standby section to the first analysis unit before collecting the specific sample in the first analysis unit for re-measurement before collecting the specific sample in the unit. 4. An analyzer for collecting samples from the same sample container into a plurality of receiving containers using a plurality of sample dispensers and analyzing the samples received in each receiving container. The dispensing device comprises a first dispensing device using a disposable nozzle tip and a second dispensing device using a repeatedly used pipette nozzle.
Wherein the operation of collecting a sample from the same sample container is executed by the second dispensing device after being executed by the first dispensing device. Analyzer. 5. A rack loading section into which a sample rack having a sample is loaded, a plurality of analysis units for analyzing and processing the sample, and a plurality of sample racks exiting the rack loading section corresponding to the plurality of analysis units according to analysis items. At least one of
In the analyzer provided with a rack transport device for transporting a plurality of pipes, the plurality of analyzer units include a first analyzer unit having a pipetting device using a disposable nozzle tip, and a pipetting device using a pipette nozzle used repeatedly. A sample rack including a sample to be analyzed for the specific analysis item, comprising a storage unit for storing a specific analysis item that requires sampling by the nozzle tip; An analyzer which is conveyed to the first analysis unit before being conveyed to the analysis unit, and receives a sample for the specific analysis item by the nozzle tip. 6. The analyzer according to claim 5, wherein a display device for displaying a screen for designating the specific analysis item, and the specific analysis item among a plurality of analysis items instructed to be analyzed. A control unit that recognizes a sample including the item and controls the rack transport device so that a sample rack having the recognized sample is transported to the first analysis unit at the beginning of a sample collection process An analyzer, characterized in that: 7. The analysis apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the screen displayed by the display device includes an analysis item selection field for selecting one or more analysis items from a plurality of analysis items.
An analyzer having a level indication column capable of indicating a carryover avoidance level in association with a selected analysis item. 8. The analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of analysis units are arranged along a transport path of the rack transport device, and the sample has only a sample for which analysis of the specific analysis item is unnecessary. An analyzer wherein the racks are transported so as to drop in as needed in the arrangement order of the plurality of analysis units. 9. A rack transport device for transporting a sample rack having a sample, a rack supply device for supplying the sample rack to the rack transport device, a rack storage unit for storing the transported sample rack, and the rack A plurality of analysis units for collecting and analyzing a sample from the sample rack transported by the transport device, and a standby unit for temporarily suspending a sample rack subjected to sample collection in any of the plurality of analysis units; A return line that can return a sample rack waiting in the standby unit to the entrance side of the rack transport device, wherein the plurality of analysis units include a dispensing device using a disposable nozzle tip. First and second dispensers having a first analysis unit and a dispensing device using a repeatedly used pipette nozzle And a third analysis unit, a first analysis unit, and a second analysis unit, which are arranged in this order from the side closer to the rack supply device. The first, second, and third analysis units Regarding a specific sample rack having a specific sample that requires analysis and measurement, after first transporting to the first analysis unit and collecting a sample by the nozzle tip, the specific sample rack is made to wait in the standby unit, The re-measurement of the specific sample by the first analysis unit is required, and the specific sample rack waiting in the standby unit is transferred to the rack transport device via the return line. An analyzer configured to take a sample for re-measurement in a first analysis unit. 10. The analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the specific sample rack after receiving the sampling for the re-measurement of the specific sample is delivered to the rack transport device via the return line. An analyzer configured to collect the specific sample in the third analysis unit and / or the second analysis unit. 11. The analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the re-measurement of the specific sample is not required, and the specific sample rack waiting in the standby unit is transferred via the return line. An analyzer configured to be delivered to the rack transport device and configured to collect the specific sample in the third analysis unit and / or the second analysis unit. 12. The analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the first analysis unit obtains a measurement value of an analysis item by utilizing an immune reaction between the sample and a reagent, and the second analysis unit includes a sample. And obtaining a measurement value of an analysis item by utilizing a chemical reaction of the reagent and the reagent, wherein the third analysis unit obtains a measurement value of an electrolyte component in the sample using an ion selective electrode. Analysis device. 13. The analyzer according to claim 12, wherein the first analysis unit separates a solid phase and a liquid phase after an immune reaction, and measures the separated solid phase or liquid phase. The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the second analysis unit optically measures the reaction solution while the reaction solution is contained in the reaction container. 14. A method for handling a biological sample in which a sample rack having a sample is positioned in at least one of a plurality of analysis units and a sample collected from the sample rack is analyzed by the analysis unit. The sample is processed by an analyzer including a first analysis unit having a dispensing device using a nozzle tip and a second analysis unit having a dispensing device using a pipette nozzle used repeatedly. And transporting a specific sample rack having a specific sample to be analyzed in the second analysis unit to the first analysis unit prior to transporting to the second analysis unit, Collecting the specific sample in the first analysis unit; and collecting the specific sample in the first analysis unit. Temporarily sending a rack to a waiting section before sending the rack to the second analysis unit; determining whether or not re-measurement by the first analysis unit is necessary for the specific sample; When the measurement is not possible, the specific sample rack is transported from the standby unit to the second analysis unit, and the specific sample is collected by the pipette nozzle. When the result of the determination requires re-measurement, Transporting the specific sample rack from the standby unit to the first analysis unit, collecting the specific sample in the first analysis unit for re-measurement, and Transferring the specific sample rack from which the sample has been collected to the second analysis unit, and collecting the specific sample by the pipette nozzle. Handling of Le. 15. The handling method according to claim 14, wherein
A method of handling a biological sample, wherein a sample rack having a sample that does not need to be analyzed by the first analysis unit is transported to the second analysis unit without stopping at the first analysis unit. 16. A biological sample handling method for analyzing a plurality of types of analysis items based on a reaction between a sample and a reagent in a reaction vessel of an analysis unit, wherein a screen for selecting an analysis item is displayed on a display device. Displaying an indication column on the display device that can indicate that it is necessary to avoid the effect of carryover between samples for the selected analysis item, and indicating that it is necessary to avoid carryover through the display device. When a sample to be analyzed for the indicated analysis item and the analysis item not indicated to need to be avoided is collected by the analysis unit, a sample of the analysis item indicated to be required to be avoided A method for handling a biological sample, wherein after the collection is completed, sampling of an analysis item for which the necessity of avoidance is not indicated is performed. 17. The handling method according to claim 16, wherein
The information that the carry-over avoidance is required for the analysis item instructed to avoid is stored in the storage unit, and is stored when the same analysis item is selected for setting a new analysis condition. Wherein the information is output to the display device. 18. A method for handling a biological sample in which an analyzer having a plurality of analyzers having a sample collecting function is used and a sample of an analysis item suitable for each analyzer is collected. A first analyzer for receiving a sample taken using a nozzle tip that is exchanged with a change in the sample, and a first analyzer for receiving a sample taken using a pipe nozzle commonly used for different samples. When collecting a specific sample to be analyzed for a plurality of analysis items having different carryover avoidance levels, carryover avoidance is performed before collecting the specific sample for an analysis item having a low carryover avoidance level. Collecting the analysis items of the specific sample having a high level in the first analysis unit; After the analysis item with a high carryover avoidance level analyzed by the analyzer is determined to be unnecessary for re-measurement, a sample of the analysis item with a lower carryover avoidance level of the specific sample is sampled for the second analyzer. How to handle biological samples.