JP2000258431A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an automatic analyzer capable of installing many samples, especially standard samples for calibration, by preventing confusion between general samples and the standard samples, without enlarging a device. SOLUTION: One is selected from among a first installation classification for installing only standard samples for calibration, a second installation classification for installing both the standard samples for calibration and standard samples for precision control by mixing them, and a third installation classification for installing only general samples having unknown concentrations, and installed on a selective installation sampler 22. The installation classification is registered by a first registration screen, and a control part for executing driving control of an installation means corresponding to the registered installation classification, is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and, more particularly, to a method and a method for laying a sample.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, for the purpose of treatment and examination, a method using calibration is one of the methods for analyzing a body fluid or tissue such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid as a sample (sample) and examining the concentration of components. is there. First, for a sample whose concentration is known in advance (hereinafter referred to as a standard sample),
A calibration curve representing the correlation between the concentration and the absorbance is established (hereinafter, referred to as calibration). And samples of patients whose concentrations are not known (hereinafter referred to as general samples)
Is measured, and the concentration of each component is converted from the measured data and the above calibration curve.

[0003] As an apparatus that automates the procedure of analyzing a sample by the above calibration and examining the concentration of components, etc.
There is an automatic analyzer. This automatic analyzer can analyze a large amount of reagents at a time, calculate the concentration, etc., and is widely used in hospitals, inspection laboratories, etc., and greatly contributes to improvement of workability.

FIG. 6 shows a conventional automatic analyzer 1.

In FIG. 6, a circular sampler 2 is a laying means for laying a sample to be inspected in a double circle. The circular sampler 2 is provided with cooling means for preventing quality change and evaporation of the sample due to heat, and a sample container 201 containing a calibration standard sample or a general sample or a quality control standard sample described later is installed. Is done.

Since the calibration standard sample and the quality control standard sample to be described later are used as a reference for the concentration calculation, they are usually provided in the circular sampler 2 in many cases.
On the other hand, the general sample is different for each patient, and is therefore replaced for each test.

Each of the above-mentioned samples in a sample container 201 (test tube or the like) is taken out by the sample dispensing mechanism 3 and dispensed to a plurality of reaction tubes 4 made of hard glass or the like. Reaction tube 4
For example, if the sample is serum, the human body temperature (about 37 ° C)
It is in a state where it is kept to a degree.

Various reagents reacting with the component (measurement item) to be measured are stored in the reagent containers 5 and 6, respectively.
61 and installed. Each reagent is dispensed into the reaction tube 4 by the dispensing mechanism 7 or 8 as needed.

After the reagent is dispensed, the sample and the reagent in the reaction tube 4 are stirred and mixed by the stirring section 9 having a stirrer.

Then, in a photometric unit (not shown),
By a method called a colorimetric method, a reaction process such as a coloring state of a sample to which a reagent is added is optically measured by measuring the absorbance of the sample. Based on this measurement result, the data control unit (not shown) calculates the concentration of the analysis component or performs calibration by a method based on calibration.

Further, a specific electrolyte is measured by the electrolyte measuring unit 10, and after the specific component amount analysis and the electrolyte measurement, the reaction tube 4 is washed by the washing unit 11.

Through a series of these operations, the analysis of the general sample set in the sampler 2 is performed.

As described above, the calibration standard sample is usually provided on the circular sampler 2. However, the expiration date for which the calibration curve is valid is determined by the component to be measured, that is, the measurement item, and the permanent standard sample must be renewed in accordance with the expiration date or a change in the decay of the sample. At present, there is an automatic analyzer 1 having an automatic calibration function for automatically updating and calibrating the standard sample.

In the actual analysis and investigation, from the viewpoint of verifying the stability of the apparatus, at least one standard sample (hereinafter referred to as a quality control standard sample) different from the calibration standard sample is measured, and Quality control is performed by examining the results.

The purpose of use of each of the quality control sample, the calibration standard sample, and the general sample is different. The general sample is a patient sample, and the standard sample is a reference. Therefore, when the three types of samples are mounted on the circular sampler 2, care is taken to avoid confusion.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the conventional double circular sampler 2 shown in FIG.

Conventionally, a standard sample used for automatic calibration or quality control is placed on the outer periphery 221.
The general sample was configured to be classified into the inner circumference 222 and erected.

[0018]

In recent years, it has been required to increase the number of measurement items and to establish a more detailed calibration curve.

In response to this request, it has become necessary for a sampler of an automatic analyzer to mount a large amount of standard samples and general samples. Moreover, in order to enable automatic calibration, it is preferable that the number of erection sites where a standard sample can be permanently installed is large.

The circular sampler 2 provided in the automatic analyzer 1 has a cooling function for preventing a change in quality and evaporation of the sample, and is therefore suitable for erection of a sample to be used for a long time. However, there is a limit to the number of sample containers 201 on which the outer periphery 221 of the circular sampler 2 can be installed.

Further, not only the outer circumference 221 but also the inner circumference 222
If a standard sample is installed and mixed with a general sample, the sample may be confused.

Further, a circular sampler 2 having a cooling function
The increase in size of the apparatus itself is so large that the entire size of the apparatus 1 must be changed, resulting in deterioration of operability of the apparatus, installation restrictions, and increase in cost.

On the other hand, although not shown, the circular sampler 2
There is a rack sampler as another sample container erection means. This means that the automatic analyzer 1 can be selectively operated by an operator.
It is installed in the sample container.
01 can be increased, which is suitable for temporarily adding a sample. However, it is difficult to keep the sample cool by the rack sampler due to the structure of the apparatus.

[0024]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and does not increase the size of the apparatus itself, prevents confusion between a general sample and a standard sample, and increases the number of samples, particularly calibration. The purpose of the present invention is to realize an automatic analyzer capable of installing a standard sample for use.

According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic system comprising: erection means for erection of a sample; input means for inputting the erection classification of the erection means; and control means for performing control according to the erection classification input by the input means. It is an analyzer.

According to such a configuration, the erection type of the erection means can be selected according to the number of standard samples, and a larger number of standard samples can be erected than a conventional automatic analyzer.

As a result, it is possible to prevent confusion of the sample and to increase the number of measurement items and to establish a detailed calibration curve, but to reduce the operability, installation restrictions and cost of the apparatus without increasing the size of the apparatus. Can be maintained to a degree.

Further, the present invention provides an erecting means for erecting a sample and a first erecting means for erecting only a calibration standard sample.
Any one of the second erection class, in which a calibration standard sample and a quality control standard sample are erected, and the third erection class, in which only a general sample whose concentration is not known, is installed. An automatic analyzer comprising: first erection classification input means for inputting as erection classification of a sample erected on the means; and control means for performing control according to the erection classification input by the first erection classification input means. is there.

According to such a configuration, in addition to the same functions as those of the conventional automatic analyzer, it is also possible to mount and measure a larger number of standard samples by selecting an installation class.

As a result, the confusion of the sample can be prevented, the number of measurement items can be further increased, and a detailed calibration curve can be established, but the operability, installation restrictions, and cost of the apparatus can be reduced without increasing the size of the apparatus. Can be maintained to a degree.

Further, the automatic analyzer further comprises a second erection classification input means for classifying a plurality of samples into a plurality of sample groups according to the erection classification and inputting the erection classification according to each sample group. Device.

According to such a configuration, even when there are a plurality of sample sets, the erection classification can be registered for each sample set.

As a result, once registered, the erection classification according to each sample set is determined, so that when performing measurement with the same sample set, the trouble of registering again can be saved.

Further, even when measurement is performed on a plurality of sample sets, it is possible to prevent confusion of the samples, to increase the number of measurement items and to establish a detailed calibration curve, but to increase the size of the apparatus. The operability, installation restrictions, and cost of the apparatus can be maintained at the same level without the need.

[0035]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, the external view of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is the same as that shown in FIG. 6 except that the circular sampler 2 is replaced with the circular sampler 20, so that the drawing is referred to. I do.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a circular sampler 20 provided in place of the circular sampler 2 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, among the double circular installation means of the circular sampler 20, the sampler 21 for the standard sample on the outer circumference is used for the calibration standard sample, the quality control standard sample, and the sample container 201. This is erection means for permanently installing a detergent sample for washing, and has 45 erection points. In order to prevent mixing of reagents, a general sample is not provided on the sampler 21 for the standard sample, but a standard sample or a detergent sample which is permanently provided is provided in principle.

On the other hand, the selective erection sampler 2 on the inner circumference
2 is not limited to a permanent standard sample or detergent sample, but may be a standard sample, detergent sample,
This is a erection means for erection of a general sample. That is, the operator performs the first installation class in which only the calibration standard sample is installed, the second installation class in which the calibration standard sample and the quality control standard sample are mixed, and the second installation class in which only the general sample to be measured is installed. One of the three sample installation classes is selected, and a sample is installed on the selected installation sampler 22 according to the selected sample classification. The selective erection sampler 22 is driven separately from the standard sampler sampler 21, and has thirty erection points.

Although not shown, the automatic analyzer 1
Has a cooling means for keeping the sampler 21 for the standard sample and the sampler 22 selectively installed in order to prevent the quality change and evaporation of the sample due to heat.

FIG. 2 is a first registration screen for registering the erection class of the selected erection sampler 22 as a measurement condition, which is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the automatic analyzer 1. The display contents of this display screen include items “General sample measurement”, “Calibration”, “Use selected installation sampler for standard sample” for registering the installation classification, and control of driving of automatic analyzer 1. Item "measurement start" and an item "cancel" for ending the first registration screen. The operator registers the installation classification on this registration screen.

Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer having the above configuration will be described.

First, a case where a calibration standard sample is temporarily installed on the selective installation sampler 22 in response to a request to temporarily increase a large number of measurement items will be described. In this case, the calibration standard is
A maximum of 75 locations can be installed at 45 locations of the sampler 21 dedicated to the measurement standard sample and 30 locations of the selective installation sampler 22.

The standard sample for quality control and the general sample are
The sample is installed on a rack sampler (not shown) so that the sample is not confused.

When it is desired to permanently provide n detergent samples, the detergent sampler 21 is provided. Here, the construction of the detergent sample is limited to the standard sampler 21. The permanent sample is always constructed on the standard sampler 21 to prevent confusion with the temporarily constructed sample. That's why. At this time, a maximum of 75-n calibration standard samples can be installed.

First, the calibration standard samples required for the above request are installed on the standard sampler sampler 21 and the selective installation sampler 22. At this time, the permanently provided calibration standard sample is a sampler 21 dedicated to the standard sample.
The calibration standard sample temporarily used is installed on the selective installation sampler 22.

Next, on the first registration screen shown in FIG. 2, the installation classification of the sample set installed on the selected installation sampler 22 is registered as a measurement condition. In this case, since all of the standard samples for calibration are installed on the selective installation sampler 22, both the items “Use the selected installation sampler for standard samples” and “Calibration” are turned on.
(Check with a predetermined input device) and register the erection classification. Correction of registration may be performed by unchecking each item with the input device.

Here, the ON setting of the item "General sample measurement" and the ON of the item "Use selected erection sampler for standard sample"
The setting is exclusive logic in order to functionally prevent confusion of the sample.

According to such a configuration, the item “general sample measurement” and the item “use the selected erection sampler for the standard sample” are not simultaneously set to ON, and the sample erected on the selected erection sampler 22 is not changed. Accurate grasp of standard sample or general sample.

Next, by selecting “start measurement”, the automatic analyzer 1 starts the measurement operation, and the data control unit (not shown) performs data processing according to the registered construction classification, ie, calibration. Is performed.

The measurement of the quality control sample and the general sample mounted on a rack sampler (not shown) is simultaneously performed.

According to such a configuration, when it is desired to calibrate a large number of standard samples due to a request to temporarily increase a large number of measurement items, not only the standard sampler sampler 21 but also the selective erection sampler 22 is required. Also, a calibration standard sample can be installed.

As a result, it is possible to increase the number of measurement items and to establish a detailed calibration curve, but to maintain the operability, installation restrictions, and cost of the apparatus at the same level without increasing the size of the apparatus. .

Next, due to requests for addition of measurement items, establishment of detailed calibration curves, etc., calibration of 45 or more standard samples and measurement of quality control standard samples are required. The case where the two types of standard samples are erected will be described. At this time, the maximum number of bridges including the calibration standard sample and the quality control standard sample is 75, and if n detergent samples are permanently provided in the sampler dedicated to standard sample 21, the number is 75-n.

The general sample is installed on a rack sampler (not shown).

First, the calibration standard sample and the quality control standard sample required for the above-mentioned request are installed on the sampler 21 dedicated to the standard sample and the selective installation sampler 22. At this time, the calibration standard sample and the quality control standard sample or the detergent sample that are permanently installed are sent to the sampler 21 dedicated to the standard sample, and the calibration standard sample and the quality control standard sample that are temporarily used are sent to the selective erection sampler 22. Erect.

Next, on the first registration screen shown in FIG. 2, the installation classification of the sample installed on the selected installation sampler 22 is registered as a measurement condition. In this case, since the standard sample for calibration and the standard sample for quality control are mixed in the selected erection sampler 22, only the item “Use the selected erection sampler for the standard sample” is set to ON to classify the erection. Register

Then, the measurement operation is started by selecting “start measurement”, and data processing according to the registered construction classification, that is, calibration and accuracy management are performed in a data control unit (not shown).

Note that the measurement of a general sample mounted on a rack sampler (not shown) also proceeds at the same time.

According to such a configuration, when it is necessary to calibrate a large number of standard samples and measure the standard samples for quality control, not only the sampler dedicated to standard samples 21 but also the selective sampler 22 is used. A sample and a standard sample for quality control can be installed.

As a result, the number of measurement items can be further increased, a detailed calibration curve can be established, and precise accuracy control can be performed, but the operability, installation restrictions, and cost of the apparatus can be reduced to the same level without increasing the size of the apparatus. Can be maintained.

Finally, calibration, accuracy control,
The case where the measurement of the components of a general sample and the calculation of the concentration are required is described. In this case, a standard sample for calibration and a standard sample for quality control or a sample for detergent are provided on the sampler 21 dedicated to standard sample, and only a general sample is provided on the sampler 22 for selective installation. This is to prevent confusion between a general sample, which is a specimen of a patient or the like, and a standard sample. Therefore, the number of erections including the erection calibration standard sample and the quality control standard sample is 45-n if n detergent samples are permanently provided in the standard sampler sampler 21, and the detergent sample is erected. Otherwise, the maximum number of erections is 45. In addition, the maximum number of erected general samples is 30.

First, a standard sample for calibration and a standard sample for quality control are installed on a sampler 21 for exclusive use of a standard sample, and a general sample is installed on a sampler 22 for selective installation.

Next, on the first registration screen shown in FIG. 2, the installation classification of the sample set installed on the selected installation sampler 22 is registered as a measurement condition. In this case, since the selected erection sampler 22 is used as a general sample erection, only the item of “general sample measurement” is set to ON and the erection classification is registered.

Then, the measurement is started by selecting “start measurement”, and data processing according to the registered construction classification, that is, calibration and accuracy management are performed in a data control unit (not shown).

The drive control of the selected erection sampler 22 according to the erection classification is performed.

According to such a configuration, when calibration, accuracy control, measurement of components of a general sample, and concentration calculation are required, the standard sampler for calibration and the standard sample for quality control are stored in the sampler dedicated to standard sample 21. By laying a general sample on the selective erection sampler 22, calibration, accuracy control, measurement of components of the general sample, and concentration calculation can be executed simultaneously without confusion.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the erection sampler 2 is selected according to the number of calibration standard samples, quality control standard samples, and general samples used temporarily.
The operation has been described by taking as an example a case where two installation categories are selected and one sample set is measured without changing the installation samples of the selected installation sampler 22.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when a plurality of sample sets are measured by replacing the erection sample of the selective erection sampler 22 several times, that is, the measurement operation described in the first embodiment is performed. The operation in the case of performing the operation continuously will be described.

FIG. 3 is a second registration screen for registering the installation classification of the selected installation sampler 22 as a measurement condition for each measurement in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment.
Similar to the first registration screen shown in FIG. 2, it is displayed on a display unit (not shown).

The display contents of this display screen include five items “general sample measurement” displayed on the first registration screen shown in FIG.
In addition to “Calibration”, “Use selected erection sampler for standard sample”, “Start measurement”, and “Cancel”, an item “Sample set n” for registering a set number to the selected erection sampler 22 is provided. I have. In this item, n means the order of the sample set, and the number of installations on the selected installation sampler 22 is associated with the number of n to register the installation classification for each installation. FIG. 3 shows the registration of the installation classification corresponding to the first installation, that is, measurement conditions for installing all calibration standard samples in the selected installation sampler 22 and performing only calibration.

In the automatic analyzer having the above configuration,
The following describes an example of a case where two sample sets are measured by replacing the installation sample of the selective installation sampler 22 once.

First, the procedure for measuring with the first sample set will be described.

First, the first, second embodiment described in the first embodiment,
According to one of the second and third installation classifications, the sample corresponding to the sampler dedicated to standard sample 21 and the selective installation sampler 22 is installed. A standard sample for quality control and a general sample are installed on a rack sampler (not shown) so as not to be confused.

Next, the item “sample set 1” is selected on the registration screen shown in FIG. 3, and the installation classification corresponding to the sample set 1 is registered as a measurement condition.

By selecting "start measurement", the measurement process for the sample set 1 provided on the circular sampler 20 and the general sample provided on the rack sampler (not shown) is started.

Next, a procedure in the case where the second sample set includes a calibration standard sample and a quality control standard sample will be described.

First, the standard sample that is permanently installed in the second sample set is installed on the sampler 21 dedicated to the standard sample, and the standard sample that is temporarily used is installed on the selective installation sampler 22. The general sample is installed on a rack sampler (not shown).

Next, the item “sample set 2” is selected on the registration screen shown in FIG. 4, and the installation classification corresponding to the sample set 2 is registered as a measurement condition.

In FIG. 4, registration of the erection class corresponding to the second erection, ie, the selection erection sampler 2
Reference numeral 2 shows a measurement condition in which a calibration standard sample and a quality control standard sample are installed, and calibration and quality control are performed without measuring a general sample.

Then, by selecting "start measurement", the measurement process for the sample set 2 provided on the circular sampler 20 and the general sample provided on the rack sampler (not shown) is started.

When there are a large number of sample sets, registration and measurement may be performed for each sample set in the same manner.

When the measurement is again performed using the sample set 1, the item “sample set 2” shown in FIG. 4 is changed to “sample set 1” so that “sample set 1” shown in FIG. Can be recalled.

According to such a configuration, even when measurement for a large number of sample sets is required, the operability, installation restrictions, and cost of the apparatus are maintained at the same level without increasing the size of the apparatus. Further, the number of measurement items can be further increased, a detailed calibration curve can be established, and precise precision control can be performed.

When the measurement is performed again with the same sample set, it is not necessary to register again, and the erection classification according to each sample set can be quickly confirmed.

The measurement conditions for each sample set may be registered in advance for all the sample sets. However, from the viewpoint of preventing erroneous work, when each sample set is first installed on the selective installation sampler 22, It is preferable to make each registration.

The present invention has been described based on the first and second embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, as described below, the scope of the present invention is not changed. Various modifications are possible.

In the first and second embodiments, the standard sampler 21 and the selectively installed sampler 22 are driven separately. On the other hand, the circular sampler 2 shown in FIG.
By distinguishing the erection positions on one sampler as in 3, it is also possible to obtain the same effect as the standard sample dedicated position 24 and the selected erection position 25.

[0089]

As described in the first and second embodiments, the erection class of the sample set erected on the selected erection sampler 22 is registered, and the drive control of the selected erection sampler 22 according to the erection class is registered. By performing the above, it is possible to realize an automatic analyzer that can be installed without increasing the size of the apparatus itself, and without confusing many samples, especially calibration standard samples.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a circular sampler 20.

FIG. 2 is a first diagram for registering an installation classification as a measurement condition.
The figure which shows the registration screen of.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second registration screen for registering the erection classification of a sample set 1 as a measurement condition.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a second registration screen for registering the erection classification of a sample set 2 as a measurement condition.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modification of the circular sampler 20;

FIG. 6 is an external view of an automatic analyzer.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional circular sampler 2.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic analyzer 20 ... Circular sampler 21 ... Sampler for standard samples 22 ... Sampler for selective installation 23 ... Circular sampler 24 ... Position for exclusive use of standard samples 25 ... Position for selective installation

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Toshiaki Nakazato 1385-1 Shimoishigami, Otawara-shi, Tochigi F-term in the Toshiba Nasu Plant (reference) 2G058 CB05 CD04 GA01 GA11 GD02 2G059 AA01 BB13 EE01 FF08 MM05 MM12 PP01

Claims (3)

[Claims] An automatic analysis comprising: erection means for erection of a sample; input means for inputting the erection classification of the erection means; and control means for performing control according to the erection classification input by the input means. apparatus. 2. A erection means for erection of a sample, a first erection classification for erection of only a calibration standard sample, and a second erection classification and measurement for erection of a calibration standard sample and a quality control standard sample. First erection classification inputting means for inputting any one of the third erection classifications for erection of only the target general sample as the erection classification of the sample erected on the erection means, and the first erection classification input Control means for performing control according to the erection classification input by the means. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a second erection class inputting means for classifying the plurality of samples into a plurality of sample groups according to the erection classification and inputting the erection class according to each sample group. Automatic analyzer equipped.