JP2004251796A - Automatic analyzer and specimen suction method used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer for preventing immaterial suction to a specimen accommodated in a sample container, especially a specimen whose amount of suction is small, in advance, and to provide a method for sucking the specimen. <P>SOLUTION: A sampling probe 16, where a liquid level detection sensor for detecting the liquid level of the specimen in a sample container 17 and a bottom section detection sensor 19 for detecting the bottom section of the sample container 17 are installed, is accommodated in the sample container 19. The height of the liquid level of the specimen accommodated in the sample container 17 is specified. Table data, where the relationship between the amount of specimen accommodated in the sample container 17 and the height from the bottom section is stored in advance, are referred to. The calculated value is compared with the specified height of the liquid level of the sample to judge whether the specimen is sucked by calculating the liquid level of the specimen from the bottom section for preventing empty suction to the amount of specimen to be sucked. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer having a sampling mechanism for collecting a sample when analyzing a component contained in the sample, particularly a chemical component contained in human blood, urine, and the like, and a sample suction method used for the analyzer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an automatic analyzer having a sampling probe for aspirating the sample as a sampling mechanism for collecting the sample, a liquid of the sample is used as a means for detecting a state in which no sample is contained in a sample container containing the sample. A configuration in which a liquid level sensor for detecting a surface and an obstacle detection sensor for detecting that the sampling probe hits something has been provided in the sampling probe has been adopted.
[0003]
However, when the amount of the sample contained in the sample container is less than the amount necessary for the measurement, the liquid level of the sample is detected by the liquid level detection sensor, and the sample is contained in the sample container. Therefore, the obstacle detection sensor does not operate, and the sampling probe is instructed to suck the sample. Then, as a result, a partial empty suction occurs, which causes a problem that an abnormal measurement value is output.
[0004]
As a method for preventing such empty suction, there has been proposed a technique for detecting the occurrence of empty suction by constantly monitoring the pressure of the suction line with a pressure sensor. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-83867 (paragraphs [0025]-[0048], FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the amount to be measured, that is, the amount to be sucked by the sampling probe is a small amount such as 2 μl, the detected pressure (difference) is small, so that detection by the pressure sensor or the like is a measure. could not. Therefore, when measuring a small amount of a sample such as a child, an operator must pay attention to the amount of the sample when setting the sample in the apparatus, and an effective solution has been desired.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention, a sample contained in a sample container, in particular, an automatic analyzer for preventing empty suction for a sample in which the amount to be suctioned is small, and An object of the present invention is to provide a method for aspirating a specimen.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an automatic analyzer according to the invention according to claim 1 drives a sampling probe that sucks the sample and a sampling probe that sucks the sample as a sampling mechanism that sorts a sample stored in a sample container. An automatic analyzer having driving means for causing the sampling probe to aspirate a sample, wherein the sampling mechanism includes a liquid level detection sensor for detecting a liquid level of the sample in a sample container and a bottom portion of the sample container. A bottom detection sensor to be installed is provided, based on the amount of the sample to be aspirated based on the amount of the sample accommodated in the sample container and the storage means in which the relationship between the height from the bottom is stored in advance as table data for each sample container, and Referring to the table data, the calculated height from the bottom and the liquid level detection sensor and the bottom detection are calculated. Determining means for comparing at least one of the sensors to determine whether or not to aspirate the sample; and instructing the driving means to aspirate the sample when the determining means determines that the sample should be aspirated. And control means.
[0009]
With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether there is an amount necessary for measurement at the stage where the sampling probe is placed on the sample liquid surface of the sample container, so that the amount of the sample contained in the sample container is less than the measured amount. In this case, it is possible to detect this and prevent the output of an abnormal value due to empty suction.
[0010]
In order to solve the above problem, an automatic analyzer according to the invention according to claim 2 drives a sampling probe that sucks the sample and a sampling probe that sucks the sample as a sampling mechanism that sorts a sample stored in a sample container. An automatic analyzer having driving means for causing the sampling probe to aspirate a sample, wherein the sampling mechanism includes a liquid level detection sensor for detecting a liquid level of the sample in a sample container and a bottom portion of the sample container. A bottom detection sensor is provided, and in the process of intrusion of the sampling probe into the sample container, after the liquid level detection sensor detects the liquid level, the bottom detection sensor is moved while the sampling probe moves a predetermined distance. If the bottom of the sample container is not detected, the drive means is instructed to instruct the sample to be aspirated. And having a means.
[0011]
With such a configuration, the sampling probe advances by a predetermined distance after detecting the liquid level, and at this time, the shortage of the sample is determined by detecting whether the bottom is detected. Output can be prevented beforehand.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic analyzer according to the first or second aspect, wherein the amount of the sample in the sample container is smaller than the amount to be aspirated. A notification means for issuing a warning that the suction amount is insufficient when it is determined or detected that no suction is provided is provided.
[0013]
Since the notification means is provided as in this configuration, it is possible to notify the examiner that the sample is not appropriately aspirated.
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for aspirating a sample, wherein the sampling probe aspirates the sample using a sampling probe as a sampling mechanism for collecting a sample contained in a sample container. A first step of receiving in the sample container a liquid level detection sensor for detecting the liquid level of the sample in the sample container and a sampling probe provided with a bottom detection sensor for detecting the bottom of the sample container; and A second step of specifying the height of the sample liquid surface contained in the sample container by detecting the liquid surface of the sample with the surface detection sensor and detecting the bottom of the sample container with the bottom detection sensor, Referring to the table data stored in advance for each sample container the relationship between the amount of the sample contained in the sample container and the height from the bottom, A third step of calculating the height of the sample liquid surface from the bottom to prevent empty suction with respect to the amount of the sample to be drawn, and the height of the sample liquid surface specified in the second step and the third step A fourth step of comparing the height of the sample liquid surface from the bottom to prevent the empty suction calculated in the above, and the height of the sample liquid surface specified in the second step is changed in the third step A fifth step of not aspirating the sample when the height of the sample liquid surface from the bottom is smaller than the calculated empty suction.
[0015]
By adopting such a method, it is possible to determine whether there is an amount necessary for measurement at the stage when the sampling probe is placed on the sample liquid surface of the sample container, so that the amount of the sample contained in the sample container is less than the measured amount. In such a case, it can be detected and the output of abnormal values due to empty suction can be prevented beforehand.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for aspirating a sample, wherein the sampling probe aspirates the sample as a sampling mechanism for collecting a sample contained in a sample container. A first step of receiving in the sample container a liquid level detection sensor for detecting the liquid level of the sample in the sample container and a sampling probe provided with a bottom detection sensor for detecting the bottom of the sample container; and A second step of specifying the height of the sample liquid surface contained in the sample container by detecting the liquid surface of the sample with the surface detection sensor and detecting the bottom of the sample container with the bottom detection sensor, Based on the relationship between the amount of the sample contained in the sample container and the height from the bottom, the bottom portion for preventing empty suction with respect to the amount of the sample to be aspirated A third step of calculating the height of the sample liquid surface, the height of the sample liquid surface specified in the second step and the height of the sample liquid surface calculated in the third step from the bottom for preventing the empty suction. A fourth step of comparing the height of the sample liquid surface with the height of the sample liquid surface, and a sample from the bottom portion for preventing the empty of the sample liquid surface specified in the second step from being calculated in the third step A fifth step of not aspirating the sample when the height is smaller than the liquid level.
[0017]
By adopting such a method, the sampling probe advances by a predetermined distance after detecting the liquid level, and at this time, the shortage of the sample is determined by detecting whether the bottom is detected. Output can be prevented beforehand.
[0018]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for aspirating a sample, wherein the sampling probe aspirates the sample using a sampling probe as a sampling mechanism for collecting a sample contained in a sample container. A first step of causing the sample container to contain a sampling probe provided with a liquid level detection sensor for detecting the liquid level of the sample in the sample container and a bottom detection sensor for detecting the bottom of the sample container; Referring to table data stored in advance for each sample container, the relationship between the amount of the sample contained in the sample and the height from the bottom, and the sample liquid level from the bottom to prevent empty suction with respect to the amount of the sample to be aspirated. A second step of calculating the height of the sample, and the bottom detection sensor detects the bottom of the sample container after the liquid level detection sensor detects the liquid level of the sample. And a third step of aspirating the sample when the moving distance of the sampling probe reaches a value indicating the height of the sample liquid surface from the bottom for preventing the empty suction before detecting the sample. It is characterized by the following.
[0019]
By adopting such a method, even if both the liquid surface of the sample and the bottom surface of the sample container are not detected, the liquid surface height for preventing empty suction based on the amount of the sample to be aspirated and the dimensions of the sample container is determined. Since the calculation can be performed, if the suction is performed only when the distance moved by the sampling probe after detecting the liquid level of the sample is equal to or more than the calculated liquid level, the bottom surface of the sample container is detected. This can reduce the loss of suction time.
[0020]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for aspirating a sample, wherein the sampling probe aspirates the sample using a sampling probe as a sampling mechanism for collecting a sample contained in a sample container. A first step of causing the sample container to contain a sampling probe provided with a liquid level detection sensor for detecting the liquid level of the sample in the sample container and a bottom detection sensor for detecting the bottom of the sample container; A second step of calculating the height of the sample liquid level from the bottom to prevent empty suction with respect to the amount of the sample to be aspirated, based on the relationship between the amount of the sample contained in the sample and the height from the bottom, The movement of the sampling probe is performed between the time when the liquid level detection sensor detects the liquid level of the sample and the time when the bottom detection sensor detects the bottom of the sample container. Distance and having a third step of performing suctioning of the sample when it reaches the number that is the height of the specimen liquid surface from the bottom of the order not to suck the air.
[0021]
By adopting such a method, the sampling probe advances by a predetermined distance after detecting the liquid level, and at this time, the shortage of the sample is determined by detecting whether the bottom is detected. Output can be prevented beforehand.
[0022]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for aspirating a sample according to the invention, wherein the amount of the sample in the sample container is aspirated. It is characterized by having a step of notifying when it is determined or detected that the amount is insufficient.
[0023]
By employing such a method, it is possible to notify the examiner of a state in which the aspiration of the sample is inappropriate.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
[0025]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment includes reagent containers 2 and 3 in which reagent racks 1 each containing a plurality of reagent bottles containing reagents that react with various components of a sample can be installed, and It has a reaction disk 5 on which a plurality of reaction tubes 4 are arranged, and a disk sampler 6 on which a sample container containing a sample is set. The reagent storages 2 and 3, the reaction disk 5, and the disk sampler 6 are each rotated by a driving device. The reagent necessary for the measurement is transferred from the reagent bottle 7 stored in the reagent rack 1 of the reagent storage 2 or the reagent storage 3 to the reaction tube 4 on the reaction disk 5 by using the dispensing arm 8 or the dispensing arm 9, respectively. Dispensed.
[0027]
Further, the sample contained in the sample container 17 arranged on the disk sampler 6 is dispensed to the reaction tube 4 on the reaction disk 5 using the sampling arm 10. The reaction tube 4 into which the sample and the reagent have been dispensed moves to the stirring position by the rotation of the reaction disk 5, and the mixture of the sample and the reagent is stirred by the stirring unit 11.
[0028]
Thereafter, the photometric system 13 performs component analysis of the sample by irradiating the reaction tube 4 having moved to the photometric position with light and measuring a change in absorbance of the mixed solution. Then, the mixed solution in the reaction tube 4 after the analysis is discarded, and then the reaction tube 4 is washed by the washing unit 12.
[0029]
Here, in the automatic analyzer, the dispensing arm 8, the dispensing arm 9, and the sampling arm 10 are respectively provided with sampling probes 14 to 16 for aspirating a sample or a reagent. Hereinafter, the sampling probe 16 for dispensing a sample into a reaction cell will be described as an example, but it is desirable that the other sampling probes 14 and 15 have the same configuration.
[0030]
FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the sampling arm 10 and the sampling probe 16 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the sampling arm 10 is provided with a bottom detection sensor 19 for detecting that the sampling probe 16 has hit something. Further, a liquid level sensor (not shown) for detecting that the tip of the sampling probe 16 has touched the liquid surface of the sample is also provided, and its configuration is, for example, the capacitance of the tip of the sampling probe. It employs a method of detecting a liquid level, and has a detection unit built in the sampling arm 10.
[0031]
In FIG. 2, the bottom detection sensor 19 is installed at the connection between the sampling arm 10 and the sampling probe 16. If it is possible to detect that the sampling probe 16 has hit something, the installation position of the bottom detection sensor 19 is determined. Is not limited to such places. The sampling probe 16 installed at one end of the sampling arm 10 is housed in a sample container 17 by moving a shaft 10a for mounting the sampling arm 10 in an automatic analyzer up and down. It is assumed that the sample in 17 can be aspirated.
[0032]
It is assumed that the automatic analyzer of the present invention is provided with storage means for storing the requirements of the sample container 17 in advance as table data. More specifically, the movement of the sampling probe 16, which determines the amount of the sample that can be stored in the sample container 17, the shape and dimensions of the sample container 17, and the amount of the sample that enters the sample container 17 as shown in FIG. It is assumed that table data correlating with the amount of the specimen per distance is stored in the storage means for each type of the sample container 17 (preferably, for each sample container). That is, how much specimen can be collected when the sampling probe 16 moves by a unit distance is stored. Therefore, for example, when the sample collection amount per unit distance is a and the required sample collection amount is b, the required amount can be collected by moving b / a from the liquid surface. However, if the sampling probe 16 hits the bottom of the sample container 17 before moving by b / a, the sample cannot be collected.
[0033]
Here, it is desirable that the table data is used in an embodiment using only one type of sample container. This is because the required amount of suction may vary depending on the type of test, even if the type of sample container is one.
[0034]
Therefore, the control configuration of the automatic analyzer of the present invention is a block diagram as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the control system relating to the aspiration of the sample in the automatic analyzer of the present invention drives the input means 22 and the sampling arm for inputting the amount of the sample to be aspirated by the examiner, and simultaneously applies the sample to the sampling probe. The driving means 24 for driving is connected to the control means 20, and the control means 20 is provided with a storage means 23 and a judgment means 21. The determination means 21 is connected to the liquid level sensor and the bottom detection sensor 19, and can receive signals therefrom.
[0035]
Further, a driving distance calculating means 25 for calculating a driving distance by which the sampling arm is moved up and down by the driving means 24 is also connected to the determining means 21. That is, control is performed based on a signal from one of the liquid level sensor and the bottom detection sensor 19 and information determined by the determination unit 21 by obtaining information from the input unit 22, the storage unit 23, and the driving distance calculation unit 25. The means 20 is configured to instruct the driving means 24. Further, when the determining means 21 determines that the amount of the sample in the sample container 17 is not enough to be aspirated, the notifying means 26 for notifying the fact by an alarm or a signal is connected to the determining means 21. I have.
[0036]
Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the operation of the sampling arm and the sampling probe in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0037]
First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the control means 20 controls the driving means 24 to lower the sampling arm 10 and store the sampling probe 16 in the sample container 17.
[0038]
Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, as the sampling probe 16 continues to descend, the liquid level sensor detects that the tip of the sampling probe 16 has touched the liquid surface of the sample. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a signal indicating that the liquid level sensor 18 has detected the liquid level of the sample is transmitted to the determination unit 21. By receiving the signal from the liquid level sensor 18 in this manner, the determination unit 21 recognizes that the liquid level of the sample has been detected.
[0039]
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the sampling probe 16 is further lowered, the tip of the sampling probe 16 hits the bottom of the sample container 17 and the bottom detection sensor 19 detects it. Also in this case, the bottom detection sensor 19 sends a signal to the determination means 21 when the tip of the sampling probe 16 hits the bottom of the sample container as shown in FIG.
[0040]
By receiving the signal from the bottom detection sensor 19 in this manner, the determination unit 21 recognizes that the sampling probe 16 has hit the bottom of the sample container 17.
[0041]
As described above, the sample in the sample container 17 is determined by the signal from the liquid level sensor and the bottom detection sensor 19 and the descent distance of the sampling arm 10 (= descent distance of the sampling probe 16) calculated by the drive distance calculation means 25. Since the depth h from the liquid surface is determined, the table relating to the depth h, the suction amount b of the sample input to the input means 22 and the suction amount a per unit distance stored in the storage means 23 is stored in the table. Based on the data, the determination means 21 determines whether or not the amount of suction is in the sample container 17. That is, if h> b / a, the requested sample amount can be collected. If h <b / a, the judging means 21 judges that the sample cannot be collected.
[0042]
Further, as another embodiment of the present invention, when the sample container 17 to be used is one kind and the sample of the maximum suction amount required for various measurement items is always aspirated, the liquid level detection sensor 19 is used. After the detection, the drive unit 24 may instruct the drive unit 24 to aspirate the sample when the bottom detection sensor 19 does not detect the bottom of the sample container 17 while the sampling probe 16 moves a predetermined distance. Here, the predetermined distance is a distance calculated based on the maximum suction amount. Further, since the required maximum suction amount is always determined, it is not necessary to provide storage means for a table for each sample container.
[0043]
At this time, when the determination unit 21 determines that the amount of suction is present in the sample container 17, the control unit 20 recognizes the determination and instructs the drive unit 24 to aspirate the sample. Further, when it is determined that the amount of the sample in the sample container 17 is not sufficient to the suction amount, the notification means 26 such as an alarm is sounded to stop the suction of the sample. In this way, the sample can be prevented from being sucked empty. Note that, as described above, even when the sample container 17 to be used is one type and the sample with the maximum suction amount is always sucked, the notifying means 26 can move the sampling probe based on the maximum suction amount. For clarity, it may be activated to inform the examiner that the sample volume is insufficient when the bottom detection sensor detects the bottom of the sample container while the sampling probe is moving that distance. Further, when the amount of the sample in the sample container 17 is sufficiently large, the sample can be aspirated without detecting the bottom of the sample container 17 when the descent distance of the sampling probe 16 exceeds b / a. Since it is known that there is, the sample may be aspirated at that time.
[0044]
As a specific example, based on the shape and dimensions of the sample container, the volume (horizontal axis) of the sample entering the sample container 17 and the liquid level height (vertical axis) at that volume are known in advance as shown in FIG. Therefore, if the minimum volume required to aspirate the sample is, for example, 50 μl, the height of the sample liquid surface required to aspirate 50 μl can be recognized as 1.5 mm from the bottom of the sample container. .
[0045]
Then, in order to prevent the sample from being sucked, the sampling probe 16 is lowered, and after the liquid level is detected by the liquid level detection sensor, the sampling probe 16 is lowered to a position 1.5 mm below the liquid level of the sample. Let it.
[0046]
At this time, if the bottom detection sensor 19 is working, the bottom is detected, and the amount of the sample in the sample container is insufficient at 50 μl or less. If the bottom detection sensor 19 is not working at this time, it is necessary. It is possible to determine whether the liquid amount of the sample is contained in the sample container 17.
[0047]
By the way, the automatic analyzer of the present invention prevents empty suction of a sample, especially when a small amount of a sample is sucked by a sampling probe, but does not necessarily cause the liquid level of the sample to rise every time the sample is sucked. There is no need to know the distance to the bottom of the sample container.
[0048]
That is, after the liquid level of the sample is detected by the liquid level sensor, the determination unit calculates the height formed when the input suction amount of the sample is in the sample container based on the input suction amount of the sample and the table. If the contact sensor does not detect the bottom surface of the sample container even when the sampling probe is lowered by that height, the control means may control the drive means to start suction at that time. However, since the cross section of the sample container does not always have a uniform shape, a configuration may be adopted in which the sample is sucked after the sampling probe is further lowered a predetermined distance.
[0049]
Such control can be effectively used, for example, when the sample in the sample container is sufficiently contained in the sample to be aspirated. This is because the sample can be quickly aspirated without detecting the bottom of the sample container.
[0050]
(Delete)
[0051]
(Other embodiments)
Furthermore, the applicant proposes, as another embodiment of the present invention, a configuration in which the sampling probe is not directly connected to the sampling arm. This is because when the sampling probe is directly connected to the sampling arm, the sampling arm is lowered, and as a result, not only does the tip of the sampling probe detect the bottom of the sample container, but also the impact of the sampling probe This configuration prevents the tip from being damaged.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a side view showing another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6A, in another embodiment of the present invention, one end of a sampling arm 10 is provided so as to be connected to an end of a shaft 10a which moves up and down by the driving means, and the sampling is performed. A bottom detection sensor 19a installed at an end of the sampling probe 16 other than the tip is placed via a bottom detection sensor 19b provided at the other end of the arm 10.
[0053]
That is, the bottom detection sensor 19 in the above-described embodiment is divided into a bottom detection sensor 19a connected to a sampling probe and a bottom detection sensor 19b installed on a sampling arm, and is normally in contact with each other. When the bottom detection sensor 19a and the bottom detection sensor 19b are separated from each other, it detects that the tip of the sampling probe 16 has hit the bottom of the sample container.
[0054]
Next, the operation of another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0055]
First, as shown in FIG. 6A, sampling is performed by lowering the sampling arm by the driving means in a state where the bottom detection sensor 19a is mounted on the bottom detection sensor 19b provided at the other end of the sampling arm. The tip of the probe 16 is housed in the sample container.
[0056]
Next, as a result of continuing to descend, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the tip of the sampling probe 16 reaches the sample, the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level of the sample and determines the detection result. Send to means.
[0057]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), the sampling probe 16 continues to descend, and when the tip of the sampling probe 16 hits the bottom of the sample container, the sampling probe 16 and the bottom detection sensor 19a installed thereon are left as they are. Is maintained, but the sampling arm 10 and the bottom detection sensor 19b installed thereon are lowered relative to the sampling probe 16 and the bottom detection sensor 19a, so that the bottom detection sensor 19a and the bottom detection sensor 19b are separated. Become. By detecting the separation and transmitting the same to the determination means in the same manner as the bottom detection sensor 19, it is possible to detect that the tip of the sampling probe 16 has hit the bottom of the sample container.
[0058]
Here, as an example of detecting that the bottom detection sensor 19a and the bottom detection sensor 19b have separated from each other, a circuit that conducts electricity when the bottom detection sensor 19a and the bottom detection sensor 19b come into contact with each other is provided. A method of detecting disconnection caused by separation of the bottom detection sensor 19b from the bottom detection sensor 19b can be adopted.
[0059]
With such a configuration, even when the sample container or the sampling probe is made of a brittle material, it is possible to properly detect that the sampling probe has hit the bottom surface of the sample container without damaging them.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether there is an amount necessary for measurement at the stage when the probe is placed on the sample liquid surface of the sample container. Is less than the threshold value, it is possible to detect this and prevent the output of an abnormal value due to empty suction.
[0061]
Also, without detecting both the liquid surface of the sample and the bottom surface of the sample container, the liquid surface height to prevent empty suction can be calculated based on the amount of the sample to be aspirated and the dimensions of the sample container. If the suction is performed only when the distance that the sampling probe has moved after detecting the liquid level is equal to or greater than the calculated liquid level, the suction time loss due to detecting the bottom surface of the sample container is reduced. Can be shortened.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a configuration of a dispensing unit (sampling arm and sampling probe) in one embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a graph showing requirements for sample containers stored in storage means in one embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of a sampling probe in an embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing an operation of the automatic analyzer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing an operation of another embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 reagent rack
2 Reagent storage
3 reagent storage
4 Reaction cell
5 Reaction disk
6 disk sampler
7 Reagent bottle
8 Dispensing arm
9 Dispensing arm
10 Sampling arm
11 Stirring unit
12 Cleaning unit
13 Photometry unit
14. Dispensing arm probe
15 Dispensing arm probe
16 Sampling probe
17 Sample container
18 Liquid level detection sensor
19 Bottom detection sensor
20 control means
21 Judgment means
22 Input means
23 storage means
24 Driving means
25 Driving distance calculation means
26 Notification means

Claims (8)

An automatic analyzer having a sampling mechanism for aspirating a sample contained in a sample container and a driving unit for driving the sampling probe and the sampling probe for aspirating the sample as well as driving the sampling probe to aspirate the sample, The sampling mechanism is provided with a liquid level detection sensor that detects the liquid level of the sample in the sample container and a bottom detection sensor that detects the bottom of the sample container, and determines the amount of the sample contained in the sample container and the bottom. The relationship between the height and the storage means for storing in advance as table data for each sample container, referring to the table data based on the amount of the sample to be aspirated, the calculated height from the bottom and the liquid level detection sensor and The sample is aspirated by comparing the detection result with at least one of the bottom detection sensors. Determination means for determining whether hear,
An automatic analyzer comprising: a control unit that instructs the driving unit to aspirate a sample when the determination unit determines that the sample should be aspirated. An automatic analyzer having a sampling mechanism for aspirating a sample contained in a sample container and a driving unit for driving the sampling probe and the sampling probe for aspirating the sample as well as driving the sampling probe to aspirate the sample, The sampling mechanism is provided with a liquid level detection sensor for detecting the liquid level of the sample in the sample container and a bottom detection sensor for detecting the bottom of the sample container, and during the intrusion of the sampling probe into the sample container. Control means for instructing the driving means to aspirate a sample when the bottom detection sensor does not detect the bottom of the sample container while the sampling probe moves a predetermined distance after the liquid level detection sensor detects the liquid level. And an automatic analyzer. 2. An informing means for issuing a warning indicating that the amount of aspirated is insufficient when it is determined or detected that the amount of the sample in the sample container is insufficient to be aspirated. 3. The automatic analyzer according to 2. A method for aspirating a sample, in which a sampling probe aspirates the sample as a sampling mechanism for dispensing a sample contained in a sample container, comprising: a liquid level detection sensor for detecting a liquid level of the sample in the sample container; A first step of accommodating a sampling probe provided with a bottom detection sensor for detecting a bottom in the sample container;
A second step in which the liquid level detection sensor detects the liquid level of the sample and the bottom detection sensor detects the bottom of the sample container to specify the height of the sample liquid level contained in the sample container. When,
The relationship between the amount of the sample contained in the sample container and the height from the bottom is referred to table data previously stored for each sample container, and the amount of the sample to be aspirated and the amount of the sample from the bottom for preventing the empty suction. A third step of calculating the height of the liquid level;
A fourth step of comparing the height of the sample liquid surface specified in the second step with the height of the sample liquid surface from the bottom for not performing the empty suction calculated in the third step,
When the height of the sample liquid surface specified in the second step is smaller than the height of the sample liquid surface from the bottom portion for preventing empty suction calculated in the third step, the sample is not aspirated. A method for aspirating a specimen, comprising: a fifth step. A method for aspirating a sample, in which a sampling probe aspirates the sample as a sampling mechanism for dispensing a sample contained in a sample container, comprising: a liquid level detection sensor for detecting a liquid level of the sample in the sample container; A first step of accommodating a sampling probe provided with a bottom detection sensor for detecting a bottom in the sample container;
A second step in which the liquid level detection sensor detects the liquid level of the sample and the bottom detection sensor detects the bottom of the sample container to specify the height of the sample liquid level contained in the sample container. When,
A third step of calculating, based on a relationship between the amount of the sample contained in the sample container and the height from the bottom, the height of the sample liquid level from the bottom for preventing the empty suction with respect to the amount of the sample to be sucked; ,
A fourth step of comparing the height of the sample liquid surface specified in the second step with the height of the sample liquid surface from the bottom for not performing the empty suction calculated in the third step,
When the height of the sample liquid surface specified in the second step is smaller than the height of the sample liquid surface from the bottom portion for preventing empty suction calculated in the third step, the sample is not aspirated. A method for aspirating a specimen, comprising: a fifth step. A method for aspirating a sample, in which a sampling probe aspirates the sample as a sampling mechanism for dispensing a sample contained in a sample container, comprising: a liquid level detection sensor for detecting a liquid level of the sample in the sample container; A first step of accommodating a sampling probe provided with a bottom detection sensor for detecting a bottom in the sample container;
The relationship between the amount of the sample contained in the sample container and the height from the bottom is referred to table data previously stored for each sample container, and the amount of the sample to be aspirated and the amount of the sample from the bottom for preventing the empty suction. A second step of calculating the liquid level,
The moving distance of the sampling probe between the time when the liquid level detecting sensor detects the liquid level of the sample and the time when the bottom detecting sensor detects the bottom of the sample container is such that the moving distance of the sampling probe does not suck the sample from the bottom. A third step of aspirating the sample when the numerical value indicating the height of the liquid surface has been reached. A method for aspirating a sample, in which a sampling probe aspirates the sample as a sampling mechanism for dispensing a sample contained in a sample container, comprising: a liquid level detection sensor for detecting a liquid level of the sample in the sample container; A first step of accommodating a sampling probe provided with a bottom detection sensor for detecting a bottom in the sample container;
A second step of calculating the height of the sample liquid level from the bottom for preventing empty suction with respect to the amount of the sample to be aspirated, based on the relationship between the amount of the sample contained in the sample container and the height from the bottom; ,
The moving distance of the sampling probe between the time when the liquid level detecting sensor detects the liquid level of the sample and the time when the bottom detecting sensor detects the bottom of the sample container is such that the moving distance of the sampling probe does not suck the sample from the bottom. A third step of aspirating the sample when the numerical value indicating the height of the liquid surface has been reached. 8. The aspirating method according to claim 4, further comprising a step of, when it is determined or detected that the amount of the sample in the sample container is less than an amount to be aspirated, notifying the fact. Method.

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