JP2004271265A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer for successively obtaining highly reliable analysis results without the need for an operator to ask for new measurement on an accuracy control specimen with respect to a standby reagent bottle while analyzing samples. <P>SOLUTION: In the event that a plurality of same reagent bottles are placed on one analysis unit, the accuracy control specimen placed on a buffer is automatically supplied to the analyzer when the amount of reagent in an in-use reagent bottle becomes equal to or less than a set value, and the control specimen is automatically measured with respect to a standby reagent bottle for the in-use reagent bottle. When a lack occurs of a reagent in the in-use bottle, analysis is continued by moving to a standby reagent bottle for which the control specimen has been previously measured. This analyzer makes it possible to measure the control specimen in a next used standby reagent bottle of the same item just before reagent bottle replacement takes place due to a lack of in-use reagent, and makes it possible to perform highly reliable analysis without lowering throughput. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for performing qualitative / quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer including a method for handling a quality control sample for maintaining quantitativeness of analysis.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to maintain the measurement accuracy, the automatic analyzer needs to calibrate the apparatus using a standard sample (calibrator) and a quality control sample (control) whose concentration is known in advance. For example, in a biochemical automatic analyzer that uses the principle of reacting a sample with a reagent and measuring the change in color of the reagent due to the concentration of the target component in the sample as a change in absorbance, a calibration curve showing the relationship between absorbance and concentration is created. To measure the concentration of the unknown sample. In this case, the calibration curve is corrected and the accuracy of the analysis result is controlled by periodically measuring the standard sample and the quality control sample.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-65676 (Patent Document 1) discloses that a sample to be analyzed is mounted on a rack, conveyed from a rack input unit to an analysis unit via a conveyance line, and the rack after dispensing is collected by a rack collection unit. Describes an automatic analyzer to be recovered. In the present invention, the standard solution and the quality control sample are made to stand by in the standby unit, and when the number of processed general samples or the elapsed time matches a predetermined condition, the standard solution and the quality control sample are automatically taken out from the standby unit. Perform analysis. According to the present invention, the apparatus can automatically control the quality without requiring the operator of the apparatus to request the measurement of the quality control sample by his own judgment.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-171469 (Patent Literature 2) discloses a method of calibrating a standby reagent bottle having the same items as a reagent before starting measurement of a patient sample when performing analysis using the reagent. An automatic analyzer for performing the above is disclosed. According to the present invention, when the number of remaining reagents to be analyzed becomes equal to or less than the set value for a plurality of identical reagent bottles installed in the apparatus, the calibration is recommended for the standby reagent of the same item.
[0005]
According to the present invention, when it is expected that the reagent in the currently used reagent bottle runs out at the start of the analysis of the sample sample, the calibration of the standby reagent bottle of the same item as the reagent used for the measurement is performed. As a result, even if the currently used reagent bottle runs out of reagent during the analysis, the analysis can be continued without performing the calibration measurement, the throughput of the entire apparatus can be improved, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-4-65676 (claims)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2000-171469 (abstract)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The need to measure the quality control sample is indispensable from the viewpoint of quality control of the analysis result not only during the periodic control of the analysis precision but also during the replacement of the reagent. The invention described in Patent Literature 1 teaches a method of periodically managing the analysis accuracy, but does not consider the accuracy control at the time of reagent replacement.
[0008]
Further, with the conventional method of measuring the quality control sample after replacing the reagent bottle, the analysis of the general sample cannot be performed for the time required for the measurement of the quality control sample, and there is a possibility that the analysis processing speed may be delayed. In addition, the invention described in Patent Document 2 teaches a method for performing calibration for the same reagent on standby, but it is necessary for an operator to install a calibrator by himself and make a request. Therefore, no consideration has been given to automation, and no consideration has been given to accuracy control immediately after reagent bottle replacement.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that eliminates the need for an operator to measure a quality control sample immediately after reagent bottle replacement and improves the analysis processing speed.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In an automatic analyzer, when a plurality of identical reagent bottles are installed in one analyzer, if the amount of reagent in the used reagent bottles becomes equal to or less than a set value, the quality control sample measurement for the used reagent bottles in the standby reagent bottle is recommended. Is displayed on the screen. Therefore, when the quality control sample measurement for the standby reagent bottle is set to be automatic, the measurement of the quality control sample for the standby reagent bottle can be automatically executed.
[0011]
In the above description, it is preferable that the recommended range of the quality control measurement for the standby reagent bottle can be set by inputting an arbitrary setting value from the input / output device. Also, preferably, when it is recommended to perform the quality control of the standby reagent bottle, it is possible to set from the input / output device whether to automatically or manually request the quality control measurement for the standby reagent bottle.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
(Embodiment 1) The configuration and operation of an automatic analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0014]
First, the overall configuration of the automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic analysis system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015]
The automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment includes a sample rack input unit 1, an ID reading unit 2, a transport line 3 that is a rack transport device, a transport line 4 for re-examination, analysis modules 5, 6, 7, and 8. , A sample rack standby unit 9, a sample rack collection unit 10, and a computer 11 for overall management.
[0016]
The sample rack input section 1 is a section for inputting a plurality of sample racks each holding a plurality of samples (samples). The analysis modules 5, 6, 7, and 8 are arranged along the transport line 3 and are detachably connected to the transport line 3. The number of analysis modules may be arbitrary, and the present embodiment shows a case of four analysis modules. The four analysis modules 5, 6, 7, 8 constitute two analysis units. That is, the first analysis unit is composed of two upstream units of the transport line 3, that is, the analysis modules 5 and 6, and these are the immune analysis modules.
[0017]
The second analysis unit includes two downstream analysis units, that is, biochemical analysis modules 7 and 8. Note that the number of analysis modules constituting the biochemical analysis module is not limited to two, and may be three or more.
[0018]
In this embodiment, the case of the combination of the biochemical analysis module and the immune analysis module is shown, but it may be configured by a combination with another analysis module, for example, a gene analysis module.
[0019]
The transport line 3 transports the sample rack from the sample rack input unit 1 to a predetermined one of the analysis modules 5, 6, 7, and 8. In addition, the transport line 3 transports a sample rack holding a sample that has been analyzed by the analysis modules 5, 6, 7, and 8 so as to be stored in the sample rack collection unit 10. The analysis modules 5, 6, 7, and 8 have service lines 51, 61, 71, and 81, respectively.
[0020]
Each transport of the sample rack from the transport line 3 to the analysis modules 5, 6, 7, 8 is performed by drawing the sample rack into the drop-in lines 51, 61, 71, 81, respectively. The reinspection transport line 4 is used when the sample rack analyzed by one of the analysis modules 5, 6, 7, and 8 needs to be reexamined or analyzed by another analysis module. , For returning to the entrance of the transport line 3.
[0021]
Further, the buffer 91 installed on the transport line 3 or the re-inspection transport line 4 on which the rack on which the quality control sample or the sample is mounted is transported is an arbitrary sample transported by the transport line 3 or the re-inspection transport line 4. Is stored for an arbitrary time. The rack is supplied again to the analysis module or the sample rack collection unit 10 at an arbitrary timing, and a sample to be analyzed at a specific time, such as a quality control sample or a standard solution, is mounted and supplied to the analysis module. Things are also possible.
[0022]
When the sample analyzed by each analysis module is further analyzed by another analysis module, the sample rack standby unit 9 waits until a determination result as to whether or not to retest after the dispensing and analysis in each analysis module is completed. This is the part that temporarily waits.
[0023]
The analysis modules 5, 6, 7, and 8 are provided with analysis module computers 12, 13, 14, and 15, which perform control for necessary processing in each analysis module. The sample rack input unit 1 includes a sample rack input unit 1, a transport line 3, a transport line 4 for re-examination, a buffer 91, and a computer 16 for performing necessary control in the sample rack collecting unit 10.
[0024]
Further, the sample rack standby section 9 includes a computer 17 for performing necessary control in the sample rack. The analysis module computers 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and the ID reading unit 2 are connected to the overall management computer 11. The computer 11 is further connected to an operation unit 18 having an input / output device for inputting necessary information and a display unit 19 for displaying an analysis result.
[0025]
The sample held by the sample rack has a sample ID indicating information regarding the sample (reception number, patient name, requested analysis item, etc.), and the sample rack has a rack ID indicating rack identification information such as a rack number. Have. The sample rack placed in the sample rack input unit 1 is transported by the transport line 3. When the sample rack moves to the transport line 3, the sample ID and the sample rack ID are read by the ID reading unit 2, It is sent to the computer 11. The computer 11 determines which analysis module performs the analysis of the requested analysis item based on the information, and provides the information to the computer 16 and the determined analysis module computers 12,. .
[0026]
Next, the configuration of the immune analysis module used in the analysis system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the immunity analysis module 5 shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example, but the immunity analysis module 6 has the same configuration. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the immune analysis module used in the analysis system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plurality of reagent containers 20 are arranged in a circle on the reagent disk 21. The reagent disk 21 is rotated by a motor. The plurality of reaction vessels 22 are arranged in a circle on a thermostat 23. The constant temperature bath 23 is rotated by a motor. The reaction vessel 22 is moved from the reaction vessel installation position 24 to the sample dispensing position 25, the reagent dispensing position 26, and the reaction liquid suction position 27 by the rotating operation of the thermostat 23.
[0028]
The sample dispensing pipetter 28 can be moved from a sample suction position 29 to a sample dispensing position 25 by a motor. When the sample rack 30 is drawn into the drop line 51 and held by the sample rack, and the sample (sample) positioned at the sample suction position 29 is dispensed to the reaction container 22 at the sample dispensing position 25, the sample rack is dispensed. The disposable tip 31 is attached to the tip of the nozzle of the pipettor 28.
[0029]
The reagent dispensing pipetter 32 is movable from the reagent suction position 33 to the reagent dispensing position 26. The sipper 34 is movable between a reaction solution suction position 27, a buffer solution suction position 35, and a flow cell internal washing position 36. Further, the shipper 34 has a function of sending a reaction solution to a flow cell in the detection unit 37 via a tube.
[0030]
The tip and reaction container transfer mechanism 38 transfers the disposable tip 31 from the tip storage position 39 to the tip mounting position 55 and transfers the reaction container 33 from the reaction container storage position 40 to the reaction container installation position 24. The reagent dispensing pipetter 32 and the shipper 34 clean their own nozzles at the respective cleaning positions.
[0031]
Next, the operation of the immune analysis module 5 will be described. First, the tip and reaction container transfer mechanism 38 transfers the disposable tip 31 to the tip mounting position 55 and the reaction container 22 to the reaction container installation position 24. When the sample is positioned at the sample suction position 29, the reagent disk 21 rotates so as to position the reagent container 20 containing the reagent used for analyzing the sample at the reagent suction position 33.
[0032]
Then, after attaching the disposable tip 31 to the nozzle, the sample dispensing pipetter 28 moves to the sample suction position 29 and sucks the sample (sample). After aspirating the sample, the sample dispensing pipetter 28 is moved to the sample dispensing position 25 and discharges the sucked sample into the reaction container 22. After the ejection, the sample dispensing pipetter 28 is moved to the tip discarding position 41, and the tip at the tip is discarded.
[0033]
The reaction container 22 from which the sample has been released is moved to the reagent dispensing position 26 by the rotation of the reaction disk 23. The reagent dispensing pipetter 32 sucks the reagent at the reagent suction position 33 and discharges it to the reaction container 22 moved to the reagent dispensing position 26. The reaction vessel 22 containing the immunoreaction liquid of the reagent and the sample is moved to the reaction liquid suction position 27 by rotation of the reaction disk 23 after a certain period of time. The sipper 34 sucks the reaction solution, moves to a buffer solution suction position 35 to suck the buffer solution, and transfers the buffer solution to a flow cell in the detection unit 37 via a tube.
[0034]
Thus, the optical measurement is performed, and the analysis result of the immunological analysis item is obtained. Thereafter, the shipper 34 is moved to the flow cell internal cleaning position 36, sucks the flow cell internal cleaning liquid, flows through the tube through the tube, and cleans the flow cell.
[0035]
Next, the configuration of the biochemical module used in the analysis system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the biochemical analysis module 7 shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example, but the biochemical analysis module 8 has the same configuration. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the biochemical analysis module used in the analysis system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0037]
The biochemical module 7 includes a first reagent disk 43, a second reagent disk 44 in which a plurality of first reagents 41 and second reagents 42 are respectively arranged in a circle, and a first and a second reagent disks. A reagent system including reagent dispensing pipettes 45 and 46 is provided. It also includes a sample system including a sample dispensing pipetter 47, a reaction system in which a plurality of reaction vessels 50 are arranged on a reaction disk 49 in which a thermostat from a thermostat 48 circulates, and a multi-wavelength photometer 52. A measurement system (analysis system).
[0038]
The sample rack 30 is drawn into the drop wire 71, and the sample (sample) held at the sample rack and positioned at the sample suction position is aspirated by the sample dispensing pipetter 47, and is transferred to the reaction container 50 of the reaction disk 49. Released at the injection position. The reaction container 50 from which the sample has been released is moved to the first reagent dispensing position by the rotation of the reaction disk 49, where the reaction container 50 holds the first reagent disc 43 held by the first reagent disk 43. Reagent 41 is dispensed by first reagent pipettor 45.
[0039]
The reaction container 50 into which the first reagent has been dispensed is moved to the stirring position, where the sample and the first reagent are stirred by the stirring position 53.
[0040]
Further, when it is necessary to add the second reagent, the stirred reaction container 50 is moved to the second reagent dispensing position, where it is held on the second reagent disk 44. The used second reagent 42 is dispensed by the second reagent pipetter 46. The dispensed reaction vessel 50 is moved to the stirring position, where the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 50 are stirred by the stirring device 53, and the reaction liquid is generated. .
[0041]
The reaction container 50 containing the reaction solution is moved to a measurement position, where the multi-wavelength photometer 52 measures the multi-wavelength absorbance of the reaction solution, and obtains the analysis result of the biochemical analysis item.
[0042]
Next, the processing operation of replacing the reagent with the standby reagent when the reagent runs short in the automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, an example will be described in which the automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment is running the automatic analysis process, and the remaining amount of the specific reagent in the analysis module 5 is insufficient, so that the measurement of the reagent cannot be continued. This will be explained. The same applies to a case where the remaining reagents are insufficient in the other analysis modules 6, 7, and 8, and the measurement of the reagent cannot be continued.
[0043]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when the used reagent bottle runs out of reagent in the automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment.
[0044]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting example of quality control sample measurement for a standby reagent displayed on the CRT of the operation unit 18 of the analysis module according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0045]
In step 401, a standby reagent bottle is selected in the item selection 501 in FIG. 5, and the number of remaining tests or the remaining amount of the reagent is selected from the check box in the QC recommendation setting 502. After selection, the value is determined in the edit box 503. In FIG. 5, as an example, the number of remaining tests is set to 20 tests.
[0046]
In step 402, when the QC value falls below the recommended setting value, the radio box 504 is used to set whether to automatically measure the quality control sample for the set standby reagent bottle or to manually request the operator at an arbitrary timing. Perform at If it is set to automatic, it is displayed in the item selection 501. Finally, an update button 505 is pressed to complete the setting.
[0047]
After that, a standby reagent to be set is selected, the same setting is performed, and finally the registration button 506 is pressed to complete the setting. Then, in step 403, the analysis module computers 12 to 15 execute the analysis.
[0048]
In step 405, the analysis module computer 12 determines whether the remaining amount of each reagent is less than the set remaining test number or the remaining amount of the reagent during the analysis. If the reagent is not equal to or less than the set value (in the present embodiment, the number of remaining tests is 20), the process returns to step 404 to continue the analysis in the module, and the reagent is equal to or less than the set value (in this embodiment, the remaining test is 20 tests). ), The process proceeds to step 406. In the following description, it is assumed that the used reagent bottle of item A falls below the remaining test 20 tests.
[0049]
When the used bottle of the same item as the item A falls below the set value determined on the screen in FIG. 5 during the analysis in step 406, the accuracy is displayed on the set value display 501 for the standby reagent of the item A on the screen of FIG. 5. Change the color of the set value display part and display it as recommended for management measurement.
[0050]
At this time, if the QC measurement method 504 is set to automatic in step 402, the quality control sample installed in the buffer unit 91 is automatically conveyed to the analysis module 5, and the standby reagent bottle is set. , The quality control sample is measured.
[0051]
When the remaining amount of the used reagent bottle becomes 0 in step 410, the standby reagent of item A for which the quality control sample was measured in step 411 becomes the used bottle, and the analysis of item A can be continuously performed. Become.
[0052]
If the QC measurement method 504 has been set to manual in step 402, the quality control sample measurement recommendation is displayed on the set value display 506 for the standby reagent of the same item in step 406. In step 412, the operator can request the standby reagent bottle to perform quality control sample measurement at an arbitrary timing.
[0053]
(Embodiment 2) Next, the configuration and operation of an automatic analysis system according to a different embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0054]
FIG. 6 shows the entire configuration of the automatic analyzer. A large number of reaction vessels 120 made of a translucent material are mounted on the reaction disk 101 provided intermittently rotatable along the circumference. The reaction vessel 120 is maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.) by a thermostat 141. The temperature of the fluid in the thermostat 141 is adjusted by the thermostat 161.
[0055]
A large number of sample cups 221 containing a biological sample such as blood or urine are placed on the sample disk 201. The pipette nozzle 261 attached to the movable arm 241 sucks a predetermined amount of sample from the sample cup 221 positioned at the suction position of the sample disk 201, and transfers the sample to the inside of the reaction vessel 120 at the discharge position on the reaction disk 101. To be discharged.
[0056]
A plurality of reagent bottles 32A, 32B each having a label indicating reagent identification information, such as a barcode, are placed on the reagent disks arranged in the reagent cool boxes 30A, 30B, respectively. These reagent bottles contain reagent solutions corresponding to analysis items that can be analyzed by the analyzer. The bar code reading device attached to each of the reagent cool boxes 30A and 30B reads the bar code displayed on the outer wall of each reagent bottle at the time of reagent registration. The read reagent information is registered in a memory 56 described later together with the position on the reagent disk.
[0057]
The reagent pipette nozzle in each of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 36A and 36B draws a reagent solution from a reagent bottle corresponding to a test item positioned at a reagent receiving position on the reaction disk 101 and discharges the reagent solution into the corresponding reaction container 120. The mixture of the sample and the reagent contained in the reaction vessel 120 is stirred by the stirring mechanisms 38A and 38B. The row of the reaction vessels 120 is rotated so as to pass through a photometry position sandwiched between the white light source 401 and the multi-wavelength photometer 421. The reaction liquid between the sample and the reagent in each reaction container 120 is measured during the rotation of the reaction disk 101. The analog signal measured for each sample is input to the A / D converter 44. The reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 180 disposed near the reaction disk 101 cleans the inside of the used reaction vessel 120, thereby enabling the reaction vessel to be used repeatedly.
[0058]
Next, a control system and a signal processing system in the analyzer of FIG. 6 will be briefly described. The computer 501 is connected to the sample dispensing control unit 281, the reagent dispensing control unit 391, and the A / D converter 441 via the interface 521. The computer 501 sends a command to the sample dispensing control unit 281 to control the sample dispensing operation. Further, the computer 501 sends a command to the reagent dispensing control section 391 to control the reagent dispensing operation. The photometric value converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 441 is taken into the computer 501.
[0059]
The interface 521 is connected to a printer 54 for printing, a memory 56 as a storage device, a flexible magnetic disk drive 58, a keyboard 60 for inputting operation commands and the like, and a CRT display 100 for screen display. As the screen display device, a liquid crystal display or the like can be adopted in addition to the CRT display. The memory 56 is composed of, for example, a hard disk memory or an external memory. The memory 56 stores information such as the password of each operator, the display level of each screen, analysis parameters, analysis item request contents, calibration results, and analysis results.
[0060]
Next, the analysis operation of the sample in the automatic analyzer of FIG. 6 will be described. Analysis parameters relating to items that can be analyzed by the automatic analyzer are input in advance via an information input device such as a keyboard 60 and stored in the memory 56. The operator selects an inspection item requested for each sample using an operation function screen described later.
[0061]
At this time, information such as a patient ID is also input from the keyboard 60. In order to analyze the test item designated for each sample, the pipette nozzle 261 dispense a predetermined amount of sample from the sample cup 221 to the reaction container 120 according to the analysis parameters.
[0062]
The reaction container having received the sample is transferred by the rotation of the reaction disk 101 and stops at the reagent receiving position. The pipette nozzles of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 36A and 36B dispense a predetermined amount of the reagent solution into the reaction container 120 according to the analysis parameters of the corresponding test item. Contrary to this example, the dispensing order of the sample and the reagent may be such that the reagent precedes the sample.
[0063]
Thereafter, the sample and the reagent are stirred by the stirring mechanisms 38A and 38B, and mixed. When the reaction vessel 120 crosses the photometric position, the multi-wavelength photometer 421 measures the absorbance of the reaction solution. The measured absorbance is taken into the computer 50 via the A / D converter 441 and the interface 52. This absorbance is converted into concentration data based on a calibration curve measured in advance by an analysis method specified for each test item. The component concentration data as the analysis result of each inspection item is output to the screen of the printer 54 or the CRT 100.
[0064]
Before the above-described measurement operation is performed, the operator sets various parameters necessary for analysis and measurement and registers a sample via the operation screen. The operator confirms the analysis result after the measurement on the operation screen on the CRT 100.
[0065]
Next, referring to FIG. 7, in the automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment, when the used reagent bottle is out of reagent, the quality control sample measurement of the standby reagent bottle of the reagent bottle is performed, and the reagent can be replaced. The operation will be described.
[0066]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation when the used reagent bottle runs out of reagent in the automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment.
[0067]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting example of the quality control measurement for the standby reagent displayed on the CRT display 100 of the operation unit of the analysis module according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0068]
In step 701, a reagent bottle is selected in the item selection 801 of FIG. 8, and the number of remaining tests or the remaining amount of the reagent is selected from the check box in the QC recommended setting 802. After selection, the value is determined in the edit box 803. In FIG. 8, as an example, the number of remaining tests is set to 20 tests.
[0069]
In step 702, when the value is lower than the recommended QC set value, the quality control sample is automatically measured for the set standby reagent bottle. Alternatively, a setting as to whether the operator makes a manual request at an arbitrary timing is made in the radio box 804, and when the setting is made automatically, it is displayed in the item selection 801.
[0070]
Finally, an update button 805 is pressed to register the settings. Thereafter, an item to be set is selected, the same setting is performed, and finally, a registration button 806 is pressed to end the setting. Then, in step 703, the analysis is performed.
[0071]
Then, in step 704, the analysis computer 50 determines whether the remaining amount of each reagent is less than the set remaining test number or the remaining amount of the reagent during the analysis. If the reagent is less than the set value (20 tests remaining in this embodiment), the analysis is continued, and if the reagent becomes less than the set value (20 tests remaining in this embodiment), the process proceeds to step 705. In the following description, it is assumed that the used reagent bottle of the same item as the reagent A has fallen below the set value.
[0072]
When the used bottle of the same item as the item A falls below the value set on the screen 803 in FIG. 8 during the analysis in step 706, the quality control sample measurement is recommended in the set value display 801 of the standby reagent of the item A on the screen of FIG. The color of the set value display portion is changed and displayed.
[0073]
If the execution of the quality control measurement is previously set to automatic in step 702, the quality control sample of the standby reagent bottle related to item A is measured using the quality control sample set on the disk.
[0074]
When the remaining amount of the used reagent bottle becomes 0 in step 708, the standby reagent of item A for which the quality control sample was measured in step 709 becomes the used bottle, and the analysis of item A can be continuously performed. Become.
[0075]
If the automatic QC measurement is not set to automatic in step 702, the quality control sample measurement is not automatically performed even if the recommendation of the quality control sample measurement is displayed on the screen. Then, in step 710, the operator can request the quality control sample measurement at an arbitrary timing.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, in an automatic analyzer in which a plurality of reagent bottles of the same item are installed, immediately before the change of the reagent bottle due to the running out of the reagent in use, the accuracy management of the same item standby reagent bottle to be used next time is performed. Sample measurement becomes possible, and more reliable analysis becomes possible. In addition, the quality control sample can be measured automatically at the appropriate timing and without the operator's request. Therefore, the quality control sample measurement is not performed after the reagent in the currently used reagent bottle runs out, and the throughput is reduced. It is possible to continue the analysis without inducing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing an overall configuration of an automatic analysis system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of an immune analysis module used in the analysis system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a biochemical analysis module used in the analysis system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when the used reagent bottle runs out of reagent in the automatic analysis system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting example of quality control measurement for a standby reagent according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when the used reagent bottle runs out of reagent in the automatic analysis system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting example of quality control measurement for a standby reagent according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sample rack input part, 2 ... ID reading part, 3 ... Conveyance line, 4 ... Conveyance line for reexamination, 5, 6, 7, 8 ... Analysis module, 9 ... Sample rack standby part, 10 ... Sample rack collection part , 11: Computer for overall management, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17: Computer for analysis module, 18: Operation unit, 19: Display unit, 51, 61, 71, 81: Drop-in line, 91: Buffer unit.

Claims (5)

An analysis unit for analyzing a biological sample, a rack input port for installing a rack having the sample, a rack transport device for transporting the sample rack supplied to the rack input port to the analysis unit, and a quality control sample were installed. When a plurality of identical reagent bottles are installed in one analysis unit and the amount of reagents of the used reagent bottles becomes equal to or less than a set value, a quality control sample installed in the buffer is provided. Is supplied to the analysis unit to enable measurement of the quality control sample for the standby reagent bottle of the used reagent bottle. A sample container for storing a biological sample, and a storage unit for storing a quality control sample, when a plurality of the same reagent bottles are installed in the storage unit, when the reagent amount of the used reagent bottle becomes equal to or less than a set value, An automatic analyzer, wherein a quality control sample can be measured for a standby reagent bottle of the used reagent bottle. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising means for displaying a message on the screen of the input / output device when the measurement of the quality control sample is recommended for the standby reagent bottle of the used reagent bottle. An automatic analyzer characterized by the following. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein whether the quality control sample measurement is automatically performed in advance or the quality control sample measurement request is manually performed can be set from an input / output device. Automatic analyzer. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the recommended request range of the quality control measurement for the standby reagent bottle can be arbitrarily set by the input / output device.

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