JP2005043270A - Automatic analysis device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analysis device enabling an operator or a service man to estimate easily the cause when abnormal analysis data are acquired. <P>SOLUTION: This automatic analysis device 2 has a dispensation unit. The dispensation unit dispenses a sample or a reagent by a dispensation nozzle 4 connected to a suction/discharge pump 8. An analysis unit 32 analyzes the sample dispensed by the dispensation unit and acquires analysis data. Detection means 36, 38, 40, 42 detect the operation state of dispensation by the dispensation unit or analysis by the analysis unit 32 and acquire hardware information. A storage unit 34 stores the analysis data and the hardware information correlatively. The analysis data and the hardware information stored correlatively in the storage unit 34 are perused by a display means 44. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer used for analyzing a sample such as blood or urine.

  Conventionally, automatic analyzers are used to analyze samples such as blood and urine. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dispensing device used for an automatic analyzer. This dispensing apparatus has dispensing means for sucking and discharging a sample. The dispensing means has a dispensing pump that operates to suck and discharge. The dispensing pump is connected to a dispensing nozzle for sucking and discharging the sample via a pipe line.

  By the way, in an automatic analyzer, when a sample is sucked by a dispensing nozzle, the dispensing nozzle may be clogged by foreign matters such as fibrin. In this case, an accurate amount of sample cannot be sucked and discharged. For this reason, it is necessary to detect a dispensing abnormality due to clogging of the dispensing nozzle and issue an error alarm.

  In order to detect dispensing abnormality due to clogging of the dispensing nozzle, in the dispensing device of Patent Document 1, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the pipeline is provided in the pipeline. The pressure sensor is connected to a determining means for determining clogging of the dispensing nozzle based on the output of the pressure sensor. The determination means compares the pressure at a predetermined timing after the sample suction operation by the dispensing nozzle is completed and before the sample discharge operation is started with the predetermined pressure. Then, when the pressure at a predetermined timing is lower than the predetermined pressure, it is determined that the dispensing nozzle is clogged. In this case, an error warning is issued to the operator or service person.

  In the automatic analyzer of Patent Document 2, a determination unit different from the determination unit of Patent Document 1 is used. In this discriminating means, first, pressure data at the time of dispensing the reference liquid is detected by a pressure sensor and used as first pressure data. Moreover, the pressure data at the time of dispensing the predetermined liquid is detected by the pressure sensor, and is set as second pressure data. Then, the dispensing pressure abnormality is detected by comparing the first pressure data and the second pressure data.

  In the automatic analyzer, dispensing abnormality occurs due to various causes other than clogging of the dispensing nozzle. In order to detect such dispensing abnormality, the automatic analyzer of Patent Document 3 uses the liquid level of the sample in the container.

The dispensing nozzle (probe) of Patent Document 3 is controlled by a dispensing controller and is driven up and down by a pulse motor. The dispensing nozzle is provided with a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level. Using the pulse motor and the liquid level sensor, the liquid level detector detects the liquid level height. That is, the liquid level height is calculated by detecting the descending distance of the dispensing nozzle from the number of pulses of the pulse motor until the liquid level sensor of the dispensing nozzle detects the liquid level of the sample. The liquid level height is stored in the liquid level storage unit. At the next dispensing of the same sample, the liquid level height of the sample detected by the liquid level detection unit is compared with the previous liquid level height stored in the liquid level storage unit by the comparison determination unit. The comparison determination unit calculates the dispensing amount of the previous sample from the amount of change in the liquid level, and determines whether the dispensing is correct.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-83868 Japanese Patent No. 2577343 JP-A-9-127136

  There are various types and characteristics of samples to be dispensed. Abnormal pressure for a moment or abnormal pressure due to changes over time may occur, and the suction and discharge amount of the sample by the dispensing nozzle may change. . However, the dispensing devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2 are configured to determine dispensing abnormality only when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor at the time of dispensing exceeds a predetermined threshold. For this reason, it is difficult to determine that an abnormal pressure for a moment or an abnormal pressure due to a change over time is a dispensing abnormality.

  If the dispensing abnormality cannot be determined, no error warning is issued. For this reason, abnormal analysis data may be obtained. In this case, even if it seems that there is an abnormality in the analysis data, it is difficult for an operator or a service person to find out that the cause is an abnormal pressure.

  Further, in the automatic analyzer, dispensing abnormality occurs due to various causes, and therefore various means for determining dispensing abnormality are used as in Patent Document 3. However, depending on the cause of dispensing abnormality, it may not be determined as dispensing abnormality.

  For example, it is necessary to accurately detect the liquid level in order to aspirate a sample or a reagent in the container. However, there is a case where the liquid level detecting means does not function normally for some reason and the level of the liquid level is erroneously detected. However, depending on the cause, it may not be possible to determine that the liquid level has been erroneously detected, and an error alarm may not be issued. In such a case, abnormal analysis data may be obtained. In this case, even if it seems that there is an abnormality in the analysis data, it is difficult for the operator and service person to find out that the cause is an erroneous detection of the liquid level by the liquid level detection means.

  Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer, abnormal analysis data may be obtained due to various operational abnormalities other than dispensing abnormality. However, depending on the cause, it may not be determined that the operation is abnormal.

  For example, in order to appropriately analyze a dispensed sample, it is necessary to appropriately control the temperature of a thermostatic chamber for constant temperature of the sample. If a temperature abnormality occurs due to some cause and cannot be detected, abnormal analysis data may be obtained. In this case, even if it seems that there is an abnormality in the analysis data, it is difficult for an operator or a service person to find out that the cause is a temperature abnormality in the thermostat.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to enable an operator or a service person to easily guess the cause when abnormal analysis data is obtained. It is to provide an automatic analyzer.

The invention of claim 1 is a dispensing unit having a dispensing nozzle connected to an intake / exhaust pump for dispensing a sample or a reagent by an intake / exhaust operation of the intake / exhaust pump;
An analysis unit for analyzing the sample dispensed by the dispensing unit to obtain analysis data;
A detection unit for obtaining hardware information by detecting an operating state in the dispensing by the dispensing unit or the analysis by the analysis unit;
A storage unit for storing the analysis data and hardware information in association with each other;
A browsing unit for browsing the analysis data and the hardware information stored in association with the storage unit;
An automatic analyzer is provided.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the detection unit detects the operating state in the dispensing by the dispensing unit or the analysis by the analysis unit to obtain hardware information, and the analysis data and the hardware information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit. The analysis data and hardware information stored in association with the storage unit are browsed by the browsing unit, and when abnormal analysis data is obtained, the cause can be easily estimated.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer according to the first aspect, the detection unit includes pressure detection means for detecting an operating pressure of the dispensing nozzle when dispensing by the dispensing nozzle. is there.

  In the second aspect of the invention, the pressure detection means detects the operating pressure of the dispensing nozzle when dispensing with the dispensing nozzle.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the detection unit has a sample liquid level detecting means for detecting the liquid level height of the sample in the container at the time of dispensing by the dispensing nozzle. Automatic analyzer.

  In the invention of claim 3, the liquid level of the sample in the container is detected by the sample liquid level detecting means at the time of dispensing by the dispensing nozzle.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the detection unit has reagent liquid level detection means for detecting the liquid level of the reagent in the container when dispensing by the dispensing nozzle. Automatic analyzer.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the liquid level of the reagent in the container is detected by the reagent liquid level detecting means at the time of dispensing by the dispensing nozzle.

  The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the analysis unit has a thermostatic chamber for isothermally holding a container for storing a sample to be analyzed, and the detection unit has a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the thermostatic chamber. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.

  In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the thermostatic chamber for isolating the container for storing the sample to be analyzed is detected by the temperature detecting means.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit has a room temperature detection means for detecting a room temperature.

  In the sixth aspect of the invention, the room temperature is detected by the room temperature detecting means.

  According to the present invention, when abnormal analysis data is obtained, an operator or a service person can easily guess the cause.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic analyzer 2 of this embodiment has a dispensing unit for dispensing a sample.

  This dispensing unit has a dispensing nozzle 4 for sucking and discharging a sample. The rear end portion of the dispensing nozzle 4 is connected to the front end portion of the first pipe line 6. An intake / exhaust pump 8 that performs an intake / exhaust operation is connected to the rear end of the first pipe 6. The suction / discharge pump 8 is provided with pump drive means 10 for driving the suction / discharge pump 8. In the present embodiment, the suction / discharge pump 8 is a cylinder pump, and the pump drive means 10 drives a piston.

  The suction / discharge pump 8 is connected to the distal end portion of the second pipe 12. An electromagnetic valve 14 that opens and closes the second pipeline 12 is disposed on the rear end side of the second pipeline 12. A washing water pump 16 is disposed on the rear end side of the second conduit 12 from the electromagnetic valve 14. Further, a cleaning water tank 18 for storing cleaning water is disposed at the rear end of the second pipe 12. The washing water pump 16 is configured to send the washing water stored in the washing water tank 18 to the dispensing nozzle 4 through the second and first pipes 12 and 6 when the electromagnetic valve 14 is open. It has become.

  The dispensing nozzle 4 is provided with nozzle driving means 20 that moves the dispensing nozzle 4. The nozzle driving means 20 is configured to move the dispensing nozzle 4 in the vertical direction after moving the dispensing nozzle 4 horizontally and positioning it at a predetermined position. The nozzle driving unit 20 includes a clock signal generating unit (not shown) that generates a clock signal when the dispensing nozzle 4 is moved in the vertical direction.

  A detergent position S1 exists as a position where the dispensing nozzle 4 is positioned. In this detergent position S1, a detergent cup 22 in which a detergent for washing the dispensing nozzle 4 is accommodated is arranged. In addition, a sample cup 24 in which a sample is accommodated is disposed at the sample position S2. A dispensing cup 26 that accommodates the dispensed sample is disposed at the dispensing position S3. A cleaning cup 28 that receives the cleaning water discharged from the dispensing nozzle 4 is disposed at the cleaning position S4. In the reagent position S5, a reagent cup 30 in which the reagent is accommodated is arranged.

  The automatic analyzer 2 includes an analysis unit 32 that analyzes the sample stored in the dispensing cup 26 to obtain analysis data. The analysis unit 32 has a thermostat (not shown) that thermostats the sample stored in the dispensing cup 26. The analysis unit 32 is connected to a storage unit 34 that stores analysis data.

  And the automatic analyzer 2 has a detection unit which detects the operation state in the dispensing by a dispensing unit or the analysis by an analysis unit. This detection unit has pressure detection means 36 for measuring the pressure in the second pipe 12. The pressure detection means 36 is connected to the second pipe 12 between the suction / discharge pump 8 and the electromagnetic valve 14.

  FIG. 2 shows details of the pressure detection means 36. The pressure detection means 36 has a pressure sensor 48 connected to the second pipeline 12. The pressure sensor 48 is connected to an amplifier circuit 50 that amplifies the output from the pressure sensor 48. The amplifier circuit 50 is connected to a detection circuit 52 that detects pressure. The detection circuit 52 includes an A / D converter 54 that converts an output from the amplification circuit 50 into a digital signal, a CPU, and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 1 again, the liquid level detection means (sample liquid level detection means, reagent liquid level detection means) 38 for detecting the liquid level height of the sample in the sample cup 24 or the reagent in the reagent cup 30 is a dispensing nozzle. 4 is connected. The liquid level detection means 38 has a liquid level sensor (not shown) disposed in the dispensing nozzle 4.

  Further, the detection unit has a temperature detection means 40 that measures the temperature of the thermostat of the analysis unit 32. The detection unit also has room temperature detection means 42 that detects room temperature and obtains room temperature data.

  The pressure detection means 36, the liquid level detection means 38, the temperature detection means 40, and the room temperature detection means 42 are connected to the storage unit 34 that is connected to the analysis unit 32. The storage unit 34 is configured to store hardware information such as pressure, sample liquid level height, reagent liquid level height, thermostatic bath temperature, and room temperature in association with analysis data.

  The storage unit 34 is connected to a browsing unit for browsing the analysis data and hardware information stored in association with each other. In the present embodiment, the browsing unit includes a display unit 44 that displays analysis data and hardware information stored in association with each other, and an input unit 46 that operates the display unit 44.

  The configuration of the display screen of the display means 44 is shown in FIG. On one graph of the display screen, analysis data, a thermostatic chamber temperature, and a room temperature are displayed. The pressure is displayed on the other graph. These data are displayed with time on the horizontal axis. By operating the input means 46, it is also possible to display the sample liquid level height and the reagent liquid level height.

  Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. The dispensing nozzle 4 is moved in the horizontal direction by the sample driving means, and the dispensing nozzle 4 is positioned at the sample position S2. Furthermore, the nozzle drive means 20 moves the dispensing nozzle 4 downward in the vertical direction. The dispensing nozzle 4 is further lowered by a predetermined distance and stopped after the liquid level sensor of the dispensing nozzle 4 detects the liquid level of the sample.

  When the dispensing nozzle 4 is lowered, a clock signal is generated by the clock signal generator from the start of the lowering to the detection of the liquid level by the liquid level sensor. The descending distance of the dispensing nozzle 4 is calculated by integrating the generated clock signals. From the descending distance, the liquid level of the sample in the sample cup 24 is calculated.

  After the electromagnetic valve 14 is closed, the pump driving means 10 is driven to cause the suction / discharge pump 8 to perform a suction operation by a predetermined amount. Then, the sample in the sample cup 24 is sucked into the dispensing nozzle 4.

  The nozzle driving means 20 is driven again to move the dispensing nozzle 4 upward in the vertical direction. Then, the dispensing nozzle 4 is moved in the horizontal direction and positioned at the dispensing position S3. Thereafter, the pump driving means 10 is driven to discharge the suction / discharge pump 8. Then, the sample in the dispensing nozzle 4 is discharged to the dispensing cup 26.

  In the above dispensing operation, the pressure detecting means 36 detects the pressure in the second pipe 12. The output from the pressure sensor 48 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 50, and the output from the amplifier circuit 50 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 54. In this way, the pressure in the second pipe 12 is detected.

  Further, the dispensing nozzle 4 at the dispensing position S3 is positioned at the cleaning position S4. Thereafter, the electromagnetic valve 14 is opened to open the second pipe 12. The washing water pump 16 is driven, and the washing water accommodated in the washing water tank 18 is sent to the dispensing nozzle 4 through the second pipe 12, the suction / discharge pump 8 and the first pipe 6. The dispensing nozzle 4 is washed by discharging the washing water from the dispensing nozzle 4 to the washing cup 28.

  If necessary, the dispensing nozzle 4 is cleaned using a detergent. That is, after the dispensing nozzle 4 is positioned at the detergent position S1, it moves downward in the vertical direction. The dispensing nozzle 4 is further lowered by a predetermined distance and stopped after the liquid level sensor of the dispensing nozzle 4 detects the liquid level of the detergent. After closing the electromagnetic valve 14, the pump driving means 10 is driven to suck the detergent in the detergent cup 22 into the dispensing nozzle 4. After the dispensing nozzle 4 is moved vertically upward, it is positioned at the cleaning position S4 and the above-described cleaning operation is performed.

  Further, the dispensing nozzle 4 is moved in the horizontal direction by the nozzle driving means 20 and positioned at the reagent position S5. Similar to the sample dispensing operation, the reagent is dispensed into the dispensing cup 26. At this time, the reagent liquid level is detected. Thereafter, the above-described dispensing nozzle 4 is cleaned.

  The sample dispensed into the dispensing cup 26 is analyzed by the analysis unit 32. At this time, the dispensing cup 26 is held in a constant temperature bath. Analysis data is obtained as a result of the analysis. Further, the temperature of the thermostatic chamber is detected by the temperature detection means 40.

  Further, the room temperature is detected by the room temperature detecting means 42.

  Such dispensing by the dispensing unit and analysis by the analysis unit 32 are repeated. In each repeated operation, analysis data obtained by the analysis unit 32, sample liquid level height and reagent liquid level height detected by the liquid level detection means 38, pressure detected by the pressure detection means 36, temperature detection means 40 And the room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting means 42 are stored in association with the storage unit 34.

  By operating the input means 46, a predetermined number of times of dispensing, analysis data in analysis operation, thermostatic bath temperature, room temperature, pressure, sample liquid level, and / or reagent liquid level are selected and displayed. If the analysis data is considered abnormal, investigate the cause based on the displayed hardware information.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of normal analysis data, a thermostat temperature, room temperature, and pressure. When the sample is normally sucked and discharged by the dispensing nozzle, the pressure becomes a negative pressure by a predetermined amount at the time of suction and becomes a positive pressure by a predetermined amount at the time of discharge. In addition, a large positive pressure is applied during cleaning.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of abnormal analysis data. The analytical data is flat and clearly abnormal. In this case, referring to the pressure, in the suction and discharge of the sample by the dispensing nozzle 4, compared to normal suction and discharge, only a small amount is negative at the time of suction, and it is also small at the time of discharge. It is understood that only a positive amount is positive pressure. That is, it is understood that an abnormality occurred in the suction and discharge of the sample, and the sample was not dispensed into the dispensing cup. Furthermore, since no washing is performed, it is presumed that the dispensing abnormality is caused by clogging of the dispensing nozzle.

  Here, if washing has been performed, it is possible to estimate that a dispensing abnormality has occurred because the liquid level of the sample in the sample cup 24 is below the tip of the dispensing nozzle 4 when the sample is sucked. It is. This can be confirmed by displaying the sample liquid level height.

  FIG. 5 shows another example of abnormal analysis data. The analytical data has a steep rise from the normal analytical data. Here, normal analysis data is indicated by broken lines. By referring to the temperature chamber temperature, it is understood that the temperature chamber temperature is higher than normal. That is, it can be estimated that an abnormality has occurred in the analysis data because an abnormality has occurred in the thermostatic chamber. In addition, the analysis data may have a slower rise than normal analysis data. If the temperature of the thermostat is lower than the normal temperature, the temperature of the thermostat can be estimated to be abnormal because the temperature of the thermostat is abnormal.

  Thus, it is determined that the abnormality of the analysis data is not caused by the property of the sample but is caused by the malfunction of the automatic analyzer.

  Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in this embodiment, in each dispensing and analysis operation by the dispensing unit and the analysis unit 32, the analysis data obtained by the analysis unit 32, the sample liquid level height and the reagent liquid level detected by the liquid level detection means 38 The height, the operating pressure of the dispensing nozzle detected by the pressure detection means 36, the thermostatic bath temperature detected by the temperature detection means 40, and the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection means 42 are stored in association with the storage unit 34. To do. Then, by operating the input means 46, it is possible to display the thermostat temperature, room temperature, pressure, sample liquid level height and reagent liquid level height in association with the analysis data. Therefore, when abnormal analysis data is obtained, the operator or service person can easily investigate the cause.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid level detection means 38, the pressure detection means 36, the temperature detection means 40, and the room temperature detection means 42 are used, but any combination thereof can be used.

Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application are appended as follows.
Record
(Additional Item 1) The pressure value in the pipe at the time of suction / discharge of the sample obtained from the pressure sensor that measures the pressure in the pipe of the dispensing device and the analysis data obtained by the operation are associated and stored in the storage device. And an analysis device characterized in that information stored in the storage device can be browsed.

  (Additional Item 2) Obtained by the liquid level detection device for detecting the liquid level of the sample and the reagent and the liquid level of the sample and the reagent obtained by detecting the liquid level and the dispensing operation after the liquid level detection. An analysis apparatus characterized in that analysis data is associated with each other and stored in a storage device, and information stored in the storage device can be browsed.

  (Additional Item 3) The temperature of the thermostatic liquid that keeps the temperature of the reaction container and the room temperature are stored in the storage device in association with the analysis data from the time when the sample is discharged to the reaction container until the analysis result is obtained. An analysis apparatus characterized in that information stored in the apparatus can be browsed.

  The present invention is an automatic analysis used for analyzing a sample such as blood or urine, which can be easily guessed by an operator or a service person when abnormal analysis data is obtained. Providing equipment.

Explanatory drawing which shows the automatic analyzer of one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the pressure detection means of the automatic analyzer of one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the structure of the display screen of the display means of the automatic analyzer of one Embodiment of this invention, and normal analysis data. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the structure of the display screen of the display means of the automatic analyzer of one Embodiment of this invention, and abnormal analysis data. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the structure of the display screen of the display means of the automatic analyzer of one Embodiment of this invention, and abnormal analysis data.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Automatic analyzer, 4 ... Dispensing nozzle, 8 ... Intake / exhaust pump, 32 ... Analysis unit, 34 ... Memory | storage unit, 36, 38, 40, 42 ... Detection unit, 44, 46 ... Display unit.

Claims (6)

A dispensing unit having a dispensing nozzle connected to a suction / discharge pump for dispensing a sample or a reagent by suction / discharge operation of the suction / discharge pump;
An analysis unit for analyzing the sample dispensed by the dispensing unit to obtain analysis data;
A detection unit for obtaining hardware information by detecting an operating state in the dispensing by the dispensing unit or the analysis by the analysis unit;
A storage unit for storing the analysis data and hardware information in association with each other;
A browsing unit for browsing the analysis data and the hardware information stored in association with the storage unit;
An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes pressure detection means for detecting an operating pressure of the dispensing nozzle when dispensing by the dispensing nozzle. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes a sample liquid level detection means for detecting the liquid level height of the sample in the container during the dispensing by the dispensing nozzle. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes reagent liquid level detection means for detecting a liquid level height of the reagent in the container at the time of dispensing by the dispensing nozzle. 2. The automatic according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit has a thermostatic chamber for isothermally holding a container for storing a sample to be analyzed, and the detection unit has a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the thermostatic chamber. Analysis equipment. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes room temperature detection means for detecting room temperature.

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