JP2005249585A - Autoanalyzer and analysis method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an autoanalyzer, constituted so as to reduce the carry-over between specimens among carry-overs and capable of continuously, while keeping an inspection/analysis capacity of high reliability, without exerting influence on the dispensing accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: The autoanalyzer has a dispensing probe 20, constituted so as to be made movable in the vertical directions and rotationally movable by a moving means. The dispensing probe 20 is controlled so as to perform dummy delivery, when it is passed above a specimen cleaning tank 10 on the way of moving to a reaction container 5, after a specimen has been absorbed from a specimen container 6. After dummy delivery, the dispensing probe 20 is introduced into the reaction container 5 for delivering the liquid droplets of the specimen, while holding the non-contact state with the reaction container 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  In the fields of clinical medicine, biology and the like, the present invention dispenses specimens made of human urine, blood, etc. into reaction containers, and dispenses and mixes predetermined reagents set for each test item. The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and an analysis method for detecting a reaction state caused by the above.

In an automatic analyzer, a sample made of human urine, blood, etc. is dispensed into a reaction container, and a predetermined reagent set for each test item is dispensed and mixed to detect the reaction state. To analyze. For detecting the reaction state, generally, a method is used in which white light is transmitted through a reaction container into which a specimen and a reagent are dispensed, and the transmitted light is dispersed to measure absorbance at a specific wavelength.
In such an absorbance measurement, since a highly sensitive reagent is used, it reacts with a very small amount of a reactive substance (such as an antigen such as an immune infection present in serum). Measures for carryover caused by defects are positioned as an important function. In addition, in order to perform accurate measurement, the amount of the sample or reagent to be dispensed needs to be managed with high accuracy, and various measures are taken to stabilize the discharge amount.
For this reason, various techniques aimed at improving dispensing accuracy and cleaning properties have been proposed.

  For example, as a technique for improving the dispensing accuracy, there is one described in Patent Document 1. This apparatus includes a dispensing mechanism that dispenses a liquid such as a reagent in a plurality of liquid dispensing recesses formed on the microplate, and a control unit that controls the operation of the dispensing mechanism. In this case, the dispensing mechanism includes a dispensing unit that sucks and discharges the liquid from the container containing the liquid, and a transport unit that transports the dispensing unit. The control unit includes a liquid suction function that supports the dispensing unit to suck the liquid in the container, a pre-discharge mechanism that instructs to discharge a part of the sucked liquid, and each liquid after the discharge. A dispensing function for instructing dispensing to the dispensing recess. Therefore, in the dispensing operation in the specimen test apparatus, the liquid such as the reagent can be stably dispensed with a uniform discharge amount without dropping the reagent from the chip due to the movement of the apparatus or vibration.

Moreover, as a technique for improving the cleanability, there is a sampling system of an automatic chemical analyzer described in Patent Document 2. In this device, a sample or reagent container is placed in a pipette probe from a container installed on a disk-shaped sampler, and a sampling pump is operated to suck a fixed amount, and these solutions are discharged and mixed into a reaction container to react. In the sampling system of the automatic analyzer that measures the process, the pipette probe nozzle is controlled to move up and down, and the pump control means for discharging the suction sample into the reaction vessel and the pipette probe nozzle to move up and down are controlled. The probe control means to be performed, the sampling pump is operated to suck into the pipette probe, and the pump control means for discharging the sucked sample into the reaction container, and the solution such as the sample sucked into the pipette probe is discharged into the reaction container. When finely moving the sampling pump, pipette probe nozzle Characterized in that a droplet formation signal generating means for outputting a control signal to the pump control means for forming a liquid aspirates the end.
Since the droplet of the sample as a suction solution is formed in a hemispherical shape at the tip of the pipette probe nozzle, only the droplet formed at the tip of the nozzle is brought into contact with the liquid surface of the sample solution, but the tip of the pipette probe nozzle is directly It is possible to provide a sampling system for an automatic chemical analyzer that can dispense a sample without bringing it into contact with a liquid surface such as a reagent solution and can improve the efficiency of probe cleaning and the like.
JP 2002-48805 A Japanese Patent No. 3029718

In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a disposable chip is used, air may flow into the chip due to a gap with the mounting portion, and the sucked liquid may leak. By performing the pre-discharge as shown, the problem of hindering the accuracy of the dispensed amount can be avoided.
However, if the tip is reused by cleaning without using a disposable tip, as described above, when the liquid to be inspected is returned to the container by pre-ejection, the tip is not properly cleaned. This is not preferable because a carry-over due to the occurrence of the occurrence of contamination may cause contamination of the original sample to be inspected. When the sample is sucked, the sample remains in the chip in a small amount even after discharging and cleaning. Therefore, the previously sucked sample is dissolved in the sucked sample in the chip. When the pre-discharge is performed on the sample container, the sample including the previous sample is returned to the container, and an inter-sample carryover described later occurs.
As described above, in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, pre-ejection is performed in order to improve the dispensing accuracy. However, there is a case in which a problem regarding carry-over between specimens may occur. There is no mention of what to do.

  Moreover, in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, carry-over is prevented and dispensing accuracy is ensured by a contact method with the liquid level in the reaction vessel in the discharge operation, but the discharge state is a suction state. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure the dispensing accuracy unless there is a means for stabilizing the suction state. Further, it is a means for preventing carry-over to a reaction container to be measured (carry-over between tests described later), and does not describe prevention of carry-over between samples.

Generally, for dispensing samples such as specimens and reagents (hereinafter referred to as samples including specimens and reagents) into a reaction vessel, a disposable tip or a dispensing probe that is used while being reused by washing is used. When dispensing, the disposable tip and the dispensing probe are connected to a motor-driven syringe-type pump or the like, and the sample is aspirated and discharged by the operation of the pump.
In a dispensing probe that repeats dispensing while washing, a small amount of sample can adhere to the inner and outer surfaces of the dispensing probe after such suction and discharge operations. The sample remaining on the dispensing probe is carried over to another sample and mixed to affect the analysis result. Therefore, whenever the sample is changed after aspiration or ejection, the inner and outer surfaces of the dispensing probe are changed. Wash thoroughly with a washing solution.
Carrying over to another sample is carried over when a dispensing probe is inserted into the sample container in which the sample is placed when the sample is aspirated (other samples are mixed in a sample container. And what is carried over into the reaction container when the sample is discharged (a sample that is not used for an original experiment used in another reaction is mixed in the reaction container. This is called carry-over between tests). .

  In the case of a disposable chip, carry-over due to poor cleaning can be completely prevented, but discarding the disposable chip every time a sample is measured not only increases the cost burden, but also increases in recent years. It is not preferable from the viewpoint of environmental protection. Furthermore, since disposable chips are generally resin molded products, there are problems such as variations in the size of the discharge port and poor airtightness at the fixed part that supports the disposable chip, and high dispensing accuracy is obtained. Is considered difficult.

  On the other hand, in the field of automatic chemical analyzers, measurement with higher sensitivity has been performed, and further improvement in processing speed is desired. For this reason, it is often the case that a dispensing probe that can be used while being reused by washing is easy to obtain high dispensing accuracy. In this case, the dispensing probe can be washed efficiently in a short time and yet another sample is used. In order to prevent carry-over of the sample, it is required to wash the sample used in the previous dispensing step attached to the dispensing probe to a level with a smaller residual amount. In particular, the carry-over between specimens often contaminates the source of the sample, and it is often strongly required to prevent these problems at the time of examination / analysis such as immune infections that require high examination / analysis accuracy. . In addition, since a large amount of cleaning water is required, the amount of cleaning waste liquid generated is increased, and the processing cost is inevitably increased. In addition, there is a problem that the burden on the environment is increased. Moreover, with the recent increase in sensitivity of analysis, it is difficult to completely avoid carry-over at a practical level by washing with general running water washing water. For this reason, a method of using a washing agent in combination is also performed. However, since it takes more time to wash away these cleaning agents, it is not suitable for large-scale processing or continuous processing, which has been a factor in increasing processing costs.

  Regardless of disposable tip or reusable dispensing probe, in order to improve the accuracy of the sample discharge volume, in general, a part of the sample sucked into the dispensing probe is discharged in advance. The operation to perform is carried out. The sample liquid level at the discharge port of the dispensing probe immediately after suction differs greatly depending on various conditions (temperature, humidity, surface cleanliness of the discharge port, surface tension of the suction liquid, contact angle, etc.). . When the discharge amount is small, this difference in the liquid level shape results in variations in the discharge amount, and in order to shape the liquid level shape of the discharge port, a part of the sample that has been once sucked is discharged in advance and sucked. In addition, the accuracy of the total amount of the sample can be improved. However, in some samples discharged in advance, there may be a sample residue due to poor cleaning inside the dispensing probe. By returning the dummy discharged sample to the sample container, Contamination of the entire original sample may be caused as a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to reduce carry-over between samples mainly among carry-overs, without affecting the dispensing accuracy, and to improve reliability. It is to provide an automatic analyzer and an automatic analysis method capable of continuously maintaining inspection / analysis performance having high performance (accuracy and precision). It is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic analyzer and an automatic analysis method capable of reducing disposal costs and dispensing different samples with high accuracy.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is that the sample comprising the specimen or reagent in the sample container is sucked into the dispensing probe, and then the sample is dispensed into the reaction container, and the sample is inspected In dispensing different samples, after dispensing the sample, the dispensing probe is moved from above the sample container, and a small amount of the sample is discharged, and then the upper part of the reaction container. The automatic analysis method is characterized in that the sample is discharged into the reaction container, and the inside and outside of the dispensing probe are washed with running water after the sample is discharged.
In this automatic analysis method, when a new sample is dispensed, the liquid level shape of the discharge port is shaped by dispensing a small amount while the sample is transferred from the sample container to the reaction container by the dispensing probe. This improves the accuracy of the injection. At this time, since the micro discharge is performed other than above the sample container and other than above the reaction container, the carry-over between samples due to the micro discharge (prior discharge in the prior art) does not occur.
Note that the different sample includes a case where the sample is first inspected.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analysis method according to the first aspect, the micro discharge of the sample is in the middle of a path along which the dispensing probe moves from the sample container to the reaction container. Then, it is carried out above the washing tank arranged on the path.
In this automatic analysis method, since the washing tank is arranged on the transfer path of the dispensing probe, a small amount is discharged during the transfer of the dispensing probe. For this reason, the sample can be quickly dispensed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analysis method according to the first aspect, the micro discharge of the sample is performed while the dispensing probe passes over the cleaning tank.
In this automatic analysis method, since a small amount of discharge is performed on the cleaning tank, there is no carry-over between samples due to a small amount of discharge (prior discharge in the prior art). In addition, since a small amount is discharged while passing over the cleaning tank, the analysis time is shortened.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analysis method according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the same sample is continuously dispensed, the sample is aspirated for the second time and thereafter. A small amount of the sample is discharged into the sample container later, and then moved to the reaction container to discharge the sample.
In this automatic analysis method, the second and subsequent dispensing of the same sample is performed by discharging a small amount into the sample container. That is, when the same sample is inspected twice or more consecutively, even if there is a residue in the dispensing probe, it is the same sample, so there is no carry-over between samples without being discarded in the washing tank. Prevented or reduced. Such an automatic analysis method is effective when the sample is expensive or only a small amount is available.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the same sample is continuously dispensed, the sample is aspirated for the second time and thereafter. Sometimes, a droplet composed of the sample remaining on the dispensing probe is formed at the discharge port of the dispensing probe, and the sample is separated from the sample while connecting the droplet to a sample liquid surface in the sample container. Note that the probe is sucked into the probe.
In this automatic analysis method, for the second and subsequent dispensing of the same sample, a droplet remaining in the dispensing probe is used to form a droplet at the dispensing probe outlet, and this droplet is used. The sample is aspirated without bringing the dispensing probe into contact with the sample liquid surface. Even when there is an adhering substance on the outer surface of the dispensing probe, for example, the outer surface of the dispensing probe and the sample in the sample container are not in direct contact with each other, thereby preventing or reducing carry-over between samples.

The invention according to claim 6 is an analyzer for automatically inspecting the sample by dispensing the sample into a reaction container after aspirating a sample comprising a specimen or a reagent into the dispensing probe, A transfer means for transferring a probe, a washing tank for cleaning the inside and outside of the dispensing probe, the sample in a sample container is sucked into the dispensing probe, and the sample is being transferred from the sample container to the reaction container. The automatic analyzer has a suction / discharge control means for discharging the sample into the reaction container after a small amount of the sample is discharged.
In this automatic analyzer, after the sample in the sample container is aspirated by the dispensing probe, it is transferred to the reaction container, and when dispensing the sample, the sample is moved while the dispensing probe is moved from the sample container to the reaction container. In addition, control was performed so that a small amount of liquid was discharged, and a cleaning tank was provided at a position where a small amount of liquid was discharged, so that a sample discharged in a small amount could be discarded. Since the sample at the time of discharging a small amount is discarded, the carry-over between samples can be prevented or reduced. In addition, since a small amount of discharge is performed during the transfer of the sample, the processing time can be shortened.

The invention according to claim 7 is the automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the micro discharge of the sample is in the middle of a path along which the dispensing probe moves from the sample container to the reaction container. It is performed above the washing tank arranged on the path.
In this automatic analyzer, since the cleaning tank is arranged on the transfer path of the dispensing probe, a small amount is discharged during the transfer of the dispensing probe. For this reason, the sample can be quickly dispensed.

The invention according to claim 8 is the automatic analyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that the minute discharge of the sample is performed while the dispensing probe is passing above the cleaning tank.
In this automatic analyzer, since a small amount of discharge is performed on the cleaning tank, there is no carry-over between samples due to a small amount of discharge (prior discharge in the prior art). In addition, since a small amount is discharged while passing over the cleaning tank, the analysis time is shortened.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, when the same sample is continuously dispensed, the sample is aspirated for the second time and thereafter. A small amount of the sample is discharged into the sample container later, and then moved to the reaction container to discharge the sample.
In this automatic analyzer, the second and subsequent dispensing of the same sample is performed by discharging a small amount into the sample container. When the same sample is inspected twice or more consecutively, even if there is a residue in the dispensing probe, it is the same sample. Reduced.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic analyzer according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, when the same sample is continuously dispensed, the sample is aspirated for the second time and thereafter. Sometimes, a droplet composed of the sample remaining on the dispensing probe is formed at the discharge port of the dispensing probe, and the sample is separated from the sample while connecting the droplet to a sample liquid surface in the sample container. Note that the probe is sucked into the probe.
In this automatic analyzer, for the second and subsequent dispensing of the same sample, a droplet remaining in the dispensing probe is used to form a droplet at the dispensing probe outlet, and this droplet is used. The sample is aspirated without bringing the dispensing probe into contact with the sample liquid surface. Even when there is an adhering substance on the outer surface of the dispensing probe, for example, the outer surface of the dispensing probe and the sample in the sample container are not in direct contact with each other, thereby preventing or reducing carry-over between samples.

  According to this invention, when dispensing a sample, it becomes possible to discharge a small amount of the sample on the transfer path of the dispensing probe that transfers the sample, so that the carry-over between the samples can be greatly reduced, Even when the sample in the sample container is used for further analysis, stable and highly reliable measurement / analysis can be maintained.

The best mode for carrying out the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, an automatic analyzer according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 1, in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment, a reaction disk 2, a sample turntable 3, and a reagent turntable 4 are arranged in the apparatus main body 1. The reaction disk 2 has a plurality of reaction containers 5 arranged annularly on a concentric circle, and the sample turntable 3 has a plurality of sample containers (sample containers) 6 arranged annularly on a concentric circumference. ing. In addition, a plurality of reagent bottles (sample containers) 7 are annularly arranged on the concentric circle on the reagent turntable 4.

Here, the sample container 6 contains a sample to be analyzed, that is, blood, urine, fecal lysate, cultured cell solution, and the like. In the reagent bottle 7, a plurality of types of reagents necessary for analysis items are individually stored.
The reaction disk 2, the sample turntable 3, and the reagent turntable 4 are intermittently rotated by a rotation mechanism (not shown), respectively, so that predetermined positioning is possible. In the reaction disk 2, a liquid dispensing position P1, a reagent dispensing position P3, a stirring position P5, a measurement position P6, and a reaction container cleaning position P7 are stored and set in an apparatus controller (not shown). Similarly, a sample aspiration position P2 and a reagent aspiration position P4 are set in the sample turntable 3 and the reagent turntable 4, respectively.

  Further, the apparatus main body 1 is provided with a sample dispensing unit 8 and a reagent dispensing unit 9. Each of the sample dispensing unit 8 and the reagent dispensing unit 9 has a dispensing probe (not shown) at the tip, and can be moved up and down and rotated by a driving mechanism (not shown). Each of the dispensing probes is connected to a syringe pump (not shown) so that a specimen or sample can be aspirated and discharged. Furthermore, a cleaning liquid feed pump (not shown) for supplying cleaning liquid into the dispensing probe is connected, and the inside of the dispensing probe can be cleaned by discharging the cleaning liquid from the tip of the dispensing probe after the dispensing operation. Yes.

The sample dispensing unit 8 is disposed at a position where it can go back and forth between the sample dispensing position P1 and the sample aspirating position P2 by a rotating operation. The reagent dispensing unit 9 is disposed at a position where the reagent dispensing unit 9 can be moved back and forth between the reagent dispensing position P3 and the reagent suction position P4 by a rotating operation.
The dispensing probe of the sample dispensing unit 8 has a position between the sample dispensing position P1 and the sample aspirating position P2 on the path through which the sample dispensing unit 8 passes by rotation. A specimen cleaning tank 10 for cleaning is disposed. Similarly, on the path between the reagent dispensing position P3 and the reagent aspirating position P4 and through which the reagent dispensing unit 9 passes through the rotation operation, the dispensing probe of the reagent dispensing unit 9 is washed. A reagent washing tank 11 for performing the above is disposed.

  In addition, a stirring unit 12 is disposed at the outer peripheral position of the stirring position P5, and the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 5 that has come to the position of the stirring position P5 is stirred. A measurement unit 13 is disposed at the outer peripheral position of the measurement position P6, and the absorbance of the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 5 that has come to the position of the measurement position P6 is measured. A reaction container cleaning unit 14 is disposed at the outer peripheral position of the reaction container cleaning position P7, and the liquid mixture that has been measured and analyzed is discarded and the reaction container is cleaned.

In this embodiment, a different sample is dispensed each time, and when a dispensing probe that is reused by washing is used, the sample (sample or reagent) sucked into the dispensing probe is removed at the time of dummy discharge. The container is not returned to the container or reagent container, and the carry-over between samples is reduced. Hereinafter, the sample dispensing performed using the sample dispensing unit 8 will be described as an example, but the same configuration and operational effects can be obtained for the sample dispensing performed using the reagent dispensing unit 9. The description of the reagent dispensing unit 9 is omitted.
The dummy discharge means that a very small amount of the sample sucked by the dispensing probe is discharged by operating the syringe piston pump, and the sample liquid surface at the discharge port 20a (see FIG. 3) is shaped, thereby dividing the sample. The ability to accurately control the amount of sample poured.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sample dispensing unit 8 includes a dispensing probe 20, a dispensing probe transfer means 21, and a system control device 22.
As shown in FIG. 2, the dispensing probe 20 has an elongated substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the tip of the dispensing probe 20 has a taper portion that is reduced in diameter. As shown in FIG. 2, a pipe 23 such as a tube is connected to the upper end portion of the dispensing probe 20 so that a sample or the like can be sucked into the dispensing probe 20. The pipe 23 is connected to a syringe piston pump 24. The outer periphery of the upper end portion of the dispensing probe 20 is held by the dispensing probe transfer means 21.
The dispensing probe transfer means 21 has an arm 25 that holds the dispensing probe 20 at one end. The arm 25 is disposed substantially horizontally, and a shaft 26 is fixed to the other end. The shaft 26 is supported by the drive unit 27 horizontally and rotatably. The drive unit 27 rotates the dispensing probe 20 through the shaft 26 and the arm 25 or moves it up and down, and is composed of a motor, a solenoid, and the like.

The system control device 22 is a computer that executes various processes relating to the dispensing probe 20, and a suction / discharge control unit 31 that controls suction by the dispensing probe 20, a capacitance sensor control unit 32, and a dispensing probe transfer unit. 33 and a cleaning control unit 34.
The suction / discharge control unit 31 causes the dispensing probe 20 to suck the sample in the sample container 6, performs dummy discharge (a small amount discharge) in the transfer path from the sample container 6 to the reaction container 5, and puts the sample in the reaction container 5. A process for controlling the syringe piston pump 24 and a solenoid valve (not shown) is performed as a suction discharge means for discharging. Specifically, a suction operation control unit 35 that sucks a sample into the dispensing probe 20, a dummy discharge control unit 36 that partially discharges the sample sucked by the dispensing probe 20, and a sample is discharged into the reaction vessel 5. And a discharge operation control unit 37.
When the dispensing probe 20 is inserted into the sample container 6, the capacitance sensor control unit 32 performs signal processing when detecting the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 6 from the change in capacitance.
The dispensing probe transfer unit 33 controls a motor and a solenoid that rotate and move the dispensing probe 20 up and down as a transfer means for phasing the dispensing probe 20.
The cleaning control unit 34 is a cleaning unit that cleans the inside and the outside of the dispensing probe 20, and controls a cleaning water supply pump, an air supply pump, and a solenoid valve. Specifically, the inner cleaning control unit 38 that controls the inner cleaning of the dispensing probe 20, the outer cleaning control unit 40 that controls the outer cleaning of the dispensing probe 20, and the air inside the dispensing probe 20 after the cleaning. And an air supply control unit 39 for supplying air.
The system control device 22 having the above-described configuration is managed by, for example, a PC (personal computer) 41, and performs the following operations.
Further, when the solenoid valve, pump, switching valve, motor, solenoid, and various sensors are actually operated, they are necessary as constituent members, but are not shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, the pre-cleaned dispensing probe 20 (air inside) is made to enter the sample container 6 under the control of the dispensing probe transfer unit 33, and is made of metal by a capacitance sensor or the like. It is detected that the tip serving as the discharge port 20a of the dispensing probe 20 has contacted the sample liquid surface, and the tip of the dispensing probe 20 is immersed in the sample by a predetermined immersion amount. By this control, the contact area with the specimen outside the dispensing probe 20 can be reduced, and the washing area can be reduced as much as possible. Then, suction means such as a syringe piston pump 24 as shown in FIG. 2 is operated based on a command from the suction / discharge control section 31 to suck a sample into the dispensing probe 20 by a predetermined amount. Thereafter, the dispensing probe 20 is raised above the sample container 6.

Next, the dispensing probe 20 is transferred to a cleaning tank (specimen cleaning tank 10; hereinafter referred to as a cleaning tank 10). At this time, when passing over the cleaning tank 10 installed in the transfer path, dummy discharge is performed toward the cleaning tank 10 based on a command of the suction / discharge control unit 31. Although the amount of dummy discharge differs depending on the sample to be sucked, about 5 to 30% of the total sucked amount is discharged.
The dummy discharge may be performed while the dispensing probe 20 is passing over the cleaning tank 10 or may be performed after being temporarily stopped above the cleaning tank 10. Of course, it is needless to say that the operation cycle can be accelerated by performing the dummy discharge while moving.

The dispensing probe 20 for which the dummy discharge has been completed is transferred to the reaction vessel 5. Then, after the dispensing probe 20 has entered the reaction container 5, the syringe piston pump 24 is operated based on the command of the suction / discharge control unit 31 to discharge a predetermined amount of the sample sucked into the dispensing probe 20. To do.
Then, according to the instruction | indication of the washing | cleaning control part 34, the dispensing probe 20 is wash | cleaned in the washing tank 10 (illustration omitted). In order to clean the inside of the dispensing probe 20, washing water is fed into the dispensing probe 20 through the syringe piston pump 24 and the pipe 23, and running water is applied to the outside of the dispensing probe 20 by the washing tank 10. In this way, the inside and the outside of the dispensing probe 20 are washed.
And when continuing an inspection, each above-mentioned processing is repeated. In the case of the reagent dispensing unit 9, the same operation as described above is performed except that the sample container 6 is changed to the reagent bottle 7 and the aspiration and discharge target is changed from the sample to the reagent.

  In this embodiment, since the sample sucked into the dispensing probe 20 is not returned to the sample in the sample container such as the sample container 6 or the reagent bottle 7, the carry-over between the samples is reduced. Further, since the liquid contact area of the dispensing probe 20 immersed in the sample is managed to be minimized by the capacitance sensor, it is easy to remove the sample attached to the outside of the dispensing probe 20, and as a result As a result, the amount of washing water used can be reduced and the waste liquid treatment cost can be reduced. Also, since no disposable chip is used, it is environmentally friendly.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the said 1st Embodiment. Moreover, the description which overlaps with 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted.
In this embodiment, when different samples (specimens and reagents) are randomly dispensed and the reused dispensing probe 20 is used by washing, when the previous dispensing and the current dispensing are different samples, The sample sucked into the dispensing probe 20 is not returned to the sample container 6 or the reagent bottle 7 at the time of dummy discharge, thereby reducing carry-over between samples.

  When the previous dispensing and the current dispensing are the same sample, the amount of sample used is obtained by returning the sample (sample or reagent) sucked into the dispensing probe 20 to the sample container 6 or the sample bottle 7 at the time of dummy discharge. Can be minimized. In particular, it is effective when the total amount of collected samples such as pediatric samples is originally small or when examining and analyzing valuable samples. Further, in order to improve the dispensing accuracy, when the sample is discharged into the reaction vessel 5, the entire suction amount is not discharged, but a part of the sample is left in the dispensing probe 20 and discharged. Improve the accuracy of ordering. In the following, a sample remaining in the dispensing probe 20 after discharging a predetermined amount of the sample is referred to as an excess sample.

The operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, sample dispensing will be described as an example, but the same effects can be obtained in reagent dispensing as well.
First, the dispensing probe 20 is first washed. That is, after the dispensing probe 20 is moved above the washing tank 10 by the dispensing probe transfer unit 33 (step S1), the dispensing probe 20 is lowered and moved into the washing tank 10 (step S2). And the washing | cleaning control part 34 is controlled to wash | clean the inside and the outer side of the dispensing probe 20 within the washing tank 10 (step S3). When the cleaning is completed, the dispensing probe 20 is pulled up and moved to above the cleaning tank 10 (step S4).
Next, the dispensing probe 20 whose inside and outside are washed in the washing tank 10 is transferred above the sample container 6 (step S5). The dispensing probe 20 at this time is filled with cleaning water under the control of the system control device 22.
Above the sample container, the syringe piston pump 24 is operated to suck air into the dispensing probe 20 to form an air layer that separates the cleaning liquid and the sample (step S6).
Further, the tip of the dispensing probe 20 is immersed in the sample in the sample container 6 (step S7), and a predetermined amount of sample is aspirated based on the command from the suction / discharge control unit 31 (step S8). The immersion amount of the dispensing probe 20 is managed so as to be minimized by a capacitance sensor or the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the amount of sample suction corresponds to the sum of the amount of dummy discharge (dummy discharge amount), the amount discharged to the reaction container (reaction container discharge amount), and the surplus sample amount. In the dispensing probe 20, an air layer is formed between the upper washing water and the specimen (surplus sample). This is to prevent the cleaning water and the sample from being mixed.

  When the sample is aspirated, the dispensing probe 20 is moved above the sample container 6 (step S9), and dummy ejection is performed while passing over the cleaning tank 10 (step S10). Thereafter, the sample is transferred to the reaction container 5, the tip of the dispensing probe 20 is inserted into the reaction container 5 (step S11), and the specimen is discharged into the reaction container 5 (step S12). The position of the dispensing probe 20 at this time is managed so as not to contact the reaction vessel 5 and the contents of the reaction vessel 5. After the specimen is discharged into the reaction container 5, the dispensing probe 20 is moved upward of the reaction container 5 (step S13).

Here, when the next test object is a different specimen (Yes in step S14), the process returns to step S1 and the excess sample is discharged by washing in the washing tank 10.
On the other hand, when the next test object is the same specimen (No in step S14), the surplus sample is discharged while passing over the cleaning tank 10 (step S15). In this case, without performing the cleaning operation, the dispensing probe 20 is moved above the sample container 6 (step S16), and then suction inside the dispensing probe 20 is started (step S17), and then the sample The tip of the dispensing probe 20 is immersed in the specimen in the container 6 (step S18). As a result, the sample is aspirated into the sample container 6 (step S19). At this time, the air layer formed during the first dispensing remains in the dispensing probe 20.

Next, after moving upward of the sample container 6 (step S20), dummy discharge is performed in the sample container 6 (step S21). Thereafter, the dispensing probe 20 is moved above the washing tank 10 and moved above the reaction vessel 5 to enter the reaction vessel 5 so that its tip does not contact the reaction vessel 5 and its contents (step S22). Then, a predetermined amount of specimen is discharged while leaving the surplus sample in the dispensing probe 20 (step S23). Thereafter, the dispensing probe 20 is raised (step S24), and the surplus sample is discharged while passing over the cleaning tank 10 (step S25).
If the next test object is a different sample (Yes in step S26), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, when the next test object is the same sample (No in step S26), the process returns to step S15. In any case, the above operation is repeated until the inspection of the scheduled sample is completed.

According to this embodiment, when the same sample is repeatedly dispensed, dummy discharge is performed in the sample container (specimen container 6 and reagent bottle 7) from the second time onward, so the amount of sample used is minimized. Can be stopped. In addition, by leaving the surplus sample in the distal end portion of the dispensing probe 20, when the sample is discharged, the liquid breakage from the discharge port 20a of the dispensing probe 20 is improved, and the dispensing accuracy can be improved. Note that when the entire amount of the sample in the dispensing probe 20 is discharged as in the prior art, the sample easily scatters immediately after the sample is discharged due to the influence of the air layer formed inside.
Further, as in the first embodiment, dummy discharge when the previous dispensed sample is different from the current dispensed sample is not returned into the sample containers 6 and 7, so that the carry-over between samples can be reduced.
The internal state of the dispensing probe 20 that sucks the sample is as shown in FIG. 3, and the wash water and the sample are separated by the sucked air layer, and dilution of the sample with the wash water is reduced. . The sucked sample is sucked in the total amount of the dummy discharge amount, the discharge amount to the reaction vessel 5 and the surplus sample amount.

  In the present embodiment, the operation when the surplus sample is set has been described. However, even when the surplus sample is not set, the dummy discharge is returned to the sample containers 6 and 7 when the same sample is dispensed for the second time. Even in this case, the possibility of inducing carry-over between specimens can be extremely reduced, and in this case, the sample amount of the specimen can be minimized.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as each said embodiment. Moreover, the description which overlaps with each embodiment is abbreviate | omitted.
In this embodiment, when different dispensing samples are randomly dispensed and a dispensing probe 20 that is reused by washing is used, in addition to the operation and effect of the second embodiment, the carry-over between samples is reduced. It is further reduced.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6 to 8. The first dispensing is the same as in the second embodiment. That is, the inside and the outside of the dispensing probe 20 are washed in the washing tank 10 (Step S1 to Step S4), and the dispensing probe 20 (the inside is filled with washing water) washed in the washing tank 10 is used. (Step S5).
The syringe piston pump 24 is operated to form an air layer in the dispensing probe 20 (step S6), the tip of the dispensing probe 20 is immersed in the sample in the sample container 6 (step S7), and the sample is aspirated by a predetermined amount. (Step S8). Also in this case, the amount of immersion of the dispensing probe 20 is managed by the electrostatic capacitance sensor so as to be minimized. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the predetermined suction amount corresponds to the sum of the dummy discharge amount, the reaction container discharge amount, and the surplus sample amount.

Further, the dispensing probe 20 is moved above the sample container 6 (step S9), and dummy discharge is performed while passing over the cleaning tank 10 (step S10). Thereafter, the dispensing probe 20 is caused to enter the reaction container 5 (step S11), and the specimen is discharged into the reaction container 5 (step S12). When the discharge is completed, the dispensing probe 20 is moved above the reaction vessel 5 (step S13).
Here, when the next test object is a different specimen (Yes in step S14), the process returns to step S1 and the excess sample is discharged by washing in the washing tank 10. On the other hand, when the next test object is the same sample, the process proceeds to step S31.

That is, the dispensing probe 20 is transferred above the sample container 6 without performing the cleaning operation (step S31). Thereafter, the syringe piston pump 24 is operated, and as shown in FIG. 6, the surplus sample is pushed out from the discharge port 20a of the dispensing probe 20, and the droplet surface (meniscus) of the specimen is placed outside the discharge port 20a of the dispensing probe 20. Is formed (step S32).
The dispensing probe 20 is lowered into the sample container 6, and the droplet surface (meniscus) between the sample surface and the discharge port 20a of the dispensing probe 20 is brought into contact (step S33). At this time, the dispensing probe 20 is not immersed in the specimen. Specifically, the discharge port 20a of the dispensing probe 20 is positioned slightly above the sample liquid surface by the capacitance sensor. The surplus sample inside the dispensing probe 20 and the specimen in the specimen container 6 are connected by surface tension, and the syringe piston pump 24 is operated even when the discharge port 20a is positioned above the specimen liquid level. Thus, the specimen can be aspirated into the dispensing probe 20 (step S34). At this time, the air layer formed during the first dispensing remains in the dispensing probe 20. Such a sample aspirating operation is not due to a capillary phenomenon, and a predetermined amount of sample is aspirated by lowering the dispensing probe 20 by the amount by which the liquid level is lowered by aspiration and maintaining the connected state. be able to.

Then, after the dispensing probe 20 is moved above the sample container 6 (step S35), dummy discharge is performed in the sample container 6 (step S36).
Thereafter, the sample passes through the cleaning tank 10 and moves the dispensing probe 20 into the reaction container 5 (step S37), leaving the surplus sample in the dispensing probe 20 and discharging the specimen (step S38). After the sample is discharged, the dispensing probe 20 is moved above the reaction container 5 (step S39).
If the next test object is a different sample (Yes in step S40), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, when the next test object is the same sample (No in step S40), the process returns to step S31. In any case, the above operation is repeated until the necessary inspection is completed.
In the above operation, the sample to be examined has been described as a specimen, but the same operation is performed when the reagent is aspirated and used.

  In this embodiment, when the same sample is dispensed for the second time and thereafter, the contact area between the dispensing probe 20 and the sample in the sample containers 6 and 7 is only the area of the end face of the dispensing probe 20, and dispensing is performed. Contamination into the sample containers 6 and 7 due to different types of samples adhering to the outside of the probe 20 can be further reduced, and the carry-over between specimens can be further minimized.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the automatic analyzer in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the system which controls operation | movement of a dispensing probe. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of an automatic analyzer. It is a figure which shows typically the sample attracted | sucked at the front-end | tip of a dispensing probe. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of an automatic analyzer. It is the figure which showed typically the sample which remains at the front-end | tip of a dispensing probe. It is a figure which shows typically the sample attracted | sucked at the front-end | tip of a dispensing probe. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of an automatic analyzer.

Explanation of symbols

1 Automatic analyzer 5 Reaction container 6 Sample container (sample container)
7 Sample bottle (sample container)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Sample washing tank 11 Reagent washing tank 20 Dispensing probe 20a Discharge port 31 Aspiration discharge control means 33 Dispensing probe transfer part (transfer means)
34 Cleaning control unit (cleaning means)

Claims (10)

An analytical method for automatically inspecting the sample by dispensing the sample into a reaction container after aspirating a sample comprising a specimen or reagent in a sample container into a dispensing probe,
When dispensing the different samples, the dispensing probe is moved from above the sample container after the sample is aspirated, and after a small amount of the sample is discharged, the sample is moved above the reaction container, and the sample is put into the reaction container. And the inner and outer sides of the dispensing probe are washed with running water after the sample is discharged.   The micro-discharge of the sample is performed in the middle of a path along which the dispensing probe moves from the sample container to the reaction container, and above the cleaning tank disposed on the path. The automatic analysis method according to claim 1.   The automatic analysis method according to claim 2, wherein the minute discharge of the sample is performed while the dispensing probe passes over the cleaning tank.   When dispensing the same sample continuously, after the second time, the sample is sucked into the sample container after the sample is aspirated and then moved to the reaction container to discharge the sample. The automatic analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:   When the same sample is continuously dispensed, a droplet made of the sample remaining on the dispensing probe is formed at the discharge port of the dispensing probe during the second and subsequent suctions of the sample. The automatic analysis according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sample is sucked into the dispensing probe while the droplet is connected to a sample liquid surface in the sample container. Method. An analyzer for automatically inspecting the sample after dispensing a sample comprising a specimen or a reagent into a dispensing probe, dispensing the sample into a reaction container,
Transfer means for transferring the dispensing probe, cleaning means for cleaning the inside and outside of the dispensing probe, and sucking the sample in the sample container to the dispensing probe and transferring the sample container to the reaction container An automatic analyzer having suction / discharge control means for discharging the sample into the reaction container after a small amount of the sample is discharged in the middle.   The micro discharge of the sample is performed in the middle of a path along which the dispensing probe moves from the sample container to the reaction container, and above a washing tank disposed on the path. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 7, wherein the minute discharge of the sample is performed while the dispensing probe passes over the cleaning tank.   When dispensing the same sample continuously, after the second time, the sample is sucked into the sample container after the sample is aspirated and then moved to the reaction container to discharge the sample. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: When the same sample is continuously dispensed, a droplet made of the sample remaining on the dispensing probe is formed at the discharge port of the dispensing probe during the second and subsequent suctions of the sample. The automatic analysis according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the sample is sucked into the dispensing probe while the droplet is connected to a sample liquid surface in the sample container. apparatus.

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