JP2007098245A - Centrifugal apparatus for washing cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a centrifugal apparatus for washing cells for use in washing biological cells such as blood cells equipped with a washing liquid preparation means 30 for preparing a washing liquid having washing and disinfecting capability without using a specific detergent or disinfectant. <P>SOLUTION: In the washing liquid preparation means 30 of the centrifugal apparatus 20 for washing cells, a washing liquid containing an alkaline water and a washing liquid containing an acidic water are prepared by electrolyzing a physiological saline solution 41a and they are continuously poured into the apparatus 20 one after the other in a predetermined period of time when a motor 1 is running to carry out a washing process in the apparatus 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cell washing centrifuge for washing living cells such as erythrocytes using centrifugal force, and in particular, the cell washing centrifuge after washing the living cells can be efficiently cleaned and sterilized. The present invention relates to a cell washing centrifuge that can be used.

  Conventionally, cell washing used to remove excess antibodies in suspension by washing erythrocytes with a washing solution such as physiological saline in antiglobulin tests, cross-match tests, irregular antibody screening, etc. A centrifuge (blood cell washing centrifuge) is known.

  A known cell washing centrifuge includes a motor having a drive shaft, a rotor connected to the drive shaft of the motor, rotated by the motor, and rotatably mounted in a circular row on the rotor. A plurality of test tube holders that are rotated horizontally by the centrifugal force of the circular row and made of a magnetic member, and a plurality of test tube holders that are mounted on the rotor and rotated simultaneously with the rotor, and held by the plurality of test tube holders, respectively. A cleaning liquid distribution element for supplying a cleaning liquid into the test tube, and a magnetic element for adsorbing the test tube holder at a vertical or near vertical angle by a magnetic attraction generated based on energization of the magnetic coil. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a cleaning liquid distribution element for a cleaning centrifuge, and the distribution element has nozzles whose inner surfaces are arranged radially from the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the conical container and rotates together with the rotor. The cleaning liquid injected by centrifugal force from the center of the tube is equally divided, and the cleaning liquid is supplied from a nozzle into a number of test tubes held by a test tube holder. Patent Document 2 below discloses that the cleaning liquid is supplied to a test tube in a test tube holder that is rotatably supported by the rotor from a hole drilled in a cleaning liquid distribution element that rotates together with the rotor. The patent document also discloses that a test tube holder is held by a rotor using a magnetic element. Further, in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 below, the test tube holder is rotated at a low speed while being held at a small angle from the vertical direction by using a rim and a rotating member for the rotor, and the supernatant of the cleaning liquid is removed from the test tube. A technique for discharging liquid is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 5 below, a test tube holder is held on a rotor in a state inclined by a magnetic element at an angle smaller than the vertical direction, and the rotor is rotated at a low speed while rotating from a test tube held on the test tube holder. It is disclosed that the supernatant of the cleaning liquid is discharged.

  On the other hand, in a cell washing centrifuge, an automatic blood cell washing centrifuge that automatically executes a washing process including a washing liquid injection process, a centrifugation process, a supernatant discharge process, and a rocking process in order is well known. For example, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1 below, an automatic blood cell washing centrifuge sold by the applicant of the present application under the product name “himacMC450” is well known. In a conventional automatic blood cell cleaning centrifuge, a cleaning process including the following four steps is executed.

  (1) First, in the washing liquid injection step, a test tube containing biological cells such as blood cells is set in a test tube holder of the rotor, a motor that drives the rotor is accelerated and rotated, and the test in the test tube holder is performed by the centrifugal force. The lower part of the tube is rotated outward, and the rotor (motor) is rotated in a state where the test tube is inclined at a certain angle with respect to the rotation axis from the vertical direction. At this time, by turning the liquid feed pump operation on (ON) (a state where power is supplied to the liquid feed pump), the cleaning liquid is injected into the test tube via the cleaning liquid distribution element that rotates with the rotation of the rotor. The blood cells are stirred and washed by the momentum of the washing liquid injection.

  (2) Next, in the centrifugation step, for example, the rotor (motor) is centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 45 seconds. As a result, blood cells settle to the bottom of the test tube, and unnecessary substances such as serum remain in the supernatant.

  (3) Further, in the supernatant discharge process, the magnetic coil is turned on by turning on the magnetic coil and the magnetic element is turned on. Adsorb and fix in a tilted or vertical state. In this state, when the rotor is rotated again at a low speed, for example, 400 rpm, the upper part of the test tube is opened at a small angle or in a vertical state, so that the supernatant rises on the wall surface of the test tube by centrifugal force, Is discharged. If the rotation is stopped immediately, only precipitated blood cells remain.

  (4) Next, in the swinging step, the rotation and stop of the rotor are alternately repeated in small increments, or the forward rotation and the reverse rotation are alternately repeated in small increments to swing the test tube in the test tube holder of the rotor. Apply the motion and allow the blood cells to settle to the bottom of the test tube and unfasten.

  The above four steps (1) to (4) are set as one cycle of the cleaning cycle, and the cleaning is usually performed by repeating this cycle 3 to 4 times.

  In such a cell washing centrifuge, for example, the inside of the device after washing erythrocytes, which are biological samples, is contaminated with cellular residues, proteins, or residues such as bacteria or viruses. You must be careful. Conventionally, in order to ensure the safety of the worker and maintain the apparatus, the cell washing centrifuge is, for example, about once a day after completion of the work using the cell washing centrifuge, as with other medical devices. It is designed to clean and sterilize the inside. This prevents the occurrence of poor cleaning due to the inclusion of residues in the cell washing solution in normal cell washing operations or the deterioration of the reliability of centrifugal work, and the generation of malodors and mold caused by decay of the residues. And clogging of the waste liquid flow path due to the accumulation or decay of residues. Furthermore, it prevents contamination or infection by infectious substances such as bacteria or viruses.

  As a general cleaning operation of the apparatus, the rotor and the cleaning liquid distribution element are removed from the apparatus, cleaned with tap water, and then sterilized using alcohol or a sterilizing liquid having an appropriate concentration. After washing and sterilization, rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly. According to the same procedure, the apparatus body is also cleaned, sterilized and dried. On the other hand, as another cleaning method in the apparatus, an automatic blood cell cleaning centrifuge that performs cleaning in the apparatus by injecting fresh water separately from the cell cleaning solution is well known. For example, as shown in Non-Patent Document 2 below, an automatic blood cell cleaning centrifuge sold by GMI under the product name “Serocent24” is well known.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 50-22893 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-81640 JP-B 48-27267 Publication 60-150857 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 54-167860 Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. homepage “Hitachi Automatic Blood Cell Washing Machine himac MC450” [searched on February 28, 2005], Internet <URL: http: // www. hitachi-koki. co. jp / himac / products / mc450. htm> GMI website “Dade DAC II Automated Cell Washer” [Search June 28, 2005], Internet <URL: http: // www. gmi-inc. com / CliniLab / Dade% 20Dac% 20II. html>

  However, in the washing of the conventional cell washing centrifuge, much work is required for the washing operation, and as a sterilizing solution, as with normal medical equipment, sodium hypochlorite, glutaraldehyde, alcohols, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the sterilizing solution and to increase the running cost. Furthermore, disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite are prone to change over time due to temperature and sunlight, and the maintenance of the drug must be performed while paying attention to the characteristics that the concentration drops to half or less in half a year. It also occurs. Furthermore, apart from the costs of the cleaning liquid and the sterilizing liquid to be used, many facilities and costs are required for the treatment of waste water, recovery of the solution, reuse and the like. These are all factors that increase the cost of centrifugation such as blood transfusion testing.

  On the other hand, manual cleaning of the centrifugal device as described above is likely to cause individual differences, the cleaning operation in the device is insufficient, and if the sterilizing solution is not sufficiently rinsed, the residue is left in the cell cleaning solution. Can be a factor that reduces the reliability of tests such as blood transfusion tests. In addition, as in the above-described automatic blood cell washing centrifuge, when washing the inside of the apparatus by injecting fresh water separately from the cell washing liquid, washing and washing against proteins, bacteria or viruses attached to the inside of the apparatus The sterilization effect is not sufficient, and conversely, the remaining fresh water is mixed into the cell washing solution, and the problem of reducing the reliability of tests such as blood transfusion tests must also be considered.

  In addition, cleaning and sterilization operations in cell washing centrifuges handle cleaning liquids (residual liquids) contaminated with infectious substances and sterilizing liquids that are harmful to the human body, so these cleaning liquids or sterilizing liquids adhere directly to the human body. Alternatively, safety measures must be taken into account so as not to be sucked.

  Accordingly, the main object of the present invention is to provide a device cleaning liquid generating means capable of generating a low cost device cleaning liquid and a device sterilizing liquid in order to reduce the running cost of the cleaning liquid and the sterilizing liquid in the conventional cell cleaning centrifuge. An object of the present invention is to provide an attached cell washing centrifuge.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cell washing centrifuge equipped integrally with a device cleaning solution and a device cleaning solution generating means capable of generating a device sterilizing solution that can omit the adjustment and maintenance of the cleaning solution or the sterilizing solution that have been conventionally required. Is to provide.

  Still another object of the present invention is to eliminate the conventional manual washing process, and to ensure the reliability of the apparatus washing process or the reliability of the cell washing work and the safety to the human body, It is an object of the present invention to provide a cell washing centrifuge which is integrated with a device washing liquid generating means capable of washing the device itself automatically and in a predetermined device washing treatment process.

  In the following description of the present invention, “apparatus cleaning liquid” or “apparatus sterilizing liquid” may be collectively referred to simply as “apparatus cleaning liquid”. “Apparatus cleaning process” is used to mean “sterilization process” in addition to “cleaning process”.

  Of the inventions disclosed in the present application, typical features will be described as follows.

  (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a motor having a drive shaft, a rotor connected to the drive shaft of the motor and rotated by the motor, and a circular row on the rotor are rotatably mounted. A plurality of test tube holders that rotate in the horizontal direction outside the circular row by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the rotor, and are attached to the rotor to hold the test tube holder at a vertical or near vertical angle. Holding means, a cleaning liquid distribution element that is attached to the rotor and rotates simultaneously with the rotor, and supplies a cell cleaning liquid into a plurality of test tubes respectively held by the plurality of test tube holders, and a supply to the cleaning liquid distribution element A cell washing liquid container for storing a cell washing liquid; a washing liquid flow path communicating from the cell washing liquid container to the washing liquid distribution element; and the cell washing liquid container provided in the washing liquid flow path. In the cell washing centrifuge provided with a liquid feeding pump for feeding cell washing liquid to the washing liquid distribution element, and a control device for controlling the operation of the motor, the liquid feeding pump, and the holding means, An apparatus cleaning liquid generating means for generating an apparatus cleaning liquid for cleaning the cell cleaning centrifuge is provided.

  (2) According to another feature of the invention, the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means is provided in the cleaning liquid flow path between the cell cleaning liquid container and the liquid feeding pump.

  (3) According to still another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means is an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that generates alkaline water and acidic water from an aqueous electrolyte solution by electrolysis.

  (4) According to still another feature of the present invention, the acidic water generated by the electrolyzed water generating device includes acidic ionic water and hypochlorous acid.

  (5) According to still another aspect of the present invention, the electrolyzed water generating device includes an aqueous solution container that stores a predetermined amount of an aqueous solution of an electrolyte, a diaphragm that bisects the aqueous solution container, and the aqueous solution that sandwiches the diaphragm. It is provided in the container and is composed of at least a pair of counter electrodes for applying a DC voltage.

  (6) According to still another feature of the present invention, the electrolyzed water generator electrolyzes physiological saline used as a cell washing solution stored in the cell washing solution container.

  (7) According to still another feature of the present invention, the electrolyzed water generator electrolyzes tap water.

  (8) According to still another feature of the present invention, the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means includes a heating means.

  (9) According to still another feature of the present invention, the control device comprises a step of rotating the motor for a predetermined time, and alkaline water generated by the device cleaning liquid generating means while the motor is rotating. Quantifying, injecting into the cleaning liquid distribution element through the cleaning liquid flow path, and then injecting a predetermined amount of acidic water generated by the apparatus cleaning liquid generation means into the cleaning liquid distribution element through the cleaning liquid flow path. Run continuously.

  (10) According to still another feature of the present invention, the control device includes a step of rotating the motor for a predetermined time, and alkaline water generated by the device cleaning liquid generation means while the motor is rotating. Quantifying, injecting into the cleaning liquid distribution element through the cleaning liquid flow path, and then injecting a predetermined amount of acidic water generated by the apparatus cleaning liquid generation means into the cleaning liquid distribution element through the cleaning liquid flow path; Furthermore, a step of continuously injecting a predetermined amount of the cell washing liquid stored in the cell washing liquid container into the washing liquid distribution element through the washing liquid flow passage is executed.

  According to the feature described in the above item (1) of the present invention, the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means is integrated with the cell cleaning centrifuge, thereby reducing the running cost of the conventional cleaning liquid and the sterilizing liquid and reducing the cost of the apparatus cleaning liquid. And a device sterilizing solution can be produced. Moreover, the trouble of adjusting the apparatus cleaning liquid can be omitted. Furthermore, since the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means is integrated in the cleaning liquid flow path of the cell cleaning centrifuge, the apparatus cleaning liquid or the cleaning liquid residue adheres directly to the skin of the worker, the mucous membrane of the eyes and throat, etc. Can be prevented from being sucked by a person.

  According to the feature described in the above item (2) of the present invention, since the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means is provided in the cleaning liquid flow path between the cell cleaning liquid container and the liquid feeding pump, almost the entire flow path through which the cell cleaning liquid flows. The apparatus cleaning liquid can be allowed to flow through, and the cleaning efficiency of the apparatus can be increased.

  According to the features described in the above items (3) and (4) of the present invention, the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means uses an electrolyzed water generating apparatus by electrolysis, so that alkaline water (alkali ion water) generated by electrolysis is used. Proteins and oils are decomposed, washed, and sterilized with acidic water (acidic ionic water) and hypochlorous acid produced by electrolysis. Prepare and prepare equipment cleaning solution and sterilizing solution for each equipment cleaning. This eliminates the need for special drug purchase costs and storage management. In addition, compared with high ph cleaning and sterilization using chemicals, alkaline water and acidic water can also reduce the problem of corroding metals.

  According to the feature described in the above item (5) of the present invention, the electrolyzed water generating device is composed of an aqueous solution container for storing an aqueous solution of a predetermined amount of electrolyte, and a pair of counter electrodes provided with a diaphragm interposed therebetween. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate a certain amount of alkaline water, acidic water and hypochlorous acid used as a cleaning solution and a sterilizing solution at the same time.

  According to the feature described in the above item (6) of the present invention, the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means electrolyzes physiological saline used as the cell cleaning liquid to generate high-concentration alkaline water, acidic water and hypochlorous acid. The apparatus cleaning liquid can be advantageously obtained in terms of cost without using a cleaning liquid and a sterilizing liquid.

  According to the feature described in the above item (7) of the present invention, since the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means electrolyzes inexpensive tap water to generate alkaline water and acidic water, the cost can be reduced without using any special cleaning liquid or sterilizing liquid. In particular, the apparatus cleaning liquid can be obtained.

  According to the feature described in the above item (8) of the present invention, the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means includes the heating means for heating the cleaning water, so that the cleaning power and the sterilizing power of the cleaning liquid can be improved. Cleaning can be performed efficiently in a short time.

According to the characteristics described in the above items (9) and (10) of the present invention, the motor of the cell washing centrifuge main body is rotated for a certain time, and the alkaline water injection step and the acidic water injection step are automatically continued. This will not only save the operator the work of cleaning the equipment, but also damage the human body due to infectious substances and disinfectants that may occur in the work of cleaning and sterilizing the cell washing centrifuge device. Can be prevented. Furthermore, by first rinsing the inside of the device with alkaline ionized water, which has a large effect of degrading proteins and oils, and then rinsing the inside of the device with acidic ionized water having a bactericidal effect, Bacteria and viruses can be sterilized, and the inside of the cell washing centrifuge can be efficiently washed and sterilized. In addition, since alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water are neutralized in the waste liquid after washing, facilities and costs such as wastewater treatment, solution recovery and reuse associated with the use of conventional detergents and disinfectants are required. The running cost can be reduced. In particular, according to the feature described in the above item (10) of the present invention, since the rinsing operation is performed with the cell washing solution after the apparatus washing operation, the remaining alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water is prevented from being mixed into the cell washing solution. Thus, it is possible to remove a factor that reduces the reliability of the cell test performed again after the apparatus cleaning operation.
The above and other objects, and the above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiments, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the cell washing centrifuge according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means of the cell washing centrifuge according to the present invention shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the operation state of the test tube holder in each step of the blood cell washing process executed by the cell washing centrifuge shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is executed by the cell washing centrifuge shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an apparatus cleaning process according to the second embodiment executed by the cell cleaning centrifuge shown in FIG. 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a cell washing centrifuge 20 according to the present invention includes a housing (frame) 22 having a quadrangular cross-sectional shape when viewed from above, and a door 21 that opens and closes the upper portion of the housing 22. A motor 1 having a drive shaft (rotary shaft) 8 assembled in a housing 22 and a rotor 2 connected to the drive shaft 8 of the motor 1 and rotated by the motor 1 are provided. On the rotor 2, a plurality of (for example, 24) test tube holders 3 that are rotatably mounted in a circular row as viewed from above are installed. In each test tube holder 3, a test tube 4 containing an appropriate amount of biological cells such as red blood cells is held in advance. The test tube holder 3 is composed of a magnetic member.

  Further, the cell washing centrifuge 20 includes a magnetic element 7 for adsorbing by a magnetic force as a holding means for holding the test tube holder 3 perpendicularly to the rotor 2 or at a small angle close to vertical. The magnetic element 7 includes a disk-shaped upper magnetic member 7a and a lower magnetic member 7b, and is further provided with an insulated conducting wire installed so as to be sandwiched between the upper magnetic member 7a and the lower magnetic member 7b. A ring coil (magnetic coil) 7c is provided. These magnetic members 7 a and 7 b and the magnetic coil 7 c are fixed to the drive shaft 8 of the motor 1 and rotate together with the rotor 2. A current is supplied from the control device 11 to the rotating magnetic coil 7c via a pair of slip rings 7d. When a current is passed through the magnetic coil 7c, a magnetic field is generated, and the test tube holder 3 made of a magnetic material, for example, SUS430 material, forms a magnetic circuit together with the upper magnetic member 7a and the lower magnetic member 7b. The upper magnetic member 7a and the lower magnetic member 7b (magnetic element 7) are strongly adsorbed. That is, when a current is passed through the magnetic coil 7c, the magnetic element 7 (magnetic members 7a and 7b) acts as a single magnet and attracts the test tube holder 3 made of a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the upper magnetic member 7a is larger than that of the lower magnetic member 7b. Thereby, the adsorption surfaces of the magnetic members 7a and 7b (magnetic element 7) can adsorb the test tube holder 3 so that the test tube 4 is opened about 8 degrees upward with respect to the vertical line.

  By turning on the operation of the magnetic element 7, the test tube holder 3 is attracted to a vertical or small angle close to vertical, while by turning off the operation of the magnetic element 7 and releasing the attracting force, the test tube holder 3 3 rotates in the horizontal direction with a centrifugal force acting according to the rotation speed. The test tube holder 3 can be swung by turning the operation of the magnetic element 7 on and off in small increments. On the other hand, as will be described later, in another process (centrifugation process) of the cleaning process, in a state where the operation of the magnetic element 7 is turned off and the attracting force is released, the rotation speed is given to the rotor 2 and the test tube is subjected to centrifugal force The holder 3 is rotated in the horizontal direction. As a result, the test tube holder 3 holding the test tube 4 rotates in the horizontal direction, tilts until the lower portion of the test tube holder 3 hits the bowl 10, and centrifuges a sample such as a blood cell in the test tube 4. For example, when the operation of the magnetic element 7 is turned off and the attractive force is released, the rotation of the motor 1 is set to 3,000 rpm, and the lower end of the test tube holder 3 comes into contact with the bowl 10. Rotate so that the angle formed by is about 40 °. The motor 1 is composed of, for example, an induction motor, and the rotation speed (rotation speed) can be controlled by the control device 11. A cleaning liquid distribution element 5 is provided to uniformly supply the cell cleaning liquid 5a into the plurality of test tubes 4 rotated by centrifugal force. The cleaning liquid distribution element 5 is configured on the rotor 2 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 2.

  In connection with the cleaning liquid distribution element 5, cleaning liquid flow passages 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d are provided. A liquid feed pump 6 having a suction port 6a and a discharge port 6b is coupled to the cleaning liquid flow passage 9a. Furthermore, the cleaning liquid flow passage 9b on the suction port 6a side of the liquid feed pump 6 is provided with the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30 according to the present invention via a two-way electromagnetic valve (−) 35a and a two-way electromagnetic valve (+) 35b. Connected. Further, a cell washing liquid container 40 for storing the cell washing liquid 41a is connected to the upstream side of the apparatus washing liquid generating means 30 via a three-way electromagnetic valve 36 and a washing liquid flow passage 9c. On the other hand, tap water 41b according to the present invention is supplied through the other cleaning liquid flow passage 9d of the three-way electromagnetic valve 36. A solenoid valve (not shown) in the solenoid valve 36 is driven by the control device 11 and forms a first flow path that cuts off the flow path 9d and at the same time communicates from the flow path 9c to the flow path 9b. By controlling the solenoid valve, the flow passage 9c is blocked and a second flow passage communicating from the flow passage 9d to the flow passage 9b is formed. That is, the electromagnetic valve 36 is controlled so as to selectively supply either the cell cleaning liquid 41 a or the tap water 41 b to the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30 by switching an electromagnetic valve (not shown). Each of the two-way electromagnetic valves 35a and 35b is controlled such that each electromagnetic valve (not shown) is driven by the control device 11 to block or communicate the flow passage 9b.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30 is arranged so that 33 b is opposed to each other through a diaphragm 32 made of an ion exchange membrane. Thereby, it has the aqueous solution container (electrolysis tank) 31 which stores the aqueous solution of the electrolyte of predetermined amount (for example, 300 ml), and the direct current voltage (for example, 30V) required for electrolysis is contained in the aqueous solution container 31. The cathode plate 33a and the anode plate liquid container 31 for application are divided into a cathode plate chamber 31a and an anode plate chamber 31b by a diaphragm 32. In the apparatus cleaning described later, when a DC voltage is applied between the cathode plate 33a and the anode plate 33b, the tap water 41b or the cell cleaning solution 41a supplied to the aqueous solution container 31 passes through the diaphragm 32 into the cathode plate chamber 31a by electrolysis. Water (alkaline water) is generated in the anode plate chamber 31b, and acidic ion water (acidic water) and hypochlorous acid are generated.

  Further, the outer periphery of the apparatus cleaning liquid generating unit 30 is covered with a heating unit 34 made of a heating wire. Thereby, in the apparatus washing | cleaning process mentioned later, the produced | generated alkali ion water and acidic ion water can be heated to the temperature of 10 degreeC or more. Heating can improve the detergency of alkaline ionized water and the sterilizing power of acidic ionized water, and the apparatus can be efficiently washed in a smaller amount of liquid and in less time. In addition, in the cell washing process for blood cells or the like, which will be described later, a DC voltage for electrolysis is not applied to the cathode plate 33a and the anode plate 33b, but the heating means 34 is operated. Thereby, the cell washing liquid 41a stored in the cell washing liquid container 40 is not electrolyzed but heated by the heating means 34, and then supplied to the cell washing centrifuge body 20 as the cell washing liquid 5a by the liquid feeding pump 6. The In particular, it is known that the reliability of the blood test is lowered by the cold aggregation factor when the room temperature in winter is low and the cell washing solution 5a is cold, so that the heating means 34 is used so that the cell washing solution 5a does not fall below 10 ° C. Can be heated to 37 ° C., for example, to maintain the reliability of the centrifugation operation.

  In the normal cell washing process, as described above, the apparatus washing liquid generating means 30 does not perform electrolysis and acts as a simple flow path for the cell washing liquid. On the other hand, the electromagnetic valve 36 connects the flow passage 9c and the flow passage 9b, and the electromagnetic valves 35a and 35b are opened by an electromagnetic valve (not shown). Thereby, the cell washing liquid 41a in the cell washing liquid container 40 flows through the apparatus washing liquid generation means 30 and flows into the liquid feeding pump 6 as the cell washing liquid 5a. When the operation power supply of the liquid feeding pump 6 is turned on by the control device 11, the cell washing liquid 5a can be supplied to the nozzle 12 located above the cell washing centrifuge 20 through the washing liquid flow passage 9a. In the cell washing liquid injection step described later, the washing liquid ejected downward from the nozzle 12 enters the central portion of the washing liquid distribution element 5 that rotates at high speed integrally with the rotor 2, and is divided to the outer periphery by the centrifugal force in the washing liquid distribution element 5. The same number of channels (24) as the test tubes 4 held by the test tube holder 3 are branched into the respective flow paths, and can be injected into each test tube 4 vigorously from the outer peripheral inlet 5b of the distribution element 5.

  For example, in the case where a blood cell washing process (cell washing process) for performing a blood transfusion test or the like is executed by the cell washing centrifuge 20, the centrifuge shown in the cell washing process steps (1) to (4) in FIG. This will be described below with reference to the main parts. In the execution of the cell washing process, the control device 11 controls the electromagnetic valve 36 so as to form a first flow passage that communicates from the flow passage 9c to the flow passage 9b. The apparatus) is controlled so that no DC voltage is applied to the cathode plate 33a and the anode plate 33b. Thereby, the cell washing liquid 41a stored in the cell washing liquid container 40 is directly supplied to the washing liquid distribution element 5 as the washing liquid 5a.

  First, as shown in the washing liquid injection step (1) of FIG. 3, the 24 test tube holders 3 holding the 24 test tubes 4 in which appropriate amounts of biological cells such as red blood cells are previously added are the motor 1 (rotor 2). Is rotated at an accelerated speed so as to reach 3,000 rpm, and a centrifugal force is applied. As described above, the cell washing solution (for example, 0.9% concentration physiological saline) 5a is diverted to the outer periphery by the centrifugal force in the washing solution distribution element 5, and the same number as the test tubes 4 held in the test tube holder 3. It is branched into (24) channels and injected into each test tube 4 vigorously from the outer periphery of the distribution element 5. The injected cleaning liquid 5a hits the inner wall of each test tube 4 located outside the cleaning liquid distribution element 5, and travels along the wall surface to float biological cells at the bottom of the test tube 4 to create a suspended state. When an appropriate amount of cleaning liquid enters the test tube 4, the operation of the liquid feed pump 6 is stopped by the control device 11, and the cleaning liquid injection process ends.

  Subsequently, as shown in the centrifugation step (2) of FIG. 3, floating biological cells settle on the bottom of the test tube 4 while unnecessary substances such as serum remain in the supernatant, for example, In this embodiment, high speed rotation is continued for 35 seconds at 3000 rpm, and centrifugation is performed. The rotation of the motor 1 is stopped after centrifugation.

  Next, as shown in the supernatant discharge step (3) in FIG. 3, when the control device 11 energizes the ring coil 7c (that is, when the operation of the magnetic element 7 is turned on), the magnetic element 7 becomes magnetic. The body material test tube holder 3 is sucked and held. As described above, since the outer diameter of the upper magnetic member 7a of the magnetic element 7 is slightly larger than that of the lower magnetic member 7b, the surface on which the test tube holder 3 is attracted to the magnetic element 7 Is held in a state close to a substantially vertical state opened upward by about 8 degrees. Next, while the magnetic element 7 is energized, the rotation speed of the motor 1 is rotated at about 400 rpm. As a result, the supernatant in the test tube 4 rises up the inner wall surface of the test tube 4 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of 400 rpm and is discharged to the outside, and the living cells such as red blood cells at the bottom of the test tube 4 remain as they are. Remains at the bottom.

  As shown in the subsequent swinging step (4) of FIG. 3, the motor 1 energizes the ring-shaped coil 7c of the magnetic element 7 in a pulsed manner in small pulses while maintaining the rotational speed of 100 rpm. As a result, the test tube holder 3 is oscillated in the direction of the rotation axis of the test tube holder 3 by the alternating action of the attractive force due to the magnetic force of the magnetic element 7 and the centrifugal force due to the rotation of 100 rpm. It settles at the bottom of the cell and produces an effect of breaking up the clumped cell mass.

  The above-described process is set as one washing cycle, and this cycle is continuously repeated 3 to 4 times to wash biological cells such as red blood cells in the test tube 4, and to completely separate and remove foreign substances such as antibodies, The cell washing process is completed.

  Next, the apparatus cleaning process according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a case where the apparatus cleaning process is performed using physiological saline stored in the cell cleaning liquid container 40 as the supply liquid to the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30.

  First, the electromagnetic valve of the three-way electromagnetic valve 36 is fixed at a switching position of a valve that supplies the cell washing liquid 41 a from the cell washing liquid container 40 to the apparatus washing liquid generating means 30. The cathode plate chamber 31a and the anode plate chamber 31b (see FIG. 2) are filled with physiological saline as the cell washing solution 41a, and the following steps are performed.

  In step 100, the rotation of the motor 1 is started. In addition, by continuing the rotation of the motor 1 during the apparatus cleaning operation, the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid distribution element 5 is sprayed and spreads out to every corner of the centrifugal apparatus body, and a good cleaning effect is obtained. can get.

Next, in step 101, when a DC voltage (for example, 30V) is applied between the cathode plate 33a and the anode plate 33b for a certain time (for example, 1 minute), a predetermined amount (for example, 300 ml) supplied to the aqueous solution container 31 is applied. Cell washing solution (saline solution) 41a is electrolyzed, alkaline ion (Na ⁺ ion) water is present in the cathode plate chamber 31a, and acidic ion water (Cl ⁻ ion) and hypochlorous acid (HClO) are contained in the anode plate chamber 31b. Each is generated. The alkaline ionized water generated in the cathode plate chamber 31a has a cleaning effect on fats and oils and starch, and the acidic ionized water and hypochlorous acid generated in the anode plate chamber 31b have a sterilizing and disinfecting action.

  Next, in step 102, the two-way electromagnetic valve (-) 35a is opened.

  Further, in step 103, by operating the liquid feed pump 6, the alkaline ionized water (alkaline water) in the cathode plate chamber 31a is guided into the centrifuge main body 20, and the fats and oils remaining in the rotor 2 and others. , To clean dirt such as protein. A new supply liquid is introduced from the cell washing liquid container 40 into the cathode plate chamber 31a.

  After the operation of the liquid feed pump 6 is finished, in step 104, the two-way electromagnetic valve (−) 35a is closed.

  Next, in step 105, the two-way electromagnetic valve (+) 35b is opened. Further, in the subsequent step 106, by operating the liquid feed pump 6, the acidic ionic water and hypochlorous acid (acidic water) that have been in the anode plate chamber 31b are guided into the centrifuge body 20, and the rotor 2 and Perform other sterilization and disinfection. A new supply liquid is introduced from the cell washing liquid container 40 into the anode plate chamber 31b.

  Thereafter, in step 107, the two-way electromagnetic valve (+) 35b is closed, and in step 108, the rotation of the motor 1 is stopped, and the apparatus cleaning process is completed.

  As is clear from the above, according to the present invention, after the cell cleaning process step is completed, the apparatus cleaning process step using the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means can be subsequently executed.

  When the apparatus cleaning process is performed according to the present invention, it is not necessary to prepare and prepare a special apparatus cleaning liquid or sterilizing liquid every time the apparatus 20 is cleaned. . That is, as shown in FIG. 2, since the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30 uses an electrolyzed water generating apparatus by electrolysis, alkaline water (alkaline ion water) generated by electrolysis from the physiological saline used for the cell cleaning liquid 41a. ) Decomposes and cleans proteins and fats and oils, and sterilizes them with acidic water (acidic ionic water) and hypochlorous acid produced by electrolysis. There is no need to prepare, and there is no need to purchase special medicines or troublesome storage management. As a result, it is possible to obtain an apparatus cleaning liquid that is advantageous in terms of cost.

  Further, since the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30 is integrated in the cleaning liquid flow passage 9 of the centrifugal apparatus 20, the apparatus cleaning liquid or the cleaning liquid residue adheres directly to the skin of the operator, the mucous membrane of the eyes and throat, or the like. It is possible to prevent the worker from being sucked.

  Furthermore, since the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30 is provided in the cleaning liquid flow passage 9 between the cell cleaning liquid container 40 and the liquid feeding pump 6, the apparatus cleaning liquid 5a can be flown over almost the entire flow path of the cell cleaning liquid 41a. The cleaning efficiency of the apparatus 20 can be increased.

  Further, the electrolyzed water generating device that is the device cleaning liquid generating means 30 includes an aqueous solution container 31 that stores an aqueous solution of a predetermined amount of electrolyte, and a pair of counter electrodes 33a and 33b provided with a diaphragm 32 interposed therebetween. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate a certain amount of alkaline water, acidic water, and hypochlorous acid used as a cleaning solution and a sterilizing solution at the same time.

  Furthermore, since the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30 includes the heating means 34 for the cleaning water 5a, the cleaning power and the sterilizing power of the cleaning liquid 5a can be improved, and the cleaning can be efficiently performed in a smaller amount of liquid and in a shorter time. Can do.

  Further, in the apparatus washing process shown in FIG. 4, the motor 1 of the cell washing centrifuge 20 main body is rotated for a certain time, and the alkaline water injection process and the acidic water injection process are automatically and continuously executed. Therefore, not only can the labor of the apparatus cleaning work of the operator be saved, but also the human body damage caused by infectious substances and disinfectants, which may occur in the work of cleaning and sterilizing the cell washing centrifuge device, is prevented. Can do. Furthermore, by first rinsing the inside of the device with alkaline ionized water, which has a large effect of degrading proteins and oils, and then rinsing the inside of the device with acidic ionized water having a bactericidal effect, Bacteria and viruses can be sterilized, and the inside of the cell washing centrifuge can be efficiently washed and sterilized. In addition, since the alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water after neutralization are neutralized in the waste liquid 42a, facilities and costs such as wastewater treatment, solution recovery, and reuse associated with the use of conventional detergents and disinfectants are required. The running cost can be reduced.

  The apparatus cleaning process shown in FIG. 4 is an example in which the apparatus cleaning liquid is generated from the cell cleaning liquid. However, when it is desired to further reduce the cost of the apparatus cleaning liquid, the apparatus cleaning process shown in FIG. 5 may be executed. it can. That is, FIG. 5 shows a case where the apparatus cleaning process is performed using the tap water 41b (see FIG. 2) as the supply liquid to the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30. In general, tap water used as drinking water uses chlorine (liquid) or bleaching powder to sterilize harmful microorganisms, so it can generate hypochlorous acid, acidic water and alkaline water by electrolysis. . Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the apparatus cleaning process which is the second embodiment will be described.

  Initially, the three-way electromagnetic valve 36 is in a switching position of an electromagnetic valve that supplies the cell washing liquid from the cell washing liquid container 40 to the apparatus washing liquid generating means 30, and the cathode plate chamber 31a and the anode plate chamber 31b are filled with the cell washing liquid 41a. Therefore, the electromagnetic valve of the three-way electromagnetic valve 36 is switched, and the tap water in the flow passage 9d is supplied to the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means 30 and replaced with tap water, and the following steps are executed.

  First, in step 200, rotation of the motor 1 is started. Next, in step 201, the two-way electromagnetic valve (+) is opened. Next, in step 202, the two-way electromagnetic valve (-) is opened.

  Next, in step 203, the switching position of the electromagnetic valve of the three-way electromagnetic valve 36 is set to the tap water introduction position. In step 204, the cathode plate chamber 31a and the anode plate chamber 31b are replaced with tap water by operating the liquid feeding pump 6 in step 204.

  Next, in step 205 and step 206, the two-way electromagnetic valve (−) 35a and the two-way electromagnetic valve (+) 35b are closed.

  Next, in step 207, when a DC voltage is applied between the cathode plate 33a and the anode plate 33b for a certain period of time, the supplied tap water is electrolyzed, and alkaline ionized water (arikari water) is supplied to the cathode plate chamber 31a. Acidic ion water (acidic water) and hypochlorous acid are generated in 31b, respectively. Alkaline water has a cleaning effect on fats and oils and starch, and acidic water has a bactericidal and disinfecting action.

  In step 208, the two-way electromagnetic valve (-) 35a is opened. In the subsequent step 209, by operating the liquid feeding pump 6, the alkaline water in the cathode plate chamber 31a is guided into the cell washing centrifuge body 20 as the washing liquid 5a, and the protein remaining in the rotor 2 and others. Clean the dirt. A new supply liquid is introduced from the tap water into the cathode plate chamber 31a.

  The operation of the liquid feed pump 6 is terminated, and in step 210, the two-way electromagnetic valve (−) 35a is closed.

  Subsequently, in step 211, the two-way electromagnetic valve (+) 35b is opened. By operating the liquid feed pump 6 in the continuous step 212, the acidic water that has been in the anode plate chamber 31b is guided into the cell washing centrifuge main body 20, and the rotor 2 and other sterilization and disinfection are performed. At this time, a new supply liquid 41b is introduced from the tap water into the anode plate chamber 31b.

  In the next step 213, the two-way electromagnetic valve (+) 35b is closed. The washing and sterilization processes are completed up to this step, but if left as it is, tap water remains in the cell washing centrifuge main body 20 and the cathode plate chamber 31a and the anode plate chamber 31b, and the next cell washing process is performed. In addition, there is a possibility that the residual liquid may reduce the reliability of the cleaning operation.

  Therefore, in the next step 214, the switching position of the electromagnetic valve of the three-way electromagnetic valve 36 is returned to the position of the introduction flow passage 9c of the cell washing liquid 41a, and in the steps 215 to 217, the two-way electromagnetic valve (+) 35b and the two-way electromagnetic valve (-) 35a are opened, and the liquid feeding pump 6 is further operated to rinse the inside of the cell washing centrifuge body 20 with the cell washing solution 41a, and the inside of the cathode plate chamber 31a and the anode plate chamber 31b is washed with the cell washing solution 41a. Meet by.

  Next, in step 218 and step 219, the two-way electromagnetic valve (+) 35b and the two-way electromagnetic valve (-) 35a are closed, and in step 220, the rotation of the motor 1 is stopped and the apparatus cleaning process is completed. To do.

  The washing and sterilization of the cell washing centrifuge can also be automatically processed by the apparatus washing treatment process using the tap water and the cell washing liquid. Further, the same effect as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 can be obtained. In particular, according to the second embodiment, the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means electrolyzes inexpensive tap water to generate alkaline water, acidic water and hypochlorous acid, so that no special cleaning liquid or sterilizing liquid is used. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an apparatus cleaning liquid with an advantage in cost. In this case, since the rinsing operation is performed with the cell washing liquid in the subsequent process of the apparatus cleaning treatment work, it is possible to prevent residual tap water, alkaline ionized water, acidic ionic water, etc. from being mixed into the cell washing liquid. Factors that reduce the reliability of the cell washing process that is started again later can be removed.

  As mentioned above, although the invention made | formed by this inventor was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary.

The whole sectional view showing the cell washing centrifuge concerning the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an apparatus cleaning liquid generating means of the cell cleaning centrifuge shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a centrifugal separator in each step of a blood cell washing process executed by the cell washing centrifugal device shown in FIG. 1. The flowchart which concerns on 1st Embodiment which performs the apparatus washing process process of the cell washing centrifuge shown in FIG. The flowchart which concerns on 2nd Embodiment which performs the apparatus washing process process of the cell washing centrifuge shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1: Motor 2: Rotor 3: Test tube holder 4: Test tube 5: Cleaning liquid distribution element 5a: Cleaning liquid 5b: Outer peripheral inlet 6: Pump 6a: Pump inlet 6b: Pump outlet 7: Magnetic element 7a: Upper part Magnetic body member 7b: Lower magnetic body member 7c: Ring coil 7d: Slip ring 8: Drive shaft 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d: Washing liquid flow passage 10: Bowl 11: Controller 12: Washing liquid supply nozzle 20: Cell washing centrifuge Device 21: Door 22: Housing (frame)
30: Apparatus cleaning liquid generating means (electrolyzed water generating apparatus) 31a: Cathode plate chamber 31b Anode plate chamber 32: Diaphragm 33a: Cathode plate 33b: Anode plate 34: Heating means 35a: Two-way electromagnetic valve (-) 35b: Two-way electromagnetic valve ( +)
36: Three-way solenoid valve 40: Cell washing liquid container 41a: Cell washing liquid 41b: Tap water 42a: Waste liquid

Claims (10)

A motor having a drive shaft;
A rotor coupled to a drive shaft of the motor and rotated by the motor;
A plurality of test tube holders rotatably mounted in a circular row on the rotor, and rotated in a horizontal direction outside the circular row by a centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotor;
Holding means mounted on the rotor to hold the test tube holder at a vertical or near vertical angle;
A washing liquid distributor that is attached to the rotor and rotates simultaneously with the rotor, and supplies a cell washing liquid into a plurality of test tubes respectively held by the plurality of test tube holders;
A cell washing solution container for storing a cell washing solution supplied to the washing solution distribution element;
A washing liquid flow path communicating from the cell washing liquid container to the washing liquid distribution element;
A liquid feed pump that is provided in the washing liquid flow passage and feeds the cell washing liquid in the cell washing liquid container to the washing liquid distribution element;
In the cell washing centrifuge equipped with the motor, the liquid feeding pump, and a control device for controlling the operation of the holding means,
A cell washing centrifuge having a device washing liquid generating means for producing a device washing liquid for washing the cell washing centrifuge device in the washing liquid flow passage.   The cell washing centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the device washing liquid generating means is provided in the washing liquid flow path between the cell washing liquid container and the liquid feeding pump.   The cell washing centrifuge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device washing liquid generating means is an electrolyzed water generating device that generates alkaline water and acidic water from an aqueous electrolyte solution by electrolysis.   The cell washing centrifuge according to claim 3, wherein the acidic water generated by the electrolyzed water generating device includes acidic ionic water and hypochlorous acid.   The electrolyzed water generating device includes an aqueous solution container that stores an aqueous solution of a predetermined amount of electrolyte, a diaphragm that bisects the aqueous solution container, and at least a pair of electrodes that are provided in the aqueous solution container with the diaphragm interposed therebetween and that apply a DC voltage. The cell washing centrifuge according to claim 3, comprising a counter electrode.   The cell washing centrifuge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the electrolyzed water generating device electrolyzes physiological saline used as a cell washing solution stored in the cell washing solution container.   The cell washing centrifuge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the electrolyzed water generator electrolyzes tap water.   The cell washing centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus washing liquid generating means includes a heating means.   The control device rotates the motor for a predetermined time, and injects a predetermined amount of alkaline water generated by the device cleaning liquid generating means while the motor is rotating into the cleaning liquid distribution element through the cleaning liquid flow passage. 4. The process and the process of injecting a predetermined amount of acidic water generated by the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means into the cleaning liquid distribution element through the cleaning liquid flow passage are continuously executed. 8. The cell washing centrifuge described in any one of 8. The control device rotates the motor for a predetermined time, and injects a predetermined amount of alkaline water generated by the device cleaning liquid generating means while the motor is rotating into the cleaning liquid distribution element through the cleaning liquid flow passage. And a step of injecting a predetermined amount of acidic water generated by the apparatus cleaning liquid generating means into the cleaning liquid distribution element through the cleaning liquid flow path, and a cell cleaning liquid stored in the cell cleaning liquid container. The cell washing centrifuge according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the quantitative determination and the step of injecting into the washing liquid distribution element through the washing liquid flow passage are continuously performed.

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