JP2007240328A - Dispensing device and dispensation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To determine whether clogging is caused by a liquid sample or by a sample probe, when detecting clogging of the sample probe. <P>SOLUTION: When detecting clogging of the sample probe by a clogging detection means when sucking the liquid sample (S2:Yes), clogging of the sample probe is detected (S6) by the clogging detection means when discharging cleaning water (S5) after discharging the liquid sample sucked by the sample probe. Resultantly, it can be determined whether clogging is caused by the sample probe or not. When clogging of the sample probe is not detected by the clogging detection means when discharging the cleaning water (S6:No), the same liquid sample is sucked again by the sample probe (S10), and clogging of the sample probe is detected by the clogging detection means (S2). Resultantly, it can be determined whether clogging is caused by the liquid sample or not. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispensing device and a dispensing method used in an analyzer that analyzes a sample (liquid sample) such as blood or urine.

  In automated analyzers such as biochemistry, a dispensing device with a dispensing pump and a sample probe connected to the dispensing pump is provided, and the sample probe can be moved to the sample suction position, the sample discharge position, and the probe washing position, and dispensed. By sucking and discharging the pump, a predetermined amount of sample is dispensed from the sample container into the reaction container. In this type of automatic analyzer, serum or plasma is used as a sample, but since solids such as fibrin are present in the sample, the solids are connected to the sample probe and a pipe connected thereto. May clog. When the sample probe is clogged, a predetermined amount of sample cannot be dispensed into the reaction container, which has a serious adverse effect on the analysis result. On the other hand, there is a case in which the sample probe is not immersed in the sample liquid surface when the sample is sucked and the sample is not sucked. When empty aspiration occurs, the sample cannot be dispensed into the reaction container, which has a serious adverse effect on the analysis result.

  For such problems, conventional dispensing devices connect a pressure sensor to the dispensing flow path system including the sample probe and dispensing syringe, and measure the pressure fluctuation waveform during sample dispensing to ensure normal suction operation. It is determined whether or not it has been done. Then, the suction abnormality is classified into a plurality of causes, and a countermeasure operation corresponding to each cause is performed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-333449 A

  In a conventional dispensing device, when a sample probe is clogged due to an abnormal suction, as a countermeasure action, the aspirated liquid sample is discharged into a reaction container, and the same liquid sample is again aspirated and discharged into another reaction container. Analyzing. However, the conventional automatic analyzer does not distinguish whether the cause of the clogging is in the sample probe or the liquid sample. For this reason, when cleaning the reaction vessel from which the liquid sample has been discharged, the liquid sample is sucked by the cleaning nozzle. However, when the liquid sample is a cause of clogging, the cleaning nozzle may be clogged by the liquid sample. On the other hand, when the cause of the clogging is a sample probe, the liquid sample sucked again is wasted. As a result, it takes time to stop the device and investigate the cause.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and when a clogging of a dispensing nozzle is detected, a dispensing apparatus and a dispensing device that can determine whether the clogging is caused by a liquid sample or a dispensing nozzle The purpose is to provide an ordering method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a dispensing nozzle that sucks and discharges a liquid sample, and clogging detection that detects clogging of the dispensing nozzle. The clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detection means when the liquid reagent is aspirated, and when the washing water is discharged after discharging the liquid sample aspirated by the dispensing nozzle. A dispensing control unit for detecting clogging of the dispensing nozzle by the clogging detecting means is provided.

  A dispensing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the dispensing nozzle according to the first aspect, wherein the dispensing control unit does not detect clogging of the dispensing nozzle by the clogging detecting means when discharging the cleaning water. Then, the same liquid sample is again sucked and clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detecting means.

  A dispensing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the dispensing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the dispensing control unit detects the clogging of the dispensing nozzle by the clogging detecting means when the same liquid sample is sucked again. It is characterized in that another liquid sample is dispensed after the injection nozzle is washed.

  A dispensing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third aspects, the liquid sample accompanying the cleaning is discharged at a predetermined cleaning position.

  A dispensing method according to claim 5 of the present invention is a dispensing method in a dispensing apparatus that includes a dispensing nozzle that sucks and discharges a liquid sample and a clogging detection unit that detects clogging of the dispensing nozzle. When clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detection means during the suction of the liquid reagent, the clogging detection means detects the clogging nozzle when the cleaning water is discharged after discharging the liquid sample sucked by the dispensing nozzle. The method includes a step of detecting clogging.

  A dispensing method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the dispensing method according to the fifth aspect, wherein when the clogging detection means does not detect clogging of the dispensing nozzle when the washing water is discharged, the same liquid sample is sucked again by the dispensing nozzle. And a step of detecting clogging of the dispensing nozzle by the clogging detecting means.

  In the dispensing method according to claim 7 of the present invention, in the above claim 6, when clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detecting means when the same liquid sample is sucked again, the dispensing nozzle is washed. The method further includes a step of dispensing another liquid sample.

  In the dispensing apparatus and the dispensing method according to the present invention, when clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detecting means during the suction of the liquid reagent, the cleaning water is discharged after the liquid sample sucked by the dispensing nozzle is discharged. Sometimes the clogging detection means detects clogging of the dispensing nozzle. As a result, it can be determined whether or not the dispensing nozzle is clogged.

  Further, when clogging of the dispensing nozzle is not detected by the clogging detection means when the cleaning water is discharged, the same liquid sample is again sucked by the dispensing nozzle, and clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detection means. As a result, it can be determined whether or not the liquid sample is clogged.

  Further, when clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detecting means when the same liquid sample is sucked again, another liquid sample is dispensed after the dispensing nozzle is washed. As a result, when the clogging caused by the liquid sample is determined, it is possible to analyze another specimen sample without stopping the dispensing operation.

  Further, the liquid sample accompanying the cleaning is discharged at a predetermined cleaning position. That is, the liquid sample suspected of causing the clogging in the reaction container of the analyzer is not discharged. As a result, it is possible to avoid clogging of the washing nozzle for washing the reaction container in the analyzer.

  Exemplary embodiments of a dispensing apparatus and a dispensing method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a dispensing apparatus according to the present invention. The dispensing device is used in an analyzer that analyzes a sample (liquid sample) such as blood or urine, and dispenses a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container C1 to the reaction container C2. As shown in FIG. 1, in the dispensing apparatus, a sample probe (dispensing nozzle) 1 and a dispensing pump 2 are connected by a conduit 3 as dispensing means.

  The sample probe 1 can be moved horizontally by the probe driving means 1a to a sample suction position where the sample container C1 containing the sample is located, a sample discharge position where the reaction container C2 for reacting the sample is present, a washing position where the washing tank C3 is located, and the like. Furthermore, it is provided to be movable up and down at each position by the probe driving means 1a.

  The dispensing pump 2 is composed of, for example, a syringe, and performs a suction / discharge operation by the dispensing pump driving means 2a.

  The conduit 3 is made of a flexible tube that does not hinder the movement of the sample probe 1. The inside of the pipe line 3 is filled with washing water including the sample probe 1 and the dispensing pump 2. As the washing water, deaerated water from which air has been removed is used. The washing water filled in the pipe line 3 is accommodated in the tank 4. The tank 4 is connected to the dispensing pump 2 by a pipe line 5. The pipe 5 is a tube similar to the pipe 3. The pipe 5 is provided with a pump 6 and an electromagnetic valve 7. That is, the wash water stored in the tank 4 is filled into the dispensing pump 2, the pipe 3 and the sample probe 1 through the pipe 5 by opening the electromagnetic valve 7 and driving the pump 6.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the probe driving means 1 a, the dispensing pump driving means 2 a, the pump 6 and the electromagnetic valve 7 described above are controlled by the dispensing control unit 8. That is, the dispensing control unit 8 controls the probe driving means 1a to move the sample probe 1 in the dispensing operation, and further controls the dispensing pump driving means 2a to cause the dispensing pump 2 to perform suction and discharge operations. Thereby, the dispensing apparatus sucks the sample from the sample container C1 with the sample probe 1 and discharges it to the reaction container C2. On the other hand, the dispensing control unit 8 controls the probe driving unit 1a to move the sample probe 1 in the cleaning operation, and further controls the dispensing pump driving unit 2a to cause the dispensing pump 2 to perform an intake / exhaust operation. Thereby, the dispensing apparatus discharges the sample sucked by the sample probe 1 to the cleaning tank C3 and cleans the sample probe 1.

  Further, pressure detection means 9 is provided in the pipe line 5 (or the pipe line 3). The pressure detection means (pressure sensor) 9 cleans the pipelines 3 and 5 including the sample probe 1 and the dispensing pump 2 when the sample probe 1 sucks and discharges the liquid sample by the suction / discharge operation of the dispensing pump 2. It is for detecting and outputting the pressure of water.

  The output of the pressure detection means 9 is supplied to the clogging detection means 10. The clogging detection means 10 includes an A / D converter 11 that converts an output from the pressure detection means 9 into a digital signal, an amplification circuit 12, an integration calculation circuit 13, and a determination circuit 14. The A / D converter 11 converts the output of the pressure detection means 9 into a digital signal. The amplifier circuit 12 amplifies the digital signal output from the A / D converter 11. The integration calculation circuit 13 calculates a digital signal into an integral value. The determination circuit 14 stores a predetermined threshold value and the like, compares the integrated value output from the integration calculation circuit 13 with the threshold value, and outputs the determination result of the suction state of the sample probe 1 based on the comparison. The determination result is supplied to the dispensing control unit 8. In accordance with the determination result, the dispensing control unit 8 outputs a signal indicating that the analysis is continued to an analysis control unit (not shown) that controls the analyzer if it is normal suction, and performs abnormal suction (clogging). If it is empty suction, the sample probe 1 is washed, and the same liquid sample is reanalyzed or another liquid sample is analyzed. The A / D converter 11 and the amplifier circuit 12 are provided in reverse, and the digital signal converted by the A / D converter 11 after the output from the pressure detection means 9 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 12 is supplied to the integration arithmetic circuit 13. You may supply.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the dispensing control unit. At the normal time, the dispensing control unit 8 sucks the new liquid reagent and counts the number of times of suction N = 1 (step S1), and detects the clogging of the sample probe 1 by the clogging detecting means 10 when the liquid reagent is aspirated. If not (step S2: No), the liquid sample sucked by the sample probe 1 is discharged into the reaction container C2 and resets the number of times of suction N = 0 (step S3). That is, analysis is performed using the liquid sample sucked by the sample probe 1. In this case, the process returns to Step 1 again to analyze the new liquid sample.

  On the other hand, at the time of abnormal suction, the dispensing control unit 8 cleans the liquid sample sucked by the sample probe 1 when the clogging detecting means 10 detects clogging of the sample probe 1 at the time of sucking the liquid reagent (step S2: Yes). It is made to discharge to the tank C3 (step S4). That is, the liquid sample is discarded. Next, the sample probe 1 is washed (step S5). The sample probe 1 is washed by opening the electromagnetic valve 7 and driving the pump 6 to discharge the filled washing water from the sample probe 1. When clogging of the sample probe 1 is detected by the clogging detection means 10 at the time of discharge of the washing water (step S6: Yes), the dispensing control unit 8 determines that the sample probe 1 is clogged due to the cause (abnormality of the sample probe). (Step S7), the dispensing operation is stopped, an alarm is issued (Step S8), and the dispensing operation is terminated for checking the sample probe 1.

  In step S6, if the clogging detection means 10 does not detect clogging of the sample probe 1 at the time of discharge of cleaning water (step S6: No) and the number of times of suction is the first time (step S9: Yes), dispensing control is performed. The unit 8 sucks the same liquid sample, counts the number of times of suction N = 2 (step S10), and returns to step S2. That is, the clogging detection means 10 detects clogging of the sample probe 1 when the same liquid sample is sucked again. Here, when clogging of the sample probe 1 is not detected by the clogging detecting means 10 when the same liquid sample is sucked again (step S2: No), the dispensing control unit 8 returns to the normal time and sucks with the sample probe 1. The liquid sample thus discharged is discharged into the reaction container C2 (step S3). Further, when the clogging detection unit 10 detects clogging of the sample probe 1 when the same liquid sample is aspirated again (step S2: Yes), the dispensing control unit 8 reaches step S9 as described above.

  In step S9, when the number of times the liquid sample is aspirated is not the first (N = 1) (step S9: No), that is, when the number of times the same liquid sample is aspirated is the second (N = 2), the dispensing control unit 8 determines that the liquid sample that has been sucked is clogged (liquid sample abnormality) (step S11), sucks another liquid sample and counts the number of times of suction N = 1 (step S12), and step S2 Return to.

  Thus, in the dispensing apparatus described above, when clogging of the sample probe 1 is detected by the clogging detection means 10 when the liquid reagent is aspirated, when the cleaning water is discharged after the liquid sample aspirated by the sample probe 1 is discharged. The clogging detection means 10 detects clogging of the sample probe 1. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the sample probe 1 is clogged.

  Further, when clogging of the sample probe 1 is not detected by the clogging detection means 10 when the cleaning water is discharged, the same liquid sample is again sucked by the sample probe 1 and the clogging of the sample probe 1 is detected by the clogging detection means 10. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the liquid sample is clogged.

  When clogging of the sample probe 1 is detected by the clogging detection means 10 when the same liquid sample is sucked again, another liquid sample is dispensed after the sample probe 1 is washed. As a result, when the clogging caused by the liquid sample is determined, it is possible to analyze another specimen sample without stopping the dispensing operation.

  Further, the liquid sample accompanying the cleaning is discharged at a predetermined cleaning position. That is, the liquid sample suspected of causing the clogging in the reaction container of the analyzer is not discharged. As a result, it is possible to avoid clogging of the cleaning nozzle for cleaning the reaction container in the analyzer.

It is the schematic which shows an example of the dispensing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a dispensing control part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sample probe 1a Probe drive means 2 Dispensing pump 2a Dispensing pump drive means 3 Pipe line 4 Tank 5 Pipe line 6 Pump 7 Solenoid valve 8 Dispensing control part 9 Pressure detection means 10 Clogging detection means 11 A / D converter 12 Amplification circuit 13 Integral operation circuit 14 Discrimination circuit 15 Analysis control unit C1 Sample container C2 Reaction container C3 Washing tank

Claims (7)

In a dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing nozzle for sucking and discharging a liquid sample, and a clogging detecting means for detecting clogging of the dispensing nozzle,
When clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detection means when the liquid reagent is aspirated, the clogging nozzle is clogged by the clogging detection means when the cleaning water is discharged after discharging the liquid sample sucked by the dispensing nozzle. A dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing control unit for detecting a mist.   When the clogging detection means does not detect clogging of the dispensing nozzle when the cleaning water is discharged, the dispensing control unit sucks the same liquid sample again with the dispensing nozzle and clogs the dispensing nozzle by the clogging detection means. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing device is detected.   When the clogging detection means detects clogging of the dispensing nozzle when the same liquid sample is aspirated again, the dispensing control unit causes the dispensing nozzle to perform dispensing after washing the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the dispensing device is characterized in that   The dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid sample accompanying the cleaning is discharged at a predetermined cleaning position. In a dispensing method with a dispensing nozzle comprising a dispensing nozzle for sucking and discharging a liquid sample and a clogging detecting means for detecting clogging of the dispensing nozzle,
When clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detection means when the liquid reagent is aspirated, the clogging nozzle is clogged by the clogging detection means when the cleaning water is discharged after discharging the liquid sample sucked by the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing method characterized by including the process of detecting.   When clogging of the dispensing nozzle is not detected by the clogging detection means when discharging the cleaning water, the method further includes a step of sucking the same liquid sample again by the dispensing nozzle and detecting clogging of the dispensing nozzle by the clogging detection means. The dispensing method according to claim 5, wherein:   When clogging of the dispensing nozzle is detected by the clogging detecting means when the same liquid sample is sucked again, the liquid nozzle further includes a step of dispensing another liquid sample after washing the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing method according to claim 6.

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