JP2007263752A - Specimen dispensing method of autoanalyzer, autoanalyzer and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a specimen dispensing method of an autoanalyzer capable of enhancing a treatment capacity while accurately keeping measuring precision or dispensing precision, the autoanalyzer and a program. <P>SOLUTION: In the autoanalyzer 1 for analyzing the component of the specimen by reacting the specimen with a reagent, the same specimen is dispensed in a plurality of different containers (reaction containers 51) using a fine tubular probe 151 and, in this case, the dispensation due to the probe 151 is continuously performed without washing the probe 151 during respective dispensing operations. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample dispensing method, an automatic analyzer, and a program for an automatic analyzer that analyzes components of the sample by reacting the sample with a reagent.

  In an automatic analyzer that analyzes the components of a sample by reacting the sample with a reagent, the sample contained in the sample container is dispensed into a predetermined container, and mixed with the reagent according to the test item in the container. And causing a reaction. A specimen dispensing mechanism in such an automatic analyzer is generally configured using a thin tubular probe (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-137035 A

  In the above-described automatic analyzer, it is required to analyze more samples in a shorter time. In order to improve the processing capacity of the automatic analyzer in response to this requirement, for example, the following three methods can be considered.

  As a first method, a method of shortening the cycle of the sample dispensing operation can be considered. However, in this case, in order to shorten the period of the dispensing operation, the photometry time and the cleaning time of the sample probe must be shortened, and there is a possibility that the measurement accuracy cannot be maintained.

  As a second method, a method in which the specimen probe is formed of multiple probes can be considered. However, with this method, it has been difficult to suppress variation in the dispensing accuracy of individual probes and maintain the sample dispensing accuracy as a whole dispensing mechanism.

  As a third method, when a plurality of tests are performed on the same sample, a necessary amount of the sample as a whole is collectively aspirated by a probe, and the aspirated sample is put into a plurality of containers by a predetermined amount. A sequential discharge method (seed sowing) is also conceivable. However, in this case, there is a possibility that a difference in dispensing accuracy occurs every time it is ejected, and it has been difficult to maintain the dispensing accuracy appropriately as in the second method.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a sample dispensing method for an automatic analyzer, an automatic analyzer, and an automatic analyzer capable of improving the processing capacity while maintaining measurement accuracy and dispensing accuracy appropriately, and The purpose is to provide a program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is an automatic analyzer that analyzes a component of the specimen by reacting the specimen with a reagent, and uses a tubular probe. A sample dispensing method for an automatic analyzer for dispensing the sample, wherein the same sample is dispensed into a plurality of different containers by the probe without washing the probe during each dispensing operation. It is characterized by performing dispensing continuously.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein after the series of dispensing operations using the same sample is completed, the plurality of different containers in which the same sample is respectively dispensed are stored. It is characterized in that optical measurements on liquids are performed collectively.

  The “liquid” in the present invention includes a liquid containing a trace amount of a solid component.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic analyzer that analyzes a component of the specimen by reacting the specimen with a reagent, and has a thin tubular probe for dispensing the specimen, and the same specimen is divided into a plurality of different specimens. When dispensing into a container, a sample dispensing means for continuously dispensing with the probe without being washed with the probe during each dispensing operation is provided.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3, wherein the same sample is dispensed after a series of dispensing operations using the same sample by the sample dispensing means is completed. It is further characterized by further comprising photometric means for collectively performing optical measurements on liquids in a plurality of different containers.

  The “liquid” in the present invention includes a liquid containing a trace amount of a solid component.

  The program according to the invention described in claim 5 executes the sample dispensing method of the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2 to the automatic analyzer that analyzes the components of the sample by reacting the sample with the reagent. It is characterized by making it.

  According to the present invention, in an automatic analyzer that analyzes a component of a specimen by reacting the specimen with a reagent, when dispensing the same specimen into a plurality of different containers using a thin tube probe, By performing dispensing with the probe continuously without washing the probe during the dispensing operation, it is possible to improve the processing capability while maintaining the measurement accuracy and dispensing accuracy appropriately.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a main part of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 dispenses a specimen (sample) and a reagent into predetermined containers, and performs a measurement mechanism 11 for optically measuring the liquid in the container, and the measurement mechanism 11. And a control analysis mechanism 21 for analyzing the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 11 and the two mechanisms cooperate to biochemically analyze the components of a large number of specimens. Is a device that performs automatically and continuously. The “liquid” here includes a liquid containing a small amount of a solid component.

  First, the measurement mechanism 11 of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described. The measurement mechanism 11 includes a sample transfer unit 12 that stores and sequentially transfers a plurality of racks 32 on which sample containers 31 that store samples are mounted, a reagent container holding unit 13 that holds a reagent container 41, a sample and a reagent, And a reaction container holding unit 14 for holding a reaction container 51 which is a container for dispensing and reacting each.

  Further, the measurement mechanism 11 is accommodated in the sample dispensing unit 15 that dispenses the sample accommodated in the sample container 31 on the sample transfer unit 12 into the reaction container 51 and the reagent container 41 on the reagent container holding unit 13. The reagent dispensing unit 16 for dispensing the reagent into the reaction vessel 51, the stirring unit 17 for stirring the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 51, the intensity for each wavelength component of the light that has passed through the reaction vessel 51, and the like. A photometric unit 18 for measuring, and a cleaning unit 19 for cleaning the reaction vessel 51 using a cleaning liquid made of ion exchange water or the like are provided.

  The sample container 31 is affixed with an information code recording medium (not shown) in which identification information for identifying a sample contained therein is encoded and recorded in an information code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Similarly, an information code recording medium in which identification information for identifying a reagent contained in the reagent container 41 is encoded and recorded in an information code is also attached to the reagent container 41 (not shown). Therefore, the measurement mechanism 11 is provided with an information code reading unit CR1 that reads an information code attached to the sample container 31 and an information code reading unit CR2 that reads an information code attached to the reagent container 41.

  The reagent container holding part 13 and the reaction container holding part 14 are attached to the wheel for accommodating and holding the reagent container 41 and the reaction container 51, respectively, and the wheel is rotated about a vertical line passing through the center of the wheel. Driving means (not shown).

  Each container holding part is maintained at a constant temperature. Specifically, the inside of the reagent container holding unit 13 is set to a temperature lower than room temperature in order to suppress the deterioration and denaturation of the reagent, while the inside of the reaction container holding unit 14 is at a temperature similar to the human body temperature. Is set.

  The sample dispensing unit 15 includes a thin tubular probe 151 that sucks and discharges the sample, an arm 152 that moves the probe 151 in the vertical direction and rotates in the horizontal direction, a probe cleaning unit 153 that cleans the probe 151, An intake / exhaust mechanism (not shown) realized by an intake / exhaust syringe or the like. The reagent dispensing unit 16 also has the same configuration as the sample dispensing unit 15, and includes a probe 161 for aspirating and discharging the reagent, an arm 162 for moving the probe 161, and a probe cleaning for washing the probe 161. It has a part 163 and an intake / exhaust mechanism (not shown). The cleaning liquid used in the probe cleaning units 153 and 163 may be the same as the cleaning liquid used in the cleaning unit 19.

  The photometry unit 18 is a light source that emits white light, a spectroscopic optical system that splits the white light that has passed through the reaction vessel 51, and a light receiving device that receives light separated by the spectroscopic optical system for each component and converts it into an electrical signal. Device.

  Note that when performing biochemical analysis, two types of reagents are often used for one specimen, so that the reagent container holding unit 13 for the first reagent and the reagent container holding unit 13 for the second reagent are used. May be provided separately. In this case, two reagent dispensing sections 16 corresponding to the individual reagent container holding sections 13 may be provided. More generally, a plurality of reagent container holding units 13 and reagent dispensing units 16 may be provided.

  Further, in order to simultaneously stir the liquid in the plurality of reaction vessels 51 at an appropriate timing after dispensing of the specimen or reagent, a plurality of stirring portions 17 may be provided.

  In addition, a sample container holding unit is provided to hold multiple sample containers for storing various types of samples other than general samples (standard samples for preparing calibration curves, quality control samples, emergency samples, STAT samples, retest samples, etc.) May be. The sample container holding unit is preferably formed at a position where the sample dispensing unit 15 can dispense the sample container.

  By the way, in FIG. 1, since the main purpose is to schematically show the main components of the measurement mechanism 11, the positional relationship between the components is not necessarily accurate. The exact positional relationship between the components is a design matter that should be determined according to various conditions such as the number of reagent container holders 13 and the rotation mode of the wheel of the reaction container holder 14 in the interval of the dispensing operation.

  Next, the control analysis mechanism 21 of the automatic analyzer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control analysis mechanism 21 includes an input unit 22 that receives input of information necessary for analyzing the sample, an operation instruction signal that instructs the operation of the automatic analyzer 1, and an output unit 23 that outputs information related to the analysis of the sample. A data processing unit 24 that performs data processing based on the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 11, a storage unit 25 that stores various types of information including information related to sample analysis and information related to the automatic analyzer 1, and the control analysis mechanism 21 And a control unit 26 that controls each function or means and performs drive control of the measurement mechanism 11.

  The input unit 22 has a keyboard and a mouse. The input unit 22 may further include a user interface such as a pointing device such as a trackball or a trackpad, or a microphone for voice input.

  The output unit 23 includes a display device such as liquid crystal, plasma, organic EL, or CRT that displays various types of information. Further, the output unit 23 may be provided with a voice output speaker or a printer that prints and outputs information on paper or the like.

  The data processing unit 24 receives the measurement result from the photometry unit 18 of the measurement mechanism 11 and performs data processing on the received measurement result. The data processing here includes absorbance calculation processing for calculating the absorbance of the reaction solution based on the measurement result sent from the photometry unit 18, and various information such as the calculation result, calibration curve, and analysis parameter in the absorbance calculation processing. And a component amount calculation process for quantitatively calculating the components of the liquid in the reaction vessel 51. Further, as data processing, analysis data generation for generating analysis data by adding identification information for identifying the specimen and position information of the reaction container 51 in the reaction container holding unit 14 to the above-described absorbance and component calculation results. Processing is also included. The analysis data generated in this way is output from the output unit 23 and is written and stored in the storage unit 25.

  The storage unit 25 is realized using a hard disk that magnetically stores various information and a memory that loads a program related to the process from the hard disk and electrically records the process when the automatic analyzer 1 executes the process. Data processing section for analysis items, sample information, reagent types, sample and reagent dispensing volumes, sample and reagent expiration dates, information on calibration curves used for analysis, reference values and allowable values for each analysis item 24 stores and manages parameters necessary for the calculation in 24, analysis data generated by the data processing unit 24, and the like.

  The program stored in the storage unit 25 includes a program for causing the automatic analyzer 1 to execute the sample dispensing method (described later) of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. The storage unit 25 may include an auxiliary storage device that reads information recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a flash memory. It is also possible to record the aforementioned program.

  The control unit 26 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) having a control function and a calculation function, and controls and calculates various operations of the automatic analyzer 1 by reading a program stored in the storage unit 25 from the storage unit 25. Execute.

  The control analysis mechanism 21 having the above functional configuration is realized by using one or a plurality of computers. Among these, when the control analysis mechanism 21 is realized using a plurality of computers, each function of the control analysis mechanism 21 is appropriately distributed to different computers, and the computers are directly connected to each other or a communication network (Internet , Intranet, private line network, LAN, telephone network, etc.).

  Next, a sample dispensing method for an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following description, the automatic analyzer 1 will be described as executing the processing. However, the configuration of the automatic analyzer that executes the sample dispensing method of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment has been described above. It is not limited to.

  First, the probe 151 for dispensing the specimen is washed by the probe washing unit 153 (step S1).

  Thereafter, the sample in the sample container 31 is aspirated by the probe 151 washed in step S1 (step S2), the probe 151 is moved to the sample dispensing position S of the reaction container holding unit 14, and is positioned at the sample dispensing position S. A predetermined amount of specimen is discharged into the reaction container 51 (step S3).

  When analyzing a general sample in the automatic analyzer 1, the total number of test items to be performed in one analysis process is determined in advance (hereinafter, the total number of test items is N). For this reason, when the number of sample dispensing reaches the total number N of test items and the sample dispensing operation is not performed any more (No in step S4), the sample dispensing process is terminated. On the other hand, when the number of sample dispensing has not reached the total number N of test items and the next sample dispensing operation is performed (Yes in step S4), the sample to be dispensed at that time is immediately before The processing is changed depending on whether or not it is the same as the sample dispensed in step S3. Here, the process of determining the type of specimen is performed by the control analysis mechanism 21. Specifically, the control analysis mechanism 21 refers to the sample information and the test item information stored in advance in the storage unit 25 and determines the type of sample to be dispensed in the sample dispensing unit 15.

  First, the case where the sample to be dispensed next is the same sample as the sample dispensed in the immediately preceding step S3 as a result of the determination in the control analysis mechanism 21 (Yes in step S5) will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the reaction container holding unit 14 is walked by one point so that the reaction container 51 located next to the reaction container 51 dispensed in the immediately preceding step S3 comes to the sample dispensing position S. Advance (step S6), and return to the specimen aspiration process (step S2) without washing the probe 151. Therefore, since the reaction container 51 that contains the sample dispensed immediately before does not pass through the photometry unit 18 at the time when step S6 ends, optical measurement is not performed.

  Subsequently, the case where the sample to be dispensed next is a sample different from the sample dispensed in the immediately preceding step S3 as a result of the determination in the control analysis mechanism 21 (No in step S5) will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the reaction container holding unit 14 is rotated by one turn + 1 point (step S7). At that time, the liquid in the reaction container 51 after sample dispensing is optically measured by the photometry unit 18 while the reaction container holding unit 14 is rotating. After step S7, the process returns to step S1, the probe 151 is cleaned by the probe cleaning unit 153, and the operations after step S2 described above are repeated.

  According to the sample dispensing process described above, since the dispensing operation is continuously performed without performing the washing operation while dispensing the same sample, the time spent for cleaning the probe 151 is shortened, and the processing capability is reduced. Can be improved.

  Note that the rotation amount (phase shift amount) by which the wheel of the reaction container holding unit 14 rotates at the interval of the sample dispensing operation is not necessarily limited to the above-described one, but depends on the configuration of the measurement mechanism 11 and other conditions. It is set accordingly. In this sense, in the sample dispensing method of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, the probe 151 cleaning process by the probe cleaning unit 153 and the reaction container by the photometric unit 18 while the same sample is continuously dispensed. It is not necessary to perform photometric processing of the liquid in 51, and other points can be changed according to the above-described conditions.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of data processing performed by the data processing unit 24 based on the result measured by the photometry unit 18 after the sample dispensing process described above. In the data processing unit 24, when the absorbance or the component amount is calculated based on the measurement result in the photometry unit 18, the identification information of the sample and the position information of the reaction container 51 in the reaction container holding unit 14 are given to the calculation result. To generate analytical data. In the present embodiment, information obtained by adding the identification information of the sample to the position information of the reaction vessel 51 is added to the calculation result, and the information to be added is referred to as a photometric point P _n ^(m) . Here, the subscript m is a parameter for identifying the type of specimen. The subscript n is a counter that gives the number of times the sample is dispensed in one analysis operation.

  First, the parameter m and the counter n are initialized to 0 (step S11).

Thereafter, based on the measurement result of the photometry unit 18, data processing (including calculation of absorbance and components) is performed on the reaction vessel 51 at the photometry point P _n ^(m) (step S12). Needless to say, when the first data processing is performed in step S12, the position of the reaction vessel 51 into which the corresponding specimen is dispensed is interpreted as P ₀ ⁽⁰⁾ .

  Subsequently, the value of the counter n is incremented by 1 (step S13). Since n corresponds to the number of times of dispensing (n = number of times of dispensing−1), it takes any value of 0, 1, 2,..., N−1. Here, N is the total number of inspection items as described above.

  When the value of n is increased by 1 in step S13, if n = N-1 (Yes in step S14), data processing corresponding to all of the dispensed samples has been completed, so a series of processing is performed. finish.

  On the other hand, when the value of n is increased by 1 in step S13, if n <N-1 still remains (No in step S14), n is increased by 1 in the immediately preceding step S12 and the sample processed in step S12. It is determined whether the sample to be processed later is the same sample. When making this determination, reference is made to analysis information (for example, the number of analysis items for one sample) stored in the storage unit 25 in advance.

As a result of the determination described above, if the samples are the same (Yes in step S15), the process returns to step S12, and the data of the reaction vessel 51 corresponding to the photometric point P _n ^(m) defined using the new n. Process. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is not the same sample (No in step S15), the value of m is incremented by 1 (step S16), and the process returns to step S11 and photometry is defined using new m and n. Data processing of the reaction vessel 51 corresponding to the point P _n ^(m) is performed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a photometric point defined by the data processing described above. First, the same specimen (m = 0) is dispensed into the reaction vessel 51 located at each of the three photometric points P ₀ ⁽⁰⁾ , P ₁ ^(0), and P ₂ ⁽⁰⁾ . A sample (m = 1) different from the sample dispensed at the immediately preceding photometric point P ₂ ⁽⁰⁾ is dispensed into the reaction vessel 51 located at the next photometric point P ₃ ⁽¹⁾ . A sample (m = 2) different from that at the immediately preceding photometric point P ₃ ⁽¹⁾ is dispensed into the reaction vessel 51 located at the subsequent photometric point P ₄ ⁽²⁾ , and the subsequent photometric point P ₅ ^{( The} same specimen as the photometric point P ₄ ⁽²⁾ is also dispensed into the reaction vessel 51 located in ²⁾ . In this way, each photometric point P _n ^(m) is sequentially interpreted by the data processing unit 24, and the interpreted data is given to each absorbance or component amount calculation result.

In FIG. 6, the last photometric point is P _N-1 ^(M) . As is clear from this, FIG. 6 shows a case where (M + 1) types of samples are dispensed in N dispensing operations. Further, in the case shown in FIG. 6, while the sample is dispensed into the reaction vessels 51 located at the adjacent photometric points having the same value of m (between P ₀ ^{(0) to} P ₁ ⁽⁰⁾ , P ₁ ⁽ Needless to say, the probe 151 is not cleaned by the probe cleaning unit 153 between ^{0) and} P ₂ ^{(0) and} between P ₄ ^{(2) and} P ₅ ⁽²⁾ .

  The definition of the photometric point described here is merely an example, and is applicable to the above-described sample dispensing process (see FIG. 2). The measurement result of the sample in the measurement mechanism 11 and the analysis result in the control analysis mechanism 21. Any definition may be adopted as long as it can be accurately associated.

  By the way, in the above description, only the sample dispensing operation has been described. However, in the actual analysis, the reagent corresponding to the test item is dispensed at an appropriate timing before and after the sample dispensing operation. For example, when dispensing two types of reagents, the first reagent, the sample, and the second reagent are sequentially dispensed into the reaction container 51, and the measurement and data processing by the photometry unit 18 are performed after each dispensing. Analysis data is generated in the unit 24.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, in the automatic analyzer that analyzes the components of the sample by reacting the sample and the reagent, the same sample is collected into a plurality of different containers using a thin tubular probe. In the case of dispensing to each other, it is possible to perform processing while maintaining measurement accuracy and dispensing accuracy accurately by continuously dispensing with the probe without washing the probe between each dispensing operation. It becomes possible to improve.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the specimen dispensing unit itself can be the same as that of the conventional one, and it is not necessary to use a complicated and expensive apparatus configuration such as a multiple probe. The processing capability of the automatic analyzer can be improved by a typical apparatus configuration.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described in detail so far, but the present invention should not be limited only by the above-described embodiment. For example, the present invention can be analyzed by immunological analysis of a specimen. It is also possible to apply to an automatic analyzer that performs the above. Thus, the present invention can include various embodiments and the like not described herein, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the technical idea specified by the claims. It is possible to apply.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the automatic analyzer principal part which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of a process of the sample dispensing method of the automatic analyzer which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the rotation aspect of the reaction container holding | maintenance part in the case of dispensing the same sample as the sample dispensed immediately before. It is a figure which shows typically the rotation aspect of the reaction container holding | maintenance part in the case of dispensing the sample different from the sample dispensed immediately before. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the data processing performed following the sample dispensing process in the sample dispensing method of the automatic analyzer which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structural example of the photometry point defined in the case of data processing.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 11 Measuring mechanism 12 Sample transfer part 13 Reagent container holding part 14 Reaction container holding part 15 Sample dispensing part (sample dispensing means)
16 Reagent dispensing unit 17 Stirring unit 18 Photometric unit (photometric means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 Washing part 21 Control analysis mechanism 22 Input part 23 Output part 24 Data processing part 25 Storage part 26 Control part 31 Sample container 32 Rack 41 Reagent container 51 Reaction container 151, 161 Probe 152, 162 Arm 153, 163 Probe washing part CR1, CR2 information code reader P ₀ ⁽⁰⁾ , P ₁ ⁽⁰⁾ , P ₂ ⁽⁰⁾ , P ₃ ⁽¹⁾ , P ₄ ⁽²⁾ , P ₅ ⁽²⁾ , P _N ^(M-1) metering point S Sample dispensing position

Claims (5)

In an automatic analyzer that analyzes a component of the sample by reacting the sample and a reagent, the sample dispensing method of the automatic analyzer that dispenses the sample using a thin tubular probe,
When dispensing the same sample into a plurality of different containers, the dispensing of the sample by the probe is continuously performed without washing the probe between each dispensing operation. Note method.   After a series of dispensing operations using the same specimen is completed, optical measurement is performed on the liquids in the plurality of different containers into which the same specimen has been dispensed. The sample dispensing method of the automatic analyzer according to claim 1. In an automatic analyzer that analyzes the components of the specimen by reacting the specimen with a reagent,
Having a thin tubular probe for dispensing the sample, when dispensing the same sample into a plurality of different containers, dispensing with the probe is continued without receiving washing of the probe between each dispensing operation An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising a sample dispensing means to be performed in this manner.   After a series of dispensing operations using the same sample by the sample dispensing unit is completed, optical measurement of liquids in the plurality of different containers into which the same sample has been dispensed is collectively performed. 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, further comprising photometric means for performing.   A program for causing an automatic analyzer that analyzes a component of the specimen by reacting the specimen with a reagent to execute the specimen dispensing method of the automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.

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