JP2008014636A - Autoanalyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform efficient continuous inspection using an inspection cartridge while minimizing the installation space and constitution of an inspection stage. <P>SOLUTION: This autoanalyzer is equipped with a cartridge selection means 2 having a cartridge receiving part 1 to which a plurality of the inspection cartridges 10, can be set and selecting the cartridge receiving part 1 to successively transfer the same to the inspection initial position ST1 in a set stage ST, a cartridge feed means 3 for linearly feeding the inspection cartridges 10 before inspection, which is transferred to and selected at the inspection initial position ST1, in an inspection stage KT by the cartridge selection means 2 and linearly feed out the inspection cartridges 10 before inspection to the set stage ST, a specimen reagent dispensing means 4 for dispensing the specimen and reagent of the inspection cartridge 10 in a reaction cell with respect to the inspection cartridge 10 in the inspection stage KT fed in by the cartridge feed means 3 and a measuring means 5 for measuring the reaction of the specimen and reagent in the reaction cell 11c dispensed by the specimen and reagent dispensing means 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that analyzes a reaction between a specimen such as blood and a reagent, and more particularly to an improvement of an automatic analyzer that is effective in an aspect of automatically analyzing a plurality of test cartridges.

Conventionally, as this type of automatic analyzer, a specimen cell that contains a specimen such as blood, a reagent cell that contains a reagent, a specimen, and a test cartridge (cartridge container) that includes a reaction cell that reacts the reagent, There has already been provided a method for automatically analyzing the reaction between a specimen and a reagent in a test cartridge (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In this type of automatic analyzer, there is a demand for automatically analyzing a plurality of inspection cartridges. Based on such a request, a plurality of test cartridges are arranged in a predetermined direction, the test cartridges are sequentially transported by a conveyor, and sample and reagent are dispensed by a sample reagent dispensing mechanism at each work stage. Measurement is performed by a measuring device.

Japanese Patent No. 2731613 (Example, FIGS. 1 and 3)

However, in this type of prior art described in Patent Document 1, the inspection cartridge transport conveyor is provided in the inspection stage and each work stage is provided, so the installation space for the inspection stage is increased. However, there is a concern that the configuration becomes complicated.
The present invention has been made to solve the above technical problems, and is an automatic that enables efficient continuous inspection using an inspection cartridge while minimizing the installation space and configuration of the inspection stage. An analyzer is provided.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the present invention includes a sample cell 11a in which a sample is stored, a reagent cell 11b in which a reagent is stored, and a reaction cell 11c in which the sample and the reagent are reacted. In an automatic analyzer that automatically analyzes a reaction between a specimen and a reagent for each test cartridge 10 after setting a plurality of test cartridges 10 corresponding to each specimen using the test cartridge 10, a plurality of tests are performed in the set stage ST. A cartridge selection unit 2 that has a cartridge receiver 1 in which the cartridge 10 is set in advance along a predetermined arrangement direction, and sequentially selects the inspection initial position ST1 in the set stage ST, and an inspection adjacent to the set stage ST The inspection cartridge before inspection, which is provided on the stage KT and selected to be transferred to the inspection initial position ST1 by the cartridge selection means 2 The cartridge 10 is linearly carried into the inspection stage KT and the inspection cartridge 10 after inspection is linearly carried out from the inspection stage KT to the set stage ST. Sample reagent dispensing means 4 for dispensing the sample and reagent of the inspection cartridge 10 into the reaction cell with respect to the inspection cartridge 10 in the inspection stage KT, and the inside of the reaction cell 11c dispensed by the sample reagent dispensing means 4 And measuring means 5 for measuring the reaction between the sample and the reagent.
FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) schematically show typical embodiments of an automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied. The embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). It is not limited to.

In such technical means, the form of the inspection cartridge 10 is not limited to a linear one, and includes, for example, an aspect in which two rows of reagent cells are arranged. Further, the number of the defined cells 11 may be selected as appropriate, and other functional units (for example, other cells or a detachable nozzle chip holding unit) may be provided.
Further, since the present case mainly assumes that a plurality of inspection cartridges 10 are continuously automatically analyzed, the cartridge receiving unit 1 needs to be able to hold a plurality of inspection cartridges 10. However, it is possible to set and use one inspection cartridge 10 in the cartridge receiving portion 1.
Further, the inspection initial position ST1 is usually one, but a plurality of inspection initial positions ST1 may be provided. However, in the case where a plurality of cartridges are provided, a plurality of cartridge conveying means 3, sample reagent dispensing means 4 and measuring means 5 on the inspection stage KT side are provided, and the inspection cartridge 10 set at the initial inspection position ST1 is inspected. Are preferably performed in parallel.

Further, the cartridge transport means 3 may be any one that carries the inspection cartridge 10 in and out in a straight line, and does not include a rotation method. For this reason, the installation space of the inspection stage KT can be minimized.
Further, the specimen reagent dispensing means 4 may construct the specimen and reagent dispensing with a common device or with a separate device. Further, as will be described later, the present invention is not limited to a mode in which the detachable nozzle tip 15 is used, and the sample reagent dispensing means may be washed by the washing means without using the nozzle chip 15. In addition, the subject specimens include diluted ones.
Furthermore, the measuring means 5 may measure a predetermined reaction uniquely, or may measure a plurality of kinds of reactions. Here, as a typical aspect of the measuring means 5, a light emitting element that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength to the reaction cell 11c, and a light receiving element that is disposed at a portion facing the light emitting element across the reaction cell 11c are provided. The ones provided are listed.

Moreover, as a preferable aspect of the test | inspection cartridge 10, the aspect by which each cell 11 is arranged linearly is mentioned. According to this aspect, the movement of the cartridge transport means 3 and the sample reagent dispensing means 4 can be made a linear locus, and the configuration can be simplified.
Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of the inspection cartridge 10, it is only necessary to provide a stopper that is guided and inserted along the cartridge receiving portion 1 and that abuts against the cartridge body when inserted from the wrong direction. This aspect is preferable in that the insertion of the inspection cartridge 10 in the reverse direction can be effectively prevented.
Moreover, as a preferable aspect of the cartridge selection means 2, there is one that can transport the entire cartridge receiving unit 1 in which a plurality of inspection cartridges 10 are set. This is preferable in that the selection operation of the inspection cartridge 10 to the inspection initial position ST1 can be simplified.
Furthermore, as a preferable aspect of the cartridge selecting means 2, there is one in which each inspection cartridge 10 is sequentially transferred to one inspection initial position ST1. In this case, one inspection stage KT may be constructed for one inspection initial position ST1, and the inspection stage KT can be simplified.

Further, as a preferable aspect of the cartridge transport unit 3, the transfer operation of the inspection cartridge 10 by the cartridge selection unit 2 is permitted and can be engaged with the engaged piece 14 of the inspection cartridge 10 located at the initial inspection position ST1. The thing provided with the engagement piece is mentioned. According to this aspect, during the operation of transferring the inspection cartridge 10 by the cartridge selection means 2, there is no interference between the cartridge selection means 2 and the cartridge conveyance means 3, and the carriage conveyance means 3 is temporarily retracted. This is preferable in that a mechanism is unnecessary.
Furthermore, as a typical aspect of the specimen reagent dispensing means 5, there is one that uses a nozzle chip 15 that is detachable for each test cartridge 10. According to this aspect, the use of the detachable nozzle tip 15 is preferable in that the step of washing the sample reagent dispensing means 4 can be omitted.
Furthermore, as a preferable aspect of the measuring means 5, there is one that makes the measurement condition variable corresponding to the inspection item of the inspection cartridge 10. According to this aspect, it is preferable in that it can easily cope with a plurality of inspection items. For example, the optical measuring means 5 includes a plurality of light sources having different wavelengths (a plurality of light sources installed on a rotating plate, light sources). A method of replacing the substrate is preferable.

Further, as a preferable aspect of the inspection stage KT, there is an aspect in which a constant temperature bath 6 is provided to keep at least the reaction cell 11c of the inspection cartridge 10 carried into the inspection stage KT by the cartridge transport means 3 at a predetermined constant temperature environment temperature. Can be mentioned. This embodiment is preferable in that the reaction between the sample and the reagent in the reaction cell 11c can be measured under the same conditions.
Furthermore, as a preferable aspect of the inspection stage KT, in addition to the constant temperature bath 6, at least a part of the cell 11 of the inspection cartridge 10 is preheated at a temperature higher than the constant temperature environment temperature before the measuring means 5 operates. The aspect in which the auxiliary heating means 7 is provided is mentioned. According to this aspect, it is possible to shorten the time to reach the constant temperature condition, and accordingly, it is possible to quickly start the dispensing process by the sample reagent dispensing unit 4 and the measurement process by the measuring unit 5. This is preferable.
Here, the range to be heated by the auxiliary heating means 7 may be at least a part of the cell 11 of the test cartridge 10, and may be, for example, all or only part of the reagent cell 11b, or may be within the sample cell 11a. In the case where a diluent or the like is stored in advance, the sample cell 11a may be used, or the reaction cell 11c may be auxiliary heated before or after dispensing the sample or reagent. These may be appropriately combined, or all the cells 11 may be targeted for auxiliary heating. Although the auxiliary heating range by the auxiliary heating means 7 may be constant, for example, the auxiliary heating range may be divided into a plurality of parts, and the auxiliary heating range may be variably set as necessary.

Furthermore, in the aspect provided with the thermostat 6, as a preferable mode of the measuring means 5, when the measurement condition by the measuring means 5 deviates from the thermostatic environment condition of the thermostat, the measurement result is corrected based on the temperature condition. There exists an aspect provided with possible temperature correction means. In this case, since the measurement result can be corrected by the temperature correction means even if the constant temperature environment condition by the constant temperature bath 6 is not satisfied, the start time of the measurement process can be accelerated.
Here, as a typical aspect of the temperature correction means, there is one that performs temperature correction based on temperature information from a non-contact type temperature sensor that is arranged in non-contact with the surface of the inspection cartridge 10. In this case, the non-contact type temperature sensor is attached to, for example, the constant temperature bath 6, but is not limited to this, and may be provided at an appropriate place.
Further, in the method in which the specimen reagent dispensing means 4 uses the nozzle tip 15, it is preferable that the test cartridge 10 has a tip holding portion 12 that detachably holds the nozzle tip 15. In this case, a new nozzle chip 15 may be held in the chip holder 12 or the used nozzle chip 15 may be held and discarded together with the inspected inspection cartridge 10.
Further, as a preferable embodiment of the detachable nozzle tip system, the test cartridge 10 is sealed with a seal 13 that can pierce all or part of the cell 11, and the sample, It is preferable that a hole can be formed in the seal 13 corresponding to the cell 11 before the reagent dispensing operation.

  According to the present invention, an inspection cartridge includes: a set stage on which a plurality of inspection cartridges are set; and an inspection stage that is provided adjacent to the set stage and advances the inspection while sequentially loading the plurality of inspection cartridges on the set stage. Since the method of pulling in is used, efficient continuous inspection can be realized while minimizing the installation space and configuration of the inspection stage.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the first embodiment of the automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied.
In the figure, an automatic analyzer 20 has a door 22 that can be opened and closed on the front side (user operation side) of an apparatus housing 21, and an operation unit 23 (start button 24) above the opening of the door 22. , Operation buttons 25 and display display 26), and a plurality of (for example, three) test cartridges 200 in which samples to be tested are dispensed into the apparatus housing 21 with the user opening the door 22. After that, by operating the start button 24, the samples of the plurality of test cartridges 200 are sequentially automatically analyzed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the automatic analyzer 20 is provided in the apparatus housing 21 adjacent to the set stage ST on which the inspection cartridge 200 is set and the set stage ST. And an inspection stage KT that analyzes and inspects the specimen of the inspection cartridge 200, and a printer unit 27 that prints the inspection result of each inspection cartridge 200.
In the set stage ST, an X table 30 that moves in the width direction (X direction) of the apparatus housing 21 is disposed on the base frame 28 of the apparatus housing 21, and the inspection cartridge 200 is held on the X table 30. A possible cartridge rack 40 is provided, and the inspection cartridge 200 is sequentially moved to a predetermined inspection initial position ST1.
Here, as the X table 30, a fixed base 31 extending in the X direction or a movable base 32 provided so as to be slidable along a guide rail is used. Further, the position restriction of the X table 30 is performed by a known method using a position sensor (not shown) or position control using a drive motor such as a pulse motor.
The inspection stage KT includes a cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 that pulls the inspection cartridge 200 moved and set to the inspection initial position ST1 of the set stage ST so that the inspection cartridge 200 can be returned to the inspection stage KT along the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction. A specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 for dispensing specimens and reagents to the cartridge 200, a thermostat 80 for maintaining at least a part of the test cartridge 200 (corresponding to a reaction cell described later) at a constant temperature, and the thermostat 80 The auxiliary heating device 90 that is provided separately and supplementarily warms the inspection cartridge 200 at a temperature higher than the constant temperature condition, and is provided inside the constant temperature bath 80 and dispensed into the reaction cell of the inspection cartridge 200. A measuring apparatus 100 for measuring the reaction between the specimen and the reagent is provided.

<Inspection cartridge>
Next, the inspection cartridge 200 will be described.
In the present embodiment, the inspection cartridge 200 has a cartridge body 201 that is molded from a synthetic resin such as polypropylene and extends linearly along the Y direction, as shown in FIGS. In this cartridge body 201, a plurality of bottomed cells 202 are integrally and linearly arranged.
In the present embodiment, the cell 202 includes, in order from the side away from the end of the cartridge body 201 in the insertion direction, one sample cell 203 that contains a sample, and a plurality of (for example, three) reagent cells that can contain a reagent. 204 to 206 and one reaction cell 207 in which a specimen and a reagent are dispensed and reacted. Needless to say, for example, a plurality of sample cells 203 and reaction cells 207 may be provided.

In particular, in the present embodiment, among the cells 202, the reaction cell 207 is a container having a substantially rectangular cylindrical cross section, and the cell outer wall surface is configured as a plane orthogonal to the X direction, whereas other cells 202, specifically, the sample cell 203 and the reagent cells 204 to 206 are configured to have a cylindrical cross section. In the present embodiment, among the plurality of reagent cells 204 to 206, one reagent cell 204 is unused, and the other two reagent cells 205 and 206 have R1 and R2 reagents (see FIG. 7). A fixed amount is dispensed in advance. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a predetermined amount of diluent W (see FIG. 7) is dispensed in advance into the sample cell 203.

Further, in the present embodiment, a chip holding hole 208 is opened adjacent to the sample cell 202 on the side away from the end of the cartridge main body 201 in the insertion direction. A nozzle tip 210 that can be detachably attached to the reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is held in a detachable manner from above.
Further, a gripping portion 211 is formed on the opposite side to the insertion direction end of the cartridge main body 201, and a finger press 212 is formed on the back surface of the gripping portion 211.
On the other hand, a U-shaped engagement piece 213 opened downward is formed on the end side of the cartridge body 201 in the insertion direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, a protruding edge 214 protruding upward is provided at the opening edge of each cell 202 (203 to 207) of the cartridge body 201, and the opening of each cell 202 (203 to 207) is sealed. 215 is covered from above. At this time, since the protruding edge 214 of each cell 202 comes into contact with the seal 215, each cell 202 is partitioned in a completely sealed state via the protruding edge 214, and the reagent and diluent in the cell 202 are separated from each other. Concerns entering the cell are effectively avoided.
In addition, a part of the cell 202, for example, the sample cell 203 and the reagent cell 204 are asymmetrical with respect to the X direction, and a flange portion 216 is formed on at least one side, while one of the flange portions 216 on the other side is formed. The part is provided with a notch 217.

<Blood collection tool>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a specimen made of blood collected by the blood collection tool 230 is dispensed into the specimen cell 203 of the test cartridge 200.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the blood collection device 230 includes a main pipe 231 made of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin such as a cylindrical polypropylene opening at both ends, and the main pipe 231. It is made of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin such as a glass tube or polyethylene telelate that is connected to one end so as to be able to communicate and is arranged to project from one end of the main body pipe 231 and blood 240 can be collected by capillary action (capillary phenomenon). A capillary pipe 232, and an elastic pipe 233 connected to the other end of the main body pipe 231 so as to protrude from the other end of the main body pipe 231 and configured to be crushed and deformed by an elastic material (for example, silicone rubber) It has.

In the present embodiment, the capillary pipe 232 is fitted and held at one end opening edge of the main body pipe 231 via the capillary holder 234.
The capillary holder 234 has an insertion hole through which the capillary pipe 232 can be inserted at the center of a cylindrical member made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber, which is a transparent or translucent material. It is press-fitted and fixed at the edge of the insertion hole of the capillary holder 234 so as to protrude from both ends of the insertion hole, and is formed into a subunit in a state of being arranged crossing the capillary holder 234. The capillary holder 234 is press-fitted and fixed to one end opening edge of the main body pipe 231. The capillary pipe 232 and the capillary holder 234 may be bonded and fixed as necessary.
The capillary pipe 232 is disposed so as to project from the capillary holder 234 by a projecting dimension m inside the main body pipe 231 and is disposed to project from the capillary holder 234 by a projecting dimension h outside the main body pipe 231.
In the present embodiment, the projecting dimension m is secured to 1.0 mm or more, and a groove 235 is formed between the capillary pipe 232 and the capillary holder 234 in the main body pipe 231.
Further, the protruding dimension h is 3.0 mm or more, preferably 10.0 mm or more, so that blood 240 in contact with the tip of the capillary pipe 232 does not adhere to the end of the main body pipe 231.

Next, a method for using the blood collection tool according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, the blood collection will be described. As shown in FIG. 8A, the blood collection operator slightly bleeds by attaching a scissors to a part of the human body with a needle or the like, and grips the main body pipe 231 of the blood collection tool 230. The blood collection device 230 may be arranged substantially orthogonally to the blood 240 portion that has bleed in the state, and the tip of the capillary pipe 232 of the blood collection device 230 may be in contact with the blood 240 portion.
In this state, blood 240 is sucked and held in the capillary pipe 232 by capillary action, and finally the blood 240 is filled and held in the entire capillary pipe 232.
Next, when the blood 240 collected using the blood collection tool 230 is discharged, as shown in FIG. 8B, the elastic pipe 233 is crushed so that a positive pressure is applied to the main body pipe 231. The blood 240 in the capillary pipe 232 may be discharged to a predetermined site.
If all the blood 240 in the capillary pipe 232 is discharged in this state, a predetermined amount of blood 240 corresponding to the capacity of the capillary pipe 232 is obtained.

In order to dispense blood collected by the blood collection device 230 into the test cartridge 200 using the blood collection device 230 according to the present embodiment, for example, a nozzle chip or a dedicated device is provided on the seal 215 corresponding to the sample cell 203 of the test cartridge 200, for example. Then, the capillary pipe 232 of the blood collection device 230 is inserted into the sample cell 203 through the hole of the seal 215, and in this state, the elastic pipe 233 of the blood collection device 230 is crushed to form a capillary tube. The blood 240 in the pipe 232 may be discharged into the sample cell 203.
At this time, even if blood 240 overflowing from the capillary pipe 232 during blood collection remains in the groove 235 between the capillary pipe 232 and the capillary holder 234, the blood residue 240 ′ flows back into the sample cell 203. Rather, only the blood 240 in the capillary pipe 232 is quantitatively supplied to the sample cell 203.

<Cartridge rack>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9A and 9B, the cartridge rack 40 includes a plurality of rack holders 41 that can hold a plurality (three in this example) of the inspection cartridges 200. have. The rack holder 41 is provided with a slit 43 extending in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction between a pair of holder legs 42, and the slit edge serves as a support surface 44. The both sides of the cartridge body 201 in the width direction are supported. Further, one of the pair of holder legs 42 is provided with a stopper 45 corresponding to the notch 217 (see FIG. 6) of the inspection cartridge 200, and the insertion direction of the inspection cartridge 200 into the cartridge rack 40 is reversed. Under circumstances, it is considered that the flange portion 216 of the inspection cartridge 200 abuts on the stopper 45 so that the inspection cartridge 200 is not set in the cartridge rack 40 from the wrong insertion direction.

<Cartridge pulling mechanism>
Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 has a drawing track 51 extending in the Y direction, and a Y table (movable unit) 52 that is movable along the drawing track 51 is provided. The Y table 52 is provided with a locking arm 53 extending to the set stage ST side, and a locking piece 54 protruding upward is provided at the tip of the locking arm 53, and the locking piece 54 is attached to the inspection cartridge 200. The engaging piece 213 is detachably engaged.
In particular, in this embodiment, the engaged piece 213 of the inspection cartridge 200 has a recess 218 that penetrates in the X direction, and the engaged piece 213 of the inspection cartridge 200 and the cartridge are moved along with the movement of the X table 30. In the inspection cartridge 200 in which the X table 30 is moved to an appropriate position and moved to the inspection initial position ST1 without interfering with the locking piece 54 of the retracting mechanism 50, the engaged piece 213 is a cartridge. The positional relationship of engaging with the locking piece 54 of the retracting mechanism 50 is established.

Moreover, the drive system and position stop mechanism of the Y table (movable unit) 52 are shown in FIGS.
In the figure, the drive system of the Y table 52 is configured such that a drive motor 55 and a motor driver 56 are fixedly installed on a support bracket 21a fixed to the apparatus housing 21, for example, as shown in FIGS. The driving force from the driving motor 55 is transmitted to the Y table 52 via the driving force transmission mechanism 57, and the Y table 52 moves forward and backward along the pulling track 51.
Here, the driving force transmission mechanism 57 may be appropriately selected. For example, a moving belt 57a that circulates and rotates along the moving direction of the Y table 52 is spanned between the pulleys 57b and 57c, and the moving belt 57a. While fixing one end of the locking arm 53, the driving force from the driving motor 55 is transmitted to the driving belt 57d via a driving pulley (not shown), and the driving force from the driving belt 57d is transferred via the pulley 57b. In this case, the Y table 52 is moved forward and backward by transmitting to the moving belt 57a and moving the moving belt 57a forward and backward.
Although the drive motor 55 and the motor driver 56 are fixedly provided as the drive system of the Y table 52, it goes without saying that these may be mounted on the Y table 52 and configured to be self-propelled. is there.
Further, the position stop mechanism of the Y table (movable unit) 52 is provided with positioning sensors 61 and 62 made of, for example, photocouplers at predetermined portions of the support bracket 21a as shown in FIG. 15B, for example. The Y table 52 is provided with a sensor plate 63 extending in the advancing and retreating direction, and sensor slits 64 for alignment are formed in the sensor plate 63 at predetermined pitches, and the predetermined positions of the sensor plate 63 are set by the positioning sensors 61 and 62. By detecting, the advance / retreat position of the Y table 52 is regulated, and the retracted position of the inspection cartridge 200 is controlled.

<Sample reagent dispensing device>
Further, as the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 shown in FIG. 4, a known one may be appropriately selected as long as it dispenses specimens and reagents. For example, as shown in FIG. , Having a lift 71 that moves forward and backward along the Z direction perpendicular to the Y direction. A nozzle chuck 73 that communicates with the syringe pump 72 is attached to the lift 71, and the nozzle tip 210 is detachably attached to the nozzle chuck 73. The one attached is used.
In the present embodiment, the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 draws the test cartridge 200 to a predetermined position by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 as shown in FIG. After the dispensing target cell 202 of the test cartridge 200 is arranged, the sample from a predetermined cell 202 (sample cell 203, reagent cell 205, 206) in the test cartridge 200 is switched by switching the syringe pump 72 to negative pressure or positive pressure. In this method, a predetermined amount of reagent is sucked and held, and a predetermined amount of sample and reagent are discharged into the reaction cell 207 to be measured.

At this time, the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 may employ a method in which the specimen or reagent is individually aspirated and discharged, or by interposing an air layer in the nozzle chip 210, or Of course, a plurality of reagents may be simultaneously sucked and held and then discharged.
In the present embodiment, the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is configured to use both the sample and reagent dispensing operations, but may be provided separately. Further, in the present embodiment, the disposable nozzle tip 210 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to adopt a method in which the dedicated nozzle is used without being cleaned without using the nozzle tip 210. Of course it is good.

<Punching device>
In the present embodiment, since each cell 202 is covered with the seal 215 in the test cartridge 200, the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is operated before the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 performs the specimen and reagent dispensing operation. An insertion hole is made in the seal 215 so that the nozzle tip 210 can be inserted.
Under such a demand, the present embodiment employs a technique in which the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is also used as a perforation apparatus.
That is, during the perforation operation, the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, as shown in FIG. 16C, can use the usable cell 202 (sample cell 203, reagent cell 205, 206, reaction) among the cells 202 of the test cartridge 200. Aiming at the seal 215 corresponding to the cell 207), the nozzle tip 210 is used as a punch, and a hole is made in the seal 215.

In the present embodiment, the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70 that is also used as a perforating apparatus can be selected as appropriate as long as the hole is formed in the seal 215. A plurality of holes are formed in each of the seals 215 corresponding to the cells 202 to be used. Details will be described later.
In the present embodiment, the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 is also used as a perforation device. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to a mode in which the nozzle tip 210 is used as a perforation tool. A punching tool may be attached to a part of the lifting platform 71 of the mechanism 70, and a hole may be drilled in the seal 215 of the inspection cartridge 200 using the punching tool. In addition, a dedicated punching device may be provided completely separate from the specimen reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and a hole may be made in the seal 215 of the inspection cartridge 200 with this punching device.

<Temperature adjustment mechanism>
In the present embodiment, the inspection stage KT is provided with a thermostatic bath 80 and an auxiliary heating device 90 as a temperature adjusting mechanism, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 17 to 21.
The thermostat 80 is disposed from both sides so as to sandwich the drawing position of the inspection cartridge 200, and has an asymmetrical shape in which a part of one side near the set stage ST is cut out.
An auxiliary heating device 90 is disposed in place of the constant temperature bath 80 in the notched portion. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary warming device 90 is provided in a part of the constant temperature bath 80, but is not limited thereto, and the auxiliary warming device 90 is incorporated in the constant temperature bath 80. You can do that.

―Constant temperature bath―
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the thermostatic bath 80 is covered with, for example, an aluminum thermostatic block 81, and a heater (for example, a silicon rubber heater) is formed on the bottom surface of the thermostatic block 81. ) 82 is attached, and a temperature sensor 83 (see FIG. 20) made of, for example, a thermistor is provided in a part of the constant temperature block 81, and temperature information from the temperature sensor 83 is monitored to obtain a predetermined constant temperature condition (for example, 37 ° C.). The heater 82 is controlled to be turned on and off so as to keep the temperature at the same level.
Here, the arrangement position of the temperature sensor 83 may be appropriately selected. For example, when the temperature sensor 83 is arranged in the vicinity of the measurement apparatus 100 described later, the ambient temperature of the measurement stage by the measurement apparatus 100 is directly detected. As a result, the temperature of the thermostat 80 is adjusted more accurately.
In addition, it is preferable that the thermostat 80 is provided with a heat insulating material as necessary, and designed to suppress unnecessary heat release from the thermostat 80.

-Auxiliary heating device-
As shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 21, the auxiliary heating device 90 is attached with a support bracket 93 on the base frame 28 of the device housing 21, and the heating bracket 93 is made of, for example, an aluminum heating block. 91 is swingably supported via a swing arm 92, while the heating block 91 has a plurality of (corresponding to each cell 202 (specimen cell 203, reagent cells 204 to 206, reaction cell 207) of the test cartridge 200. In this example, five recesses 94 are provided, and each cell 202 of the inspection cartridge 200 drawn by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 can be covered from one side.
Here, a heater 95 is provided on the back surface of the heating block 91, and a temperature sensor 96 made of, for example, a thermistor is provided in a part of the heating block 91, and the heating block 91 has a predetermined temperature higher than the constant temperature condition ( For example, it is heated to 70 ° C. In addition, the heater 95 may have a constant heat generation amount, but of course, a heater whose heat generation amount can be adjusted may be used. In this example, the heater 95 is activated when the main power switch is turned on.

Further, in the present embodiment, the heating block 91 has its swing arm 92 swingable by a drive actuator 97 such as an electromagnetic solenoid, so that FIGS. 17 (a), 17 (b), and 21 (a). As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the inspection cartridge 200 is held in the retracted position separated from the position where the inspection cartridge 200 is retracted, as shown in FIGS. It is held in a substantially upright posture at a heating position close to the retracted position.
In the present embodiment, the heating block 91 swings between the heating position and the retracted position. However, for example, the drive actuator 97 is configured to be capable of multi-stage shifting, and the heating block 91 By adjusting the swing position in multiple stages, the heating amount by the heating block 91 may be variably set using the dimension of the gap between the cell to be heated as a parameter. According to this aspect, even if the heating value of the heating block 91 itself is constant, the heating amount by the heating block 91 can be easily adjusted. Of course, in the mode in which the heat generation amount of the heating block 91 itself can be adjusted, the heating amount by the heating block 91 can be changed without changing the swing position of the heating block 91 in particular. It is.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the auxiliary warming device 90 is provided with a non-contact type temperature sensor 98 made of, for example, a thermopile, in the thermostat 80 facing the reagent cell 205 (containing the reagent R1) of the test cartridge 200. The non-contact type temperature sensor 98 detects the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 of the inspection cartridge 200 in a non-contact state. The drive actuator 97 is on / off controlled using the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 detected by the non-contact temperature sensor 98 as a parameter, and the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 is set to a target temperature (for example, under a constant temperature condition). The drive actuator 97 is turned on under a condition that does not reach a certain temperature of 37 ° C., while the drive actuator 97 stops operating under the condition that the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 reaches the target temperature. .

  In the present embodiment, the heating target temperature may be set constant, but the influence of the environmental temperature (for example, the effect that the temperature of the dispensed reagent R1, etc. changes depending on the temperature condition of the nozzle tip 210). From the viewpoint of reduction, for example, a measuring instrument (for example, a thermistor) (not shown) capable of measuring the environmental temperature other than the thermostat 80 is provided at an arbitrary position of the inspection stage KT, and based on temperature information from the measuring instrument. Then, the heating target temperature may be changed, and the heating amount by the heating block 91 may be determined. For example, when the environmental temperature is the reference temperature, the heating target temperature is set as a reference value (for example, 37 ° C.), and when the environmental temperature exceeds the reference temperature, the heating target temperature is decreased from the reference value. When the temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the heating target temperature may be increased.

<Measurement device>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20A, the measuring device 100 is disposed in the thermostat 80 on the leading end side of the test cartridge 200 in the pull-in direction. The measuring apparatus 100 includes a light emitting element 101 made of, for example, an infrared LED disposed with a predetermined measurement stage MT interposed therebetween, and a photo detector disposed on a part facing the light emitting element 101 with the measurement stage MT interposed therebetween. The light receiving element 102 is provided. Reference numeral 103 denotes a light receiving element formed of a photodetector that detects diffused light from the light emitting element 101, and can detect a difference between the light receiving elements 102 and 103.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20B, the measurement stage MT is configured such that the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 is arranged, and the measurement apparatus 100 is arranged at the measurement stage MT. The reaction between the specimen and the reagent in the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 is measured.

<Control system>
FIG. 22 shows a control system of the automatic analyzer.
In the figure, reference numeral 110 denotes a control device composed of a microcomputer. The control device 110 takes in information from a main power switch, various operation sensors (operation unit such as a start button, position sensor, etc.) and various temperature sensors. , Temperature control processing by various heaters (temperature control processing of the constant temperature bath 80, auxiliary heating device 90, etc.) 111 is performed, operation control processing by various operation sources (X table drive control processing, test cartridge pull-in control processing, sample reagent, etc.) 112 (dispensing control processing, measurement control processing, etc.) 112, and further, print control processing 113 by the printer unit is performed.

<Operation of automatic analyzer>
Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described.
In using this automatic analyzer,
(1) Inspection cartridge setting operation
(2) A measurement sequence execution operation may be performed.

―Inspection cartridge setting operation―
First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the user opens the door 22 of the automatic analyzer 20, and then places a plurality of test cartridges 200 necessary for the test in the cartridge rack 40 of the set stage ST of the automatic analyzer 20. It is necessary to set in order from the right side as seen from the user operation side.
At this time, as preparation for the inspection cartridge 200 to be set, it is necessary to perform blood collection and set of the nozzle chip 210.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a predetermined amount of blood collected by the blood collection tool 230 is dispensed into each sample cell 203 (in this example, the diluent W is incorporated) of the test cartridge 200.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle chip 210 may be inserted and held in the chip holding hole 208 of the inspection cartridge 200 from above.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the inspection cartridge 200 needs to be set in a predetermined direction with respect to the cartridge rack 40, but the user can check the inspection cartridge along the slit 43 of the rack holder 41 of the cartridge rack 40. What is necessary is just to insert 200 to a predetermined position.
At this time, if the insertion direction of the inspection cartridge 200 is reverse, the insertion operation of the inspection cartridge 200 is blocked. That is, when the inspection cartridge 200 is to be inserted from the wrong direction, the flange portion 216 of the inspection cartridge 200 abuts on the stopper 45 of the cartridge rack 40, and the movement of the inspection cartridge 200 in the insertion direction is prevented. On the other hand, when the inspection cartridge 200 is inserted from the normal direction, the notch 217 is provided in the flange portion 216 of the inspection cartridge 200 corresponding to the stopper 45 of the cartridge rack 40. It is inserted without being blocked by the stopper 45. For this reason, the inspection cartridge 200 is always inserted into the cartridge rack 40 from the normal direction.

―Execution of measurement sequence―
After the setting operation of the inspection cartridge 200 is completed, the door 22 of the automatic analyzer 20 is closed, and then the start button 24 of the operation unit 23 is operated, whereby the measurement sequence is automatically executed.
(1) Confirmation of Inspection Cartridge Installation When the start button 24 of the automatic analyzer 20 is operated, first, the operation of confirming the inspection cartridge 200 is performed.
In the initial position of the cartridge rack 40, a presence confirmation sensor comprising a non-contact type position sensor (not shown) is provided at a position corresponding to the back side of the rack holder 41 at the right end when viewed from the user operation side. The apparatus 110 starts moving the X table 30 under the condition that the presence of the inspection cartridge 200 is confirmed by the presence confirmation sensor. When the presence confirmation sensor does not confirm the presence of the inspection cartridge 200, a warning such as displaying on the display 26 that the inspection cartridge 200 is not attached is given to alert the user.

(2) Inspection Initial Position Setting of Inspection Cartridge Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device 110 moves the X table 30, and the inspection cartridge 200 which is the first inspection object (in this example, viewed from the user side). (Corresponding to the inspection cartridge at the right end) is set to the inspection initial position ST1.
In this state, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, a mark reader 120 such as a barcode reader is disposed on the upper portion corresponding to the initial inspection position ST1, and the surface of the seal 215 provided on the inspection cartridge 200 is disposed on the surface of the inspection cartridge. A mark (not shown) such as a Harcode for specifying 200 is provided, whereby the inspection cartridge 200 to be inspected is confirmed, and then the operation of drawing in the inspection cartridge 200 is started. It should be noted that the place where a mark such as a bar code is attached is not limited to the surface of the seal 215, and of course, for example, it may be provided separately from the seal 215 at an appropriate place of the cartridge main body 201 of the inspection cartridge 200. .

(3) Inspection cartridge pull-in operation (see FIG. 25)
Next, as shown in FIG. 25, the inspection cartridge 200 set at the inspection initial position ST1 is pulled to the inspection stage KT by the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50.
In the present embodiment, the cartridge retracting mechanism 50 retracts the inspection cartridge 200 so that the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 stops at the measurement stage MT of the measurement apparatus 100.
The control device 110 operates the heater 82 of the thermostat 80 when the main power switch is turned on, and controls the thermostat 80 so that the inside of the thermostat 80 reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.).

(4) Reaction cell status confirmation operation (see FIG. 23 (a))
At the stage where the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 is positioned on the measurement stage MT of the measuring device 100, the control device 110 measures the state of the reaction cell 207 with the measuring device 100 and detects abnormalities (dirt or inspection of the reaction cell surface). (Forget to eject the cartridge etc.)
Check if there is any.

(5) Nozzle tip presence / absence checking operation (see FIGS. 23A, 26, and 27)
Next, the control device 110 moves the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 in the Z-axis direction, and causes the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 to mount the nozzle chip 210 held on the test cartridge 200. At this time, a presence check sensor 121 including a non-contact type position sensor is disposed at a position along the Z-axis trajectory of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the presence check sensor 121 checks the mounting state of the nozzle chip 210. . In addition, when it is detected that the mounting state of the nozzle chip 210 is defective, a warning is displayed on the display 26, for example.

(6) Air Hole Opening Operation Next, as shown in FIG. 28, the control device 110 operates the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 as a perforating device, and advances and retracts the test cartridge 200 with the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 as appropriate. Control is performed so that an air hole is made in the seal 215 of the inspection cartridge 200 by a punching device using the dispensing mechanism 70.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29A, the air hole opening operation is performed by the seal 215 portion corresponding to the use cell 202 (specimen cell 203, reagent cell 205, 206, reaction cell 207) of the test cartridge 200. A plurality of (two in this example) air holes 131 and 132 are formed.
Here, the size of the air holes 131 and 132 may be about 1 to 2 mm, for example, and the insertion depth may be determined in consideration of a change in the outer diameter of the nozzle tip 210.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the air holes 131 and 132 are positioned with respect to the opening center 133 of the corresponding use cell 202 (specimen cell 203, reagent cells 205 and 206, reaction cell 207), for example, substantially point-symmetric. Is open in position.
Note that a hole 135 is formed in the seal 215 corresponding to the sample cell 203 of the test cartridge 200 at the time of sample dispensing. However, since it is uncertain at which position the hole is opened by a user operation, in this embodiment, As for the seal 215 corresponding to the sample cell 203, a method of controlling a perforation apparatus using the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 so as to pierce a plurality of air holes 131 and 132 is adopted as in the other cells. Yes.

In this way, when a plurality of air holes 131 and 132 are opened in the seal 215 portion of the use cell 202, for example, as shown in FIG. 29B, the nozzle tip 210 as a punching tool closes one air hole 131. Even if it is inserted, the other air hole 132 is open to the atmosphere, so that the pressure in the use cell 202 becomes unnecessarily high due to the insertion of the nozzle tip 210, The discharge operation does not become unstable.
In addition, when the nozzle tip 210 as a punch is inserted in the vicinity of the opening center 133 of the seal 215 portion of the use cell 202, the presence of the plurality of air holes 131 and 132 causes the seal 215 portion of the use cell 202 to exist. The nozzle tip 210 is inserted into the use cell 202 while being easily crushed and opened to the atmosphere.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since a plurality of air holes 131 and 132 are opened at a position sandwiching the opening center 133 of the use cell 202, the insertion position of the nozzle tip 210 is compared at the time of sample and reagent dispensing. Even if it is rough, the seal 215 is reliably crushed during the drilling operation by the nozzle tip 210. In this aspect, for example, in a mode in which the plurality of air holes 131 and 132 are opened to be deviated to one side with respect to the opening center 133 of the use cell 202, Although there is a concern that when the nozzle tip 210 is inserted on the side where the air holes 131 and 132 are not opened, there is a concern that the nozzle chip 210 is slightly crushed. Is also preferable in that it is easily crushed.

Here, as a comparative form, in a mode in which an air hole is not opened in advance, when the sample and reagent are dispensed, the seal 215 is crushed by the nozzle tip 210 and the nozzle tip 210 is inserted into the use cell 202. Since the hole opened by the nozzle tip 210 is closed, the inside of the use cell 202 is likely to be sealed, and the sample and reagent dispensing operations are likely to become unstable.
Further, in the embodiment in which one air hole is opened, if the one air hole is closed with the nozzle chip 210, the inside of the use cell 202 may be easily sealed, and the seal 215 separated from the air hole is provided. When the nozzle tip 210 is inserted into the portion, there is a concern that the air hole is difficult to work to promote the crushing of the seal 215 portion by the nozzle tip 210. For this reason, when using in such an aspect, it is preferable to devise such as using a material that can be easily crushed as the seal 215 material.

(7) Temperature measurement of reagent R1 (see FIG. 23 (b))
When the above air hole opening operation is completed, the control device 110 sets the reagent cell 205 (incorporated R1) of the test cartridge 200 to a position corresponding to the non-contact type temperature sensor 98 of the thermostat 80 as shown in FIG. As described above, the inspection cartridge 200 is moved by the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50.
In this state, the control device 110 detects the surface temperature of the reagent cell 205 (corresponding to the temperature of the reagent R1) with the non-contact temperature sensor 98, and takes in this information.

(8) Reagent R1 heating operation (see FIG. 23B)
Based on the detected temperature from the non-contact type temperature sensor 98, the control device 110 assists until the detected temperature of the non-contact type temperature sensor 98 reaches the heating target temperature (the constant temperature condition temperature of the thermostat 80: 37 ° C., for example). A heating operation by the heating device 90 is performed.
In the heating operation by the auxiliary heating device 90, the heating block 91 heated by the heater 95 and the temperature sensor 96 so as to reach a temperature (eg, 70 ° C.) higher than the high temperature condition temperature (eg, 37 ° C.) is used. The temperature of the reagent R1 (surface temperature of the reagent cell 205) is set to the target temperature (constant temperature condition temperature) while the temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor 98 is monitored by turning the driving actuator 97 to the heating position. Warm up to.
At this time, the heater 95 is heated by the temperature sensor 96 so that the heating block 91 has a temperature (eg, 70 ° C.) higher than the constant temperature condition (eg, 37 ° C.). The amount is sufficiently large, and accordingly, the temperature rise rate of the reagent R1 is faster than that in the mode in which only the thermostat 80 is heated.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the heating block 91 of the auxiliary heating device 90 has a recess 94 corresponding to each cell 202 (sample cell 203, reagent cells 204 to 206, reaction cell 207) of the test cartridge 200. Since each cell 202 can be heated, not only the reagent R1 in the reagent cell 205 but also the reagent R2 in the reagent cell 206, the sample in the sample cell 203, and the reaction cell 207 itself are also assisted. It is warmed up.
Further, since the nozzle tip 210 is not supplementally heated, as described later, when the reagent R1 is sucked, there is a concern that the temperature of the reagent R1 is lowered due to the influence of the temperature of the nozzle tip 210.
In order to effectively eliminate such a situation, it is preferable to provide an ambient temperature sensor such as a thermistor in the vicinity of the outside air intake in the automatic analyzer 20 so as to change the heating target temperature according to the ambient temperature. .
For example, the relationship between the environmental temperature and the target heating temperature is set as follows.
Environment temperature (℃) Target heating temperature (℃)
15 40
25 37
35 36

(9) Reagent R1 suction operation (see FIG. 23 (c))
When the reagent R1 reaches the target temperature (constant temperature condition), the control device 110 inspects the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 so that the reagent cell 205 (incorporated with the reagent R1) is positioned at the dispensing position of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70. The cartridge 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 breaks the seal 215 portion of the reagent cell 205 with the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, immerses the nozzle tip 210 in the reagent R1 in the reagent cell 205, and then the reagent A predetermined amount of R1 is sucked.
At this time, the nozzle chip 210 can easily crush the seal 215 portion of the reagent cell 205, and even if the nozzle chip 210 enters the reagent cell 205, there is a concern that the inside of the reagent cell 205 is sealed. Therefore, the suction operation of the reagent R1 by the nozzle tip 210 is performed stably.

(10) Reagent R1 discharge operation (see FIG. 23 (d))
Thereafter, the control device 110 waits after the nozzle tip 210 is lifted from the reagent cell 205 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 performs an inspection so that the reaction cell 207 is positioned at the dispensing position. The cartridge 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 breaks the seal 215 portion of the reaction cell 207 with the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 and inserts the nozzle tip 210 into the reaction cell 207, and then enters the reaction cell 207. A predetermined amount of the reagent R1 is discharged.

(11) Sample stirring operation (see FIG. 24A)
Next, the control device 110 stands by after raising the nozzle tip 210 from the reaction cell 207 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the test cartridge so that the sample cell 203 is positioned at the dispensing position by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50. 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 breaks the seal 215 portion of the sample cell 203 with the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 and inserts the nozzle chip 210 into the sample cell 203, and then the inside of the sample cell 203. Stir the sample.
In this sample agitating operation, for example, a technique is used in which the nozzle tip 210 is immersed in the sample in the sample cell 203 and the sample is stirred by aspirating and discharging the sample a plurality of times. In particular, it is preferable that the operation of moving the nozzle tip 210 up and down is combined so that the suction is performed at the lower position and the discharge is performed at the upper position because the sample agitating operation can be further promoted.

(12) Sample burst operation (see FIG. 24C)
After the sample stirring operation in the sample cell 203, the sample is left at the measurement position in FIG. 24C for a predetermined time to burst the sample. As a result, blood cells in the specimen are uniformly dispersed, and it is possible to ensure homogeneity of the specimen.
(13) Sample suction operation (see FIG. 24A)
Thereafter, the control device 110 immerses the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 in the sample in the sample cell 203 so as to suck a predetermined amount of sample.

(14) Sample ejection operation (see FIG. 23D)
Thereafter, the controller 110 waits after the nozzle tip 210 is lifted from the sample cell 203 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 performs an inspection so that the reaction cell 207 is positioned at the dispensing position. The cartridge 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 causes the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 to insert the nozzle tip 210 into the reaction cell 207 and then discharges a predetermined amount of sample into the reaction cell 207.

(15) Sample stirring operation (see FIG. 23 (d))
Next, the control device 110 stirs the sample in the reaction cell 207 and the reagent R1 with the nozzle chip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70.
In the stirring operation in this case, for example, the nozzle chip 210 is immersed in the specimen and the reagent R1 in the reaction cell 207, and aspiration and discharge are performed a plurality of times to stir both. Needless to say, the nozzle tip 210 may be moved up and down as needed in order to further promote the stirring operation.

(16) Reagent R2 suction operation (see FIG. 24B)
Thereafter, the control device 110 waits after the nozzle tip 210 is lifted from the reaction cell 207 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the reagent cell 206 (built-in reagent R2) is placed at the dispensing position by the cartridge retracting mechanism 50. The inspection cartridge 200 is moved so as to be positioned.
In this state, the control device 110 pierces the seal 215 portion of the reagent cell 206 with the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 and causes the nozzle tip 210 to be inserted into the reagent cell 206 with the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70. After that, a predetermined amount of the reagent R2 in the reagent cell 206 is aspirated.

(17) Reagent R2 discharge operation (see FIG. 23 (d))
Thereafter, the control device 110 waits after the nozzle tip 210 is lifted from the reagent cell 206 by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 checks that the reaction cell 207 is positioned at the dispensing position. The cartridge 200 is moved.
In this state, the control device 110 causes the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 to insert the nozzle tip 210 into the reaction cell 207 and then discharge a predetermined amount of the reagent R2 into the reaction cell 207.
(18) Reagent R2 stirring operation (see FIG. 23 (d))
Next, the control device 110 agitates the sample, the reagent R1 and the reagent R2 in the reaction cell 207 with the nozzle chip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70.
In this case, for example, the stirring operation is performed by immersing the nozzle chip 210 in the specimen, the reagent R1 and the reagent R2 in the reaction cell 207, and performing aspiration and discharge a plurality of times to stir as a whole. Needless to say, the nozzle tip 210 may be moved up and down as needed in order to further promote the stirring operation.

(19) Nozzle Tip Discharge Operation Thereafter, the control device 110 waits after raising the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70, and the chip holding hole 208 of the test cartridge 200 is dispensed by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50. The inspection cartridge 200 is moved so as to be positioned.
In this state, as shown in FIG. 31, the control device 110 inserts the nozzle tip 210 of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70 into the chip holding hole 208 of the test cartridge 200 from above, and the nozzle chuck of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism 70. The nozzle chip 210 to be discarded is returned to the original position of the inspection cartridge 200 by releasing the holding state of the nozzle chip 210 by 73 (see FIG. 16).
Since the discharge operation of the nozzle chip 210 is performed using a time zone in which the reaction of the specimen and reagent in the reaction cell 207 is still unstable, the processing capacity of the automatic analyzer 20 is hardly affected.

(20) Measurement operation (see FIG. 24C)
Then, as shown in FIG. 31, the control device 110 moves the inspection cartridge 200 by the cartridge retracting mechanism 50 so that the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 is positioned at the measurement stage MT.
Thereafter, the control device 110 performs measurement by the measurement device 100 in a state where the reaction cell 207 has reached the measurement stage MT for a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 5 minutes).
At this time, the measuring apparatus 100 transmits the light from the light emitting element 101 to the mixed liquid of the sample and the reagent in the reaction cell 207, detects the light change by the light receiving element 102, and also detects the light of the light emitting element 101 itself. The change is detected by the light receiving element 103, and the reaction change between the sample in the reaction cell 207 and the reagent is measured over time.

  Further, since the reaction cell 207 is disposed outside the thermostat 80 in the reagent R1 aspiration, discharge dispensing operation, the reagent R2 aspiration, discharge dispensing operation, agitation in the reaction cell 207, etc., the automatic analyzer There is a concern that the temperature in the reaction cell 207 decreases due to the influence of the environmental temperature in the reactor 20. In order to consider such a situation more accurately, for example, an ambient temperature sensor such as a thermistor is provided near the outside air intake in the automatic analyzer 20, and the temperature of the thermostat 80 is corrected according to the ambient temperature. May be.

(21) Inspection Cartridge Discharge Operation Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 32, the control device 110 returns the inspection cartridge 200 that has been inspected by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50 to the set stage ST side.
(22) Result Printing Operation The control device 110 prints the measurement result obtained by the measurement device 100 by the printer unit 27.
At this stage, a predetermined measurement sequence for one inspection cartridge 200 is completed.

Thereafter, the control device 110 confirms that there are unprocessed inspection cartridges 200 on the set stage ST, and then executes a series of measurement sequences for each inspection cartridge 200.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the control device 110 sets the inspection cartridge 200 positioned in the rack holder 41 next to the cartridge rack 40 to the inspection initial position ST1, and then performs a series of measurement sequences. Further, after the next inspection cartridge 200 is set to the inspection initial position ST1, a series of measurement sequences is executed.
When a series of measurement sequences for all the inspection cartridges 200 is completed, the control device 110 displays an end of inspection display on the display 26 indicating that all inspections have been completed.
Thereafter, the user may open the door 22 of the automatic analyzer 20, take out the inspected inspection cartridge 200 from the cartridge rack 40 together with the nozzle chip 210 to be discarded, and discard it.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing the main part of the second embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention.
In the figure, the basic configuration of the automatic analyzer is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the measuring device 100 is different from that of the first embodiment.
That is, in the present embodiment, the measurement apparatus 100 is configured such that the light emitting element 101 and the light receiving element 102 are arranged to face each other with the measurement stage MT interposed therebetween, but the light emitting element 101 is configured to be replaceable according to the inspection item. ing.
As this type of light emitting device, a plurality of light source boards 141 to 143 each including a plurality of light emitting elements 101 (101a to 101c) having different wavelength characteristics are prepared in advance, and the board mounting unit 145 is provided according to the inspection item. One of the necessary light source boards 141 to 143 is detachably mounted and the light emitting element 101 corresponding to one of the light source boards 141 to 143 is used.

  This type of measuring apparatus 100 is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 33. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, a plurality of light emitting elements 101 (101a to 101c) are placed on a rotating plate 150 in a predetermined arc locus. There is one that is arranged above and uses the predetermined light emitting element 101 by rotating the rotating plate 150 to an appropriate position according to the inspection item. It should be noted that a plurality of light emitting elements may be arranged on a straight plate (not shown) instead of the rotating plate 150, and necessary light emitting elements may be used according to the inspection item.

Embodiment 3
35 to 39 are explanatory views showing the main part of the third embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention.
In the figure, the basic configuration of the automatic analyzer is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but the disposal method of the nozzle tip 210 is different from that of the first embodiment. In addition, about the component similar to Embodiment 1, the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1 is attached | subjected, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.
In the present embodiment, the set stage ST can hold a plurality of (for example, three) inspection cartridges 200 on the X table 30, as shown in FIG. 35 (1), for example. Although the cartridge rack 40 is provided, unlike the first embodiment, a waste rack 160 of the nozzle chip 210 is provided in a portion adjacent to the cartridge rack 40, and a waste cartridge 170 dedicated to the nozzle chip is provided in the waste rack 160 as an inspection cartridge. It is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the Y direction substantially parallel to 200.
Here, the waste cartridge 170 has a cartridge main body 171 that is slidably held on the waste rack 160, and a plurality of (for example, three) chip holders that can hold the waste nozzle chip 210 on the cartridge main body 171. The departments 172 to 174 are established.

Next, the operation process of the inspection cartridge 200 and the nozzle chip 210 according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, FIG. 35A shows a state in which each inspection cartridge 200 is held in the cartridge rack 40, and one inspection cartridge 200 is located at the inspection initial position ST1.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 35 (2), the inspection cartridge 200 located at the inspection initial position ST1 is drawn to the inspection stage KT side by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50, and the inspection cartridge 200 is moved to an auxiliary heating device (not shown). To supplementary warming.
Further, as shown in FIG. 36 (3), the nozzle tip 210 is attached to a sample reagent dispensing mechanism (not shown).
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 36 (4), the test cartridge 200 is appropriately moved by the cartridge drawing mechanism 50, and the sample and reagent dispensing operation by the sample reagent dispensing mechanism and the measurement operation by the measuring apparatus 100 are performed. Is called.

When the measurement by the measuring apparatus 100 is completed, as shown in FIG. 37 (5), the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 returns the inspected inspection cartridge 200 to the cartridge rack 40 of the set stage ST.
At this time, the nozzle chip 210 remains attached to the sample reagent dispensing mechanism (not shown).
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 37 (6), the X table 30 moves in the direction of the arrow, and the waste cartridge 170 held in the waste rack 160 is set to the inspection initial position ST1.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 38 (7), the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 pulls the waste cartridge 170 toward the test stage KT, and the tip holding portion 172 of the waste cartridge 170 is positioned at the dispensing position of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism. In this manner, the waste cartridge 170 is moved.

Then, as shown in FIG. 38 (8), the sample reagent dispensing mechanism releases the mounted state of the mounted nozzle chip 210, and then inserts and holds the nozzle chip 210 in the chip holding unit 172 of the disposal cartridge 170.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 39 (9), the cartridge pull-in mechanism 50 returns the waste cartridge 170 to the set stage ST side.
Further, the same measurement sequence is performed for the remaining inspection cartridges 200, and each nozzle chip 210 used in the measurement sequence is held in the chip holding portions 173 and 174 of the disposal cartridge 170, respectively.
When all the inspections of the automatic analyzer are completed, the inspected inspection cartridge 200 and the plurality of nozzle chips 210 held in the discard cartridge 170 are discarded.

  In the first and third embodiments, the disposal nozzle tip 210 is disposed after being returned to the set stage ST side. For example, a separate disposal stage is provided on the inspection stage KT side, and the disposal stage is disposed of for disposal. The nozzle tip 210 may be appropriately selected such as discarding.

Embodiment 4
FIG. 40 is an explanatory view showing the main part of the automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In this figure, the basic configuration of the automatic analyzer 20 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, a constant temperature bath 80 is not provided in the inspection stage KT without providing the auxiliary heating device 90. The liquid reaction in the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 is started before reaching a constant temperature (for example, 37 ° C.). Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the thermostatic chamber 80 has a thermostatic block 81 in which the inspection cartridge 200 can be accommodated and at least the measurement stage MT is kept at a constant temperature (for example, 37 ° C.). The constant temperature block 81 not only covers the measurement device 100 (light emitting element 101, light receiving element 102, 103) portion from both sides, but also covers portions corresponding to the installation location of the auxiliary heating device 90 of the first embodiment on both sides. It is to cover with.
In this embodiment, the thermostat 80 is provided with a non-contact type temperature sensor 98 similar to that of the first embodiment, and this non-contact type temperature sensor 98 is the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200. The initial liquid temperature data T0 and the liquid temperature data T1 in the reaction cell 207 after elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) are measured, and the data is input to the controller 110 described later.

Further, in this embodiment, a control system of the automatic analyzer is shown in FIG.
In the figure, reference numeral 110 denotes a control device composed of a microcomputer. The control device 110 takes in information from a main power switch, various operation switches (operation unit such as a start button, a position sensor, etc.) and various temperature sensors. Then, temperature control processing 111 (temperature control processing by the heater 83 of the thermostatic bath 80) is performed on the liquid in the reaction cell 207 while referring to the temperature correction table 115, and operation control processing (X table drive control processing, inspection by various operation sources) is performed. Cartridge pull-in control processing, sample reagent dispensing control processing, measurement control processing, etc.) 112 and print control processing 113 by the printer unit.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the temperature correction table 115 is based on the initial liquid temperature data T0 in the reaction cell 207 and the liquid temperature data T1 at the start of measurement after a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) in the reaction cell. The control device 110 stores correction information such as the temperature correction coefficient k (T0, T1) and the like, searches the temperature compensation table 115 based on the input data from the non-contact temperature sensor 98, and corresponding temperature correction coefficient k (T0). , T1) and the like are selected, and the measurement result obtained by the measuring apparatus 100 is corrected to a state that would have reacted at a constant temperature (for example, 37 ° C.).
Here, as the correction information in the temperature correction table 115, information calculated and determined based on previously measured data is used.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, like the first embodiment, after the setting operation of the inspection cartridge 200 is performed, the following measurement sequence is executed by operating the start button.
(1) Confirmation of inspection cartridge installation
(2) Inspection initial position setting of inspection cartridge
(3) Inspection cartridge pull-in operation
(4) Reaction cell status check operation
(5) Nozzle tip presence check operation
(6) Air hole opening operation
(7) Temperature measurement of reagent R1 The steps so far are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the details thereof are omitted.
However, although the temperature measurement result of the reagent R1 is a temperature measurement on the surface of the reagent cell 205, in the present embodiment, this is used as the initial liquid temperature data T0 in the reaction cell 207 and is taken into the control device 110. Of course, the liquid temperature after the reagent R1 is discharged into the reaction cell 207 may be used as the initial liquid temperature data T0.

Thereafter, the operation proceeds to the following operation.
(8) Reagent R1 suction operation
(9) Reagent R1 discharge operation
(10) Sample stirring operation
(11) Sample burst operation
(12) Sample suction operation
(13) Sample ejection operation
(14) Sample stirring operation
(15) Reagent R2 suction operation
(16) Reagent R2 discharge operation
(17) Reagent R2 stirring operation
Since (8) to (17) are substantially the same as in the first embodiment, the details thereof are omitted.

(18) Liquid temperature measurement in the reaction cell The liquid temperature data T1 at the start of measurement is measured and controlled after a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) from the measurement of the initial liquid temperature data T0 in the reaction cell 207. Capture to device 110.
(19) Nozzle tip discharge operation
(20) Measurement operation
(21) Inspection cartridge ejection operation
Since (19) to (21) are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted here.
(22) Result printing operation After the measurement operation is completed, the control device 110 corrects the temperature correction coefficient k (T0, T1) and the like in the temperature correction table 115 based on the temperature data T0, T1 from the non-contact temperature sensor 98. Information is determined, and based on this correction information, the measurement result is corrected to be a measurement result under a constant temperature condition, and the correction result is printed. Of course, the measurement result itself before correction may be printed as reference data.

Example 1
The automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment is used as an example, and after the test cartridge 200 is drawn into the test stage KT, the auxiliary heating device 90 and the thermostat 80 are used, and the reagent cell 205 is set to a constant temperature condition (in this example, When the time to reach (37 ° C.) was measured, the result of “with preheating” shown in FIG. 43 was obtained. Further, as a comparative example, the time until the reagent cell 205 reaches the constant temperature condition (37 ° C. in this example) is measured using only the constant temperature bath 80 without using the auxiliary warming device 90, and is shown in FIG. A result of 'no preheating' was obtained. However, both the examples and the comparative examples were performed under conditions where the environmental temperature was 23 ° C.
According to FIG. 43, in the example, the time to reach the constant temperature condition is less than 30 seconds, whereas in the comparative example, it takes about 5 minutes to reach the constant temperature condition. It becomes possible to adjust the temperature of the test cartridge 200 to the constant temperature condition at an early stage by the heating device 90, and temporarily, the specimen is stored in a refrigerator or the like, and the test cartridge 200 is placed in an environment lower than the constant temperature condition temperature. Even if it is placed, it is understood that the measurement time for the inspection cartridge 200 can be shortened under a constant temperature condition.

Example 2
The automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment is set to Example 2, and the liquid temperature rising state in the reaction cell 207 of the inspection cartridge 200 and the liquid temperature after a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) in the reaction cell 207 are measured. And monitor.
These results are shown in FIGS.
FIG. 44 is a monitor of the rising temperature of the liquid temperature in the reaction cell 207.
In this figure, the liquid temperature initial temperature T0 is measured in four ways of 15 ° C., 20 ° C., 25 ° C., and 30 ° C., and the liquid temperature rising state is measured, and the time t until the constant temperature condition temperature (for example, 37 ° C.) is reached. When measured, the following results were obtained.
Liquid temperature initial temperature T0 Constant temperature condition temperature arrival time t
15 ° C 5 minutes 2 seconds
20 ° C 4 minutes 26 seconds
25 ° C 3 minutes 51 seconds
30 ° C. 3 minutes 10 seconds From these results, it is understood that the time to reach the constant temperature condition is short when the liquid temperature initial temperature T0 is high, and conversely that the time to reach the constant temperature condition is long when the liquid temperature is low. .

FIG. 45 shows the following results obtained by measuring the liquid temperature after elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) in the liquid temperature rising state in the reaction cell 207.
Liquid temperature initial temperature T0 Liquid temperature T1 after a predetermined time
15 ° C 34.2 ° C
20 ° C 35.4 ° C
25 ° C 36.2 ° C
30 ° C 36.8 ° C
From these results, it is understood that the higher the liquid temperature initial temperature T0, the closer the liquid temperature T1 after the lapse of the fixed time is to a constant temperature condition temperature (for example, 37 ° C.).
For this reason, even if measurement by the measuring device 100 is started after elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) in a state where the temperature does not reach the constant temperature condition, the reaction time in a situation where the constant temperature condition is not satisfied in each temperature condition, It is possible to grasp the reaction time in a situation where the constant temperature condition is satisfied. At this time, if the degree of influence of the reaction in a condition that does not satisfy the isothermal condition is previously stored as correction information, the measurement result for the reaction in the condition that does not satisfy the isothermal condition is valid. It is possible to correct it.
Therefore, even if measurement by the measuring apparatus 100 is started after a lapse of a predetermined time without reaching the constant temperature condition temperature, it becomes possible to correct the measurement result by performing a predetermined temperature correction process, The measurement start time by 100 can be accelerated.

  The present invention is effective when continuously inspecting a plurality of inspection cartridges. However, as a simplified automatic analyzer technology, one inspection cartridge is set in the cartridge receiving portion, and the inspection cartridge is pulled into the inspection stage side. It is also possible to construct such a system that after returning to the cartridge receiving portion after performing various inspections.

(a) is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the test | inspection cartridge seen from B direction in (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of Embodiment 1 of the automatic analyzer which concerns on this invention. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an internal structure of the automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mechanism accompanying the setting of an inspection cartridge, and drawing-in operation. (a) is a perspective explanatory view showing a configuration of an inspection cartridge used in the embodiment, (b) is a front explanatory view thereof, and (c) is an arrow view seen from the direction C in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the dispensing method of the sample to a test | inspection cartridge. An example of a blood collection tool for collecting blood as a sample is shown, (a) is a state at the time of blood collection, and (b) is an explanatory view showing a state at the time of discharging the collected blood. (a) is front explanatory drawing of a cartridge rack, (b) is the side explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the cartridge drawing-in mechanism used in embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory plan view of FIG. 10. It is side surface explanatory drawing of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the drive system of the cartridge drawing-in mechanism used in embodiment. It is side surface explanatory drawing of FIG. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement process of a cartridge drawing-in mechanism, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the position control example of a cartridge drawing-in mechanism. It is an example of the sample reagent dispensing mechanism used in the embodiment, (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the nozzle tip is mounted, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the sample reagent is dispensed, (c) These are explanatory drawings which show the state at the time of combining a perforation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the temperature adjustment mechanism provided in the measurement periphery part of the test | inspection stage used by embodiment, (a) is a whole perspective view in the state in which an auxiliary heating apparatus is located in a retracted position, b) is an arrow view seen from the direction B in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the temperature adjustment mechanism provided in the measurement peripheral part of the test | inspection stage used by embodiment, (a) is a whole perspective view in the state in which an auxiliary heating apparatus is located in a heating position, (b) is the arrow view seen from the B direction in the figure (a). (a) is a perspective explanatory drawing of the thermostat used by embodiment, (b) is the side explanatory drawing. 19A is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along line AA in FIG. 19B, and FIG. 20B is an explanatory view showing a state in which a reaction cell of an inspection cartridge is set on a measurement stage. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the retraction | saving state of the auxiliary heating apparatus used by embodiment, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the heating state of the auxiliary heating apparatus. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a control system used in Embodiment 1. FIG. (a)-(d) is explanatory drawing (1) which shows the operation | movement process of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. (a)-(c) is explanatory drawing (2) which shows the operation | movement process of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a bar code reading operation process of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a nozzle chip presence / absence confirmation operation process (1) of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a nozzle tip presence / absence confirmation operation process (2) of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an air hole opening operation process of the automatic analyzer used in Embodiment 1. FIG. (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the detail of the air drilling operation | movement process of FIG. 28, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the advantage of air drilling. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a preheating process, a reagent, and a specimen dispensing operation process of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a nozzle tip discharging operation and a measuring operation process of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a test cartridge discharge operation process of the automatic analyzer used in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a measuring device used in an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified form of the measuring device used in the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip | tip discard system (1) (2) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip | tip disposal system (3) (4) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip | tip discard system (5) (6) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip disposal system (7) (8) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the chip | tip discard system (9) used with the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 showing an outline of an automatic analyzer according to a fourth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of the test | inspection stage of the automatic analyzer used in Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a control system of an automatic analyzer according to a fourth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the performance of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the performance (liquid temperature rise performance in the reaction cell) of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the performance (liquid temperature monitoring in a reaction cell) of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Example 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cartridge receiving part, 2 ... Cartridge selection means, 3 ... Cartridge conveyance means, 4 ... Sample reagent dispensing means, 5 ... Measurement means, 6 ... Constant temperature bath, 7 ... Auxiliary heating means, 10 ... Test cartridge, 11 ... Cell 11a ... Sample cell 11b ... Reagent cell 11c ... Reaction cell 12 ... Chip holder 13 ... Seal 15 ... Nozzle tip ST ... Set stage ST1 ... Initial test position KT ... Inspection stage

Claims (15)

Using a test cell containing a sample cell containing a sample, a reagent cell containing a reagent and a sample cell, and a reaction cell for reacting the reagent, after setting a plurality of test cartridges corresponding to each sample, the test cartridge In the automatic analyzer that automatically analyzes the reaction between the sample and the reagent every time,
A cartridge selection unit having a cartridge receiving portion in which a plurality of inspection cartridges are set in advance in a predetermined arrangement direction in the set stage, and sequentially selecting transfer to an initial inspection position in the set stage;
The inspection cartridge which is provided on the inspection stage adjacent to the set stage and is transferred to the inspection initial position by the cartridge selection means is linearly carried to the inspection stage and the inspection cartridge after the inspection is set from the inspection stage. Cartridge conveying means for linearly carrying
Sample reagent dispensing means for dispensing the sample and reagent of the inspection cartridge into the reaction cell with respect to the inspection cartridge in the inspection stage carried in by the cartridge transport means;
An automatic analyzer comprising a measuring means for measuring a reaction between a specimen and a reagent in a reaction cell dispensed by the specimen reagent dispensing means. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
An automatic analysis apparatus, wherein the test cartridge is in a form in which the cells are arranged linearly. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
An automatic analysis apparatus, wherein the inspection cartridge is guided and inserted along the cartridge receiving portion, and the cartridge body is provided with a stopper that abuts against the cartridge body when inserted from the wrong direction. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge selecting means transfers the entire cartridge receiving unit in which a plurality of test cartridges are set. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge selecting means sequentially transfers and selects each inspection cartridge to one inspection initial position. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The cartridge conveying means includes an engaging piece that allows the inspection cartridge to be transferred by the cartridge selecting means and can be engaged with the engaged piece of the inspection cartridge located at the initial inspection position. Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The automatic analyzer is characterized in that the sample reagent dispensing means uses a detachable nozzle chip for each test cartridge. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
An automatic analyzer characterized in that the measuring means makes the measurement conditions variable corresponding to the inspection item of the inspection cartridge. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
An autoanalyzer characterized in that the inspection stage is provided with a thermostatic chamber for maintaining at least a reaction cell of the inspection cartridge carried into the inspection stage by the cartridge conveying means at a predetermined constant temperature environment temperature. The automatic analyzer according to claim 9, wherein
The inspection stage is further provided with auxiliary heating means for preheating at least a part of the cells of the inspection cartridge at a temperature higher than the constant temperature environment temperature before the measurement means operates. Analysis equipment. The automatic analyzer according to claim 9, wherein
The automatic analyzer is characterized in that the measuring means includes a temperature correcting means capable of correcting the measurement result based on the temperature condition when the measuring condition by the measuring means deviates from the constant temperature environment condition of the thermostatic bath. The automatic analyzer according to claim 11, wherein
An automatic analyzer characterized in that the temperature correction means corrects the temperature based on temperature information from a non-contact type temperature sensor arranged in a non-contact manner with respect to the surface of the inspection cartridge. The automatic analyzer according to claim 12,
An automatic analyzer characterized in that the non-contact temperature sensor is attached to a thermostat. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7,
The inspection cartridge includes a chip holding unit that detachably holds a nozzle chip. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7,
The test cartridge can be sealed with all or part of the cell with a pierceable seal, and a hole can be drilled in the seal corresponding to the cell before the sample / reagent dispensing operation with the nozzle tip of the sample / reagent dispensing means. An automatic analyzer characterized by that.

Images