JP2008089406A - Analyzer and reaction container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the processing efficiency of analyzing processing, to reduce the cost required in analyzing processing and to miniaturize the analyzer itself. <P>SOLUTION: The analyzer 100 is equipped with a sending-out means 160, a dispensing means 110, and a measuring means 150. The sending-out means 160 sends out a plurality of reaction containers 201 by a predetermined number so as to pass the discharge position, measuring position and discharge position positioned on a straight line. The dispensing means 110 discharges the specimen sucked from a specimen container 121 to respectively discharge it to a predetermined number of the reaction containers 201. Further, the dispensing means 110 discharges the reagent sucked from a reagent container 131 to a predetermined number of the respective reaction containers 201. The measuring means 150 is constituted so as to measure the state change of the specimen to which the reagent is discharged at the measuring position with respect to a predetermined number of the respective reaction containers 201 in parallel. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer for analyzing a reaction product between a specimen and a reagent, and a reaction container used in the analyzer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a clinical test, an analyzer that can generate a chemical reaction solution by dispensing a reagent to a specimen such as blood and analyze the generated chemical reaction solution has been used ( For example, see the following Patent Document 1.) For example, in a blood coagulation test, using such an analyzer, blood is coagulated by discharging a blood coagulant into blood extracted from a patient, and the coagulated blood is analyzed to analyze the blood coagulation action. Whether it is correct or not can be specified.

JP-A-6-174730

  However, in the above prior art, since the reaction vessels are arranged side by side on the circumference of the disk-shaped reaction disk, the number of reaction vessels that can be installed on the reaction disk is limited. It was. For this reason, the reaction vessel for which the measurement of the reaction liquid has been completed must be recovered from the reaction disk at a certain timing and washed, reused or discarded. As a result, the processing efficiency of the analysis processing by the analyzer is increased. In addition to the decrease, there has been a problem that the cost of the analyzer increases. In addition, it is said that the processing efficiency can be improved by increasing the number of reaction containers that can be installed on the reaction disk, but in this case, it is necessary to enlarge the reaction disk. There has been a problem that the analyzer becomes large.

  The present invention eliminates the problems caused by the prior art described above, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the analysis process and reducing the cost of the analysis process as well as reducing the size of the apparatus itself. It is an object of the present invention to provide an analysis apparatus and a reaction container capable of performing the above.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an analyzer according to the present invention includes: a delivery unit that feeds a reaction container so as to pass through a discharge position, a measurement position, and a discharge position located on a straight line; An arm that is rotatable between the discharge position and the measurement position and a plurality of inhalation positions, and a sample provided at the tip of the arm and inhaled at one of the plurality of inhalation positions. Dispensing means having a dispensing nozzle that discharges at the measurement position and discharges the reagent sucked at the other one of the plurality of suction positions at the measurement position; and the reagent is discharged Measuring means for measuring a change in the state of the specimen at the measurement position.

  Further, the analyzer according to the present invention includes a delivery means for delivering a plurality of reaction containers for each predetermined number so as to pass through a discharge position, a measurement position, and a discharge position located on a straight line, and the discharge position and the measurement. An arm that is pivotable and expandable between a position and a plurality of inhalation positions; and a specimen provided at a tip of the arm and inhaled at one of the inhalation positions at the discharge position. Dispensing for discharging to each of a plurality of reaction containers and discharging a reagent sucked at another one of the plurality of suction positions to each of the predetermined number of reaction containers at the measurement position A dispensing means having a nozzle, and a measuring means for measuring in parallel the state change of the specimen from which the reagent has been discharged with respect to each of the predetermined number of reaction containers at the measurement position. That And butterflies.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the delivery means discharges the plurality of reaction containers measured by the measurement means to the discharge position for each of the predetermined number, and at the same time, A plurality of reaction containers discharged from the reagent are sent to the measurement position for each predetermined number, and a plurality of new reaction containers are sent to the discharge position for each predetermined number.

  Further, the analyzer according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the measurement means measures the state change of the specimen from which the reagent has been discharged to each of the predetermined number of reaction vessels, and the dispensing means. The ejection of the specimen to each of the predetermined number of reaction containers is performed in parallel.

  Moreover, the analyzer according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the reaction container is continuously molded on a linear tape, and the concave container in which the sample and the reagent are discharged by the dispensing means. It consists of parts.

  Further, the analyzer according to the present invention is the invention described in the above, wherein the tape having a shaft portion and being wrapped around the shaft portion is supplied from the tip of the tape to the delivery means. The apparatus further includes supply means for performing the above operation.

  The analyzer according to the present invention is an analyzer used in a blood coagulation test according to the invention described above, wherein blood is used as the specimen and a blood coagulant is used as the reagent. Is characterized by continuously measuring the change in the amount of reflected light from the blood when the blood coagulant is discharged into the blood.

  A reaction container according to the present invention is a reaction container used in an analyzer having a delivery means for delivering a reaction container in a straight line and a dispensing means for discharging a specimen and a reagent, and is a linear tape. It is characterized by comprising a concave accommodating portion for accommodating the specimen and the reagent which are continuously molded and discharged by the dispensing means.

  According to the analysis apparatus and the reaction container according to the present invention, it is possible not only to improve the processing efficiency of the analysis process, but also to reduce the cost for the analysis process, and to reduce the size of the apparatus itself. There is an effect.

  Exemplary embodiments of an analyzer and a reaction container according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking the use for blood coagulation tests as an example. Note that the analyzer according to the present invention is not limited to use for blood coagulation tests, and any test can be used as long as it is a test that measures and analyzes the state and state change of a sample, such as a multiallergen test. Even such inspections can be used.

(Configuration of the analyzer 100)
First, the configuration of an analyzer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an external appearance of an analyzer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an analyzer 100 causes a chemical reaction by discharging a reagent (blood coagulant) to a specimen (blood), and then irradiates the specimen with light to measure a change in the state of the specimen. An analysis apparatus, which includes a base 101, a dispensing means 110, a sample table 120, a reagent table 130, a cleaning table 140, a measuring means 150, a delivery means 160, a tape reel 170, and a keyboard 180. , And a printer 190.

  The dispensing means 110 discharges the sample sucked from the sample container 121 to each of the predetermined number of reaction containers 201 sent to the discharge position linearly by the sending means 160. In addition, the dispensing unit 110 discharges the reagent sucked from the reagent container 131 to each of the predetermined number of reaction containers 201 that are linearly delivered to the measurement position by the delivery unit 160.

  The dispensing unit 110 includes a shaft 111, a dispensing arm 112, and a dispensing nozzle 113, and is driven by a drive mechanism (for example, a motor, a hydraulic cylinder, etc.) controlled by a computer (not shown). It can rotate in a predetermined direction (direction A and direction B shown in FIG. 1), can expand and contract in a predetermined direction (direction C and direction D shown in FIG. 1), and can be raised and lowered.

  Among these, the shaft portion 111 is erected on the upper portion of the base 101 that pivotally supports the dispensing arm 112 so as to be rotatable and liftable, and the dispensing arm 112 is rotated and lifted by driving of the drive mechanism. The dispensing arm 112 is pivotally supported by the shaft portion 111. Thereby, the dispensing arm 112 rotates and moves up and down together with the shaft portion 111 by driving of the drive mechanism. In addition, the dispensing arm 112 expands and contracts by driving the drive mechanism.

  A dispensing nozzle 113 is held at the tip of the dispensing arm 112. When the syringe pump unit (not shown) is operated, the dispensing nozzle 113 generates a positive or negative pressure therein, and uses the positive or negative pressure to inhale and discharge the specimen and the reagent from the tip. be able to.

  The dispensing means 110 configured as described above rotates, expands, and contracts the dispensing arm 112 to move the dispensing nozzle 113 to each predetermined position (specimen suction position, reagent suction position, discharge position). , Measurement position, and cleaning position).

  For example, the dispensing means 110 can move the dispensing nozzle 113 onto the reagent container 131 arranged on the reagent table 130 by rotating and extending / contracting the dispensing arm 112. Then, by lowering the dispensing arm 112, the tip of the dispensing nozzle 113 can be inserted into the reagent injected into the reagent container 131. From this state, when the syringe pump unit is operated, a negative pressure is generated in the dispensing nozzle 113, and the dispensing nozzle 113 can inhale the reagent using this negative pressure.

  The sample table 120 has a disk shape that can be rotated by driving of a drive mechanism (for example, a motor, a hydraulic cylinder, etc.) controlled by a computer (not shown), and a plurality of sample containers 121 are arranged in parallel. Here, the sample containers 121 arranged in parallel with the sample table 120 are open at the top so that the sample can be inhaled from above, and the sample is injected in advance. The sample table 120 is not limited to a rotatable disk shape, and for example, the sample container 121 may be arranged in a grid pattern. Further, for example, similar to the reaction container 201, the sample container 121 may be arranged linearly.

  A plurality of reagent containers 131 are arranged in parallel on the reagent table 130. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the reagent container 131 is on the reagent table 130 on the circumference of two concentric circles around the rotation axis (shaft portion 111) of the dispensing means 110. It is arranged in two rows. Moreover, the reagent container 131 arranged in parallel with the reagent table 130 is opened at the top so that the reagent can be sucked from the top, and the reagent is injected in advance. The reagent table 130 is not limited to two reagent containers 131 arranged in two rows on the circumference of two concentric circles. For example, the reagent containers 131 may be arranged in a grid pattern. . Further, for example, similar to the reaction container 201, the reagent container 131 may be arranged linearly.

  One or a plurality of cleaning containers 141 are installed on the cleaning table 140. The cleaning container 141 installed on the cleaning table 140 is open at the top so that the dispensing nozzle 113 can be inserted from above, and a cleaning agent for cleaning the dispensing nozzle 113 is injected in advance. .

  The measuring unit 150 measures the change in the state of the specimen from which the reagent has been discharged, for each of a predetermined number of reaction vessels 201 that are linearly delivered to the measurement position by the delivery unit 160. The measuring means 150 is multi-channeled, and each channel can perform the above measurement independently from the other channels. Thereby, the said measurement can be performed with respect to the predetermined number of reaction containers 201 simultaneously.

  The sending means 160 sends out a plurality of reaction vessels 201 every predetermined number so as to pass through the discharge position, the measurement position, and the discharge position located on a straight line. For example, the delivery unit 160 feeds a predetermined number of reaction containers 201 formed on the tape 200 in a straight line from the tape reel 170 in a predetermined delivery direction, thereby arranging them in parallel at the discharge position.

  In addition, the delivery unit 160, for example, causes a predetermined number of reaction containers 201 from which the specimens have been ejected at the ejection position to be further delivered in a predetermined delivery direction, thereby being arranged in parallel at the measurement position. At the same time, the delivery means 160 places a predetermined number of new reaction vessels 201 in a straight line from the tape reel 170 in a predetermined delivery direction so as to be arranged in parallel at the discharge position.

  Furthermore, the sending means 160 discharges the predetermined number of reaction containers 201 whose samples are measured at the measurement position, for example, to the discharge position by further sending them in the predetermined sending direction. At the same time, the delivery means 160 further feeds a predetermined number of reaction containers 201 from which the specimen has been discharged at the discharge position in the predetermined delivery direction, so that the predetermined number of new reaction containers are arranged in parallel at the measurement position. The 201 is continuously sent out from the tape reel 170 in a straight line direction in a predetermined sending direction, so that it is arranged in parallel at the discharge position.

  The tape reel 170 has a shaft portion 171, and functions as a supply unit that supplies the tape 200 wound around the shaft portion 171 in a multiple manner from the tip of the tape 200 to the delivery unit 160. The keyboard 180 accepts various inputs such as process start, process content selection, and process end by the user. The printer 190 prints various processing results.

(Configuration of tape 200)
Next, the configuration of the tape 200 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tape 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tape 200 is formed by continuously forming a plurality of reaction containers (concave accommodation portions) 201 that contain the specimen and reagents discharged by the dispensing means 110 in a straight line.

  Here, a notch 202 is formed in the tape 200, and this notch 202 and a delivery gear (not shown) provided in the delivery means 160 and rotated by driving of a drive mechanism controlled by a computer. By being engaged, the tape 200 can be delivered by the delivery means 160. Note that the sending method by the sending means 160 may be a sending method using something other than the sending gear (for example, a sending roller). In this case, the tape 200 may not be provided with the notch 202. .

  The reaction vessel 201 formed on the tape 200 is transmissive so that light emitted from the measuring means 150 and its reflected light can pass therethrough. As the tape 200, for example, a relatively inexpensive disposable embossed carrier tape in which the reaction vessel 201 is formed by press molding, pressure forming, vacuum forming, or the like can be used.

  In this embodiment, a tape 200 having a thickness (W1 shown in FIG. 2) of 0.4 (mm) and a width (W2 shown in FIG. 2) of 12 (mm) is used. It is not limited to. Each reaction vessel 201 has a vertical width (W3 shown in FIG. 2) of 6 (mm), a horizontal width (W4 shown in FIG. 2) of 6 (mm), and a depth (W5 shown in FIG. 2) of 5. (Mm), but not limited to this size.

  The tape 200 may be an endless shape in which an infinite number of reaction vessels 201 are formed as used in the present embodiment, or may be cut in advance for each predetermined number of reaction vessels 201. You may make it use multiple sheets.

(Outline of measurement processing by measurement means 150)
Next, an outline of measurement processing by the measurement unit 150 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the measurement process performed by the measurement unit 150.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the measuring means 150 is multi-channeled into five channels (ch1 to ch5) as an example, and a light emitting element 151 and a light receiving element 152 are provided in each channel. Among these, the light emitting element 151 such as an LED (light emitting diode) is the depth direction of the reaction vessel 201 formed on the tape 200 in the photometric block 300, and the feeding direction of the tape 200 (direction E shown in FIG. 3). Are arranged in parallel with the light emitting elements 151 of the other channels.

  The light emitting element 151 emits light from the bottom of the reaction vessel 201 toward the specimen inside the reaction vessel 201 located at the measurement position in the photometric block 300. When an LED is employed for the light emitting element 151, for example, a blue light LED having a wavelength of 470 nm, a red light LED having a wavelength of 670 nm, or the like can be used.

  The light receiving element 152 is parallel to the light receiving elements 152 of other channels in the width direction of the reaction vessel 201 in the photometric block 300 and in a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction of the tape 200 (direction E shown in FIG. 3). Established.

  The light receiving element 152 receives reflected light or transmitted light from the specimen inside the reaction vessel 201 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the received light amount of the received reflected light or transmitted light. The electrical signal output from the light receiving element 152 is transmitted to, for example, a control device (not shown) and analyzed.

  Here, the measuring means 150 can operate each channel independently by computer control. Thereby, parallelization of the measurement process by the measurement means 150 is enabled. Note that the positional relationship between the light emitting element 151 and the light receiving element 152 shown in FIG. 3 is intended to prevent optical interference with the adjacent reaction vessel 201, but is not limited thereto.

  The measuring means 150 configured as described above continuously measures the state change of the specimen immediately after the reagent is discharged onto the specimen by the dispensing means 110 for each reaction container 201.

(State of the analyzer 100 when the reaction vessel 201 is located at the discharge position)
Next, the state of the analyzer 100 when the reaction vessel 201 is located at the discharge position will be described. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the analyzer 100 when the reaction vessel 201 is located at the discharge position.

  The analysis apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4 shows a state where the reaction containers 201a to 201f formed on the tape 200 are delivered from the tape reel 170 (see FIG. 1) by the delivery means 160 and are respectively positioned at the discharge positions.

(State of the analyzer 100 when the sample is discharged into the reaction vessel 201)
Next, the state of the analyzer 100 when the specimen is discharged into the reaction container 201 will be described. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the analyzer 100 when the specimen is discharged into the reaction container 201.

  The analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 5 has a sample container 121 (see FIG. 1) by the dispensing means 110 from the state of the analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 4 (the reaction containers 201a to 201f are respectively located at the discharge positions). A state in which the sample inhaled from is discharged into each of the reaction containers 201a to 201f is shown.

  Here, the dispensing means 110 positions the transport position in the circumferential direction by rotating after inhaling the sample from the sample container 121. And the conveyance position in the diameter direction is positioned by expanding and contracting. As a result, the dispensing means 110 can transport the sample inhaled from the sample container 121 onto the reaction containers 201a to 201f. The dispensing means 110 may perform the rotation operation and the expansion / contraction operation at the same time in order to shorten the conveyance time.

(State of the analyzer 100 when the reaction vessel 201 is positioned at the measurement position)
Next, the state of the analyzer 100 when the reaction vessel 201 is positioned at the measurement position will be described. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the analyzer 100 when the reaction vessel 201 is located at the measurement position.

  The analysis apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 6 is configured so that the reaction containers 201a to 201f are moved from the state of the analysis apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5 (the state when the sample is discharged into each of the reaction containers 201a to 201f) by the sending means 160. Furthermore, it is sent out, and shows the state located at each measurement position.

  At the same time, the reaction vessels 201A to 201F formed on the tape 200 continuously with the reaction vessels 201a to 201f are sent from the tape reel 170 (see FIG. 1) and are in the discharge positions.

(State of analyzer 100 when reagent is discharged into reaction vessel 201)
Next, the state of the analyzer 100 when the reagent is discharged into the reaction container 201 will be described. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the analyzer 100 when the reagent is discharged into the reaction container 201.

  The analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 7 has a reagent container 131 (see FIG. 1) by the dispensing means 110 from the state of the analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 6 (the state where the reaction containers 201a to 201f are respectively positioned at the measurement positions). The state where the reagent inhaled from is discharged into each of the reaction containers 201a to 201f is shown.

  Here, the dispensing means 110 positions the transport position in the circumferential direction by rotating after inhaling the reagent from the reagent container 131 as in the case of transporting the sample. And the conveyance position in the diameter direction is positioned by expanding and contracting. Thereby, the dispensing means 110 can convey the reagent sucked from the reagent container 131 onto the reaction containers 201a to 201f. Also in this case, the dispensing means 110 may perform the rotation operation and the expansion / contraction operation at the same time, that is, rotate while expanding / contracting, in order to shorten the conveyance time.

  Then, in the reaction containers 201a to 201f from which the reagent has been discharged, a chemical reaction (change in the state of the specimen) between the specimen and the reagent starts immediately after that. For example, in the case of a blood coagulation test, a blood coagulation reaction between blood and a reagent starts. Here, the reaction time from the start to the end of the chemical reaction is different depending on the contents of the test, but in the case of a blood coagulation test, for example, a reaction time of about 2 minutes is required.

(State of analyzer 100 when change in state of sample in reaction container 201 is measured)
Next, the state of the analyzer 100 when the state change of the sample in the reaction container 201 is measured will be described. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the analyzer 100 when the state change of the sample in the reaction container 201 is measured.

  The analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 8 is configured so that the measuring unit 150 can change the reaction vessels 201a to 201f from the state of the analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 7 (the state when the reagent is discharged into each of the reaction vessels 201a to 201f). The state when the change in the state of the specimen is measured is shown for each.

  Here, the measuring means 150 is multi-channeled as described above with reference to FIG. 3 (six channels in the measuring means 150 shown in FIG. 8), and each channel is independent of the other channels. A change in state can be measured for each of the reaction vessels 201a to 201f. In each channel, the reagent is discharged as described above with reference to FIG. 7, and the state change is measured immediately after the state change of the specimen starts.

  Further, in the analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 8, the time during which the measurement of the state change of the sample is performed by the measurement unit 150 is used, that is, in parallel with the measurement of the state change of the sample by the measurement unit 150. As a result of the dispensing unit 110 performing an operation similar to the operation described above with reference to FIG. 5, the sample inhaled from the sample container 121 (see FIG. 1) is supplied to each of the reaction containers 201 </ b> A to 201 </ b> F. It is being discharged.

(State of the analyzer 100 when the reaction vessel 201 is discharged to the discharge position)
Next, the state of the analyzer 100 when the reaction vessel 201 is discharged to the discharge position will be described. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an outline of the state of the analyzer 100 when the reaction vessel 201 is discharged to the discharge position.

  The analysis apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 9 is configured such that the reaction container is sent from the state of the analysis apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 8 (the state when the sample is measured for each of the reaction containers 201a to 201f) by the sending means 160. 201a to 201f are further sent out, and each of them is discharged to the discharge position.

  At the same time, the reaction vessels 201A to 201F are further sent out from the discharge position and are in the measurement positions.

  Further, at the same time, a plurality of new reaction containers 201 formed continuously with the reaction containers 201 </ b> A to 201 </ b> F on the tape 200 are sent from the tape reel 170 (see FIG. 1) and are located at the discharge positions.

(Procedure of analysis processing by analyzer 100)
Next, the procedure of the analysis process performed by the analyzer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure of analysis processing by the analysis apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  (1) First, the reaction containers 201 a to 201 f are delivered from the tape reel 170 by the delivery means 160. Thereby, the analyzer 100 will be in the state shown in FIG. 4 (the state in which the reaction vessels 201a to 201f are respectively located at the discharge positions).

  (2) Next, the sample sucked from the sample container 121 is discharged by the dispensing means 110 into each of the reaction containers 201a to 201f. Thereby, the analyzer 100 will be in the state shown in FIG. 5 (state when the specimen is discharged into each of the reaction vessels 201a to 201f). Here, the dispensing means 110 is cleaned in the cleaning table 140 every time the sample is discharged into each of the reaction containers 201a to 201f.

  (3) Next, the reaction containers 201a to 201f are further delivered from the discharge position by the delivery means 160. At the same time, the reaction vessels 201 </ b> A to 201 </ b> F are sent out from the tape reel 170. Thereby, the analyzer 100 is in the state shown in FIG. 6 (the reaction containers 201a to 201f are located at the measurement positions and the reaction containers 201A to 201F are located at the discharge positions, respectively).

  (4) Next, the reagent sucked from the reagent container 131 is discharged by the dispensing means 110 into each of the reaction containers 201a to 201f. Thereby, the analyzer 100 will be in the state shown in FIG. 7 (the state when the reagent is discharged into each of the reaction vessels 201a to 201f). Here, the dispensing means 110 is cleaned on the cleaning table 140 after discharging the specimen to each of the reaction containers 201a to 201f.

  (5) to (10) Next, the state change of the specimen is measured for each of the reaction vessels 201a to 201f by each channel (ch1 to ch6) of the measuring means 150.

  (11) At the same time, the sample sucked from the sample container 121 is discharged by the dispensing means 110 into each of the reaction containers 201A to 201F. Thereby, the analyzer 100 is in the state shown in FIG. 8 (state when the sample is measured in each of the reaction vessels 201a to 201f and the sample is discharged into each of the reaction vessels 201A to 201F). Become.

  (12) Next, the reaction containers 201a to 201f are further delivered from the measurement position by the delivery means 160. At the same time, the reaction vessels 201A to 201F are further delivered from the discharge position. At the same time, a plurality of new reaction vessels 201 are sent out from the tape reel 170. Thereby, the analyzer 100 is in the state shown in FIG. 9 (reaction containers 201a to 201f are respectively discharged to the discharge positions, the reaction containers 201A to 201F are respectively positioned at the measurement positions, and a plurality of new reaction containers 201 are provided. Are in the respective discharge positions).

  And the analysis apparatus 100 can perform an analysis process continuously by repeating the process similar to said (1)-(12) after that.

  As described above, according to the analyzer 100 in the present embodiment, the discharge position, the measurement position, and the discharge position are provided on a straight line, and a plurality of reaction vessels 201 are continuously connected in a straight line by the delivery unit 160. Thus, it is configured to deliver to the discharge position, the measurement position, and the discharge position.

  As a result, by simply moving the plurality of reaction containers 201 continuously in a straight line, the analysis process (sample and reagent discharge by the dispensing means 110, sample measurement by the measurement means 150) is performed on the plurality of reaction containers 201. Measurement of the state change and discharge of the reaction vessel 201) can be performed continuously.

  In addition, since the reaction disk is not used, the apparatus configuration of the analyzer 100 can be simplified, and the analysis process (discharge process, Measurement processing and discharge processing) can be performed continuously. As a result, the processing efficiency of the analysis apparatus 100 can be improved, the cost for the analysis process can be reduced, and the apparatus itself can be downsized.

  In addition, a configuration is adopted in which the sample and the reagent are discharged to each of a plurality of reaction vessels 201 arranged in a straight line at the discharge position and the measurement position using the dispensing means 110 that can be rotated and stretched.

  As a result, the sample inhaled from the sample container 121 and the reagent inhaled from the reagent container 131 are simply moved by rotating and expanding / contracting the dispensing means 110, and a plurality of reaction containers 201 positioned at the discharge position and the measurement position are used. Can be transported up. In addition, since the installation position of the sample container 121, the installation position of the reagent container 131, the discharge position, and the measurement position are not limited to one circle, the degree of freedom in the layout of the analyzer 100 can only be increased. In addition, it is possible to provide a conveyance path in which the inhaled sample or reagent is not scattered into the other container during conveyance (that is, a conveyance path that does not pass directly above the other container).

  And since the complicated conveyance mechanism is not used, the apparatus structure of the analyzer 100 can be simplified and the conveyance time can be shortened. As a result, the processing efficiency of the analysis apparatus 100 can be improved, the cost for the analysis process can be reduced, and the apparatus itself can be downsized.

  Further, a relatively inexpensive disposable tape 200 in which a plurality of reaction vessels 201 are continuously formed in a straight line is wound around a shaft portion 171 in advance, and a plurality of reaction vessels 201 are formed by a delivery portion 160. In this configuration, the ink is continuously delivered to the discharge position, the measurement position, and the discharge position in a straight line. Thereby, the plurality of reaction vessels 201 can be continuously sent to the discharge position, the measurement position, and the discharge position by a simple operation such as only sending the tape 200 in a predetermined delivery direction.

  In addition, since a complicated transport mechanism is not used, the apparatus configuration of the analyzer 100 can be simplified. As a result, the processing efficiency of the analysis apparatus 100 can be improved, the cost for the analysis process can be reduced, and the apparatus itself can be downsized.

  In addition, each channel is configured to perform a sample measurement process on a plurality of reaction vessels 201 arranged in parallel at a measurement position independently of the other channels by the multi-channel delivery means 160. . Thereby, the measurement process with respect to the some reaction container 201 can be performed in parallel.

  In addition, each channel can perform measurement processing without being affected by delays or the like caused in other channels. In addition, since a complicated measurement mechanism is not used, the apparatus configuration of the analyzer 100 can be simplified. As a result, the processing efficiency of the analysis apparatus 100 can be improved, the cost for the analysis process can be reduced, and the apparatus itself can be downsized.

  In addition, the delivery unit 160 discharges the plurality of reaction containers 201 in which the sample is measured at the measurement position to the discharge position, and simultaneously sends the plurality of reaction containers 201 from which the sample is discharged at the discharge position to the measurement position. It was set as the structure which sends out several new reaction containers 201 to a discharge position.

  Thereby, the measurement of the state change of the sample at the measurement position by the measurement unit 150 and the discharge of the sample at the discharge position by the dispensing unit 110 can be performed in parallel. As a result, the processing efficiency of the analysis apparatus 100 can be improved, the cost for the analysis process can be reduced, and the apparatus itself can be downsized.

  In the present embodiment, the case where one type of reagent is discharged onto the sample has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the analyzer according to the present invention discharges two or more types of reagent onto the sample. It can also be used.

  As described above, the analyzer and the reaction container according to the present invention can be used for clinical examinations performed in hospitals, clinical laboratories, etc., and in particular, the processing time required for the analysis process can be shortened and the cost can be reduced. It is suitable for use in clinical tests that require lower costs.

It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the analyzer concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the tape concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the measurement process by a measurement means. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the state of the analyzer when a reaction container is located in a discharge position. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the state of the analyzer when a test substance is discharged to the reaction container. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the state of the analyzer when a reaction container is located in a measurement position. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the state of the analyzer when a reagent is discharged to the reaction container. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the state of an analyzer when the state change of the sample in a reaction container is measured. It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the state of the analyzer when reaction container is discharged | emitted by the discharge position. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the procedure of the analysis process by the analyzer concerning embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Analyzer 101 Base 110 Dispensing means 111 Shaft part 112 Dispensing arm 113 Dispensing nozzle 120 Sample table 121 Sample container 130 Reagent table 131 Reagent container 140 Cleaning table 150 Measuring means 151 Light emitting element 152 Light receiving element 160 Sending means 170 Tape reel 180 Keyboard 190 Printer 200 Tape 201 Reaction vessel 202 Notch

Claims (8)

A delivery means for delivering the reaction vessel so as to pass through a discharge position, a measurement position, and a discharge position located on a straight line;
An arm that is rotatable between the discharge position and the measurement position and a plurality of inhalation positions, and a sample provided at the tip of the arm and inhaled at one of the plurality of inhalation positions. Dispensing means having a dispensing nozzle that discharges at the measurement position and discharges the reagent sucked at the other one of the plurality of suction positions at the measurement position;
Measurement means for measuring a change in state of the specimen from which the reagent has been discharged at the measurement position;
An analyzer characterized by comprising: A delivery means for delivering a plurality of reaction containers every predetermined number so as to pass through a discharge position, a measurement position, and a discharge position located on a straight line;
An arm that is rotatable and expandable between the discharge position and measurement position and a plurality of inhalation positions, and a sample provided at the tip of the arm and inhaled at one of the inhalation positions is discharged from the arm. The reagent is discharged to each of the predetermined number of reaction containers at a position, and the reagent sucked at another one of the plurality of the suction positions is supplied to each of the predetermined number of reaction containers at the measurement position. A dispensing means having a dispensing nozzle for discharging
Measuring means for measuring in parallel the state change of the specimen from which the reagent has been discharged for each of the predetermined number of reaction containers at the measurement position;
An analyzer characterized by comprising: The delivery means includes
The plurality of reaction containers measured by the measuring means are discharged to the discharge position every predetermined number, and simultaneously, the plurality of reaction containers discharged from the specimen and the reagent are sent to the measurement position every predetermined number. 3. The analyzer according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of new reaction containers are sent to the discharge position every predetermined number.   Measuring the state change of the specimen in which the reagent has been discharged to each of the predetermined number of reaction containers by the measuring means; and discharging the sample to each of the predetermined number of reaction containers by the dispensing means. The analysis apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the analysis is performed in parallel.   5. The reaction container according to claim 1, wherein the reaction container includes a concave storage portion that is continuously formed on a linear tape and into which the specimen and the reagent are discharged by the dispensing means. The analyzer described in one.   6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a supply unit that has a shaft portion and supplies the tape wound around the shaft portion to the delivery device from the tip of the tape. Analysis equipment. An analyzer used for blood coagulation tests, wherein blood is used as the specimen and a blood coagulant is used as the reagent,
The measuring means includes
The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a change in a reflected light amount of the blood from when the blood coagulant is discharged into the blood is continuously measured. A reaction container used in an analyzer comprising a delivery means for delivering a reaction container in a straight line and a dispensing means for discharging a specimen and a reagent,
A reaction container comprising a concave storage portion for storing the specimen and the reagent, which are continuously molded on a linear tape and discharged by the dispensing means.

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