JP2009031204A - Automatic analyzer, and operation method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer capable of performing dilution operation of a sample, and of dispensing the sample to a re-inspection system, an analysis pretreatment function by a diluted solution, and a reaction vessel effectively, and an operation method of the automatic analyzer. <P>SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer includes: a reaction mechanism for obtaining photometric data from a solution mixed with a sample and a reagent and a dilution mechanism attached to the reaction mechanism, for diluting a sample to be diluted and supplied and pre-treating the sample before supplying to the reaction mechanism, in which the dilution mechanism has a dilution operation section for placing a dilution container for diluting it; a dilution container storage section for storing the dilution container with the sample to be diluted; and a conveyance mechanism for conveying the dilution container between the dilution operation section and the dilution container storage section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that acquires photometric data of each reaction container while rotating a plurality of reaction containers into which samples and reagents are dispensed, and more particularly, automatic biochemistry equipped with sample pretreatment and dilution functions. The present invention relates to an analyzer and a method for operating an automatic analyzer.

  Several automatic analyzers that perform a dilution process before acquiring photometric data in a reaction vessel have been proposed in an automatic analyzer that analyzes a plurality of items of blood or urine biological samples.

  Among them, in the dilution mechanism using a dilution table, for example, the type of dilution container is selected according to the analysis item, placed on the dilution table by the transport mechanism, and diluted by dispensing the sample and water or dilution liquid. There are automatic analyzers that dispense liquids into reaction vessels for analysis.

JP-A-5-80059

  However, in the conventional dilution mechanism, the diluted sample is held on the same dilution table even after dispensing into the reaction vessel. As a result, since the dilution table operates at a certain cycle, it can be stored only for a certain period after the first analysis, and an arbitrary storage period cannot be set, and the sample and the dilution liquid are mixed. The dispensing operation is started immediately thereafter, and it is impossible to set an arbitrary reaction time between the sample and the diluted solution after the sample is stirred for dilution.

  Moreover, the sample diluting operation and retesting system, the analysis pretreatment function with the diluting solution, and the dispensing into the reaction container could not be performed efficiently.

  Furthermore, since the dilution working section and the diluted sample storage section are arranged on the same circumference, there is a problem that the dilution table is enlarged and the space efficiency is deteriorated.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a sample dilution operation and retest system, an analysis pretreatment function using a diluted solution, an automatic analyzer capable of efficiently dispensing into a reaction vessel, and a method of operating the automatic analyzer The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention includes a reaction mechanism that obtains photometric data from a mixture of a sample and a reagent, and a dilution mechanism that is attached to the reaction mechanism and performs dilution before supplying the diluted sample to be supplied or processing before supplying to the reaction mechanism. In the automatic analyzer, the dilution mechanism includes a dilution operation unit for placing a dilution container for dilution, a dilution container storage unit for storing the dilution container containing the diluted sample, the dilution operation unit and the dilution container storage. And a transport mechanism for transporting the dilution container to and from the unit.

  The present invention also provides a reaction mechanism provided with a reaction vessel for obtaining photometric data from a mixture of a sample and a reagent, a dilution mechanism attached to the reaction mechanism, and a dilution mechanism provided in the dilution mechanism and supplied to the reaction vessel. In the operation method of the automatic analyzer having a dilution container in which the sample is diluted and the pretreatment is performed before the supply to the reaction container, the dilution mechanism includes a dilution working part for placing a dilution container for dilution, and the dilution unit. A dilution container storage unit for storing the dilution container containing the sample, and a transport mechanism for transporting the dilution container back and forth between the dilution operation unit and the dilution container storage unit, and dispensing from the dilution container Before the analysis in the reaction vessel using the diluted sample is completed, the dilution vessel is moved from the dilution operation unit to the dilution vessel storage unit by the transport mechanism and waits for a re-inspection after the analysis in the reaction vessel is completed. If it is determined to be necessary, and performs dispensing for retest to the reaction vessel from the dilution vessel while at the dilution container to the dilution container storage unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the efficiency of sample diluting operation and retesting, and dispensing into a reaction vessel having a pretreatment function with a diluting solution.

  Further, the space can be reduced by providing the outer peripheral rotary table of the dilution mechanism and the inner peripheral rotary table concentrically.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, the outline of the automatic analyzer of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  The automatic analyzer is used to hold a plurality of dilution containers for sample dilution by aspirating the sample from the sample dispensing position where the sample container 3 containing the sample to be analyzed is set and the sample dispensing position. The dilution mechanism 1 includes an outer periphery rotation table 15, an inner periphery rotation table 16, and a detector 10.

  The outer peripheral rotary table 15 forms a dilution working part of the dilution mechanism 1. The inner peripheral rotation table 16 forms a dilution container storage part of the dilution mechanism 1.

  The inner periphery rotation table 16 is placed inside the outer periphery rotation table 15. The rotation axis of the outer periphery rotary table 15 and the rotation axis of the inner periphery rotation table 16 are concentric. The outer peripheral rotary table 15 and the inner peripheral rotary table are rotationally driven separately by the driving means.

  Since the inner periphery rotation table 16 is placed inside the outer periphery rotation table 15 and the rotation axis of the outer periphery rotation table 15 and the rotation axis of the inner periphery rotation table 16 are concentric, the outer diameter of the dilution mechanism 1 is reduced. A small space that can be kept small can be realized.

  In addition, since the outer peripheral rotary table 15 and the inner peripheral rotary table are driven to rotate separately, the sample dilution operation and retest system, and the pre-analysis process using the diluted solution can be executed separately, and the work efficiency can be improved.

  Further, the automatic analyzer includes the outer peripheral rotary table 15, the sample dispensing mechanism 2 that discharges to the outer peripheral rotary table 15, and the dilution water or dilution liquid 18 in the dilution liquid container 18 on the outer peripheral rotary table 15. A dilution nozzle 11 that discharges the liquid, and a stirring mechanism 12 that stirs the sample discharged to the dilution container 25 and water or the diluted liquid.

  Further, the automatic analyzer sucks the stirred sample and discharges it to the reaction table 5 from the diluted sample dispensing mechanism 4, the first reagent table 8 and the second reagent table 9. The dilution container 25 that has been dispensed into the first reagent dispensing mechanism 6, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 7, and the reaction table 5 that perform dispensing is arranged on the inner peripheral rotary table 16 coaxially with the outer peripheral rotary table 15. And a dilution mechanism cleaning mechanism 13 for cleaning the diluted container 25 that has been analyzed.

  The automatic analyzer includes a control device (not shown) including a computer for controlling the operation of the inner and outer peripheral rotary tables and various mechanisms, and the automatic analyzer is operated.

  Depending on the analysis item, the automatic analyzer dilutes with a dedicated dilution solution as a pretreatment before dispensing into the reaction vessel, reacts the sample with the diluted solution for a certain period of time, and then uses the reagent in the reaction vessel. There is an item to obtain photometric data by reacting.

  In the conventional automatic analyzer, the pretreatment work needs to be performed by the manual operation method before the automatic analyzer is charged, which hinders improvement in work efficiency. In addition, since the dilution table operates in a certain cycle, it can be stored only for a certain period after the first analysis is performed, and an arbitrary storage period cannot be set, and after mixing the sample and the dilution liquid The dispensing operation is started immediately, and it is impossible to set an arbitrary reaction time between the sample and the diluted solution after the sample is stirred for dilution.

  Furthermore, since the diluted sample is retained on the same dilution table after dispensing into the reaction vessel, the sample diluting operation and retest system, pre-analysis processing function using the diluting solution, and dispensing into the reaction vessel Could not be carried out efficiently.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, the dilution operation that has been conventionally performed by the manual operation method is automatically performed on the inner and outer peripheral rotary tables, and the dilution liquid is automatically dispensed and mixed into the sample. This makes it possible to improve the work efficiency of analysis.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the dilution mechanism 1 of the present invention.

  The dilution mechanism 1 is provided so as to be attached to a reaction mechanism that obtains photometric data from a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent.

  The diluting mechanism 1 holding the diluting vessel 25 is a peripheral rotation in which sample dispensing and water or diluting solution dispensing, stirring in the diluting vessel, dispensing into the reaction vessel, and washing operation of the diluting vessel after completion of analysis are performed. After dispensing into the table 15 and the reaction container 14, wait until the analysis is completed and re-examination is required, or after dispensing and stirring of the diluting solution, the sample and the diluting solution are allowed to react for a certain period of time. In the meantime, an inner peripheral rotary table 16 intended to hold the dilution container is arranged on the same axis.

  The dilution mechanism 1 includes a table mechanism having a structure in which each of the inner and outer peripheral rotary tables can operate independently, driving means for independently driving the inner and outer peripheral rotary tables, and a dilution container 25 on the outer periphery. A transport mechanism 17 that enables transport between the rotary table 15 and the inner peripheral rotary table 16 is provided.

  The sample is sucked from the sample container 3 arranged at the sample dispensing position by the sample dispensing mechanism 2 provided in the dilution mechanism 1. The sucked sample is discharged to a dilution container 25 arranged on the outer peripheral rotary table 15 of the dilution mechanism 1. The dilution container 25 into which the sample has been dispensed then rotates on the outer peripheral rotary table 15 to the discharge position of water or dilution liquid.

  The dilution nozzle 11 is rotatable between a dilution container position, a nozzle washing tank position 24, and a suction position of the dilution liquid container 18, and is driven up and down to perform suction and discharge operations. When discharging water, it moves from the washing position to the dilution container position, descends and discharges water.

  When the dilution liquid is necessary, it moves from the cleaning position to the dilution liquid suction position, the dilution nozzle 11 descends and sucks the dilution liquid, then moves to the dilution container position and descends to discharge the dilution liquid. After the discharge of water or dilution liquid is completed, the dilution container 25 is then rotated to the stirring position and stirring is performed. The stirring mechanism 12 can be moved to the washing tank position and the dilution container stirring position, and is driven up and down to perform stirring.

  The dilution container 25 that has been stirred is then rotated to the dispensing position for the reaction container 14. Here, the diluted sample dispensing mechanism 4 dispenses the diluted sample into the reaction vessel 14. The diluted sample dispensing mechanism 4 can be moved to the nozzle cleaning position, the reaction container discharge position, the suction position of the outer peripheral rotary table of the dilution mechanism, and the suction position of the inner peripheral rotary table described later by rotational movement, and is driven up and down. Aspirate and dispense diluted sample.

  At this time, a reaction time between the sample and the diluted solution is required. In the case of a diluted sample that cannot be dispensed into the reaction vessel 14 at this time, the dilute sample dispensing mechanism 4 dispenses the solution into the reaction vessel 14. Do not make a note. The diluted sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel 14 after the reaction time has elapsed.

  Next, the dilution container 25 is rotationally moved to the position of the transfer mechanism 17 of the dilution container, and is transferred from the outer peripheral rotary table 15 to a predetermined position of the inner peripheral rotary table 16 by the transfer mechanism 17. At this time, the inner peripheral rotary table 16 rotates and moves so that a predetermined position where the dilution container 25 is not held becomes the position of the transport mechanism unit 17. The conveyance mechanism unit 17 shows linear drive conveyance in the drawing, but may be a rotation drive conveyance mechanism.

  The inner peripheral rotary table 16 has a plurality of dilution container holding portions, and holds the dilution container 25 at an arbitrary time. The inner turntable 16 shown in the drawing has a dilution container holding portion double (2 rows), but it may have a dilution container holding structure of single (1 row) or triple (3 rows) or more.

  In the case of the conventional dilution mechanism, the dilution container holding position is only on the single circumference provided on the outer peripheral rotary table. Here, the dilution container waiting for re-examination was also stored. However, as in the embodiment of the present invention, the function is divided and held in the outer peripheral rotary table (dilution working part) and the inner peripheral rotary table (dilution container storage part). With this configuration, space efficiency is improved and space saving can be achieved.

  The diluted sample dispensing mechanism 4 described above can be moved to the dilution container position in the inner peripheral rotary table 16 by rotation and up / down drive, and reacts with the diluted sample after the reaction time of the sample and the diluted solution has elapsed. Dispensing operation to the container 14 is enabled.

  In addition, even for samples that have been analyzed on the reaction table 5 and need to be re-examined, the re-inspection can be performed by similarly dispensing the diluted sample from the inner peripheral rotation table 16 into the reaction vessel 14. To do.

  In the case of the conventional dilution mechanism, when re-examination is necessary, the dispensing operation, dilution, stirring, and dilution container washing operation are stopped, the dilution mechanism is forcibly rotated, and the required dilution container position is diluted. It was necessary to move to the dispensing position.

  With the structure of this embodiment, since the retest sample is held on the inner peripheral rotary table 16 different from the outer peripheral rotary table 15, the dilution sample is separated by moving the inner peripheral rotary table 16 without changing the outer peripheral rotary table 15. Allows to make notes.

  After the series of analyzes on the reaction table 5 has been completed, the reexamination has been completed, or the reexamination is unnecessary and the dilution container 25 on the inner peripheral rotary table 16 that does not need to hold the diluted sample is then the inner peripheral rotary table. The rotary mechanism 16 moves again to the position of the transport mechanism, and is transported from the inner peripheral rotary table 16 to the outer peripheral rotary table 15 by the transport mechanism 17.

  The dilution container 25 conveyed to the outer peripheral rotary table 15 is then rotated to the dilution container cleaning mechanism position. The cleaning mechanism 13 is driven up and down to suck the diluted sample in the diluted container, clean the container, and dry it. The outer peripheral rotary table 15 is used for dispensing the original sample into the dilution container, dispensing water or dilution liquid, stirring the dilution container, dispensing the diluted sample into the reaction container, and the inner periphery of the transport mechanism 17. A transfer operation to the rotary table 16 and a cleaning operation of the dilution container are performed.

  For this reason, the outer periphery rotary table 15 rotates so that each operation | work is performed at a periodic interval so that each arrangement | positioning can be implement | achieved efficiently and easily. The cleaning operation of the dilution container 25 is divided into three operations.

  One is the operation 21 for aspirating and discarding the diluted sample remaining in the dilution container, the other is the operation 22 for washing the inside of the dilution container by discharging and sucking the washing water, and the other is the aspiration and drying without leaving the remaining water. An operation 23 is considered.

  The above three functions can be combined into a single cleaning mechanism 13 in terms of apparatus configuration and compactness. In order to combine the cleaning mechanism 13 into one, the dilution container 25 for cleaning is continuously connected. Therefore, when transporting from the inner peripheral rotary table 16 to the outer peripheral rotary table 15, the transport mechanism 17 and the outer peripheral rotary table 15 are controlled so that the dilution containers 25 to be cleaned are continuously disposed. This is possible.

  The dilution container 25 can be used repeatedly by washing each sample. However, the repeated use increases the deterioration of the dilution container 25 and increases the possibility of causing sample contamination. Or even if not repeatedly used, the same problem may occur due to deterioration of the material of the dilution container 25 or the like.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, a counting means is provided in the control unit of the automatic analyzer, and the number of times of use or the period of use of the used dilution container 25 is counted and stored, so that the degree of deterioration of the dilution container 25 is grasped. Then, the control unit determines whether or not the continuous use is possible by comparing with a use count or period as a limit value set in advance.

  As a result of the determination, the dilution container 25 that has reached the limit value is moved to the dilution container disposal position disposed outside the outer rotation table 15 by the transfer mechanism 17 at the timing when the dilution container 25 is transferred from the inner rotation table 16 to the outer rotation table 15. Discarded.

  In order to compensate for the shortage of discarded dilution containers, a dilution container supply mechanism 20 for supplying unused dilution containers is provided on the operation of the transport mechanism in the same manner as the dilution container discarding position. Dilution containers are supplied.

  Conventionally, an operator records the usage period of the dilution container, and the dilution container used for a predetermined period of time is manually replaced by the operator. In the present embodiment, the dilution container can be automatically replaced by arranging the transport mechanism in the dilution mechanism section.

  When the dilution container is replaced by the transport mechanism, the dilution container gripped and transported by the transport mechanism is discarded at the dilution container disposal unit 19 (dilution container disposal position). Instead, the dilution container is transported from the dilution container storage position by the transport mechanism. It is realized by replenishing.

  The transport mechanism described above includes a belt conveyor, a transport line, and a crane that lifts, lowers, and transports the dilution container vertically, which is provided across the dilution working section and the dilution container storage section.

  The above dilution will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step 26, the sample is dispensed, followed by dilution 27 (step 27). Dilution of water is performed and stirring is performed (step 28). When the dispensing of the diluted sample from the diluted container is completed (step 29), the diluted container is transferred to the inner peripheral rotary table 16 (step 30) and waits for the next reexamination (step 31).

  On the other hand, the diluted solution in which the diluted solution is diluted in step 27 and stirring is performed (step 35) is transferred to the inner peripheral rotary table 16 without obtaining the diluted sample, and waits for the diluted sample to be dispensed. This is the case when time is spent reacting the sample with the diluent. When the time required for the reaction elapses, the diluted sample is dispensed from the dilution container (step 37), and the process waits for the reexamination (step 31) described above.

  When the reinspection becomes unnecessary in the reinspection (step 31), it is determined whether or not the dilution container can be discarded (step 32). When the container can be discarded, the dilution container is discarded (step 39). Instead, the dilution container is replenished from the dilution container storage position (dilution container supply unit) to the outer peripheral rotary table (step 40), and the routine of step 26 is executed. Return.

  If it is determined in the reexamination (step 31) that the reexamination is necessary, the diluting sample is dispensed from the diluting container (step 38), and then it is determined whether the dilution container can be discarded (step 32). When the disposal is not accepted in step 32, the dilution container is transferred to the outer peripheral rotary table (step 33), the dilution container is washed (step 34), and the routine returns to the routine of step 26.

  As described above, by providing the outer peripheral rotary table of the dilution working unit, the inner peripheral rotary table of the dilution container storage unit, and the driving means capable of separately driving the outer peripheral rotary table and the inner peripheral rotary table, the following Goodness can be obtained.

  (1). Before the analysis in the reaction container using the diluted sample dispensed from the dilution container is completed, the dilution container is moved from the dilution work section to the dilution container storage section by the transport mechanism and waits for completion of the analysis in the reaction container. If it is determined that re-examination is necessary later, the re-inspection can be dispensed from the dilution container to the reaction container while the dilution container is left in the dilution container storage unit.

  (2). When it is determined that re-inspection is necessary after the analysis in the reaction container is completed, the inner peripheral rotary table is rotationally driven to move the dilution container to the dispensing position for dispensing.

  (3). In the pretreatment that takes time to react with the sample and the diluted solution, the sample and the diluted solution that has been dispensed and agitated are transferred from the outer peripheral rotary table to the inner peripheral rotary table and waited. After the lapse of time, the dilution container can be dispensed from the dilution container to the reaction container while being placed on the inner peripheral rotary table.

  In this way, the outer peripheral rotary table and the inner peripheral rotary table of the dilution container storage unit can be used separately without being constrained to each other, so that the sample dilution operation and retest system, the analysis pretreatment function using the dilution liquid, the reaction container Can be efficiently dispensed.

The top view which concerns on one Example of this invention and shows the outline | summary of an automatic analyzer. The top view related to one Example of this invention and expanded and showed the dilution mechanism. The flowchart which concerns on one Example of this invention, and mainly showed the flow of dilution.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Dilution mechanism, 2 ... Sample dispensing mechanism, 3 ... Sample container, 4 ... Diluted sample dispensing mechanism, 5 ... Reaction table, 6 ... 1st reagent dispensing mechanism, 7 ... 2nd reagent dispensing mechanism, 8 ... 1st reagent table, 9 ... 2nd reagent table, 10 ... detector, 11 ... dilution nozzle, 12 ... stirring mechanism, 13 ... washing mechanism, 14 ... reaction vessel, 15 ... outer periphery table, 16 ... inner periphery table, 17 ... Transport mechanism, 18 ... dilution container, 19 ... dilution container disposal section, 20 ... dilution container supply mechanism, 21 ... dilution container washing section (sample suction), 22 ... dilution container washing section (water discharge / suction), 23 ... dilution Container washing section (residual water suction / drying), 24 ... washing tank, 25 ... dilution container.

Claims (8)

An automatic analyzer comprising a reaction mechanism for obtaining photometric data from a mixture of a sample and a reagent, and a dilution mechanism attached to the reaction mechanism, in which dilution of a diluted sample to be supplied and pretreatment for processing before supply to the reaction mechanism are performed In
The dilution mechanism includes a dilution unit that stores a dilution container for dilution, a dilution container storage unit that stores the dilution container containing the diluted sample, and the dilution unit and the dilution container storage unit. An automatic analyzer comprising a transport mechanism for transporting a dilution container. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
An outer peripheral rotary table that forms the dilution working unit, and an inner peripheral rotary table that is disposed inside the outer peripheral rotary table and forms the dilution container storage unit;
An automatic analyzer characterized in that a rotation axis of the outer peripheral rotary table and a rotation axis of the inner peripheral rotary table are concentric. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
An outer peripheral rotary table that forms the dilution working unit, and an inner peripheral rotary table that is disposed inside the outer peripheral rotary table and forms the dilution container storage unit;
An automatic analyzer comprising drive means capable of separately driving the outer peripheral rotary table and the inner peripheral rotary table. In the automatic analyzer as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
The transport mechanism includes a belt conveyor, a transport line, and a crane that moves the dilution container vertically up and down and horizontally transports and moves the dilution container and the dilution container storage unit. Analysis equipment. A reaction mechanism provided with a reaction vessel for obtaining photometric data from a mixture of a sample and a reagent, a dilution mechanism attached to the reaction mechanism, and dilution of a diluted sample supplied to the reaction vessel and the reaction provided in the dilution mechanism In an operation method of an automatic analyzer having a dilution container in which pretreatment is performed before supply to the container,
The dilution mechanism includes a dilution section for placing a dilution container for dilution, a dilution container storage section for storing the dilution container containing the diluted sample, and a back and forth between the dilution section and the dilution container storage section. And a transport mechanism for transporting the dilution container,
Before the analysis in the reaction container using the diluted sample dispensed from the dilution container is completed, the dilution container is moved from the dilution working section to the dilution container storage section by the transport mechanism and waits.
If it is determined that re-inspection is necessary after the analysis in the reaction container is completed, dispensing the re-inspection from the dilution container to the reaction container while leaving the dilution container in the dilution container storage unit. A method of operating an automatic analyzer that is characterized. In the operation method of the automatic analyzer according to claim 5,
An outer peripheral rotary table that forms the dilution working unit, and an inner peripheral rotary table that is disposed inside the outer peripheral rotary table and forms the dilution container storage unit;
Operation of an automatic analyzer characterized in that when it is determined that re-examination is necessary after the analysis in the reaction vessel is completed, the dilution table is moved to a dispensing position by rotationally driving the inner peripheral rotary table. Method. The operation method of the automatic analyzer according to claim 6,
In the pretreatment that takes time for the reaction between the sample and the diluted solution, the diluted container after the sample, the dispensing of the diluted solution, and the stirring are transferred from the outer peripheral rotary table to the inner peripheral rotary table and waits. ,
A method of operating an automatic analyzer, characterized in that when the time spent for reaction elapses, the dilution container is dispensed from the dilution container to the reaction container while being placed on the inner peripheral rotary table. In the operation method of the automatic analyzer as described in any one of Claims 5-7,
A counting means for counting the period of use or the number of times of use of the dilution container; a dilution container disposal position for discarding the dilution container; and a dilution container storage position for storing the dilution container;
When the count value of the counting means exceeds a predetermined value, the transfer mechanism transports the dilution container to the dilution container discarding position and discards it. Instead, the transport mechanism transports the dilution container from the dilution container storage position. The method of operating the automatic analyzer is characterized by replenishment.

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