JP2009053029A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately compensate the absorbance of measured reaction liquid for each reaction vessel, and to improve the analysis accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: A reader/writer device 25 is arranged on the outer periphery side of a reaction table 19, and short-distance radio communications are performed between it and an IC tag 223 mounted on the reaction vessel. Optical path length information 223b is stored in memory of the IC tag 223. The reader/writer device 25 reads this optical path length information 223b in non-contact, and stores it in a storage section 47. In the analyzing processing of an analyte, a control section 4 reads, from the storage section 47, the optical path length information read from the IC tag 223 of the reaction vessel of a measuring object, and outputs it to an analysis section 41. The analysis section 41 calculates the absorbance from the measurement result by a measuring optical system 23 using the optical path length information of the reaction vessel of the measuring object, and analyzes the analyte. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for dispensing a liquid in a reaction container and analyzing a reaction liquid obtained by mixing and reacting different liquids in the reaction container.

  Conventionally, there has been an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample by dispensing a sample and a reagent in a reaction vessel, reacting them, measuring the intensity of light transmitted through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel, and calculating the absorbance. Are known. In recent years, miniaturization of reaction vessels has been desired for the purpose of reducing the amount of specimens and reagents, and with this miniaturization of reaction vessels, stirring devices that generate non-contact stirring by generating sound waves have been proposed. . For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a surface acoustic wave element provided with a comb-shaped electrode (IDT) on a piezoelectric substrate is attached to each reaction vessel used for analysis, and the liquid in the reaction vessel is stirred by generating sound waves. Is disclosed.

JP 2006-90791 A

  By the way, the absorbance of the reaction solution in the reaction vessel is calculated from the measurement result obtained by measuring the reaction solution, using the optical path length of the reaction vessel and the blank value obtained by measuring the blank sample. The characteristics of the optical path length and the blank value are different for each reaction vessel. However, conventionally, the absorbance was calculated with these values fixed. For example, the optical path length is fixed using the design value, and the absorbance is calculated by converting to the standard optical path length. For this reason, when manufacturing a reaction vessel with a short optical path length with the same processing accuracy, since the error between the design value and the actual measurement value is the same, the effect of the error increases as the optical path length is shortened, There was a problem that the analysis accuracy was lowered. On the other hand, when the processing accuracy is increased, the yield decreases or the manufacturing cost increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can appropriately correct the measured absorbance of a reaction solution for each reaction container and improve analysis accuracy. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention dispenses a liquid into a reaction vessel and analyzes a reaction solution obtained by mixing and reacting different liquids in the reaction vessel. An automatic analyzer that measures the intensity of light passing through the liquid in the measurement target reaction container by irradiating the measurement target reaction container with the analysis light, and the optical related to the measurement target reaction container The optical property acquisition means for acquiring the physical characteristic information and the optical property information acquired by the optical characteristic acquisition means are used to calculate the absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container to be measured from the measurement result by the measurement means. And an analyzing means for analyzing the liquid.

  Further, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the optical characteristic information about the reaction container is written in the reaction container, and at least the optical characteristic information can be read. A contact-type information medium is mounted, and the optical characteristic acquisition means reads out and acquires the optical characteristic information from the information medium of the measurement target reaction container in a non-contact state.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the optical characteristic information includes optical path length information of the reaction container to be measured.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the optical characteristic information includes at least one of blank values for the reaction container to be measured.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to correct the absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container to be measured, which is measured by the measuring means, using the optical characteristic information regarding the reaction container to be measured. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately correct the absorbance of the reaction solution measured by the measuring means for each reaction container, and the analysis accuracy can be improved.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment is an apparatus that automatically performs biochemical analysis of a plurality of specimens, and dispenses specimens and reagents to be analyzed into reaction containers, respectively. The reaction is measured optically. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the automatic analyzer 1. FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view in the radial direction of the reaction table 19 as a container mounting table constituting the automatic analyzer 1, and FIG. 4 is a partial transverse sectional view of the reaction table 19. The automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample table 11, a sample dispensing mechanism 13, two reagent tables 15 (15-1, 15-2), two reagent dispensing mechanisms 17 (17-1, 17-2), and a reaction table. 19, measurement optical system 23, reader / writer device 25, three stirring devices 27 (27-1, 27-2, 27-3), cleaning device 29, and the like. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the automatic analyzer 1 controls each part of the apparatus, and controls the operation of the entire apparatus by giving an operation timing instruction and data transfer to each part. Part 4 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sample table 11 stores a plurality of sample containers 111 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. A specimen such as blood or urine is accommodated in the specimen container 111. The sample table 11 is configured to be capable of intermittent rotation about the center of rotation as a rotation axis by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4, and a desired sample container 111 is placed at a predetermined position. Transport to. Then, the sample in the sample container 111 transported to the predetermined position is dispensed into the reaction container 22 that is transported while being arranged on the reaction table 19 by the sample dispensing mechanism 13. In addition, on the sample table 11, a sample container 111b containing a blank sample such as ion-exchanged water for obtaining a blank value which is an example of optical characteristic information is appropriately placed. Then, the blank sample is dispensed by the sample dispensing mechanism 13 into the reaction container 22 to be blanked on the reaction table 19.

  The specimen dispensing mechanism 13 includes an arm 131 that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. The arm 131 includes a liquid such as a specimen or a blank sample. A probe for performing suction and discharge is attached. The sample dispensing mechanism 13 aspirates a sample or a blank sample from the sample container 111 transported to a predetermined position on the sample table 11 with a probe under the control of the control unit 4. Then, the arm 131 is rotated, and the sample or blank sample is discharged into the reaction container 22 transported to the sample dispensing position on the reaction table 19 to perform dispensing. The probe of the specimen dispensing mechanism 13 is flushed and washed in a washing tank (not shown) disposed on the movement path after the dispensing is completed.

  The reagent table 15 (15-1, 15-2) is configured to be capable of intermittent rotation about the rotation axis thereof by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4, A desired reagent container 151 is transported to a predetermined position. Each reagent container 151 stores a predetermined reagent corresponding to the analysis item. For example, one reagent table 15-1 stores a reagent container 151 storing a first reagent, and the other reagent table 15 stores one reagent table 151. -2 stores the reagent container 151 containing the second reagent. In addition, a thermostat bath (not shown) is provided below each reagent table 15, and the reagents contained in each reagent container 151 are kept cool and kept in a constant temperature state. Thereby, evaporation and denaturation of the reagent can be suppressed.

  The reagent dispensing mechanism 17 (17-1, 17-2), like the sample dispensing mechanism 13, can freely move up and down in the vertical direction and rotate around the vertical line passing through its proximal end as the central axis. The arm 171 is provided, and the arm 171 is configured with a probe for aspirating and discharging the reagent, respectively. One reagent dispensing mechanism 17-1 sucks the first reagent from the reagent container 151 transported to a predetermined position on the reagent table 15-1 by the probe under the control of the control unit 4. Then, the arm 171 is rotated, and dispensing is performed by discharging the first reagent into the reaction container 22 transported to the first reagent dispensing position on the reaction table 19. Similarly, the other reagent dispensing mechanism 17-2 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container 151 transported to a predetermined position on the reagent table 15-2 by the probe under the control of the control unit 4. Then, the arm 171 is rotated, and the second reagent is discharged into the reaction container 22 transported to the second reagent dispensing position on the reaction table 19 to perform dispensing. The probe of each reagent dispensing mechanism 17 is flushed and washed in a washing tank (not shown) disposed on the movement path after the dispensing is completed.

  A plurality of storage chambers 21 are formed on the reaction table 19 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and reaction containers 22 are detachably mounted in the storage chambers 21. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the reaction vessel 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the reaction container 22 is a rectangular tube-like container that holds a liquid therein, and an IC tag that is an information medium in which a non-contact type IC chip such as an RFID tag is built in the outer surface 221. For example, 223 is attached and attached. The IC tag 223 includes a memory, an antenna, a control circuit, and the like, and is configured to be able to read, write, and rewrite data in the memory by the reader / writer device 25, and responds to radio waves from the reader / writer device 25. Then, the data written in the memory is transmitted to the reader / writer device 25. Alternatively, the IC tag 223 writes the data received from the reader / writer device 25 into the memory. In the present embodiment, the memory of the IC tag 223 stores a serial number 223a and optical path length information 223b, which is an example of optical characteristic information, as shown in FIG. The serial number 223a is an identification number uniquely assigned to the reaction vessel 22. The optical path length information 223b is a distance d through which the analysis light shown in FIG. 5 passes through the reaction solution. The reaction vessel 22 is formed of an optically transparent material. Specifically, a material that transmits 80% or more of the light contained in the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) emitted from the measurement optical system 23, for example, glass including heat-resistant glass, synthetic resin such as cyclic olefin, polystyrene, or the like. used. A portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line on the lower side adjacent to the portion to which the IC tag 223 is attached on the outer surface 221 of the reaction vessel 22 is used as a photometric window 225 that transmits the analysis light of the measurement optical system 23. Is done.

  The reaction container 22 is placed on the reaction table 19 with the IC tag 223 facing outward. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reaction table 19 includes a container holding member 191 that holds the reaction container 22 by dividing the reaction table 19 into storage chambers 21 (see FIG. 1). The reaction container 22 is held on the container holding member 191 and placed on the reaction table 19. The container holding member 191 is configured to be rotatable about the center of the reaction table 19 as a rotation axis by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 4. Rotate one reaction vessel per cycle. By the rotation of the container holding member 191, the reaction container 22 causes the sample dispensing position on the reaction table 19, the first reagent dispensing position, the second reagent dispensing position, the stirring position, the measurement position, and the waste liquid below the cleaning device 29. It is transported to various positions such as a discharge position, a cleaning position, and a suction drying position (tag reading position). A constant temperature bath 193 such as a water bath is provided below the container holding member 191 to keep the internal temperature at a temperature about the body temperature.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the analysis light from the measurement optical system 23 is incident on the container holding member 191 from the photometric window 225 of the outer surface 221 of the reaction container 22 shown in FIG. A photometric hole 195 is formed for transmission in the 19 radial direction. On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, the thermostat 193 communicates with the photometric hole 195 of the container holding member 191 that holds the reaction container 22 at the measurement position, and the analysis light from the measurement optical system 23 is radially inward of the reaction table 19. An opening that guides from the outside to the outside is formed.

  The measurement optical system 23 corresponds to a measurement unit, and under the control of the control unit 4, the reaction vessel 22 transported to the measurement position is irradiated with analysis light, and the reaction solution or blank sample in the reaction vessel 22 is irradiated. The light transmitted through the liquid is received and the spectral intensity is measured. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the measurement optical system 23. As shown in FIG. 6, the measurement optical system 23 includes a light emitting unit 231 that emits analysis light, and a photometric unit 233 that measures the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 231 and transmitted through the reaction solution or the blank sample in the reaction vessel 22. With. The light emitting unit 231 includes a light source 231a that emits analysis light (340 to 800 nm) including all wavelengths used for analysis, and a lens 231b that collects the analysis light from the light source 231a and enters the reaction container 22. . The photometry unit 233 includes a lens 233a that condenses light transmitted through the liquid in the reaction container 22, a grating 233b that separates the light collected by the lens 233a into light of each wavelength used for analysis, and a grating 233b. A photodiode array 233c that receives the dispersed light and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received; The electrical signal output from the photodiode array 233c is output to the control unit 4 as a measurement result via an amplifier, an A / D converter, or the like (not shown). A measurement result obtained by the measurement optical system 23 is analyzed by an analysis unit 41 connected to the control unit 4.

  A reader / writer device 25 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the reaction table 19. The reader / writer device 25 corresponds to an optical characteristic acquisition unit, and performs short-range wireless communication with the IC tag 223 attached to the reaction container 22 under the control of the control unit 4 to transmit data. Reading is performed without contact. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, short-range wireless communication is performed for the reaction vessel 22 conveyed to the position opposed to the reader / writer device 25 as the vessel holding member 191 rotates, and the reaction vessel 22 The serial number 223a and / or the optical path length information 223b are read from the IC tag 223 attached to the optical tag 223 and output to the control unit 4. At this time, the container holding member 191 that holds each reaction container 22 partitions the reaction containers 22 and prevents interference between the IC tags 223 attached to the adjacent reaction containers 22. The communication distance between the IC tag 223 and the reader / writer device 25, the communication method, and the like can be selected as appropriate. In order to prevent interference between the IC tags 223, a reader / writer device 25 having a narrow directional antenna can be used.

  The stirrer 27 (27-1, 27-2, 27-3) stirs the sample and the reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel 22 transported to the stir position by a stirrer (not shown) and performs a reaction. Promote. After the stirring is completed, the stirring rod is washed and washed with a cleaning tank (not shown) to which cleaning water is supplied.

  The cleaning device 29 cleans and dries the reaction container 22 that is sequentially transported to the waste liquid discharge position, the cleaning position, and the suction drying position after the measurement by the measurement optical system 23 is completed.

  Specifically, a waste liquid suction nozzle is provided above the waste liquid discharge position, and is connected to a tank or a suction pump for storing the waste liquid. Under the control of the control unit 4, the waste liquid suction nozzle moves up and down with respect to the inside of the reaction container 22 at the waste liquid discharge position by the drive mechanism, and sucks the reaction liquid (waste liquid) in the reaction container 22. Discharge.

  Above the cleaning position, a cleaning nozzle that combines a cleaning liquid discharge nozzle for supplying a cleaning liquid into the reaction container 22 and a cleaning liquid suction nozzle for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied into the reaction container 22 by the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle The cleaning liquid discharge nozzle is connected to a tank or pump that stores cleaning liquid such as pure water, for example, and the cleaning liquid suction nozzle is connected to a tank or pump that stores cleaning waste liquid. In the present embodiment, the cleaning device 29 includes two sets of cleaning nozzles, which are provided above the first and second cleaning positions, respectively. Under the control of the control unit 4, each cleaning nozzle moves up and down with respect to the inside of the reaction container 22 at the cleaning position by its drive mechanism, and discharges the cleaning liquid into the reaction container 22 by the cleaning liquid discharge nozzle and supplies it. At the same time, the cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 22 is sucked and discharged by the cleaning liquid suction nozzle.

  A suction drying nozzle is provided above the suction drying position, and is connected to a tank for storing waste liquid and a suction pump. Under the control of the control unit 4, the suction drying nozzle moves up and down with respect to the inside of the reaction vessel 22 at the suction drying position by the drive mechanism, and sucks and dries the cleaning liquid remaining in the reaction vessel 22. The reader / writer device 25 described above is provided in the vicinity of the suction drying position, for example, and short-distance wireless communication with the IC tag 223 mounted on the reaction container 22 conveyed to the suction drying position as the container holding member 191 rotates. I do. Hereinafter, the suction drying position is appropriately referred to as a tag reading position.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a transport path of the reaction container 22 on the reaction table 19, and the reaction container 22 is sequentially transported to each position P1 to P12, and analysis processing is executed. That is, in the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above, the reaction container 22 is first transported to the first reagent dispensing position P1, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 17-1 places the first reagent in the reagent container 151 in the reaction container 22. Dispense. Next, the reaction vessel 22 is transported to the first stirring position P2, and the stirring device 27-1 stirs the first reagent in the reaction vessel 22. Next, the reaction container 22 is transported to the sample dispensing position P3, and the sample dispensing mechanism 13 dispenses the sample in the sample container 111 into the reaction container 22. Next, the reaction container 22 is transported to the second stirring position P4, and the stirring device 27-2 stirs the first reagent and the sample in the reaction container 22. This promotes the reaction. Then, the reaction vessel 22 is transported to the measurement position P5, and the measurement optical system 23 measures the spectral intensity of the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 22. The measurement result is output to the analysis unit 41 via the control unit 4 and analyzed. Thereby, the component analysis of the specimen is automatically performed. Subsequently, the reaction container 22 is transported to the second reagent dispensing position P6, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 17-2 dispenses the second reagent in the reagent container 151 into the reaction container 22. Next, the reaction container 22 is transported to the third stirring position P7, and the stirring device 27-3 stirs the first reagent, the sample, and the second reagent in the reaction container 22. This promotes the reaction. Then, the reaction vessel 22 is transported to the measurement position P8, and the measurement optical system 23 measures the spectral intensity of the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 22. The measurement result is output to the analysis unit 41 and analyzed.

  Subsequently, the reaction container 22 is transported to the waste liquid discharge position P9, and the cleaning device 29 discharges the waste liquid in the reaction container 22. Next, the reaction vessel 22 is sequentially transported to the first cleaning position P10 and the second cleaning position P11. At each of the cleaning positions P10 and P11, the cleaning device 29 discharges and sucks cleaning water into the reaction vessel 22 to perform water cleaning inside. Next, the reaction container 22 is conveyed to the suction drying position P12, and the cleaning device 29 sucks the cleaning water in the reaction container 22 and dries it. The reaction container 22 sucked and dried at the suction drying position P12 is again transported to the first reagent dispensing position P1, and a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated. Further, the IC tag 223 of the reaction container 22 transported to the suction drying position (tag reading position) P12 is read by the reader / writer device 25 at a timing such as when the analysis process is started or when the analysis is once interrupted and restarted. The short-range wireless communication is performed to read the serial number 223a, and the reaction container 22 placed at each placement position (placement position) of the reaction table 19 is determined and recognized.

  Moreover, in the automatic analyzer 1 of this Embodiment, the blank analysis process about the reaction container 22 on the reaction table 19 is performed at predetermined timing, and the blank value about this reaction container 22 is newly acquired. In this blank analysis process, a blank sample is dispensed in the reaction vessel 22 to be blanked instead of the specimen and the reagent, and a blank value is obtained. That is, the reaction container 22 is first transported to the sample dispensing position (P3), and the sample dispensing mechanism 13 dispenses the blank sample in the sample container 111b into the reaction container 22. Then, the reaction vessel 22 is transported to the measurement positions (P5, P8), and the measurement optical system 23 measures the spectral intensity of the blank sample in the reaction vessel 22. The measurement result is output to the analysis unit 41 and analyzed. Thereby, a blank value for the reaction container 22 to be blanked is obtained.

  The control unit 4 is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and is stored in a proper place in the apparatus. The control unit 4 controls analysis processing and blank analysis processing by the automatic analyzer 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 4 is connected to an analysis unit 41 so that a measurement result by the measurement optical system 23 is appropriately output.

  The analysis unit 41 corresponds to an analysis unit, analyzes the concentration of the analysis target component in the sample based on the measurement result by the measurement optical system 23, and outputs the analysis result to the control unit 4. Specifically, the analysis unit 41 calculates the absorbance based on the amount of light related to the reaction liquid in the reaction container 22 to be measured. When calculating the absorbance, the optical path length information read from the IC tag 223 of the reaction container 22 to be measured is used. And the analysis part 41 correct | amends the light absorbency computed using the blank value about the reaction container 22 of this measuring object, and converts it into the density | concentration of an analysis object component. In addition, the analysis unit 41 analyzes the blank value of the blank sample based on the measurement result by the measurement optical system 23 and outputs the analysis result to the control unit 4. Specifically, the analysis unit 41 calculates the absorbance based on the amount of light related to the blank sample in the reaction container 22 to be blanked and obtains it as a blank value for the reaction container 22. Also when calculating the absorbance of the blank sample, the optical path length information of the reaction container 22 to be blanked is used.

  The control unit 4 also includes an input unit 43 including an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting information necessary for analysis such as the number of samples and analysis items, an analysis result screen, a warning display screen, and various settings. It is connected to a display unit 45 and a storage unit 47 configured by a display device such as an LCD or an ELD for displaying an input screen for input.

  The storage unit 47 is realized by various IC memories such as ROM and RAM such as flash memory that can be updated and stored, a hard disk connected with a built-in or data communication terminal, an information storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and a reading device thereof. In addition to the analysis results, various programs necessary for the operation of the automatic analyzer 1, data related to the execution of these programs, and the like are stored. The storage unit 47 stores a reaction container optical characteristic table 471.

  The reaction container optical characteristic table 471 is associated with a position number for identifying each placement position of the reaction table 19 and is read from the IC tag 223 of the reaction container 22 placed at the placement position. It is the data table which set the number and the optical path length information, and the blank value acquired about this reaction container 22. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the reaction container optical property table 471. Here, the position number is, for example, a serial number assigned to each placement position in the clockwise direction with reference to a predetermined placement position on the reaction table 19. The control unit 4 controls the reader / writer device 25 at a timing before starting the analysis process or when the analysis is temporarily stopped and then restarted, for example, to place each placement position of the reaction table 19 (that is, each reaction table 19). The IC tags 223 of the reaction containers 22 placed in the storage chamber 21) are sequentially read, each reaction container 22 is identified and recognized, and the serial number and optical path length information are updated as appropriate. Moreover, the blank value is set for each wavelength of 350 nm to 800 nm emitted from the light source 231 a of the measurement optical system 23. The control unit 4 performs a blank analysis process before the start of the analysis process or at a predetermined timing during the analysis process. When a new blank value is acquired by this blank analysis process, the reaction vessel 22 that is the blank acquisition target. The blank value corresponding to the position number is rewritten, and the reaction container optical characteristic table 471 is updated.

  Next, the processing procedure of the control unit 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 4 waits until analysis is started (step S11: No). When the analysis is started (step S11: Yes), and when the first analysis is started (step S13: Yes), the control unit 4 controls the reader / writer device 25 to set the tag reading position. The process of reading the IC tag 223 of the reaction container 22 and acquiring the serial number and the optical path length information is repeated until the container holding member 191 of the reaction table 19 makes a round, and the serial numbers and the numbers from all the reaction containers 22 on the reaction table 19 are obtained. Optical path length information is acquired (step S15). Then, the control part 4 performs a blank analysis process and acquires the blank value about each reaction container 22 (step S16). Then, the control unit 4 associates the position number with the serial number and the optical path length information acquired from the reaction container 22 of the placement position, and the reaction container optical characteristic in which the blank value acquired for the reaction container 22 is set. A table 471 is generated and stored in the storage unit 47 (step S17).

  On the other hand, at the start of the second and subsequent analyzes (step S13: No), the control unit 4 first controls the reader / writer device 25 to read the IC tag 223 of the reaction container 22 at the tag reading position and obtain the serial number. Processing is performed, and the reaction container 22 placed at the placement position is determined and recognized (step S19). Then, the control unit 4 compares the correspondence relationship between the position number of the placement position and the acquired serial number with the correspondence relationship between the placement position and the serial number set in the reaction container optical characteristic table 471. Then, a change in the arrangement of the reaction containers 22 on the reaction table 19 is detected (step S20).

  When an array change is detected (step S21: Yes), the control unit 4 controls the reader / writer device 25 again, and reads the IC tag 223 of the reaction container 22 to acquire optical path length information (step S23). . Then, the control part 4 performs a blank analysis process and acquires the blank value about this reaction container 22 (step S24). Then, the control unit 4 obtains the serial number corresponding to the position number, the optical path length information, and the blank value data, the serial number acquired in step S19, the optical path length information acquired in step S23, and the blank value acquired in step S24. To update the reaction container optical property table 471 (step S25). When the container holding member 191 makes a round and checks the arrangement of all the reaction containers 22 on the reaction table 19 (step S27: Yes), the control unit 4 proceeds to step S29 and performs the sample analysis process. I do. If the check has not been completed (step S27: No), the process returns to step S19 to repeat the above processing.

  In the analysis process of step S29, the control unit 4 corresponds the measurement result by the measurement optical system 23 to the position number of the mounting position where the reaction container 22 to be measured is mounted in the reaction container optical characteristic table 471. It outputs to the analysis part 41 with the attached blank value. In response to this, the analysis unit 41 calculates the absorbance from the measurement result input from the control unit 4, corrects the calculated absorbance using the blank value input from the control unit 4, and determines the concentration of the analysis target component. Convert to.

Here, the absorbance of a certain substance is expressed by the following equation (1). I ₀ is the incident light intensity, and I is the transmitted light intensity.
A = −log ₁₀ (I ₀ / I) (1)

For example, assuming that a solution having a concentration at which transmitted light attenuates at 1 / c per mm is contained in the container, I ₀ / I = (1 / c) ^{−10 in} a cell having an optical path length of 10 mm. The absorbance A _{0 at} this time is calculated by the following equation (2).
A ₀ = −log ₁₀ (1 / c) ⁻¹⁰ = ₁₀ log (1 / c) (2)

In an automatic analyzer, the absorbance is generally expressed based on an optical path length of 10 mm. For this reason, although the optical path length of the reaction container used for a measurement is not necessarily 10 mm, according to following Formula (3), it converts into the case of 10 mm and calculates a light absorbency. L is the optical path length. At this time, the blank value obtained by measuring the blank sample is set to I _0, and the measurement result obtained by measuring the reaction solution is set to I to calculate the absorbance.
A = −10 / L × log ₁₀ (I ₀ / I) (3)
The absorbance when it is assumed that a solution having a concentration at which transmitted light attenuates at 1 / c per mm is contained in the container is expressed by the following equation (4).
A = −10 / L × log ₁₀ (1 / c) (4)

Conventionally, when calculating the absorbance, the design value of the optical path length of the reaction vessel used for the measurement has been used as the optical path length L. Here, when the design value of the optical path length of the reaction vessel used for the measurement is 10 mm and the actual optical path length is 11 mm, the absorbance is obtained by the following equation (5), and the absorbance is calculated from the actual value. Is also obtained as a 10% higher value.
A = −10 / 10 × log ₁₀ (1 / c) ⁻¹¹
= 11 log (1 / c) = 1.1 × A ₀ (5)

Similarly, the absorbance when the designed optical path length of the reaction vessel used for the measurement is 5 mm and the actual optical path length is 6 mm is obtained by the following equation (6), and the absorbance is the actual value. Is obtained as 20% higher value.
A = −10 / 5 × log ₁₀ (1 / c) ⁻⁶
= 12 log (1 / c) = 1.2 × A ₀ (6)

  As described above, when a reaction vessel having a short optical path length is manufactured with the same processing accuracy, if the absorbance is calculated using the design value, the error increases, and the analysis accuracy decreases. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the actual value of the optical path length is stored as optical path length information in the IC tag 223 of each reaction vessel 22. Then, the optical path length information read from the IC tag 223 is set as the optical path length L, and the absorbance is calculated using the above-described equation (3), so this error is reduced.

  In addition, a blank analysis process is periodically performed to acquire a blank value for each reaction container 22. At this time, the control unit 4 corresponds to the position number of the reaction container 22 to be acquired for the blank. The blank value to be updated is rewritten to update the reaction container optical characteristic table 471.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the absorbance can be obtained using the optical path length information that is the optical characteristic information of the reaction vessel 22 and the blank value, and the analysis accuracy can be improved. That is, the absorbance of the reaction liquid in the reaction container 22 to be measured by the measurement optical system 23 can be calculated using the optical path length information read from the IC tag 223 of the reaction container 22. Therefore, even when the optical path length is shortened, the absorbance can be calculated using the measured value of the optical path length, so that the calculation error is reduced. Furthermore, the absorbance calculated using the blank value acquired for the reaction vessel 22 can be corrected. Moreover, since it is not necessary to improve the processing accuracy of the reaction vessel 22, the cost does not increase.

  In the above embodiment, the IC tag 223 is mounted on the outer surface of the reaction vessel 22 and the IC tag 223 is read by the reader / writer device 25 installed on the outer peripheral side of the reaction table 19. The IC tag may be attached to the bottom of the reaction table, and a reader / writer device may be installed on the bottom of the reaction table to read the IC tag.

  FIG. 10 is a partial longitudinal sectional view in the radial direction of the reaction table 19b constituting the automatic analyzer 1, and FIG. 11 is a partial transverse sectional view of the reaction table 19b. In this modification, a reader / writer device 25b is installed at the bottom of the reaction table 19b below the thermostat 193b and is connected to the control unit. Specifically, the reader / writer device 25b is close to the IC tag 223b mounted on the bottom surface of the reaction container 22b that is sequentially transported to the tag reading position near the tag reading position of the reaction table 19b. Installed in a possible position. Then, short-range wireless communication is performed for the reaction vessel 22b transported to the tag reading position, and the serial number stored in the memory of the IC tag 223b is read in a non-contact manner and output to the control unit. At this time, the container holding member 191b that holds each reaction container 22b partitions the reaction containers 22b and prevents interference between the IC tags 223b attached to the adjacent reaction containers 22b.

  Further, the installation position of the reader / writer device 25 is not limited to the vicinity of the suction drying position, and may be installed, for example, in the vicinity of the waste liquid discharge position or in the vicinity of the first or second cleaning position. It may be installed at any position on the transport path.

  In the above-described embodiment, the serial number of the reaction vessel 22 placed at each placement position of the reaction table 19 is set at a timing such as when the analysis process is started or when the analysis is once suspended and resumed. Although the case of collecting in a lump has been described, the IC tag of the reaction container conveyed to the tag reading position during the analysis process may be read as needed. For example, the reader / writer device is installed at any position on the reaction table where the reaction container stops until the sample is dispensed after being transported to the first reagent dispensing position, and the first reagent is dispensed. The optical path length information is acquired before the start of dispensing by configuring so that the reaction container is discriminated / recognized in the meantime.

  Further, in the blank analysis process, the spectral intensity measurement was performed in a state where the blank sample was supplied to the blank acquisition target reaction vessel 22 to acquire the blank value, but the blank acquisition target reaction vessel 22 was empty. It is good also as measuring a spectral intensity in a state and acquiring a blank value.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the reaction containers are individually placed on the reaction table, and can be similarly applied to the case where a reaction container set including a plurality of reaction containers is placed on the reaction table. 12A is a side view of the reaction container set 30, and FIG. 12B is a plan view of the reaction container set 30. The reaction container set 30 is configured by holding a plurality of reaction containers 31 (seven reaction containers 31 a to 31 g in FIGS. 12A and 12B) on a holder 33, and an IC is formed on the upper surface of the holder 33. A tag 35 is attached. For example, the reaction containers 31a to 31g constituting the reaction container set 30 are assigned array numbers “1” to “7” with the reaction container 31a on the side where the IC tag 35 is attached being “1”. The IC tag 35 stores an identification number uniquely assigned to the reaction container set 30 and optical path length information for each array number. In this case, the apparatus determines the arrangement of the reaction vessels 31 on the reaction table according to the combination of the reaction vessel sets 30 placed on the reaction table, and discriminates and recognizes the reaction vessel 31 at each placement position. The optical path length information of each reaction vessel 31 is determined.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which writes in the IC tag 223 of the reaction container 22 the blank value acquired by the blank analysis process.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the optical path length information 223b is stored in the IC tag 223 of the reaction vessel 22 has been described. However, only the serial number may be stored in the memory of the IC tag. Then, for example, it may be configured to connect to an external server device installed in a reaction vessel manufacturer or the like via a communication line, and notify the serial number read from the IC tag to acquire the corresponding optical path length information. Alternatively, the optical path length information for each serial number may be stored in advance on the apparatus side, and the corresponding optical path length information may be read and acquired based on the serial number read from the IC tag. In this case, when the corresponding optical path length information cannot be obtained from the external server device, or when the corresponding optical path length information is not stored on the device side, this reaction container is not used for the analysis. It is good as well.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the reaction container that is washed and repeatedly used is described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where a disposable reaction container is used and the reaction container is discarded after use.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the automatic analyzer 1 includes two reagent tables has been described. However, the reagent table may be one.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of an internal structure of an automatic analyzer. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of an automatic analyzer. It is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the radial direction of a reaction table. It is a partial cross section figure of a reaction table. It is a perspective view which shows a reaction container. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a measurement optical system. It is a figure which shows the conveyance path | route of the reaction container on a reaction table. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the reaction container optical property table. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a control part. It is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the radial direction of the reaction table concerning a modification. It is a partial cross section figure of the reaction table concerning a modification. It is a side view of the reaction container set concerning a modification. It is a top view of the reaction container set concerning a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 11 Sample table 13 Sample dispensing mechanism 15 (15-1, 2) Reagent table 17 (17-1, 2) Reagent dispensing mechanism 19 Reaction table 23 Measurement optical system 25 Reader / writer apparatus 27 (27-1) , 2, 3) Stirring device 29 Cleaning device 4 Control unit 41 Analysis unit 43 Input unit 45 Display unit 47 Storage unit 471 Reaction container optical property table 111, 111b Sample container 151 Reagent container 22 Reaction container 223 IC tag 223a Serial number 223b Optical path Length information

Claims (4)

An automatic analyzer for dispensing a liquid into a reaction vessel and analyzing a reaction solution obtained by mixing and reacting different liquids in the reaction vessel,
A measuring means for irradiating the reaction vessel to be measured with analysis light and measuring the intensity of light transmitted through the liquid in the reaction vessel to be measured;
Optical property acquisition means for acquiring optical property information relating to the reaction vessel to be measured;
Using the optical property information acquired by the optical property acquisition means, the absorbance of the liquid in the measurement target reaction container is calculated from the measurement result by the measurement means, and the analysis means for analyzing the liquid;
An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising. In the reaction container, optical characteristic information about the reaction container is written, and at least a non-contact type information medium configured to be able to read the optical characteristic information is mounted,
2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the optical characteristic acquisition means reads and acquires the optical characteristic information from the information medium of the reaction container to be measured in a non-contact state.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the optical characteristic information includes optical path length information of the reaction container to be measured.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the optical characteristic information includes a blank value for the reaction container to be measured.

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