JP2009098014A - Apparatus and method for analysis - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an analytical apparatus and an analytical method, capable of shortening the analysis processing time itself required for interrupt processing analytes and speedily analyzing the interrupt processing analytes. <P>SOLUTION: When instruction is provided for analyzing an urgent analyte as an interrupt processing analyte, and when there is a cuvette 303 in which a reagent used for the analysis of the urgent analyte SE has been dispensed among cuvettes 301-307, to which reagents for normal analytes SA and SB have been dispensed already, the urgent analyte SE is dispensed into the cuvette 303, and the cuvette 303 is used, as it is, as the one for the urgent analyte. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer and an analysis method for analyzing a sample by dispensing a sample and a reagent in a reaction container.

  Conventionally, as an apparatus for automatically analyzing a sample such as blood or body fluid, an analyzer that adds a sample to a cuvette into which a reagent is dispensed and optically detects a reaction between the reagent and the sample in the cuvette. Are known. In such an analyzer, when an urgent sample for which an analysis result is to be acquired urgently is received during analysis of the normal sample, the urgent sample is stored in preference to the sample rack in which the normal sample is stored. By transporting the urgent sample rack to the measurement mechanism, the analysis start of the urgent sample is accelerated and the early acquisition of the analysis result of the urgent sample is realized (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-30618

  However, in the conventional analyzer, the analysis of the urgent sample is accelerated by simply overtaking and transporting the urgent sample rack containing the urgent sample. Therefore, the entire analysis processing time in the measurement mechanism requires the same time as that of a normal sample even for an urgent sample.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an analysis apparatus and an analysis method capable of reducing the analysis processing time itself for an interruption processing sample such as an emergency sample and analyzing the interruption processing sample more quickly. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an analyzer according to the present invention is an analyzer that dispenses a specimen and a reagent into a reaction container to analyze the specimen, and the reagent is placed in the reaction container. When a reagent dispensing mechanism that dispenses the sample, a sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses the sample into the reaction container into which the reagent corresponding to the analysis content has been dispensed, and an analysis of the interrupted sample are instructed, When there is a reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interruption processing sample is dispensed in the reaction container in which the reagent for the normal specimen is dispensed, the reaction container contains the reaction container in the reaction container. And a control mechanism for dispensing the interrupt processing sample.

  The analyzer according to the present invention further includes a transport mechanism for transporting the reaction container from the reagent dispensing position to the sample dispensing position, and the control mechanism includes a reaction container in which the normal sample reagent is dispensed. When there are a plurality of reaction containers in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupted sample is dispensed, the sample dispensing mechanism is configured so that the sample dispensing mechanism includes the sample dispensing mechanism. The interruption processing sample is dispensed into a reaction container that is conveyed to the injection position earliest.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the control mechanism sets a reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupt processing sample is dispensed as a reaction container for the interrupt processing sample from the reaction container for the normal sample. After the change, the sample dispensing mechanism is caused to dispense the interrupt processing sample into the reaction container whose setting has been changed.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, when the analysis of the interrupt processing sample is instructed, the control mechanism does not dispense a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupt processing sample into the reaction container for the normal sample. The reagent dispensing mechanism causes the reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupt processing sample to be dispensed into an empty reaction container.

  Further, the analysis method according to the present invention includes a reagent dispensing step of dispensing a reagent and a reagent in a reaction container and dispensing the reagent in the reaction container, and an interruption process. When analysis of a sample is instructed, it is determined whether or not there is a reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupted sample is dispensed in a reaction container in which a reagent for a normal sample is dispensed In the determination step and the determination step, when it is determined that there is a reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interruption processing sample is dispensed in the reaction container in which the reagent for the normal sample is dispensed. And an interruption processing sample dispensing step for dispensing the interruption processing sample into the reaction container.

  Further, in the analysis method according to the present invention, the interrupt processing sample dispensing step includes a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupt processing sample in the reaction container in which the normal sample reagent is dispensed in the determination step. When it is determined that there are a plurality of dispensed reaction containers, the interruption processing sample is dispensed into a reaction container that is transported earliest to the sample dispensing position among the plurality of reaction containers. To do.

  Further, the analysis method according to the present invention determines that there is a reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupted sample is dispensed in the reaction container in which the reagent for the normal specimen is dispensed in the determination step. A setting change step for changing the setting of the reaction container from a reaction container for a normal sample to a reaction container for an interrupt processing sample, and the interrupt processing sample dispensing step after the setting changing step is performed. Is performed.

  In the analysis method according to the present invention, in the determination step, there is no reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interruption processing sample is dispensed in the reaction container in which the reagent for the normal sample is dispensed. When it is determined that the reagent has been analyzed, it further includes a reagent dispensing step for interrupting specimen for dispensing the reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupting specimen into an empty reaction container.

  According to the present invention, when the analysis of the interrupted sample is instructed, the reagent used for the analysis of the emergency sample is not dispensed into the reaction container after the instruction of the interrupted sample is instructed. If there is a reaction vessel in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupted sample is dispensed in the reaction vessel in which the reagent has already been dispensed, the interrupted sample is dispensed in this reaction vessel, By using this reaction container as it is for the interrupt processing sample, the waiting time required from the first reagent dispensing process to the interrupt processing sample dispensing process can be shortened, so the analysis processing time for the interrupt processing sample itself is shortened. In addition, the interrupted specimen can be analyzed more quickly.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an analyzer that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example of an analyzer that performs biochemical analysis on a sample such as blood or urine. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the analyzer according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a sample transfer mechanism 2, a measurement mechanism 3, and a control mechanism 4.

  The sample transfer mechanism 2 sequentially supplies the sample containers containing the samples to the measurement mechanism 3. The measurement mechanism 3 dispenses the sample and reagent in the sample container supplied from the sample transfer mechanism 2 into the cuvette, and optically measures the reaction occurring in the cuvette 30. The control mechanism 4 controls the entire analyzer 1 including the sample transfer mechanism 2 and the measurement mechanism 3 and analyzes the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 3. The analysis apparatus 1 automatically and sequentially performs biochemical analysis for analyzing the detection target in the sample by the cooperation of these units. The cuvette 30 is composed of a transparent material that transmits 80% or more of the light contained in the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) emitted from the light source of the photometry unit 18, for example, glass including heat-resistant glass, cyclic olefin, polystyrene, or the like. Resin is used. The cuvette 30 has a quadrangular cylindrical shape in which a liquid holding portion having a rectangular horizontal cross section for holding a liquid is formed by a side wall and a bottom wall, and an opening is formed in an upper portion of the liquid holding portion.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the specimen transport mechanism 2 includes a plurality of specimen racks 22 that hold a plurality of specimen containers 21 that contain specimens such as blood and urine and sequentially transport them in the direction of the arrows in the figure. The sample in the sample container 21 transferred to a predetermined position on the lane 25 in the sample transfer mechanism 2 is dispensed by the sample dispensing unit 32 into the cuvette 30 that is arranged and transported on the reaction table 33.

  On the side surface of the specimen container 21 accommodated in the specimen rack 22, identification information (specimen serial number, blood collection date, etc.) for identifying the specimen accommodated in the specimen container 21 or the type of specimen (serum, urine, etc.) is provided. A recorded recording medium is attached.

  At the entrance of the lane 25, a sample information reading unit 24 for reading the recording medium attached to the sample container 21 is provided. The sample information reading unit 24 optically reads the recording medium. Alternatively, the sample information reading unit 24 reads the recording medium via radio waves having a predetermined frequency. The sample information reading unit 24 outputs the read recording medium identification information and analysis items to the control unit 41.

  The measurement mechanism 3 includes an emergency table 31, a sample dispensing unit 32, a reaction table 33, a first reagent storage 34, a first reagent dispensing unit 35, a second reagent storage 36, a second reagent dispensing unit 37, and a photometry unit. 38 and a cleaning unit 39.

  The emergency table 31 can detachably store a plurality of emergency sample containers 23 storing emergency samples for which analysis results are to be urgently acquired. The emergency table 31 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about a vertical line passing through the center of the emergency table 31 as a rotation axis by driving a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 41. Yes, the desired emergency sample container 23 is transferred to the sample aspirating position by the sample dispensing unit 32. The emergency sample container 23 is set on the emergency table 31 by the operator of the analyzer 1, and then the operator operates the input unit 42 so that the emergency sample container 23 stores the emergency sample container 23. The analysis process is accepted and the analysis process for the emergency sample is started.

  The sample dispensing unit 32 includes an arm 32a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through the base end of the sample dispensing unit 32 as a central axis. A sample nozzle for aspirating and discharging the sample is attached to the tip of the arm 32a. The sample dispensing unit 32 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an unillustrated intake / exhaust syringe or piezoelectric element. The sample dispensing unit 32 sucks the sample from the sample container 21 transferred to the sample suction position on the lane 25 in the sample transfer mechanism 2 by the sample nozzle, and moves the arm 32a as indicated by the arrow Y21 in the figure. It is swung around, and the sample is dispensed by discharging the sample to the cuvette 30 conveyed to the predetermined sample dispensing position by the reaction table 33. The sample dispensing unit 32 sucks the emergency sample from the emergency sample container 23 transferred to the emergency sample suction position on the emergency table 31 by the sample nozzle, and moves the arm 32a as shown by an arrow Y22. It is turned counterclockwise, and an emergency sample is discharged into the cuvette 30 for dispensing.

  The reaction table 33 transfers the cuvette 30 to a predetermined position in order to dispense the specimen or reagent into the cuvette 30 and to stir, wash or measure the specimen and reagent in the cuvette 30. For example, the reaction table 33 conveys the cuvette 30 from the reagent dispensing position to the sample dispensing position. The reaction table 33 is rotatable about a vertical line passing through the center of the reaction table 33 as a rotation axis when driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 41. The reaction table 33 includes an openable / closable outer lid provided with holes at positions corresponding to the liquid discharge positions and the agitation / washing positions on the upper side, and a thermostatic bath on the lower side.

  The first reagent storage 34 can detachably store a plurality of first reagent containers in which the first reagent dispensed first among the two or more kinds of reagents dispensed in the cuvette 30 is accommodated. The first reagent storage 34 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise about a vertical line passing through the center of the first reagent storage 34 as a driving mechanism (not shown) is driven under the control of the control unit 41. The desired first reagent container is transferred to the reagent aspirating position by the first reagent dispensing unit 35. An openable / closable lid is provided above the first reagent storage 34. Moreover, the 1st reagent storage 34 is provided with the cold storage function.

  Similar to the sample dispensing unit 32, the first reagent dispensing unit 35 sucks the first reagent dispensed into the cuvette 30 before sample dispensing out of the two types of reagents dispensed into the cuvette 30. A reagent nozzle for discharging is provided with an arm 35a attached to the tip. The arm 35a freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. The first reagent dispensing unit 35 sucks the reagent in the first reagent container 34a that has been moved to the reagent suction position on the first reagent storage 34 with a nozzle, and rotates the arm 35a clockwise in the drawing to thereby form a reaction table. The cuvette 30 is dispensed to the cuvette 30 conveyed to a predetermined position on the 33.

  The second reagent storage 36 can detachably store a plurality of second reagent containers in which the second reagent dispensed next to the first reagent among the two types of reagents dispensed in the cuvette 30 is accommodated. . Similar to the first reagent storage 34, the second reagent storage 36 is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise under the control of the control unit 41, and dispenses a desired second reagent container into the second reagent dispensing. Transfer to the reagent suction position by the unit 37. An openable / closable lid is provided above the second reagent storage 36. The second reagent store 36 has a cold insulation function.

  Similar to the first reagent dispensing unit 35, the second reagent dispensing unit 37 includes an arm 37a having a reagent nozzle for aspirating and discharging the second reagent attached to the tip. The arm 37a 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 second reagent dispensing unit 37 sucks the reagent in the second reagent container 36a that has been moved to the reagent suction position on the second reagent storage 36 with a nozzle, and turns the arm 37a counterclockwise in the drawing to react. Dispensing to the cuvette 30 conveyed to a predetermined position on the table 33.

  The photometry unit 38 emits light of a predetermined wavelength to the cuvette 30 whose reaction has been promoted by a stirring process by a stirring unit (not shown), and receives the light that has passed through the reaction solution of the reagent and the sample in the cuvette 30. To measure the spectral intensity. The measurement result obtained by the photometry unit 38 is output to the control unit 41 and analyzed by the analysis unit 43.

  The cleaning unit 39 performs cleaning by sucking and discharging the mixed liquid in the cuvette 30 that has been measured by the photometric unit 38 by a cleaning nozzle (not shown) and injecting and sucking cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water. . The cleaned cuvette 30 is reused, but the cuvette 30 may be discarded after one measurement is completed depending on the inspection contents.

  Next, the control mechanism 4 will be described. The control mechanism 4 includes a control unit 41, an input unit 42, an analysis unit 43, a storage unit 44, and an output unit 45. These units included in the sample transfer mechanism 2, the measurement mechanism 3, and the control mechanism 4 are electrically connected to the control unit 41.

  The control unit 41 is configured using a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the analyzer 1. The control unit 41 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information. When the analysis of the urgent sample is instructed, the control unit 41 includes the cuvette 30 in which the reagent corresponding to the analysis of the urgent sample is dispensed in the cuvette 30 in which the reagent has already been dispensed for the normal sample. If there is, the sample dispensing unit 32 dispenses the emergency sample into the cuvette 30.

  The input unit 42 is configured using a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and acquires various information necessary for analyzing the sample, instruction information for the analysis operation, and the like from the outside. The input unit 42 may acquire various information necessary for analyzing the sample, analysis operation instruction information, and the like from an external device via a communication network (not shown).

  The analysis unit 43 calculates the absorbance and the like based on the measurement result measured by the photometry unit 38, obtains the concentration of the detection target in the sample, and performs component analysis of the sample. The storage unit 44 is configured by using a hard disk that magnetically stores information and a memory that electrically loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk when the analyzer 1 executes the process, Various information including the analysis result of the sample is stored. The storage unit 44 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card. The output unit 45 is configured using a display, a printer, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the sample. The output unit 45 may output various information including the analysis result of the sample to an external device via a communication network (not shown).

  In the analyzer 1 configured as described above, the first reagent dispensing unit 35 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container in the first reagent storage 34 with respect to the plurality of cuvettes 30 that are sequentially conveyed in a row. Note. In this case, the control unit 41 instructs the cuvette 30 in the reaction table 33 to perform an analysis based on the analysis reception process by the input unit 42 and the information about the sample output from the sample information reading unit 24. And the analysis items. Then, the control unit 41 dispenses, to the first reagent dispensing unit 35, the first reagent for the analysis item of the normal sample for which the reading process of the sample information reading unit 24 is finished, in the corresponding cuvette 30, respectively. Let

  Next, the sample dispensing unit 32 dispenses the normal sample in the sample container 21 transferred by the sample transfer mechanism 2 into the cuvette 30 in which the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item of the normal sample is dispensed. . Then, after the second reagent dispensing unit 37 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container in the second reagent storage 36, the photometric unit 38 measures the spectral intensity of the sample in a state where the sample and the reagent are reacted, The analysis unit 43 analyzes the measurement result, so that the component analysis of the sample is automatically performed. In addition, the cleaning unit 39 performs cleaning while transporting the cuvette 30 that is transported after the measurement by the photometry unit 38 is completed, so that a series of analysis operations are repeated continuously.

  Incidentally, the sample dispensing unit 32 performs a dispensing process for dispensing the emergency sample in the emergency sample container 23 transferred by the emergency table 31 into the cuvette 30 into which the first reagent has been dispensed. ing. In the analyzer 1, in the emergency sample dispensing process in the emergency sample container 23, the first reagent dispensing corresponding to the analysis content of the emergency sample is dispensed to the cuvette 30 after the analysis of the emergency sample is instructed. Then do not dispense urgent samples. The analysis apparatus 1 is a cuvette 30 in which a first reagent has already been dispensed for a normal specimen when an analysis of an emergency specimen is instructed, and a cuvette 30 in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the emergency specimen has been dispensed. Dispensing emergency specimens inside.

  Specifically, the emergency sample dispensing process in the analyzer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a case where analysis processing is instructed for the emergency sample SE in the emergency sample container 23E after the analysis processing is instructed for the normal sample SA in the sample container 21A and the normal sample SB in the sample container 21B. Shown in the example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the first reagents R1e and R1f corresponding to the analysis item of the normal sample SA are dispensed to the cuvettes 301 and 302, respectively, and the first reagent R1a corresponding to the analysis item of the normal sample SB is obtained. , R1b, R1a, R1d, R1e are dispensed into cuvettes 303-307.

  In this state, when the analysis using the first reagent R1a is instructed for the emergency sample SE in the emergency sample container 23E, the control unit 41 has already used the first reagents R1a to R1f for the normal samples SA and SB. It is determined whether there are cuvettes in which the first reagent R1a used for the analysis of the emergency sample SE is dispensed among the cuvettes 301 to 307 to which has been dispensed. As shown in FIG. 2, the first reagent R1a used for analysis of the emergency sample SE is dispensed to the cuvettes 303 and 305 among the cuvettes 301 to 307.

  Then, the control unit 41 is transported to the sample dispensing unit 32 earliest by the reaction table 33 among the cuvettes 303 and 305 into which the reagent R1a used for the analysis of the emergency sample SE is dispensed. The emergency sample SE is dispensed into the cuvette. In the case shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 3, the cuvette 303 among the cuvettes 303 and 305 is first transported to the sample dispensing position Ps by the reaction table 33. Dispenses the emergency sample SE in the emergency sample container 23E into the cuvette 303.

  In this case, the dispensing process for each specimen is performed in the following order. As shown in FIG. 2, the sample dispensing unit 32 first dispenses the normal sample SA in the sample container 21A into the cuvettes 301 and 302 as indicated by arrows YA1 and YA2. Then, the sample dispensing unit 32 dispenses the emergency sample in the emergency sample container 23E after dispensing the first reagent R1a into the cuvette 308 where the reagent is dispensed next as indicated by the arrow YE1. Instead, as shown by the arrow YE2, it dispenses into the cuvette 303 where the first reagent has already been dispensed for the normal sample SB.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, among the cuvettes 303 and 305 into which the reagent R1a used for the analysis of the emergency sample SE is dispensed, the cuvette 303 transported first to the sample dispensing position Ps is sampled by the reaction table 33. When transported to the injection position Ps, the sample dispensing unit 32 does not rotate the arm 32a on the sample container 21B in which the normal sample SB is accommodated as indicated by the arrow Y21a, but as indicated by the arrow Y22a. The arm 32a is swung on the emergency sample container 23E in which the sample SE is accommodated. Then, the sample dispensing unit 32 sucks the emergency sample with the sample nozzle at the tip of the arm 32a, rotates the arm onto the cuvette 303, and then discharges the emergency sample SE sucked into the cuvette 303 to thereby store the emergency sample SE. Do dispensing.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the sample dispensing unit 32 dispenses the normal sample SB in the sample container 21B into the cuvettes 304 to 307 as indicated by arrows YB2 to YB5. The analyzer 1 does not dispense the sample into the cuvette 303 into which the first reagent R1a has been dispensed as shown by the arrow YB1 for the normal sample SB in the sample container 21B. Next, after dispensing the first reagent R1a for the normal sample SB again into the cuvette 308 where the reagent is dispensed, the normal sample SB is dispensed into the cuvette 308 and the analysis process for the normal sample SB proceeds. May be. Further, the analyzer 1 may remark the normal sample SB by remarking the normal sample SB.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the processing procedure of the analysis processing in the analyzer 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the analysis apparatus 1 performs a sample analysis process reception process based on the instruction information for instructing the sample analysis process input from the input unit 42 (step S2). The control unit 41 determines whether or not the sample that has received the analysis process is an emergency sample (step S4).

  When the control unit 41 determines that the sample that has received the analysis process is an emergency sample (step S4: Yes), the analysis item instructed to the emergency sample is confirmed (step S6), and the sample is used for a normal sample. It is determined whether or not there is a cuvette 30 in which the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item of the emergency sample is dispensed among the cuvettes 30 in which the first reagent has already been dispensed (step S8).

  When the control unit 41 determines that there is a cuvette 30 in which the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item of the urgent sample is dispensed among the cuvettes 30 in which the first reagent has already been dispensed for the normal sample (step) (S8: Yes), the sample corresponding to this cuvette is set from the initially set normal sample to the emergency sample (step S10). That is, the control unit 41 changes the setting of the cuvette 30 in which the first reagent used for the analysis of the emergency sample is dispensed from the normal sample cuvette 30 to the emergency sample cuvette 30, so that the cuvette 30 is mixed up. To prevent. Thereafter, the control unit 41 causes the sample dispensing unit 32 to dispense the emergency sample into the cuvette 30 whose setting has been changed for the emergency sample (step S12). Note that the control unit 41 sets the sample when there are a plurality of cuvettes 30 in which the reagent corresponding to the analysis of the emergency sample is dispensed among the cuvettes 30 in which the first reagent has already been dispensed for the normal sample. The dispensing unit 32 is caused to dispense an emergency sample into the cuvette 30 that is transported earliest to a predetermined sample dispensing position by the reaction table 33 among the plurality of cuvettes 30 to further increase the analysis processing time of the emergency sample. Shorten.

  When the control unit 41 determines that there is no cuvette 30 in which the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item of the urgent sample is dispensed in the cuvette 30 in which the first reagent has already been dispensed for the normal sample (Step S41). S8: No), the first reagent used for the analysis of the urgent sample, that is, the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item designated by the urgent sample, is dispensed into the empty cuvette 30 to the first reagent dispensing unit 35. (Step S14). Then, the control unit 41 causes the sample dispensing unit 32 to dispense the emergency sample into the cuvette 30 into which the first reagent has been newly dispensed (step S16).

  When the control unit 41 determines that the sample that has received the analysis process is not an emergency sample (step S4: No), that is, when the sample that has received the analysis process is determined to be a normal sample, the control unit 41 performs the analysis as usual. In order to perform the process, the analysis item designated for the normal sample is confirmed (step S18), and the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item designated for the normal sample is next applied to the first reagent dispensing unit 35. Dispensing into the cuvette 30 as the first reagent dispensing target (step S20). Then, the control unit 41 causes the sample dispensing unit 32 to dispense this normal sample into the cuvette 30 into which the first reagent has been newly dispensed (step S22).

  Then, the analyzer 1 stirs the cuvette 30 for which the sample dispensing process has been completed (step S24) to promote the reaction between the first reagent and the sample, and then the second reagent dispensing unit. The second reagent dispensing process according to 37 is performed (step S26). The analyzer 1 performs a stirring process (step S28) and promotes the reaction between the second reagent and the reaction liquid in the cuvette 30 and then measures the optical characteristics of the reaction liquid in the cuvette 30 in the photometric unit 38. A photometric process is performed (step S30). In the analyzer 1, the analysis unit 43 performs sample analysis processing based on the measurement result by the photometry unit 38 (step S <b> 32), and the output unit 45 performs analysis data output processing for outputting analysis data by the analysis unit 43. This is performed (step S34). Next, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the next sample analysis process has been received based on the instruction information input from the input unit 42 (step S36), and determines that the next sample analysis process has been received. If it is (step S36: Yes), the process returns to step S4, and after determining whether or not this sample is an emergency sample, each analysis process is executed. On the other hand, when the control unit 41 determines that the analysis processing of the next sample is not received (step S36: No), the analysis processing is terminated as it is.

  Here, the analysis process in the conventional analyzer will be described. In the conventional analyzer, the analysis start of the emergency sample is accelerated by overtaking and transporting the emergency sample rack containing the emergency sample, but as shown in FIG. 5, in the order in which the first reagent dispensing instruction is performed. Each sample was dispensed after the first reagent was dispensed in order into each cuvette 301-308. In the conventional analyzer, for example, when the first reagents R1a, R1b, R1d to R1f corresponding to the respective samples for the normal sample SA and the normal sample SB are dispensed into the cuvettes 301 to 307, respectively, the emergency sample SE When the analysis process is instructed, the first reagent R1a is dispensed into the cuvette 308 where the reagent is dispensed next. In the conventional analyzer, after the normal samples SA and SB are sequentially dispensed into the cuvettes 301 to 307 as indicated by arrows YA1, YA2, and YB1 to YB5, the emergency sample SE is dispensed as indicated by an arrow EY1. To do. As described above, in the conventional analyzer, after analysis is instructed even for an urgent sample, the reagent used for the analysis of the urgent sample is dispensed into the cuvette 30 to perform each analysis process. Since the analysis process does not change with the sample itself, the entire analysis processing time in the measurement mechanism requires the same time as that of a normal sample even for an urgent sample.

  On the other hand, in the analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, when an analysis of an emergency sample is instructed, a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the emergency sample is given to the cuvette 30 after the analysis of the emergency sample is instructed. Do not dispense. When there is a cuvette 30 in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the urgent sample is dispensed in the cuvette 30 in which the reagent has already been dispensed for the normal sample, the analyzer 1 urgently places the cuvette in the cuvette 30. A sample is dispensed, and the cuvette 30 is used as it is for an emergency sample. That is, in the analyzer 1, the cuvette 30 for a normal sample in which the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item of the urgent sample has already been dispensed is used for the urgent sample. For this reason, according to the analyzer 1, for example, the waiting time required from the first reagent dispensing process to the emergency sample dispensing process required in the conventional analyzer as shown in the period TE of FIGS. That is, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the reagent dispensing process and the sample dispensing process in the preceding normal sample are completed.

  Therefore, in the analyzer 1, the analysis processing time for the emergency sample itself can be shortened compared to the analysis processing for the normal sample, and the emergency sample can be analyzed more quickly than before.

  In the analyzer 1, when the emergency sample container 23 is transported to the emergency sample dispensing position by the emergency table 31 while the normal sample is being dispensed a plurality of times corresponding to a plurality of items. Alternatively, the normal sample dispensing process may be interrupted immediately when the emergency sample container 23 is transported to the emergency sample dispensing position, and the emergency sample dispensing process in the emergency sample container 23 may be executed. Even when the emergency sample container 23 is transported to the emergency sample dispensing position, after dispensing the normal sample for a predetermined number of items, the normal sample dispensing process is interrupted and the inside of the emergency sample container 23 is stopped. The emergency sample dispensing process may be executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the case where the emergency sample container 23E is transported to the emergency sample dispensing position during the dispensing process of the normal sample SA to the cuvette 301 will be described as an example. When the predetermined number of items is 0, the analyzer 1 interrupts the dispensing process of the normal sample SA to the cuvette 302 and immediately performs the dispensing process of the emergency sample SE. When the predetermined number of items is 1, the dispensing process of the preceding normal sample is performed only once, that is, the dispensing process of the normal sample SA to the cuvette 302 is performed only once, and the normal sample SA is performed. After the sample dispensing process is completed, the emergency sample SE is dispensed. Thus, the discontinuation timing of the dispensing process for the preceding normal sample may be set according to the urgency of the urgent sample and the dispensing process state of the sample dispensing unit 32.

  Further, in the embodiment, the analysis apparatus 1 having a single measurement mechanism 3 has been described as an example. However, as shown in FIG. It is possible to apply a shortening of the analysis process for.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the analyzer 201 has a sample transport mechanism 202 that transports sample racks or sample racks containing emergency sample containers to the plurality of measurement mechanisms 3a to 3c. The sample transfer mechanism 202 includes an emergency lane 26 that can overtake the sample rack on the lane 25 and a return lane 27 for collecting the sample rack that has been measured, in addition to the lane 25 that carries the normal sample. . The measurement mechanisms 3a to 3c are provided with retraction areas SW1 to SW3 in which the sample rack can be retreated in the vicinity of the sample dispensing position, and the lane 25 and the emergency lane 26 have push mechanisms (not shown). In addition, lane switching mechanisms 228a to 228c are provided for switching the sample rack on the emergency lane 26 onto the lane 25 and switching the lane for transferring the sample rack. The control mechanism 204 in the analysis apparatus 201 includes a control unit 241 that controls each component of the analysis apparatus 201.

  An example will be described in which the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item instructed for the emergency sample in the emergency sample container 23E is already dispensed to the cuvette 303 in the measurement mechanism 3b in the analyzer 201. In this case, the control unit 241 first causes the sample transfer mechanism 202 to transfer the emergency rack 22B so as to pass the sample rack on the lane 25. That is, the sample transfer mechanism 202 transfers the emergency rack 22B containing the emergency sample container 23E onto the emergency lane 26 as indicated by an arrow Y31, and further, as indicated by an arrow Y32, a lane switching mechanism corresponding to the measurement mechanism 3b. Transfer up to 228. Then, the control unit 241 causes the push-out mechanism (not shown) to push the lane switching mechanism 228b toward the measurement mechanism 3b as indicated by an arrow Y35. As a result, the emergency rack 22B on the lane switching mechanism 228 moves onto the lane 25. Along with this, the sample rack 22A that has been at the sample dispensing position of the measurement mechanism 3b on the lane 25 until then moves to the retreat area SW2 of the measurement mechanism 3b.

  Next, the emergency sample container 23E in the emergency rack 22B is transferred to the sample dispensing position of the measurement mechanism 3b by the lane 25, and the sample dispensing unit 32 of the measurement mechanism 3b corresponds to the emergency sample in the emergency sample container 23E. The emergency sample in the emergency sample container 23E is dispensed into the cuvette 303 where one reagent has already been dispensed. After the emergency sample dispensing process is completed, the analyzer 201 pushes the lane switching mechanism 228b to the emergency lane 26 side after the emergency sample dispensing process, and the emergency rack at the sample dispensing position of the measurement mechanism 3b on the lane 25 22B is transferred to the emergency lane 26. With this transfer, the sample rack 22A in the retreat area SW2 of the measurement mechanism 3b moves on the lane 25. Thereafter, the analyzer 201 resumes the dispensing process for the normal sample in the sample container of the sample rack 22A returned to the lane 25.

  As described above, in the analyzer 201 in which a plurality of measurement mechanisms 3a to 3c are connected, when an analysis on an urgent sample is instructed, the analysis of the urgent sample is already performed in the cuvette in which the reagent has already been dispensed. The cuvette 30 in which the first reagent to be used is dispensed can be used as it is for an emergency sample.

  In this embodiment, the case of dispensing an urgent sample has been described as an example. Of course, not only an urgent sample, but also interrupt-processed samples that need to be interrupted in the analysis process of other samples. It is applicable to.

  The analysis devices 1 and 201 described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance by a computer system. This computer system implements the processing operation of the analyzer by reading and executing a program recorded on a predetermined recording medium. Here, the predetermined recording medium is not only a “portable physical medium” such as a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO disk, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, and an IC card, but also inside and outside the computer system. It includes any recording medium that records a program readable by a computer system, such as a “communication medium” that holds the program in a short time when transmitting the program, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) provided. In addition, this computer system obtains a program from a management server or another computer system connected via a network line, and executes the obtained program to realize the processing operation of the analyzer.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the analyzer concerning embodiment. It is a figure explaining the emergency sample dispensing process in the analyzer shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the emergency sample dispensing process in the analyzer shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the analysis process in the analyzer shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the emergency sample dispensing process in the conventional analyzer. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other structure of the analyzer concerning embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,201 Analyzer 2,202 Specimen transfer mechanism 3,3a-3c Measurement mechanism 4 Control mechanism 21,21A, 21B Specimen container 22,22A, 22B Emergency rack 23,23E Emergency sample container 24 Specimen information reading part 25 Lane 26 Emergency Lane 27 Return lane 30, 301 to 308 Cuvette 31 Emergency table 32 Sample dispensing unit 33 Reaction table 32a, 35a, 37a Arm 34 First reagent storage 34a First reagent container 35 First reagent dispensing unit 36 Second reagent storage 36a Second reagent container 37 Second reagent dispensing unit 38 Photometric unit 39 Washing unit 41, 241 Control unit 42 Input unit 43 Analysis unit 44 Storage unit 45 Output unit 228a to 228c Lane switching mechanism

Claims (8)

In an analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction container and analyzes the sample,
A reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent into the reaction vessel;
A sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing the sample into a reaction container into which the reagent corresponding to the analysis content has been dispensed;
When analysis of an interrupted sample is instructed, if there is a reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupted sample is dispensed in a reaction container in which a reagent for a normal sample is dispensed, A control mechanism for dispensing the interrupt processing sample into the reaction container with respect to the injection mechanism;
An analyzer characterized by comprising: A transport mechanism for transporting the reaction container from the reagent dispensing position to the sample dispensing position;
When the control mechanism includes a plurality of reaction containers in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interruption processing sample is dispensed in the reaction container into which the reagent for the normal sample is dispensed, the sample dispensing mechanism 2. The analysis according to claim 1, wherein the interruption processing sample is dispensed into a reaction container that is transported to the specimen dispensing position earliest by the transport mechanism among the plurality of reaction containers. apparatus.   The control mechanism changes the setting of a reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupt processing sample is dispensed from a reaction container for a normal sample as a reaction container for an interrupt processing sample, and then the sample dispensing mechanism. On the other hand, the analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interruption processing sample is dispensed into a reaction container in which the setting is changed.   When the analysis of the interrupt processing sample is instructed, the control mechanism, when the reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupt processing sample is not dispensed to the reaction container for the normal sample, The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupt processing sample is dispensed into an empty reaction container. In an analysis method in which a sample and a reagent are dispensed into a reaction container to analyze the sample,
A reagent dispensing step of dispensing the reagent into the reaction vessel;
When the analysis of the interrupted sample is instructed, whether or not there is a reaction vessel in which the reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupted sample is dispensed in the reaction vessel in which the reagent for the normal sample is dispensed. A judgment step to judge;
In the determination step, when it is determined that there is a reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interruption processing sample is dispensed in the reaction container in which the reagent for the normal sample is dispensed, the reaction container An interruption processing sample dispensing step for dispensing the interruption processing sample in
The analysis method characterized by including.   In the interrupt processing sample dispensing step, there are a plurality of reaction containers in which reagents corresponding to the analysis of the interrupt processing sample are dispensed in the reaction containers in which the normal sample reagent is dispensed in the determination step. 6. The analysis method according to claim 5, wherein when the determination is made, the interruption processing sample is dispensed into a reaction container that is transported earliest to the sample dispensing position among the plurality of reaction containers. When it is determined in the determination step that there is a reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interruption processing sample is dispensed in the reaction container in which the reagent for the normal sample has been dispensed, the reaction container is designated as the normal sample. A setting change step for changing the setting from the reaction vessel for the interruption processing sample to the reaction vessel for the interrupt processing sample,
The analysis method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the interrupt processing sample dispensing step is performed after the setting changing step.   When it is determined in the determination step that there is no reaction container in which a reagent corresponding to the analysis of the interrupt processing sample is dispensed in the reaction container into which the reagent for the normal sample has been dispensed, the interrupt processing sample The analysis method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a reagent dispensing step for interrupting specimen for dispensing a reagent corresponding to the analysis in the empty reaction container.

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