JP2010145210A - Automatic analyzer, and scheduled analysis finish time calculation method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer and a scheduled analysis finish time calculation method thereof notifying a scheduled analysis finish time of an analysis object specimen supplied actually. <P>SOLUTION: This invention is directed to the automatic analyzer 1 and the scheduled analysis finish time calculation method thereof, based on a characteristic of a reaction liquid obtained from a reaction between the specimen dispensed from a plurality of specimen containers 3a held on a plurality of racks 3 successively into a reaction container 8 and a reagent. The automatic analyzer 1 includes an information reading device 5 for reading specimen information including specimen analysis items from a specimen recording medium attached to the specimen container 3a or the rack 3, and an operation part 21b for calculating the scheduled analysis finish time based on the specimen information read by the information reading device, and calculates the scheduled analysis finish time of the analysis object specimen before analysis start based on the specimen information read by the information reading device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and a method for calculating a scheduled analysis end time.

  Conventionally, automatic analyzers analyze samples collected in a sample container held and supplied in a rack in the order of supply except for so-called interrupted samples and emergency samples. At this time, an analysis system having a function of knowing the analysis end time in consideration of the convenience of the user has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-124782 A

  However, the analysis system disclosed in Patent Document 1 calculates the scheduled analysis end time based on the sample analysis request information provided from the host computer. For this reason, the analysis system of Patent Document 1 has a problem that the calculated estimated end time of analysis changes when the sample in the analysis request information is not actually supplied.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an automatic analyzer capable of notifying a scheduled analysis end time of a sample to be actually supplied and a method for calculating the scheduled analysis end time. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the automatic analyzer of the present invention is a reaction solution in which a sample and a reagent that are sequentially dispensed from a plurality of sample containers held in a plurality of racks to a reaction container are reacted. An information analyzer for analyzing the sample based on the characteristics of the information reading means for reading sample information including an analysis item of the sample from a sample recording medium attached to the sample container or the rack, and the information A calculation means for calculating a scheduled analysis end time based on the sample information read by the reading means, and analyzing the sample to be analyzed before starting the analysis based on the sample information read by the information reading means The scheduled end time is calculated.

  Moreover, the automatic analyzer of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, a notifying means for notifying the calculated scheduled end time of analysis is provided.

  In the automatic analyzer of the present invention, in the above invention, the automatic analyzer has set the rack, and has finished the dispensing of the sample, and a rack setting unit that sends the rack to a conveying means that conveys the sample to the sample dispensing position. It is characterized by comprising at least a buffer unit for temporarily storing the rack and a rack recovery unit for recovering the rack that has been analyzed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the method of calculating the scheduled end time of the automatic analyzer of the present invention is sequentially dispensed from a plurality of sample containers held in a plurality of racks to reaction containers. A method for calculating a scheduled analysis end time of an automatic analyzer that analyzes the sample based on the characteristics of the reaction solution in which the sample and the reagent have reacted, and the sample record attached to the sample container or the rack to be analyzed An information reading step of reading sample information including analysis items of the sample from the medium before starting analysis, and calculating a scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed before starting analysis based on the sample information. Features.

  The method for calculating the scheduled end time of analysis of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, a notification step of notifying the calculated estimated end time of analysis is included.

  According to the present invention, the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed is calculated before the start of analysis based on the read sample information. Therefore, the scheduled analysis end time of the actually supplied analysis target sample is calculated before the start of analysis. It has the effect of being able to know.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to an automatic analyzer and a method for calculating a scheduled end time of analysis according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the sample transfer mechanism of the automatic analyzer. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rack transported by the sample transport mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a sample transfer mechanism 2, an analysis processing unit 6, and a data processing unit 20.

  The sample transport mechanism 2 is constituted by, for example, a belt conveyor, and as shown in FIG. 1, the rack 3 holding a plurality of sample containers 3a is transported to the sample dispensing position Ps and the sample has been dispensed. 3 is collected. As shown in FIG. 2, the sample transfer mechanism 2 includes a rack set unit 2a, a rack transport unit 2b, a buffer unit 2c, a return transport unit 2d, a retest rack transport unit 2e, a retest lane unit 2f, and a rack recovery unit 2g. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the rack setting unit 2a sets the rack 3 and sends it to the rack transport unit 2b that transports the sample to the sample dispensing position Ps. The rack transport unit 2b transports the rack 3 from the rack set unit 2a to the buffer unit 2c through the sample dispensing position Ps. The buffer unit 2c temporarily accommodates the rack 3 that has finished dispensing the sample at the sample dispensing position Ps. The return transport unit 2d is disposed along the retest rack transport unit 2e, the rack collection unit 2g, and the rack set unit 2a, and transports the rack 3 to the retest rack transport unit 2e, the rack collection unit 2g, or the rack set unit 2a. The retest rack transport unit 2e conveys the retest target rack 3 sent out from the buffer unit 2c to the retest lane unit 2f. The retest lane unit 2f moves the sample container 3a to be retested, which is transported and held by the rack 3, to the retest dispensing position Psr. The rack 3 in which the sample has been re-inspected and dispensed is returned to the re-inspection lane portion 2f, and then recovered to the rack recovery portion 2g through the re-inspection rack transfer portion 2e and the return transport portion 2d. The rack collection unit 2g collects the non-retest target rack 3 that is sent out from the buffer unit 2c and conveyed through the return conveyance unit 2d.

  The rack 3 is equipped with a plurality of sample containers 3a holding samples such as blood collection tubes, and the sample is aspirated from the sample containers 3a by the sample dispensing device 9 at the sample dispensing position Ps on the rack transport unit 2b. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the rack 3 is a rack information recording medium such as a bar code label, an RFID or an ID code, or a two-dimensional code in which rack information is recorded as a rack recording medium to be distinguished from other racks 3 on the end face. 3b is affixed. Also, a specimen information recording medium 3c such as a barcode label, RFID, ID code, or two-dimensional code on which specimen information is recorded is attached to the side surface of the specimen container 3a as a specimen recording medium for identifying the specimen. Here, the rack information recording medium 3b and the sample information recording medium 3c may be only one of them. In the rack information recording medium 3b, the rack information is read by the information reading device 4 installed between the rack setting unit 2a and the retesting lane unit 2f, and the sample information recording medium 3c is installed on the side of the rack setting unit 2a. The sample information is read by the information reading device 5. The information reading devices 4 and 5 output the read rack information and sample information to the data processing unit 20.

  Here, the rack information and the sample information do not necessarily include analysis request information. Therefore, in such a case, the control unit 21 makes an inquiry to the host computer and acquires analysis request information corresponding to each using the rack ID or sample ID as a key, or is input to the control unit 21 in advance. A search is performed based on the rack ID, the sample ID, and the analysis request information, and the sample ID on each rack and the corresponding analysis request information are specified. These are appropriately selected and executed by the control unit 21 (described later) according to the situation.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the analysis processing unit 6 includes a reaction tank 7, a specimen dispensing device 9, a first reagent cold storage 10, a first reagent dispensing device 11, a second reagent cold storage 12, and a second reagent dispensing. A device 13, a stirring device 14, a photometric unit 15, and a cleaning unit 16 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reaction tank 7 has a cuvette wheel that holds and rotates a plurality of reaction containers 8, and a sample is dispensed from the sample container 3 a at the sample dispensing position Ps to the reaction container 8. The The cuvette wheel is kept at a constant temperature (= approximately 37 ° C.) by a heating device (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sample dispensing device 9 is disposed between the sample transfer mechanism 2 and the reaction tank 7, and is provided on a dispensing arm 9a that moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates in the horizontal direction. The specimen is dispensed from the specimen container 3a at the specimen dispensing position Ps to the reaction container 8 by the retained dispensing probe.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first reagent cool box 10 houses a plurality of first reagent containers 10 a in a radially partitioned interior and keeps them cool to a predetermined temperature. The first reagent container 10a is filled with a predetermined first reagent according to the inspection item, and the outer surface has a barcode label, RFID, or the like on which reagent information such as the type, lot number, and expiration date of the first reagent stored is recorded. An information recording medium (not shown) is attached. An information reading device 10 b that reads reagent information from the information recording medium attached to the first reagent container 10 a and outputs it to the control unit 21 is installed outside the first reagent cold box 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first reagent dispensing device 11 is disposed between the reaction tank 7 and the first reagent cold box 10, and moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates in the horizontal direction. The first reagent is dispensed from the first reagent container 10a to the reaction container 8 by the dispensing probe held on the dispensing arm 11a.

  The second reagent cold box 12 stores the second reagent container 12a holding the second reagent in the radially partitioned interior, and keeps the second reagent container 12a at a predetermined temperature. Similar to the first reagent container 10a, the second reagent container 12a is affixed with an information recording medium (not shown) such as a barcode label or RFID in which reagent information is recorded. An information reading device 12 b that reads reagent information from the information recording medium attached to the second reagent container 12 a and outputs it to the control unit 21 is installed outside the second reagent cooler 12.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second reagent dispensing device 13 is disposed between the reaction tank 7 and the second reagent cold box 12, and moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates in the horizontal direction. The second reagent is dispensed from the second reagent container 12a to the reaction container 8 by the dispensing probe held on the injection arm 13a.

  The stirring device 14 stirs the liquid in the reaction vessel 8 with, for example, a stirring rod. The photometry unit 15 measures the amount of light transmitted through the liquid in the reaction vessel 8 and outputs a measurement signal corresponding to the measured amount of light to the control unit 21. The washing part 16 wash | cleans the reaction container 8 which the measurement by the photometry part 15 was complete | finished with a detergent or washing water, and dries it.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the data processing unit 20 includes a control unit 21, an input unit 22, and a display unit 23.

  As the control unit 21, for example, a microcomputer having a storage function or the like for storing analysis results is used, and connected to each component of the sample transport mechanism 2 and the analysis processing unit 6, the input unit 22, and the display unit 23. The operation of each part of the automatic analyzer 1 is controlled. In particular, the control unit 21 controls transport of the rack 3 by the conveyor based on rack information and sample information read by the information reading devices 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 21 includes an analysis unit 21a and a calculation unit 21b.

  The analysis unit 21a includes identification numbers of samples and reagents input from the host computer, arrangement positions of the first reagent container 10a and the second reagent container 12a in the first reagent cool box 10 and the second reagent cool box 12, analysis items, Information related to analysis, such as necessity of re-examination, is stored. The analysis unit 21a analyzes the component concentration of the specimen from the absorbance (optical characteristics) of the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 8 obtained based on the light quantity measured by the photometry unit 15, and stores the analysis result.

  The calculation unit 21b calculates the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed based on the sample information about all the sample containers 3a read by the information reading device 5. At this time, the calculation unit 21b calculates the scheduled analysis end time from the total time of all samples for each sample container 3a. In this calculation, when the analysis information is not included in the sample information, the calculation unit 21b calculates the scheduled analysis end time using the information on the analysis item acquired or specified by the control unit 21. Further, since the calculation unit 21b calculates before the start of analysis, the time required for re-examination is not included, and the approximate analysis end scheduled time is calculated.

  The input unit 22 is a part for performing input operations such as the number of samples and analysis items to the control unit 21. For example, a keyboard and a mouse are used.

  The display unit 23 is an output unit that also serves as notification means for displaying the analysis content including the analysis result, the scheduled analysis end time calculated by the calculation unit 21b, and the like, and a display panel or the like is used. Here, the display unit 23 may notify the scheduled analysis end time by voice.

  The automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above is configured such that the first reagent container 11 causes the first reagent dispenser 11 to transfer the reaction container 8 that is conveyed to the first reagent dispensing position along the circumferential direction by the cuvette wheel. The first reagent is sequentially dispensed from 11a. The reaction container 8 into which the first reagent has been dispensed is conveyed along the circumferential direction by the cuvette wheel, and samples are sequentially dispensed from the sample container 3a that is conveyed by the sample dispensing apparatus 9 to the sample dispensing position Ps. Is done.

  The reaction container 8 into which the specimen has been dispensed is transported to the second reagent dispensing position by the cuvette wheel, and the second reagent is dispensed from the second reagent container 12a to the reaction container 8 by the second reagent dispensing device 13. Dispensed sequentially. During this time, in the reaction vessel 8, the dispensed reagent and the reagent and the specimen are stirred and reacted by the stirring device 14. The reaction solution in which the sample and the reagent have reacted in this way passes through the photometric unit 15 when the cuvette wheel rotates again, and the analysis unit 21a absorbs the absorbance of the reaction solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 8 (optically). The component concentration of the specimen is analyzed from the characteristics. In addition, the reaction container 8 that has been analyzed is washed in the washing unit 16 and then used again for analyzing the specimen.

  In the analysis of the sample, the rack 3 is transported through the rack setting unit 2a → rack transport unit 2b → buffer unit 2c → return transport unit 2d → rack collection unit 2g and sample transport mechanism 2 as indicated by arrows in FIG. The However, in the case of re-inspection, as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 2, the rack 3 is changed from the intermediate return transport unit 2d to the re-examination rack transport unit 2e → the re-test lane unit 2f → the re-test rack transport unit 2e → the return transport unit 2d After being transported, it is recovered to the rack recovery unit 2g.

  On the other hand, when the automatic analyzer 1 calculates the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed before starting the sample analysis operation, the rack set in the rack setting unit 2a of the sample transfer mechanism 2 as follows. 3 is stopped at the sample dispensing position Ps, and the sample is transported without being dispensed. That is, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the rack 3 so as to rotate in the order of the rack set part 2a → the rack transport part 2b → the buffer part 2c → the return transport part 2d → the rack set part 2a as indicated by an arrow in FIG. To do.

  During this time, the information reading device 4 reads the rack information from the rack information recording medium 3b attached to the rack 3, and the information reading device 5 reads the sample information from the sample information recording medium 3c attached to the sample container 3a to perform data processing. To the unit 20. The calculation unit 21b calculates the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed based on the sample information about all the sample containers 3a read by the information reading device 5 in this way. The calculated analysis end scheduled time is displayed on the display unit 23 and notified.

  A method for calculating the scheduled analysis end time of the automatic analyzer of the present invention, which is executed by the control unit 21 in calculating the scheduled analysis end time, will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the analysis item information is included in the sample information read by the information reading device 5.

  First, the control unit 21 receives the control signal of the analysis end scheduled time calculation instruction input from the input unit 22 and drives the sample transfer mechanism 2 (step S100). Thus, after all the racks 3 set in the rack setting unit 2a by controlling the sample transfer mechanism 2 are conveyed through the rack conveyance unit 2b, the buffer unit 2c, and the return conveyance unit 2d, the rack setting unit Return to 2a.

  As the rack 3 is transported, the information readers 4 and 5 receive rack information and sample information from the rack information recording medium 3b attached to the rack 3 and the sample information recording medium 3c attached to the sample container 3a held by the rack 3. Read. The control unit 21 acquires the sample information about all the sample containers 3a read in this way from the information reading device 5 (step S102).

  Next, the control unit 21 causes the calculation unit 21b to calculate the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed based on the sample information acquired for all the sample containers 3a (step S104). Then, the control unit 21 notifies the scheduled analysis end time calculated by the calculation unit 21b (step S106). This notification is performed by displaying on the display unit 23. In this case, since the calculation unit 21b calculates the time required for analyzing the sample to be analyzed first, it is possible to display the time required for analysis on the display unit 23.

  In this way, the automatic analyzer 1 calculates the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed before starting the analysis. For this reason, the automatic analyzer 1 can notify the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be actually supplied before starting the analysis. Further, the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the sample information of all the samples to be analyzed before starting the analysis, and the samples are analyzed in the order of supply, so that the specific sample and the specific analysis item of the specific sample are input. Thus, it is also possible to individually notify the scheduled end time of analysis.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. While the first embodiment is a single automatic analyzer, the second embodiment relates to a multi-unit analyzer that combines a plurality of automatic analyzers. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the multi-unit analyzer of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the sample transfer mechanism of the multi-unit analyzer according to the second embodiment. Here, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used in principle for the same components as those of the automatic analyzer 1 of the first embodiment.

  The multi-unit analyzer 30 is formed by connecting a plurality of analyzers, and as shown in FIG. 6, the analyzer 31 and the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C provided in parallel along the sample transport mechanism 2 and the transport mechanism 34. The central controller 33 and the transport mechanism 34 are provided, and an input operation is performed by an input unit (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sample transfer mechanism 2 is provided in parallel with the analyzer 31 and the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C, and includes a rack set unit 2a, a rack transport unit 2b, a buffer unit 2c, and a rack. It has a recovery part 2g. At this time, the sample transport mechanism 2 is arranged in the order of the buffer unit 2c, the rack recovery unit 2g, and the rack set unit 2a, and the rack transport unit 2b and the return transport unit 2d are arranged on both sides of the rack transport direction. In addition, the sample transport mechanism 2 is provided with an information reading device 4 for reading rack information from a rack information recording medium 3b affixed to the end surface of the rack 3 on one side, and affixed to the sample container 3a on the side of the rack collection unit 2g. An information reading device 5 for reading sample information from the sample information recording medium 3c is installed. The sample information read by the information reading device 5 is used for calculation of the scheduled analysis end time. The sample transfer mechanism 2 is provided with a lane changer 2h adjacent to the rack transport unit 2b. The lane changer 2h changes the rack 3 transported from the rack transport unit 2b to the overtaking lane 34a to the transport lane 34b, or returns after finishing the analysis in the analyzer 31 and the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C by the return lane 34c. The coming rack 3 is transferred to the buffer unit 2c. Here, in the multi-unit analyzer 30 of the second embodiment, the sample transfer mechanism 2 is controlled by the transport control unit 32 together with the transport mechanism 34. Therefore, the rack information and sample information read by the information reading devices 4 and 5 are output to the transport control unit 32 in addition to the central control device 33.

  For example, a microcomputer or the like is used as the transfer control unit 32, and the rack 3 sent out from the rack set unit 2a in response to an instruction from the central control unit 33 is distributed to the overtaking lane 34a and the transfer lane 34b. The rack that has been subjected to the analysis process is returned to the return lane 34c, and the operation of recovering the rack 3 transported through the return lane 34c to the rack recovery unit 2g via the buffer unit 2c is controlled.

  At this time, the conveyance control unit 32 has a calculation unit 32a as shown in FIG. Similar to the calculation unit 21b of the first embodiment, the calculation unit 32a calculates the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed based on the sample information about all the sample containers 3a read by the information reading device 5. .

  As shown in FIG. 6, the analyzer 31 and the automatic analyzers 1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> C are provided in parallel along the transport mechanism 34 and operate under the control of the central controller 33.

  The analyzer 31 is an automatic analyzer that measures an electrolyte in a specimen by an electrode method, and reads specimen information from a specimen dispensing apparatus 31a and a specimen information recording medium 3c attached to the specimen container 3a as shown in FIG. An information reading device 5 and a unit controller 31c are provided. The analyzer 31 is provided with an information reading device 5 that reads sample information from the sample information recording medium 3c attached to the sample container 3a transported by the rack 3 at a position facing the overtaking lane 34a.

  Similar to the sample dispensing device 9 of the first embodiment, the sample dispensing device 31a includes an arm that can be rotated and moved up and down, and a dispensing probe supported by the arm. As shown, a suction position S1b and a suction position S1a are arranged on the overtaking lane 34a and the transport lane 34b, respectively, and the samples are sequentially sucked from a plurality of sample containers 3a held by the rack 3 and discharged to the measurement container 31b. The specimen discharged into the measurement container 31b measures an electrolyte composed of ions such as sodium, chlorine, potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphorus. The information reading device 5 outputs the read sample information to the central control device 33. The unit control unit 31c is configured by a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and is a sub-control unit that controls the operation of the entire analyzer 31 including the sample dispensing device 31a in response to an instruction from the central control device 33. The unit controller 31 c outputs measurement data including measurement items, measurement results, and the like in the analyzer 31 to the central controller 33.

  The automatic analyzers 1A to 1C are the same automatic analyzer as in the first embodiment in which the automatic analyzer 1A analyzes biochemical items, the automatic analyzer 1B analyzes immune items, and the automatic analyzer 1C analyzes genetic items. . As shown in FIG. 6, in the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C, suction positions SAa to SCa are arranged on the transport lane 34b, and suction positions SAb to SCb are arranged on the overtaking lane 34a.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the automatic analyzer 1 </ b> A includes an information reading device 5, a reaction tank 7, a sample dispensing device 9, a first reagent cooler 10, a first reagent dispenser 11, a second reagent cooler 12, The second reagent dispensing device 13 and the control unit 21 are provided, and the automatic analyzers 1B and 1C are similarly configured. Here, although not shown, each of the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C includes a stirrer 14, a photometric unit 15, and a cleaning unit 16, like the automatic analyzer 1 of the first embodiment.

  The information reading device 5 reads the sample information from the sample information recording medium 3c attached to the sample container 3a held by the rack 3 conveyed to the automatic analyzer 1A by the overtaking lane 34a and the conveyance lane 34b. The information reading device 5 outputs the read sample information to the central control device 33. In the reaction tank 7, a plurality of reaction vessels 8 are arranged in a double manner on a concentric circle. The control unit 21 receives an instruction from the central control device 33 and controls the operation of the automatic analyzer 1A as a whole. The control unit 21 outputs measurement data including measurement items, measurement results, and the like in the automatic analyzer 1A to the central controller 33.

  Here, the automatic analyzers 1B and 1C are required to have high analysis accuracy, and the carry-over of the sample is strictly limited. For this reason, the automatic analyzers 1B and 1C are controlled by the central controller 33 so that the analysis is preferentially executed prior to the analysis by the analyzer 31 or the automatic analyzer 1A.

  The central controller 33 is a personal computer that controls the entire multi-unit analyzer 30 and includes an input unit, a display unit 33a, and an output unit. The input unit inputs various information including analysis items related to the analysis operation to the multi-unit analyzer 30, for example, a keyboard or a mouse is used. The display unit 33a displays various information such as analysis contents, analysis results, and alarms related to the analysis operation in the multi-unit analyzer 30 in addition to displaying the scheduled analysis end time calculated by the calculation unit 32a. Yes, a display panel or the like is used. The output unit prints out various information such as analysis results in addition to the information displayed on the display unit 33a. For example, a printer or the like is used, but audio output using a speaker or the like is also possible. is there. The central controller 33 determines an analyzer to transport the rack 3 based on the rack information sent from the information reader 4 of the sample transport mechanism 2, and instructs the transport mechanism 34 to determine the analysis unit of the determined transport destination. To do. Further, the central control device 33 confirms whether or not the rack 3 is transported to the designated regular analysis unit based on the sample information read by the information reading device 5 of the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C.

  The transport mechanism 34 is a transport device using a belt conveyor that transports the rack 3 in response to an instruction from the central control device 33. As shown in FIG. 6, the transport mechanism 34 is arranged in parallel with each other along the arrangement direction of the analyzer 31 and the automatic analyzers 1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> C, and the rack 3 for emergency samples and interrupted samples is used as a specific analysis unit. An overtaking lane 34a for selectively transporting, a transport lane 34b for sequentially transporting the rack 3 to the analyzer 31 and the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C, and a return lane 34c for returning the rack 3 after transport to each analysis unit to the buffer unit 2c. And have. The overtaking lane 34a and the transport lane 34b are intermittently operated to pitch the rack 3, and are positioned at the suction positions S1a, S1b, SAa, SAb to SCa, SCb of the analyzer 31 and the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C. Stop sequentially.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the transport mechanism 34 lanes across the overtaking lane 34 a, the transport lane 34 b, and the return lane 34 c on the downstream side in the transport direction of the rack 3 as viewed from the suction positions SAa, SAb to SCa, SCb. A changer 35 is provided. The lane changer 35 slides in the lateral direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the rack 3 and changes the lane for transporting the rack 3.

  In the multi-unit analyzer 30 configured as described above, when the plurality of racks 3 holding the sample containers 3a are set in the rack setting unit 2a of the sample transfer mechanism 2 and the switch is turned on, the control of the central controller 33 is performed. Below, the rack 3 is sequentially sent out from the rack setting unit 2a, and the rack 3 is transported to the analyzer 31 and the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C by the transport mechanism 34. The multi-unit analyzer 30 analyzes the sample in the measurement container 31b and the reaction container 8 with the analyzer at the transport destination, and then transports the sample to the transport mechanism 34 and returns the rack 3 to the sample transport mechanism 2. It is recovered in part 2c.

  In the analysis of the sample described above, the rack 3 is sent from the rack setting unit 2a to the overtaking lane 34a or the transfer lane 34b by the lane changer 2h through the rack transfer unit 2b as shown by the arrow in FIG. When completed, the transfer is transferred from the return lane 34c to the buffer unit 2c by the lane changer 2h, and is recovered by the rack recovery unit 2g via the return transport unit 2d. However, in the case of re-examination, the rack 3 is transferred from the return lane 34c to the buffer unit 2c, and then returned to the rack set unit 2a via the return transport unit 2d as indicated by the dotted arrow in the figure. Then, the reinspection rack 3 is sent again to the overtaking lane 34a by the rack transport unit 2b, and reinspection is performed in the analyzer 31 and the automatic analyzers 1A to 1C.

  On the other hand, when the multi-unit analyzer 30 calculates the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed before the start of the sample analysis operation, as shown in FIG. 2b → buffer unit 2c → returning conveyance unit 2d → rack setting unit 2a is conveyed so as to be idle.

  The multi-unit analyzer 30 reads the rack information from the rack information recording medium 3b affixed to the rack 3 during this time by the information reader 4 and from the sample information recording medium 3c affixed to the sample container 3a by the information reader 5 The sample information is read and output to the control unit 21. The calculation unit 21b calculates the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed based on the sample information about all the sample containers 3a read by the information reading device 5 in this way. The calculated scheduled analysis end time is displayed on the display unit 33a.

  The multi-unit analyzer 30 calculates the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed before starting the analysis as described above. For this reason, the multi-unit analyzer 30 can notify the display of the scheduled analysis end time of the sample that is actually supplied on the display unit 33a of the central controller 33 before starting the analysis. In addition, the multi-unit analyzer 30 acquires sample information of all samples to be analyzed before starting the analysis, and the samples are analyzed by an analyzer determined in the order of supply. By inputting specific analysis items, it is also possible to individually notify these scheduled analysis end times.

  In each of the above embodiments, the scheduled analysis end time of the sample to be analyzed is calculated based on the sample information about all the sample containers 3a read by the information reading device 5. However, when the information recorded in the sample information recording medium 3c is recorded in the rack information recording medium 3b attached to the rack 3, the calculation unit 21b analyzes the sample information read by the information reading device 4 The scheduled analysis end time of the sample may be calculated.

1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the top view which showed conveyance of the rack at the time of expanding the sample transfer mechanism of an automatic analyzer and analyzing a sample. It is a perspective view of the rack conveyed by the sample transfer mechanism. It is a flowchart explaining the analysis end scheduled time calculation method of the automatic analyzer of this invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing rack transport by the sample transport mechanism when calculating a scheduled analysis end time of the sample in the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. 6 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a multi-unit analyzer according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a sample transfer mechanism of a multi-unit analyzer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing rack transport by a sample transport mechanism when calculating a scheduled analysis end time of a sample in the multi-unit analyzer of the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 1A-1C Automatic analyzer 2 Sample transfer mechanism 2a Rack setting part 2b Rack conveyance part 2c Buffer part 2d Return conveyance part 2e Retest rack transfer part 2f Retest lane part 2g Rack collection part 2h Lane changer 3 Rack 3a Sample container 3b Rack information recording medium 3c Specimen information recording medium 4,5 Information reading device 6 Analysis processing unit 7 Reaction tank 8 Reaction vessel 9 Specimen dispensing device 10 First reagent cold storage 11 First reagent dispensing device 12 Second reagent cold storage DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 2nd reagent dispensing apparatus 14 Stirrer 15 Photometry part 16 Washing part 20 Data processing part 21 Control part 21a Analysis part 21b Calculation part 22 Input part 23 Display part 30 Multi-unit analyzer 31 Analyzer 32 Transport control part 32a Calculation part 33 Central controller 33a Display unit 33 Central controller 34 Transport mechanism 35 Changer Ps sample dispensing position Psr re-Kenbun Note position

Claims (5)

An automatic analyzer that analyzes the sample based on the characteristics of a reaction solution obtained by reacting the sample and the reagent sequentially dispensed from a plurality of sample containers held in a plurality of racks,
Information reading means for reading sample information including analysis items of the sample from a sample recording medium attached to the sample container or the rack;
A calculation means for calculating a scheduled analysis end time based on the sample information read by the information reading means;
And an analysis end scheduled time of the sample to be analyzed is calculated before starting the analysis based on the sample information read by the information reading means.   The automatic analysis apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying the calculated analysis end scheduled time.   The automatic analyzer is configured to set the rack and send it to a transport means for transporting the sample to a sample dispensing position, a buffer unit for temporarily storing the rack after sample dispensing, and the analysis is completed The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising: a rack recovery unit that recovers the rack that has been recovered. A method for calculating the estimated end time of analysis in an automatic analyzer that analyzes the sample based on the characteristics of the reaction solution in which the reagent and the sample sequentially dispensed from a plurality of sample containers held in a plurality of racks have reacted. There,
An information reading step of reading sample information including analysis items of the sample from the sample recording medium attached to the sample container or the rack to be analyzed before starting analysis;
A calculation step of calculating a scheduled analysis end time based on the sample information read by the information reading unit;
Including
An analysis end scheduled time calculation method for an automatic analyzer, which calculates an analysis end scheduled time of a sample to be analyzed before starting analysis based on the sample information.   The method for calculating a scheduled analysis end time of the automatic analyzer according to claim 4, further comprising a notification step of notifying the calculated scheduled analysis end time.

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