JP2011013142A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer, capable of easily determining whether the occurrence of a failure in a reaction process is attributable to an apparatus, or to a sample, and so on.SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer includes a dispensing means for implementing a sample-dispensing step of dispensing a sample into a reaction vessel; a reagent dispensing step of dispensing a reagent into the reaction vessel containing the sample to generate a reaction liquid, and a stirring step of stirring the reaction liquid; an image acquiring section for acquiring an image of a liquid state in the reaction vessel at each step; a measuring section for measuring the absorbance of the liquid, in the reaction vessel at each step; and a display control section for receiving a display instruction and displaying, in relation to each step, the absorbance of the liquid measured in each step and the image of the liquid state obtained in each step in a display area.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer that measures the absorbance of a reaction solution of a sample and a reagent dispensed in a reaction container.

  As a conventional automatic analyzer, for example, there is an apparatus that automatically performs qualitative / quantitative analysis of a specific component contained in a biological sample such as blood and urine. Among them, the biochemical automatic analyzer measures the absorbance of the reaction solution due to the reaction between the sample and the reagent with a photometer, and converts the measured absorbance into a concentration based on a previously obtained absorbance-concentration curve. The absorbance-concentration curve (calibration curve) is created by measuring the absorbance of a standard solution with a known concentration at different concentrations. As means for detecting an abnormality in the reaction process, there is a means for setting an absorbance or concentration threshold in advance and generating an alarm when the measured absorbance or concentration exceeds the threshold. When an abnormality in the reaction process is detected, the cause of the occurrence is estimated based on the image information of the reaction liquid displayed on the reaction monitor.

  In addition, in the conventional automatic analyzer, for example, when an abnormality in the reaction process of a patient specimen occurs, the reaction process of the standard solution or quality control sample corresponding to the measurement is searched, and simultaneously with the reaction process of the patient specimen. There is what is displayed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-203008 A

  However, in the former automatic analyzer, detailed information when an abnormality in the reaction process cannot be clearly grasped only with the image information of the reaction liquid displayed on the reaction monitor, and it is reliable for abnormal samples. May not be able to cope properly. In particular, it is determined whether it is caused by equipment such as sample and reagent dispensing conditions, the degree of stirring of the reaction solution, or by sample viscosity, reagent viscosity, ease of foaming, etc. It was difficult to do. For example, when the occurrence of an abnormality in the reaction process is estimated to be caused by an apparatus, a trial reproduction or the like must be performed, and a satisfactory result is not always obtained.

  In the latter automatic analyzer described in the publication, it is possible to grasp the degree of abnormality of the reaction process by comparing the reaction process of the standard solution and the reaction process of the patient specimen. Similarly to the above, there is a problem in that it is difficult to determine whether an abnormality in the reaction process is caused by the apparatus or the sample.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and to provide an automatic analyzer that can more reliably grasp abnormality of a reaction process in a reaction liquid between a sample and a reagent.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is based on the apparatus in which an abnormality in the reaction process occurs in the reaction process based on the acquired image of the liquid state in the reaction container for each step in the reaction process. It has been noted that it is possible to easily determine whether it is caused by a sample or the like.
Specifically, the first aspect of the present invention includes a sample dispensing step for dispensing a sample into a reaction vessel, a reagent dispensing step for dispensing a reagent into the reaction vessel containing the sample and generating a reaction solution, And a dispensing means for performing each step including a stirring step for stirring the reaction solution, an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of the state of the liquid in the reaction container for each step, and each step A measurement unit for measuring the absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container, and in response to a display instruction, the absorbance of the liquid measured for each step in association with each step, and for each step And a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the acquired image of the liquid state.

According to the present invention, it is possible to more reliably grasp the abnormality of the reaction process in the reaction liquid between the sample and the reagent.
Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the liquid absorbance measured at each step and the liquid state image acquired at each step are displayed in association with each step. It becomes easy to compare the liquid in the reaction container in which an abnormality has occurred in the process and an image of the state of the liquid.
Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the liquid state image acquired at each step is stored in the nonvolatile auxiliary storage unit only when an abnormality occurs in the reaction process. The storage area can be used effectively.
Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, only when an abnormality occurs in the reaction process, an image of the liquid state obtained at each step is displayed and further stored in the nonvolatile auxiliary storage unit. Therefore, it is possible to visualize the abnormality in the reaction container and to effectively use the storage area of the auxiliary storage unit.

1 is a configuration block diagram of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a whole top view of an automatic analyzer. It is a top view which shows a reaction line, an image acquisition part, etc. It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of an automatic analyzer. It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of sample analysis. It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of an analysis result output. It is a figure which shows the light absorbency of the liquid measured at each measurement step, and the image of the state of the liquid acquired at each step. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a setting screen.

  An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer, FIG. 2 is an overall plan view of the automatic analyzer, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a reaction line and an image acquisition unit, and FIG. 4 is a series of operations of the automatic analyzer. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a series of operations for sample analysis, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of operations for reporting an analysis result.

  The automatic analyzer executes a sample analysis step for measuring the dispensed sample and an analysis result output step for outputting the analysis result of the sample when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The sample analysis step and the analysis result output step are shown as step S101 and step S102 in FIG.

  In order to execute the sample analysis step and the analysis result output step, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the automatic analyzer 10 places a sample container (not shown) containing a sample (biological sample) and a sample container side by side. Sample storage 11, reagent container (not shown) for storing reagents, reagent storage 12 for placing reagent containers side by side, reaction container 131, reaction storage 13 for placing reaction containers 131 side by side, dispensing means 20, image acquisition Unit 31, measurement unit 32, auxiliary storage unit 33, operation unit 34, display unit 40, and control unit 50.

  The automatic analyzer 10 configured as described above, as a sample analysis step, generates a reaction solution by dispensing a reagent into a reaction vessel 131 containing a sample, a sample dispensing step of dispensing the sample into the reaction vessel 131. Reagent dispensing step, stirring step for stirring the reaction liquid in the reaction container 131, image acquisition step for acquiring an image of the liquid state in the reaction container for each step, and liquid in the reaction container 131 for each step Each step is performed including a measurement step that measures the absorbance of.

  In this embodiment, as the sample analysis step, the stirring step is provided only after the reagent dispensing step, but it may be provided after the sample dispensing step. In addition to the above steps, the sample analysis step includes a diluted sample suction step, an electrode suction step, and a washing / drying step. In the following description, descriptions of the diluted sample suction step and the like are omitted.

  Moreover, the automatic analyzer 10 performs each step including an analysis result display step, an analysis result storage step, and an analysis result deletion step as an analysis result output step. The sample analysis step is shown in FIG. 5 as step S201 to step S214. The analysis result output step is shown by steps S301 to S306 in FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a plurality of reaction vessels 131 and a reaction line 132 on which the reaction vessels 131 are placed in a state of being arranged in the circumferential direction. The automatic analyzer 10 performs the sample dispensing step at the 6 o'clock position of the circumference indicated by the broken line in FIG. 3, and executes the first reagent dispensing step at the 10 o'clock position of the circumference. A second reagent dispensing step is performed at the 8 o'clock position, an agitation step is performed at the 12 o'clock position of the circumference, an image acquisition step is performed at the 9 o'clock position of the circumference, At the position, perform the measurement step. In addition, the position which performs each step from a sample dispensing step to a measurement step is not limited to these positions. In particular, the execution position of the first reagent dispensing step and the execution position of the second reagent dispensing step may be provided at positions close to each other across the 9 o'clock position.

  The dispensing unit 20 includes a sample arm 21, a reagent arm 22, and a stirring unit 23. The dispensing means 20 receives the control signal from the drive control unit 53 and causes the reaction vessel 131 to circulate. When the sample dispensing step proceeds from the sample dispensing step to the first reagent dispensing step, the first reagent step to the first reagent step are performed. When moving to the two-reagent step and when moving from the second reagent step to the stirring step, the reaction vessel 131 is circulated by a moving amount exceeding one round. Here, the “movement amount exceeding one round” means, for example, from one sample dispensing step execution position (previous step execution position) to the first reagent dispensing step execution position (rear step execution position) in one or more rounds. This is the amount of movement obtained by adding the lengths in the circumferential direction.

  The image acquisition unit 31 is, for example, a CCD camera, and one image acquisition unit 31 is provided at a position along a trajectory around the reaction container 131. The image acquisition unit 31 sets the center of the shooting range at the 9 o'clock position, and takes an image of the liquid state in each reaction container 131 that passes through the 9 o'clock position. The control unit 50 causes the main storage unit 52 to store the captured image of the liquid state in the reaction container 131 in association with the reaction container 131. A barcode is attached to the reaction vessel 131, and the control unit 50 identifies the reaction vessel 131 by the barcode. FIG. 3 shows an image acquisition unit 31 in which the camera head is positioned at 9 o'clock.

  When the reaction vessel 131 is moved from the previous step execution position to the subsequent step execution position, the reaction vessel 131 always passes through the 9 o'clock position from the previous step execution position in order to circulate the reaction vessel 131 by a movement amount exceeding one round. Then, since the image acquisition unit 31 moves to the subsequent step execution position, the image acquisition unit 31 can acquire an image of the liquid state in the reaction container 131 for each step.

  The measurement unit 32 measures the absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container 131 for each step. The measurement unit 32 irradiates the reaction container 131 with light, and measures the absorbance at the set wavelength from the transmitted light. The control unit 50 stores the measured absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container 131 in the main storage unit 52 in association with the reaction container 131. That is, the control unit 50 uses the reaction vessel 131 as a reference and associates each step with the liquid absorbance measured at each step and the liquid state image acquired at each step. Remember me.

  Here, the “liquid in the reaction vessel” refers to a sample in the sample dispensing step, and refers to a reaction solution of the sample and the reagent in the reagent dispensing step and the stirring step. In the measurement step, each absorbance of the sample and the reaction solution is measured as a liquid. In the image acquisition step, images of each state of the sample and the reaction liquid are acquired as liquids.

  The control unit 50 includes a display control unit 51, a main storage unit 52, a drive control unit 53, and a concentration conversion unit 54. The display control unit 51 determines in advance the measured absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container 131. When the measured value is exceeded, the display unit 40 displays the liquid absorbance measured at each step and the liquid state image acquired at each step in association with each step. The concentration conversion unit 54 converts the measured absorbance of the liquid into a concentration based on an “absorbance-concentration curve”.

  Next, details of the sample analysis step will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the specific reaction vessel 131 among the plurality of reaction vessels 131 will be described as a representative, and the other reaction vessels 131 have the same configuration and operation as the specific reaction vessel 131. Description is omitted.

  In the sample analysis step, first, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the sample is a measurement scheduled sample (step S201). For example, the control unit 50 determines the sample to be measured and the reaction container 131 based on identification information (barcode) attached to the sample container and the reaction container 131, respectively. If it is not the sample to be measured (step S201; N), the process proceeds to the determination of whether or not it is the last sample, or the determination whether or not there is an instruction to end the sample analysis (step S214). If there is a sample to be measured (step S201; Y), the process proceeds to the sample dispensing step (S202).

(Sample dispensing step: S202)
In order to execute the sample dispensing step, the automatic analyzer 10 includes a sample arm 21, a sample probe (not shown), a sample probe driving unit (not shown) for lowering and raising the sample probe, and a sample probe. And a sample suction / discharge section having a pump (not shown) for sucking and discharging the gas, a solenoid valve (not shown), and an actuator for driving the solenoid valve.

  In addition, the sample store 11 rotates the sample rack 111 in the circumferential direction by placing the plurality of sample containers in a circumferential direction and the sample rack in the circumferential direction, thereby sequentially bringing the plurality of sample containers to the suction position. A sample storage drive unit (not shown) including a transporting stepping motor. Furthermore, as for placing sample containers, there are a rack tray 112 on which about five sample containers are arranged and placed, and a rack sampler 113 on which a plurality of sample containers are placed in a linear direction. Have.

  Further, the reaction chamber 13 rotates the reaction line 132 counterclockwise by placing the reaction line 132 in a state in which the plurality of reaction containers 131 are arranged in the circumferential direction, thereby rotating the reaction containers 131 in the circumferential direction. And a reaction chamber drive unit (not shown) including a stepping motor that moves (circulates) in the direction.

  In the sample dispensing step, when the sample arm 21 is moved and the sample probe is moved from the standby position to the suction position, the sample probe driving unit lowers the sample probe. The electromagnetic valve is activated, and the sample is sucked from the predetermined sample container by the sample probe.

  Next, the electromagnetic valve is activated, and the sample probe driving unit raises the sample probe. When the sample arm 21 is moved and the sample probe is moved from the suction position to the discharge position (6 o'clock position shown in FIG. 3), the sample probe driving unit lowers the sample probe. Further, the predetermined reaction vessel 131 is moved to the 6 o'clock position. The electromagnetic valve is activated, and the sample is discharged into the predetermined reaction container 131 by the sample probe. Next, the electromagnetic valve is actuated and closed, and the sample probe driving unit raises the sample probe. The sample arm 21 is moved to move the sample probe from the discharge position to the standby position.

  Thus, the sample dispensing step (S202) is completed. Next, the process proceeds to a sample dispensing image acquisition step (S203).

(Sample dispensing image acquisition step: S203)
The reaction vessel 131 is rotated counterclockwise from the sample dispensing step execution position (6 o'clock position shown in FIG. 3), and the center of the imaging range of the image acquisition unit 31 is provided (9 o'clock shown in FIG. 3). To the position). The image acquisition unit 31 continuously takes images of the liquid state in the reaction container 131 that passes through the 9 o'clock position. In addition, it is preferable to acquire an image at the timing when the reaction vessel 131 stops. The same applies to the following image acquisition steps. The control unit 50 stores the liquid state image (sample dispensing image) taken after the sample dispensing in the main storage unit 52 in association with the identification information of the reaction container 131. Thus, the sample dispensing image acquisition step is completed.

(Primary liquid measurement step: S204)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing means 20 further circulates the reaction container 131 counterclockwise from the execution position (9 o'clock position) of the sample dispensing image acquisition step, and the primary liquid measurement step. To the execution position (position at 3 o'clock shown in FIG. 3). The measurement unit 32 irradiates the reaction container 131 that passes through the 3 o'clock position with light, and measures the absorbance at the set wavelength from the transmitted light. The control unit 50 stores the measured absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container 131 in the main storage unit 52 in association with the reaction container 131.

(First reagent dispensing step: S205)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing means 20 further circulates the reaction container 131 counterclockwise from the primary liquid measurement step execution position (position at 3 o'clock), and then dispenses the next first reagent amount. Move to the execution position of the note step (10 o'clock position shown in FIG. 3).

  In order to execute the first reagent dispensing step, the automatic analyzer 10 includes a reagent arm 22, a reagent probe (not shown), a reagent probe driving unit (not shown) for lowering and raising the reagent probe, and a reagent probe. A reagent suction / discharge section having a pump (not shown) for sucking and discharging the reagent, a solenoid valve (not shown), and an actuator (not shown) for driving the solenoid valve; and a first reagent storage 12 is doing.

  The first reagent storage 12 is provided with a stepping motor that places the reagent containers in a circumferential direction and rotates the reagent containers in the circumferential direction to sequentially transport a plurality of reagent containers to the suction position. A reagent storage drive section (not shown) is included. The reagent container contains a reagent that selectively reacts with a specific component contained in the sample.

  In the first reagent dispensing step, when the reagent arm 22 is moved and the reagent probe is moved from the standby position to the suction position, the reagent probe driving unit lowers the reagent probe. The electromagnetic valve is activated, and the first reagent is aspirated from the predetermined reagent container by the reagent probe.

  Next, the solenoid valve is activated, and the reagent probe driving unit raises the reagent probe. When the reagent arm 22 is moved to move the reagent probe from the suction position to the discharge position (10 o'clock position), the reagent probe drive unit lowers the reagent probe. Further, as described above, the predetermined reaction container 131 is moved to the execution position (10 o'clock position) of the first reagent dispensing step. The electromagnetic valve is activated, and the sample is discharged into the predetermined reaction container 131 by the reagent probe. Next, the solenoid valve is actuated and closed, and the reagent probe driving unit raises the reagent probe. The reagent arm 22 is moved to move the reagent probe from the discharge position to the standby position. Thus, the first reagent dispensing step (S205) is completed.

(First reagent dispensing image acquisition step: S206)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing unit 20 causes the reaction vessel 131 to circulate one or more counterclockwise from the execution position (10 o'clock position) of the first sample dispensing step, It moves to the execution position (9 o'clock position) of the next first reagent dispensing image acquisition step.

  The image acquisition unit 31 captures an image of the liquid state in the reaction container 131 that passes through the 9 o'clock position. The control unit 50 stores the liquid state image (first reagent dispensing image) taken after the first reagent dispensing in the main storage unit 52 in association with the identification information of the reaction container 131. Thereby, in the first reagent dispensing image obtaining step, the image obtaining unit 31 obtains an image of the liquid state in the reaction container 131 after the first reagent dispensing step and before the second reagent dispensing step. It becomes possible to do. Thus, the first reagent dispensing image acquisition step (S205) is completed.

(Secondary liquid first measurement step: S207)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing unit 20 further circulates the reaction container 131 counterclockwise from the execution position (9 o'clock position) of the first reagent dispensing image acquisition step. It moves to the execution position (3 o'clock position) of the liquid first measurement step. The measurement unit 32 irradiates the reaction container 131 that passes through the 3 o'clock position with light, and measures the absorbance at the set wavelength from the transmitted light. The control unit 50 stores the measured absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container 131 in the main storage unit 52 in association with the reaction container 131.

(Second reagent dispensing step: S208)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing means 20 rotates the reaction vessel 131 counterclockwise from the execution position (3 o'clock position) of the secondary liquid first measurement step, and the next second The reagent is moved to the execution position of the reagent dispensing step (8 o'clock position shown in FIG. 3).

  In order to execute the second reagent dispensing step, the automatic analyzer 10 has the same components as the components for executing the first reagent dispensing step. The reagent container of the second reagent storage 12 stores a reagent that makes a pair with the reagent stored in the reagent container of the first reagent storage 12. In the description of the second reagent dispensing step, the description overlapping with the first reagent dispensing step is omitted.

  In the second reagent dispensing step, when the reagent arm 22 is moved and the reagent probe is moved from the standby position to the suction position, the reagent probe driving unit lowers the reagent probe. The electromagnetic valve is activated and the second reagent is aspirated from the predetermined reagent container by the reagent probe.

  Next, the solenoid valve is activated, and the reagent probe driving unit raises the reagent probe. When the reagent arm 22 is moved to move the reagent probe from the suction position to the discharge position (8 o'clock position), the reagent probe driving unit lowers the reagent probe. The predetermined reaction vessel 131 is moved to the 8 o'clock position. The electromagnetic valve is activated, and the sample is discharged into the predetermined reaction container 131 by the reagent probe. Next, the solenoid valve is actuated and closed, and the reagent probe driving unit raises the reagent probe. The reagent arm 22 is moved to move the reagent probe from the discharge position to the standby position. Thus, the second reagent dispensing step (S208) is completed.

(Second reagent dispensing image acquisition step: S209)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing means 20 rotates the reaction container 131 counterclockwise from the execution position (8 o'clock position) of the second sample dispensing step, and the next second reagent. Move to the execution position (position at 9 o'clock) of the dispensing image acquisition step.

  The image acquisition unit 31 captures an image of the liquid state in the reaction container 131 that passes through the 9 o'clock position. The control unit 50 stores the liquid state image (second reagent dispensing image) taken after the second reagent dispensing in the main storage unit 52 in association with the identification information of the reaction container 131.

  The image acquisition unit 31 can acquire an image of the liquid state in the reaction container 131 after the second reagent dispensing step and before the stirring step. Thus, the second reagent dispensing image acquisition step (S209) is completed.

(Secondary liquid second measurement step: S210)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing unit 20 further circulates the reaction container 131 counterclockwise from the execution position (9 o'clock position) of the second reagent dispensing image acquisition step. It moves to the execution position (3 o'clock position) of the liquid second measurement step. The measurement unit 32 irradiates the reaction container 131 that passes through the 3 o'clock position with light, and measures the absorbance at the set wavelength from the transmitted light. The control unit 50 stores the measured absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container 131 in the main storage unit 52 in association with the reaction container 131.

(Stirring step: S211)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing means 20 circulates the reaction vessel 131 counterclockwise from the execution position (3 o'clock position) of the secondary liquid second measurement step, and the next stirring step To the execution position (the position at 12 o'clock shown in FIG. 3).

  In order to execute the stirring step, the automatic analyzer 10 has a stirring bar (not shown). In the stirring step, the liquid (sample and reagent) in the reaction vessel is stirred by the stirring bar. In addition, the execution position of the stirring step has a predetermined length in the circumferential direction around the 12 o'clock position. Thus, the stirring step (S211) is completed.

(Stirring image acquisition step: S212)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing means 20 rotates the reaction vessel 131 counterclockwise from the stirring step execution position (position at 12 o'clock), and the next stirring image acquisition step execution position. Move to (9 o'clock position).

The image acquisition unit 31 captures an image of the liquid state in the reaction container 131 that passes through the 9 o'clock position. The control unit 50 stores the liquid state image (stirring image) taken after stirring in the main storage unit 52 in association with the identification information of the reaction container 131.
This completes the stirring image acquisition step.

(Tertiary liquid measurement step: S213)
In response to the control signal from the drive control unit 53, the dispensing means 20 further circulates the reaction vessel 131 counterclockwise from the execution position (9 o'clock position) of the stirring image acquisition step, and executes the tertiary liquid measurement step. Move to position (3 o'clock position). The measurement unit 32 irradiates the reaction container 131 that passes through the 3 o'clock position with light, and measures the absorbance at the set wavelength from the transmitted light. The control unit 50 stores the measured absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container 131 in the main storage unit 52 in association with the reaction container 131.

  Thus, the tertiary liquid measurement step (S213) is completed. Next, the process proceeds to the determination of whether or not it is the last sample, or the determination of the presence or absence of a sample analysis end instruction (step S214). If it is the last sample, or if there is an instruction to end the sample analysis (step S214; Y), the sample analysis is ended. If it is not the last sample and there is no instruction to end the sample analysis (step S214; N), the process returns to step S201 for determining whether or not the sample is to be measured.

  Next, details of the analysis result output step will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of operations for outputting the analysis result, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the absorbance of the liquid measured at each measurement step and an image of the state of the liquid obtained at each step.

  The automatic analyzer 10 executes the analysis result output step after execution of the last measurement step (tertiary liquid measurement step) in the sample analysis step described above.

  Any of the liquid absorbance measured at each measurement step of the primary liquid measurement step, the secondary liquid first measurement step, the secondary liquid second measurement step, and the tertiary liquid measurement step exceeds a predetermined value. (Step S301; Y), the display control unit 51 associates each measurement step with the absorbance of the liquid measured at each measurement step and the sample of the liquid state obtained at each measurement step. Each image of the injection image, the first reagent dispensing image, the second reagent dispensing image, and the stirring image is displayed on the display unit 40 (step S302). The liquid absorbance at each measurement step is determined for each type of sample analysis.

  The display control unit 51 displays the absorbance of the liquid on coordinates with the vertical axis representing absorbance and the horizontal axis representing time, and a sample dispensing step, a first reagent dispensing step, a second reagent dispensing step, and An image of the liquid state in each step of the stirring step is displayed at a position corresponding to the execution time of each step on the time axis.

  Further, each image is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33 in association with the absorbance of the liquid (step S303). The control unit 50 stores each image stored in the main storage unit 52 in the auxiliary storage unit 33.

  The coordinates of the absorbance on the vertical axis and the time axis on the horizontal axis, the liquid absorbance measured at each measurement step plotted on the coordinates, and the liquid state image obtained at each measurement step. As shown in FIG. For example, when the control unit 50 determines that the liquid absorbance measured in the tertiary liquid measurement step after stirring is 0.20 and exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 0.15), display control is performed. The unit 51 displays the absorbance of the liquid on the coordinates, displays the liquid state image at each step, the execution time of the sample dispensing step, which is the position on the time axis, the execution time of the first reagent dispensing step, Displayed in association with the execution time of the second reagent dispensing step and the execution time of the stirring step. The determination time of the control unit 50 is indicated by a vertical broken line in FIG. Since the liquid state image acquired at each step is displayed on the display unit 40, whether the occurrence of an abnormality in the reaction process is caused by a device such as the degree of stirring of the reaction liquid, the viscosity of the sample, It is possible to easily determine whether it is caused by a sample such as the viscosity of the reagent or the ease of foaming. Further, since the liquid state image acquired at each step is displayed in association with the execution time of each step, for example, the liquid state image at each step is traced back from the time of measuring the liquid absorbance. If it is determined that the image is in a liquid state indicating that an abnormality has occurred, the step displayed in association with the image can be easily identified.

  Next, the control unit 50 issues a sample analysis end instruction (step S304). When an instruction to end sample analysis is received (step S214; Y), sample analysis is ended. Next, the liquid state image acquired at each measurement step is deleted from the main storage unit 52 (step S305). Thereby, the storage area of the main storage unit 52 can be effectively used. When examining an image in a liquid state, the display control unit 51 displays an image stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33 in response to an instruction from the operation unit 34.

  In step S301, if the measured absorbance of the liquid does not exceed a predetermined value (step S301; N), since it is less necessary to examine the image of the liquid state, it is acquired for each measurement step. The liquid image is erased from the main memory 52 (step S305). Thereby, the storage area of the main storage unit 52 can be effectively used. If it is the last sample or there is an instruction to end the analysis result report (step S306; Y), the analysis result report is ended. On the other hand, if it is not the last sample and there is no instruction to end the analysis result report (step S306; N), whether or not any of the liquid absorbance measured at each measurement step exceeds a predetermined value. It returns to step 301 which judges whether.

  Note that the display control unit 51 may display an enlarged or reduced image of the liquid state. If the absorbance does not exceed a predetermined value, the image is displayed in a reduced size, the data size of the image is reduced, and if it exceeds the predetermined value, the image is enlarged to display an image related to the occurrence of an abnormality. Can be easily visually recognized.

  Next, management of an image in a liquid state will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the setting screen.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 stores the liquid state image in the auxiliary storage unit 33 when the analysis result of the sample satisfies a predetermined condition. FIG. 8 shows conditions such as “light quantity decrease”, “absorbance collection error”, and “absorbance over”.

  Other conditions may be included as conditions for storing the image in the auxiliary storage unit 33. A setting screen for conditions including other conditions is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows selection buttons for “do not save” or “save” provided for each condition. In response to the selection of “do not save” or “save” provided for each condition by operating the operation unit 34, the control unit 50 performs “pure water shortage”, “sample shortage”, “reagent shortage”, and “calibration”. Set other conditions such as “Error”. By making the conditions selectable as described above, it is possible to acquire an image of an abnormal reaction process without adding a storage device.

  Note that the image acquisition unit 31 may be provided one by one in correspondence with each step, not limited to the above embodiment. In the moving direction of the reaction vessel 131, the execution position of the image acquisition step can always be provided at a position before the execution position of the measurement step. Can be quickly investigated. Further, a fan for preventing fogging of the camera lens of the image acquisition unit 31 may be provided. Furthermore, when a part of the reaction line 132 exists in the photographing range of the image acquisition unit 31, it goes without saying that the part is made translucent.

  In the embodiment, the automatic analyzer 10 executes the analysis result output step after the execution of the last measurement step (tertiary liquid measurement step) in the sample analysis step described above, but after the execution of each measurement step in the sample analysis step. An analysis result output step may be executed. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly investigate the cause of the abnormality in the reaction process.

  Furthermore, not only in the above-described embodiment, it is also possible to display the liquid absorbance at each step and the liquid state image at each measurement step on the display unit 40 in response to an instruction from the operation unit 34. good. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm the operation of the automatic analyzer 10 in a timely manner.

  Further, not limited to the above embodiment, when the amount of change in the measured absorbance of the liquid exceeds a predetermined value, the absorbance of the liquid measured for each measurement step in association with each measurement step, and The liquid state image acquired at each step is displayed on the display unit 40, and the liquid state image acquired at each step is associated with the liquid absorbance measured at each measurement step. You may memorize | store in the memory | storage part 33. FIG. It is possible to easily determine the cause of the abnormality in which the liquid absorbance rapidly changes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Automatic analyzer 11 Sample storage 12 Reagent storage 13 Reaction storage 131 Reaction container 132 Reaction line 20 Dispensing means 21 Sample arm 22 Reagent arm 23 Stirring part 31 Image acquisition part 32 Measurement part 33 Auxiliary storage part 34 Operation part 40 Display part 50 Control unit 51 Display control unit 52 Main storage unit 53 Drive control unit 54 Concentration conversion unit

Claims (6)

A sample dispensing step for dispensing a sample into a reaction vessel, a reagent dispensing step for dispensing a reagent into the reaction vessel containing the sample to produce a reaction solution, and an agitation step for stirring the reaction solution Dispensing means for performing steps;
For each step, an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of the state of the liquid in the reaction vessel;
A measuring unit for measuring the absorbance of the liquid in the reaction container for each step;
In response to the display instruction, the display displays the liquid absorbance measured at each step and the liquid state image acquired at each step in association with each step. A control unit;
The automatic analyzer characterized by having.   When the measured absorbance of the liquid exceeds a predetermined value, in association with each step, the absorbance of the liquid measured at each step, and the acquired at each step The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that stores an image in a liquid state in a nonvolatile auxiliary storage unit.   When the measured absorbance of the liquid exceeds a predetermined value, the display control unit associates with each step and measures the absorbance of the liquid measured at each step, and each step. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein an image of the liquid state acquired every time is displayed on the display unit.   The display control unit displays the absorbance of the liquid on coordinates with the liquid absorbance on the vertical axis and the time axis on the horizontal axis, and displays an image of the liquid state in each step on the time axis. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the automatic analyzer is displayed at a position corresponding to an execution time of each step. The dispensing means circulates the reaction vessel, and when the sample dispensing step moves to the reagent dispensing step, the reaction vessel moves to the stirring step, respectively. Circulate with a movement amount exceeding 1 lap,
5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein one image acquisition unit is provided at a position along a trajectory around the reaction vessel. 6.   The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display control unit displays an enlarged or reduced image of the liquid state.