JP2011242167A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply configure an automatic analyzer by reflecting a label attached on a reagent bottle and by reading a reflected image of the label using reading means.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer, in which a sample and a reagent are dispensed in a reaction container and the mixture thereof is analyzed, has: a reagent bottle containing a reagent; a reagent identification label provided on the reagent bottle; a reagent career on which the reagent bottle can be arranged; a reflection means provided on the reagent career; and information reading means for reading information in an image of the reagent identification label which is optically reflected by the reflection means.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer capable of reading information on reagent bottles conveyed by a reagent carrier.

  The automated analyzer mixes and reacts test samples such as blood and urine collected from the test sample (hereinafter simply referred to as samples) and reagents, and measures the reaction state to perform component analysis of the sample. This is an automatic device. This automatic analyzer is widely used in hospitals and laboratories because it can perform analysis on various analysis items for a large number of samples.

  Reagents used for analysis by the automatic analyzer are stored in a bottle called a reagent bottle, and the reagent bottles are arranged in a circle at an arrangement place called a reagent table. When the automatic analyzer performs an analysis, the reagent table rotates to move the reagent bottle containing the desired reagent to the lower part of the reagent probe, and the reagent probe dispenses the reagent.

  In order to efficiently grasp the information of the reagent in the reagent bottle, a barcode indicating the reagent information is attached to the back of the reagent bottle. An invention has been disclosed in which a barcode reader is provided in the vicinity of the reagent table, and the barcode reader reads the barcode of the reagent bottle to grasp the reagent information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-56350 A

  The operator of the automatic analyzer as described above is arranged in the reagent table when, for example, the amount of the reagent in the reagent bottle decreases or when the analysis is started using a new reagent not in the reagent table. The replacement operation between the reagent bottle and the new reagent bottle must be performed manually. However, members such as probes are arranged around the reagent table, and manual replacement of the reagent bottle causes the needle stick of the probe and the contact with the arm driving the probe.

  To cope with such problems, a configuration in which a mechanism unit using a robot arm or the like is attached to an automatic analyzer, and the mechanism unit automatically reads the label attached to the reagent bottle and replaces the reagent bottle is considered. . However, since the mechanism for automatically reading the label attached to the reagent bottle and replacing the reagent bottle is complicated and large in size, there is a problem that the automatic analyzer cannot be simply configured.

  Therefore, in the automatic analyzer of the embodiment, an object is to configure the automatic analyzer with a simple mechanism by reflecting the label attached to the reagent bottle by the reflecting means and reading the image of the reflected label by the reading means. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment includes a reagent bottle for storing a reagent and a reagent bottle in the automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction container and analyzes the mixed solution. Information read from the image of the reagent identification label, the reagent carrier on which the reagent bottle can be installed, the reflection means provided on the reagent carrier, and the image of the reagent identification label optically reflected by the reflection means Reading means.

  According to the automatic analyzer in the embodiment, it is possible to simply configure the automatic analyzer.

The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on an embodiment. The external appearance perspective view which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on an embodiment. The top view which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on an embodiment. The external appearance perspective view which shows the structure of the reagent table and reagent bottle storage place which concern on embodiment. The external appearance perspective view which shows the structure of the reagent bottle which concerns on an embodiment. The external appearance perspective view which shows the structure of the reagent carrier which concerns on embodiment. The external appearance perspective view which shows the structure of the sample carrier which concerns on an embodiment. The top view which shows the positional relationship of the reagent carrier at the time of reading the reagent barcode which concerns on embodiment, and a barcode reader. The top view which shows the positional relationship of the reagent carrier at the time of reading the reagent carrier barcode which concerns on embodiment, and a barcode reader. The top view which shows the positional relationship of the sample carrier at the time of reading the sample barcode which concerns on an embodiment, and a barcode reader. The top view which shows the positional relationship of the sample carrier at the time of reading the sample carrier barcode which concerns on an embodiment, and a barcode reader. The flowchart shown about the conveyance process of the carrier conveyance part which concerns on an embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Internal configuration of automatic analyzer 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to each embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 includes an operation unit 5, a display unit 6, a carrier transport unit 16, a system control unit 100, a sample unit 102, a reagent unit 103, a reaction unit 104, a storage unit 105, and a component analysis. Part 106. The configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 is not limited to this, and appropriate components may be added to the automatic analyzer 1 or omitted.

  The system control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The system control unit 100 executes processing according to various application programs loaded in the ROM and RAM in accordance with an instruction signal input from the operation unit 5 described later. The system control unit 100 processes the signals supplied from the respective units, generates various control signals, and supplies them to the respective units, thereby comprehensively controlling the automatic analyzer 1.

  The component analysis unit 104 performs component analysis of the sample based on wavelength information of transmitted light output from the photometry unit 13 described later. When component analysis is performed, the component analysis unit 104 outputs the analysis information to the system control unit 100.

  The storage unit 105 includes a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that can be electrically rewritten and erased and a flash memory that is a nonvolatile memory, and stores analysis information output from the component analysis unit 104. The storage unit 105 also stores information read from a reagent barcode 46 and a sample barcode 66 described later. The storage unit 105 stores the consumption amount of the reagent in the reagent bottle 30. The amount of reagent consumption is calculated by adding the dispensed amount each time a first reagent probe 18 or a second reagent probe 19 described later dispenses a reagent from the reagent bottle 30. Alternatively, a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent bottle 30 is attached in the reagent table 10 to be described later, and the consumption amount is detected by detecting the height of the liquid level of the reagent at regular intervals. It doesn't matter. The storage unit 105 also stores a schedule for analysis performed by the automatic analyzer 1. The schedule information includes, for example, the identification number of the sample to be analyzed, the item to be analyzed, the type of reagent used for analysis, the amount of sample and reagent dispensed, the order in which the reagent is dispensed, and the sample and reagent mixed Various information such as a reaction time required for causing a post-reaction and a photometric wavelength for component analysis can be included. The schedule information may be stored in a HIS (Hospital Information Server) connected to the automatic analyzer 1 over the network instead of being stored in the storage unit 105.

(Overview of automatic analyzer 1)
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a top view of the automatic analyzer 1. Hereinafter, the configuration of the operation unit 5, the display unit 6, the carrier transport unit 16, the sample unit 102, the reagent unit 103, and the reaction unit 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The operation unit 5 includes, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel display, mechanical buttons, and the like, and receives an input made by the operator of the automatic analyzer 1 on the operation unit 5. When the operation unit 5 receives an input from the user, the operation unit 5 generates an instruction signal corresponding to the input, and outputs the instruction signal to the system control unit 100.

  The display unit 6 is a display composed of, for example, an LCD (Lucid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The display unit 6 displays various information such as analysis information output from the component analysis unit 106, progress information of analysis performed by the automatic analyzer 1, and an input screen for input by the operation unit 5. Further, the display unit 6 displays a screen for prompting replenishment of the reagent and reinsertion of the reagent carrier 44 based on the signal output from the system control unit 100.

  The carrier transport unit 16 is a mechanism unit for moving a reagent carrier 44 and a sample carrier 64 described later. The carrier transport unit 16 includes a carrier rack 24 in which the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 are arranged, a transport arm 20 that moves the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 along the transport rail 33, and a barcode reader 14 that reads a barcode. Is done.

  The carrier rack 24 is provided in front of the automatic analyzer 1 as shown in FIG. The carrier rack 24 is configured by arranging groove portions 16M for installing the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64. The operator installs the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 in the carrier rack 24 by fitting the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 into the groove 16M.

  The transport arm 20 is a mechanism for gripping the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 and moving them along the transport rail 33. The transfer arm 20 is movably attached on the transfer rail 33. The transfer arm 20 moves on the transfer rail 33 and moves to the front of the groove 16M in which an arbitrary reagent carrier 44 or sample carrier 64 is stored, and a hook 48 provided at one end of the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 or The hook 68 is gripped. When the transfer arm 20 grips the hook 48 or the hook 68, the transfer arm 20 lifts the reagent carrier 44 or the sample carrier 64 and removes it from the groove 16M, and the reading position of the barcode reader 14 or the sample part 102 or the reagent part 103 Move to one.

  The barcode reader 14 is an apparatus for optically reading the reagent carrier barcode 47, the sample carrier barcode 67, the reagent barcode 46, and the sample barcode 66. The barcode reader 14 is configured by combining, for example, a light emitting unit that emits light of a specific wavelength toward a reading target and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the reading target. When the barcode reader 14 reads a barcode, first, the light emitting unit emits light toward the barcode. The irradiated light changes its reflected light intensity according to the barcode printing pattern and enters the light receiving section. The light receiving unit detects the printed pattern of the barcode by detecting the incident reflected light intensity. When the bar code reader 14 reads the bar code, the bar code reader 14 converts the read information into an electric signal and transmits it to the system control unit 100. The barcode reader 14 is provided so as to face the back side of the automatic analyzer 1 and to be at a position corresponding to the transport position of the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 transported by the transport arm 20.

  The sample unit 102 is a mechanism unit that extracts an arbitrary sample from the sample container 50 and dispenses it to a reaction unit 104 described later. The sample unit 102 includes a sample carrier transport unit 200 that transports the sample rack 64 along the rail, and a sample probe 17 that dispenses the sample into the reaction tube of the reaction unit 104.

  The sample carrier transport unit 200 is a mechanism that moves the sample carrier 64 transported from the carrier transport unit 16 along the rail. The carrier transport unit 16 lifts the sample carrier 64 using the transport arm 20 and installs it on the rail of the sample carrier transport unit 200. The sample carrier transport unit 200 moves an installed sample carrier 64 along the rail, thereby positioning an arbitrary sample container 50 at a dispensing position of the sample probe 17 described later.

  The sample probe 17 is a hollow needle supported by a movable arm for extracting a predetermined amount of a sample from the sample container 50 and dispensing it into a reaction tube of the reaction unit 104 described later. A motor (not shown) is attached to the sample probe 17, and the tip of the probe is moved to the dispensing position or the upper part of the reaction tube according to the instruction signal output from the system control unit 100. Specifically, when the sample probe 17 extracts a sample from the sample container 50, the sample probe 17 is rotated around the installation axis of the sample probe 17 by driving a motor attached to the sample probe 17, and the sample probe 17 is rotated. The tip of the probe 17 is moved to the top of the sample container 50. When the tip of the sample probe 17 moves to the top of the sample container 50, the movable arm of the sample probe 17 is lowered to move the tip of the sample probe 17 into the sample container 50. When the tip of the sample probe 17 moves to the inside of the sample container 50, a pump (not shown) attached to the sample probe 17 is driven to suck out the sample stored in the sample container 50 to enter the sample probe 17. Extract a sample. When the sample probe 17 extracts the sample, the movable arm of the sample probe 17 is driven to move the sample probe 17 to the upper part of the sample container 50, and then the tip of the sample probe 17 is moved to the upper part of the reaction tube. When the tip of the sample probe 17 moves to the upper part of the reaction tube, the movable arm of the sample probe 17 is driven to move the sample probe 17 into the reaction tube, and a pump (not shown) is further driven to react the extracted sample. Discharge into the tube. By such a series of operations, the sample probe 17 dispenses the sample in the sample container 50 into the reaction tube.

  The reagent unit 103 is a mechanism unit that extracts an arbitrary reagent from the reagent bottle 30 and dispenses it to the reaction unit 104 described later. The reagent unit 103 holds the reagent table 10 that stores the reagent bottles 30 arranged in a circle, the reagent table barcode reader 14R that reads the reagent barcode 46 of the reagent bottle 30 arranged in the reagent table 10, and the reagent bottle 30. The reagent bottle transport unit 21 to be moved to the reagent table 10, the reagent carrier place 40 for temporarily placing the reagent carrier 44 transported by the carrier transport unit 16, and the first for dispensing the reagent into the reaction tube of the reaction unit 104. The first reagent probe 18 and the second reagent probe 19 are included. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the reagent table 10, the reagent table barcode reader 14R, the reagent bottle transport unit 21, the reagent carrier storage 40, the first reagent probe 18, and the second reagent probe 19. Hereinafter, the configuration of the reagent unit 103 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The reagent table 10 is a cylindrical container that stores the reagent bottles 30 arranged in two rows of an inner periphery and an outer periphery. The reagent table 10 can classify the reagents used for analysis into a first reagent and a second reagent, and can arrange the first reagent on the outer periphery and the second reagent on the inner periphery, for example. A rotation motor (not shown) is attached to the reagent table 10, and the position of the reagent bottle 30 is moved by rotating the reagent table 10. Also, a lid 10C is provided on the upper surface of the reagent table 10, and the lid 10C covers the upper surface of the reagent table 10, so that an operator of the automatic analyzer 1 inadvertently enters the inside of the reagent table 10 by mistake. To prevent the situation. When a later-described reagent bottle transport unit 21 moves the reagent bottle 30 into the reagent table 10, the lid 10C rotates in the 10D direction in FIG. 2 to expose the inside of the reagent table 10.

  The reagent table barcode reader 14R is a barcode reader for optically reading the reagent barcode 46. The reagent table barcode reader 14 </ b> R is provided outside the reagent table 10 so that the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are opposed to the back surface of the reagent bottle 30 disposed in the reagent table 10. The reagent table barcode reader 14 </ b> R emits light and receives light toward the reagent barcode 46 on the back of the reagent bottle 30, reads information on the reagent barcode 46, and outputs it to the system control unit 100. As the reagent table 10 rotates the reagent bottle 30, the reagent table barcode reader 14 </ b> R can sequentially read the reagent barcodes 46 of the reagent bottles 30 arranged on the reagent table 10.

  The reagent carrier place 40 is an area where the reagent carrier 44 transported by the carrier transport unit 16 is temporarily arranged. When the reagent carrier 44 is transported to the reagent carrier place 40 by the carrier transport unit 16, it waits on the reagent carrier place 40 until the reagent bottle 44 is extracted by the reagent bottle transport unit 21. The reagent carrier place 40 may be provided so that a plurality of reagent carriers 44 can be installed. For example, in the present embodiment, by providing the first arrangement location 22 and the second arrangement location 23, two reagent carriers 44 waiting for conveyance can be arranged.

  The reagent bottle transport unit 21 is a mechanism unit that extracts the reagent bottle 44 from the reagent carrier 44 arranged in the reagent carrier storage place 40 and moves it into the reagent table 10. The reagent bottle transport unit 21 can be configured using, for example, a robot arm that holds and holds the reagent bottle 30 therebetween. The reagent bottle transport unit 21 is movably attached to the upper part of the reagent carrier place 40 and the reagent table 10. When the reagent bottle transport unit 21 moves the reagent bottle 30 into the reagent table 10, first, the reagent bottle transport unit 21 moves to the upper part of the reagent carrier storage 40 and the reagent bottle 30 set in the reagent carrier 44. Grab and lift. When the reagent bottle transport unit 21 lifts the reagent bottle 30, the reagent bottle transport unit 21 moves to the upper part of the reagent table 10 and moves the reagent bottle 30 to the inside of the reagent table 10. When the reagent bottle transport unit 21 moves the reagent bottle 30 into the reagent table 10, the reagent bottle transport unit 21 releases the gripped reagent bottle 30 and places the reagent bottle 30 in the reagent table 10. The reagent bottle transport unit 21 sets the reagent bottle 30 to the outer periphery of the reagent table 10 when the reagent in the reagent bottle 30 is classified as the first reagent, and the reagent bottle 30 as the reagent when classified as the second reagent. Installed on the inner periphery of the table 10. The classification of the first reagent and the second reagent is written on a reagent barcode 46 attached to the back of the reagent bottle 30. The reagent barcode 46 is read by a barcode reader 14 described later, and is read by the system control unit. 100 is recognized.

  The first reagent probe 18 and the second reagent probe 19 are hollow supported by a movable arm for performing an operation of extracting a predetermined amount of reagent from the reagent bottle 30 and dispensing it into a reaction tube of the reaction unit 104 described later. The needle. A motor (not shown) is attached to each reagent probe in the same manner as the sample probe 17, and the tip of the probe is moved to the dispensing position or the upper part of the reaction tube in accordance with the instruction signal output from the system control unit 100. Specifically, for example, when the first reagent probe 18 extracts a reagent from the reagent bottle 30, the motor attached to the first reagent probe 18 is driven so that the tip of the first reagent probe 18 is placed on the reagent table 10. Move to the top. When the tip of the first reagent probe 18 moves to the upper part of the reagent table 10, the reagent table 10 rotates to move an arbitrary reagent bottle 30 to the lower part of the first reagent probe 18. When the reagent bottle 30 moves to the lower part of the first reagent probe 18, the movable arm of the reagent probe 18 is lowered to move the tip of the first reagent probe 18 into the reagent bottle 30. When the tip of the first reagent probe 18 moves to the inside of the reagent bottle 30, a pump (not shown) attached to the first reagent probe 18 is driven to suck out the reagent contained in the reagent bottle 30 and thereby the first reagent. A reagent is extracted into the probe 18. When the first reagent probe 18 extracts the reagent, the movable arm of the first reagent probe 18 is driven to move the first reagent probe 18 to the upper part of the reagent table 10, and then the tip of the first reagent probe 18 is moved to the reaction tube. Move to the top of. When the tip of the first reagent probe 18 moves to the top of the reaction tube, the movable arm of the first reagent probe 18 is driven to move the tip of the first reagent probe 18 into the reaction tube, and a pump (not shown) is further connected. The reagent extracted by driving is discharged into the reaction tube. Through such a series of operations, the first reagent probe 18 dispenses the reagent in an arbitrary reagent bottle 30 into the reaction tube. The second reagent probe 19 also performs a reagent dispensing operation by the same operation as the first reagent probe 18.

  The reaction unit 104 is a mechanism unit that mixes the sample dispensed from the sample unit 102 and the reagent unit 103 and the reagent, and photometrically analyzes the mixed solution. The reaction unit 104 includes a reaction tube (not shown) for storing the mixed solution, a reaction layer 11 for storing the reaction tubes arranged in a circle, a stirrer 12 for stirring the mixed solution in the reaction tube, a photometric unit 13 for photometric analysis of the mixed solution, And a reaction tube cleaning unit 15 for cleaning the reaction tube. Hereinafter, the configuration of the reaction unit 104 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The reaction tank 11 is a container in which reaction tubes are arranged in a circle. A motor (not shown) is attached to the reaction tank 11, and an arbitrary reaction tube can be rotated by rotating the sample probe 17, the first reagent probe 18, the second reagent probe 19, the stirrer 12, the reaction tube washing unit. Move to the bottom of 15.

  The stirrer 12 is configured by combining a stirring rod inserted into a reaction tube and a vibrator connected thereto. When mixing the mixed solution, first, a stirring bar is inserted into the reaction tube. When the stirring bar is inserted into the reaction tube, the vibrator attached to the stirring bar vibrates, so that the stirring bar stirs the mixed solution. When the stirring is completed, the stirring bar moves to the upper part of the reaction tube.

  The photometric unit 13 is configured by combining a light emitting unit that emits light of a specific wavelength and a light receiving unit that receives transmitted light that has passed through the mixed liquid. The light emitting part irradiates light toward the liquid mixture in the reaction tube. The irradiated light passes through the liquid mixture and enters the light receiving unit. At this time, the wavelength component of the transmitted light changes according to the component of the mixed liquid. When the light receiving unit receives the transmitted light, it analyzes the wavelength component of the transmitted light and acquires the wavelength component information. The photometry unit 13 outputs this wavelength component information to the component analysis unit 41 described later.

  The reaction tube cleaning unit 15 is configured by combining a discharge tube that discharges detergent or pure water into the reaction tube and a suction tube that sucks out a mixed solution mixed with the detergent or pure water. The reaction tube cleaning unit 15 sucks out the liquid mixture inside the reaction tube and then discharges detergent or pure water into the reaction tube to wash away the residue of the liquid mixture adhering to the inner wall of the reaction tube. The discharged detergent, pure water, etc. are sucked out again by the sucking pipe and discharged to the outside of the automatic analyzer 1.

(Configuration of reagent carrier 44 and sample carrier 64)
FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the reagent bottle 30. The reagent bottle 30 is configured as a container having a triangular shape, for example. A suction port 45 is provided in the upper part of the reagent bottle 30, and the first reagent probe 18 and the second reagent probe 19 described above dispense a reagent by inserting the probe into the suction port 45. On the other hand, a reagent barcode 46 indicating information on the reagent contained in the reagent bottle 30 is attached to the back of the reagent bottle 30.

  The reagent barcode 46 includes, for example, the name of the contained reagent, the internal volume, the expiration date of the reagent, the concentration of the reagent, the wavelength at which the reaction can be observed when the reagent undergoes a chemical reaction, and the time required to generate the chemical reaction. Various information such as time or a reagent manufacturing identification number or a manufacturer name is described.

  FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the reagent carrier 44. The reagent carrier 44 is configured as a rectangular container having a cavity as a place for the reagent bottle 30 corresponding to the shape of the reagent bottle 30. The reagent bottle 30 is fixed to the reagent carrier 44 by being set in this cavity. The reagent bottle 30 is fixed, for example, in such a direction that the back surface thereof faces the side surface on the short side of the reagent carrier 44.

  A mirror 49 for reflecting the image of the reagent barcode 46 is provided in a region of the cavity of the reagent carrier 44 facing the back surface of the reagent bottle 30. In order to reflect the image of the reagent barcode 46 affixed to the back surface of the reagent bottle 30, the mirror 49 is provided so that at least the reagent barcode display area can be accommodated. Further, the mirror 49 is provided obliquely with respect to the back surface of the reagent bottle 30 and the long side surface of the reagent carrier 44. When the image of the reagent barcode 46 affixed to the back surface of the reagent bottle 30 is incident on the mirror 49 provided in an oblique direction, the image is reflected toward the side surface on the long side of the reagent carrier 44. That is, when the mirror 49 is viewed from the long side surface of the reagent carrier 44, an image of the reagent barcode 46 appears on the mirror 49.

  A reagent carrier barcode 47 indicating information on the reagent carrier 44 is attached to the side surface of the reagent carrier 44 on the long side. In the reagent carrier barcode 47, for example, various information such as information indicating that the reagent carrier 44 is transporting the reagent bottle 30 and carrier identification information for identifying the reagent carrier 44 are described.

  Further, a hook 48 for the transfer arm 20 to hold the reagent carrier 44 is provided on the side surface on the short side of the reagent carrier 44.

  FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the sample carrier 64. The sample carrier 64 is configured as a rectangular container having a plurality of cavities corresponding to the shape of the sample container 50. The sample container 50 is fixed to the sample carrier 64 by being set in this cavity.

  On the side surface of the sample container 50, a sample barcode 66 indicating information on the sample accommodated in the sample container 50 is attached. The sample barcode 66 includes, for example, information indicating the type of sample contained (type of sample such as blood, serum, spinal fluid, urine, etc.), an identification ID for identifying the specimen from which the sample is collected, and the content of the sample Various information such as quantity, sample collection date, etc. is described. The sample container 50 is fixed to the sample carrier 64 by adjusting its orientation so that the sample barcode 66 faces the side surface on the long side of the sample carrier 64.

  A sample carrier barcode 67 indicating information on the sample carrier 64 is attached to the side surface of the long side of the sample carrier 64. In the sample carrier barcode 67, for example, various information such as information indicating that the sample carrier 64 is transporting the sample container 50 and carrier identification information for identifying the sample carrier 64 are described.

  Further, a hook 48 for the transfer arm 20 to hold the sample carrier 64 is provided on the side surface on the short side of the sample carrier 64.

  In this embodiment, barcodes such as the reagent barcode 46, the reagent carrier barcode 47, the sample barcode 66, and the sample carrier barcode 57 are printed on a sheet-like label, and the reagent bottle 30 and the reagent carrier 44 are printed. The sample container 50 and the sample carrier 64 are attached to one surface. On the label, a so-called one-dimensional barcode that expresses information by, for example, the thickness of a line is printed. However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of using a label, a barcode may be directly printed on one surface of the reagent bottle 30, the reagent carrier 44, the sample container 50, and the sample carrier 64. In addition, for example, instead of using a one-dimensional barcode, a so-called two-dimensional barcode that represents information by two-dimensional arrangement of dots, a barcode that represents information using color shading, or character information You may comprise using the information of.

(Flow of transporting reagent carrier 44 and sample carrier 64)
Based on the configuration described above, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 set in the sample rack 24 to the sample unit 102 and the reagent unit 103 and performs an analysis operation. Here, it has been described that the carrier transport unit 16 transports the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64, but the transport process of the carrier transport unit 16 can be roughly divided into the following three types.

  In the first conveyance process, the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 newly set in the groove 16M are conveyed to the barcode reader 14, and the reagent barcode 46, the reagent carrier barcode 47, the sample barcode 66, and the sample are conveyed. This is a conveyance process for reading the carrier barcode 67. By reading these bar codes, the system control unit 100 recognizes what the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 set in the groove 16M are loaded. When the barcode reading of the barcode reader 14 is completed, the carrier transport unit 16 returns the transported reagent carrier 44 and sample carrier 64 to the groove 16M again.

  The second transport process is a transport process in which the reagent carrier 44 that has finished reading the barcode is moved to the reagent carrier place 40. In order to add a new reagent bottle 30 to the sample table 10 or replace the reagent bottle 30 with a reduced amount of reagent, the carrier transport unit 16 selects the corresponding reagent bottle 30 among the reagent carriers 44 set in the groove 16M. Is moved to the reagent carrier place 40. This conveyance process is performed in the following two cases. The first is a case where the remaining amount of reagent stored in the reagent bottle 30 in the reagent table 10 is reduced. More specifically, it is a case where the system control unit 100 refers to the consumption amount of the reagent written in the storage unit 105 and determines that the consumption amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second case is a case where a new reagent that is not in the reagent table 10 is added to the reagent table 10. More specifically, the system control unit 100 refers to the analysis schedule written in the storage unit 105 and determines that there is no reagent used for the analysis in the reagent table 10.

  The third transport process is a transport process for moving the reagent carrier 64 for which barcode reading has been completed to the sample carrier transport unit 200. In order to analyze a sample stored in an arbitrary sample container 50, the carrier transport unit 16 sets the sample carrier 64 loaded with the corresponding sample container 50 among the sample carriers 64 set in the groove 16M to the sample carrier transport unit 200. Move to.

  In the present embodiment, the operation of returning the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 whose barcodes have been read by the barcode reader 14 to the grooves 16M will be described, but the operation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reagent carrier 44 read from the reagent barcode 46 and the reagent carrier barcode 47 may be moved directly to the reagent carrier place 40 without returning to the groove 16M. Alternatively, the sample carrier 64 from which the sample barcode 66 and the sample carrier barcode 67 are read may be moved directly to the sample carrier transport unit 200 without returning to the groove 16M.

(Reading operation of the barcode reader 14)
Next, the operation flow of the barcode reader 14 reading the barcode from the reagent carrier 44 and the sample carrier 64 will be described.

  First, when the reagent carrier 44 is set in the groove 16M, the sample rack 24 outputs a signal indicating that a new carrier is set in the groove 16M to the system control unit 100. When the system control unit 100 detects that a new carrier is set, the system control unit 100 drives the transfer arm 20 to lift the newly set reagent carrier 44. Further, when the system control unit 100 lifts the reagent carrier 44, it moves the reagent carrier 44 to the reading position of the barcode reader 14.

  FIG. 8 is a top view showing the positional relationship between the reagent carrier 44 and the barcode reader 14 when the reagent barcode 46 is moved to the reading position of the barcode reader 14. As shown in FIG. 8, the transfer arm 20 positions the long side surface of the reagent carrier 44 toward the barcode reader 14 at the reading position. More specifically, the transport arm 20 is positioned so that the reading range of the barcode reader 14 can accommodate the reflecting surface of the mirror 49 at the reading position. As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the mirror 49 is provided so as to face the oblique direction with respect to the back surface of the reagent bottle 30 and the long side surface of the reagent carrier 44. The mirror 49 reflects the image of the reagent barcode 46 attached to the back surface of the reagent bottle 30 with respect to the side surface on the long side of the reagent carrier 44. Therefore, since the image of the reagent barcode 46 is reflected and enters the barcode reader 14, the barcode reader 14 reads the reagent barcode 46 from the long side surface of the reagent carrier 44 using the reflected image. be able to.

  On the other hand, FIG. 9 is a top view showing the positional relationship between the reagent carrier 44 and the barcode reader 14 when the reagent carrier barcode 47 is moved to the reading position of the barcode reader 14. When reading the reagent carrier barcode 47, the transport arm 20 is positioned so that the reading range of the barcode reader 14 can accommodate the reagent carrier barcode 47 at the reading position. As described with reference to FIG. 5, since the reagent carrier barcode 47 is attached to the long side surface of the reagent carrier 44, the barcode reader 14 reads the reagent carrier barcode 47 from the long side surface. be able to.

  That is, the reagent barcode 46 and the reagent carrier barcode 47 reflected by the mirror 49 are both displayed on the side surface on the long side of the reagent carrier 44. Both the reagent barcode 64 and the reagent carrier barcode 47 can be read using the common barcode reader 14 simply by moving the reagent carrier 44 in the long side direction using the transfer arm 20.

  FIG. 10 is a top view showing the positional relationship between the sample carrier 64 and the barcode reader 14 when the sample barcode 66 is moved to the reading position of the barcode reader 14. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, when the sample container 50 is set on the sample carrier 64 with its orientation adjusted, all the sample barcodes 66 are displayed toward the long side of the sample carrier 64. Is done. When reading the sample barcode 66, the transport arm 20 is positioned so that the reading range of the barcode reader 14 can accommodate the sample barcode 66 at the reading position. The barcode reader 14 can read the sample barcode 66 from the side surface on the long side.

  On the other hand, FIG. 11 is a top view showing the positional relationship between the sample carrier 64 and the barcode reader 14 when the sample carrier barcode 67 is moved to the reading position of the barcode reader 14. When reading the sample carrier barcode 67, the transport arm is positioned so that the reading range of the barcode reader 14 can accommodate the sample carrier barcode 67 at the reading position. As described with reference to FIG. 6, since the sample carrier barcode 67 is attached to the long side surface of the sample carrier 64, the barcode reader 14 reads the sample carrier barcode 67 from the long side surface. be able to.

  That is, the sample barcode 66 and the sample carrier barcode 67 attached to the surface of the sample container 50 are both displayed on the side surface on the long side of the sample carrier 64. Both the sample barcode 66 and the sample carrier barcode 67 can be read using the common barcode reader 14 simply by moving the sample carrier 64 in the long side direction using the transport arm 20.

  As described above, the reagent barcode 46, the reagent carrier barcode 47, the sample barcode 66, and the sample carrier barcode 67 are all displayed on the long side surface of the carrier. In particular, since the reagent barcode 46 is attached to the back surface of the reagent bottle 30, the reagent barcode 46 is displayed on the side surface on the short side on the rectangular reagent carrier 44. However, in the present invention, by arranging the mirror 49, the image of the reagent barcode 46 is displayed in the same direction as the other reagent barcodes, ie, the reagent carrier barcode 47, the sample barcode 66, and the sample carrier barcode 67. I am letting. As a result, the transport arm 20 performs transport so that the long side surface of the reagent carrier 44 or the sample carrier 64 faces the barcode reader 14, so that all barcodes use the common barcode reader 14. Can be read.

(Error detection operation of barcode reader 14)
As described above, when the system control unit 100 detects that the reagent carrier 44 is set in the groove 16M, the system control unit 100 moves the reagent carrier 44 to the reading position of the barcode reader 14, and moves the reagent barcode 46 and the reagent carrier barcode 47 to each other. After reading, the reagent carrier 44 is returned to the groove 16M again. The system control unit 100 uses the information read from the reagent barcode 46 and the reagent carrier barcode 47 to determine whether or not the reagent stored in the reagent bottle 30 is a correct reagent. When the system control unit 100 determines that the reagent stored in the reagent bottle 30 is an incorrect reagent, the system control unit 100 detects this as an error and displays a warning indicating the error on the display unit 6. The system control unit 100 displays a warning on the display unit 6 and then drives the transfer arm 20 to return the reagent carrier 44 to the groove 16M again.

  The system control unit 100 determines that the reagent is an incorrect reagent in the following five cases, for example. The first is a case where the expiration date of the reagent read from the reagent barcode 46 has already exceeded. When the system control unit 100 receives the information of the reagent barcode 46 output from the barcode reader 14, the system control unit 100 extracts information on the expiration date of the reagent from the received information. The system control unit 100 determines whether or not the expiration date has exceeded the current date. If the expiration date has already exceeded, the system control unit 100 determines that the reagent loaded on the reagent carrier 44 is an incorrect reagent.

  The second case is a case where the reagent loaded on the reagent carrier 44 is already installed in the reagent table 10 and this reagent does not need to be replenished. When the system control unit 100 receives the information of the reagent barcode 46 output from the barcode reader 14, the system control unit 100 extracts information on the reagent type from the received information. The system control unit 100 uses the reagent information in the reagent table 10 output from the reagent table barcode reader 14R to determine whether or not a reagent of the same type as the reagent loaded on the reagent carrier 44 has already been installed in the reagent table 10. Determine whether. When the system control unit 100 determines that the same type of reagent is already installed in the reagent table 10, the consumption amount of the reagent in the reagent table 10 is determined in advance by reading the consumption amount of the reagent from the storage unit 105. It is determined whether or not the threshold value is exceeded. When the reagent consumption is below the threshold, the same type of reagent in the reagent table 10 is not consumed much, and there is no need for replenishment for the time being. Therefore, the system control unit 100 determines which reagent is loaded on the reagent carrier 44. Judged as an incorrect reagent.

  The third is a case where the reagent loaded on the reagent carrier 44 is not scheduled to be used for analysis. When the system control unit 100 receives the information of the reagent barcode 46 output from the barcode reader 14, the system control unit 100 extracts information on the reagent type from the received information. The system control unit 100 reads the analysis schedule information read from the storage unit 105 and determines whether or not this reagent is scheduled to be used for the analysis performed by the automatic analyzer 1. If the system control unit 100 determines that there is no plan to use this reagent for analysis, the system control unit 100 determines that the reagent loaded on the reagent carrier 44 is an incorrect reagent.

  The fourth case is when the reagent bottle 30 is not loaded on the reagent carrier 44. When the barcode reader 14 reads the reagent carrier barcode 47, it determines that the carrier is loaded with the reagent bottle 30. However, the system control unit 100 is not included in the reagent barcode 46 when the information indicated by the reagent barcode 46 is incorrect or when a load other than the reagent bottle 30 is placed on the reagent carrier 44. Information is read from the image reflected by the mirror 49. The system control unit 100 compares information read from the reagent carrier barcode 47 with information read from the image reflected by the mirror 49, and information that is not included in the reagent barcode 46 is included in the image reflected by the mirror 49. If it is determined that it has been read, it is determined that the reagent carrier 44 is carrying an incorrect load.

  The fifth is a case where the reagent barcode 46 cannot be read due to contamination of the reagent bottle 30 or printing failure of the reagent barcode 46. If the barcode reader 14 cannot read the reagent barcode 46 even though the reagent carrier 44 has moved to the reading position of the reagent barcode 46, the system control unit 100 reads the reagent loaded on the reagent carrier 44. Is determined to be an incorrect reagent.

  The error detection by the system control unit 100 is performed on the sample carrier 64 in the same manner. When the system control unit 100 detects that the sample carrier 64 is set in the groove 16M, the system control unit 100 moves the sample carrier 64 to the reading position of the barcode reader 14, reads the sample barcode 66 and the sample carrier barcode 67, and then reads the sample carrier. 64 is returned to the groove 16M again. The system control unit 100 uses the information read from the sample barcode 66 and the sample carrier barcode 67 to determine whether the sample stored in the sample container 50 is a correct sample. When the system control unit 100 determines that the sample stored in the sample container 50 is an incorrect reagent, the system control unit 100 detects this as an error and displays a warning indicating the error on the display unit 6. The system control unit 100 displays a warning on the display unit 6 and then drives the transfer arm 20 to return the sample carrier 64 to the groove 16M again.

  For example, the system control unit 100 determines that the sample is an incorrect sample in the following three cases. The first is a case where the sample loaded on the sample carrier 64 is not scheduled to be used for analysis. When the system control unit 100 receives the information of the sample barcode 66 output from the barcode reader 14, the system control unit 100 extracts sample type information from the received information. The system control unit 100 reads the analysis schedule information read from the storage unit 105 and determines whether or not there is a plan to analyze this sample. If the system control unit 100 determines that there is no plan to analyze this sample, the system control unit 100 determines that the sample loaded on the sample carrier 64 is an incorrect sample.

  The second is a case where the sample container 50 is not loaded on the sample carrier 64. When the bar code reader 14 reads the sample carrier bar code 67, the bar code reader 14 determines that the carrier is loaded with the sample container 50. However, when the information indicated by the sample barcode 66 is incorrect, or when a load other than the sample container 50 is placed on the sample carrier 64, the barcode reader 14 reads the sample at the reading position of the sample barcode 66. Information that is not included in the bar code 66 is read. The system control unit 100 compares the information read from the sample carrier barcode 67 with the information read at the reading position of the sample barcode 66, and is not included in the sample barcode 66 at the reading position of the sample barcode 66. If it is determined that the information has been read, it is determined that the sample carrier 64 is carrying an incorrect load.

  The third is a case where the sample barcode 66 cannot be read due to contamination of the sample bottle 50 or printing failure of the sample barcode 66. If the bar code reader 14 cannot read the sample bar code 66 even though the sample carrier 64 has moved to the reading position of the sample bar code 66, the system control unit 100 reads the sample loaded on the sample carrier 64. Is an incorrect sample.

  Through the above processing, when the system control unit 100 detects an error using the information read by the barcode reader 14, the system control unit 100 displays on the display unit 6 which error has occurred among the previously listed errors. Then, the location where the error has occurred in the carrier set in the groove 16M is displayed. Thereby, the operator of the automatic analyzer 1 can confirm which error has occurred in which carrier among the carriers set in the groove 16M. Particularly for the reagent barcode 46, the barcode reader 14 reads the reagent barcode 46 before the reagent bottle 30 is installed on the reagent table 10 and the reagent barcode barcode 14R is read by the reagent table barcode reader 14R. Error can be detected. The operator can detect an error with respect to the reagent bottle 30 and the reagent carrier 44 at an early stage, and can perform a more efficient analysis operation.

  Note that the system controller 100 does not limit the detection of errors to the cases listed above. For example, the system control unit 100 is configured to detect an error according to various cases, such as when the barcode reader 14 cannot read the barcode due to printing failure of the reagent carrier barcode 47 or the sample carrier barcode 67. It doesn't matter.

(Carrier transport and error detection process)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of carrier transport and error detection processing performed by the system control unit 100. The processing flow will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, when the system control unit 100 starts the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 (step 1000), the system control unit 100 waits for carrier insertion output from the carrier rack 24 (step 1001). When the carrier rack 24 detects that the reagent carrier 44 or the sample carrier 64 has been inserted into the groove 16M, a signal indicating that the carrier has been inserted is sent to the system control unit 100 together with the positional information of the groove 16M into which the carrier has been inserted. Is output. When the system control unit 100 detects the insertion of the carrier (Yes in Step 1001), the carrier arm 20 is driven to lift the inserted carrier, and the reading positions of the reagent carrier barcode 47 and the sample carrier barcode 67 of the barcode reader 14 are read. (Step 1002). When the transfer arm 20 moves the carrier to the reading position of the barcode reader 14, the system control unit 100 drives the barcode reader 14 to read the reagent carrier barcode 47 or the sample carrier barcode 67 (step 1003). . When the bar code reader 14 reads the bar code, it outputs the read information to the system control unit 100. Based on the information output from the barcode reader 14, the system control unit 100 determines whether the carrier from which the barcode is read is the reagent carrier 44 or the sample carrier 64 (step 1004).

  When the system control unit 100 determines that the carrier from which the barcode is read is the reagent carrier 44 (“reagent carrier” in step 1004), the system control unit 100 drives the transfer arm 20 to place the reagent carrier 44 into the reagent barcode. 46 is moved to the reading position, that is, the installation position of the mirror 49. When the transfer arm 20 moves the reagent carrier 44 to the reading position of the reagent barcode 46, the system control unit 100 drives the barcode reader 14 to read the reagent barcode 46 (step 1006). When the bar code reader 14 reads the bar code, it outputs the read information to the system control unit 100. The system control unit 100 uses the information on the reagent barcode 46 and the information on the reagent carrier barcode 47 output from the barcode reader 14 to determine whether or not there is an error in the reagent loaded on the reagent carrier 44 ( Step 1006). The determination of an error in step 1006 is performed based on, for example, whether or not the reagent carrier 44 is loaded with the reagent bottle 30, whether or not the reagent barcode 46 can be read, and whether or not the reagent has expired. If it is determined in step 1006 that there is no error in the reagent (No in step 1006), the system control unit 100 installs the information on the reagent barcode 46, the analysis schedule read from the storage unit 105, and the reagent table 10. Based on the consumed reagent consumption information, it is determined whether the reagent loaded on the reagent carrier 44 is a reagent that is to be newly used for analysis or a reagent that is to be replenished (step 1008). . If the system control unit 100 determines that there is an error in the reagent in the determination of step 1006 and step 1008 (Yes in step 1006 or No in step 1008), the error content on the display unit 6 and which of the grooves 16M It is displayed whether an error has occurred in the reagent carrier 44 set in the position (step 1007). When the error is displayed on the display unit 6, the system control unit 100 drives the transfer arm 20 to return the reagent carrier 44 to the inserted groove 16M (step 1013), and ends the processing (step 1004). On the other hand, when the system control unit 100 determines that there is no error in the reagent in the determinations of step 1006 and step 1008 (No in step 1006 and Yes in step 1008), the system control unit 100 reads the reagent information read from the reagent barcode 46. Is written in the storage unit 105 (step 1009). After writing the reagent information in the storage unit 105, the system control unit 100 drives the transfer arm 20 to return the reagent carrier 44 to the inserted groove 16M (step 1013), and ends the processing (step 1004).

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 100 determines in step 1004 that the carrier from which the barcode has been read is the sample carrier 64 (“sample carrier” in step 1004), the system control unit 100 drives the transport arm 20 to sample the carrier. 64 is moved to the reading position of the sample barcode 66. When the transfer arm 20 moves the sample carrier 64 to the reading position of the sample barcode 66, the system control unit 100 drives the barcode reader 14 to read the sample barcode 66 (step 1010). When the bar code reader 14 reads the bar code, it outputs the read information to the system control unit 100. The system control unit 100 uses the information of the sample barcode 66 output from the barcode reader 14, the information of the sample carrier barcode 67, and the information read from the storage unit 105 to cause an error in the sample loaded on the sample carrier 44. It is determined whether or not there is (step 1011). The determination of the error in step 1011 is, for example, whether the sample carrier 64 is loaded with the sample container 50, whether the sample barcode 66 can be read, or the sample stored in the sample container 50 is a sample to be analyzed. It is done by judging whether or not. When the system control unit 100 determines that there is an error in the sample in the determination of step 1011 (Yes in step 1011), the error content is displayed on the display unit 6, and the sample carrier 64 set in which position of the groove 16M is further located. Whether an error has occurred is displayed (step 1007). When the error is displayed on the display unit 6, the system control unit 100 drives the transfer arm 20 to return the sample carrier 64 to the inserted groove 16M (step 1013), and ends the processing (step 1004). On the other hand, when the system control unit 100 determines that there is no error in the sample in the determination in step 1011 (No in step 1011), the system control unit 100 writes the sample information read from the sample barcode 46 in the storage unit 105 (step 1012). ). After writing the sample information in the storage unit 105, the system control unit 100 drives the transfer arm 20 to return the sample carrier 64 to the inserted groove 16M (step 1013), and ends the processing (step 1004).

  Through the above processing, the system control unit 100 performs the transport of the carrier set in the carrier rack 24 and the error detection processing. By comparing the information read from the reagent barcode 46 and the reagent carrier barcode 47, or by comparing the information read from the sample barcode 66 and the sample carrier barcode 67 and performing error detection, the barcode reader 14 It is possible to detect whether there is any abnormality in the load carried by the carrier using. Further, the barcode reader 14 is used by performing error detection by comparing the information read from the reagent barcode 46 or the sample barcode 66 with the reagent consumption and analysis schedule stored in the storage unit 105. Thus, it is possible to detect whether or not the load transported by the carrier is scheduled to be used for analysis.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, it has been described that the transfer arm 20 lifts the carrier by holding the hook 48 of the reagent carrier 44 or the hook 68 of the sample carrier 64. However, for example, the carrier arm 20 holds the carrier by holding the entire side of the carrier or supporting the bottom of the carrier. You may perform the operation | movement which lifts up.

  Alternatively, the example in which the mirror 49 is used as the reflecting means for optically reflecting the image of the reagent barcode 46 in the reagent carrier 44 has been described. However, the configuration of the reflecting means is not limited to this, and instead of the mirror 49, a medium that reflects light is attached to one surface of the reagent carrier 44, and the one surface on which the medium is attached is used as the back surface of the reagent bottle 30. The mirror 49 may be replaced by providing the reagent carrier 44 in an oblique direction with respect to the side surface on the long side.

  Alternatively, in the system control unit 100, the reagent error detection is described as being performed by reading the reagent barcode 45 and the reagent carrier barcode 47. However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this, and the reagent carrier barcode 47 may be omitted, and a reagent error may be detected based on information read from the reagent barcode 45 by the system control unit 100. I do not care.

  Alternatively, the reagent bottle 30 is described as having a triangular shape as shown in FIG. 5, but the shape of the reagent bottle 30 is not limited to this, and has various shapes such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylinder, and a trapezoid. It does not matter.

In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Or you may combine the component covering a different Example suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 5 Operation part 6 Display part 10 Reagent table 11 Reaction tank 12 Stirrer 13 Photometry part 14 Bar code reader 14R Reagent table Bar code reader 15 Washing part 16 Carrier conveyance part 16M Groove 17 Sample probe 18 1st reagent probe 19 1st 2 Reagent Probe 20 Transport Arm 21 Reagent Bottle Transport Unit 24 Carrier Rack 30 Reagent Bottle 33 Transport Rail 40 Reagent Bottle Place 44 Reagent Carrier 45 Suction Port 46 Reagent Bar Code 47 Reagent Carrier Bar Code 48 Hook 49 Mirror 50 Sample Container 64 Sample Carrier 66 Sample barcode 67 Sample carrier barcode 68 Hook 100 System control unit 102 Sample unit 103 Reagent unit 104 Reaction unit 105 Storage unit 106 Component analysis unit

Claims (6)

In an automatic analyzer that dispenses samples and reagents into reaction vessels and analyzes the mixture,
A reagent bottle containing the reagent;
A reagent identification label attached to the reagent bottle;
A reagent carrier capable of installing the reagent bottle;
Reflecting means provided on the reagent carrier;
An automatic analyzer having information reading means for reading information from the image of the reagent identification label optically reflected by the reflecting means. A reagent carrier identification label attached to the reagent carrier;
The information reading means reads information from the reagent carrier identification label in addition to the reagent identification label;
2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting unit reflects the image of the reagent identification label toward a plane substantially parallel to a surface to which the reagent carrier identification label is attached. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, further comprising warning display means for detecting an error based on the information read from the reagent carrier identification label and the reagent identification label, and displaying a warning. A sample carrier on which a sample container can be placed;
A sample rack capable of installing the reagent carrier and the sample carrier;
A carrier transport unit that moves the reagent carrier and the sample rack installed in the sample rack to a reading position where the information reading unit reads information;
The information reading means reads information from a sample identification label attached to the sample container in addition to the reagent identification label,
4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the reflection unit reflects an image of the reagent identification label toward a plane substantially parallel to a surface to which the sample identification label is attached at the reading position. A reagent table on which the reagent bottle can be installed; and
5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising: a reagent bottle transport unit configured to transport the reagent bottle installed on the reagent carrier to the reagent table based on information read by the information reading unit. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses samples and reagents into reaction vessels and analyzes the mixture,
A reagent carrier capable of installing a reagent bottle;
A reagent carrier identification label attached to the reagent carrier;
Information reading means for reading information of the reagent identification label and the reagent carrier identification label by a common light receiving means;
An automatic analyzer having an information reading means for detecting an error based on information read by the information reading means and displaying a warning.

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