JP2011242264A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer solving a disadvantage that elimination of a factor causing a measurement error and re-measurement are forced to be waited until a rack is housed into a specimen housing section when a measurement is cancelled by an error arising from a specimen or a specimen container in the case of an automatic analyzer using a manner in which the specimen container containing the specimen is mounted on the rack and is put in from a specimen supplying section, and such a waiting time may take more than 30 minutes, which results in a factor that delays clinical judgment of the specimen requiring urgency in a report.SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer has a function that can stop a rack on a rack conveying path by input of an operator and safely take out a specimen container containing a specimen, of which the measurement is cancelled by the error arising from the specimen or the specimen container, without waiting until the rack mounted with the specimen container containing the specimen is housed into the specimen housing section. Alternatively, the automatic analyzer has a function that can take out the rack as a whole on the rack conveying path.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer used for measurement of a patient sample that requires urgent reporting of results.

  The automatic analyzer consists of an analysis unit and a control unit that have a mechanism system for measuring the concentration of the test substance (component) in the sample, and the test substance and test in the sample such as blood, urine, and body fluid A reagent for the substance is mixed in a reaction vessel, and the resulting reaction substance is irradiated with light to measure the absorbance, thereby quantitatively analyzing the test substance, and the measured value is converted into a concentration and output.

  The specimen is specified by reading the specimen barcode attached to the specimen container with a specimen barcode reader installed in the analysis unit. Since the sample that has been read by the barcode reader is not identified, the automatic analyzer cancels the measurement.

  The identified specimen is dispensed from the specimen container to the reaction container by the specimen dispensing mechanism of the analyzer. At this time, the automatic analyzer monitors the sample dispensing operation, and when an error caused by the sample or sample container such as clogging, sample shortage, abnormal lowering, etc. occurs, the subsequent dispensing operation from the sample is stopped, Cancel the measurement.

  In an automatic analyzer in which a sample container containing a sample is installed in a rack and loaded into the transport line from the sample supply unit, the sample container on the rack cannot be taken out until the rack is stored in the sample storage unit. .

  For this reason, for samples whose measurement has been canceled due to an error due to the sample or the sample container, the cause of the measurement error is eliminated after the rack in which the sample container containing the sample is placed is stored in the sample storage unit. And re-measurement is possible.

  In addition, the automatic analyzer disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-8372) combines a sample supply unit in which a rack to be supplied is placed and a sample recovery unit that recovers the rack that has been measured. The sample container rack in which a measurement error has occurred is returned to the sample supply unit.

JP 2010-8372 A

  In the automatic analyzer that lays the sample container containing the sample on the rack and supplies it to the transport line from the sample supply unit, the barcode reading error of the sample container in the barcode reading means, clogging related to dispensing, If the measurement is canceled due to an error caused by a sample or sample container such as sample shortage or abnormal descent, the sample container cannot be removed until the rack in which the sample container containing the sample is installed is stored in the sample storage unit. . For this reason, no response can be made until an error is detected and stored in the sample storage unit, and during this time, the cause of the measurement error must be eliminated and remeasurement must be waited. This waiting time may be up to 30 minutes or more depending on the measurement status of another sample installed on the same rack or the influence of another rack in the rack transport path. Judgment is to be delayed.

Even in the automatic analyzer shown in Patent Literature 1, since the rack is returned to the sample supply unit that is one with the sample recovery unit, a measure for removing the error factor related to the corresponding sample container is taken, so that the retest is delayed. This is the same as the previous example.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can eliminate an error factor that causes a retest delay and shorten the waiting time until remeasurement.

  The present invention provides an analysis unit for measuring a component of a sample, an operation unit for instructing operation of the analysis unit, a transport line for transporting a rack for storing a sample container in which the sample is placed, and the supply to the transport line A sample supply unit in which a rack is placed, a sample storage unit that stores the rack that has been measured in the analysis unit and is transported and discharged on a transfer line, and a sample from the sample container on the transfer line to the analysis unit An automatic analyzer comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing, and a measurement error has occurred due to a factor including any one of dispensing clogging, sample shortage, and abnormal lowering related to the dispensing mechanism. In some cases, there is provided stop means for stopping a rack in which the sample container is accommodated on the transport line in order to take out the corresponding sample container.

  The present invention provides an analysis unit for measuring a component of a sample, an operation unit for instructing operation of the analysis unit, a transport line for transporting a rack for storing a sample container in which the sample is placed, and the supply to the transport line A sample supply unit in which a rack is placed, a sample storage unit that stores the rack that has been measured in the analysis unit and is transported and discharged on a transfer line, and a sample from the sample container on the transfer line to the analysis unit A dispensing mechanism for dispensing, and a barcode reading means for reading the barcode of the sample container that fits in the rack carried by the transport line before dispensing the barcode by the dispensing mechanism. In the automatic analyzer, when an error occurs in reading by the bar code reading means, a rack in which the sample container is accommodated is stopped on the transfer line in order to take out the corresponding sample container. Characterized by comprising a stop means.

  As a result, when an error relating to dispensing or barcode reading occurs, the rack in which the corresponding sample container is accommodated can be stopped on the transport line, and the error can be removed and retested.

  According to the present invention, when an error occurs, the error factor can be removed immediately, and the waiting time until the error factor is eliminated and the retest measurement can be shortened.

1 is an overall configuration schematic diagram of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a relationship among an analysis unit, a transport line, a sample supply unit, and a sample storage unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a system setting screen concerning the Example of this invention, and regarding the extraction setting of the sample container of a measurement error. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating removal of a sample container corresponding to a measurement error related to dispensing or a rack containing the sample container according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating removal of a sample container corresponding to a sample container barcode reading error or a rack containing the sample container according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which concerns on the Example of this invention, and shows the extraction of the sample container in a retest buffer. FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the present invention, and is a screen for executing the removal of a corresponding sample container with a measurement error related to dispensing. It is a registration screen of the sample container concerned with an example of the present invention taken out by a measurement error concerning dispensing. FIG. 6 is a screen for registering a sample container to be taken out by a retest buffer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where the rack is stopped by the stopping unit at the error sample container take-out position on the transport line according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to the embodiment of the present invention and showing a flow related to extraction of an error sample at an error sample container extraction position from supply of a rack to a transport line. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example of setting a time for waiting for the next rack to arrive, which is a flow for taking out a sample container due to a measurement error related to dispensing, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example related to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a sample container is taken out due to a measurement error related to dispensing, and a time for waiting for the arrival of the next rack is set.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer includes an analysis unit 108 and an operation unit 101. An operation unit 101 includes a keyboard 102 for inputting data, a mouse 103, various data, a display device 104 for displaying a screen, a printing device 105 for printing data, and an interface 106 for connecting to an analysis unit. And a computer equipped with peripheral devices such as the storage device 107 for storing analysis instruction information and measurement results. The operation unit 101 is connected to the analysis unit 108 via the interface 106.

  The analysis unit 108 includes a reaction disk 109, a plurality of reaction vessels 110 set on the concentric circumference, a reagent disk 111, a reagent bottle 112 containing various reagents set on the concentric circumference, and the periphery of the reaction disk 109. A sample dispensing mechanism 113, a stirring device 114, a cleaning device 115, a light source 116, and a multiwavelength photometer 117.

  A reagent dispensing mechanism 118 is disposed between the reaction disk 109 and the reagent disk 111. A rack transport line 119 is installed on the rotation circumference of the sample dispensing mechanism 113. The rack 120 moves on a transport line 119 that carries the rack. A plurality of specimen containers 121 containing specimens are installed in the rack 120. The presence or absence of the specimen container 121 on the rack 120 is recognized by detection by the specimen container detector 122. The barcode reader 123 reads the sample barcode attached to the sample container 121 and identifies the sample.

  All the operations of these mechanisms are controlled by the computer 125 via the interface 124.

  The operator gives an analysis instruction to the automatic analyzer using the display device 104 of the operation unit 101, the keyboard 102, or the mouse 103. The analysis instruction is stored in the storage device 107 and is transmitted to the analysis unit 108 via the interface 106. The analysis unit 108 performs the analysis operation as follows in accordance with the received analysis instruction.

  The sample dispensing mechanism 113 dispenses a predetermined amount of the sample contained in the sample container 121 into the reaction container 110. When the dispensing of one sample container 121 is completed, the rack 120 moves on the rack transport line 119 so that the next sample container 121 is directly below the sample dispensing mechanism 113.

  When dispensing has been completed for all the sample containers 121 contained in the rack 120, the rack 120 is transported to the rack transport line 119 and moved and unloaded. The reaction container 110 into which the sample is dispensed rotates on the reaction disk 109 by the rotation operation of the reaction disk 109. Meanwhile, with respect to the specimen in the reaction container 110, the reagent dispensing mechanism 118 dispenses the reagent in the reagent bottle 112, the reaction liquid is stirred by the stirring device 114, the light source 116, and the absorbance is measured by the multiwavelength photometer 117. Is done. Thereafter, the reaction vessel 110 that has been analyzed is washed by the washing device 115.

  The measured absorbance signal enters the computer 125 via the interface 124 via the A / D converter 126. From the absorbance signal, the substance component of the specimen is measured based on an analysis method set in advance for each test substance. Concentration data is calculated by comparing this measurement data with calibration curve data calculated from the concentration data of the standard solution specimen.

  These data are transmitted as measurement results to the operation unit 101 via the interface 106 after adding information symbolizing the type of specimen.

  The operation unit 101 stores the received measurement result in the storage device 107 and outputs it to the display device 104 and the printing device 105.

  FIG. 2 shows an arrangement of an analysis unit, a transport line, a sample supply unit, and a sample storage unit in an automatic analyzer that mounts a sample container 202 on a rack 201 and inputs the sample container 202 from a sample supply unit 203. The arrows in the figure indicate the moving direction of the rack 201. The operator sets the rack 201 on which the sample container 202 containing the sample is installed in the sample input unit 203.

  In response to a measurement start request from the operation unit 101 by the operator, the rack 201 is sent from the sample loading unit 203 to the main rack transfer line 204 and transferred. Then, at the sample barcode reading position 205, the sample container detector 206 detects and recognizes whether or not the sample container 202 is installed on the rack 201. The barcode reader 207 reads the sample barcode attached to the sample container 202. Thereby, the specimen is specified.

  After reading the sample barcode, the rack 201 is transferred to the rack transfer line 209 in the analysis module 208 serving as an analysis unit, and is moved to the sample dispensing position 210. Here, the sample in the sample container 202 is dispensed by the sample dispensing mechanism 211.

  After the sample dispensing operation is completed, the rack 201 is transported into the retest buffer 212 via the main rack transport line 204 when the automatic analyzer is set to the automatic retest mode. When the automatic analyzer is not set to the automatic retest mode, it is stored in the sample storage unit 215 via the main rack transport line 204. The automatic re-inspection mode is a mode in which re-measurement is automatically performed on items that the automatic analyzer has determined to require re-measurement after the first measurement result is output. The reexamination buffer 212 is a buffer for evacuating the rack 201 until all the initial measurement results of all the samples installed on the rack 201 are obtained in the automatic reexamination mode.

  The rack 201 is transferred to the retest buffer 212 and waits in the retest buffer 212 until all the first measurement results of all the samples installed on the rack 201 are obtained. If it is determined in the measurement result that even one sample needs to be remeasured, the rack 201 is transported again to the main rack transport line 204 via the retest rack transport line A213 and the retest rack transport line 214. . Then, after re-measurement by the analysis module 208, the sample is stored in the sample storage unit 215. If there is no sample on the rack 201 that is determined to require remeasurement, the sample is stored in the sample storage unit 215 via the retest rack transport line B 213 and the main rack transport line 204.

  The re-examination rack transport line A 213 and the re-examination rack transport line 214 are collectively referred to as a re-sample transport path.

  In the conventional automatic analyzer, the sample container 202 installed on the rack 201 cannot be removed from the rack 201 until it is loaded from the sample supply unit 203 and stored in the sample storage unit 215. ing.

  The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a system setting screen related to the measurement error sample extraction setting displayed on the display device 104 of the operation unit 101. This system setting screen is displayed on the display device 104.

  On this system setting screen, the setting registration of the measurement error sample extraction setting parameter 301 is performed. There are various displays as the measurement error sample extraction setting parameter 301. A measurement error type 302, a sample extraction unit 303, a sample extraction waiting time 304, a sample extraction waiting time 305 after arrival at the next rack, a registration button 306, and the like are displayed.

  Using these displays, installation registration is performed for taking out a sample related to a measurement error. The removal of the sample means that at the later-described measurement error sample container removal position, the rack in which the measurement error sample container is stored is stopped and the sample container corresponding to the measurement error is removed.

  Here, the types of measurement error 302 for taking out the sample are clogged measurement errors, sample shortage, abnormal drop, and sample barcode reading error. A sample extraction target is selected from these types of measurement errors, and settings are registered. Types registered for settings are subject to measurement errors, and types not registered for settings are not subject to measurement errors.

  Measurement error clogging, sample shortage, and abnormal descent are errors related to the sample itself. The sample barcode reading error is an error based on the unknown description of the barcode attached to the sample container. Any number of these measurement error types 302 can be selected.

  The measurement error sample take-out unit 303 means take-out in units of sample containers or in units of racks. Select one to set.

  The measurement error sample extraction waiting time (T1) 304 and the measurement error sample extraction waiting time (T2) 305 after arrival at the next rack can be set arbitrarily. The measurement error sample extraction waiting time (T1) 304 is a setting of the length of the waiting time for accepting the start of the sample container 202 extraction operation when the measurement error sample extraction unit 303 is a sample container unit. Although it is 30 seconds in the figure, the time can be changed.

  The measurement error sample take-out waiting time (T2) 305 after arrival of the next rack is the same as when the sample take-out unit 303 is a sample container unit, the sample can be taken out from the rack 201 in which the sample in which the measurement error has occurred is installed. In this state, when the next rack 201 has arrived, the length of the waiting time for accepting the start of the operation for removing the sample container 202 is set. This measurement error sample extraction waiting time (T2) 305 can be set to be valid or invalid.

  The measurement error sample extraction waiting time (T2) 305 is a setting for making the measurement error sample extraction waiting time variable depending on whether or not the next rack 201 arrives so that the rack 201 is not congested as much as possible.

  For example, assume that the setting of the measurement error sample extraction waiting time (T1) 304 is 30 seconds, the setting of the measurement error sample extraction waiting time (T2) 305 after arrival of the next rack is valid, and 10 seconds.

  If the next rack 201 arrives 5 seconds after it becomes possible to take out the sample from the rack 201 containing the sample container containing the sample in which the measurement error has occurred, 10 seconds from that time will be the waiting time for taking out the measurement error. The total waiting time for sample removal is 15 seconds.

  The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the sample removal function when a measurement error is related to sample dispensing.

  Dispensing is performed at the sample dispensing position 402 on the analysis module rack transport line 401. When a sample dispensing operation is performed by the sample dispensing mechanism 405 from the sample container 404 on the rack 403, the sample dispensing mechanism 405 is clogged, and a measurement error of either a sample shortage or an abnormal drop is detected. When the measurement error is selected in the measurement error sample extraction setting 302 in the measurement error sample extraction setting parameter 301 on the system setting screen shown in FIG. 3, after the sample dispensing operation for all the samples on the rack 403 is completed, Measurement error The operation for removing the sample container is started.

  When the measurement error sample extraction unit 303 in the measurement error sample extraction setting parameter 301 of FIG. 3 is a sample container unit, the measurement error sample container immediately before the sample dispensing position 402 on the same analysis module rack transport line 401. The rack 403 is conveyed to the take-out position 406, and the rack is stopped there. Along with this stop, the function key 407 installed in the vicinity of the measurement error sample container extraction position 406 blinks to notify the operator that the measurement error sample can be extracted.

  The measurement error sample container extraction position 406 corresponds to the measurement error sample container extraction position 406 (A) provided in the rack transport line 209 of the analysis module 208 serving as the analysis unit shown in FIG.

  The rack 403 is a measurement error sample during the measurement error sample extraction waiting time (T1) 304 in the measurement error sample extraction setting parameter 301 on the system setting screen and the measurement error sample extraction waiting time (T2) 305 after arrival of the next rack. It stops at the container removal position 406.

  When the function key 407 is pressed by the operator while the operation is stopped, this is used as the start of the measurement error sample extraction operation, and the function key 407 is turned on. At the same time, the rack 403 is stopped at the measurement error sample container extraction position 406 until the function key 407 is pressed again.

  The upper cover of the measurement error sample container take-out position 406 has an openable structure, and the operator can open and close the upper cover while the function key 407 is lit. By opening the upper cover, the sample container 404 corresponding to the measurement error in the rack 403 can be taken out from the upper part of the measurement error sample container take-out position 406. The sample container 404 that has been taken out is automatically detected and recognized by the sample container removal detection device 408 that is installed directly beside the measurement error sample container removal position 406. After completion of the operation for removing the sample container 404, the function key 407 is turned off by pressing the function key 407 again, and the transport of the rack 403 is resumed.

  Note that the rack is stopped at the position where the measurement error sample container is taken out, for example, by the stopping means 1000 shown in FIG. Stop means 1000 is provided adjacent to the rack transport line 401. The stop means 1000 has a stop bar 1001 that is rotated by a motor (not shown). The rack 403 carried on the rack transport line 401 is stopped by moving down the stop bar 1001. The stop bar 1001 is raised to release the rack 403 from stopping. While the rack 403 is stopped by the stop unit 1000, the rack transfer line 401 continues the transfer operation. For this reason, the rack transport line 401 keeps moving so as to slide on the bottom of the rack 403.

  When the measurement error sample extraction unit 303 in the measurement error sample extraction setting parameter 301 in the system setting screen of FIG. 3 is a rack unit, the rack 403 is provided to the measurement error sample container extraction position 406 and then provided next to it. The rack 403 is carried out to the measurement error sample container extraction buffer 409. The measurement error sample container extraction buffer 409 has a structure that allows the operator to take out the rack 403, whereby the rack can be taken out.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a measurement error sample extraction function in a barcode reading error of a sample container.

  After the sample container detector 505 recognizes whether or not the sample container 504 on the rack 503 is installed at the sample barcode reading position 502 on the main rack transport line 501, the sample container is read by the sample barcode reader 506 (barcode reading means). The specimen barcode attached to 504 is read. In this reading, if a sample barcode reading error is detected and the sample barcode reading error is selected and set to the sample barcode reading error 302 on the system setting screen shown in FIG. 3, all the samples on the rack 503 are detected. After completing the sample barcode reading operation, the operation for taking out the measurement error sample is started.

  When the setting of the measurement error sample extraction unit 303 on the system setting screen in FIG. 3 is a sample container unit, the rack 503 is placed at the measurement error sample extraction position 507 immediately after the sample barcode reading position 502 on the same main rack transport line 501. The rack is stopped there. At the same time, the function key 508 installed in the vicinity of the measurement error sample extraction position 507 blinks to notify the operator that the measurement error sample can be extracted.

  The measurement error sample extraction position 507 corresponds to the measurement error sample extraction position 507 (A) provided in the main rack transport line 20 shown in FIG.

  The rack 503 stops at the measurement error sample extraction position 507 during the measurement error sample extraction waiting time 304 and the waiting time 305 after arrival of the next rack on the system setting screen. If the function key 508 is pressed by the operator during that time, it is set as the start of the measurement error sample extraction operation, and the function key 508 is turned on. Then, the rack 503 is stopped at the measurement error sample extraction position 507 until the function key 508 is pressed again.

  The upper cover of the measurement error sample extraction position 507 has an openable structure, and the operator can open and close the upper cover while the function key 508 is lit. The container 504 can be removed.

  The extracted sample container 504 is automatically recognized by the sample container detector 509 installed immediately beside the measurement error sample extraction position 507. After the operation for taking out the sample container 504 is completed, when the function key 508 is pressed again, the function key 508 is turned off and the transport of the rack 503 is resumed.

  When the measurement error sample extraction unit 303 on the system setting screen in FIG. 3 is set to a rack unit, the rack 503 is transported to the measurement error sample extraction position 507, and then the measurement error sample extraction unit provided next to the rack 503 is used. The rack 503 is carried out to the buffer 510. The measurement error sample take-out buffer 510 has a structure that allows the operator to take out the rack 503, thereby taking out the measurement error sample.

  Note that the rack 503 stops at the measurement error sample extraction position 507 due to an error in reading the barcode of the sample container. This stop is performed, for example, by the stop means 1000 shown in FIG.

  The above-described measurement error will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the flow from the supply of the rack to the transport line shown in FIG. 11 to the extraction of the error sample at the error sample container extraction position will be described.

  Sample processing is started in step S111, and the rack on which the sample container is placed is supplied to the transport line (step S112). The rack transported on the transport line steps the sample barcode reading at the sample barcode reading position (step S113) and moves to the sample dispensing position (step S114). When a reading measurement error is detected in the sample barcode reading (step S113), a corresponding measure is taken to eliminate the reading measurement error before moving to the sample dispensing position.

  In step S115, the sample is dispensed by the sample dispensing mechanism, and it is determined whether or not there is a measurement error related to dispensing in this dispensing (step S116). If there is no measurement error in step S116, the dispensed sample is analyzed and measured, and the rack moves to the retest buffer (step S117).

  If there is a measurement error in step S116, the rack on which the measurement error sample is placed moves to the measurement error sample extraction position (step S118), and the waiting time for removal of the error sample container is counted (step S119). . When time elapses in step S118, the rack on which the error-corresponding sample container is placed moves to the retest buffer (step S117).

  While less than the elapsed time in step S118, the elapsed time is counted until the operator presses the function key (step S120). In step S120, the operator presses the function key, and takes out the sample container corresponding to the measurement error from the rack (*) (step S121). When the sample container removal operation (*) (step S121) is completed, the operator presses the function key (step S122), and the rack moves to the retest buffer (step S117).

  After step S117, it is determined whether all initial measurement results have been output (step S123). When the output has been completed in step 123, the process proceeds to the presence / absence of a sample requiring reexamination (step S124).

  If there is no sample to be retested in step S124, the rack moves to the sample storage unit (step S125), and the sample analysis process ends (step S126).

  If YES in step 124, the rack on which the retest sample container is placed moves to the sample dispensing position (S127), and the sample dispensing operation for retest measurement is performed (S128).

  In the sample dispensing operation of S128, it is determined whether or not there is a measurement error related to dispensing (step S129). If there is no measurement error, analytical measurement of the dispensed sample is performed, and the rack moves to the sample storage unit (step S125).

  If there is a measurement error sample in step S127, the rack carrying the measurement error sample moves to the measurement error sample extraction position (step S130), and the elapsed waiting time for removal of the error sample container is counted (step S131). . When time elapses in step S131, the rack loaded with the error-corresponding sample container moves to the retest buffer (step S125).

  During the time elapsed in step S131, the elapsed time is counted until the operator presses the function key (step S132). In step S132, the operator presses the function key to take out the sample container corresponding to the measurement error from the rack (step S133). When the sample container removal operation (step S133) is completed, the operator presses the function key (step S122) and moves to the sample storage unit (step S125).

  As described in the above flow, the specimen container removal operation (*) (step S121) in which a measurement error has occurred is performed immediately after the first dispensing. Conventionally, the sample container cannot be taken out until the rack is stored in the sample storage unit. Compared to this, the sample container corresponding to the measurement error can be taken out as soon as a measurement error is detected, and the cause of the error can be eliminated, so that the error factor can be eliminated and the waiting time until remeasurement can be shortened.

  This shortening of the waiting time can be similarly expected for a measurement error in reading the specimen barcode.

  A flow relating to the setting of the waiting time shown in FIG. 12 will be described. This flow is an example of setting a time for not waiting for the next rack to arrive.

  Subsequent to the sample removal process (step S141), the sample dispensing operation by the dispensing mechanism is performed (step S142). In the sample dispensing operation in S142, it is determined whether or not there is a measurement error related to dispensing (step S143). If there is no measurement error, the dispensed sample is analyzed and measured, and the rack is transferred to the retest buffer or the sample storage unit (step S144).

  If there is a measurement error in step S143, the rack holding the sample container corresponding to the measurement error is moved to the measurement error sample extraction position (step S145), and the elapse of the extraction waiting time of the sample container corresponding to the error is counted (step S146). ). When time elapses in step S146, the rack on which the error-corresponding sample container is placed is transferred to the retest buffer or the sample storage unit (step S144).

  While less than the elapsed time in step S146, the elapsed time is counted until the operator presses the function key (step S147). In step S147, the operator presses the function key, and takes out the sample container corresponding to the measurement error from the rack (step S148). When the sample container removal operation (step S148) is completed, the operator presses the function key (step S149), and the rack is transferred to the retest buffer or the sample storage unit (step S144).

  A flow relating to setting of the waiting time shown in FIG. 13 will be described. This flow is an example of setting a waiting time after the arrival of the next rack.

  In this case (FIG. 13), the elapsed waiting time for removal of the sample container corresponding to the error shown in the case of FIG. 12 is counted (step S146) and the operator presses the function key (step S147). The feature is that a waiting time elapse (step S150) is provided. Since others are the same as the example of FIG. 12, a common step S code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The waiting time for taking out the measurement error sample will be further described.

  The elapse of the removal waiting time is counted after the rack on which the measurement error sample container is placed arrives at the measurement error sample removal position. Instead of providing the arrival detection sensor for detecting the arrival of the rack, the measurement error function provided in the dispensing mechanism can be used to detect the arrival of the rack at the measurement error specimen take-out position.

  The distance between the sample dispensing position and the measurement error sample take-out position and the rack transport speed are determined. The arrival time of the measurement error specimen take-out position is obtained from the measurement error detection by the dispensing mechanism as a time starting point. However, the rack carries a plurality of sample containers. After dispensing a plurality of sample containers at the sample dispensing position 402, the rack is carried forward. If a measurement error is detected before the dispensing of all the units on the rack is completed, the arrival time of the measurement error specimen take-out position is calculated in consideration of the time taken for dispensing the remaining specimen containers. As a result, the arrival of the rack at the measurement error specimen take-out position can be detected with high accuracy even when the dispensing mechanism is used.

  A response to the taken measurement error sample will be described.

  The handling differs depending on whether only the measurement error sample container is taken out or when the whole rack is taken out.

  When only the measurement error sample container is used, the sample container from which the cause of the measurement error is removed is placed on a newly prepared rack and remeasured. The sample container without the remaining measurement error is carried on the transport line from the measurement error sample take-out position while being loaded on the rack by pressing the function key, and thus no new operation is required.

  When taking out the whole rack, the sample container from which the cause of the measurement error has been removed is placed on a newly prepared rack and remeasured. The remaining sample containers without measurement errors have been dispensed but have been taken out together with the racks before the measurement results are obtained. For this reason, after the measurement result is output, the operator confirms the result and performs a retest operation as necessary.

  Measurement error The operator's treatment for the rack carried out to the sample container extraction buffer will be described.

  First, how to deal with measurement errors related to specimen barcode reading will be described.

  -For the sample barcode that could not be read, perform one of the following actions and reinsert the rack.

  (1). If the specimen barcode label can be repaired as it is, the repair work is performed. Remove dirt, re-paste the peeled part, etc.

  (2). Reapply a new specimen barcode label.

  (3). Register the sample barcode manually from the operation unit screen. As a result, measurement can be performed even when a sample barcode reading error occurs even when the rack is re-inserted.

  The correspondence of measurement errors related to dispensing by the dispensing mechanism will be described.

  If the cause of the measurement error is (clogging), take one of the following actions and reinsert the rack.

  (1). If the cause of the clogging is visible, manually remove the clogging material from the specimen container.

  (2). If the cause of the clogging cannot be determined visually, centrifuge the sample once more to remove the clogging material.

  (3). Since clogging may occur even when the amount of sample in the sample container is insufficient, in this case, the sample is replenished from the parent sample to the sample container.

  • If the cause of the measurement error is (sample shortage), replenish the sample from the parent sample to the sample container and reinsert the rack.

  • If the cause of the measurement error is (abnormal descent), the sample container is not set correctly in the rack. Since there is a possibility that the sample container is set obliquely or is floating from the rack, the sample container is correctly set in the rack and the rack is re-inserted.

  An embodiment of the retest buffer shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the measurement error sample extraction function of the retest buffer.

  This measurement error sample take-out function takes out the sample container of the measurement error sample that could not be taken out at the measurement error sample container take-out position 406 shown in FIG. 4 and the measurement error sample container take-out position 507 shown in FIG. Prepared for.

  When the automatic analyzer is measuring, the rack 602 exists in the retest buffer 601 and at least one measurement error type 302 on the system setting screen shown in FIG. When the function key 604 installed in the vicinity of the buffer 601 is pressed, this is the start of the measurement error sample extraction operation.

  Then, the function key 604 is turned on, and the transport operation of all the racks 602 in the measurement error sample container extraction buffer is stopped until the function key 604 is pressed again.

  The upper cover of the measurement error sample container extraction buffer 601 has an openable structure, and the operator can open and close the upper cover while the function key 604 is lit, so that the rack 602 can be opened from the top of the retest buffer 601. The upper specimen container 603 can be taken out.

  The extracted sample container 603 is recognized by registration by the operator from the extracted sample registration screen in the retest buffer shown in FIG. After the sample container 603 removal operation is completed, when the function key 604 is pressed again, the function key 604 is turned off and all the racks 602 in the retest buffer 601 are restarted.

  An example of the display screen shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a measurement error sample extraction execution screen at the sample dispensing position displayed on the display device 104 of the operation unit 101.

  When the execution button 701 is pressed by the operator, the function is the same as when the function key 407 in FIG. 4 is pressed by the operator while blinking. That is, pressing the execution button 701 is the start of the measurement error sample extraction operation.

  Then, the function key 407 is turned on, and the rack 403 is stopped at the measurement error sample container extraction position 406 until the function key 407 is pressed again. This screen is automatically displayed when the function key 407 starts blinking.

  That is, this is the timing at which the rack 403 on which the measurement error sample is installed stops at the measurement error sample container extraction position 406. When the execution button 701 or the cancel button 702 is pressed by the operator, this screen is closed. Even after this screen is closed, while the function key 407 is blinking, it can be redisplayed by an operation from the operation unit 101 by the operator.

  A screen similar to this screen is also provided for the specimen barcode reading position and the retest buffer. However, the measurement error sample extraction execution screen in the retest buffer is not automatically displayed, but is displayed by an operation from the operation unit 101 by the operator in a state where the function key 604 in FIG. 6 can be pressed.

  An example of the extracted sample registration screen shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is an extracted sample registration screen at the sample dispensing position displayed on the display device 104 of the operation unit 101.

  This screen is composed of extracted sample registration information 801 and sample status mark 807 at the sample dispensing position, and the extracted sample registration information 801 at the sample dispensing position includes extracted sample installation rack information 802, extracted sample type 803, and extracted sample registration. A list 804, an extracted sample registration & rack transport restart button 805, and a button 806 for closing the extracted sample registration screen are configured.

  This screen is automatically displayed at the timing when the function key 407 in FIG. 4 starts to be turned on, that is, at the timing when the measurement error sample can be taken out. You can see information.

  When the taken-out sample registration & rack transport restart button 805 or the close button 806 is pressed by the operator, this screen is closed. Even after the screen is closed, the function key 407 can be redisplayed by the operation from the operation unit 101 by the operator while the function key 407 is lit.

  In the case of the automatic analyzer configuration in which the sample container detector 408 is not installed directly beside the measurement error sample container extraction position 406 in FIG. 4, the extracted sample is registered from this screen. By selecting a sample to be extracted from the extracted sample registration list 804 and pressing a sample extraction & rack transport restart button 805, the automatic analyzer recognizes the sample to be extracted.

  The take-out sample registration & rack transport restart button 805 performs the same function as when the operator presses the function key 407 in FIG. When the take-out sample registration & rack transport restart button 805 is pressed, the function key 407 is turned off and the transport of the rack 403 is restarted.

  In the case of the automatic analyzer configuration in which the sample container detector 408 is installed right next to the measurement error sample container extraction position 406 in FIG. Is a sample list on the rack 403 without displaying the column of registered sample registration. Also, the removed sample registration & rack transport resume button 805 does not have the function of registering the removed sample.

  A screen similar to this screen is also provided for the specimen barcode reading position.

  An example of the extracted sample registration screen shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is an extracted sample registration screen in the retest buffer displayed on the display device 104 of the operation unit 101.

  This screen is composed of a re-examination buffer monitor 901, extracted sample registration information 902 in the re-examination buffer, and sample status mark 909. The extracted sample registration information 902 in the re-examination buffer includes extraction sample installation rack information 903, sample type 904 of the extraction sample, and extraction. A sample registration list 905, an extracted sample registration button 906, an extracted sample registration & rack transport restart button 907, and a button 908 for closing the extracted sample registration screen are configured.

  This screen is displayed by an operation from the operation unit 101 by the operator, and the detailed information of the rack 602 and the installed sample in the retest buffer 601 can be viewed, and the sample taken out from the rack 602 in the retest buffer 601 is registered. It is a screen to do. The screen is closed when the operator presses the take-out sample registration & rack transport resume button 907 or the close button 908.

  When the sample can be taken out from the rack 602 in the retest buffer 601, that is, when the function key 604 is lit and the transport operation of all the racks 602 in the retest buffer 601 is stopped, registration of the taken sample from this screen is performed. Is possible.

  When the operator selects the rack 602 on which the sample taken out on the retest buffer monitor 901 is installed by screen operation, the extracted sample registration information 902 in the retest buffer displays detailed information on the selected rack 602 and the installed sample. Is done.

  Next, by selecting a sample to be extracted in the extracted sample registration list 905 and pressing an extracted sample registration button 906 or an extracted sample registration & rack transport restart button 907, the automatic analyzer recognizes the extracted sample.

  When there are a plurality of samples to be taken out across a plurality of racks 602, a plurality of samples can be registered by repeating the registration operation continuously using the sample extraction button 906. When registering the last sample to be taken out, by using the take-out sample registration & rack transport restart button 907, registration of the sample to be taken out, the function key 604 turned off, and the transport operation of all the racks 602 in the retest buffer 601 are performed. Can be resumed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Operation part 102 ... Keyboard 103 ... Mouse 104 ... Display apparatus 105 ... Printing apparatus 106 ... Interface 107 ... Memory | storage device 108 ... Analysis part 109 ... Reaction disk 110 ... Reaction container 111 ... Reagent disk 112 ... Reagent bottle 113 ... Sample dispensing Mechanism 114 ... Stirring device 115 ... Cleaning device 116 ... Light source 117 ... Multi-wavelength photometer 118 ... Reagent dispensing mechanism 119 ... Rack transport line 120 ... Rack 121 ... Sample container 122 ... Sample container detector 123 ... Sample barcode reader 124 ... Interface 125 ... Computer 126 ... A / D converter 201 ... Rack 202 ... Sample container 203 ... Sample supply unit 204 ... Main rack transport line 205 ... Sample barcode reading position 206 ... Sample container detector 207 ... Sample barcode reader 2 8 ... analysis module 209 ... analysis module within the rack conveyance line 210 ... sample dispensing position 211 ... specimen dispensing system 212 ... retest buffer 213 ... retesting rack transportation line A
214 ... Reinspection rack transport line B
215 ... Sample storage unit 301 ... Measurement error sample extraction setting parameter 302 ... Type of measurement error for extracting sample 303 ... Measurement error sample extraction unit 304 ... Measurement error sample extraction waiting time 305 ... Measurement error sample extraction waiting time after arrival of next rack 306 ... Registration button 401 ... Rack transport line in analysis module 402 ... Sample dispensing position, 403 ... Rack 404 ... Sample container 405 ... Specimen dispensing mechanism 406 ... Measurement error immediately after sample dispensing 407 ... Function key 408 ... Sample container detector 409 ... Measurement error Sample container extraction buffer 501 ... Main rack transport line 502 ... Sample barcode reading position 503 ... Rack 504 ... Sample container 505 ... Sample container detector 506 ... Sample barcode reader 507 ... Sample bar code Measurement error sample container take-out position immediately after removal 508... Function key 509... Sample container detector 510... Measurement error sample container take-out buffer 601 .. Retest buffer 602 ... Rack 603 ... Sample container 604. Button 702... Measurement error sample removal cancel button 801... Extracted sample information at the sample dispensing position 802... Extracted sample erection rack information 803... ... Button for closing the taken specimen registration screen 807 ... Specimen status mark 901 ... Rack list in retest buffer 902 ... Taken specimen information in retest buffer 903 ... Removed specimen erection rack information 904 ... Detected specimen Body type 905... Extracted sample registration list 906... Extracted sample registration button 907... Extracted sample registration & rack transport restart button 908... Close button for taking out sample registration screen 909.

Claims (13)

An analysis unit for measuring a component of the sample, an operation unit for instructing operation of the analysis unit, a transport line for transporting a rack for storing a sample container into which the sample is placed, and the rack for supplying to the transport line are placed A sample supply unit, a sample storage unit for storing the rack that has been measured by the analysis unit and is transported and discharged on the transport line, and a portion for dispensing the sample from the sample container on the transport line to the analysis unit An automatic analyzer comprising a note mechanism,
When a measurement error occurs due to a factor including any one of dispensing clogging, sample shortage and abnormal lowering related to the dispensing mechanism, the rack in which the sample container is accommodated is taken out in order to take out the corresponding sample container. An automatic analyzer comprising stop means for stopping on a conveyance line. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the measurement error specimen container removal position at which the rack is stopped by the stopping means is on the front side in the transport direction from the place where the dispensing mechanism dispenses. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
An automatic analyzer comprising a measurement error sample container extraction buffer adjacent to the measurement error sample container extraction position, wherein the measurement error sample container extraction buffer for taking out the rack that stops at the measurement error sample container extraction position is provided. An analysis unit for measuring a component of the sample, an operation unit for instructing operation of the analysis unit, a transport line for transporting a rack for storing a sample container into which the sample is placed, and the rack for supplying to the transport line are placed A sample supply unit, a sample storage unit for storing the rack that has been measured by the analysis unit and is transported and discharged on the transport line, and a portion for dispensing the sample from the sample container on the transport line to the analysis unit An automatic analyzer comprising: an injection mechanism; and a barcode reading means for reading the barcode of the sample container that is accommodated in the rack carried by the transport line before dispensing the barcode by the dispensing mechanism. There,
An automatic analyzer comprising stop means for stopping a rack in which a sample container is accommodated on the transport line in order to take out the corresponding sample container when a measurement error in reading by the barcode reading means occurs. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the measurement error specimen container removal position at which the rack is stopped by the stop means is on the front side in the transport direction from the position read by the barcode reading means. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein
An automatic analyzer comprising a measurement error sample container extraction buffer adjacent to the measurement error sample container extraction position, wherein the measurement error sample container extraction buffer for taking out the rack that stops at the measurement error sample container extraction position is provided. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 4,
A retest buffer in which the rack containing the sample container in which a measurement error has occurred is carried by the transport line, and a sample container to be retested in the retest buffer to the supply side of the transport line to which the rack is supplied. An automatic analyzer comprising: a re-sample transport path for returning and transporting the stored rack. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 4,
A function key having a display function for displaying in accordance with the operation of the stopping means,
When the stopping means is operated to stop the transport of the rack, the function key displays that the rack is stopped,
By removing the sample container corresponding to the measurement error from the rack and returning the display of the function key before the rack is stopped, the transport by the stop means is released and the transport of the rack is resumed. Automatic analyzer characterized by The automatic analyzer according to claim 8,
An automatic analyzer comprising a sample container removal detection device for detecting a sample container taken out from the rack. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 4,
The setting screen related to the measurement error displayed on the operation unit includes an extraction waiting time (T1) until the sample corresponding to the measurement error is extracted from the rack which is stopped at the measurement error sample container extraction position after the conveyance is stopped. An automatic analyzer including a display of a waiting time after arrival of the next rack (T2) in which the next rack following the rack in the rack arrives at the measurement error sample container take-out position and waits while being stopped. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10, wherein
The automatic analysis apparatus is characterized in that the extraction waiting time (T1) and the waiting time after arrival of the next rack (T2) are variable in length. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10 or 11,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the setting screen includes a display for selecting whether a unit to be taken out from the rack to be standby is a rack unit or a sample container unit. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
The automatic analyzer is characterized in that the setting screen includes a display for selecting a type of measurement error.

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