JP2012122865A - Automatic analyzing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that, when a request for calibration cannot be complied with on account of a shortage of standard samples to be used or a like reason, samples input consecutively following the standard samples in the hope of successful analysis of the standard samples are subjected to calibration without cancellation with the consequence of unintended consumption of samples and reagents.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzing system has a means of adjusting, according to the success or failure of analysis of standard samples subjected to calibration, the schedule of analyzing the standard samples and subsequently inputted samples.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performs quantitative and qualitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer system that includes a transport device that transports a sample container to the analyzer.

  Automatic analyzers that automatically perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine are very popular, especially in large hospitals and clinical laboratories that need to process many patient specimens in a short time. Various automatic analyzers of large, medium and small sizes have been developed. In particular, in the case of a large-scale apparatus that analyzes a large number of specimens, a plurality of specimen containers containing specimens are held in a holder called a specimen rack, and a plurality of analyzes are performed via a transportation line (conveyance apparatus). Some are transported to the device. In such an apparatus, the inspection engineer automatically executes the output of the analysis result only by inserting the sample rack into the sample rack insertion port.

  In this case, the sample rack is analyzed by the rack type and the sample being recognized by the barcode reader on the transfer line while the rack loaded into the sample rack insertion port is being transferred on the belt conveyor-like transfer line. The As such an automatic analysis system, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 is known.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-325839

  In order to maintain the measurement accuracy of the automatic analyzer, it is necessary to calibrate the apparatus using a plurality of standard samples (calibrators) having different concentrations. For example, with a biochemical automatic analyzer that uses the principle (colorimetric analysis) that measures the change in color of a reagent depending on the concentration of the target component in the sample as a change in absorbance, the sample and reagent are measured. A calibration curve showing the relationship between the absorbance and the concentration is prepared and the concentration of the unknown sample is calculated. In addition, the calibration curve is corrected by periodically measuring the standard sample, and the accuracy of the analysis result is obtained by performing periodic accuracy assurance measurements using the quality control sample (control). Perform management.

  Usually, these standard samples and quality control samples are analyzed in the order in which they are introduced into the sample rack inlet. The measurement of the patient sample is suspended until the measurement of the standard sample and the quality control sample is completed.

  Operators often assume that the measurement results of the standard sample are obtained normally in order to shorten this interruption time, and operate the standard sample and the corresponding quality control sample in succession. Is going.

  As a result, the analysis time overlap of the standard sample and the quality control sample occurs, and the measurement interruption time of the patient specimen is shortened by the overlap of the analysis time. In this case, the calibration result of the previously introduced standard sample is applied as the measurement result of the quality control sample.

  In particular, in a large-sized automatic analyzer that transports a rack to an analyzer using a transport line, it is possible to perform analysis by installing a plurality of sample racks. When the above-mentioned operation when the measurement interruption time for patient specimens is shortened is performed with a large automatic analyzer, the specimen rack equipped with the specimen container for storing the standard specimen and the quality control specimen is installed by the operator for analysis. Will be instructed.

  However, for calibration that is scheduled to be analyzed, the operator may place an error in the number of standard samples to be installed due to an error in the installation of the standard sample, recognition error in the installed sample, or the order in which the standard samples are placed in the sample rack. In some cases, the standard sample cannot be measured correctly and a calibration curve cannot be created due to errors such as inadvertent errors or the input of a sample that has not been requested. In particular, a large automatic analyzer that transports a sample rack to the analyzer using a transport line has many measurement items that can be analyzed, and as a result, the number of standard samples required to perform calibration for each item Will also increase. If these standard samples are installed across a plurality of sample racks, it can be said that the above-mentioned mistakes are likely to occur.

  Even if the standard sample cannot be measured due to these factors, and a calibration curve is not created as a result, measurement of general samples and quality control samples that are continuously input to the standard sample is performed, so unnecessary measurement There is a risk of loss of time due to, and unintended loss of samples and reagents.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that diagnoses whether or not an inputted standard sample can be analyzed, and adjusts an analysis schedule of general samples and quality control samples that are continuously introduced after the standard sample based on the diagnosis result. Is to provide. As a result, it is possible to detect an installation error of the standard sample prior to the start of the calibration measurement, and when an installation error is detected, the subsequent measurement is stopped. Use of unintended samples and reagents can be suppressed.

  The configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows.

  In an automatic analyzer equipped with a plurality of analysis units for analyzing samples and a rack loading unit equipped with a sample container containing biological samples, samples, etc., a rack loaded with a standard sample is loaded into the rack loading unit. A determination unit that determines whether or not calibration using the sample can be performed, and a control unit that controls a transport schedule after the standard sample rack is loaded based on the determination of the determination unit It is characterized by that.

  The determination unit may determine whether a request corresponding to the standard sample is registered, and whether there are a sufficient number of calibrators in the apparatus for performing the requested analysis. It may be determined whether the input order is input in an order in which the requested analysis can be performed.

  In the above, preferably, a condition regarding whether or not to notify the determination result in the determination unit can be designated in advance. The condition may be always notified of the check result, or may be notified only when an abnormality occurs in the check result.

  Preferably, in the above, when the determination unit determines that the analysis using the input standard sample is not possible, the analysis of the standard sample and samples input after the standard sample is stopped. . For the canceled standard sample, the operator may be asked for instructions on how to deal with it, or it may be automatically taken out of the apparatus.

  Preferably, in the above, the determination result in the determination unit is notified to the operator, and the standard sample and the sample that has been input thereafter are kept waiting in the buffer until a response to the notification is received. To do.

  Also, in the above, preferably, the information on the standard sample that is the determination target in the determination unit is displayed on the display unit. As the display target, information on all the samples that have been carried into the rack standby unit after the standard sample that is the determination target and are on standby may be displayed.

  In the above, it is preferable that at least a collection instruction for a waiting sample or an instruction to restart an analysis can be issued from the display unit.

  In the above, preferably, the transport scheduling is performed so that the analysis order of the standard sample additionally input according to an instruction from the display unit is continuously measured with the standard sample waiting in the buffer that causes the additional input. It is characterized by constructing.

  Preferably, in the above, the analysis scheduling is constructed so that the analysis order of the standard samples carried out and re-input according to the instruction from the display unit is analyzed before the samples other than the standard samples waiting in the buffer. It is characterized by.

  Further, in the above, preferably, requests can be added, changed, and deleted with respect to a waiting sample and an uninjected sample.

  According to the present invention, in the case where there is a standard sample installation error or insufficient input, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not calibration can be performed in advance and notified to the operator so that the standard sample is inserted after the standard sample. In addition, measurement of general samples and quality control samples can be stopped to prevent time loss due to unnecessary measurement and loss of samples and reagents.

1 is a system block diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The screen for registering the setting regarding the check of the input standard sample which is one embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the state transition of the automatic analyzer which is one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the processing flow at the time of completion | finish of carrying out the standard sample which is one Embodiment of this invention. The screen for displaying the check result of the standard sample which is one Embodiment of this invention, and performing the next instruction | indication. The screen for confirming the standard sample information and the situation which are one embodiment of the present invention. The re-input execution waiting screen which is one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the processing flow for assigning an internal carrying-in order to the rack which is one Embodiment of this invention.

  The embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The automatic analysis system according to the present embodiment includes a sample rack input unit 1, an ID reading unit 2, a transport line 3, a sample rack standby unit 4, analysis modules 5, 6, and 7, a sample rack collection unit 8, An overall management computer 9 is provided.

  The sample rack loading unit 1 is a portion for loading a plurality of sample racks each holding a plurality of samples (samples). In the present embodiment, the sample rack input unit 1 has at least a function of detecting the input of the sample rack. Desirably, there may be a function for identifying the type of the sample loaded in the loaded sample rack. For example, in the case where the sample rack has an information storage medium such as a barcode or RFID, a reading means for reading these information storage media is provided so that the time when the sample rack is inserted, the type of the sample rack, and the sample Information such as the type of specimen mounted on the rack can be identified. In FIG. 1, the ID reading unit 2 provided near the sample rack loading unit 1 performs the same function.

  The analysis modules 5, 6, and 7 are arranged along the transport line 3 and are detachably connected to the transport line 3. The number of these analysis modules can be set arbitrarily, and in this embodiment, the case where the number of modules is three is shown.

  The transport line 3 transports the sample rack loaded into the sample rack loading unit 1 to the analysis modules 5, 6 and 7 according to the analysis request. In addition, the sample rack that holds the sample that has been analyzed by the analysis modules 5, 6, and 7 is transported to the sample rack standby unit 4. In addition, the sample rack that has not been requested to be analyzed is transported to the sample rack collection unit 8.

  A sample rack standby unit 4 installed on a transport line 3 that transports racks carrying standard samples, quality control samples, and general samples is a line mechanism that can hold one or more sample racks. A rack loaded with an arbitrary sample to be transported can be held for an arbitrary time and supplied again to the analysis module or the sample rack recovery unit 8 at an arbitrary timing. That is, the sample rack standby unit 4 only needs to be able to store a plurality of samples and be randomly accessible. The structure may be, for example, a disk-type buffer that can store a plurality of racks, or a plurality of lines on which racks are placed, and a plurality of racks are accommodated on these lines and an arbitrary rack is carried out. It may be a buffer of the type.

  The sample rack loading unit 1, the ID reading unit 2, the transport line 3, the sample rack standby unit 4, and the overall management computer 9 for performing necessary control in the sample rack collection unit 8 are provided. The overall management computer 9 further includes a storage device. The storage device stores attribute information (sample ID, reception number, patient name, requested analysis item, etc.), calibration curve information, accuracy management information, calibration information, and the like regarding the sample. Further, an operation unit 10 for inputting necessary information and a display unit 11 for displaying analysis results are connected.

  The sample ID indicating the attribute information (reception number, patient name, requested analysis item, etc.) related to the sample held by the sample rack is stored in an information storage medium such as a barcode or RFID. Further, a rack ID indicating rack identification information such as a rack number related to the sample rack is also stored in the information storage medium. These information storage media are attached to sample containers, sample racks, and the like, read by the ID reading unit 2 on the transport line 3, and sent to the overall management computer 9. The overall management computer 9 specifies attribute information related to the sample stored in the storage device based on the sample ID and the sample rack ID. Further, the overall management computer 9 determines in which analysis module each specimen is analyzed based on the attribute information. Further, the overall management computer determines in which order the sample racks are to be transported in accordance with a flow to be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a screen for registering settings relating to checking of an inputted standard sample, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

  On this screen, it is possible to select at least a condition for notifying the check result of the input standard sample on the notification condition screen 201 when checking the standard sample.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the operator can select whether to notify the check result of the standard sample only when an error occurs or always. If it is selected to perform only at the time of error, the error occurrence and the error content can be notified to the operator through the display screen when an error occurs in the check of the standard sample through the check flow described below. Further, if it is selected to always notify, the operator is notified of this even when the standard specimen check is normal, so that the operator can safely put the quality control sample. When the registration button 202 is pressed, the contents selected above are registered.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing state transition of the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The measurement state 301 indicates a state in which the transport schedule of the loaded rack is determined and the determined transport schedule can be executed. The transport schedule is constructed in the order of the loaded racks.

  Further, the transition from the standard sample carry-in end state 303 to the measurement state 301 makes it possible to construct a transport schedule for a rack that has been loaded after the standard sample carry-in start state 302 and is waiting in the sample rack standby unit 4. In this case, the sample rack transport schedule in the sample rack standby unit 4 is determined and executed according to the rack loading sequence determined in the processing flow shown in FIG. Further, when the state transitions from another state to the measurement state 301, the loading of the rack from the sample rack loading unit 1 that has been suspended is resumed after the standard sample loading end state 303 and thereafter.

  The transition to the standard sample carry-in start state 302 is performed by loading a standard sample rack into the sample rack loading unit 1 in the measurement state 301. This state continues until the loading of the rack for the standard sample is completed, and the rack loaded during that time waits in the sample rack standby unit 4 without immediately determining the transportation schedule.

The standard sample carry-in completion state 303 indicates a state in which the carry-in of the standard sample rack is finished. The transition condition to this state may be a point in time when it is detected that a rack other than the standard sample is loaded from the sample rack loading unit 1 or when the apparatus confirms that all racks to be loaded are loaded. Alternatively, the operator may instruct the end of carrying in the standard sample rack. When this state is reached, the standard sample loaded between the standard sample loading start state 302 and the standard sample loading end state 303 is compared with the request for the standard sample to evaluate whether it can be analyzed. Do. In addition, from this state until the transition to the measurement state 301 or the standby (re-injection) state 306, a new general sample / emergency sample / re-examination sample / standard sample / sample for quality control sample is input into the rack. It cannot be carried into the rack standby unit 4 from the unit 1. The process when transitioning to this state and the transition condition to the next state are shown in the processing flow of FIG. 4 to be described later.

  The standby (waiting for instruction) state 304 indicates a state in which the evaluation of whether or not the loaded standard sample can be analyzed is completed, and an instruction from the operator for transition to the next state is awaited. In this state, a screen shown in FIG. 5 to be described later is displayed on the display unit 11 as a screen for confirming the check result of the standard sample, and an instruction for transition to the next state is given through this screen. . Further, in this state, the general sample / emergency sample / retest sample / standard sample / quality control sample waiting in the sample rack standby unit 4 and the sample put in the rack input unit 1 are still carried into the rack standby unit 4. Requests can be re-registered from a screen of a conventional automatic analyzer for a sample that does not exist. In this case, the information on the screen shown in FIG. 5 is updated with the contents requested again.

  The standby (recovery instruction is being executed) state 305 indicates a state in which a rack that is waiting in the sample rack standby unit 4 is recovered outside the apparatus according to an instruction from the operator. When the rack is recovered and no waiting rack exists, the state transitions to the measurement state 301. If there is a rack that is still waiting after collection, the process proceeds to the standard sample carry-in completion state 303.

  A standby (during re-injection) state 306 indicates a state in which the standard sample rack that has been input to the sample rack input unit 1 in response to a re-injection instruction from the operator is waiting to be loaded into the rack standby unit 4. Until the transition to the next state, a re-waiting screen shown in FIG. Further, during this state, the loading of the rack from the sample rack loading unit 1 to the rack standby unit 4 which has been stopped is resumed. The transition to the standard sample carry-in completion state 303 is triggered by the completion of the carry-in of the standard sample rack. When the transition to the standard sample carry-in end state 303 is made, the display of the re-insertion waiting screen is ended. Further, the loading sequence in which the standard sample racks loaded into the rack loading unit 1 and transported to the rack standby unit 4 between this state and the standard sample loading end state 303 are loaded into each analysis unit is shown in FIG. Optimize according to the process flow. This optimization is performed before the transition to the standard sample loading completion state 303.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the end of carrying in the standard specimen, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

  When all the planned loading of the standard sample rack is completed, the completion of the standard sample loading is reported to the overall management computer 9 (step 401). The determination of the completion of the standard sample rack loading may be based on the fact that no new rack has been loaded into the sample rack loading unit 1 in the standard sample loading start state 302 or the standby (recharging) state 306 for a predetermined time or more. However, it may be based on the fact that a rack other than the standard sample rack is loaded. In addition, it is assumed that the same report is executed when the operator presses the cancel button 701 on the re-insertion waiting screen shown in FIG. In this case, the timing at which the completion of loading of the standard sample rack is reported to the overall management computer 9 can be set as an arbitrary timing of the operator.

  In step 402, in response to the report in step 401, the apparatus state is changed to the standard sample carry-in end state 303. In the standard sample carry-in completion state 303, it is determined whether or not the loaded standard sample can be analyzed, and therefore no new sample rack is carried in. Therefore, in step 403, the loading of a new rack from the loading unit 1 is suppressed.

  Step 404 is carried in from the rack loading unit 1 during the transition from the standard sample loading start state 302 to the standard sample loading end state 303 or from the standby (re-loading) state 306 to the standard sample loading end state 303. It is checked whether the conditions for analyzing the requested analysis item are satisfied for all the standard samples waiting in the rack standby unit 4. The check is performed by collating the sample ID of the standard sample waiting in the rack standby unit 4 with the calibration information held in the storage device of the overall management computer 9. The content to be verified depends on whether the request is registered for the standard sample, all the standard samples necessary for the request are loaded, or the order of installation of the loaded standard sample on the rack is the order of the registered concentrations. Check the items necessary for correct measurement of the calibration, such as whether the order of loading the racks is the order of the registered concentrations. As a result, it is possible to check the request information for each set of calibrations, not for a single rack or sample.

  As a result of checking, if it is determined that the requested items can be analyzed for all the standard samples that are on standby, the processes in and after step 405 are performed. On the other hand, if there is one or more standard samples that cannot be subjected to the requested analysis, the processing after step 406 is performed.

  In step 405, the process is distributed according to the notification condition 201 at the time of the standard sample check set on the setting screen (FIG. 2) relating to the standard sample check. If “always notify” is selected in the notification condition 201 at the time of the standard sample check, the processing from step 406 is performed. If “notify only when error occurs” is selected in the notification condition 201 at the time of the standard sample check, the processing from step 408 is performed.

  In step 406, the check result in step 404 is displayed on the display unit 11 to notify the operator.

  Step 407 is a process for making a transition to the standby (waiting for instruction) state 304. When transitioning to the standby (waiting for instruction) state, for example, a standard sample check result display screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. In this case, since the standard sample can be analyzed, the operator can instruct the start of analysis through this screen.

  Step 408 is a process for canceling the rack loading stop process in step 403 and loading a new rack loaded into the sample rack loading unit 1 into the rack standby unit 4 again.

  Step 409 is a process for making a transition to the measurement state 301. By transitioning to the measurement state 301, the standard sample that is waiting in the rack standby unit 4 and is determined to be analyzable is transported to each analysis unit, and measurement is started.

  FIG. 5 is a standard sample check result display screen for displaying the check result of the standard sample and performing the next instruction according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  This screen shows an example in which 5 samples can be placed on one rack. However, when the number of samples that can be placed on the rack is other than 5 samples, for example, when one sample is transported or batch transport is performed. Needless to say, this is applicable even if it is done.

  This screen is displayed on the display device 11 in the standby (waiting for instruction) state 304, and displays information related to the sample rack for the general sample / emergency sample / retest sample / standard sample / quality control sample waiting in the rack standby unit 4. Then, a request for transition to the next state can be instructed.

  This screen confirms the information of each sample rack that is waiting in the rack standby unit 4, and displays a waiting rack information display area 510 for instructing the waiting rack to perform recovery or total recovery, and standby A rack detailed information display area 520 for confirming detailed information (for example, position on the rack, sample information, etc.) of the sample placed on the rack selected in the rack information display area 510, and a rack detailed information display area 520 A request item information display area 530 for confirming the analysis item requested for the selected sample and other information are displayed.

  The waiting rack information display area 510 displays information on the waiting rack on the sample rack waiting unit 4. The waiting rack information list 511 displays the waiting rack information in a list for each rack. The list displays at least information specifying the rack and information indicating whether analysis is possible for each rack. As information for identifying a rack, a rack type, a rack number, and the like can be considered. In addition, a factor and a coping method may be displayed for a rack that is determined not to be analyzed. Such information may be determined and displayed on the device side, or may be input by an operator. By displaying the factors determined to be incapable of analysis and the coping method, the operator can know what kind of treatment should be performed on the rack. Further, the distinction between racks that can be analyzed in the waiting rack information list 511 and racks that cannot be analyzed may be indicated by color coding of the background color.

  As means for instructing the collection of the waiting rack, a partial collection instruction button 512 and a full collection instruction button 513 are provided. The partial collection instruction button 512 selects a rack checked in the collection column of the waiting rack information list 511 and discharges the selected rack to the outside of the apparatus. If only a specific rack is displayed as “impossible to measure”, the operator selects the corresponding rack and inputs the partial collection instruction button 512 to collect the rack, causing the measurement to be disabled. Can be changed to the measurement state by canceling and re-inserting from the rack input unit 1. The all collection instruction button 513 sets all racks displayed in the waiting rack information list 511 as collection targets. This is effective when there are many collection racks. Regardless of which of the collection buttons is pressed, this screen is ended and the state transits to the standby (collection instruction executing) state 305.

  The rack detailed information display area 520 displays information on the sample placed in the rack as detailed information on the rack selected in the waiting rack information list 511. Information specifying the rack is displayed in the rack information display area 521. As information to be specified, a rack type, a rack number, and the like can be considered. The rack information display 522 displays information related to the sample placed on the rack. As the information regarding the sample, it is desirable to display at least sample information for specifying the sample, whether or not the sample is placed at each position on the rack, whether or not each sample can be analyzed, and the like. As the sample information, the position on the rack, the sample ID, the name of the sample, or the type of sample such as serum or urine may be displayed. Further, the distinction between the sample that can be analyzed and the sample that cannot be analyzed may be indicated by the color coding of the background color.

  Here, the case where the rack number 00002 is selected is displayed. The rack number 00002 is determined to be unmeasurable due to an abnormal order. When this rack is selected on the waiting rack information list 511, the breakdown of the samples loaded in the rack is displayed in detail in the rack information display 522. From these pieces of information, it can be seen that the rack number 00002 is determined to be unmeasurable because the order of the samples mounted at positions 4 and 5 on the rack is reversed (order error). Therefore, if the operator collects the rack number 00002 from the rack standby unit 4, replaces the position of the sample mounted in the rack positions 4 and 5, and re-inserts the sample from the rack input unit 1, the analysis-impossible state for the rack is resolved. The

  In the request item information display area 530, information on the analysis item requested for the sample selected in the list of the rack information display 522 is displayed. In the sample information display area 531, information for specifying the sample is displayed. As the information for specifying, the position on the rack may be displayed, or the ID of the placed specimen, the name of the standard specimen, the type of specimen such as serum, urine may be displayed. The request item information display 532 displays a list of analysis items requested for the sample. As information for specifying the analysis item, the name of the request item, the possibility of analysis of the request item, and the like can be considered. In addition, when a reagent to be used is specified for each requested item, information about the reagent such as the reagent type and the lot number attached to the reagent container may be displayed. The distinction between items that can be analyzed and items that cannot be analyzed may be indicated by color coding of the background color.

  It is also conceivable that a standard solution information display button 533 is provided for confirming standard sample information and status for the standard sample used by the item selected in the request item information display 532. The standard solution information display button 533 is controlled to be valid when the sample is a standard sample, and invalid when the sample is not a standard sample. When the standard solution information display button 533 is pressed, the standard sample information and status confirmation screen shown in FIG. 6 to be described later is displayed.

Here, the case where the sample (sample information S001) at position 1 on the rack number 00002 is selected on the rack information display 522 is displayed. Sample S001 is T as an analysis item.
estA to E are requested. It can be seen that Tests B to D cannot be analyzed for some reason. On the other hand, since it is possible to perform analysis for Tests A and E, when urgently performing calibration measurement for Tests A and E, it may be possible to shift to a measurement state by canceling the analysis request for Tests B, C, and D. I understand.

  The re-input button 540 is a button for instructing re-input (additional input) of the rack. When this button is pressed, the standard sample check result display screen is terminated, a re-loading execution waiting screen is displayed, and a transition to the standby (re-charging) state 306 is made. By providing this button, for example, in the case of rack number 00004 in which there is a shortage of samples, if the shortage of samples is mounted in another rack and added, evaluation of analysis “impossible” due to shortage of samples will be performed. Can be resolved.

  The analysis restart button 550 is a button for instructing the sample rack standby unit 4 to restart the analysis of the rack that is on standby. When this button is pressed, the standard sample check result display screen is terminated and the measurement state 301 is entered. As a result, a transport schedule is constructed for the waiting racks, and the waiting racks are sequentially analyzed according to the constructed transport schedule.

  The close button 560 can exit the standard sample check result display screen and return to the screen of the conventional automatic analyzer. Conversely, it is desirable that the conventional screen includes a means for displaying this screen. However, this screen can be displayed from the conventional screen only in the standby (waiting for instruction) state 304.

  The contents displayed in the lists 511, 522, and 521 can be rearranged according to the headings of the list. As a result, even if a large number of sample racks are displayed in the list, the sample rack or sample to be searched can be found immediately.

  FIG. 6 is a screen for confirming the information and status of the standard sample, which is an embodiment of the present invention. This screen is displayed when the standard solution information display button 533 in the screen of FIG. 5 described above is selected. The analysis item selected in the request item information display 532 displays information and status of all standard samples used in the analysis.

  The item information display area 601 displays at least the name of the analysis item as information on the selected analysis item. Reagent information such as the type of reagent used and the lot number of the reagent may be displayed as information accompanying the analysis item.

  The standard sample information and status list 602 displays information on standard samples used by the selected analysis item. In this embodiment, six standard samples are displayed. However, it is desirable to use variable rows according to the number of necessary standard samples. The standard sample information and status list 602 displays at least information (standard sample information) for identifying a standard sample used in the analysis by the item and a status of loading into the apparatus (rack loading status). Further, as information for specifying the standard sample, the position on the rack, the concentration of the standard sample mounted on the rack, and the name of the standard sample may be displayed. In addition, information on the rack on which the sample is placed may be displayed. Further, in the standard sample information and status list 602, the distinction between the standard sample that can be analyzed and the standard sample that cannot be analyzed may be indicated by color coding of the background color.

  Here, the case where the analysis item TestA is selected in the request item information display 532 of the request item information display area 530 is displayed. When measuring TestA calibration, five standards XXX1 to XXX5 are required as standard specimens. By referring to this screen, it is possible to know at a glance which standard sample among the required five standard samples is added and which standard sample is collected and re-inserted. Since the standard sample information and status list 602 indicates that the standard sample XXXX3 has not been input, it can be seen that the operator needs to additionally input the standard sample XXXX3. In addition, since it is displayed that the standard samples XXXX4 and XXXX5 are abnormal in order of insertion, the operator can know that these standard samples need to be collected once and then reordered after correcting the order. . When these processes are completed, the calibration for Test A can be executed.

  FIG. 7 is a screen for waiting for the re-input to be executed according to an embodiment of the present invention. This screen is the screen shown in FIG. 5 and is displayed when the re-load button 540 is pressed.

  This screen is displayed from the standby (re-injection) state 306 to the transition to the standard sample carry-in end state 303, prompts the operator to re-inject the rack, and is currently unable to perform measurement. To be notified.

  The cancel button 701 enables transition to the standard sample carry-in end state 303 at an arbitrary timing.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow for assigning the loading order to the rack according to the embodiment of the present invention. This processing flow is for giving a unique loading order to a newly loaded rack. Based on the order of loading given in this processing flow, the conveyance scheduling is determined for the rack. For this reason, not only the sample racks loaded under the measurement state 301 are scheduled for analysis, but also the racks that are loaded after the standard sample carry-in start state 302 and are waiting in the sample rack standby unit 4 are measured. If the construction of analysis scheduling is resumed by shifting to the state 301, the transportation schedule is constructed according to the carrying-in order set in this processing flow, and the analysis is started.

  In this processing flow, each analysis unit is controlled to analyze a sample other than the standard sample after the analysis of the standard sample. Therefore, when the standard sample rack and other racks are waiting in the rack standby unit 4, the standard sample rack is preferentially loaded, and a rack other than the standard sample rack (general sample rack) is loaded. / Emergency sample / retest sample / accuracy control sample rack) is always controlled so that it comes after the standard sample rack.

  In this processing flow, “number of standby racks” means the number of racks that are waiting in the sample rack standby unit 4 and for which transport scheduling has not been completed. When there is no rack waiting in the rack standby unit 4, the number of standby racks is zero. Further, even when a plurality of racks are waiting in the rack standby unit 4, the number of standby racks is similarly 0 if the construction of the transport schedule is completed for all the waiting racks. .

  The “loading order” means a rack loading order to the apparatus assigned to the rack that has been loaded.

  The “interrupt order” is temporarily used to interrupt the loading order when a rack newly input from the rack loading unit 1 is to be transported prior to the rack currently waiting in the rack standby unit 4. Means the value stored in.

  First, when it is detected that a new rack has been loaded into the rack loading unit 1, in step 801, the management computer 9 reports that the rack has been loaded.

  Thereafter, in step 802, the current device state is checked. The apparatus state means each state shown in FIG. 3. In the case of the measurement state 301, the processing after step 803 is performed. In the case of the standard sample carry-in start state 302, the processing after step 805 is performed. In other states (standard sample carry-in completion state or standby state), the processing after 807 is performed.

  First, processing when the apparatus state is in the measurement state 301 will be described. In the measurement state 301, a transport schedule can be determined for the rack loaded in the rack loading unit 1, and the transport to each analysis unit can be executed according to the transport schedule. Therefore, the rack that has been loaded is basically loaded. It will be transported according to the order.

  When the input of a new sample rack is reported (step 801), the number of standby racks is set to 1 in step 803. Even if there are racks in the rack standby unit 4, the apparatus is in the measurement state 301, and the transport schedule for these racks is completed. In step 804, the loading order of the loaded rack is registered as 1, and the process is terminated. As a result, the transported racks are scheduled for transport in the order of transport.

  Next, processing when the apparatus state is in the standard specimen carry-in start state 302 will be described.

  Under this state, when the rack input unit 1 reports the input of a new standard sample rack (step 801), in step 805, the number of standby racks waiting in the sample rack standby unit 4 is incremented, Increase the number of standby racks by one.

  The number of standby racks calculated in step 805 is registered in the order of loading of the racks that have been loaded, and the process ends (step 806). As a result, the newly loaded standard sample rack stands by in the sample rack standby unit 4 and is scheduled after the construction of the transport schedule for the standard sample rack for which transport scheduling has not been completed is completed. .

  Also, when the loading of a rack loaded with a sample other than the standard sample is reported from the rack loading unit 1 under this state, the apparatus state transitions to the standard sample loading end state 303 and the rack loading unit 1 waits for a rack. Since the rack loading into the unit 4 is stopped (step 403 in FIG. 4), the transport order of the samples other than the standard sample is not set before the standard sample.

  When the apparatus is in a state other than the measurement state 301 or the standard sample carry-in start state 302 and the rack loaded into the rack loading unit 1 is loaded into the rack standby unit 4, the standby (re-loading) state 306 Can be considered.

  In this state, when the loaded rack is a standard sample rack and a standard sample related to the standard sample is waiting in the sample rack standby unit 4, it is transported after the standard sample. Be controlled. In addition, when the loaded rack is a rack in which a sample other than the standard sample is installed, such as a general sample rack or a quality control rack, the transport of the standard sample rack that has been loaded in advance to the rack is completed. It is controlled to be transported later.

  When the input of a new sample rack is reported (step 801), in step 807, the number of standby racks waiting in the rack standby unit is incremented, and the number of standby racks is increased by one.

  Next, the type of the loaded rack is checked (step 808). If the type of rack is other than the standard sample (for example, a general sample rack or an accuracy management rack), the processes in and after step 806 are performed. As a result, the number of standby racks is assigned in the transport order of the newly loaded sample rack. A newly loaded sample rack is loaded prior to the rack, and a transport schedule is established after transport scheduling is completed for other racks waiting for transport scheduling in the sample rack standby unit 4. It becomes.

  If the rack type is a standard sample rack, the processes in and after step 809 are performed.

  In this case, in step 809, the other standard sample racks already loaded and waiting in the sample rack standby unit 4 are checked, and the standard samples placed on the standby rack and the loaded racks are placed. Check the relevance of the standard sample. The relevance is, for example, whether or not the standard sample placed in the waiting rack is used for measuring the same items as the standard sample placed in the loaded rack.

  If there is a related rack in the standby rack, it is determined that the standby rack is a related rack of the carried-in rack. The apparatus sets the order of loading registered in the standby rack determined as the related rack in step 809 in the order of interruption (step 810). If there are multiple related racks, the largest loading order is set.

  On the other hand, when the related standard sample does not exist in the waiting rack, it is determined that there is no related rack for the carried-in rack. The apparatus searches for the largest loading order value from the loading order held by the plurality of waiting standard sample racks, and sets it in the interrupt order (step 811).

  In step 812, the loading order held by the waiting rack is incremented. The increment target is all the racks that hold the carry-in order having a value larger than the interrupt order determined in step 810 or step 811 described above. As a result, the loading order of the sample racks in which the loading order is interrupted is advanced.

  In step 813, the transfer order of the loaded racks is determined by registering the interrupt order set in step 810 or 811 in the order of loading the racks that have been loaded.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sample rack input part 2 ID reading part 3 Conveyance line 4 Sample rack waiting part 5, 6, 7 Analysis module 8 Sample rack collection | recovery part 9 Total management computer 10 Operation part 11 Display part 201 Example of setting conditions 202 Registration buttons 301- 306 Example of apparatus status 510 Standby rack information display area 511 Standby rack information list 512 Partial recovery instruction button 513 Full recovery instruction button 520 Rack detailed information display area 521 Rack information display area 522 Rack information display 530 Request item information display Area 531 Sample information display area 532 Request item information display 533 Standard solution information display button 540 Reload button 550 Analysis restart button 560 Close button 601 Item information display area 602 Standard sample information and status list 701 Cancel button

Claims (13)

An analysis unit;
A rack transporter for transporting a rack loaded from a rack loading unit to the analysis unit;
A reading device that reads identification information including the type of specimen mounted on the rack;
In an automatic analyzer equipped with
A determination unit that determines whether or not calibration using the sample is performed when a rack loaded with a standard sample is loaded in the rack loading unit;
An automatic analysis system comprising: a control unit that controls a transport schedule after the standard sample rack is loaded based on the determination of the determination unit. The automatic analysis system according to claim 1,
When the input standard sample is determined not to be analyzed by the determination unit,
The automatic analysis system, wherein the control unit controls to stop the analysis of the standard sample and the samples input after the standard sample. The automatic analysis system according to claim 2,
An automatic analysis system comprising display means for displaying at least one of information for specifying a sample determined to be unanalyzed by the determination unit or information for specifying a rack on which the sample is mounted. The automatic analysis system according to claim 3,
A rack standby unit for waiting for a rack loaded from the rack loading unit;
An automatic analysis system comprising: instruction means for instructing a sample to be displayed on a sample displayed on the display device or a rack on which the sample is mounted. The automatic analysis system according to claim 4, wherein
A rack recovery unit that recovers racks loaded with specimens,
The automatic analysis system characterized in that the instruction means can instruct at least one of rack transportation to the rack recovery unit and rack transportation to the analysis unit. The automatic analysis system according to claim 4, wherein
A rack standby unit that is located between the rack input unit and the analysis unit and can wait for the input rack,
The control unit causes the rack standby unit to wait for the rack loaded with the standard sample and the sample loaded after the standard sample until receiving an instruction from the instruction unit. An analysis unit;
A rack transporter for transporting a rack loaded from a rack loading unit to the analysis unit;
A reading device that reads identification information including the type of specimen mounted on the rack;
A rack standby unit for waiting for a rack loaded from the rack loading unit;
In the automatic analysis system with
If the reader recognizes that a standard sample rack loaded with a standard sample has been loaded from the rack loading unit,
An automatic analysis system characterized in that the standard sample rack and racks loaded thereafter are made to wait in the rack standby section. The automatic analysis system according to claim 7,
Causing the rack standby unit to wait for the standard sample rack and the rack loaded thereafter,
An automatic analysis system characterized by determining a transport scheduling of a rack waiting in the rack standby section. The automatic analysis system according to claim 7,
If a predetermined trigger is detected,
Based on the availability of analysis using a standard sample waiting in the rack standby unit,
An automatic analysis system characterized in that information on at least a standard sample determined to be unanalyzable is displayed on the screen. The automatic analysis system according to claim 9,
The trigger is that a predetermined time has passed since the time when the last standard sample rack was loaded, that the reading device detected loading other than the standard sample rack, or that there was a state transition instruction from the operator. An automatic analysis system characterized by being one of the following. The automatic analysis system according to claim 7,
When the reading device does not detect the input of the standard sample rack and the rack is not waiting in the rack standby unit, and the newly input rack is not the standard sample rack,
The automatic analysis system, wherein the rack is transported to the analysis unit without waiting in the rack standby section. The automatic analysis system according to claim 9,
The standard sample held in the standard sample rack that is once transported from the rack standby unit to the rack recovery unit and re-input from the rack input unit in a state where the rack is waiting in the rack standby unit is ,
The automatic analysis system is characterized in that the analysis is performed in preference to a rack that holds a sample other than the standard sample in the rack standby unit. The automatic analysis system according to claim 12,
The standard sample rack re-entered while the rack is waiting in the rack standby unit is
Furthermore, the presence / absence of a related rack in which a sample related to the sample mounted in the standard sample rack is mounted in the rack standby unit,
When there is the related rack, the automatic analysis system is characterized in that the standard sample rack is transported to the analysis unit continuously with the related rack.

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