JP2012137436A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer capable of detecting whether or not the amount of a liquid suctioned from a container is normal.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer comprises: a calibration liquid supply part 63 for supplying a calibration liquid into a container 61; a suction part 65 for suctioning the calibration liquid in the container 61 supplied by the calibration liquid supply part 63; and a detector 64 for detecting a liquid level when the calibration liquid is suctioned by the suction part 65 and the calibration liquid in the container 61 reaches less than the supply amount V1 and calculates the suction amount of the calibration liquid until detected by the detector 64 to determine whether or not the suction part 65 is normal based on the calculated suction amount and the supply amount V1.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer that analyzes a component contained in a liquid such as a test sample collected from a subject.

  The automatic analyzer is intended for biochemical test items and immunological test items, etc., and by measuring the color change caused by the reaction between the test sample and the reagent, analysis data expressed by the concentration and enzyme activity of each test item Is generated. In addition, by using an ion-selective electrode that detects each electrolyte such as sodium ion, potassium ion, and chlorine ion contained in biochemical test items, analysis data expressed by the concentration of each electrolyte item is generated. To do. When each electrolyte is measured by an electrolyte measurement unit using the ion selective electrode, a liquid including a test sample is supplied into the container by a supply pump and a drive mechanism that drives the pump. The supplied liquid is sucked from the container by a suction pump and a driving mechanism that drives the pump, and is guided to the ion selective electrode.

  By the way, if the amount of the liquid supplied into the container is reduced, the amount of the liquid guided to the ion selective electrode is reduced, so that abnormal analysis data may be generated. In addition, when the amount of liquid supplied into the container is reduced, the amount of liquid guided to the ion selective electrode is reduced, so that abnormal analysis data may be generated. If the cause of the decrease in the amount of liquid guided to the ion selective electrode is an abnormal operation of each drive mechanism, it can be easily detected by the occurrence of a hard error.

JP 2005-91302 A

  However, if it is a cause that cannot be detected due to an error other than each drive mechanism, it is difficult to find the cause of the decrease in the amount of liquid led to the ion selective electrode, so pay close attention to the generated analysis data. I need to pay.

  Embodiments have been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic analyzer that can detect whether or not the amount of liquid sucked from a container is normal.

  In order to achieve the above object, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment supplies a liquid into the container in the automatic analyzer that supplies the liquid into the container and sucks and measures the supplied liquid from the container. , A suction part for sucking the liquid in the container supplied by the supply part, and a liquid level when the liquid in the container is reduced and reaches a predetermined amount by being sucked by the suction part A detector for calculating the amount of suction sucked from when the suction unit starts suction until it is detected by the detector, and the suction unit based on the predetermined amount and the suction amount. And determining means for determining whether or not it is normal.

The figure which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows the structure of the analysis part which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the electrolyte measurement unit which concerns on embodiment. The figure for demonstrating each liquid used for the measurement of the electrolyte measurement unit which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the container which concerns on embodiment, a dilution liquid supply part, and a calibration liquid supply part. The figure which shows the liquid mixture of each sample and diluent supplied into the container which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the detector and suction part which concern on embodiment. The figure which shows each liquid aspirated from the container which concerns on embodiment.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. The automatic analyzer 100 includes an analysis unit 24 that measures a test sample collected from a standard sample and a subject, and standard data and test data that are generated by the measurement of the standard sample and the test sample by the analysis unit 24. Based on this, a data processing unit 30 that creates a calibration curve for each inspection item and generates analysis data, an output unit 50 that outputs analysis data generated by the data processing unit 30, and the input of analysis parameters for each inspection item And an operation unit 53 for inputting various command signals, and a system control unit 54 for controlling the analysis unit 24, the data processing unit 30, and the output unit 50 in an integrated manner.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the analysis unit 24. The analysis unit 24 rotates a sample container 17 that stores each sample such as a standard sample and a test sample, a sample disk 5 that holds the sample container 17, and a plurality of reaction containers 3 arranged on the circumference. The reaction disk 4 that can be held, a sample dispensing probe 16 that performs dispensing to suck and discharge each sample in the sample container 17 held on the sample disk 5 to the reaction container 3 and the like, and the sample dispensing probe 16 And a sample dispensing arm 10 that supports the pivotable and vertically movable.

  In addition, a reagent container 6 that accommodates a first reagent and a two reagent system of the first reagent that react with the components of the test item included in each sample, a reagent container 1 that stores the reagent container 6, and a reagent container 1 A reagent rack 1a that holds the stored reagent container 6 so as to be rotatable, and a part that is sucked into the reaction container 3 from which the first reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a is sucked and discharged. A first reagent dispensing probe 14 for performing the injection is provided. Moreover, the 1st reagent dispensing arm 8 which supports the 1st reagent dispensing probe 14 so that rotation and a vertical movement are possible is provided.

  In addition, a reagent container 7 that stores a second reagent that forms a pair with the first reagent of the two-reagent system, a reagent container 2 that stores the reagent container 7, and a reagent container 7 stored in the reagent container 2 are rotated. A reagent rack 2a that can be held, and a second reagent part that performs dispensing to suck the second reagent in the reagent container 7 held in the reagent rack 2a and discharge it into the reaction container 3 from which the first reagent has been discharged. An injection probe 15 and a second reagent dispensing arm 9 that supports the second reagent dispensing probe 15 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable are provided.

  Moreover, in order to measure each sample, the photometry unit 13 which measures the component of each test item contained in the mixed sample in the reaction container 3 and the component of the electrolyte item contained in each sample discharged by the sample dispensing probe 16 An electrolyte measurement unit 22 for measuring each electrolyte such as sodium ion, potassium ion, and chlorine ion, and a reaction container cleaning unit 12 for cleaning the inside of the reaction container 3 containing the mixed sample measured by the photometric unit 13; It has.

  And the photometry unit 13 irradiates light to the reaction container 3 which rotates, and detects the light which permeate | transmitted the mixed sample containing a standard sample and a test sample. Then, standard data and test data are generated based on the detected light, and the generated standard data and test data are output to the data processing unit 30. The electrolyte measurement unit 22 measures standard samples and test samples to generate standard data and test data, and outputs the generated standard data and test data to the data processing unit 30.

  A data processing unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 includes a calculation unit 31 that creates a calibration curve and generates analysis data from standard data and test data output from the photometry unit 13 and the electrolyte measurement unit 22 of the analysis unit 24, and A storage unit 32 for storing the calibration curve created by the calculation unit 31 and the generated analysis data is provided.

  The calculation unit 31 creates a calibration curve based on the standard data of each inspection item generated by the analysis unit 24. Further, based on the test data of each test item generated by the analysis unit 24 and the calibration curve created in advance, analysis data represented by an activity value, a concentration value, or the like is generated. Then, the generated calibration curve and analysis data are stored in the storage unit 32 and output to the output unit 50.

  The output unit 50 includes a printing unit 51 that prints out a calibration curve, analysis data, and the like output from the data processing unit 30 and a display unit 52 that displays the output. The printing unit 51 includes a printer and prints and outputs the calibration curve, analysis data, and the like output from the data processing unit 30 on printer paper according to a preset format. The display unit 52 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, displays an analysis parameter setting screen for setting an analysis parameter for each inspection item, a calibration curve or analysis data output from the data processing unit 30, and the like. Is displayed.

  The operation unit 53 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a touch key panel. The operation unit 53 sets analysis parameters for each examination item, inputs subject information such as a subject ID and a subject name of the subject, and examines the subject. Various inputs such as selection of inspection items to be analyzed for each sample, measurement of standard samples and test samples are performed.

  The system control unit 54 includes a CPU and a storage circuit, and stores input information such as command signals input from the operation unit 53, analysis parameters of each test item, sample information, and test items selected for each test sample. To do. Based on the input information, control of the entire system is performed such as control for causing each unit of the analysis unit 24 to perform measurement operation in a predetermined sequence of a fixed cycle, control for creating a calibration curve, and generation and output of analysis data.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the electrolyte measurement unit 22 in the analysis unit 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
First, the configuration of the electrolyte measurement unit 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the electrolyte measurement unit 22. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining each liquid used for the measurement of the electrolyte measurement unit 22.

  3 and 4, the electrolyte measurement unit 22 includes an ion sensor unit 60 that detects electrolytes such as sodium ions, potassium ions, and chlorine ions, and a sample amount Vs supplied by the sample dispensing probe 16. Etc., a dilution liquid supply unit 62 for supplying a dilution liquid Vd for diluting each sample of the sample quantity Vs several tens of times into the container 61, and each sample diluted with the dilution liquid. And a calibration liquid supply unit 63 for supplying the calibration liquid having the total liquid volume Vt into the container 61 for calibrating the measurement result of the mixed liquid having the total liquid volume Vt.

  In addition, the electrolyte measurement unit 22 guides each liquid supplied into the container 61 to the ion sensor unit 60 and a detector 64 that detects a mixture of each sample and diluent in the container 61 and each liquid of the calibration liquid. Therefore, the suction unit 65 for sucking the measurement liquid amount Vm smaller than the total liquid amount Vt, and the respective supply amounts and suctions supplied by the dilution liquid supply unit 62 and the calibration liquid supply unit 63 based on the detection signal detected by the detector 64 And a calculation unit 66 that calculates the suction amount sucked by the unit 65.

  Further, the electrolyte measurement unit 22 determines whether or not the diluent supply unit 62, the calibration solution supply unit 63, and the suction unit 65 are normal based on the supply amount and the suction amount calculated by the calculation unit 66. Based on the detection signal of each electrolyte detected by the ion sensor unit 60, the discharge part 68 which discharges | emits the liquid unnecessary for the measurement after the part 67, each liquid is attracted | sucked from the container 61 by the suction part 65, and the ion sensor unit 60 And a signal processing unit 69 for generating standard data and test data.

  The ion sensor unit 60 is disposed between the container 61 and the suction part 65 and has a through hole into which each liquid guided by the suction part 65 flows. And each ion-selective electrode that selectively detects each electrolyte contained in each liquid led to the through-hole and shows a potential corresponding to the concentration, and a reference that shows a reference potential for each ion-selective electrode An electrode is provided, and a detection signal as a potential difference between each ion selective electrode and the reference electrode is output to the signal processing unit 69.

  Next, the configurations of the container 61, the diluent supply unit 62, and the calibration solution supply unit 63 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the container 61, the diluent supply unit 62, and the calibration solution supply unit 63. FIG. 6 is a view showing a mixed solution of each sample and diluent supplied into the container 61.

  In FIG. 5, the container 61 has an opening 611 to which each sample, diluent, and calibration liquid are supplied at the upper end, and an opening 612 that communicates with the opening 611 from which each liquid supplied to the center of the lower end is sucked. Have And the liquid mixture mixed with each sample supplied with the sample dispensing probe 16 and the diluent supplied by the diluent supply part 62 is stored. Further, the calibration liquid supplied from the calibration liquid supply unit 63 is stored.

  The diluent supply unit 62 includes a nozzle 621 for discharging the diluent into the container 61, a tube 622 having one end connected to the nozzle 621, and a three-way having a first terminal connected to the other end of the tube 622. An electromagnetic valve 623, a tube 624 having one end connected to the second terminal of the three-way electromagnetic valve 623, a diluent container 625 containing a diluent having the other end of the tube 624 disposed therein, and a three-way electromagnetic valve 623 And a tube 626 having one end connected to the third terminal.

  The diluent supply unit 62 includes a pump 627 configured by a cylinder having one end connected to the other end of the tube 626 and a plunger fitted into an opening provided at the other end of the cylinder, and a plunger of the pump 627. A drive mechanism 628 having, for example, a stepping motor that generates power for driving suction and discharge in the direction of the arrow L1 and the direction of the arrow L2, and a drive control unit 629 for driving and controlling the three-way electromagnetic valve 623 and the drive mechanism 628 are provided.

  The drive control unit 629 gives a predetermined number of drive pulses for supplying the dilution liquid Vd into the container 61 to the stepping motor of the drive mechanism 628 to drive the pump 627 to perform suction and discharge. The three-way valve solenoid valve 623 is filled with a diluent in the nozzle 621, the tubes 622, 624, 626, the flow paths communicating with the first to third terminals in the three-way solenoid valve 623, and the pump 627. Opens the space between the second terminal and the third terminal and closes the first terminal, the drive mechanism 628 sucks and drives the plunger of the pump 627 in the L1 direction, so that the diluent in the diluent container 625 Aspirate.

  Next, when the three-way solenoid valve 623 opens between the first terminal and the third terminal and closes the second terminal, the drive mechanism 628 discharges the plunger of the pump 627 in the L2 direction, thereby discharging The diluted solution Vd is supplied into the empty container 61 after being discharged by the unit 68. At this time, each sample of the sample amount Vs is supplied into the container 61 by the sample dispensing probe 16.

  Here, after starting the supply of the diluted solution, as shown in FIG. 6A, the mixed solution in the container 61 passes through the opening 612 while supplying the diluted solution after each sample is supplied. When the height H1 is reached, the liquid mixture is detected by the detector 64. And the liquid mixture in the container 61 when detected by the detector 64 becomes the supply liquid amount V1.

  In addition, the drive control unit 629 has the number of drive pulses applied to the drive mechanism 628 from when the drive mechanism 628 starts discharge driving until the mixed liquid supplied into the container 61 is detected by the detector 64. Information is output to the calculation unit 66. After supplying the dilution liquid into the container 61, as shown in FIG. 6B, a height higher than the height H1 from the opening 612 into the container 61 by the dilution liquid of the dilution liquid amount Vd and each sample of the sample quantity Vs. The liquid mixture of the total liquid volume Vt which becomes the length H2 is stored.

  Even if the driving mechanism 628 starts the ejection driving and outputs the information of the supply time from when the mixed liquid supplied into the container 61 is detected by the detector 64 to the calculating unit 66, Good.

  The calibration liquid supply unit 63 includes a nozzle 631 for discharging the calibration liquid into the container 61, a tube 632 having one end connected to the nozzle 631, and a first terminal connected to the other end of the tube 632. An electromagnetic valve 633, a tube 634 having one end connected to the second terminal of the three-way electromagnetic valve 633, a calibration liquid container 635 containing a calibration liquid in which the other end of the tube 634 is disposed, and a three-way electromagnetic valve 633 And a tube 636 having one end connected to the third terminal.

  The calibration solution supply unit 63 includes a pump 637 including a cylinder having one end connected to the other end of the tube 636 and a plunger fitted into an opening provided in the other end of the cylinder, and a plunger of the pump 637. A drive mechanism 638 having a stepping motor that generates power for driving suction and discharge in the L1 direction and L2 direction, and a drive control unit 639 for driving and controlling the three-way solenoid valve 633 and the drive mechanism 638 are provided.

  The drive control unit 639 gives the drive mechanism 638 a predetermined number of drive pulses for supplying the calibration liquid of the total liquid amount Vt into the container 61 to drive the pump 637 for suction and discharge. The three-way valve solenoid valve 633 is filled with the calibration solution in the flow path communicating with the first to third terminals of the nozzle 631, the tubes 632, 634, 636, the three-way solenoid valve 633, and the pump 637. When the second terminal and the third terminal are opened and the first terminal is closed, the driving mechanism 638 sucks and drives the pump 637 in the L1 direction, thereby sucking the calibration liquid in the calibration liquid container 635. Next, when the three-way valve electromagnetic valve 633 opens between the first terminal and the third terminal and closes the second terminal, the drive mechanism 638 drives the pump 637 to discharge in the L2 direction, thereby discharging the discharge unit 68. The calibration liquid of the total liquid volume Vt is supplied into the empty container 61 after being sucked by the above.

  Here, when the calibration liquid in the container 61 reaches the height H <b> 1 from the opening 612 while the calibration liquid is being supplied, the calibration liquid is detected by the detector 64. And the calibration liquid in the container 61 when detected by the detector 64 becomes the supply liquid amount V1.

  Further, the drive control unit 639 sets the number of drive pulses applied to the drive mechanism 638 from when the drive mechanism 638 starts discharge driving until the detector 64 detects the calibration liquid supplied into the container 61. Information is output to the calculation unit 66. After supplying the calibration liquid into the container 61, the calibration liquid of the total liquid volume Vt is stored in the container 61.

  In addition, it may be implemented so that information on the supply time from when the drive mechanism 638 starts discharge driving until the calibration liquid supplied into the container 61 is detected by the detector 64 is output to the calculation unit 66. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. 8, the detail of a structure of the detector 64 and the suction part 65 is demonstrated. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the detector 64 and the suction unit 65. FIG. 8 is a view showing each liquid sucked from the container 61.

  In FIG. 7, the detector 64 has a pair of conductors 641 disposed in the container 61 that are separated from each other and have high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel, and the conductors 641 in the container 61. And a signal processing unit 642 for measuring the electrical conductivity of each liquid. The lower end of the conductor 641 is filled with a mixed liquid having a total liquid volume Vt that can be supplied by the diluent supply section 62 and the sample dispensing probe 16 or a calibration liquid having a total liquid volume Vt that can be supplied by the calibration liquid supply section 63. After the measurement liquid volume Vm that is lower than the liquid level when stored in 61 and that can be sucked by the suction unit 65 from the container 61 in which the calibration liquid of the total liquid volume Vt is stored, is sucked. It is disposed at a position at a height H1 from the opening 612 of the container 61, which is above the liquid level of the calibration liquid remaining in the container 61.

  When the measured conductivity is within the range of the electrical conductivity of the liquid containing the electrolyte, the signal processing unit 642 detects that the conductor 641 is in contact with each liquid in the container 61, and the measured conductivity is When it is lower than the electric conductivity range, it is detected that the conductor 641 is not in contact with each liquid in the container 61.

  Then, the liquid level which is supplied by the diluent supply unit 62 and the sample dispensing probe 16 and becomes the height H1 when the liquid mixture in the container 61 increases and reaches the supply amount V1 is detected by contact with the conductor 641. The detection signal is output to the drive control unit 629 of the diluent supply unit 62. Further, the liquid level supplied by the calibration liquid supply unit 63 and when the calibration liquid in the container 61 reaches the supply amount V1 is detected by contact with the conductor 641, and the detection signal is driven and controlled by the calibration liquid supply unit 63. Output to the unit 639.

  Further, the liquid level that is sucked by the suction unit 65 and is less than the height H1 when each liquid in the container 61 decreases and reaches less than the supply amount V1 is detected by non-contact with the conductor 641, and the detection signal Is output to the drive control unit 659 of the suction unit 65.

  In this way, by providing the detector 64 having a simple configuration in which the pair of conductors 641 for detecting each liquid in the container 61 by contact and non-contact with the conductor 641 are disposed in the container 61, the container 61 is provided. Increase in size can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to cope with a minute amount of each liquid used for measurement.

  In addition, it replaces with the detector 64, and the said conductor and each liquid which change with the one conductor arrange | positioned in the same position as a pair of conductor 641, and this conductor and each liquid in the container 61 contact and non-contact. You may implement so that the detector comprised by the signal processing part which detects the electrostatic capacitance between may be provided.

  Further, instead of the detector 64, the light emitting element disposed at the height H1 of the container 61, the detection element for detecting the light of the height H1 irradiated from the light emitting element and transmitted through the container 61, or the inside of the container 61 is reflected. The detection element for detecting the light having the height H1 and the liquid level when each liquid in the container 61 reaches the supply amount V1 based on the detection signal detected by this detection element and each liquid in the container 61 You may make it implement using the detector comprised by the signal processing part which detects the liquid level when it reaches less than supply amount V1.

  The suction unit 65 has a tube 651 having one end connected to the opening 612 of the container 61 and the other end connected to one end of the through hole of the ion sensor unit 60, and one end of the through hole of the ion sensor unit 60. A tube 652 connected to the other end, a three-way solenoid valve 653 having a first terminal connected to the other end of the tube 652, a tube 654 having one end connected to the second terminal of the three-way solenoid valve 653, The other end of the tube 654 is provided with a drainage container 655 for storing each liquid for which measurement has been completed.

  The suction unit 65 is provided in a tube 656 having one end connected to the third terminal of the three-way solenoid valve 653, a cylinder having one end connected to the other end of the tube 656, and the other end of the cylinder. A pump 657 configured by a plunger fitted into the opening, a drive mechanism 658 having a stepping motor for generating power for sucking and discharging the plunger of the pump 657 in the direction of the arrow L1 and the direction of the arrow L2, a three-way electromagnetic valve 653, and a drive And a drive control unit 659 that controls the drive of the mechanism 658.

  Then, the suction unit 65 sucks the mixed liquid containing the standard sample that is supplied into the container 61 and detected by the detector 64 and guides it into the ion sensor unit 60. Next, the calibration liquid supplied into the container 61 and detected by the detector 64 is sucked and guided into the ion sensor unit 60. Then, standard data is generated by the signal processing unit 69 based on the detection signal detected by the ion sensor unit 60 by the measurement of the mixed liquid containing the standard sample and the calibration liquid.

  Further, the mixed liquid containing the test sample supplied to the container 61 and detected by the detector 64 is sucked and guided into the ion sensor unit 60. Next, the calibration liquid supplied into the container 61 and detected by the detector 64 is sucked and guided into the ion sensor unit 60. Then, test data is generated by the signal processing unit 69 based on the detection signal detected by the ion sensor unit 60 by the measurement of the mixed liquid containing the test sample and the calibration liquid.

  The drive control unit 659 applies a predetermined number of drive pulses for sucking each liquid of the measurement liquid amount Vm from the container 61 to the drive mechanism 658 to drive the pump 657 to suck and discharge. When the three-way valve solenoid valve 653 opens between the first terminal and the third terminal and closes the second terminal, the drive mechanism 658 sucks and drives the plunger of the pump 657 in the L1 direction. The liquid of the measurement liquid amount Vm among the liquids of the total liquid amount Vt stored in 61 and the liquids of the calibration liquid is sucked from the container 61.

  Here, in the middle of sucking each liquid, as shown in FIG. 8A, the liquid level of each liquid of the total liquid amount Vt stored in the container 61 is lowered to less than the height H1. The liquid level when it reaches is detected by the detector 64 by non-contact with the conductor 641. Then, when detected by the detector 64, each liquid in the container 61 becomes less than the supply liquid amount V1, and the suction liquid amount is smaller than the measurement liquid amount Vm, which is an amount obtained by subtracting the supply liquid amount V1 from the total liquid amount Vt. Each liquid of V2 or higher is sucked.

  Further, the drive control unit 659 is configured to drive the drive mechanism from the start of the suction drive by the drive mechanism 658 until each liquid supplied into the container 61 is detected by the detector 64 by non-contact with the conductor 641. Information on the number of drive pulses given to 658 is output to the calculation unit 66. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, after each liquid of the measured liquid volume Vm is sucked from the container 61, each liquid having a height H3 lower than the height H1 remains in the container 61 from the opening 612. To do. The residual liquid is discharged until the inside of the container 61 is emptied by the discharge part 68 capable of suctioning the total liquid amount Vt or more.

  It should be noted that the information may be output to the calculation unit 66 about the suction time from when the drive mechanism 658 starts suction drive until each liquid in the container 61 is detected by the detector 64.

Next, the calculation unit 66 and the determination unit 67 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
Based on the information on the number of drive pulses from the drive control unit 629 of the diluent supply unit 62, the calculation unit 66 enters the container 61 from when the drive mechanism 628 starts the ejection drive until it is detected by the detector 64. The supply amount of the supplied mixed liquid is calculated. Then, information on the calculated supply amount of the mixed liquid is output to the determination unit 67. Note that the supply amount may be calculated based on the supply time information from the drive control unit 629.

  In addition, based on the information on the number of drive pulses from the drive control unit 659 of the suction unit 65, the mixture liquid sucked from the container 61 from when the drive mechanism 658 starts suction drive until it is detected by the detector 64. Calculate the amount of suction. Then, information on the calculated suction amount of the mixed liquid is output to the determination unit 67. Note that the suction amount may be calculated based on the suction time information from the drive control unit 659.

  Furthermore, based on the information on the number of drive pulses from the drive control unit 639 of the calibration liquid supply unit 63, it was supplied into the container 61 from when the drive mechanism 638 started the ejection drive until it was detected by the detector 64. Calculate the amount of calibration fluid supplied. Then, the calculated calibration solution supply amount information is output to the determination unit 67. The supply amount may be calculated based on the supply time information from the drive control unit 639.

  Furthermore, based on the information on the number of drive pulses from the drive control unit 659, the suction amount of the calibration liquid sucked from the container 61 from when the drive mechanism 658 starts suction drive until it is detected by the detector 64 is determined. calculate. Then, information on the calculated amount of calibration solution suction is output to the determination unit 67. Note that the suction amount may be calculated based on the suction time information from the drive control unit 659.

  Thus, by providing the detector 64 having the pair of conductors 641 disposed at the height H1 in the container 61, the detector 64 is supplied when the liquid mixture and the calibration liquid are supplied into the container 61. The supply amount can be calculated based on the detection signal detected by. Further, the suction amount can be calculated based on the detection signal detected by the detector 64 when each liquid is sucked from the container 61.

  The determination unit 67 is based on the supply amount of the mixed liquid calculated by the calculation unit 66 according to the supply of the mixed liquid into the empty container 61 after being discharged by the discharge unit 68. It is determined whether 62 is normal. When the calculated supply amount of the mixed liquid is within the first allowable range set based on the supply liquid amount V1 and the detection error of the detector 64, the diluted liquid amount Vd occupying most of the mixed liquid It is determined that the diluent has been supplied, and it is determined that the diluent supply unit 62 is normal. Further, when the calculated supply amount of the mixed liquid is larger than the first allowable range, the amount of the mixed liquid guided to the ion sensor unit 60 because the diluted liquid supplied into the container 61 is smaller than the diluted liquid amount Vd. Is determined to decrease, and it is determined that the diluent supply unit 62 is abnormal. Then, the abnormality information is output to the system control unit 54.

  Further, the determination unit 67 determines whether the suction unit 65 is normal based on the suction amount of the mixed liquid calculated by the calculation unit 66 according to the suction from the container 61 in which the mixed liquid of the total liquid amount Vt is stored. Determine whether or not. When the calculated suction amount of the liquid mixture is within the second allowable range set based on the suction liquid amount V2 and the detection error of the detector 64, the liquid mixture of the measurement liquid amount Vm is sucked from the container 61. It is determined that the suction unit 65 is normal. Further, when the calculated suction amount of the liquid mixture is larger than the second allowable range, the amount of the liquid mixture sucked from the container 61 is smaller than the measurement liquid amount Vm, so that the liquid mixture guided to the ion sensor unit 60 is reduced. It is determined that the amount is reduced, and it is determined that the suction unit 65 is abnormal. Then, the abnormality information is output to the system control unit 54.

  Further, the determination unit 67 is based on the calibration solution supply amount calculated by the calculation unit 66 according to the supply of the calibration solution into the empty container 61 after being discharged by the discharge unit 68. It is determined whether or not the supply unit 63 is normal. If the calculated supply amount of the calibration liquid is within the first allowable range, it is determined that the calibration liquid of the total liquid amount Vt has been supplied, and it is determined that the calibration liquid supply unit 63 is normal. When the calculated supply amount of the calibration liquid is larger than the first allowable range, the amount of the calibration liquid supplied to the ion sensor unit 60 because the calibration liquid supplied into the container 61 is smaller than the total liquid amount Vt. It is determined that the calibration liquid supply unit 63 is abnormal. Then, the abnormality information is output to the system control unit 54.

  Furthermore, in the determination unit 67, the suction unit 65 is normal based on the suction amount of the calibration liquid calculated by the calculation unit 66 according to the suction from the container 61 in which the calibration liquid of the total liquid amount Vt is stored. It is determined whether or not. If the calculated calibration liquid suction amount is within the second allowable range, it is determined that the calibration liquid of the measurement liquid amount Vm has been suctioned, and it is determined that the suction unit 65 is normal. When the calculated amount of calibration liquid sucked is larger than the second allowable range, the amount of the calibration liquid sucked from the container 61 is smaller than the measured liquid amount Vm, so that the mixture liquid guided to the ion sensor unit 60 It is determined that the amount is reduced, and it is determined that the suction unit 65 is abnormal. Then, the abnormality information is output to the system control unit 54.

  By the way, when the dilution liquid supply part 62 is abnormal, the connection part of the tube 622 and the nozzle 621 or the first terminal of the three-way solenoid valve 623, or the connection part of the tube 624 and the second terminal of the three-way solenoid valve 623, or Leakage due to poor connection at the connection portion between the tube 626 and the pump 627 or the third terminal of the three-way solenoid valve 623 is assumed. Moreover, the lack of the diluent in the diluent container 625 is assumed. Further, bending of each of the tubes 622, 624, and 626 is assumed.

  When the calibration liquid supply unit 63 is abnormal, a connection portion between the tube 632 and the nozzle 631 or the first terminal of the three-way solenoid valve 633, or a connection portion between the tube 634 and the second terminal of the three-way solenoid valve 633, or Leakage due to poor connection at the connection portion between the tube 636 and the pump 637 or the third terminal of the three-way solenoid valve 633 is assumed. Further, a shortage of the calibration liquid in the calibration liquid container 635 is assumed. Also, bending of each of the tubes 632, 634, 636 is assumed.

  In addition, when the suction part 65 is abnormal, the connection failure between the connection part between the tube 651 and the container 61 or the ion sensor unit 60 or the connection part between the tube 652 and the first terminal of the ion sensor unit 60 or the three-way solenoid valve 653. A leak is assumed. In addition, it is assumed that insoluble matter such as fibrin adheres to and accumulates in the flow path between the first terminal and the third terminal in each tube 651, 652, 656 or in the three-way solenoid valve 653. Further, bending of each of the tubes 651, 652, and 656 is assumed.

Next, the signal processing unit 69 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The signal processing unit 69 detects the detection signal detected by the ion sensor unit 60 in accordance with the suction of the mixed liquid containing the standard sample supplied into the container 61 and the suction of the calibration liquid supplied into the container 61. Standard data is generated based on the detection signal detected by the ion sensor unit 60, and the generated standard data is output to the data processing unit 30.

  After the calibration curve is created by generating the standard data, the detection signal detected by the ion sensor unit 60 according to the suction of the mixed liquid containing the test sample supplied into the container 61, and supplied into the container 61. The test data is generated based on the detection signal detected by the ion sensor unit 60 in response to the suction of the calibration liquid, and the generated test data is output to the data processing unit 30.

  In the system control unit 54, based on the abnormality information output from the determination unit 67, the dilution liquid supply unit 62 and the calibration liquid supply unit 63 immediately after the supply corresponding to the abnormality information is performed, the suction corresponding to the abnormality information is performed. The operation of the suction unit 65 immediately after being performed, and the operation of supplying each sample to the container 61 by the sample dispensing probe 16 immediately after the supply and suction corresponding to the abnormality information are performed are stopped. In addition, when a calibration curve is created using standard data generated by measurement of mixed liquid or calibration liquid when supply or suction corresponding to abnormal information is performed, error code is generated when analysis data is generated Is added to the display unit 52 for display output.

  As described above, when each unit of the diluent supply unit 62, the calibration solution supply unit 63, and the suction unit 65 is abnormal, abnormal analysis data is generated thereafter by stopping the operation of the units. Can be prevented. Further, by displaying the abnormality information on the display unit 52, it is possible to notify the operator of the automatic analyzer 100. Furthermore, the operator can be notified by adding an error code to the abnormal analysis data corresponding to the abnormality information.

  According to the embodiment described above, the detector 64 having the pair of conductors 641 disposed at the liquid surface height H1 when each liquid in the container 61 is the supply amount V1 is provided and discharged by the discharge unit 68. After that, the mixed solution of each sample supplied into the empty container 61 and the diluted solution supplied by the diluted solution supply unit 62 is detected by the detector 64 by contact with the conductor 641, and the diluted solution is supplied. It is possible to calculate the supply amount from when the unit 62 starts supplying until it is detected by the detector 64. When the calculated supply amount is within the first allowable range, it can be determined that the diluent supply unit 62 is normal. Further, when the calculated supply amount is larger than the first allowable range, it can be determined that the diluent supply unit 62 is abnormal.

  In addition, the mixed liquid sucked from the container 61 in which the mixed liquid of the total liquid volume Vt is stored is detected by the detector 64 in a non-contact manner with the conductor 641, and the detector 64 starts the suction after the suction unit 65 starts suction. The amount of suction until it is detected can be calculated. When the calculated suction amount is within the second allowable range, it can be determined that the suction unit 65 is normal. Further, when the calculated suction amount is larger than the second allowable range, it can be determined that the suction unit 65 is abnormal.

  Further, the calibration liquid supplied into the container 61 after being sucked by the discharge unit 68 is detected by the detector 64 by contact with the conductor 641, and the calibration liquid supply unit 63 starts the supply and then the detector 64 starts. The supply amount until it is detected can be calculated. Then, when the calculated supply amount is within the first allowable range, it can be determined that the calibration liquid supply unit 63 is normal. When the calculated supply amount is larger than the first allowable range, it can be determined that the calibration liquid supply unit 63 is abnormal.

  Further, the calibration liquid sucked from the container 61 in which the mixed liquid of the total liquid volume Vt is stored is detected by the detector 64 in a non-contact manner with the conductor 641, and the detector 64 starts after the suction portion 65 starts suction. It is possible to calculate the amount of suction until it is detected by. When the calculated suction amount is within the second allowable range, it can be determined that the suction unit 65 is normal. Further, when the calculated suction amount is larger than the second allowable range, it can be determined that the suction unit 65 is abnormal.

  The operation of the diluent supply unit 62 and the calibration solution supply unit 63 immediately after the supply corresponding to the abnormality information determined to be abnormal is performed, and the suction unit 65 immediately after the suction corresponding to the abnormality information is performed. And the supply operation of each sample to the container 61 by the sample dispensing probe 16 immediately after the supply and suction corresponding to the abnormality information are performed, and the abnormality information can be displayed on the display unit 52. . Further, the display unit 52 adds an error code to a calibration curve or analysis data created using standard data generated by measurement of a mixed solution or calibration solution when supply or suction corresponding to abnormality information is performed. Can be displayed.

  From the above, it is possible to easily detect whether or not the amount of liquid sucked from the container 61 is normal.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

22 Electrolyte Measurement Unit 30 Data Processing Unit 54 System Control Unit 60 Ion Sensor Unit 61 Container 62 Diluent Supply Unit 63 Calibration Solution Supply Unit 64 Detector 65 Suction Unit 66 Calculation Unit 67 Judgment Unit 68 Discharge Unit 69 Signal Processing Unit

Claims (10)

In an automatic analyzer that supplies a liquid into a container and sucks and measures the supplied liquid from the container,
A supply for supplying liquid into the container;
A suction part for sucking the liquid in the container supplied by the supply part;
A detector that detects the liquid level when sucked by the suction unit and the liquid in the container has decreased to less than a predetermined amount;
Calculating means for calculating the amount of suction sucked from when the suction portion starts suction until it is detected by the detector;
An automatic analyzer comprising: determination means for determining whether or not the suction part is normal based on the predetermined amount and the suction amount. The suction unit has a stepping motor that generates power for sucking the liquid supplied into the container,
The calculation unit calculates the amount of suction based on the number of drive pulses that drive the stepping motor from when the suction unit starts suction until it is detected by the detector. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the suction amount based on a suction time from when the suction unit starts suction to detection by the detector. .   4. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the suction unit is abnormal when the suction amount is larger than an allowable range set based on the predetermined amount. Automatic analyzer described in 1.   The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the determination unit determines that the suction unit is abnormal, the suction unit stops the suction.   The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an output unit that outputs abnormality information determined by the determination unit. In an automatic analyzer for supplying a liquid into a container and sucking and measuring the supplied liquid from the container,
A supply for supplying liquid into the container;
A suction part for sucking the liquid in the container supplied by the supply part;
A detector that detects the liquid level when the liquid in the container increases and reaches a predetermined amount, supplied by the supply unit;
A calculating means for calculating a supply amount supplied from when the supply unit starts supplying until it is detected by the detector;
An automatic analyzer comprising: determination means for determining whether or not the supply unit is normal based on the predetermined amount and the supply amount. The supply unit includes a stepping motor that generates power for supplying the liquid,
The calculation unit calculates the supply amount based on the number of drive pulses that drive the stepping motor from when the supply unit starts supplying until it is detected by the detection unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7.   The determination unit determines that the supply unit is abnormal when the supply amount is larger than an allowable range set based on the predetermined amount, and stops supply by the supply unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7 or 8. The detector has a conductor disposed in the container;
The lower end of the conductor is positioned below the liquid level when the liquid of the total liquid volume that can be supplied by the supply unit is stored in the container, and the liquid of the total liquid volume is stored. It is located above the liquid level of the liquid remaining in the container after a measured liquid volume smaller than the total liquid volume that can be sucked by the suction section is sucked from the container. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 7.

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