JP2012154897A - Sample manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sample manufacturing apparatus which is capable of reducing the quantity of fixing liquid to be used for fixing a sample, while also using the fixing liquid for cleaning a channel.SOLUTION: Methanol in a first methanol chamber 111 is dispensed through a dispensation pipette Ma to a cassette. Methanol in the cassette is collected through a collection pipette D1b to the first methanol chamber 111. Methanol in a second methanol chamber 112 is dispensed through the dispensation pipette Ma to the cassette and, in addition, used for cleaning the inside of a channel. Methanol in the second methanol chamber 112 is collected to the first methanol chamber 111 without being returned to the second methanol chamber 112 after use. Thus, the quantity of methanol to be used can be reduced and when cleaning a channel, methanol which is not dirty in the second methanol chamber 112 can be used to clean the channel.

Description

  The present invention relates to a specimen preparation device that fixes a specimen contained in a container using a fixing liquid and stains the fixed specimen using a staining liquid.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a blood smear preparation apparatus is known in which a blood smear is accommodated in a specimen cassette, methanol is injected into the specimen cassette to fix the specimen, and then a staining solution is injected to stain the specimen. Patent Document 1 describes that methanol is used not only for fixing a specimen but also for washing a flow path.

JP 2006-38781 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a specimen preparation device that can reduce the amount of fixative used while using a fixative for fixing a specimen for washing a flow path.

  A main aspect of the present invention relates to a specimen preparation device that fixes a specimen accommodated in a container using a fixing liquid, and stains the fixed specimen using a staining liquid. The specimen preparation device according to this aspect includes a first container that stores a fixing liquid for fixing a specimen, a second container that stores a fixing liquid for fixing the specimen, and a third container that stores a staining liquid. A fixing liquid supply unit capable of selectively supplying the fixing liquid stored in the first and second containers to a container containing the specimen; and a staining liquid stored in the third container. A staining liquid supply unit that can be supplied to the container, and a fixing liquid recovery unit that recovers the fixing liquid supplied to the container in the first container. Here, the fixing liquid supply unit is configured to be able to supply the fixing liquid stored in the second container to the flow path in order to wash the flow path of the staining liquid supply unit.

  According to the specimen preparation device according to this aspect, the fixing liquid supplied from the first container to the container by the fixing liquid supply unit is recovered to the first container by the fixing liquid recovery unit, so that the first container is fixed again. By supplying the liquid to the container, the fixing liquid can be reused. Thereby, the usage-amount of a fixing liquid can be reduced. In addition, since the fixative recovery unit is configured to recover the fixative supplied to the container in the first container, the used fixative is not mixed into the second container. Only the fixative solution which is not always dirty can be stored in the container. Then, the fixing solution supply unit supplies the fixing solution of the second container in order to wash the flow path of the staining solution supply unit. For this reason, when the flow path is cleaned, a fixing solution that is not soiled can be used, and the flow path can be effectively cleaned. Therefore, according to the specimen preparation device according to this aspect, the amount of the fixative used can be reduced while using the fixative for fixing and washing the specimen. Reducing the amount of fixative used also contributes to a reduction in the amount of waste liquid and contributes to a reduction in environmental burden.

In addition, the specimen preparation device according to this aspect may include a storage unit that stores a restriction condition that restricts the use of the fixative in the first container. Here, as a result of repeatedly using the fixing liquid in the first container, the fixing liquid supply unit transfers the fixing liquid in the second container to the container instead of the first container when the restriction condition is satisfied. It may be configured to supply. Since the fixing solution in the first container increases with repeated use, there is a limit to reuse. According to this aspect, when the fixing solution in the first container is repeatedly used and the restriction condition is satisfied, the specimen can be automatically fixed using the fixing solution in the second container instead of the first container. it can.

  In this case, the limiting condition may be configured to include a use limit number of times of the fixing liquid in the first container. In this way, when the number of repeated use of the fixative in the first container reaches the limit of use, the specimen can be automatically fixed using the fixative in the second container instead of the first container. In this aspect, it is possible to monitor whether or not the reuse limit has been reached with a simple configuration that counts the number of times.

  In this case, the specimen preparation device may be configured to further include a fixing liquid discharging unit that discharges the fixing liquid of the first container. Here, the fixing liquid discharger may be configured to discharge the fixing liquid in the first container when the restriction condition is satisfied. If it carries out like this, the fixing solution of the 1st container which became dirty by being used repeatedly can be discharged automatically.

  In this case, the specimen preparation device may be configured to further include a replenishing unit that replenishes the fixing liquid. Here, the replenishing unit replenishes the first container with the fixing solution after the fixing solution discharge unit discharges the fixing solution of the first container, and the fixing solution supply unit supplies the fixing solution to the first container. Until the replenishment of the fixing liquid is completed, the fixing liquid may be supplied from the second container to the container. In this way, since the fixing liquid is supplied from the second container to the container while the first container is replenished with the fixing liquid, the processing on the container can be continued.

  In this case, the fixing liquid discharging unit discharges the fixing liquid in the first container when the recovery of the fixing liquid supplied from the first container to the first container is completed, and the replenishing unit When the discharge of the fixing liquid in one container is completed, the replenishment to the first container may be started. In this way, after the high-purity fixative is supplied to the first container, the used fixative is not collected in the first container.

  In this case, the fixing liquid supply unit sequentially supplies the fixing liquid of the first container to the plurality of containers, and the fixing liquid recovery unit performs predetermined processing after the fixing liquid of the first container is supplied to the container. When the fixed liquid is recovered from the container to the first container after a lapse of time, and the fixed liquid discharge section satisfies the restriction condition when the supply of the fixed liquid by the fixed liquid supply section satisfies When the fixative liquid is collected in the first container by the fixative liquid recovery unit after the predetermined time has elapsed since the supply, the fixative liquid in the first container is discharged, When the discharge of the fixing liquid from the first container is completed, the supply of the fixing liquid to the first container may be started. In this manner, in a mode in which a plurality of containers are continuously processed, after the fixing liquid is finally recovered from the container supplied with the fixing liquid of the first container, the first container is discharged and the first container is discharged. The container can be replenished with fixative.

  In this case, it may be configured to include condition receiving means for receiving the input of the restriction condition. If it carries out like this, it will become possible for a user to set the conditions which restrict | limit the utilization of the fixing liquid of a 1st container via a condition reception means according to utilization environment.

  In this case, the replenishing unit replenishes the first container with a fixing solution when the amount of the fixing solution in the first container falls below a reference amount, and the fixing solution supply unit performs replenishment by the replenishing unit. When an abnormality occurs, the fixing liquid may be supplied from the second container to the container instead of the first container. In this way, when an abnormality occurs in the replenishment of the fixing liquid to the first container, the fixing liquid is automatically supplied from the second container to the container instead of the first container without stopping the processing. The fixing and staining of the container can be continued.

In this case, the specimen preparation device according to this aspect may further include a suction section that sucks the specimen, and a smear section that smears the specimen sucked by the suction section on a slide glass to generate a specimen. Here, when an abnormality occurs in the replenishment by the replenishing unit, the aspirating unit stops the aspiration of the specimen, and the replenishing unit has been aspirated by the aspirating unit and is not supplied with any fixative. The amount of fixing solution necessary for fixing the specimen may be stored in the second container. When an abnormality occurs in the replenishment of the fixing liquid to the first container and the fixing liquid is supplied from the second container to the container instead of the first container, the sample that has been aspirated by the aspirating unit is not wasted. .

  Further, in the specimen preparation device according to this aspect, the fixing liquid supply unit includes a discharge unit that discharges the fixing liquid to a container, a first flow path that connects the discharge unit and the first container, and the discharge And a second flow path connecting the first container and the second container, a switching section that switches between the first flow path and the second flow path, and a moving force so that the fixing liquid moves toward the discharge section. It can be set as the structure provided with the moving force production | generation part to produce | generate.

  Further, in the specimen preparation device according to this aspect, the fixing solution supplied for cleaning the flow path of the staining solution supply unit may be discharged without being returned to the first and second containers. . If it carries out like this, it will be used for washing | cleaning of the flow path of a dyeing liquid supply part, and the fixing liquid which contains a lot of dirt will not be used for fixation of a sample.

  Further, the specimen preparation device according to this aspect is stored in the fourth container for storing the waste liquid, the staining liquid recovery unit capable of recovering the staining liquid supplied to the container in the fourth container, and the fourth container. And a waste liquid discharge unit that discharges the waste liquid. Here, the staining liquid supply unit supplies the fixing liquid supplied for cleaning to a container that does not contain a specimen, and the staining liquid recovery unit supplies the fixing liquid supplied to the container to the The waste liquid discharging unit may be configured to discharge the fixed liquid stored in the fourth container as waste liquid. In this way, not only the flow path for supplying the staining liquid to the container but also the flow path for collecting the staining liquid can be washed.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to a specimen preparation apparatus that fixes a specimen accommodated in a container using a fixing liquid, and stains the fixed specimen using a staining liquid. The specimen preparation device according to this aspect includes a first container that stores a fixing liquid for fixing the specimen, a second container that stores a fixing liquid for fixing the specimen, and the first and second containers. A fixed solution supply unit capable of selectively supplying the fixed solution to the container containing the specimen; a fixed solution recovery unit for collecting the fixed solution supplied to the container into the first container; and A fixing liquid discharging part for discharging, a replenishing part for replenishing the fixing liquid, and a control part are provided. Here, the control unit controls the fixing liquid supply unit and the fixing liquid recovery unit so as to supply the fixing liquid from the first container to the container and collect the fixing liquid from the container to the first container. The first control is performed on a plurality of containers, and when the first control is completed for a predetermined number of containers, the fixing liquid is discharged from the first container and then the fixing liquid is supplied to the first container. A second control for controlling the fixing liquid discharge section and the replenishing section to be replenished is performed, and the fixing liquid is supplied from the second container to the container while the second control is being performed. 3rd control which controls a supply part is performed.

According to the specimen preparation device according to this aspect, the fixing liquid supplied from the first container to the container by the fixing liquid supply unit is recovered to the first container by the fixing liquid recovery unit, so that the first container is fixed again. By supplying the liquid to the container, the fixing liquid can be reused. Thereby, the usage-amount of a fixing liquid can be reduced. In addition, since the fixative recovery unit is configured to recover the fixative supplied to the container in the first container, the used fixative is not mixed into the second container. Only the fixative solution which is not always dirty can be stored in the container. Furthermore, when supply and recovery of the fixing liquid in the first container are performed on a predetermined number of containers, the fixing liquid in the first container is discharged and replenishment is started. Therefore, as a result of reusing the fixing solution in the first container, if the fixing solution in the first container becomes dirty, it can be automatically discharged and replenished. Since the fixing liquid is supplied from the second container to the container during the discharge and replenishment, the container can be continuously processed during the discharge and replenishment of the fixing liquid in the first container, and the purity is always constant. It is possible to fix the specimen with this fixative.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a specimen preparation device capable of reducing the amount of fixative used while using a fixative for fixing a specimen also for cleaning a flow path. it can.

  The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the clinical sample processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure at the time of seeing the smear preparation apparatus which concerns on embodiment from the upper side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the cassette which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the dyeing | staining part which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the fluid circuit diagram of the smear preparation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st methanol chamber which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the smear preparation apparatus which concerns on embodiment, and a conveying apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the methanol dispensing process which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the setting process of the threshold frequency which concerns on embodiment, and a threshold frequency setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows the collection process of methanol which concerns on embodiment, and the count process of a collection | recovery counter. It is a flowchart which shows the replacement | exchange process of methanol with respect to the 1st methanol chamber which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the replenishment process of methanol with respect to the 1st methanol chamber and 2nd methanol chamber which concern on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a process when it determines with the replenishment error in the methanol dispensing process which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the process at the time of the normal operation | movement which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the process at the time of the supply error which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the process at the time of the supply error which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the methanol dispensing process at the time of washing | cleaning which concerns on embodiment, the flowchart which shows the methanol recovery process at the time of washing | cleaning, and the flow-path washing | cleaning instruction | indication screen.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a clinical sample processing apparatus that produces a smear of a blood sample. The clinical specimen processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a smear preparation apparatus and a transport apparatus. Whether or not a smear preparation is necessary is usually determined based on the analysis result of the blood sample by the blood analyzer or the like in the previous stage. When preparing a smear, a sample rack that holds a sample container containing a blood sample is set in the transport device. Thereafter, the sample rack is transported by the transport device, and a smear is prepared by the smear preparation device.

  Hereinafter, a clinical sample processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the clinical sample processing apparatus 1. The clinical specimen processing apparatus 1 includes a smear preparation apparatus 2 and a transport apparatus 3. Hereinafter, the X-axis positive direction is the left direction, the X-axis negative direction is the right direction, the Y-axis positive direction is the rear, the Y-axis negative direction is the front, the Z-axis positive direction is the upward direction, and the Z-axis negative direction is the downward direction. Called.

  The smear preparation apparatus 2 includes a display operation unit 2a including a touch panel on the front surface of the cover. Openings 2b, 2c, and 2d are formed in the upper right, upper left, and front surface of the cover of the smear preparation apparatus 2, respectively. The smear preparation apparatus 2 also includes a hand portion 41a for holding the sample container T through the opening 2d. The user controls the smear preparation apparatus 2 by operating the display operation unit 2a, sets the cassette 20 in a cassette housing unit 47 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, through the opening 2b, and is described later through the opening 2c. The cassette 20 stored in the cassette storage unit 51 (see FIG. 2) can be taken out.

  In addition, the smear preparation apparatus 2 is connected to bottles 101 to 105 that contain a staining solution or the like used in a staining unit 50 described later. In the present embodiment, each of the bottles 101 to 105 includes methanol (specimen fixing solution), Meigrunwald solution (staining solution), Giemsa solution (staining solution), phosphate buffer solution (dilution solution), Contains water for specimen cleaning. Furthermore, the smear preparation apparatus 2 is connected to two chambers (a first methanol chamber 111 and a second methanol chamber 112) for containing methanol. Methanol is used to fix blood smears. Fixation is to prevent cell deterioration by denaturing blood cell proteins such as red blood cells and white blood cells contained in the blood smear with methanol. As the sample fixing solution, formaldehyde, ethanol, methanol, picric acid or the like can be used, but methanol is preferably used for fixing the blood smear. Methanol is also used for cleaning the flow path as will be described later.

  In addition to the first methanol chamber 111 and the second methanol chamber 112, the smear preparation apparatus 2 includes a first staining liquid chamber 121, a second staining liquid chamber 122, and a staining liquid as shown in FIG. A chamber 131, a diluent chamber 143, a first mixing chamber 151, a second mixing chamber 152, and a waste liquid chamber 165 are connected.

  The transport apparatus 3 is installed on the front surface of the smear preparation apparatus 2, and has a carry-in part 3a and a take-out part 3b. The transport device 3 transports the sample rack L positioned in the carry-in unit 3a to the take-out unit 3b. When the sample container T is positioned in front of the hand portion 41a, the sample container T is extracted by the hand portion 41a and drawn into the smear preparation apparatus 2.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration when the smear preparation apparatus 2 is viewed from the upper side.

  The smear preparation apparatus 2 includes a suction dispensing mechanism unit 41, a slide glass supply unit 42, a slide glass lateral feed unit 43, a smear mechanism unit 44, a smear drying unit 45, a printing unit 46, and a cassette housing unit. 47, a cassette lateral feed section 48, a cassette rotation section 49, a staining section 50, and a cassette storage section 51.

  The suction / dispensing mechanism unit 41 includes a hand unit 41a, a piercer (suction needle) 41b, and a dispensing pipette 41c. The sample container T positioned in front of the hand unit 41a is grasped by the hand unit 41a, extracted from the sample rack L, and stirred by the hand unit 41a a predetermined number of times. Thereafter, the blood sample accommodated in the sample container T is aspirated by the piercer 41b, and the slide glass 10 positioned in front of the smearing mechanism portion 44 by the dispensing pipette 41c that can move left and right (X-axis direction). It is dripped.

  The slide glass supply unit 42 holds a plurality of new slide glasses 10 and sequentially moves these new slide glasses 10 onto the slide glass lateral feed unit 43. The slide glass lateral feed unit 43 moves the new slide glass 10 supplied from the slide glass supply unit 42 to the left (X-axis positive direction) and positions it in front of the smearing mechanism unit 44.

  When the blood sample is dropped onto the slide glass 10 positioned in front, the smearing mechanism unit 44 smears the blood sample. The slide glass 10 containing the smeared blood sample is moved rightward (X-axis negative direction) by the slide glass lateral feed unit 43 and sequentially positioned in front of the smear drying unit 45 and directly below the printing unit 46. It is done. The smear drying unit 45 dries the blood sample smeared on the slide glass 10 positioned in front of the smear drying unit 45 with a fan (not shown). The printing unit 46 includes a printer (not shown), and prints a sample number, date, reception number, name, and the like on the end of the slide glass 10.

  The cassette housing portion 47 has a belt 47a that can move forward (Y-axis negative direction). The user can set an empty cassette 20 on the belt 47a through the opening 2b (see FIG. 1). The empty cassette 20 set on the belt 47a is conveyed forward by the movement of the belt 47a.

  FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views showing the configuration of the cassette 20. 3A and 3B also show the coordinate axes of FIG. 2 when the cassette 20 is placed on the belt 47a.

  With reference to Fig.3 (a), the cassette 20 consists of resin and has thickness in the Y-axis direction so that the glass slide 10 can be accommodated in the accommodating part 20e. In the upper part of the cassette 20, storage ports 20 a and 20 b that are divided into left and right by a partition portion 20 c are formed. A partition portion 20d is installed below the partition portion 20c, and an accommodating portion 20e is formed inside the cassette 20. The flange portions 20f and 20g are formed on the left and right sides of the cassette 20, and the lower surfaces of the flange portions 20f and 20g are supported on the lower side, and are placed on the belt 47a in FIG. A bottom portion 20 h is formed below the cassette 20. The slide glass 10 is inserted from above through the storage port 20a.

  FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing a state in which the slide glass 10 is accommodated in the cassette 20. When the slide glass 10 is accommodated as shown in FIG. 3B, a gap is generated in a region on the right side of the partitioning portions 20c and 20d in the accommodating portion 20e. Such a gap allows the pipette to be inserted through the storage port 20b even when the slide glass 10 is stored in the cassette 20.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the cassette lateral feed portion 48 has a cassette support portion 48 a and a belt 48 b that can move to the left and right. The cassette support portion 48a is fixed to the belt 48b and is configured to support the bottom portion 20h of the cassette 20 in the upward direction. The empty cassette 20 positioned in front of the cassette housing portion 47 is supported by the cassette support portion 48 a and conveyed leftward to the front of the cassette rotating portion 49.

The cassette rotating unit 49 includes a flat surface 49a and a shaft 49b parallel to the X-axis direction. As the shaft 49b rotates around the X axis, the plane 49a becomes parallel to the XY plane and parallel to the XZ plane. When the plane 49a is parallel to the XZ plane, the empty cassette 20 positioned in front of the cassette rotating unit 49 is moved onto the plane 49a. Subsequently, the plane 49a is in a state parallel to the XY plane, and the slide glass 10 pushed out from the printing unit 46 is inserted into the cassette 20 as illustrated. Subsequently, the plane 49 a is again in a state parallel to the XZ plane, and the cassette 20 that houses the slide glass 10 on the plane 49 a is moved to the cassette support portion 48 a of the cassette lateral feed portion 48. Thereafter, the cassette 20 is transported leftward by the cassette lateral feed section 48 and positioned in front of the staining section 50.

  The dyeing unit 50 includes a feeding mechanism unit 50a, a belt 50b movable rearward (Y-axis positive direction), a methanol processing mechanism unit M, dyeing processing mechanism units D1 to D3, a cleaning processing mechanism unit W, and a sending unit. It has the mechanism part 50c. The methanol processing mechanism M includes a dispensing pipette Ma and a sensor Ms, the staining processing mechanism D1 includes a dispensing pipette D1a, a recovery pipette D1b, and a sensor D1s, and the staining processing mechanism D2 includes a dispensing pipette. D2a, a recovery pipette D2b, and a sensor D2s, and a staining processing mechanism D3 includes a dispensing pipette D3a, a recovery pipette D3b, and a sensor D3s, and a water washing processing mechanism W includes a dispensing pipette Wa, a recovery pipette Wb and sensor Ws are included.

  The sensor Ms is a transmission type sensor composed of a light emitting part and a light receiving part, and detects that the cassette 20 is positioned at a position Mp (a left end position of the cassette lateral feed part 48) where processing by the methanol processing mechanism part M is performed. To do. The sensors D1s, D2s, D3s, and Ws are contact-type sensors, and are cassettes 20 at positions D1p, D2p, D3p, and Wp where the processing by the dyeing processing mechanism units D1, D2, and D3 and the washing processing mechanism unit W are performed, respectively. Detect that is positioned.

  When the cassette 20 is detected by the sensor Ms, the methanol processing mechanism M performs processing on the smear on the slide glass 10 accommodated in the cassette 20. Specifically, methanol is dispensed (discharged) from the accommodation opening 20b of the cassette 20 into the accommodation portion 20e via the dispensing pipette Ma of the methanol processing mechanism portion M. At this time, the cassette 20 is supported by the cassette support portion 48 a of the cassette lateral feed portion 48. Thereafter, the cassette 20 is fed onto the belt 50b by the feeding mechanism 50a.

  The cassette 20 that has been fed onto the belt 50b by the feeding mechanism 50a has the flanges 20f and 20g supported on the belt 50b. In this state, when the belt 50b moves, the cassette 20 is conveyed backward. Note that the belt 50b always moves backward when the smear preparation apparatus 2 is in an operating state.

  When the cassette 20 is detected by the sensor D1s, the staining processing mechanism unit D1 performs processing on the smear on the slide glass 10 accommodated in the cassette 20. Specifically, the methanol in the storage unit 20e is recovered (sucked) from the storage port 20b of the cassette 20 via the recovery pipette D1b of the staining processing mechanism unit D1. Then, after the smear on the slide glass 10 is dried by a fan (not shown), the May-Grunwald liquid is dispensed (discharged) from the storage port 20b of the cassette 20 into the storage portion 20e via the dispensing pipette D1a. The Thereafter, the cassette 20 is conveyed backward by the belt 50b.

  When the cassette 20 is detected by the sensor D2s, the staining processing mechanism unit D2 performs processing on the smear on the slide glass 10 accommodated in the cassette 20. Specifically, the May-Grunwald liquid in the storage unit 20e is recovered (sucked) from the storage port 20b of the cassette 20 via the recovery pipette D2b of the staining processing mechanism unit D2. Then, the May-Grunwald diluted solution is dispensed (discharged) from the accommodation port 20b of the cassette 20 into the accommodation portion 20e via the dispensing pipette D2a. Thereafter, the cassette 20 is conveyed backward by the belt 50b. The May-Grünwald diluent is a mixture of the May-Grünwald solution in the bottle 102 and the diluent in the bottle 104.

When the cassette 20 is detected by the sensor D3s, the staining processing mechanism unit D3 performs processing on the smear on the slide glass 10 accommodated in the cassette 20. Specifically, the May-Grunwald diluted solution in the storage unit 20e is recovered (sucked) from the storage port 20b of the cassette 20 via the recovery pipette D3b of the staining processing mechanism unit D3. Then, the Giemsa diluted solution is dispensed (discharged) from the accommodation port 20b of the cassette 20 into the accommodation portion 20e via the dispensing pipette D3a. Thereafter, the cassette 20 is conveyed backward by the belt 50b. The Giemsa diluted solution is a mixed solution of the Giemsa solution in the bottle 103 and the diluted solution in the bottle 104.

  When the cassette 20 is detected by the sensor Ws, the cleaning processing mechanism W performs processing on the smear on the slide glass 10 accommodated in the cassette 20. Specifically, the Giemsa diluted solution in the storage unit 20e is recovered (sucked) from the storage port 20b of the cassette 20 via the recovery pipette Wb of the cleaning processing mechanism unit W. Then, water for sample cleaning is dispensed (discharged) from the accommodation port 20b of the cassette 20 into the accommodation portion 20e via the dispensing pipette Wa. And the water for sample washing in the accommodating part 20e of the cassette 20 is collect | recovered (suction) via the collection | recovery pipette Wb. Thereafter, the cassette 20 is conveyed backward by the belt 50b.

  The cassette 20 conveyed to the rear of the belt 50b is fed leftward by the feed mechanism 50c. Thereby, the cassette 20 is positioned behind the cassette storage unit 51.

  The cassette storage unit 51 includes a feeding mechanism unit 51a and a belt 51b that can move forward (Y-axis negative direction). The cassette 20 sent out from the sending mechanism part 50c is sent onto the belt 51b by the sending mechanism part 51a. The cassette 20 fed onto the belt 51b is conveyed forward as the belt 51b moves. The cassette 20 positioned in front of the belt 51b is taken out by the user through the opening 2c (see FIG. 1). Thus, the preparation of a smear is completed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, operation | movement of the dyeing | staining part 50 (Methanol processing mechanism part M, the dyeing | staining process mechanism parts D1-D3, and the washing | cleaning process mechanism part W) is demonstrated. The operations of the methanol processing mechanism unit M, the staining processing mechanism units D2 and D3, and the cleaning processing mechanism unit W are substantially the same as those of the staining processing mechanism unit D1.

  4A to 4C are side views of the dyeing processing mechanism D1 when viewed in the positive Y-axis direction. The dyeing processing mechanism D1 includes a substrate D11, a stopper D12, a support member D13, and a gripping part D14 in addition to the dispensing pipette D1a and the recovery pipette D1b shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 4A, the substrate D11 is fixed in the smear preparation apparatus 2. The stopper D12 is a metal plate that can move up and down (Z-axis direction) with respect to the substrate D11. The sensor D1s shown in FIG. 2 is installed on the front surface (surface on the Y-axis negative direction side) of the stopper D12. ing. Dispensing pipette D1a, recovery pipette D1b, and gripping part D14 are configured to be movable up and down integrally with support member D13.

  When the stopper D12 is positioned as shown in FIG. 4A, the cassette 20 that is supported by the belt 50b and conveyed rearward stops with the rear surface abutting against the stopper D12. The cassette 20 at this time is positioned at the position D1p in FIG. 2, and it is detected by the sensor D1s that the cassette 20 is positioned at the position D1p. In this state, the support member D13 is moved downward, and the distal ends of the dispensing pipette D1a and the recovery pipette D1b are positioned in the accommodating portion 20e of the cassette 20 as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, in the state of FIG. 4B, the methanol in the cassette 20 is recovered by the recovery pipette D1b. Then, the slide glass 10 in the cassette 20 is gripped by the grip portion D14, and the slide glass 10 is pulled upward with respect to the cassette 20 as the support member D13 moves upward. In this state, the slide glass 10 is dried by a fan (not shown). Then, the slide glass 10 is accommodated in the cassette 20 again by the support member D13 moving downward. At this time, the May-Grunwald solution is dispensed into the cassette 20 via the dispensing pipette D1a. Then, when the support member D13 and the stopper D12 move upward, the state shown in FIG. 4C is obtained, and the cassette 20 is conveyed backward while being supported by the belt 50b.

  The methanol processing mechanism M does not have a configuration corresponding to the stopper D12 and the recovery pipette D1b in FIG. In the methanol processing mechanism M, the slide glass 10 accommodated in the cassette 20 positioned at the position Mp (see FIG. 2) is pulled up by the gripper corresponding to the gripper D14 in FIG. Methanol is dispensed into the cassette 20 via the pipette Ma. Then, the slide glass 10 pulled upward is returned to the cassette 20 again. Thereafter, the cassette 20 is fed onto the belt 50b by the feeding mechanism 50a.

  Moreover, the dyeing | staining process mechanism part D2 does not have the structure corresponded to the holding part D14 of FIG. In the staining processing mechanism section D2, dispensing with the dispensing pipette D2a and collection with the collection pipette D2b are performed in a state where the slide glass 10 is accommodated in the cassette 20 positioned at the position D2p. The dyeing processing mechanism unit D3 and the cleaning processing mechanism unit W are also processed in the same manner as the dyeing processing mechanism unit D2. That is, the staining processing mechanism unit D3 and the cleaning processing mechanism unit W do not have a configuration corresponding to the gripping unit D14 of FIG. 4, and at the position D3p, dispensing by the dispensing pipette D3a and collection by the collection pipette D3b. In the position Wp, dispensing with the dispensing pipette Wa and collection with the collection pipette Wb are performed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of a fluid circuit diagram of the smear preparation apparatus 2.

  In addition to the bottles 101 to 104, the first methanol chamber 111, and the second methanol chamber 112 shown in FIG. 1, the smear preparation apparatus 2 includes a first staining liquid chamber 121, a second staining liquid chamber 122, and the like. The flow path is formed so that the staining liquid chamber 131, the dilution liquid chamber 143, the first mixing chamber 151, the second mixing chamber 152, and the waste liquid chamber 165 are connected. In FIG. 5, the illustration of the bottle 105 containing the cleaning water, the dispensing pipette Wa, the recovery pipette Wb, and the flow paths corresponding to these is omitted for the sake of convenience.

  Further, as shown in the figure, valves v11 to v17, v18a, v18b, v19a, v19b, v20 to v28, v29a, v29b, v30a, v30b, v31 to v34, v35a, v35b, v41a to v43a, v41b to v43b, v51a, v51b, v52a, v52b, and v53 to v59 are connected. By setting each valve to an open state or a shut-off state, a staining solution or the like can pass or cannot pass through the valve. Further, as shown in the drawing, pressure regulators 113 to 115, 123 to 125, 127, 132, 133, 141, 144, 146, 161, 163, 166, and 167 are constant in the flow path. Diaphragm pumps 116, 126, 128, 134, 142, 145, 147, 162, 164, 168 having a function of sucking and discharging an amount of staining liquid and the like are connected.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first methanol chamber 111 is configured by a tank 111b in which a float switch 111a is provided. The float switch 111a includes a floating member 111c and a support bar 111d that supports the floating member 111c so as to be movable in the vertical direction. A magnet 111e is embedded in the floating member 111c. The floating member 111c moves in the vertical direction according to the liquid level in the tank 111b, and the magnet 111e is positioned at the liquid level. A magnetic detection type reed switch 111f is embedded in a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as “reference position”) in the vertical direction of the support bar 111d.

  When a prescribed amount of liquid is stored in the tank 111b and the liquid level is positioned at the reference position, the reed switch 111f detects the magnetism of the magnet 111e in the floating member 111c and is turned on. In addition, since the specified amount of liquid is not stored in the tank 111b, the reed switch 111f cannot detect the magnetism of the magnet 111e in the floating member 111c and is turned off unless the liquid level is positioned at the reference position. It becomes a state. Thereby, it can be seen whether or not a prescribed amount of methanol is stored in the first methanol chamber 111.

  The second methanol chamber 112, the first staining liquid chamber 121, the second staining liquid chamber 122, the staining liquid chamber 131, the dilution liquid chamber 143, and the waste liquid chamber 165 are also the same as the first methanol chamber 111. The float switch is provided inside. Also, the specified amount of liquid stored in each chamber is individually set, and the reference position where the reed switch is installed is individually set corresponding to the liquid level when the specified amount of liquid is stored. Is set.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when methanol is supplied from the bottle 101 to the first methanol chamber 111, first, the valves v12 to v16 are shut off and the valve v11 is opened. In this state, the inside of the first methanol chamber 111 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 113. Thereby, the methanol stored in the bottle 101 is supplied to the first methanol chamber 111.

  When methanol is supplied from the bottle 101 to the second methanol chamber 112, first, the valves v11, v13, v17, v19a are shut off, and the valve v12 is opened. In this state, the inside of the second methanol chamber 112 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 114. Thereby, the methanol stored in the bottle 101 is supplied to the second methanol chamber 112.

  When the methanol stored in the first methanol chamber 111 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette Ma to the cassette 20, first, the valves v11, v14, v15, v17, v18b are turned off, and the valves v16, v18a are turned off. Opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 115 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 116. Thereby, a certain amount of methanol stored in the first methanol chamber 111 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 116. Subsequently, the valve v18a is shut off and the valve v18b is opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 116 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 115. Thereby, the methanol in the diaphragm pump 116 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette Ma to the cassette 20.

  When methanol stored in the second methanol chamber 112 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette Ma to the cassette 20, first, the valves v12, v16, v18b, v19a are shut off, and the valves v17, v18a are opened. It is said. In this state, the pressure regulator 115 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 116. Thereby, a certain amount of methanol stored in the second methanol chamber 112 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 116. Subsequently, as in the case of the first methanol chamber 111, methanol in the diaphragm pump 116 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette Ma to the cassette 20.

  When the methanol stored in the cassette 20 is recovered into the first methanol chamber 111 via the recovery pipette D1b, the valves v11, v14, v16 are shut off, and the valve v15 is opened. In this state, the inside of the first methanol chamber 111 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 113. Thereby, the methanol sucked from the recovery pipette D1b is recovered in the first methanol chamber 111.

  When methanol stored in the first methanol chamber 111 is discharged, the valves v11, v15, and v16 are shut off, and the valve v14 is opened. In this state, the inside of the first methanol chamber 111 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 113. Thereby, the methanol stored in the first methanol chamber 111 is discharged.

  Next, when the May-Grunwald liquid as the staining liquid is supplied from the bottle 102 to the first staining liquid chamber 121, first, the valves v22 to v24, v26, v27 are shut off, and the valves v20, v21 are opened. It is said. In this state, the inside of the first staining liquid chamber 121 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 123. As a result, the May-Grunwald liquid contained in the bottle 102 is supplied to the first staining liquid chamber 121.

  When the Meigrunwald solution is supplied from the bottle 102 to the second staining solution chamber 122, the valves v21, v23, v25, v28 are first shut off, and the valves v20, v22 are opened. In this state, the inside of the second staining liquid chamber 122 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 124. As a result, the May-Grunwald liquid contained in the bottle 102 is supplied to the second staining liquid chamber 122.

  When the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the first staining liquid chamber 121 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette D1a to the cassette 20, first, the valves v21, v24, v26, v28, v29b, v30a are shut off, The valves v27 and v29a are opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 125 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 126. As a result, a predetermined amount of the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the first staining liquid chamber 121 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 126. Subsequently, the valve v29a is shut off and the valve v29b is opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 126 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 125. Thereby, the May-Grunwald solution in the diaphragm pump 126 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette D1a to the cassette 20.

  When the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the second staining liquid chamber 122 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette D1a to the cassette 20, first, the valves v22, v25, v27, v29b, v30a are shut off, and the valve v28 , V29a is opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 125 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 126. As a result, a predetermined amount of the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the second staining liquid chamber 122 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 126. Subsequently, in the same manner as in the first staining liquid chamber 121, the May-Grunwald liquid in the diaphragm pump 126 is dispensed into the cassette 20 from the dispensing pipette D1a.

  When the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the cassette 20 is recovered into the first staining liquid chamber 121 via the recovery pipette D2b, the valves v21, v24, v27 are shut off and the valve v26 is opened. . In this state, the inside of the first staining liquid chamber 121 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 123. Thereby, the May-Grunwald liquid sucked from the recovery pipette D2b is recovered in the first staining liquid chamber 121.

When the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the first staining liquid chamber 121 is supplied to the first mixing chamber 151, first, the valves v21, v24, v26, v28, v29a,
v30b is cut off and valves v27 and v30a are opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 127 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 128. Thereby, a fixed amount of the May-Grunwald solution stored in the first staining solution chamber 121 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 128. Subsequently, the valve v30a is shut off and the valve v30b is opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 128 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 127. As a result, the May-Grunwald liquid in the diaphragm pump 128 is supplied to the first mixing chamber 151. The first mixing chamber 151 is provided with an opening so that the pressure in the chamber is the same as the external atmospheric pressure.

  When the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the second staining liquid chamber 122 is supplied to the first mixing chamber 151, first, the valves v22, v25, v27, v29a, v30b are turned off, and the valves v28, v30a are turned off. Opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 127 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 128. As a result, a predetermined amount of the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the second staining liquid chamber 122 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 128. Subsequently, similarly to the case of the first staining liquid chamber 121, the May-Grunwald liquid in the diaphragm pump 128 is supplied to the first mixing chamber 151.

  When the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the first staining liquid chamber 121 is discharged, the valves v21 and v25 to v27 are shut off and the valve v24 is opened. In this state, the inside of the first staining liquid chamber 121 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 123. Thereby, the May-Grunwald solution stored in the first staining solution chamber 121 is discharged.

  When the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the second staining liquid chamber 122 is discharged, the valves v22, v24, v28 are shut off, and the valve v25 is opened. In this state, the inside of the second staining liquid chamber 122 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 124. Thereby, the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the second staining liquid chamber 122 is discharged.

  Next, when Giemsa liquid as a staining liquid is supplied from the bottle 103 to the staining liquid chamber 131, the valves v32, v34, v35a are first shut off, and the valves v31, v33 are opened. In this state, the inside of the staining liquid chamber 131 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 132. As a result, the Giemsa solution contained in the bottle 103 is supplied to the staining solution chamber 131.

  When the Giemsa liquid stored in the staining liquid chamber 131 is supplied to the second mixing chamber 152, first, the valves v33, v34, v35b are shut off, and the valve v35a is opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 133 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 134. As a result, the Giemsa liquid stored in the staining liquid chamber 131 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 134 by a certain amount. Subsequently, the valve v35a is shut off and the valve v35b is opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 134 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 133. As a result, the Giemsa liquid in the diaphragm pump 134 is supplied to the second mixing chamber 152. The second mixing chamber 152 is provided with an opening so that the pressure in the chamber is the same as the external pressure.

Next, when a phosphate buffer as a diluent is supplied from the bottle 104 to the diluent chamber 143, the valve v41b is first shut off and the valve v41a is opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 141 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 142. Thereby, a certain amount of the diluent stored in the bottle 104 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 142. Subsequently, the valves v41a, v42a, v43a are shut off, and the valve v41b is opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 142 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 141. Thereby, the diluent in the diaphragm pump 142 is supplied to the diluent chamber 143. The diluent chamber 143 is provided with an opening so that the pressure in the chamber is the same as the external pressure.

  When the diluent stored in the diluent chamber 143 is supplied to the first mixing chamber 151, first, the valves v41b, v42b, and v43a are shut off, and the valve v42a is opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 144 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 145. As a result, a certain amount of the diluent stored in the diluent chamber 143 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 145. Subsequently, the valve v42a is shut off and the valve v42b is opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 145 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 144. Thereby, the diluent in the diaphragm pump 145 is supplied to the first mixing chamber 151.

  When the diluent stored in the diluent chamber 143 is supplied to the second mixing chamber 152, first, the valves v41b, v42a, and v43b are shut off, and the valve v43a is opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 146 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 147. As a result, a predetermined amount of the diluent stored in the diluent chamber 143 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 147. Subsequently, the valve v43a is turned off and the valve v43b is opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 147 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 146. As a result, the dilution liquid in the diaphragm pump 147 is supplied to the second mixing chamber 152.

  In the first mixing chamber 151, the May-Grunwald liquid supplied from the first staining liquid chamber 121 or the second staining liquid chamber 122 and the dilution liquid supplied from the dilution liquid chamber 143 are mixed. As a result, a May-Grunwald diluent is generated in the first mixing chamber 151. In the second mixing chamber 152, the Giemsa solution supplied from the staining solution chamber 131 and the diluent supplied from the diluent chamber 143 are mixed. Thereby, a Giemsa diluted solution is generated in the second mixing chamber 152.

  When the May-Grunwald diluent stored in the first mixing chamber 151 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette D2a to the cassette 20, first, the valves v51b and v53 are shut off and the valve v51a is opened. . In this state, the pressure regulator 161 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 162. As a result, a predetermined amount of the May-Grunwald diluent stored in the first mixing chamber 151 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 162. Subsequently, the valve v51a is shut off and the valve v51b is opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 161 pressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 162. Thereby, the May-Grunwald diluted solution in the diaphragm pump 162 is dispensed into the cassette 20 from the dispensing pipette D2a.

  When the Giemsa diluted solution stored in the second mixing chamber 152 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette D3a to the cassette 20, first, the valves v52b and v54 are turned off and the valve v52a is opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 163 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 164. As a result, the Giemsa diluted solution stored in the second mixing chamber 152 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 164 by a certain amount. Subsequently, the valve v52a is shut off and the valve v52b is opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 164 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 163. Thereby, the Giemsa diluted solution in the diaphragm pump 164 is dispensed from the dispensing pipette D3a to the cassette 20.

When the May-Grunwald diluent contained in the cassette 20 is collected in the waste liquid chamber 165 via the collection pipette D3b, the valves v53 to v55 are turned off and the valve v56 is opened. In this state, the waste liquid chamber 16 is moved by the pressure regulator 166.
5 is depressurized. Thereby, the May-Grunwald diluted solution sucked from the recovery pipette D3b is recovered in the waste liquid chamber 165.

  When the May-Grunwald diluent stored in the first mixing chamber 151 is supplied to the waste liquid chamber 165, the valves v51a and v54 to v56 are shut off, and the valve v53 is opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 166 depressurizes the inside of the waste liquid chamber 165. As a result, the May-Grunwald dilution liquid stored in the first mixing chamber 151 is supplied to the waste liquid chamber 165.

  When the Giemsa dilution liquid stored in the second mixing chamber 152 is supplied to the waste liquid chamber 165, the valves v52a, v53, v55, v56 are shut off, and the valve v54 is opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 166 depressurizes the inside of the waste liquid chamber 165. As a result, the Giemsa diluent stored in the second mixing chamber 152 is supplied to the waste liquid chamber 165.

  When the staining solution or the like stored in the waste liquid chamber 165 is discharged, the valves v53, v54, and v56 are shut off and the valve v55 is opened. In this state, the inside of the waste liquid chamber 165 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 166. As a result, the staining liquid or the like stored in the waste liquid chamber 165 is discharged.

  Next, when the methanol stored in the second methanol chamber 112 is supplied to the first mixing chamber 151 and the second mixing chamber 152, first, the valves v12, v17, v19b are turned off, and the valve v19a is turned off. Opened. In this state, the pressure regulator 167 depressurizes the inside of the diaphragm pump 168. Thereby, a fixed amount of methanol stored in the second methanol chamber 112 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 168. Subsequently, when methanol is supplied to the first mixing chamber 151, the valves v19a, v51a, v53, and v58 are turned off, and the valves v19b and v57 are opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 168 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 167. Thereby, the methanol in the diaphragm pump 168 is supplied to the first mixing chamber 151. When methanol is supplied to the second mixing chamber 152, the valves v19a, v52a, v54, and v57 are shut off, and the valves v19b and v58 are opened. In this state, the inside of the diaphragm pump 168 is pressurized by the pressure regulator 167. Thereby, the methanol in the diaphragm pump 168 is supplied to the second mixing chamber 152.

  Next, when the methanol stored in the bottle 101 is supplied to the first staining liquid chamber 121, the valves v11, v12, v20, v22, v24, v26, v27, v32, v59 are turned off, and the valve v13, v21, and v23 are opened. In this state, the inside of the first staining liquid chamber 121 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 123. Thereby, the methanol stored in the bottle 101 is supplied to the first staining liquid chamber 121. Note that when the valve v59 is opened, the external pressure can be taken into the flow path.

  When the methanol contained in the bottle 101 is supplied to the second staining liquid chamber 122, the valves v11, v12, v20, v21, v25, v28, v32, v59 are turned off and the valves v13, v22, v23 are shut off. Is opened. In this state, the inside of the second staining liquid chamber 122 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 124. Thereby, the methanol stored in the bottle 101 is supplied to the second staining liquid chamber 122.

Next, when the methanol contained in the bottle 101 is supplied to the staining liquid chamber 131, the valves v11, v12, v23, v31, v34, v35a, v59 are turned off, and the valves v13, v32, v33 are turned off. Opened. In this state, the inside of the staining liquid chamber 131 is depressurized by the pressure regulator 132. Thereby, the methanol stored in the bottle 101 is supplied to the staining liquid chamber 131.

  Note that the Giemsa diluted solution stored in the cassette 20 is recovered through the recovery pipette Wb by a chamber (not shown), a diaphragm pump, and a valve in the same manner as described above. In addition, the water for cleaning contained in the bottle 105 is dispensed into the cassette 20 via the dispensing pipette Wa by a chamber, a diaphragm pump, and a valve (not shown) in the same manner as described above, and the recovered pipette Wb. It is recovered through.

  As described above, the staining solution and the like stored in the bottles 101 to 105 can be dispensed into the cassette 20 by the dispensing pipettes Ma, D1a to D3a, and Wa through the flow path. Further, the staining solution or the like sucked from the cassette 20 by the collection pipettes D1b to D3b, Wb can be collected in the corresponding chamber via the flow path. Moreover, the dyeing liquid etc. which are stored in each chamber can be discharged | emitted via a flow path.

  Further, methanol contained in the bottle 101 is passed through the flow path through the first methanol chamber 111, the second methanol chamber 112, the first staining solution chamber 121, the second staining solution chamber 122, and the staining solution chamber 131. And can be directly supplied to the first mixing chamber 151 and the second mixing chamber 152. As a result, even when the chamber and the flow path are contaminated with a staining solution or the like, the methanol contained in the bottle 101 can be supplied to the chamber and the flow path, so that the dirt can be washed away.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the smear sample preparation device 2 and the transport device 3.

  The smear preparation apparatus 2 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a drive unit 203, a sensor unit 204, a liquid transfer unit 205, a communication unit 206, and a display operation unit 2a.

  The control unit 201 controls each unit of the smear preparation apparatus 2 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 includes a storage device such as a hard disk, and stores a computer program for operating the smear preparation apparatus 2.

  Further, as will be described later, the storage unit 202 includes a reuse counter Rk indicating the number of times of methanol reuse, a threshold number R0 indicating the upper limit of the number of reuses, a recovery counter Ck indicating the number of times of methanol recovery, and a recovery A threshold number C0 indicating the upper limit of the number of times is stored. These numbers will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The drive unit 203 includes a suction dispensing mechanism unit 41, a slide glass supply unit 42, a slide glass lateral feed unit 43, a smearing mechanism unit 44, a smear drying unit 45, a printing unit 46, and a cassette housing unit 47. , Including a cassette lateral feed section 48, a cassette rotation section 49, a staining section 50, a cassette storage section 51, and a mechanism for driving each section in the smear preparation apparatus 2, and is controlled by the control section 201. The

  The sensor unit 204 includes a sensor Ms of the methanol processing mechanism unit M, sensors D1s to D3s of the dyeing processing mechanism units D1 to D3, and a sensor Ws of the water washing processing unit W. The sensor unit 204 includes a reed switch 111f of the first methanol chamber 111 and a similar reed switch installed in another chamber. Each sensor included in the sensor unit 204 is controlled by the control unit 201, and a detection signal of the sensor unit 204 is output to the control unit 201.

  The liquid transfer unit 205 includes pressure regulators 113 to 115, 123 to 125, 127, 132, 133, 141, 144, 146, 161, 163, 166, and 167, valves v11 to v17, v18a, v18b, v19a, and v19b. , V20 to v28, v29a, v29b, v30a, v30b, v31 to v34, v35a, v35b, v41a to v43a, v41b to v43b, v51a, v51b, v52a, v52b, v53 to v59. Each unit included in the liquid transfer unit 205 is controlled by the control unit 201.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display operation unit 2 a is a touch panel in which a display function and an input function are integrated. When the display operation unit 2 a is operated by the user, a signal indicating the operation content is output to the control unit 201. Further, the control unit 201 displays various information on the display operation unit 2a. The communication unit 206 performs data communication with the communication unit 304 of the transport device 3.

  The transport device 3 includes a control unit 301, a drive unit 302, a sensor unit 303, and a communication unit 304. The control unit 301 controls each unit in the transport device 3. The drive unit 302 includes a mechanism for driving each unit in the transport device 3 and is controlled by the control unit 301. The sensor unit 303 includes a sensor in the transport device 3 and is controlled by the control unit 301, and a detection signal of the sensor unit 303 is output to the control unit 301. The communication unit 304 performs data communication with the communication unit 206 of the smear preparation apparatus 2.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the methanol dispensed from the first methanol chamber 111 into the cassette 20 via the dispensing pipette Ma is again collected into the first methanol chamber 111 via the collection pipette D1b, and again dispensed. Used for pipetting by pipette Ma.

  Hereinafter, various processes executed in the smear preparation apparatus 2 of the present embodiment will be described together with such processes relating to the reuse of methanol.

<Treatment when methanol is reused>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the dispensing process of methanol in the smear preparing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment.

  When the dispensing process is started, the control unit 201 resets the reuse counter Rk (S101) and waits for the cassette 20 to reach the position Mp (S102). When the cassette 20 reaches the position Mp (S102: YES), the control unit 201 dispenses methanol from the first methanol chamber 111 to the cassette 20 (S103), and adds 1 to the reuse counter Rk (S104). Next, the control unit 201 determines whether or not an error has occurred in the supply of methanol to the first methanol chamber 111 (S105). If no supply error has occurred (S105: NO), the reuse counter Rk is set in advance. It is determined whether the set threshold number R0 has been reached (S106). The reuse counter Rk and the threshold number R0 are stored in the storage unit 202.

  The methanol dispensed to the cassette 20 is collected from the cassette 20 to the first methanol chamber 111 at the position D1p. For this reason, as the dispensing process proceeds, the methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 is gradually soiled. The methanol recovery process will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the liquid level in the first methanol chamber 111 falls below the reference position, the first methanol chamber 111 is replenished with methanol. When such replenishment is not properly performed, the control unit 201 determines that there is a replenishment error (S105: YES), and executes the process of FIG. The replenishment process for the first methanol chamber 111 will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the processing when a replenishment error occurs (S105: YES) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in S106 that the reuse counter Rk has not reached the threshold count R0 (S106: NO), the control unit 201 returns the process to S102 and repeats the processes after S102. Thus, methanol is dispensed from the first methanol chamber 111 into the cassette 20 until the reuse counter Rk reaches the threshold number R0. In the present embodiment, the threshold number R0 can be set by the user. The threshold frequency R0 is an index for exchanging methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 with new methanol.

  FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing the setting process of the threshold count R0.

  When the control unit 201 receives an instruction to display the threshold number setting screen 400 by the user (S121: YES), the control unit 201 displays the threshold number setting screen 400 on the display operation unit 2a (see FIG. 1) (S122).

  FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a threshold number setting screen 400 displayed on the display operation unit 2a. On the threshold number setting screen 400, an input area 401, an OK button 402, and a cancel button 403 are arranged. The input area 401 is an area where a user can input a number from 1 to 20. The input area 401 includes up and down buttons. When the user presses the up button, the number in the input area 401 increases, and when the down button is pressed, the input area 401 The number in 401 decreases.

  Returning to FIG. 9A, when the threshold number setting screen 400 is displayed (S122), the control unit 201 displays the threshold number R0 stored in the storage unit 202 in the input area 401. The threshold value R0 is set to 20 as an initial value.

  Subsequently, the control unit 201 determines whether the user has pressed the OK button 402 or the cancel button 403, and performs processing according to the determination. That is, when the OK button 402 is pressed (S123: YES), the control unit 201 overwrites the numerical value input in the input area 401 with the threshold count R0 stored in the storage unit 202 (S124). The number setting screen 400 is closed and the process returns to S121. When the cancel button 403 is pressed (S123: NO, S125: YES), the value input in the input area 401 is discarded, the threshold number setting screen 400 is closed, and the process returns to S121.

  Returning to FIG. 8, next, when the reuse counter Rk reaches the threshold number R0 (S106: YES), the control unit 201 converts the methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 into new methanol in parallel with the dispensing process. The processing for replacement is started (S107), and further, the collection counter Ck starts counting (S108). The collection counter Ck is stored in the storage unit 202. The methanol replacement process will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the counting process of the collection counter Ck will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the control unit 201 waits for the cassette 20 to reach the position Mp (S109). When the cassette 20 reaches the position Mp (S109: YES), the control unit 201 dispenses methanol from the second methanol chamber 112 to the cassette 20 instead of the first methanol chamber 111 (S109). Thus, when the methanol replacement process is started, the methanol chamber used for dispensing into the cassette 20 is switched from the first methanol chamber 111 to the second methanol chamber 112.

Next, the control unit 201 determines whether or not an error has occurred in the supply of methanol to the second methanol chamber 112 and the supply of methanol to the first methanol chamber 111 (exchange with new methanol) (S111). If no error has occurred in these replenishments (S111: NO), it is determined whether or not the replacement of methanol with respect to the first methanol chamber 111 has been completed (S112).

  When the liquid level of the second methanol chamber 112 falls below the reference position, methanol is supplied to the second methanol chamber 112 by the supply process of FIG. When such replenishment is not properly performed, the control unit 201 determines that there is a replenishment error (S111: YES), and executes the process of FIG. Further, when the methanol is replaced, if the new methanol is not properly supplied to the first methanol chamber 111, the control unit 201 determines a supply error (S111: YES), and FIG. Execute the process. The process when a supply error has occurred (S111: YES) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in S112 that the replacement of methanol for the first methanol chamber 111 has not been completed (S112: NO), the control unit 201 returns the process to S109 and repeats the processes after S109. Thus, methanol is dispensed from the second methanol chamber 112 into the cassette 20 until the replacement of methanol with respect to the first methanol chamber 111 is completed. Even when methanol is dispensed from the second methanol chamber 112 in this way, the recovery process of FIG. 10 is performed, and methanol is recovered from the cassette 20 to the first methanol chamber 111. When the exchange of methanol with respect to the first methanol chamber 111 is completed (S112: YES), the process is returned to S101, and a new dispensing process after the methanol exchange is started.

  FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing a methanol recovery process.

  The control unit 201 waits for the cassette 20 to reach the position D1p (S201). When the cassette 20 reaches the position D1p (S201: YES), the control unit 201 collects methanol from the cassette 20 to the first methanol chamber 111 (S202). Next, the control unit 201 determines whether the liquid level of the first methanol chamber 111 exceeds the reference position (S203). If the liquid level exceeds the reference position (S203: YES), the first methanol chamber is determined. Methanol is discharged from the first methanol chamber 111 until the liquid level of 111 reaches the reference position (S204). Thereafter, the control unit 201 returns to S201 and waits for the next cassette 20 to reach the position D1p. In this way, all of the methanol dispensed into the cassette 20 is collected in the first methanol chamber 111. For this reason, the methanol in the second methanol chamber 112 is always kept in a new unused state.

  FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the counting process of the collection counter Ck.

  When the counting process of the collection counter Ck is started in S108 in FIG. 8, the control unit 201 resets the collection counter Ck (S211). Then, when methanol is recovered from the cassette 20 to the first methanol chamber 111 by the process of FIG. 10A, the control unit 201 adds 1 to the recovery counter Ck (S213). This counting process is performed until the counting process of the collection counter Ck is stopped (S214). The stop processing of the collection counter Ck is performed in S302 of FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a methanol exchange process for the first methanol chamber 111.

When the methanol exchange process is started in S107 of FIG. 8, the control unit 201 waits for the collection counter Ck to reach the threshold number C0 (S301). The threshold count C0 is a value stored in advance in the storage unit 202. When the collection counter Ck reaches the threshold number C0 (S301: YES), the control unit 201 stops counting the collection counter Ck (S302), discharges all the methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 (S303), and then Then, new methanol is supplied from the bottle 101 to the first methanol chamber 111 (S304). As a result, when the first methanol chamber 111 is replenished with methanol until the liquid level reaches the reference position (S305: YES), the replacement process ends. Thereby, determination of S112 of FIG. 8 becomes YES.

  On the other hand, when methanol is not replenished to the first methanol chamber 111 until the liquid level reaches the reference position (S305: NO), the control unit 201 makes a methanol replenishment error and notifies the user of replacement of the bottle 101 (S306). ). This notification is performed, for example, by displaying a notification screen on the display operation unit 2a (see FIG. 1). Thereafter, the control unit 201 waits for the bottle 101 to be replaced (S307). In response to this, when the user replaces the bottle 101 with a new bottle 101, and then inputs replacement completion via the screen of the display operation unit 2a (S307: YES), the control unit 201 displays the bottle 101. Then, new methanol is supplied to the first methanol chamber 111 (S308). Thereby, replenishment of methanol is started.

  Here, when the first methanol chamber 111 is not replenished with methanol until the liquid level reaches the reference position (S309: NO), the control unit 201 notifies the user of a bottle replacement error (S311), and a new bottle is created. It waits for 101 to be properly mounted (S307). On the other hand, when the first methanol chamber 111 is replenished with methanol until the liquid level reaches the reference position (S309: YES), the control unit 201 cancels the replenishment error (S310) and ends the replacement process.

  In the replacement process of FIG. 11, even if the methanol replacement process is started in S107 of FIG. 8, methanol is not immediately discharged from the first methanol chamber 111, and the recovery counter Ck reaches the threshold number C0 in S301. Later, methanol is discharged from the first methanol chamber 111. This is to prevent the reused methanol from being collected in the first methanol chamber 111 after being replaced with new methanol. That is, at the timing when the methanol exchange process is started in S107 of FIG. 8, there are usually a plurality of cassettes 20 between the position Mp and the position D1p. In these cassettes 20, methanol that has been repeatedly reused and has deteriorated is dispensed from the first methanol chamber 111. For this reason, it is not preferable to recover methanol from these cassettes 20 to the first methanol chamber 111 after the methanol exchange.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the methanol replacement process is started, the first methanol chamber 111 is not immediately discharged and replenished until the recovery counter Ck reaches the threshold number C0. ing. The threshold frequency C0 is set so that the cassette 20 into which unused methanol is dispensed from the second methanol chamber 112 in S110 of FIG. 8 reaches the position D1p at the timing when the replacement of methanol is completed.

  The threshold number C0 is set in advance based on the time (immersion time) from when the slide glass 10 is immersed in methanol by the methanol processing mechanism M until the slide glass 10 is lifted by the staining processing mechanism D1. . Thus, by providing a time lag based on the threshold number of times C0 until the methanol replacement process for the first methanol chamber 111 is performed, the first methanol chamber 111 immediately after the methanol replacement is contaminated before the replacement. It is possible to prevent the methanol from being recovered.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing methanol supply processing for the first methanol chamber 111 and the second methanol chamber 112. Here, for convenience, the methanol replenishment process for the first methanol chamber 111 will be described, but the methanol replenishment process for the second methanol chamber 112 is performed in the same manner.

  When the liquid level in the first methanol chamber 111 falls below the reference position (S401: YES), the control unit 201 replenishes the first methanol chamber 111 with new methanol from the bottle 101 (S402). Thereby, replenishment of methanol is started.

  When methanol is supplied to the first methanol chamber 111 until the liquid level reaches the reference position (S403: YES), the supply process ends. On the other hand, when methanol is not replenished to the first methanol chamber 111 until the liquid level reaches the reference position (S403: NO), the control unit 201 sets a methanol replenishment error and notifies the user of replacement of the bottle 101 (S404). ).

  Thereafter, the control unit 201 waits for the bottle 101 to be replaced (S405). In response to this, when the user replaces the bottle 101 with a new bottle 101 and then inputs replacement completion (S405: YES), the control unit 201 transfers new methanol from the bottle 101 to the first methanol chamber 111. Is replenished (S406). Also in this case, when the first methanol chamber 111 is not replenished with methanol until the liquid level reaches the reference position (S407: NO), the control unit 201 notifies the user of a bottle replacement error (S409) It waits for the bottle 101 to be properly attached (S405). On the other hand, when methanol is supplied to the first methanol chamber 111 until the liquid level reaches the reference position (S407: YES), the control unit 201 cancels the supply error (S408), returns the process to S401, Wait for the next supply timing.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram showing processing when it is determined that there is a replenishment error in S105 of FIG.

  Note that the replenishment error in S105 of FIG. 8 occurs when the first methanol chamber 111 is replenished with methanol according to the replenishment process of FIG. 12 because the amount of methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 has decreased with the processing of S102 to S106. That is, even if methanol is supplied to the first methanol chamber 111 in accordance with the supply process of FIG. 12 (S402), if a proper supply cannot be performed (S404), a supply error in S105 of FIG. 8 occurs. Even after such a replenishment error occurs, the collection process of FIG.

  When a replenishment error occurs, the control unit 201 interrupts the aspiration of a new blood sample by the aspirating / dispensing mechanism unit 41 (S501), and performs processing on the already aspirated sample (S502). The control unit 201 waits for the cassette 20 to reach the position Mp (S503). When the cassette 20 reaches the position Mp (S503: YES), the control unit 201 determines whether the liquid level of the first methanol chamber 111 exceeds the reference position (S504).

  If the liquid level exceeds the reference position (S504: YES), the control unit 201 dispenses methanol from the first methanol chamber 111 to the cassette 20 (S505), and adds 1 to the reuse counter Rk. (S507). On the other hand, when the liquid level does not exceed the reference position (S504: NO), the control unit 201 dispenses methanol from the second methanol chamber 112 to the cassette 20 (S506). Since the process of FIG. 13A is triggered by a replenishment error for the first methanol chamber 111, the determination in S504 is mainly NO, and methanol is dispensed from the second methanol chamber 112 to the cassette 20.

  As described above, dispensing is normally performed from the second methanol chamber 112, and dispensing is performed from the first methanol chamber 111 only when the liquid level of the first methanol chamber 111 exceeds the reference position. Thereby, the usage amount of the second methanol chamber 112 is suppressed, and the first methanol chamber 111 is prevented from overflowing.

  Until the replenishment error is canceled in S408 of FIG. 12 (S507: NO), the processing of S503 to S507 is repeated for the sample that has been aspirated by the aspiration dispensing mechanism unit 41. In the process of FIG. 13A, since methanol is dispensed from the second methanol chamber 112 in S506, a replenishment error may also occur in the second methanol chamber 112 in S404 of FIG. In such a case, when the replenishment error in both the first methanol chamber 111 and the second methanol chamber 112 is canceled, YES is determined in S507 of FIG.

  When the processing (dispensing of methanol) for all the aspirated samples is completed (S502: NO), if the replenishment error is canceled by S408 in FIG. 12 (S507: YES), the control unit 201 determines that the sample Suction is resumed (S508), and the process proceeds to S106 in FIG. At this time, if the reuse counter Rk has reached the threshold number of times R0 (S106: YES), the process proceeds to S107, and the process at the time of methanol exchange is performed. On the other hand, if the reuse counter Rk has not reached the threshold number R0 (S106: NO), the process proceeds to S102, and the process of reusing methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 is resumed.

  When the processing (dispensing of methanol) for all aspirated samples is completed (S502: YES) until the replenishment error is canceled (S507: NO), the control unit 201 cancels the replenishment error. Wait (S507). Thereafter, when the replenishment error is canceled (S507: YES), the control unit 201 resumes the aspiration of the sample (S508), and the process proceeds to S106 in FIG. At this time, if the reuse counter Rk has reached the threshold number R0 (S106: YES), the process proceeds to S107. If the threshold number R0 has not been reached (S106: NO), the process proceeds to S102. It is done.

  FIG. 13B is a diagram showing processing when it is determined that there is a replenishment error in S111 of FIG.

  Note that the replenishment error in S111 of FIG. 8 occurs when methanol is replenished to the second methanol chamber 112 according to the replenishment process of FIG. 12 because the amount of methanol in the second methanol chamber 112 has decreased with the processing of S108 to S109. That is, even if methanol is supplied to the second methanol chamber 112 according to the supply process of FIG. 12 (S402), if a proper supply cannot be performed (S404), a supply error in S111 of FIG. 8 occurs.

  In addition, the replenishment error in S111 of FIG. 8 also occurs when methanol is replenished to the first methanol chamber 111 according to the replacement process of FIG. 11 (S304) but cannot be properly replenished (S305). However, in the case where any of these replenishment errors occurs, the methanol dispensing process is similarly performed according to the process of FIG. Moreover, even if any replenishment error occurs, if the collection process of FIG. 10 (a) is continued, and if the collection counter Ck is started, until the count is stopped in S302 of FIG. The count is continued as it is.

When a replenishment error occurs, the control unit 201 interrupts the aspiration of a new blood sample by the aspirating / dispensing mechanism unit 41 (S601), and performs processing on the already aspirated sample (S602). The control unit 201 waits for the cassette 20 to reach the position Mp (S603). When the cassette 20 reaches the position Mp (S603: YES), the control unit 201 dispenses methanol from the second methanol chamber 112 to the cassette 20 (S604). In addition, the control unit 201 determines whether the liquid level of the first methanol chamber 111 exceeds the reference position (S605). If the liquid level exceeds the reference position (S605: YES), the first methanol chamber 111 is determined. A predetermined amount of methanol is discharged from (S606).

  Until the replenishment error is canceled in S408 of FIG. 12 or S310 of FIG. 11 (S607: NO), the processing of S603 to S606 is repeated for the sample that has been aspirated by the aspiration dispensing mechanism unit 41.

  When the replenishment error is canceled (S607: YES) until the processing (dispensing of methanol) for all the aspirated samples is completed (S602: NO), the control unit 201 resumes aspiration of the sample ( S608), the process proceeds to S112 in FIG.

  When the processing (dispensing of methanol) for all the aspirated samples is completed (S602: YES) until the replenishment error is canceled (S607: NO), the control unit 201 cancels the replenishment error. Wait (S607). Thereafter, when the replenishment error is canceled (S607: YES), the control unit 201 resumes the aspiration of the sample (S608), and the process proceeds to S112 in FIG.

  If the replenishment error is canceled in S408 of FIG. 12 and the process proceeds to S112 of FIG. 8, if the replacement of methanol for the first methanol chamber 111 has already been completed by the replacement process of FIG. (S112: YES), the control unit 201 returns to S101, and executes the dispensing process using the first methanol chamber 111 after the methanol exchange. On the other hand, if the replacement of methanol with respect to the first methanol chamber 111 is not yet completed (S112: NO), the control unit 201 proceeds to S109 and executes a dispensing process using the second methanol chamber 112.

  Further, if the supply error is canceled in S310 in FIG. 11 and the process proceeds to S112 in FIG. 8, the replacement of methanol to the first methanol chamber 111 has already been completed in S308 in FIG. (S112: YES), the control unit 201 returns to S101 and executes a dispensing process using the first methanol chamber 111 after the methanol exchange.

  In the process of FIG. 13A, the dispensing of methanol to the aspirated specimen is mainly performed from the second methanol chamber 112. In the process of FIG. 13B, all of the dispensing of methanol to the aspirated specimen is performed from the second methanol chamber 112. For this reason, the second methanol chamber 112 contains an amount of methanol that can be replenished to all the aspirated specimens even when a replenishment error occurs. That is, the reference position of the second methanol chamber 112 defines the amount of methanol that can be replenished to all the aspirated specimens when a replenishment error occurs.

  Note that the second methanol chamber 112 stores the methanol that can be dispensed to all the samples that have been aspirated by the aspiration dispensing mechanism unit 41 when a replenishment error occurs in this way, and thus the second methanol chamber 112 The reference position is set higher than the reference position of the first methanol chamber 111. Thereby, even when a replenishment error occurs, dispensing of methanol to all the aspirated samples can be reliably completed.

<Specific example during normal operation>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a specific example of the above processing.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when methanol is reused, methanol is dispensed from the first methanol chamber 111 to the cassette 20 at the position Mp, and methanol is recovered from the cassette 20 to the first methanol chamber 111 at the position D1p. . When the reuse counter Rk reaches the threshold number R0, processing at the time of replacement is started, and as shown in FIG. 5B, methanol is dispensed from the second methanol chamber 112 to the cassette 20 at the position Mp, and at the position D1p. Methanol is recovered from the cassette 20 to the first methanol chamber 111. At this time, a maximum of d1 cassettes 20 exist between the position Mp and the position D1p. This process is repeated until the collection counter Ck reaches the threshold number C0. In the meantime, if the methanol stored in the first methanol chamber 111 exceeds the reference position, the methanol is discharged from the first methanol chamber 111 as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, when the collection counter Ck reaches the threshold number C0, methanol is discharged from the first methanol chamber 111 as shown in FIG. At this time, methanol is dispensed from the second methanol chamber 112 to the cassette 20 at the position Mp. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5E, when methanol is replenished to the reference position in the first methanol chamber 111, the process is switched to the process at the time of reuse, and as shown in FIG. 111 is used.

<Specific example at the time of supply error>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a specific example when a supply error has occurred in S103 of FIG. 8 (S105: YES).

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when methanol is reused, methanol is dispensed from the first methanol chamber 111 to the cassette 20 at the position Mp, and methanol is recovered from the cassette 20 to the first methanol chamber 111 at the position D1p. . When the reuse counter is Rk, if the first methanol chamber 111 cannot be replenished with methanol from the bottle 101 and a replenishment error occurs, the second methanol chamber 112 is moved from the second methanol chamber 112 at the position Mp as shown in FIG. Methanol is dispensed into the cassette 20, and methanol is recovered from the cassette 20 to the first methanol chamber 111 at the position D1p. At this time, there are a maximum of d2 samples that have been aspirated by the aspiration dispensing mechanism unit 41. This process is repeated until the processing of d2 specimens that have been aspirated is completed or the replenishment error is cleared. Meanwhile, when the methanol stored in the first methanol chamber 111 exceeds the reference position, methanol is dispensed from the first methanol chamber 111 to the cassette 20 at the position Mp as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4D, when the processing of the d2 specimens that have been aspirated is completed, the processing waits until the replenishment error is cleared. Thereafter, when the replenishment to the first methanol chamber 111 and the second methanol chamber 112 is completed and the replenishment error is canceled, the methanol recycling process is resumed as shown in FIG. At this time, the reuse counter Rk is restarted from the value of the reuse counter before the supply error (Rk in FIG. 5A). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5F, the processing using the first methanol chamber 111 is continued.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a specific example when a supply error has occurred in S110 of FIG. 8 (S111: YES).

When the reuse counter Rk reaches the threshold number R0 as shown in FIG. 11A, the processing at the time of replacement is started, and the second methanol chamber 112 is transferred from the second methanol chamber 112 to the cassette 20 at the position Mp as shown in FIG. Methanol is dispensed, and methanol is recovered from the cassette 20 to the first methanol chamber 111 at the position D1p. When the collection counter Ck is Ck1, if the second methanol chamber 112 cannot be replenished with methanol from the bottle 101 and a replenishment error occurs, the second methanol chamber 112 is continuously dispensed to the cassette 20 at the position Mp. Is called. At this time, there are (d1-Ck1) cassettes 20 that are between the position Mp and the position D1p and are dispensed from the first methanol chamber 111 at the time of reuse. Thereafter, when the methanol stored in the first methanol chamber 111 exceeds the reference position while the dispensing from the second methanol chamber 112 is continued, as shown in FIG. From which methanol is discharged. During this time, methanol is recovered in the first methanol chamber 111, and the recovery counter Ck is counted up for each recovery.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4D, when the processing of the d2 specimens that have been aspirated is completed, the processing waits until the replenishment error is cleared. After that, when the replenishment to the second methanol chamber 112 is completed and the replenishment error is canceled, the recovery counter Ck has reached the threshold number C0, and therefore, as shown in FIG. Methanol is discharged from the chamber 111. At this time, methanol is dispensed from the second methanol chamber 112 to the cassette 20 at the position Mp. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5F, when methanol is supplied to the first methanol chamber 111 to the reference position, the process is switched to the process at the time of reuse, and the process using the first methanol chamber 111 is performed.

<Treatment during flow path cleaning>
In the smear preparation apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, between the first mixing chamber 151 and the dispensing pipette D2a (the first mixing chamber 151, the valves v51a and v51b, the diaphragm pump 162, the dispensing pipette D2a, Between the second mixing chamber 152 and the dispensing pipette D3a (the second mixing chamber 152, the valves v52a and v52b, the diaphragm pump 164, the dispensing pipette D3a, and the flow path therebetween), Can be washed with methanol. Hereinafter, since the cleaning between the second mixing chamber 152 and the dispensing pipette D3a is substantially the same as the cleaning between the first mixing chamber 151 and the dispensing pipette D2a, the dispensing from the first mixing chamber 151 is performed here. Only the cleaning between the pipettes D2a will be described.

  FIG. 17A is a flowchart showing the methanol dispensing process during cleaning between the first mixing chamber 151 and the dispensing pipette D2a.

  When the control unit 201 receives a display instruction for the flow path cleaning instruction screen 500 by the user (S701: YES), the control unit 201 displays the flow path cleaning instruction screen 500 shown in FIG. 17C on the display operation unit 2a (see FIG. 1). (S702). A flow path cleaning start button 501 is arranged on the flow path cleaning instruction screen 500.

  Next, when the flow path cleaning start button 501 is pressed by the user and the control unit 201 receives a flow path cleaning instruction (S703: YES), the control unit 201 removes the staining liquid and the like in the first mixing chamber 151 from the waste liquid chamber 165. And the staining solution in the waste liquid chamber 165 is discharged (S704). Subsequently, the control unit 201 transfers methanol from the second methanol chamber 112 to the first mixing chamber 151 (S705).

Subsequently, the control unit 201 causes the process to wait until an empty cassette 20 is positioned at the position D2p of the staining processing mechanism unit D2 (S704). When the empty cassette 20 is positioned at the position D2p (S706: YES), the control unit 201 dispenses methanol from the first mixing chamber 151 to the empty cassette 20 at the position D2p (S707). Thus, the process ends. As described above, the new methanol stored in the second methanol chamber 112 is caused to flow from the first mixing chamber 151 to the dispensing pipette D2a, so that the dirt attached to the flow path and the like between them is effectively washed. Is done.

  FIG. 17B is a flowchart showing a methanol recovery process during cleaning between the first mixing chamber 151 and the dispensing pipette D2a.

  The control unit 201 causes the process to wait until the empty cassette 20 into which methanol has been dispensed in S705 is positioned at the position D3p of the staining processing mechanism unit D3 (S711). When the empty cassette 20 is positioned at the position D3p (S711: YES), the control unit 201 collects methanol from the empty cassette 20 at the position D3p into the waste liquid chamber 165 (S712), and the methanol in the waste liquid chamber 165. Is discharged (S713). Thus, the process ends. Thus, the methanol from the second methanol chamber 112 is discharged after being used for cleaning the flow path from the first mixing chamber 151 to the dispensing pipette D2a. In this case, the flow path until the methanol recovered from the recovery pipette D3b is discharged by the methanol recovered at the position D3p (recovery pipette D3b, valve v56, waste liquid chamber 165, valve v55, and the flow path therebetween. ) Can also be washed.

  When the cleaning between the second mixing chamber 152 and the dispensing pipette D3a is performed in the same manner as described above, the flow of the methanol recovered from the recovery pipette Wb by the methanol recovered at the position Wp until the methanol is recovered. The road is washed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, new methanol is supplied from the bottle 101 to the first methanol chamber 111, and methanol is recovered through the recovery pipette D1b, and the methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 is reused. Is done. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the processing amount of methanol. Further, only new methanol contained in the bottle 101 is supplied to the second methanol chamber 112. This makes it possible to dispense new methanol from the dispensing pipette Ma.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, new methanol stored in the second methanol chamber 112 can be supplied to the first mixing chamber 151 and the second mixing chamber 152. This makes it possible to effectively clean the space between the first mixing chamber 151 and the dispensing pipette D2a and the space between the second mixing chamber 152 and the dispensing pipette D3a using new methanol.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when a replenishment error occurs, methanol is dispensed from the second methanol chamber 112 to the cassette 20, so that the methanol dispensing process can be continued.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when a replenishment error occurs, methanol that can be dispensed to all the samples that have been aspirated by the aspiration dispensing mechanism unit 41 is stored in the second methanol chamber 112. ing. Thereby, even when a replenishment error occurs, the aspirated specimen is not wasted.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, embodiment of this invention is not limited to these.

  For example, in the above embodiment, one slide glass 10 (smear sample) is accommodated in one cassette 20, but not limited to this, a plurality of slide glasses 10 (smear samples) are accommodated. May be.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the May-Grunwald solution as the staining solution can be reused as in the case of methanol. For example, in FIG. 5, the May-Grunwald liquid in the first staining liquid chamber 121 is dispensed via the dispensing pipette D1a, and the May-Grunwald liquid recovered from the cassette 20 via the recovery pipette D2b is the first staining liquid chamber. 121 may be collected. In addition, if the May-Grunwald liquid in the first staining liquid chamber 121 becomes dirty, a new May-Grunwald liquid in the second staining liquid chamber 122 can be used as appropriate.

  In this case, the user can easily change the operation to stop the reuse of the May-Grunwald liquid and use only the May-Grunwald liquid in the second staining liquid chamber 122. That is, in the present embodiment, since the first staining liquid chamber 121 and the second staining liquid chamber 122 are arranged, it is easy to remove the first staining liquid chamber 121 used for reuse without cleaning. The operation can be changed to use the May-Grunwald solution in the second staining solution chamber 122.

  In the above embodiment, when the number of methanol reuses (reuse counter Rk) reaches a predetermined number of times (threshold number R0) during the reuse of methanol, the methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 is The use is stopped and the exchange process is started (S107 in FIG. 8). Further, when the liquid level of the first methanol chamber 111 is lower than the reference position during the reuse of methanol, the first methanol chamber 111 is replenished with methanol so that the liquid level becomes the reference position (S402 in FIG. 12). . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to prevent the methanol from being replenished even when the liquid level of the first methanol chamber 111 falls below the reference position when the methanol is reused. In this case, the process for replacing the first methanol chamber 111 is not executed according to the number of times of reuse of methanol (reuse counter Rk), but is executed based on the remaining amount of the first methanol chamber 111. You may make it. Furthermore, the condition for stopping the use of methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 is not limited to the number of times of use of methanol. For example, the turbidity of methanol in the first methanol chamber 111 may be monitored and reuse may be stopped when the turbidity of methanol exceeds a certain value as a result of repeated reuse.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the connection range of the flow path shown in FIG. 5 was switched by each valve, it does not restrict to this, For example, the syringe pump which provides a syringe pump in each flow path, and drives it The connection range of the flow path may be switched by switching.

  In the above embodiment, the methanol recovered from the cassette 20 via the recovery pipette D1b is transferred to the first methanol chamber 111. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is transferred to a chamber other than the first methanol chamber 111. You may do it. In this case, methanol transferred to the chamber may be reused. Further, the recovered methanol may be recovered in the waste liquid chamber 165, or may be discharged out of the smear preparation apparatus 2.

  In the above embodiment, in the methanol dispensing process (FIG. 13A) when a replenishment error occurs during reuse, the liquid level in the first methanol chamber 111 is above the reference position (S504: YES), methanol was dispensed from the first methanol chamber 111 (S505). However, in S505, the methanol may be discharged from the first methanol chamber 111 via the valve v14 so that the liquid level of the first methanol chamber 111 becomes the reference position.

In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be variously modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

2 ... Smear preparation device (specimen preparation device)
20 ... Cassette (container)
41 ... Suction dispensing mechanism (suction unit)
44 ... Smearing mechanism (smearing part)
111 ... 1st methanol chamber (1st container)
112 ... Second methanol chamber (second container)
151... First mixing chamber (third container)
152 ... 2nd mixing chamber (3rd container)
165 ... Waste liquid chamber (fourth container)
113 ... Pressure regulator (fixed liquid supply part, fixed liquid recovery part, fixed liquid discharge part, replenishment part)
114, 115 ... Pressure regulator (fixed liquid supply part)
161, 163 ... Pressure regulator (stain solution supply part)
166 ... Pressure controller (stain solution recovery unit, waste solution discharge unit)
116… Diaphragm pump (fixed liquid supply part)
162, 164 ... Diaphragm pump (stain solution supply part)
201 ... Control unit 202 ... Storage unit 400 ... Threshold count setting screen (condition receiving means)
Ma: Dispensing pipette (fixed solution supply part)
D1a to D3a ... Pipetting pipette (stain solution supply part)
D1b ... Recovery pipette (fixed liquid recovery part)
D3b, Wb ... Recovery pipette (stain solution recovery part)
v11, v12, v14 to v17, v18a, v18b, v19a ... Valve (fixed liquid supply part)
v51a, v51b, v52a, v52b ... Valve (stain solution supply part)
v11, v14 to v16 ... Valve (fixed liquid recovery part, fixed liquid discharge part)
v11 to v16 ... Valve (replenisher)
v53 to v56 ... Valve (stain solution collection unit, waste solution discharge unit)

Claims (14)

A specimen preparation device for fixing a specimen contained in a container using a fixing liquid, and staining the fixed specimen using a staining liquid,
A first container for storing a fixative for fixing the specimen;
A second container for storing a fixative for fixing the specimen;
A third container for storing the staining solution;
A fixing liquid supply unit capable of selectively supplying the fixing liquid stored in the first and second containers to a container housing a specimen;
A staining liquid supply unit capable of supplying the staining liquid stored in the third container to a container housing the specimen;
A fixing liquid recovery unit for recovering the fixing liquid supplied to the container in the first container;
The fixing liquid supply unit is configured to be able to supply the fixing liquid stored in the second container to the flow path in order to wash the flow path of the staining liquid supply unit.
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. In the specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 1,
A storage unit for storing a limiting condition for limiting the use of the fixative in the first container;
When the restriction condition is satisfied as a result of repeatedly using the fixing solution in the first container, the fixing solution supply unit supplies the fixing solution in the second container to the container instead of the first container.
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. In the specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 2,
The restriction condition includes a use limit number of times of the fixative in the first container.
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. In the specimen preparation device according to claim 2 or 3,
A fixing liquid discharging part for discharging the fixing liquid of the first container;
The fixing liquid discharger discharges the fixing liquid in the first container when the restriction condition is satisfied;
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
A replenishment unit for replenishing the fixative;
The replenishing unit replenishes the first container with the fixing liquid after the fixing liquid discharging unit discharges the fixing liquid of the first container,
The fixing liquid supply unit supplies the fixing liquid from the second container to the container until the replenishment of the fixing liquid to the first container is completed.
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. In the specimen preparation device according to claim 5,
When the recovery of the fixing liquid supplied from the first container to the first container is completed, the fixing liquid discharging unit discharges the fixing liquid of the first container,
The replenishment unit starts replenishment to the first container when the discharge of the fixing liquid from the first container is completed.
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The fixing liquid supply unit sequentially supplies the fixing liquid of the first container to a plurality of containers,
The fixing liquid recovery unit is configured to recover the fixing liquid from the container to the first container after a predetermined time has elapsed since the fixing liquid of the first container was supplied to the container.
When the supply of the fixing liquid by the fixing liquid supply unit satisfies the restriction condition, the fixing liquid discharge unit supplies the first container to the first container by the fixing liquid recovery unit after the predetermined time has elapsed since the supply. When the fixative is collected, the fixative in the first container is discharged,
The replenishment unit starts replenishment of the fixing liquid to the first container when the discharge of the fixing liquid of the first container is completed.
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. In the specimen preparation device according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
Comprising a condition accepting means for accepting an input of the restriction condition;
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. In the specimen preparation device according to claim 5,
The replenishing unit replenishes the first container with a fixing solution when the amount of the fixing solution in the first container falls below a reference amount,
The fixing liquid supply unit supplies the fixing liquid from the second container to the container instead of the first container when an abnormality occurs in the replenishment by the replenishing unit.
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
A suction section for sucking a specimen;
A smear part that smears the specimen sucked by the suction part on a slide glass to generate a specimen; and
The aspiration unit stops aspiration of the specimen when an abnormality occurs in the replenishment by the replenishment unit,
The replenishment unit has aspirated by the aspirating unit, and stores in the second container an amount of fixing solution necessary for fixing all specimens to which no fixing solution is supplied.
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. In the specimen preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The fixing liquid supply unit includes: a discharging unit that discharges the fixing liquid to a container; a first flow path that connects the discharging unit and the first container; and a first channel that connects the discharging unit and the second container. A switching unit that switches between two channels, the first channel and the second channel, and a moving force generation unit that generates a moving force so that the fixed liquid moves toward the discharge unit,
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. In the specimen preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The fixing solution supplied to wash the flow path of the staining solution supply unit is discharged without being returned to the first and second containers,
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
A fourth container for storing waste liquid;
A staining liquid recovery unit capable of recovering the staining liquid supplied to the container in the fourth container;
A waste liquid discharger for discharging the waste liquid stored in the fourth container,
The staining liquid supply unit supplies the fixing liquid supplied for cleaning to a container that does not contain a specimen,
The staining liquid recovery unit recovers the fixing liquid supplied to the container in the fourth container,
The waste liquid discharger discharges the fixing liquid stored in the fourth container as waste liquid.
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above. A specimen preparation device for fixing a specimen contained in a container using a fixing liquid, and staining the fixed specimen using a staining liquid,
A first container for storing a fixative for fixing the specimen;
A second container for storing a fixative for fixing the specimen;
A fixing liquid supply unit capable of selectively supplying the fixing liquid stored in the first and second containers to a container housing a specimen;
A fixing liquid recovery unit that recovers the fixing liquid supplied to the container in the first container;
A fixing liquid discharger for discharging the fixing liquid;
A replenisher that replenishes the fixative;
A control unit,
The controller is
A plurality of first controls for controlling the fixing liquid supply unit and the fixing liquid recovery unit so as to supply the fixing liquid from the first container to the container and recover the fixing liquid from the container to the first container. Run against the body,
When the first control is completed for a predetermined number of containers, the fixing liquid discharging unit and the supplying unit are controlled so as to supply the fixing liquid to the first container after discharging the fixing liquid from the first container. Execute the second control,
While performing the second control, execute a third control for controlling the fixing liquid supply unit to supply the fixing liquid from the second container to the container,
A specimen preparation device characterized by the above.

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