JP2014085150A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer having a plurality of holding parts to hold a sample rack according to usage, in a space-saving manner.SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer includes: a sampling part 34; a first holding part 321 for holding a plurality of sample racks which accommodate sample containers; a second holding part 322 and a third holding part 323 which are disposed between the sampling part 34 and the first holding part 321 and accommodate the plurality of sample racks; a reading part 326 which is disposed on a conveyance path 325 for delivering each sample rack from the first holding part 321 to the sampling part 34 and reads specimen information disposed in each sample container; and a distribution part 327 which distributes a sample rack accommodating a sample container in which at least one of a reading error by the reading part 326 and a sampling error by the sampling part 34 is detected, to the second holding part 322 and distributes a sample rack accommodating a sample container in which no error is detected, to the third holding part 323.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer.

  The automatic analyzer chemically analyzes a specimen such as blood or urine (hereinafter referred to as a sample). The automatic analyzer includes a plurality of stockers that hold sample racks that accommodate a plurality of sample containers each having a plurality of samples. At this time, the transport mechanism of the automatic analyzer moves the sample rack arranged in the input stocker to the sampling unit by the operator. The transport mechanism transports the sample contained in the sample container to a collection stocker that collects the sample rack after sampling. In the transport mechanism, when sample clogging in the sample probe or reading failure of specimen information provided in the sample container occurs, the sample rack is transported to a stocker different from the normal collection rack (hereinafter referred to as an error stocker). There is a way to do it.

  On the other hand, the transport mechanism has a mechanism in which a sample rack containing a sample rack having an urgent specimen (hereinafter referred to as a STAT rack) overtakes a sample rack having a specimen having no urgency (hereinafter referred to as a normal rack). Sometimes it is.

  However, the sample rack related to the abnormality detected at the time of sampling and the sample rack related to the reading error of the specimen information are carried out to a stocker different from the stocker that collects the sample rack that has been normally sampled, and a stocker that holds the STAT rack is provided. In addition, there is no transport mechanism that performs quick processing of STAT racks. The conventional transport mechanism has a problem that the size of the automatic analyzer increases as the stocker increases.

JP 2004-279357 A JP 2010-8372 A JP 2011-64537 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that includes a plurality of holding units that hold sample racks according to applications in a space-saving manner.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment includes a sampling unit that samples a sample stored in each of a plurality of sample containers, a first holding unit that holds a plurality of sample racks that store the sample containers, and the sampling unit. A second holding unit and a third holding unit that are provided between the first holding unit and a plurality of sample racks; and a conveyance path that conveys each of the sample racks from the first holding unit to the sampling unit. A reading unit for reading specimen information provided in each of the sample containers, and a sample rack for storing a sample container in which at least one error among a reading error by the reading unit and a sampling error by the sampling unit is detected Is distributed to the second holding part, and a sump for accommodating a sample container in which the error is not detected Characterized by comprising a distributor for distributing the rack in the third holding unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the reaction mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transport mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a modification of the positional relationship of the first to fourth holding units according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the conveyance path according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of distribution processing according to the first embodiment, in which the sample rack transported to the distribution unit is distributed to the second or third holding unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transport mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a modified example of the transport mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart according to the second embodiment, illustrating an example of a procedure of a transport process for transporting the sample rack transported to the retest standby portion of the third holding unit to the first holding unit based on the analysis result. It is.

  Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a reaction mechanism 30, an analysis unit 50, an output unit 60, an input unit 70, a system control unit 80, and an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 90. With.

  The reaction mechanism 30 includes a transport mechanism 32, a sampling unit 34, a photometry unit 36, and a reaction mechanism control unit 38. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the reaction mechanism 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the reaction mechanism 30 includes a reaction disk 310, a second reagent container 350, a first reagent container 370, a sample probe 334, a sample arm 336, a second reagent probe 354, a second reagent arm 356, and a first reagent. The probe 374, the first reagent arm 376, the stirring unit 380, the cleaning unit 385, the transport mechanism 32, the sampling unit 34, and the photometry unit 36 are included. As shown in FIG. 2, an annular rotary table 3201 described later is provided with four support portions 3203, 3205, 3207, and 3209 every 90 °. Note that the number of support portions provided on the rotary table 3201 is not limited to four, and may be any plurality of support portions. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that the number of support portions provided on the rotary table 3201 is four. Two transport paths 325 are provided in parallel in two parallel tangential directions of the turntable 3201. Inside the inner ring of the rotary table 3201, a moving unit 3225 is provided for moving each of the plurality of sample containers accommodated in the sample rack supported by the support unit to the sampling position.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transport mechanism 32 according to the first embodiment.
The conveyance mechanism 32 includes a first holding unit 321, a second holding unit 322, a third holding unit 323, a fourth holding unit 324, a conveyance path 325, a reading unit 326, a distribution unit 327, and a rotary table. 3201.

  The first holding unit 321 holds a plurality of sample racks before sampling (hereinafter referred to as unsampled racks). The sample rack accommodates a plurality of sample containers. A sample is accommodated in each of the plurality of sample containers. The unsampling rack held by the first holding unit 321 is moved to the conveyance path 325 along the long axis direction a of the first holding unit 321 by, for example, belt driving.

  The second holding unit 322 holds a plurality of sample racks distributed by a distribution unit 327 described later. The sample rack held by the second holding unit 322 includes a plurality of samples containing sample containers in which at least one error is detected among a reading error by a reading unit 326 described later and a sampling error by a sampling unit 34 described later. Hold the rack. As shown in FIG. 3, the sample rack distributed to the second holding unit 322 is moved along the direction b in which the sample rack is arranged in the second holding unit 322.

  The third holding unit 323 holds a plurality of sample racks distributed by a distribution unit 327 described later. The sample racks held by the third holding unit 323 are a plurality of sample racks that contain sample containers in which no error has been detected. As shown in FIG. 3, the sample rack distributed to the third holding unit 323 is moved along the major axis direction c of the third holding unit 323.

  The fourth holding unit 324 holds at least one sample rack that is transported preferentially to the sampling unit 34. Specifically, the fourth holding unit 324 holds a sample rack (hereinafter referred to as a STAT rack) related to an emergency specimen test. For example, the fourth holding unit 324 moves the STAT rack to a conveyance path 325 described later, triggered by an operation of a button (hereinafter referred to as a STAT button) for executing an emergency specimen test in the input unit 70 described later. That is, the STAT rack is moved in the fourth holding portion 324 along the arrangement direction d of the STAT rack. The STAT rack moved to the transport path 325 is distributed to the second holding unit 322 or the third holding unit 323 by the distribution unit 327 described later, similarly to the sample rack described above. Since the movement of the STAT rack after the movement to the conveyance path 325, conveyance, and the like move in the same manner as the sample rack described above, the following description will be limited to the sample rack for the sake of simplicity.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second holding unit 322 and the third holding unit 323 are disposed between the first holding unit 321 and the sampling unit 34. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second holding unit 322, the third holding unit 323, and the fourth holding unit 324 may be disposed between the first holding unit 321 and the sampling unit 34. The second holding unit 322, the third holding unit 323, and the fourth holding unit 324 are held in the arrangement direction of the plurality of sample racks held in the second holding unit 322 and in the third holding unit 323. The arrangement direction of the plurality of sample racks and the arrangement direction of the plurality of sample racks held in the fourth holding unit 324 may be aligned in the same direction and arranged in a straight line. Note that the fourth holding unit 324 may not be mounted on the transport mechanism 32.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a modification of the positional relationship between the first to fourth holding units. As shown in FIG. 4, the first holding part 321, the second holding part 322, the third holding part 323, and the fourth holding part 324 are arranged in a straight line with the direction in which the sample racks are arranged aligned. May be. The first holding unit 321, the second holding unit 322, the third holding unit 323, and the fourth holding unit 324 are arranged on the front surface 3 of the main body of the automatic analyzer 100 as shown in FIGS. However, it may be provided on the side surface 4 or the back surface 5 of the apparatus main body. In addition to the first to fourth holding units, the transport mechanism 32 further includes a plurality of holding units according to applications (for example, a holding unit that holds a STAT rack used for reinspection). Also good. At this time, the plurality of added holding parts are arranged on the front side or the back side of the first to fourth holding parts in FIG.

  The conveyance path 325 conveys the sample rack moved from the first holding unit 321 to a rotation table 3201 described later by, for example, belt driving. The conveyance path 325 conveys the STAT rack moved by the fourth holding unit 324 to a turntable 3201 described later. The conveyance path 325 conveys the sample rack carried out from the turntable 3201 to a distribution unit 327 described later. The transport path 325 may transport the sample rack by a mechanism that pushes out or pulls the sample rack in place of the belt drive.

  Note that the conveyance path 325 may have a rectangular shape. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the conveyance path 325. As shown in FIG. 5, the conveyance path 325 has a rectangular shape. The sample rack transported to the point A of the transport path 325 in FIG. The sample rack transported to the point B on the transport path 325 in FIG. At this time, the sample container C accommodated in the sample rack is arranged at the sampling position. That is, in FIG. 5, the sample container C is disposed immediately below the movement locus 3231 of the sample probe 334 described later. When the conveyance path 325 has a rectangular shape, the rotary table 3201 is not necessary. Further, the transport path 325 includes information (hereinafter referred to as read error information) relating to a sample rack (hereinafter referred to as a read error rack) that accommodates a sample container in which an error relating to reading of sample information (hereinafter referred to as a read error) is detected. Is read from a reading unit 326 described later, the reading error rack is conveyed to a distribution unit 327 described later.

  The reading unit 326 is provided in the vicinity of the conveyance path 325 between the fourth holding unit 324 and a rotary table 3201 described later. The reading unit 326 reads specimen information of each of the plurality of sample containers accommodated in the sample rack. The reading unit 326 outputs whether or not the sample information can be read to a distribution unit 327 described later. The specimen information is information relating to the sample indicated by a barcode, for example. When the sample information is a barcode, the reading unit 326 is a barcode reader. Note that the sample information may be stored in a storage medium such as an IC tag attached to the sample container. At this time, the reading unit 326 has a function of reading the sample information by accessing the storage medium via electromagnetic waves or the like.

  The reading unit 326 outputs read error information to a rotation table 3201, a sampling unit 34, and a distribution unit 327, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 5, when the sample rack is transported to the sampling position by the transport path 325, the reading unit 326 outputs read error information to the transport path 325. If the rotation table 3201 is not provided, the reading unit 326 outputs read error information to the conveyance path 325.

  The turntable 3201 has a structure that can rotate around a rotation axis. The rotary table 3201 is provided with a rotation drive unit (not shown). The rotation drive unit rotates the turntable 3201 under the control of the reaction mechanism control unit 38 described later. The rotary table 3201 is provided with a plurality of support parts 3203, 3205, 3207, 3209. The turntable 3201 has an annular structure along the rotation direction. When the reading error information is output from the reading unit 326, the rotary table 3201 moves the reading error rack to the conveyance path 325 without stopping at the sampling position.

  The plurality of support parts 3203, 3205, 3207, and 3209 support the sample rack conveyed by the conveyance path 325 so as to be movable in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the rotary table 3201. Specifically, the support portions 3203, 3205, 3207, and 3209 are not shown in the drawing, in which the sample racks that are transported by the transport path 325 are stacked, and the stacking portions that are movable in the radial direction are not illustrated. A radial movement mechanism. The loading unit has a ship-like shape for loading an unsampling rack carried in from the carrying path. At this time, the sample rack loaded on the loading unit is fixed to the loading unit (hereinafter referred to as a fixed state). After sampling, the sample rack fixed to the stacking unit is released from the fixed state in the vicinity of the transport path 325. The sample rack released from the fixed state is moved from the stacking unit to the transport path 325.

  The stacking unit includes a roller 3223 on a side surface (hereinafter referred to as an axial side surface) of the rotary table 3201 on the rotary shaft side. The roller 3223 is provided to smoothly move the side wall of the moving unit (not shown). Note that the loading unit may be provided with a plurality of rollers on the shaft side surface. The rotation axis of the roller 3223 and the rotation axis of the turntable 3201 are substantially parallel.

  The radial movement mechanism 3225 includes, for example, a rail provided on the rotary table 3201 along the radial direction, a runner provided on the stacking unit, and a predetermined tension from the axial side surface of the stacking unit toward the rotary shaft of the rotary table 3201. A pulling elastic body. The rail and the runner are provided on the lower surface of the center of gravity of the loading unit. Note that the rail and the runner may be further provided at an end portion in the major axis direction of the loading portion. Further, instead of the configuration of the rail and the runner, for example, an elastic body may be provided on both side surfaces outside the loading portion. That is, the radial direction moving mechanism may be any method as long as the stacking unit can be moved in the radial direction. The elastic body is, for example, a spring provided between the shaft side surface of the loading unit and the inner ring of the rotary table 3201. The elastic body always pulls the stacking portion toward the rotating shaft of the turntable 3201 with a predetermined tension. The elastic body is pushed between the outer side surface and the outer ring of the rotary table 3201 in order to push the elastic body from the outer side of the side surface (hereinafter referred to as the outer side surface) opposite to the axial side surface of the stacking portion with a predetermined force. It may be a provided spring.

  The moving unit moves each of the support units 3203, 3205, 3207, and 3209 in the radial direction in accordance with the rotational movement of the support units 3203, 3205, 3207, and 3209 due to the rotation of the rotary table 3201. Specifically, the moving unit includes a cam 3225 that moves the support units 3203, 3205, 3207, and 3209 in the radial direction. For example, the cam 3225 is provided inside the inner ring of the rotary table 3201. The cam 3225 sucks a sample in each sample container 3229 accommodated in the sample rack 3227 supported by the support portion 3209 according to the rotational movement of the support portion 3207 by the rotation of the rotary table 3201 (hereinafter referred to as a sampling position). ).

  The thick arrows in FIGS. 3 to 5 indicate the moving direction of the sample rack. A dotted line 3231 in the transport mechanism 32 in FIG. 2 and an arrow 3231 with the sampling unit 34 in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 as the center indicate the movement trajectory of the sample probe 334 to be described.

  The sampling unit 34 samples the sample in the sample container moved to the sampling position. Specifically, the sampling unit 34 includes a sample probe 334, a sample arm 336, and a sample dispensing pump (not shown). The sample probe 334 is attached to the tip of the sample arm 336. When the reading error information is output from the reading unit 326, the sampling unit 34 does not perform sampling on the reading error rack.

  The sample arm 336 supports the sample probe 334 so as to be rotatable. The sample probe 334 sucks the sample from the sample container 3229 moved to the sampling position by the sample dispensing pump. The sample probe 334 discharges the sucked sample to the reaction container 312 at the position where the sample on the reaction disk 310 is discharged. The sampling unit 34 includes information (hereinafter referred to as a sampling error) regarding a sample rack (hereinafter referred to as a sampling error rack) that accommodates a sample container that has detected an error (hereinafter referred to as a sampling error) relating to sampling of a sample accommodated in the sample container. (Referred to as information) is output to a distribution unit to be described later. Specifically, the sampling unit 34 outputs sampling error information to the distribution unit 327 when the suction pressure of the sample probe 334 by sampling (hereinafter referred to as sample suction pressure) is outside a predetermined range. The sampling error is, for example, a suction error (empty suction) such as air mixing into the sample probe 334 due to a clogged sample probe or a small sample amount.

  The distribution unit 327 distributes the sample rack moved from the transport path 325 to the second holding unit 322 or the third holding unit 323 based on the output from the sampling unit 34 and the output from the reading unit 326. Specifically, when reading error information is output from the reading unit 326, the distribution unit 327 distributes the reading error rack to the second holding unit 322. When the sampling error information is output from the sampling unit 34, the distribution unit 327 distributes the sampling error rack to the second holding unit 322. When reading error information and sampling error information are not input, the distribution unit 327 distributes the sample rack to the third holding unit 323.

  The reaction disk 310 rotatably holds a plurality of reaction vessels 312 arranged on the circumference. The reaction vessel 312 is accommodated in a thermostatic chamber in the reaction disk 310. The reaction disk 310 stops after rotating at a predetermined angle for each analysis cycle. Thereby, the reaction vessel 312 is rotated by a predetermined angle.

  The second reagent storage 350 has a plurality of second reagent containers 352. The first reagent storage 370 has a plurality of first reagent containers 372. In the second reagent container 352 and the first reagent container 372, reagents that react with the components of the respective inspection items are stored.

  The second reagent probe 354 is attached to the tip of the second reagent arm 356. The second reagent arm 356 supports the second reagent probe 354 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. The second reagent probe 354 sucks the second reagent from the second reagent container 352 at the position for sucking the second reagent on the second reagent storage 350 by the second reagent dispensing pump. The second reagent probe 354 discharges the aspirated second reagent to the reaction container 312 on the reaction disk 310 at a position where the second reagent is discharged.

  The first reagent probe 374 is attached to the tip of the first reagent arm 376. The first reagent arm 376 supports the first reagent probe 374 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. The first reagent probe 374 sucks the first reagent from the first reagent container 372 at the position for sucking the first reagent on the first reagent storage 370 by the first reagent dispensing pump. The first reagent probe 374 discharges the sucked first reagent into the reaction container 312 on the reaction disk 310 at a position where the first reagent is discharged.

  The stirring unit 380 includes a stirring arm 382 and a stirring bar 384. The stirring bar 384 is attached to the tip of the stirring arm 382. The stirring arm 382 supports the stirring bar 384 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. The stirring arm 382 inserts the stirring bar 384 from the standby position into the reaction container 312 stopped at the position where the test mixture in the reaction container 312 on the reaction disk 310 is stirred. When the tip of the stirring bar 384 is lowered to the vicinity of the inner bottom surface of the reaction vessel 312, the stirring arm 382 stops the lowering of the stirring bar 384. After the stirring bar 384 is stopped, the stirring bar 384 vibrates under the control of the reaction mechanism control unit 38. As the stirring bar 384 vibrates, the mixed solution (sample and first reagent, sample and second reagent, sample, first reagent and second reagent) in the reaction vessel 312 is stirred. After stirring, the stirring arm 3822 raises the stirring bar 384 to the standby position.

  The photometric unit 36 irradiates a mixture of a test sample and a reagent (hereinafter referred to as a test mixture) with light. The photometric unit 36 converts the light transmitted through the test mixture into absorbance, and generates absorbance data regarding the test sample. The photometry unit 36 outputs the generated absorbance data to the data storage unit 52 described later. The photometry unit 36 irradiates light to a mixture of a standard substance and a reagent (hereinafter referred to as a standard mixture). The standard substance is a substance having the same or common property as the substance to be measured or a substance having a common reaction with a reagent. The photometry unit 36 converts light that has passed through the standard mixture into absorbance, and generates absorbance data relating to the standard substance. The photometric unit 36 outputs absorbance data relating to the standard substance to the data storage unit 52.

  The reaction mechanism control unit 38 responds to each element of the reaction mechanism 30 shown in FIG. 2 based on signals from the system control unit 80 regarding analysis items, analysis procedures, and the like input by the operator via the input unit 70. Create a sequence. Based on the assembled sequence, the reaction mechanism control unit 38 sets the reaction disk 310, the rotary table 3201, the second reagent storage 350, and the first reagent storage 370 shown in FIG. Rotate at an angle.

  The reaction mechanism control unit 38 rotates and moves the sample probe 334, the second reagent probe 354, and the first reagent probe 374, respectively, based on the assembled sequence. The reaction mechanism control unit 38 moves the stirrer 384 and the cleaning nozzle and the drying nozzle of the cleaning unit 385 up and down based on the assembled sequence. The reaction mechanism control unit 38 drives a sample dispensing pump, a first reagent dispensing pump, a second reagent dispensing pump, a washing pump, and a drying pump (not shown) based on the assembled sequence. The reaction mechanism control unit 38 vibrates the stirring bar 384 based on the assembled sequence.

  The reaction mechanism control unit 38 controls the transport mechanism 32 based on the assembled sequence. Specifically, the reaction mechanism control unit 38 moves the sample rack held by the first holding unit 321 to the transport path 325 along the direction of arrow a in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. The first holding unit 325 is controlled. The reaction mechanism control unit 38 moves the sample rack (read error rack and sampling error rack) held by the second holding unit 322 along the direction of the arrow b in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. The second holding unit 322 is controlled. The reaction mechanism control unit 38 controls the third holding unit 323 in order to move the sample rack held by the third holding unit 323 along the direction of the arrow c in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. . The reaction mechanism control unit 38 moves the STAT rack held by the fourth holding unit 324 along the direction of the arrow d in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, triggered by the operation of a STAT button in the input unit 70 described later. Then, the fourth holding unit 324 is controlled in order to move to the transport path 325.

  The reaction mechanism control unit 38 controls the rotary table 3201 or the conveyance path 325 so as not to place each of the plurality of sample containers accommodated in the reading error rack at the sampling position according to the reading error information. The reaction mechanism control unit 38 controls the sampling unit 34 according to the reading error information so as not to perform sampling on the samples of the plurality of sample containers accommodated in the reading error rack. The reaction mechanism control unit 38 controls the distribution unit 327 in order to distribute the reading error rack and the sampling error rack on the transport path 325 to the second holding unit 322 according to the reading error information and the sampling error information.

  The analysis unit 50 includes a sample analysis unit 51 and a data storage unit 52. The sample analysis unit 51 generates calibration curve data based on the absorbance data and analysis items stored in the data storage unit 52. The generated calibration curve data is stored in the data storage unit 52 and output to the output unit 60. Based on the calibration curve data and the absorbance data regarding the test sample stored in the data storage unit 52, the sample analysis unit 51 generates analysis data regarding the concentration and activity value of the component corresponding to the test item. . The generated analysis data is stored in the data storage unit 52 and output to the output unit 60.

  The data storage unit 52 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk. The data storage unit 52 stores the absorbance data generated by the photometry unit 36 of the reaction mechanism 30. The data storage unit 52 stores the calibration curve data generated by the sample analysis unit 51 for each standard substance. The data storage unit 52 stores the analysis data generated by the sample analysis unit 51 for each test sample.

  The output unit 60 includes a printing unit 61 and a display unit 62. The output unit 60 outputs the calibration curve and analysis data generated by the analysis unit 50 as a print or display. The printing unit 61 uses an output device such as a printer to print the calibration curve and analysis data generated by the analysis unit 50 on a printer sheet with a predetermined layout.

  The display unit 62 displays the calibration curve and analysis data generated by the analysis unit 50 in a predetermined layout using a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, or a plasma display. In addition, the display unit 62 displays an analysis condition setting screen for setting analysis conditions such as the liquid volume of the test sample, the liquid volume of the reagent, and the wavelength of the photometric beam for each measurement item. A subject information setting screen for setting a sample name and the like, a measurement item selection screen for selecting a measurement item for each test sample, and the like are displayed.

  The input unit 70 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, various buttons, and a touch key panel. The input unit 70 outputs the analysis conditions for each measurement item input by the operator via the input device, the measurement items to be measured for each test sample, and the like as operation signals to the system control unit 80. Information input by the operator via the input unit 70 may be stored in a storage unit (not shown). The input unit 70 has a STAT button for starting transport of the STAT rack held by the fourth holding unit 324 to the transport path 325. The input unit 70 outputs an input operation of the STAT button by the operator to the reaction mechanism control unit 38.

  The system control unit 80 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The system control unit 80 controls each unit in the automatic analyzer 100 in an integrated manner. The system control unit 80 controls each unit based on an operation signal supplied from the input unit 70.

  For example, a network is connected to the I / F 90. The automatic analyzer 100 may be connected to a PACS (Architecture and Communication System) via a network.

(Sample rack distribution function)
The sample rack distribution function is a function for distributing the reading error rack and the sampling error rack to the second holding unit 322 or the third holding unit 323 based on the reading error and the sampling error. Hereinafter, processing related to the sample rack distribution function (hereinafter referred to as sample rack distribution processing) will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the sample rack distribution process.
The sample rack held by the first holding unit 321 is transported to the sampling unit 34 via the transport path 325 (step Sa1). At this time, the reading of the sample information is executed in the reading unit 326 arranged in the vicinity of the conveyance path 325. When a reading error occurs by the reading unit 326 (step Sa2), the reading error rack passes through the sampling position and is conveyed to the distributing unit 327 (step Sa3). The read error rack conveyed to the distribution unit 327 is distributed to the second holding unit 322 (step Sa4).

  If no reading error occurs (step Sa2), each of the plurality of sample containers accommodated in the sample rack is moved to the sampling position (step Sa5). Sampling is started for each sample container at the sampling position (step Sa6). In sampling for each of the plurality of sample containers, the presence or absence of a sampling error is checked. When a sampling error occurs during sampling (step Sa7), the sampling error rack is transported to the distribution unit 327 (step Sa3). The sampling error rack is distributed to the second holding unit 322 by the distribution unit 327 (step Sa4).

  When sampling is completed without a sampling error (step Sa8), the sample rack is transported to the distribution unit 327 (step Sa9). The sample rack in which the sampling error and the reading error are not detected is distributed to the third holding unit 323 (Step Sa10).

According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.
According to the automatic analyzer of this embodiment, the STAT rack can be moved to the transport path 325 with priority over the sample rack held by the first holding unit 321 and errors (reading errors and sampling errors) can be detected. The sample rack and the sample rack in which no error has been detected can be transported to a plurality of different holding units (second holding unit 322 and third holding unit 323). Further, the first holding part 321, the second holding part 322, the third holding part 323, and the fourth holding part 324 are provided with a space corresponding to approximately two rows of the major axis length of the sample rack without having a complicated transport path. Can be arranged. Furthermore, further space saving can be achieved by arranging the first to fourth holding portions in a line.

  As a result, the sample rack in which the error is detected can be quickly collected. Furthermore, after removing error factors such as removing barcode stains, causes of clogging of the sample probe 334, and adding samples to compensate for insufficient sample volume, the sample rack from which the error factors have been eliminated is held first. It can be arranged in the part 321 or the fourth holding part 324 and sampled again.

  From the above, according to the present automatic analyzer, it is possible to provide a plurality of holding units for holding the sample rack according to the use in a space-saving manner without increasing the size of the automatic analyzer as the number of holding units increases. it can.

(Second Embodiment)
A difference from the first embodiment is specified by specifying a sample rack (hereinafter referred to as a retest rack) containing a sample container having a sample to be retested based on the analysis result by the analysis unit 50. The second inspection rack is transported from the third holding unit 323 to the first holding unit 321.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment.
The analysis unit 50 outputs the analysis result to the retest rack specifying unit 55 described later.

  The retest rack specifying unit determines whether to retest the sampled sample based on the analysis result. Specifically, when the analysis result is outside a predetermined range (hereinafter referred to as an out-of-range analysis result), the re-examination rack specifying unit 55 specifies a re-examination rack that accommodates the sample container corresponding to the out-of-range analysis result. . The retest rack specifying unit 55 outputs information on the retest rack (hereinafter referred to as retest information) to the transport unit 328 described later.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transport mechanism according to the second embodiment.
The third holding unit 323 has a retest waiting portion 3230 for temporarily holding a sample rack in which no error has been detected and whether or not retesting has been determined, and a sample rack in which retesting is not performed by an operator. And a recovery portion 3232 for holding until recovery. When the sample rack is distributed to the retest waiting portion 3230 by the distribution unit 327, the third holding unit 323 moves the held sample rack along the arrow e in FIG. The third holding unit 323 moves the sample rack transported by the transport unit 328 described later along the arrow f in FIG.

  The transport unit 328 is provided between the retest standby part 3230 and the collection part 3232 of the third holding part 323. The transport unit 328 collates the identification information of the sample rack moved by the third holding unit 323 with the retest information output from the retest rack specifying unit 55. When the identification information matches the retest information, the transport unit 328 transports the sample rack moved by the third holding unit 323 to the first holding unit 321 as a retest rack.

  When the first holding unit 321, the second holding unit 322, the third holding unit 323, and the fourth holding unit 324 are arranged on a straight line, the transport unit 328 is the front surface of the first to fourth holding units. In addition, it may be provided between the retest standby part 3230 and the recovery part 3232 on the side surface side of the first holding part 321. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a modified example of the transport mechanism 32.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the first holding unit 321, the second holding unit 322, the third holding unit 323, and the fourth holding unit 324 are arranged on a straight line, the transport unit 328 has the first to fourth holdings. On the side surface side of the first holding part 321, between the retest standby part 3230 and the recovery part 3232. In this case, in the transport unit 328, the retest rack g moved to the transport unit 328 between the retest standby part 3230 and the collection part 3232 is rotated by 90 ° as shown in FIG. The retest rack h is moved to the side surface side of the first holding part 321. Here, the retest rack i is rotated by 90 ° again and moved to the tail end of the first holding unit 321. Although not shown, the retest rack can be transported to the fourth holding unit 324 as a STAT rack. Further, the transport position of the retest rack to the first holding unit 321 may be an intermediate portion of the first holding unit 321.

(Re-inspection transfer function)
The reinspection transport function is a function of transporting the reinspection rack from the third holding unit 323 to the first holding unit 321. Hereinafter, processing related to the re-inspection transport function (hereinafter referred to as sample rack transport processing) will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the retest transport process for transporting the retest rack in the retest standby portion 3230 of the third holding unit 323 to the first holding unit 321 based on the analysis result.

  A sample rack that accommodates a plurality of sample containers each having a plurality of sampled samples is moved to the retest waiting portion 3230 of the third holding unit 323 via the distribution unit 327 (step Sb1). If a sampling error occurs, the sample rack is moved to the second holding unit 322 via the distribution unit 327. The sampled sample is analyzed (step Sb2). Based on the analysis result, the presence / absence of re-examination is determined (step Sb3). If reexamination is not necessary (step Sb4), the sample rack is moved from the reexamination standby portion 3230 to the collection portion of the third holding unit 323 (step Sb5).

  If retesting is necessary (step Sb4), a sample container having a sample to be retested is specified (step Sb6). Information on the retest rack that accommodates the identified sample container is output to the transport unit 328 (step Sb7). The retest rack moved to the transport unit 328 is transported to the first holding unit 321 (step Sb8).

According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.
According to the automatic analyzer 100 of the present embodiment, the sample rack after sampling is temporarily held in the retest standby part 3230 of the third holding unit 323, and the retest target among the plurality of sample racks temporarily held is selected. The sample rack can be transported to the first holding unit 321 by the transport unit 328. Thereby, according to this embodiment, reexamination of a sample can be performed automatically. Further, the reinspection rack can be preferentially executed by transporting the reinspection rack to the fourth holding unit 324.

  From the above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the automatic analyzer 100 that maintains the space saving by arranging the first to fourth holding portions in a space-saving manner and has an automatic re-inspection function. .

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

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Apparatus main body front surface, 4 ... Apparatus main body side surface, 5 ... Apparatus main body rear surface, 10 ... Sample rack rotation direction, 11 ... Sample rack rotation direction, 30 ... Reaction mechanism, 32 ... Conveyance mechanism, 34 ... Sampling part, 36 ... Photometry , 38... Reaction mechanism control unit, 50... Analysis unit, 51... Sample analysis unit, 52... Data storage unit, 55. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Input part, 80 ... System control part, 90 ... Interface (I / F), 100 ... Automatic analyzer, 310 ... Reaction disk, 312 ... Reaction container, 321 ... First holding part, 322 ... Second holding part, 323 ... 3rd holding part, 324 ... 4th holding part, 325 ... conveying path, 326 ... reading part, 327 ... distributing part, 328 ... conveying part, 334 ... sample probe, 336 ... sample arm, 350 ... second reagent 352, second reagent container, 354, second reagent probe, 356, second reagent arm, 370, first reagent container, 372, first reagent container, 374, first reagent probe, 376, first reagent arm, 380 ... Stirring unit, 382 ... Stirring arm, 384 ... Stirring bar, 385 ... Cleaning unit, 3201 ... Rotary table, 3203 ... Supporting unit, 3205 ... Supporting unit, 3207 ... Supporting unit, 3209 ... Supporting unit, 3223 ... Roller, 3225 ... Cam, 3227 ... Sample rack, 3229 ... Sample container, 3230 ... Retest waiting part, 3231 ... Movement locus of sample probe 334, 3232 ... Collection part

Claims (6)

A sampling unit for sampling a sample contained in each of a plurality of sample containers;
A first holding unit for holding a plurality of sample racks for containing the sample containers;
A second holding unit and a third holding unit which are provided between the sampling unit and the first holding unit and hold a plurality of sample racks;
A reading unit that is provided in a conveyance path for conveying each of the sample racks from the first holding unit to the sampling unit, and that reads sample information provided in each of the sample containers;
A sample rack that accommodates a sample container in which at least one of the reading error by the reading unit and the sampling error by the sampling unit is detected is distributed to the second holding unit, and the sample container in which the error has not been detected is distributed. A distribution unit that distributes the sample rack to be accommodated to the third holding unit;
The automatic analyzer characterized by comprising. A fourth holding unit that is provided between the sampling unit and the first holding unit and holds a plurality of sample racks that are transported preferentially to the sampling unit;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The second holding unit, the third holding unit, and the fourth holding unit include an arrangement direction of the plurality of sample racks held in the second holding unit, and the plurality of holdings in the third holding unit. The arrangement direction of the sample racks and the arrangement direction of the plurality of sample racks held in the fourth holding unit are aligned in the same direction, and are arranged in a straight line.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2. A sampling unit for sampling a sample contained in each of a plurality of sample containers;
A first holding unit, a second holding unit, and a third holding unit that hold a plurality of sample racks that store the sample containers, and are arranged in a straight line with the arrangement direction of the held sample racks aligned in the same direction; ,
A reading unit that is provided in a conveyance path for conveying each of the sample racks from the first holding unit to the sampling unit, and that reads sample information provided in each of the sample containers;
A sample rack that accommodates a sample container in which at least one of the reading error by the reading unit and the sampling error by the sampling unit is detected is distributed to the second holding unit, and the sample container in which the error has not been detected is distributed. A distribution unit that distributes the sample rack to be accommodated to the third holding unit;
The automatic analyzer characterized by comprising. Holding a plurality of priority sample racks that are transported preferentially to the sampling unit, and further comprising a fourth holding unit arranged along the arrangement direction of the first to third holding units;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 4. An analysis unit for analyzing the sample sampled by the sampling unit;
Based on the analysis result by the analysis unit, a retest rack identifying unit that identifies a sample rack that contains a sample container having a sample to be retested;
A transport unit that transports the specified sample rack from the third holding unit to the first holding unit;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that:

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