JP2014194351A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer capable of determining whether any dirt remains on a nozzle without limiting to a point where dirt remains.SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer has a measuring section, a determination section and a notification section. The measuring section measures, when a nozzle is out of liquid, a physical quantity reflecting capacitance between the nozzle as one electrode and the other electrode on a container containing a liquid. The determination section determines whether any dirt adheres on the nozzle based on a comparison result between the measured physical quantity and a predetermined value. The notification section notifies the result determined by the determination section.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer.

  A conventional automatic analyzer is for dispensing a test sample such as blood or urine and a reagent into a reaction container to generate a mixed solution, and analyzing the generated mixed solution. The test sample and the reagent may be referred to as “sample etc.”. Further, the test sample, the reagent, and the mixed solution may be referred to as “liquid”. Furthermore, the sample container and the reagent container in which the test sample and the reagent are put may be simply referred to as “container”.

  A nozzle and a pump are used for dispensing the liquid. First, after moving the nozzle to the position of the container containing the liquid, the nozzle is lowered and immersed in the liquid, a predetermined amount of liquid is sucked by a pump connected to the nozzle, the nozzle is raised, and then the nozzle Is moved to the position of the reaction vessel, and the sucked liquid is discharged into the reaction vessel by a pump (dispensing step).

  After the dispensing step, the mixed solution is stirred (stirring step), the concentration of the mixed solution is measured (measuring step), the nozzle is washed (washing step), and the nozzle is dried (drying step). After the above series of steps, the nozzle is prepared for the next dispensing.

  However, even if the nozzle is washed, there is a possibility that the liquid adhering to the nozzle cannot be washed away. Moreover, even if the nozzle is dried, the cleaning liquid may remain in the nozzle. As described above, the liquid or cleaning liquid remaining in the nozzle after cleaning or drying may be referred to as “dirt”.

  For example, if the nozzle is clogged due to contamination remaining on the inner diameter of the nozzle, a predetermined amount of liquid cannot be dispensed, which has a serious adverse effect on the analysis result. Further, contamination may occur due to the sample remaining in the nozzle. Furthermore, since the cleaning liquid remains in the nozzle, the concentration of the mixed liquid may not be accurately measured.

  When the nozzle is not clogged and when the nozzle is clogged, the pressure at which the pump is sucked / discharged changes. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the inner diameter of the nozzle is dirty based on this pressure change (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-14434 A

  However, the conventional technique for determining whether or not dirt remains on the nozzle is not capable of determining where dirt remains on the nozzle, and there is a problem that the place where dirt remains is limited. It was.

  This embodiment solves the above problem and provides an automatic analyzer that can determine whether or not dirt remains in a nozzle without being limited to places where dirt remains. Objective.

  In order to solve the above problems, the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment includes a measurement unit, a determination unit, and a notification unit. When the nozzle goes out of the liquid, the measurement unit measures a physical quantity reflecting a capacitance between the nozzle as one electrode and the other electrode on the container side in which the liquid is placed. The determination unit determines whether dirt is attached to the nozzle based on a result of comparing the measured physical quantity with a predetermined value. The notification unit notifies the result determined by the determination unit.

The block diagram of the liquid level detection mechanism and abnormality notification mechanism which concern on one Embodiment. The figure which shows the switching mechanism by switch SW1. The block diagram of an automatic analyzer. The figure of the charging / discharging circuit when charging the nozzle. The figure of the charging / discharging circuit when discharging. The figure which shows the input waveform of a comparator when there is no dirt. The figure which shows the input waveform of a comparator when there exists dirt. The block diagram of a liquid level detection mechanism. The figure of a liquid level detection mechanism at the time of liquid level detection and zero adjustment. The figure which shows the output signal of a differential amplifier. The figure which shows the output signal of 0 adjustment circuit. The figure which shows the output signal of a synchronous detection circuit. The figure which shows the output signal of a differential amplifier. The figure which shows the output signal of 0 adjustment circuit. The figure which shows the output signal of a synchronous detection circuit. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of 0 adjustment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a dispensing process. The flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of an automatic analysis.

  An embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a block diagram of a liquid level detection mechanism and an abnormality notification mechanism, FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a switching mechanism by a switch SW1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an automatic analyzer 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic analyzer 100 is configured such that an abnormality notification mechanism 130 and a liquid level detection mechanism 110 are switched by a switch SW1.

  The operation of the switch SW1 will be described. In the dispensing step, when the nozzle 10 is raised to the uppermost position, the switch SW1 connects the nozzle 10 as one electrode to the abnormality notification mechanism 130. In the dispensing step, when the liquid level is detected, the switch SW1 connects the nozzle 10 to the liquid level detection mechanism 110 (see FIG. 9). Further, the switch SW1 connects the nozzle 10 to the liquid level detection mechanism 110 also during zero adjustment described later.

[Abnormality notification mechanism]
In FIG. 1, a part of the liquid level detection mechanism 110 (bridge circuit 111) is shown, and a part of the abnormality notification mechanism 130 (measurement unit 131) is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 has an abnormality notification mechanism 130. The abnormality notification mechanism 130 is a mechanism for notifying the user whether or not dirt remains in the nozzle 10 even after the drying process of drying the nozzle 10.

  In FIG. 1, the capacitance of the nozzle 10 is indicated by “Cn”. This capacitance Cn is the capacitance between both electrodes when the nozzle 10 is used as one electrode and a container (not shown) for containing a liquid is used as the other electrode. At this time, the nozzle 10 is out of the liquid (not immersed in the liquid), and the nozzle 10 and the container are separated from each other by a predetermined amount (for example, the nozzle 10 is raised to the uppermost position). ). The electrostatic capacitance Cn when the dirt remains on the nozzle 10 is larger than when the dirt does not remain on the nozzle 10.

  The abnormality notification mechanism 130 measures the electrostatic capacitance Cn, compares the measured electrostatic capacitance Cn with a predetermined value, and determines whether dirt remains on the nozzle 10 based on the comparison result. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the abnormality notification mechanism includes a measurement unit 131 that measures the amount of electricity corresponding to the capacitance Cn, here, a charging time, a determination unit 171, and a notification unit 20.

(Measurement part)
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a charge / discharge circuit when charging the nozzle 10, and FIG. 5 is a diagram of the charge / discharge circuit when discharging.

  The measurement unit 131 has a charge / discharge circuit 132. The charge / discharge circuit 132 includes switches SW2 and SW3 and comparators 133 and 134. The charging / discharging circuit 132 applies a voltage between the electrodes when the nozzle 10 is raised to the uppermost position and is out of the liquid (when not immersed in the liquid).

  At the time of charging shown in FIG. 4, the switch SW2 is turned on, and the voltage is applied between the electrodes by connecting the nozzle 10 to the power source. As a result, the voltage rises until it reaches a predetermined value Vth.

  When the voltage reaches a predetermined value Vth, the switch SW2 is turned off and the switch SW3 is turned on. At the time of discharging shown in FIG. 5, the switch SW3 is turned on, and the nozzle 10 is grounded via the discharge resistor R and discharged. When discharged, the voltage drops. The charging / discharging circuit 132 repeats charging / discharging when the nozzle 10 is raised to the uppermost position.

When charging / discharging is repeated, the measurement unit 131 counts the clock (CLK) by the counter shown in FIG. 4 so that the voltage between the two electrodes reaches the predetermined value Vth after charging is started by the charging / discharging circuit 132. The charging time tc until reaching (corresponding to t ₀₁ ,..., T ₀₅ shown in FIG. 6 and summing up these times) is measured.
For example, the predetermined value Vth is expressed by the following equation.
Vth = 0.63 * V (1)
Here, V is a voltage applied between both electrodes. The voltage V may be referred to as a final value. Further, the charging time tc until reaching the predetermined value Vth may be referred to as a CR time constant.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating input waveforms of the comparators 133 and 134 when there is no contamination. The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 represents time [t], and the vertical axis represents the voltage [V] between both electrodes. FIG. 6 shows the charging time tc from when charging is started until the voltage reaches the predetermined value Vth in FIG. 6 as “t ₀₁ ”, “t ₀₂ ”, “t ₀₃ ”, “t ₀₄ ”, “t ₀₅ ”. Show.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating input waveforms of the comparators 133 and 134 when there is dirt. The horizontal axis of FIG. 7 represents time [t], and the vertical axis represents the voltage [V] between both electrodes. FIG. 7 shows the charging time tc from when charging is started until the voltage reaches the predetermined value Vth, as “t ₁₁ ”, “t ₁₂ ”, and “t ₁₃ ” in FIG.

(Judgment part)
The determination unit 171 compares the charging time tc measured by the measuring unit 131 with a predetermined time ta, and whether the charging time tc is greater than the predetermined time ta, dirt remains in the nozzle 10. Determine whether or not. The predetermined time ta is stored in the storage unit 18 (see FIG. 3).

For example, when the charging times “t ₀₁ ”, “t ₀₂ ”, “t ₀₃ ”, “t ₀₄ ”, “t ₀₅ ” shown in FIG. 6 are all equal to or shorter than a predetermined time ta (AND (t ₀₁ , _t02 , _t03 , _t04 , _t05 ) ≦ ta), and it is determined that no dirt remains on the nozzle 10.

For example, when any of the charging times “t ₁₁ ”, “t ₁₂ ”, and “t ₁₃ ” shown in FIG. 7 is greater than a predetermined time ta (OR (t ₁₁ , t ₁₂ , t ₁₃ )> ta ), It is determined that dirt remains on the nozzle 10.

  Therefore, even if dirt remains on the nozzle 10, the dirt is very small. Therefore, when the charging time tc is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time ta (tc ≦ ta), it is determined that no dirt remains.

  Note that the determination unit 171 compares the charging time tc with the predetermined time ta, but is not limited to time. The determination unit 171 may compare a physical quantity reflecting the capacitance Cn with a predetermined value.

(Notification part)
The notification unit 20 notifies the user of whether or not the nozzle 10 is dirty by whether or not to display a message “no dirt remains on the nozzle” on a display unit such as a display.

  In addition, the alerting | reporting part 20 may alert | report to a user whether the nozzle 10 is still dirty by whether the warning sound to that effect is output to audio | voice output apparatuses, such as a speaker.

  As described above, it is possible to notify the user whether or not dirt remains in the nozzle 10 based on the measured charging time (measurement result) by one charge / discharge by the charge / discharge circuit 132. . However, if the measurement results vary due to some cause, the determination unit 171 may cause an erroneous determination.

  On the other hand, the charging / discharging circuit 132 repeats charging / discharging a plurality of times, the determination unit 171 averages the charging times measured a plurality of times, and the average value tm may be compared with a predetermined time ta. As a result, erroneous determination by the determination unit 171 can be prevented.

When the charging times “t ₀₁ ”, “t ₀₂ ”, “t ₀₃ ”, “t ₀₄ ”, and “t ₀₅ ” shown in FIG. 6 are measured, the determination unit 171 determines the average value tm as Ask from.
tm = (t ₀₁ + t ₀₂ + t ₀₃ + t ₀₄ + t ₀₅ ) / 5 (2)
Note that the average value tm of all the measured charging times tc may not be used.
For example, the average value tm of the remaining charging time may be obtained by removing the maximum value and the minimum value from the measured charging time.

  The comparison with the predetermined time is not limited to the average value. For example, the charging time tc measured a plurality of times may be summed, and the summed value may be compared with a predetermined time.

  Furthermore, the median value of the charging time tc measured a plurality of times may be obtained, and the obtained median value may be compared with a predetermined time.

  In the above embodiment, the object to be compared with the physical quantity (charging time tc) reflecting the capacitance measured this time is set to a predetermined value. However, the predetermined value includes Contains physical quantities that reflect the measured capacitance.

  With the above configuration, the user is notified whether the nozzle 10 remains dirty. If it is reported that dirt remains, the nozzle 10 removes dirt and then moves to the next dispensing, so that a predetermined amount of liquid can be dispensed and contamination is prevented. In addition, the concentration of the mixed solution can be accurately measured.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to remove dirt from the nozzle 10 in order to improve the accuracy when the liquid level is detected by the liquid level detection mechanism 110.

  Next, the liquid level detection mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 8, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the liquid level detection mechanism, and FIG. 9 is a diagram of the liquid level detection mechanism when the liquid level is detected and zero adjustment is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the liquid level is detected and 0 is adjusted, the nozzle 10 is connected to the liquid level detection mechanism 110 by the switches SW0 and SW1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a liquid level detection mechanism 110 that detects the liquid level. The liquid level detection mechanism 110 includes a bridge circuit 111, a differential amplifier 112, a synchronous detection circuit 113, an integration circuit 114, an amplification circuit 115, a differentiation circuit 116, comparators 117 and 118, and a zero adjustment circuit 120.

  When the nozzle 10 is one electrode, the container (not shown) is the other electrode, and the two electrodes are separated by a predetermined amount, the nozzle 10 is not immersed in the liquid and the nozzle 10 is immersed in the liquid. The capacitance between the electrodes changes. In FIG. 1, the capacitance of the nozzle 10 (capacitance between both electrodes when the nozzle 10 is not immersed in liquid) is indicated by “Cn”. Further, FIG. 1 shows the capacitance of the liquid (capacitance between both electrodes that increases when the nozzle 10 is immersed in the liquid) by “Cx”. The bridge circuit 111 detects this change in capacitance.

  The output signal of the differential amplifier 112 is out of phase in accordance with the change in capacitance. The integration circuit 114 integrates the phase shift due to the change in capacitance with the output of the synchronous detection circuit 113. The integrated value is amplified by the amplifier circuit 115. The amplified value passes through the differentiating circuit 116 and is compared with the threshold value th1 by the comparator 117. Thereby, the moment when the nozzle 10 touches the liquid level is detected. The amplified value is compared with the threshold value Th2 by the comparator 118. Thereby, it detects while the nozzle 10 is touching the liquid level.

  Even when the liquid level is not detected, it is difficult to balance the bridge circuit 111 because the nozzle 10 has the capacitance Cn. For this reason, the zero adjustment circuit 120 adjusts the direct current component output to zero while the nozzle 10 is not immersed in the liquid.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the zero adjustment circuit 120 includes a comparison circuit 121 and a position phase circuit 122.

  0 adjustment is performed as follows. The output of the bridge circuit 111 is synchronously detected at the phase timing from the position phase circuit 122 by the synchronous detection circuit 113 and integrated by the integration circuit 114. A comparison circuit 121 compares the integrated value with 0 voltage as a reference signal, and sends the result to the position phase circuit 122. The phase is changed so that the integrated value becomes 0, and synchronous detection is performed at the changed timing. Thus, 0 adjustment is performed.

  This will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10C and FIGS. 11A to 11C. 10A to 10C show output signals before zero adjustment, FIG. 10A shows an output signal of the differential amplifier 112, FIG. 10B shows an output signal of the zero adjustment circuit 120, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an output signal of a detection circuit 113. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10C, before the zero adjustment, the output signal of the synchronous detection circuit 113 is different in the magnitude of the upper and lower waveforms from the result of detection, and when this is integrated, the DC component output remains, Does not become “0”. That is, assuming that the area surrounded by the point abc is S1, and the area surrounded by the point cdef is S2, S1 <S2, and the DC component output remains.

  11A to 11C show output signals after zero adjustment, FIG. 11A shows an output signal of the differential amplifier 112, FIG. 11B shows an output signal of the zero adjustment circuit 120, and FIG. 11C shows synchronous detection. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an output signal of a circuit 113.

  In the zero adjustment, based on the output signal of the differential amplifier 112 output from the comparison circuit 121, the position phase circuit 122 creates a signal delayed by 1/4 wavelength with respect to the output signal of the differential amplifier 112. And output to the synchronous detection circuit 113. Thus, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the output signal of the synchronous detection circuit 113 is integrated, it becomes “0”, and the DC component output of the synchronous detection circuit 113 can be adjusted to zero. That is, if the area surrounded by the point abc is S3 and the area surrounded by the point cde is S4, S3≈S4, and no DC component output remains.

[0 adjustment]
Next, the zero adjustment operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the zero adjustment operation.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the zero adjustment, first, the nozzle 10 is moved to a predetermined position (uppermost position) (S101).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the switches SW0 and SW1 are switched to 0 adjustment (S102).

  Next, zero adjustment is performed (S103). The zero adjustment is performed by a closed loop operation from the synchronous detection circuit 113 to the synchronous detection circuit 113 through the integration circuit 114, the amplification circuit 115, the comparison circuit 121, and the position phase circuit 122.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the DC component output is “0” (S104).

  When it is determined that the DC component output of the synchronous detection circuit 113 is “0” (S104: Yes), the process ends. When the zero adjustment is finished, the closed loop is disconnected.

  When it is determined that the DC component output is not “0” (S104: No), the flow returns to 0 adjustment (S013).

  By performing the zero adjustment, the accuracy when detecting the liquid level can be increased.

[Dispensing process]
Next, the operation of the dispensing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the dispensing process. Dispensing here refers to dispensing the liquid in the container into the reaction container 51 (see FIG. 3) using the nozzle 10 and a pump (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the dispensing step, first, the nozzle 10 at the standby position is moved to the position of the container (uppermost position) (S201).

  Next, it is determined whether the nozzle 10 has moved to the uppermost position (S202).

  Next, the switches SW0 and SW1 are switched (see FIGS. 4 and 5) to connect the nozzle 10 to the abnormality notification mechanism 130 (S203).

  Next, the switches SW2 and SW3 are switched to repeatedly charge / discharge the nozzle 10 and measure the charging time tc (S204).

(Abnormality judgment)
Next, the determination unit 171 determines whether the charging time tc is longer than a predetermined time ta (S205). The predetermined time ta is stored in the storage unit 18 as the previous measurement data.

(Abnormality notification)
When the charging time tc is longer than the predetermined time ta (tc> ta), the control unit 17 causes the notification unit 20 to display a message “nozzle remains” (S206).

  Next, the control unit 17 stops the automatic analyzer (S207). Thereby, the user can remove the dirt remaining on the nozzle.

  Next, when the charging time tc is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time ta (tc ≦ ta), the nozzle 10 is lowered (S208). The charging time tc is stored in the storage unit 18 as previous measurement data.

  Next, the switches SW0 and SW1 are switched (see FIG. 9) to connect the nozzle 10 to the liquid level detection mechanism 110 (S209).

(Liquid level detection)
Next, the liquid level detection mechanism 110 outputs the detection result of the liquid level (S210).

  Next, the control unit 17 determines whether the liquid level is normal (the amount of liquid in the container is sufficient) from the result of the liquid level detection (S211).

  When it is determined that the liquid level is not normal (211: No), the control unit 17 causes the notification unit 20 to display a message that “the liquid level is abnormal” (S212).

  Next, the control unit 17 stops the automatic analyzer 100 (S213).

  Next, when it is determined that the liquid level is normal (211: Yes), the liquid in the container is sucked (S214).

  Next, the nozzle 10 is raised (S215).

  Next, the nozzle 10 is moved to the position of the reaction vessel 51 (S216).

  Next, the nozzle 10 is lowered (S217).

  Next, the sucked liquid is discharged into the reaction container 51 (S218).

  Next, the nozzle 10 is raised (S219).

  Next, the nozzle 10 is moved to the cleaning position (S220).

  Next, the nozzle 10 is moved to the drying position (S221). At this time, whether or not dirt remains on the nozzle 10 can be known at the next abnormality determination (S205).

  Next, the nozzle 10 is moved to the standby position to prepare for the next dispensing (S222).

[Other configurations]
Next, another configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  An automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 3 is a device that measures components of a reaction solution by reacting a dispensed sample (specimen) with a reagent and analyzing the reaction solution. After transferring a test sample such as blood or urine and a reagent to the reaction container 51 and reacting them, the concentration and activity of the component to be measured or the enzyme in the sample are measured by optically measuring the color change caused by the reaction. taking measurement.

  In addition to the abnormality notification mechanism 130 and the liquid level detection mechanism 110, the automatic analyzer 100 mainly includes an analysis unit 14, a data processing unit 15, a drive unit 16, a control unit 17, a storage unit 18, a timer 19, and a notification unit. 20 and input means 21. The memory | storage part 18, the timer 19, the alerting | reporting part 20, and the input means 21 are shown in FIG.

  The analysis unit 14 analyzes the reaction solution of the test sample and the reagent and outputs measurement result data. When creating a multi-inspection quantity curve, the analysis unit 14 divides a range for component concentration into a plurality of ranges, performs measurement using a standard test sample for each range, and outputs a measurement result.

  The data processing unit 15 performs arithmetic processing on the measurement result data output from the analysis unit 14 to create a single calibration curve (multiple inspection calibration curve). The data processing unit 15 outputs the generated calibration curve or the like to an attached monitor or printer.

  The drive unit 16 includes a motor, a gear, and the like, and drives each unit of the analysis unit 14 by generating a drive force and transmitting the generated drive force to each unit of the analysis unit 14.

  The control unit 17 instructs the drive unit 16 to control the drive of each unit included in the analysis unit 14. As each unit, each of the first reagent container 2, the second reagent container 3, the reaction container 5, the disc sampler 6, the sample dispensing probe 7, the first reagent dispensing probe 8, and the second reagent dispensing probe 9 is provided. Includes arms.

  The test sample is stored in the sample container 61. The sample container 61 is placed on a rotatable circular disc sampler 6. The reagent is accommodated in the reagent container 4. The reagent container 4 is placed in the first reagent container 2 and the second reagent container 3. The reagent container 4 stores various first reagents that selectively react to the measurement items of the test sample or various second reagents paired with the first reagent. The reagent container 4 containing the first reagent is placed in the first reagent store 2, and the reagent container 4 containing the second reagent is placed in the second reagent store 3. The first reagent store 2 and the second reagent store 3 contain a rotatable circular reagent rack 1. Each reagent container 4 is accommodated in the reagent rack 1 in a ring shape.

  A reaction vessel 51 into which a test sample and a reagent are dispensed is placed in the reaction chamber 5. The reaction vessel 51 is placed in a circular shape on a rotatable circular cassette member (not shown).

  The sample and reagent are dispensed by the sample dispensing probe 7, the first reagent dispensing probe 8, the second reagent dispensing probe 9, and a pump (not shown). A nozzle 10 is provided at the tip of each probe 7, 8, 9.

  By using the nozzle 10 of the sample dispensing probe 7 and the pump, the test sample is sucked from the sample container 61 transported to the specified suction position by the rotation of the disk sampler 6, and the reaction transported to the specified discharge position. A test test is discharged into the container 51.

  By using the nozzle 10 and the pump of the first reagent dispensing probe 8, the first reagent is sucked from the reagent container 4 transported to the specified suction position by the rotation of the reagent rack 1 of the first reagent storage 2 and specified. The first reagent is discharged into the reaction vessel 51 transported to the discharge position.

  By using the nozzle 10 and the pump of the second reagent dispensing probe 9, the second reagent is sucked from the reagent container 4 transported to the specified suction position by the rotation of the reagent rack 1 of the second reagent storage 3 and specified. The second reagent is discharged into the reaction container 51 transported to the discharge position.

  A stirring unit 11, a photometric unit 12, and a cleaning unit 13 are further provided on the outer periphery of the reaction chamber 5. The reaction container 51 into which the test sample and the reagent are dispensed is sequentially transported to the stirring, measuring, and cleaning positions of the stirring unit 11, the photometric unit 12, and the cleaning unit 13 by rotating a cassette member (not shown). The

  The agitation unit 11 is an agitation unit that agitates the sample and the reaction liquid of the reagent (first reagent and second reagent) in the reaction vessel 51 stopped at the agitation position for each cycle.

  The photometric unit 12 is a measuring unit that measures the reaction solution from the photometric position. The photometric unit 12 measures the absorbance of the reaction solution, and then outputs the measurement result data to the data processing unit 15. The data processing unit 15 obtains the concentration of the reaction solution from the absorbance based on the calibration curve. Thereby, it becomes possible to measure the components of the reaction solution.

  The cleaning unit 13 aspirates the reaction liquid that has been measured in the reaction container 51 stopped at the cleaning / drying position, and cleans / drys the reaction container 51.

  The other configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the embodiment has been described above.

[Automatic analysis]
Next, the automatic analysis operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a series of operations for automatic analysis.

  As shown in FIG. 14, first, zero adjustment is performed (S301). The zero adjustment has been described above with reference to FIG.

  Next, dispensing is performed (S302). Dispensing has been described above with reference to FIG. In the dispensing process at this time, the measured charging time tc is stored in the storage unit 18 as a physical quantity that reflects the previously measured capacitance.

  Next, the mixed solution is stirred (S303). Thereby, reaction of a liquid mixture is accelerated | stimulated.

  Next, the concentration of the mixed solution is measured (S304). The measurement is performed using the analysis unit 14 and the data processing unit 15.

  Next, the reaction vessel 51 is washed (S305).

  Next, the reaction vessel 51 is dried (S306).

  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, rewrites, 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 1 Reagent rack 2 1st reagent storage 3 2nd reagent storage 5 Reaction container 51 Reaction container 6 Disc sampler 61 Sample container 7 Sample dispensing probe 8 First reagent dispensing probe 9 Second reagent dispensing probe 10 Nozzle 11 Stirring unit 12 Photometry unit 13 Cleaning unit 14 Analysis unit 15 Data processing unit (creating means)
Reference Signs List 16 drive unit 17 control unit 171 determination unit 18 storage unit 20 notification unit 21 input unit 100 automatic analyzer 110 liquid level detection mechanism 111 bridge circuit 112 differential amplifier 113 synchronous detection circuit 114 integration circuit 115 amplification circuit 116 differentiation circuit 117 comparator 118 Comparator 120 0 adjustment circuit 121 Comparison circuit 122 Position phase circuit 130 Abnormality notification mechanism 131 Measuring unit 132 Charge / discharge circuit

Claims (8)

In an automatic analyzer that dispenses each liquid of a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel using a nozzle to generate a mixed solution, and analyzes the components of the mixed solution,
A measuring unit for measuring a physical quantity reflecting a capacitance between the nozzle as one electrode and the other electrode on the container side in which the liquid is placed when the nozzle is outside the liquid; ,
A determination unit that determines whether or not dirt is attached to the nozzle based on a result of comparing the measured physical quantity with a predetermined value;
An informing unit for informing a result determined by the determining unit;
Having
Automatic analyzer characterized by The measurement unit further includes a charge / discharge circuit that charges until the voltage between the electrodes reaches a predetermined value, and discharges after charging.
The measurement unit measures the charging time from when charging is started by the charge / discharge circuit until the voltage reaches a predetermined value as the physical quantity,
The determination unit determines that the nozzle is contaminated based on the measured charging time;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines that dirt is attached to the nozzle when the measured charging time is greater than a predetermined time. The charging / discharging circuit repeats the charging / discharging a plurality of times,
The determination unit averages the charging time measured a plurality of times by the measurement unit, and compares the averaged value with the predetermined value;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2. The charging / discharging circuit repeats the charging / discharging a plurality of times,
The determination unit sums the charging times measured a plurality of times by the measurement unit, and compares the summed value with the predetermined value;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2. The charging / discharging circuit repeats the charging / discharging a plurality of times,
The determination unit compares the median value of the charging time measured a plurality of times by the measurement unit with the predetermined value;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 2. The predetermined value is a physical quantity reflecting the capacitance measured last time;
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. In the process in which the nozzle is lowered in the direction of immersion in the liquid, a liquid level detection mechanism that measures the voltage between both electrodes and detects the liquid level of the liquid based on the measurement result;
A switch for switching the nozzle from the measurement unit to the liquid level detection mechanism;
Further having,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.

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