JP2015096833A - Automatic analysis device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analysis device capable of suppressing the deterioration of processing efficiency by adjusting the load of analytic processing in a plurality of analysis modules.SOLUTION: An automatic analysis device includes: specimen container holders 2 on each of which one specimen container 1 is mounted; a specimen container conveyance path 3 for conveying the specimen containers 1 by conveying the specimen container holders 2; a specimen container supply and storage part 4 disposed along the specimen container conveyance path 3 for installing a plurality of specimen container trays 14 on which the plurality of specimen containers 1 are mounted; a plurality of analysis modules 5 and 6 arranged along the specimen container conveyance path 3 for executing the analysis processing of the specimens stored in the specimen containers 1 conveyed by the specimen container conveyance path 3; and a specimen container transferring mechanism 17 for executing the transfer of the specimen containers 1 between the specimen container trays 14 and the specimen container holders 2. The order of the specimen containers 1 to be transferred from the specimen container trays 14 to the specimen container holders 2 is controlled on the basis of the state of the load of the analytic processing of the plurality of analysis modules 5 and 6.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performs component analysis of biological samples such as plasma, serum, and urine.

  In an automatic analyzer, a reagent that reacts specifically with a specific component contained in a biological sample such as serum, plasma, or urine (hereinafter simply referred to as a specimen) is added and reacted to measure transmitted light or scattered light. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific components of specimens.

  In the related art related to such an automatic analyzer, there is one that automatically transports a sample container containing a sample to be analyzed by a transport device. For example, Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2011/040197) Discloses a sample test automation system including a transfer line for transferring a sample container placed on a sample rack to each pre-processing module.

International Publication No. 2011/040197

  By the way, in a plurality of analysis modules arranged in the automatic analyzer, items that can be analyzed may be different. Therefore, in an automatic analyzer that requires analysis processing for a large number of samples, when the input sample container is sequentially transported to an analysis module capable of analyzing a target analysis item, the sample container is transported to each analysis module. The number of sample containers is biased, and depending on the analysis module, the analysis process may be delayed due to overload, or the interval between analysis processes may become unnecessarily long. There is a concern that it will decrease.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can suppress a decrease in processing efficiency by adjusting the load of analysis processing in a plurality of analysis modules.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention transports the specimen container by transporting the specimen container containing the specimen to be analyzed, the specimen container holder on which one specimen container is mounted, and the specimen container holder. A sample container carrying path, a sample container loading and storing section that is arranged along the sample container carrying path, and is provided with a plurality of sample container trays on which the plurality of sample containers are mounted, and is arranged along the sample container carrying path. The sample container is transferred between a plurality of analysis modules that perform analysis processing of the sample contained in the sample container conveyed by the sample container conveyance path, and the sample container tray and the sample container holder. The specimen container transfer mechanism that performs loading, and the state of the analysis processing load of the plurality of analysis modules, and the detection that is transferred from the specimen container tray to the specimen container holder. And that a control device for controlling the order of the containers.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fall of processing efficiency can be suppressed by adjusting the load of the analysis process in a some analysis module.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sample container holder used with an automatic analyzer. It is a figure which shows schematically the sample container holder drawing-in line in an analysis module with a part of feed line of a sample container conveyance path. It is a figure which shows a sample container insertion accommodating part roughly with a part of feed line of a sample container conveyance path. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line AB in FIG. 4 of the drawer for the sample container tray. It is a figure which shows a sample container tray. It is a figure which shows roughly an example of the test | inspection system containing an automatic analyzer. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the display part of a control apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the corresponding | compatible table of the position of the sample container holding | maintenance part of the sample container tray memorize | stored in the memory | storage part, and sample information. It is a flowchart which shows the mode of the handling of the sample in an analysis module. It is a flowchart which shows the mode of the handling of the sample in the sample container insertion storage part of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the mode of the handling of the sample in the sample container insertion storage part of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the concept of the sample queue in 2nd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sample container holder used in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, an automatic analyzer 100 includes a sample container transport path 3 that transports a sample container holder 2 on which a sample container 1 is mounted, a sample container input storage section 4 that is disposed along the sample container transport path 3, and a sample. A plurality (two in this embodiment) of analysis modules 5 and 6 arranged along the container conveyance path and a control unit 7 for controlling the operation of the entire automatic analyzer are roughly provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sample container holder 2 in the present embodiment is configured to mount one sample container 1 containing a sample to be analyzed one by one. The sample container transport path 3 transports the sample container 1 to various parts of the automatic analyzer 100 by transporting the sample container holder 2 on which the sample container 1 is mounted.

  The specimen container holder 2 is provided with an individual identification mark 2a such as RFID, and the identification information of each specimen container holder 2 is read by an RFID reader (not shown). The identification information of each sample container holder 2 and the identification information of the mounted sample container 1 are stored in the storage unit 7b (described later) of the control unit 7 correspondingly.

  The sample container transport path 3 includes a feed line 3a for transporting the sample container holder 2 from the sample container input / storage unit 4 side to the analysis modules 5 and 6 side, and a sample container from the analysis module 5 and 6 side to the sample container input / storage unit 4 And a return line 3b for conveying the holder 2.

  From the upstream side to the downstream side of the feed line 3a of the sample container transport path 3 (in other words, from the downstream side to the upstream side of the return line 3b), along the sample container transport path 3, the sample container input storage section 4 The analysis modules 5 and 6 are arranged in this order.

  The analysis modules 5 and 6 distribute the sample from the reagent disk 9 loaded with the reagent cassette 8 containing the reagent, the reaction disk 10 for analyzing the sample, and the sample container 1 loaded in the sample holder 2 to the reaction disk 10. A dispensing nozzle 11 to be poured and sample container holder drawing lines 12 and 13 for drawing and feeding the sample container holder 2 from the sample container transport path 3 are provided.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a sample container holder pull-in line in the analysis module together with a part of the feed line of the sample container transport path.

  In FIG. 3, the sample container holder pull-in line 12 in the analysis module 5 is provided so as to branch from the feed line 3a of the sample container transport path 3 and join downstream, and the sample container holder 2 from the feed line 3a. The sample container holder branching unit 12a for drawing the sample container and the dispensing line 12b for transporting the sample container holder 2 drawn by the sample container holder branching unit 12a along the feed line 3a.

  A sample container holder stopper that can individually stop the sample container holder 2 at the upstream end portion of the dispensing line 12b and the downstream side of the dispensing line 12b in the sample container holder pull-in line 12. 12c and 12d are provided. A plurality of (for example, N) sample container holders 2 can be held (buffered) between the sample container holder stoppers 12c and 12d, that is, in the dispensing line 12b.

  The same applies to the analysis module 6. That is, the sample container holder pull-in line 13 in the analysis module 6 is provided so as to branch from the feed line 3a of the sample container transport path 3 and join downstream, and the sample container holder 2 is drawn from the feed line 3a. And a dispensing line 13b for conveying the sample container holder 2 drawn by the sample container holder branching unit 13a along the feed line 3a.

  A specimen container holder stopper that can individually stop the specimen container holder 2 at the upstream end portion of the dispensing line 13b and the downstream side of the dispensing line 13b in the specimen container holder pull-in line 13. 13c and 13d are provided. A plurality of (for example, N) sample container holders 2 can be held (buffered) between the sample container holder stoppers 13c and 13d, that is, in the dispensing line 13b.

  The analysis modules 5 and 6 dispense the sample from the sample container 1 to the reaction disk 10 by the dispensing nozzle 11 at the sample dispensing position of the dispensing lines 12 b and 13 b, and the reagent cassette 8 installed on the reagent disk 9. Then, reagents such as R1, R2, and R3 are added to the reaction disk 10, and the concentration of the test item is determined from the time series data of absorbance. In addition, the analysis modules 5 and 6 are not limited to a biochemical analysis module, For example, an ion electrode analysis module (ISE) and an immune analysis module may be sufficient.

  FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing the sample container loading and storing section together with a part of the feed line of the sample container transport path, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line AB in FIG. 4 of the drawer for the sample container tray. . FIG. 6 is a view showing a sample container tray.

  4 to 6, the sample container input / storage unit 4 includes a plurality of (for example, four) sample container tray drawers 15 for arranging and taking out the sample container tray 14 from the sample container input / storage unit 4. A sample container holder pull-in line 16 that pulls in and out the sample container holder 2 from the sample container transport path 3 and a sample container transfer that transfers the sample container 1 between the sample container tray 14 and the sample container holder 2. A mechanism 17 and a sample container holder storage 18 for storing the sample container holder 2 on which the sample container 1 is not mounted are provided.

  A plurality (for example, eight) of sample container trays 14 on which a plurality of (for example, 50) sample containers 1 are mounted are installed in the sample container loading storage unit 4. A plurality of (for example, four) sample container tray drawers 15 for arranging and taking out the sample container tray 14 to and from the sample container input and storage unit 4 are arranged in the sample container input and storage unit 4. Two sample container trays 14 are arranged in the sample container tray drawer 15. The sample container tray drawer 15 has an electromagnetic lock mechanism 15b for being fixed when the sample container tray drawer 15 is installed in the sample container loading storage unit 4.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of sample container holding portions 14 b for holding and mounting the sample container 1 are arranged on the sample container tray 14. The specimen container tray 14 is provided with an individual identification mark 14 a such as RFID, and the identification information of each specimen container tray 14 is read by the RFID reader 15 a provided in the specimen container tray drawer 15. The identification information of each sample container tray 14 and the identification information of the sample container 1 and the mounting position are stored in the storage unit 7b (described later) of the control unit 7 correspondingly.

  In FIG. 4, the sample container holder pull-in line 16 in the sample container loading unit 4 is provided so as to branch from the feed line 3a of the sample container transport path 3 and join downstream, and the sample container from the feed line 3a. A specimen container holder branching unit 16a that pulls in the holder 2, a transfer line 16b that transports the specimen container holder 2 pulled in by the specimen container holder branching unit 16a along the feed line 3a, and a feeding of the specimen container holder 2 It comprises a specimen container holder branching unit 16c for feeding to the line 3a.

  A sample container holder stopper capable of individually stopping the sample container holder 2 at the sample container transfer positions arranged on the upstream side of the transfer line 16b and the downstream side of the transfer line 16b in the sample container holder pull-in line 16. 16d and 16e are provided.

  An intake line 16d for taking the sample container holder 2 into the sample container holder storage 18 is connected to the upstream side of the transfer line 16b between the sample container holder stoppers 16d and 16e, and the sample container is connected to the downstream side. A take-out line 16e for taking out the holder 2 from the sample container holder storage 18 to the transfer line 16b is connected. Specimen container holder branching units 16f and 16g for switching the transport direction of the specimen container holder 2 are arranged at a connection portion between the intake line 16d and the take-out line 16e and the transfer line 16b.

  The sample container transfer mechanism 17 is driven by a drive device (not shown), and is transferred to the sample container holder 2 stopped at the sample container transfer position by the sample container holder stopper 16e of the sample container 1 mounted on the sample container tray 14. The sample container 1 mounted on the sample container holder 2 stopped at the sample container transfer position by the sample container holder stopper 16d is transferred to the sample container tray 14.

  Identification information such as a barcode label is attached to the sample container 1, and the barcode is read by the sample container holder stopper 16 e when the sample container 1 is transferred to the sample container holder 2. At this time, the barcode information of the sample container 1 and the information of the RFID 2a of the sample container holder are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 7b (described later) of the control device 7, and in the subsequent processing, the RFID 2a stores the sample container. Identification can be made. Although the direction of the sample container 1 changes during transportation, it is difficult to read the barcode, but the sample container 1 can be identified by the RFID 2 a provided on the bottom surface of the sample container holder 2.

  In the present embodiment, information regarding the sample in the sample container 1 mounted on the sample container tray 14 obtained by the individual identification mark (RFID) 14a is transferred from the sample container tray 14 to the sample holder 2. If the ID obtained from the identification information (barcode) of the sample container 1 transferred to the sample holder 2 does not match this information, an error is displayed on the display unit 7a. Return the sample container tray 14 to its original location. Regarding the occurrence of this error, the number of errors allowed for the sample container tray 14 is determined in advance, and when the allowable number is exceeded, the sample container 1 is supplied from the sample container tray 14 to the analysis modules 5 and 6. Control to stop.

  However, since the sample container 1 containing the urgent sample or the like is not always set with detailed sample information when the sample container 1 is loaded into the sample container loading and storing unit 4 of the automatic analyzer 100 by the sample container tray 14. An operation in which the sample information corresponding to the barcode of the container 1 and the sample information corresponding to the sample container tray 14 are not collated is also required. In this case, the barcode is read when the sample container 1 is transferred from the sample container tray 14 to the sample container holder 2, for example, an inspection request input from the control unit 7 or an inspection request inquiry to a host control unit at a higher level. According to the inspection request obtained by the above, the analysis modules 5 and 6 of the transport destination are determined.

  The control device 7 controls the overall operation of the automatic analyzer 100, and stores a display unit 7a that displays information on settings and analysis results, and programs, setting values, analysis results, and the like used for analysis and display. Storage section 7b.

  It controls a series of processes from loading of the sample container 1 to identification of the sample, acquisition of analysis request information, transfer to the sample container holder 2, conveyance within the apparatus, analysis processing, and sample storage.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an inspection system including an automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment.

  The control device 7 is provided for controlling the sample container loading storage unit 4, the sample container transport path 3, the analysis modules 5 and 6, and the sample container holder storage 18 that constitute the automatic analyzer 100, respectively. It is connected to the input storage unit CPU104, the sample container transport path CPU103, the analysis modules CPU105 and 106, and the sample container holder storage CPU118 via an in-device LAN such as TCP / IP. , 118 is controlled to control the operation of the automatic analyzer 100.

  The control device 7 is connected to a sample test automation system 300 that performs sample pretreatment via the laboratory network 200 or the like, and takes in the sample container tray 14 generated there from the sample container loading storage unit 4. Alternatively, the RFID 14a of the sample container tray 14 may be identified and the arrangement information of the sample installed on the sample container tray 14 may be obtained by inquiring the sample test automation system 300.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit of the control device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table between the position of the sample container holding unit 14b of the sample container tray 14 and the sample information stored in the storage unit.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the correspondence table 19 stores the position 19a of the sample container holding portion 14b in the sample container tray 14, the sample ID (identification information) 19b, and the sample state 19c in association with each other. .

  As shown in FIG. 8, the operation screen 20 classifies the operation settings of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the purpose and realizes them as several tab windows. The measurement result tab window 22 of the routine operation tab window 21 is selected. The case is illustrated. In addition to the routine operation tab window 22, tab windows for calibration accuracy, accuracy management, maintenance, and the like may be provided.

  The measurement result tab window 22 includes a sample container tray layout display unit 23 that displays the arrangement state of the sample container tray 14 in the sample container loading and storage unit 4, and a sample in the sample container tray 14 selected by the sample tray layout display unit 23. A sample container holding unit layout display unit 24 that displays the state of the container holding unit 14b, and a correspondence display that displays a list of correspondences between the position and state of the sample container holding unit 14b in the sample container tray 14 selected by the sample tray layout display unit 23. An information display unit 25 and a measurement result display unit 26 for displaying the measurement result of the sample container 1 corresponding to the sample container holding unit 14b selected by the sample container holding unit layout display part 24 or the correspondence information display unit 25 are arranged. ing.

  In the measurement result tab window 22, the state of each sample tray is shown in different colors. However, in FIG. 8, for convenience of illustration, hatching or a thick frame is used for explanation.

  For example, the second sample container tray drawer 15 from the left is hatched, and this is installed on two sample container trays 14 arranged at positions A and B of the sample container tray drawer 15. It shows that the measurement of the samples in all the sample containers 1 is completed, and the sample container tray 14 can be replaced by opening the sample container tray drawer 15.

  Further, the sample container tray 14 at the position A of the third sample container tray drawer 15 from the left is drawn with a thick frame. This is because the sample container tray 14 is selected and the sample container tray 14 is related to this sample container tray 14. This shows that the information is displayed on the specimen container holding part layout display part 24 and the correspondence information display part 25.

  Further, the position 6 is drawn with a thick frame in the specimen container holding part layout display part 24 and the correspondence information display part 25. This is because the sample container holding part 14b of the specimen container holding part layout display part 24 or the correspondence is displayed. The information on the position 6 of the information display unit 25 is selected, and the measurement result column regarding the sample (sample number: N000005) of the sample container 1 corresponding to this position is displayed on the measurement result display unit 26. .

  Here, the operation in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the operation of the analysis modules 5 and 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing how the specimen is handled in the analysis module.

  In FIG. 10, when the analysis modules 5 and 6 are first started up, the control device 7 performs an analysis start preparation process and clears the stop request set in the previous analysis process (step S101). Next, it is confirmed that the sample container holder 2 is not present in the dispensing lines 12b and 13b, and notification is made that a maximum of N sample container holders 2 can be held (step S102). Then, it waits in an event reception state until the event used as the trigger of an analysis process generate | occur | produces (step S103).

  Next, when an event occurs, the event type is determined (step S104), and when the determination result is “dispensing process completed”, that is, when the sample dispensing process at the sample dispensing position is completed, the sample The container 1 is sent out first from the sample container holder stoppers 12d and 13d at the sample dispensing position, the next sample is stopped by the sample container holder stoppers 12d and 13d (step S115), and the number of samples waiting to be dispensed is decremented by 1, (Step S116) Then, the process proceeds to Step S105.

  If the determination result in step S104 is “Sample New Arrival”, that is, if a new sample container 1 has arrived, the sample is temporarily stopped by the sample container holder stoppers 12c and 13c, and then the dispensing line 12b. , 13b (step S125), 1 is added to the number of samples waiting to be dispensed (step S126), and the process proceeds to step S105.

  If the determination result in step S104 is “stop request”, this stop request is accepted, stored in the storage unit 7b, and then the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, it is determined whether or not there is a stop request for the analysis modules 5 and 6 (step S105), and it is further determined whether or not there is no sample container holder 2 held on the dispensing lines 12b and 13b (step S105). Step S106).

  If any of the determination results in steps S105 and S106 is NO, the process returns to step S103.

  If both determination results in steps S105 and S106 are YES, an analysis stop process is performed (step S106), and the process ends.

  Next, the operation of the specimen container loading and storing unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing how the sample is handled in the sample container loading and storage unit.

  In FIG. 11, when the sample container tray drawer 15 having the sample container tray 14 mounted thereon is installed in the sample container loading storage unit 4, the control device 7 electromagnetically locks the sample container tray drawer 15 and the RFID reader 15a. Thus, the RFID 14a of the sample container tray 14 is read (step S001). Subsequently, the host computer (not particularly shown, but connected to the automatic analyzer 100 via the laboratory network 200) is inquired about the information of the sample container 1 mounted on the sample container tray 14, and the sample is obtained. Correspondence information (see FIG. 9 and the like) between the container tray 14 and the sample container 1 is acquired (step S002). Subsequently, from the number of sample container holders 2 held in the dispensing lines 12b and 13b, the lowest analysis processing load of the analysis modules 5 and 6 is determined (step S003), and the analysis module with the lowest load is determined. The sample (in this case, the sample container 1) to which the test items that can be analyzed in steps 5 and 6 are assigned is searched (step S004). Here, it is determined whether or not the target sample container 1 has been found in step S004 (step S005). If the determination result is YES, the sample container 1 is transferred to the sample holder 2 and is transferred to the feed line 3a. Sending out (step S006), and subsequently, it is determined whether all the sample containers 1 on the sample container tray 14 have been measured (step S007). If the determination result in step S005 is no, nothing is done and the process proceeds to step S007.

  If the determination result in step S007 is NO, the processing in steps S003 to S006 is repeated until the determination result is YES. If the determination result in step S007 is YES, the sample container tray drawer 15 is The electromagnetic lock is released (step S008), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, the order of the sample containers 1 transferred from the sample container tray 14 to the sample container holder 2 and transported to the analysis modules 5 and 6 based on the analysis processing load state of the plurality of analysis modules 5 and 6. By controlling the above, it is possible to shorten the time for waiting for the sample without being supplied in the analysis modules 5 and 6.

  When the number of sample container holders 2 held in the dispensing lines 12b and 13b of all the analysis modules 5 and 6 is the maximum number (N) in steps S003 and S004, at least one analysis module. 5 and 6 wait until sample containers 1 can be received, that is, until the number of sample container holders 2 held in the dispensing lines 12b and 13b is less than the maximum number (N) (corresponding to step S003). When the examination request can be accepted, the specimen (in this case, the specimen container 1) to which the examination item that can be analyzed by the analysis modules 5 and 6 is assigned is searched (step S004).

  The effect of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  In a plurality of analysis modules arranged in the automatic analyzer, items that can be analyzed may be different. Therefore, in an automatic analyzer that requires analysis processing for a large number of samples, when the input sample container is sequentially transported to an analysis module capable of analyzing a target analysis item, the sample container is transported to each analysis module. The number of sample containers is biased, and depending on the analysis module, the analysis process may be delayed due to overload, or the interval between analysis processes may become unnecessarily long. There is a concern that it will decrease.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, based on the state of the analysis processing load of the plurality of analysis modules 5 and 6, the sample is transferred from the sample container tray 14 to the sample container holder 2 and is transferred to the analysis modules 5 and 6. By configuring so as to control the order of the sample containers 1 to be transported and adjusting the load of the analysis processing in the plurality of analysis modules, it is possible to suppress a decrease in processing efficiency.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the sample container 1 to which the inspection request is assigned to the vacant analysis modules 5 and 6 is assigned regardless of the position of the sample container 1 installed on the sample container tray 14. Since the sample can be transferred to the sample container holder 2 and sent to the analysis modules 5 and 6, the operating rate of each analysis module 5 and 6 can be improved.

  Furthermore, by removing the sample container 1 waiting for retesting from the transport path, it is transferred to the sample container tray 1 (corresponding to the retest buffer) with a small occupied area per sample container, thereby reducing the operating rate of the analysis modules 5 and 6. Therefore, the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

  In addition, since the arrangement of the sample container 1 on the sample container tray 14 when it is put into the automatic analyzer and when it is stored is made the same, the position of the sample container 1 that needs to be reexamined is determined. In addition, since the retrieval of the specimen at the time of performing the reexamination is automatically and easily performed, the specimen transfer operation by the operator's manual operation becomes unnecessary, and it is possible to prevent an erroneous mistake of the specimen.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the sample container 1 for which the dispensing process has been completed and the sample container 1 for which the analysis result has been confirmed and the analysis has been completed are returned to the loading position of the sample container tray 14 installed at the time of loading. Thus, when it is determined that there is no retesting, transfer from the retest buffer to the sample container holder 2, transfer to the vicinity of the storage unit, and transfer from the sample container holder on the transport line to the storage unit are performed. It becomes unnecessary. That is, the transfer mechanism for transferring the sample holder on the transport path from the sample buffer can be omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to transfer the specimen loading section and the storage section and the specimen holder with a single transfer mechanism.

  In this embodiment, all the functions of the input unit, the storage unit, and the retest buffer are realized by one unit (specimen container input / storage unit 4). You may comprise as. Furthermore, an input / storage unit having an input / storage function and a single retest buffer may be provided, or two units of an input unit and a storage unit having a sample buffer function may be provided. Moreover, regardless of whether it is single or shared, increasing the number of input / storage units can ensure a long time for the inspection engineer to be involved in work other than the analyzer, that is, Walk-Around-Time.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing how the sample is handled in the sample container loading / storing unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the sample queue in the present embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, if attention is paid to the individual analysis modules 5 and 6, the analysis efficiency can be improved by alternately inputting a sample (sample container 1) having a large number of test items (namely, the number of dispensing) and a sample having a small number. It is likely to be increased. This is because the processing performance (number of analyzes per unit time) of the analysis modules 5 and 6 and the sample container 1 are transferred from the sample loading / storing unit to the sample container holder 2 on the sample container transport path 3. This is because there is a high possibility that the performance of the analysis module cannot be sufficiently brought out due to the lack of the transport performance when the transport performance for transporting the test modules is compared. This is because, as the number of analysis modules connected to the system increases, the ability to supply the sample container 1 (sample container holder 2) from the sample container loading storage unit 4 to the analysis module decreases.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, a conceptual sample queue 27 and a sample queue 28 that define the sample insertion order are defined for each of the analysis modules 5 and 6. The sample queue 27 is a sample queue in which the number of analysis requests per sample is larger than a predetermined constant (defined as a threshold value N1), and the sample queue 28 is a queue of samples in which the number of analysis requests is smaller than the threshold value N1. Here, in particular, the sample queues 27 and 28 corresponding to the analysis module 5 are illustrated as sample queues 271 and 281, and the sample queues 27 and 28 corresponding to the analysis module 6 are illustrated as sample queues 272 and 282.

  The handling of the sample in the sample container loading / storing unit of the present embodiment using the sample queues 27 and 28 defined as described above will be described.

  In FIG. 12, when the sample container tray drawer 15 on which the sample container tray 14 is mounted is installed in the sample container loading storage unit 4, the control device 7 electromagnetically locks the sample container tray drawer 15 and the RFID reader 15a. Thus, the RFID 14a of the sample container tray 14 is read (step S011). Subsequently, the host computer (not particularly shown, but connected to the automatic analyzer 100 via the laboratory network 200) is inquired about the information of the sample container 1 mounted on the sample container tray 14, and the sample is obtained. Correspondence information (see FIG. 9 and the like) between the container tray 14 and the sample container 1 is acquired (step S012). Subsequently, all the sample containers 1 on the sample container tray 14 are distributed to the sample queues of the analysis modules 5 and 6 (step S013). That is, the sample container 1 analyzed only by the analysis module 5 compares the number of samples with the threshold N1, and if it is larger than the threshold N1, it is assigned to the sample queue 271 and if smaller, it is assigned to the sample queue 281. The sample containers 1 analyzed only by the analysis module 6 are also assigned to the sample queues 272 and 282 as in the case of the analysis module 5. Samples to be analyzed by both analysis modules 5 and 6 are first analyzed by the analysis module 5 and 6 having the larger number of requests. At this time, the number of analysis requests assigned to the first analysis modules 5 and 6 is compared with the threshold N1 and assigned to the sample queue 27 or the sample queue 28.

  Subsequently, the contents of the sample queues 27 and 28 of the analysis modules 5 and 6 are updated (step S014). This is because, in the samples having the test items of both analysis modules 5 and 6, when the processing of the first analysis module is completed, it is necessary to re-enter the sample queues 27 and 28 of the other analysis module. The same applies to the sample for which reexamination is confirmed, and the sample is placed in the sample queue 27 or 28. Further, when there is an analysis module in which the sample queues 27 and 28 are emptied, and there are samples having items that can be analyzed in the sample queues 27 and 28 of other analysis modules, these are stored in the sample queue 27 of the analysis module. , 28 to change the order of the analysis modules.

  Subsequently, the sample container 1 is taken out from the sample queue 27, transferred from the sample container tray 14 to the sample container holder 2, and supplied to the analysis modules 5 and 6 (step S015). Subsequently, the sample container 1 is taken out from the sample queue 28 and supplied to the analysis modules 5 and 6 (step S016). If there are no sample containers 1 in the sample queues 27 and 28, nothing is performed in steps S015 and S016.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the processing has been completed for all analysis modules (step S017). If the determination result is NO, steps S015 and S016 are repeated until the determination result is YES.

  If the determination result in step S017 is YES, it is determined whether the measurement has been completed for all the sample containers 1 on the sample container tray 14 (step S018). If the determination result is NO, The processes in steps S014 to S017 are repeated until the determination result is YES.

  If the determination result in step S018 is YES, the electromagnetic lock of the sample container tray drawer 15 is released (step S019), and the process ends.

  Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Also in the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, the analysis modules 5 and 6 are configured to alternately input a sample (sample container 1) having a large number of test items (that is, the number of dispensing) and a sample having a small number, so that the analysis efficiency can be further improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Specimen container 2 Specimen container holder 3 Specimen container conveyance path 4 Specimen container insertion storage part 5, 6 Analysis module 7 Control part 8 Reagent cassette 9 Reagent disk 10 Reaction disk 11 Dispensing nozzle 12, 13 Intake line 14 Specimen container tray 15 Container tray drawer 16 Sample container holder pull-in line 17 Sample container transfer mechanism 18 Sample container holder storage 19 Corresponding table 20 Operation screen 21 Routine operation tab window 22 Measurement result tab window 23 Sample tray layout display section 24 Counter container holding section Layout display part 25 Response information display unit 26 Measurement result display units 27 and 28 Sample cue 100 Automatic analyzer 200 Laboratory network 300 Sample test automation system

Claims (7)

A sample container containing a sample to be analyzed;
A sample container holder for mounting one of the sample containers;
A sample container transport path for transporting the sample container by transporting the sample container holder;
A specimen container loading and storing section that is disposed along the specimen container transport path and installs a plurality of specimen container trays on which the plurality of specimen containers are mounted;
A plurality of analysis modules that are arranged along the sample container transport path and that perform analysis processing of the sample contained in the sample container transported by the sample container transport path;
A sample container transfer mechanism for transferring the sample container between the sample container tray and the sample container holder;
An automatic analysis comprising: a control device that controls the order of the sample containers to be transferred from the sample container tray to the sample container holder based on the state of analysis processing load of the plurality of analysis modules apparatus. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The controller is
Based on identification marks provided on each of the plurality of sample container trays, obtain information on analysis items requested in advance for the sample containers;
In order to temporarily hold a plurality of the sample containers mounted on the sample container holder, each analysis is performed based on the number of the sample containers held in the sample container buffers respectively provided in the plurality of analysis modules. Determine the load of module analysis processing,
The analysis items that can be analyzed by the analysis module determined to have a relatively low load of the analysis process are sequentially from the sample container corresponding to the analysis item requested in advance, from the sample container tray. An automatic analyzer which controls the sample container transfer mechanism so as to transfer to a sample container holder. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
Based on identification marks provided on each of the plurality of sample container trays, obtain information on analysis items requested in advance for the sample containers;
The sample container so that the number of analysis items requested in advance is equal to or greater than a preset threshold and the sample container equal to or less than the threshold is alternately conveyed in each of the plurality of analysis modules. An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling a transfer mechanism. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The sample container loading storage unit has a drawer mechanism for carrying in and out of the sample container tray to and from the sample container loading storage unit,
The automatic analysis apparatus, wherein the control unit electromagnetically locks the sample container tray to the drawer mechanism until results are confirmed for all of the sample containers mounted on the sample container tray. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The control unit transfers the sample container, which has been subjected to the analysis process in the analysis module, from the sample container holder on the sample container transport path to the original position of the original sample container tray. An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling a transfer mechanism. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
A retest buffer for temporarily evacuating the sample container from the sample container transport path from the execution of the analysis process in the analysis module until the necessity of retest is determined;
An automatic analyzer comprising: a transfer mechanism for transferring the sample container from the sample container holder on the sample container transport path to the retest buffer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The sample container determined to be reexamined based on the analysis result in the analysis module is transferred from the sample container holder on the sample container transport path to the original position of the original sample container tray. An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling a specimen container transfer mechanism.

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