JP2016020845A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer capable of preventing deterioration of analysis data due to positional deviations of reaction vessels.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer comprises: a sixth nozzle 86 discharging blank liquid of a first total amount being a total amount of a dispensing amount of a sample and a dispensing amount of a reagent set as analysis parameters of an inspection item A1 allocated to a reaction vessel 3 of a blank position B subjected to washing at washing positions W1 through W5 and the blank position B; and a determination section 28 determining whether or not the reaction vessel 3 is usable for a first inspection item on the basis of blank data generated by detection of light transmitted through the reaction vessel 3 discharged with the blank liquid of the first total amount. The sample and the reagent for the inspection item A1 are dispensed to the reaction vessel 3 determined to be usable, and dispensation of the sample and the reagent for the inspection item A1 to the reaction vessel 3 determined to be unusable is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer that performs measurement by irradiating light to a container that contains a liquid.

The automatic analyzer is intended for biochemical test items, immunological test items, etc., and changes in color tone and turbidity caused by the reaction of the mixture of the test sample collected from the sample and the reagent of each test item, Optically measured with a spectrophotometer or turbidimetric measuring unit. By this measurement, analysis data represented by the concentration of each test item component in the sample, the activity of the enzyme, and the like are generated.

This automatic analyzer analyzes an item to be inspected set out of a plurality of inspection items for each sample. The sample dispensing probe dispenses the sample in the sample container into the reaction container.
The reagent dispensing probe dispenses the reagent in the reagent container into the reaction container. In addition, the measurement unit
Measurement is performed by irradiating light to a reaction container containing a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent, and detecting light transmitted through the mixed solution.

The reaction container into which the sample and the reagent are dispensed is washed every time the measurement is completed, and when the washing is completed, the sample and the reagent are dispensed again. Thus, since the reaction vessel is used repeatedly, dirt may accumulate or deteriorate. For this reason, the reaction vessel is detachably attached so that it can be removed and powerfully washed and replaced.

JP 2010-60521

However, in recent years, the amount of sample and reagent dispensed into a reaction vessel has been reduced, and the range in which light is irradiated so that the mixed solution can be transmitted has become narrower. For this reason, when the mounting position of the reaction vessel is bad, there is a problem that the measurement accuracy is lowered and the analysis data is deteriorated.

The embodiment has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic analyzer that can prevent deterioration of analysis data due to a displacement of a reaction container.

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction container, and measures the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container.
A nozzle that discharges a total amount of blank liquid, which is the sum of the dispensed amount of the sample set for the inspection item assigned to the reaction container and the dispensed amount of the reagent, to the reaction container, and the total amount of blank liquid is An analysis control unit for controlling the dispensing operation of the sample for the inspection item and the reagent to the reaction container based on the blank data generated by detecting the light transmitted through the discharged reaction container. Features.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows the structure of the analysis part which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the reaction container which concerns on embodiment, and the holder which hold | maintains this reaction container so that attachment or detachment is possible. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the measurement part which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the washing | cleaning part which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the position in the up-down direction of the reaction container with respect to the measurement part which concerns on embodiment.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. This automatic analyzer 100 generates blank data by blank measurement, standard measurement for measuring each test item, and a standard measurement for measuring a mixed solution of a test sample and a reagent used for analysis of each test item. An analysis unit 24 for generating data and test data is provided. Further, a drive unit 26 that drives various units of the analysis unit 24 and an analysis control unit 27 that controls the drive unit 26 are provided.

The automatic analyzer 100 further includes a determination unit 28 that determines whether or not a predetermined unit can be used based on the blank data generated by the analysis unit 24. Analysis unit 2
4 includes a data processing unit 30 that processes the standard data and test data generated in step 4 to generate calibration data and analysis data. Further, an output unit 40 that prints out and displays the calibration data and analysis data generated by the data processing unit 30 is provided.

Furthermore, the automatic analyzer 100 provides input for setting a sample dispensing amount, a reagent dispensing amount, a wavelength, and the like as analysis parameters for each inspection item, and each inspection item necessary for the inspection for each test sample. An operation unit 50 is provided for performing input for setting. In addition, the analysis control unit 27 and the determination unit 28
A system control unit 60 that controls the data processing unit 30 and the output unit 40 in an integrated manner is provided.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the analysis unit 24.
The analysis unit 24 includes a sample container 17 that stores a standard sample and a test sample such as serum, and a sample disk 5 that holds the sample container 17. In addition, a reagent container 6 containing, for example, a first reagent and a two reagent system, which are reagents that react with the components of the test item included in each sample of the standard sample and the test sample, and the reagent container 6 are rotated. A reagent rack 1a that is movably held and a reagent storage 1 that keeps the first reagent in the reagent container 6 cold are provided.

In addition, a reagent container 7 that stores a second reagent that forms a pair with the first reagent of the two-reagent system, a reagent rack 2a that rotatably holds the reagent container 7, and a second reagent in the reagent container 7 are kept cold. Reagent storage 2
And. Moreover, the holder 3a which hold | maintains the some reaction container 3 in circular arc shape at predetermined intervals is provided. Moreover, the reaction disk 4 which hold | maintains the some holder 3a to the circumference shape so that attachment or detachment is possible is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, each reaction vessel 3 is held by a holder 3a so as to be detachable in the vertical direction.

In addition, a sample dispensing probe 16 that performs dispensing to suck the sample in the sample container 17 held on the sample disk 5 and discharge the sample into the reaction container 3 is provided. In addition, a sample dispensing arm 10 that holds the sample dispensing probe 16 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable, and a cleaning tank 16a that cleans the sample dispensing probe 16 every time the dispensing of the same sample is completed are provided.

In addition, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 for aspirating the first reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a and dispensing it into the reaction container 3 from which the sample has been discharged, and the first reagent A first reagent dispensing arm 8 that holds the dispensing probe 14 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable is provided. In addition, a cleaning tank 14a for cleaning the first reagent dispensing probe 14 every time when dispensing of the first reagent is completed is provided.

A first stirrer 18 for stirring the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent dispensed in the reaction vessel 3;
A first stirring arm 20 that holds the first stirring bar 18 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable, and a cleaning tank 18a that cleans the first stirring bar 18 every time the stirring of the mixed liquid is completed. Reagent rack 2a
A second reagent dispensing probe 15 for aspirating the second reagent in the reagent container 7 held in the container and discharging it into the reaction container 3 into which the first reagent has been dispensed, and the second reagent dispensing. A second reagent dispensing arm 9 that holds the probe 15 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable is provided. In addition, a cleaning tank 15a for cleaning the second reagent dispensing probe 15 every time the second reagent dispensing is completed is provided.

In addition, a second stirrer 19 that stirs the sample dispensed in the reaction vessel 3, the mixed solution of the first reagent and the second reagent, and a second stirrer that holds the second stirrer 19 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. Arm 21;
And a washing tank 19a for washing the second stirrer 19 every time the mixed solution is stirred. Moreover, the measurement part 13 which irradiates light to the reaction container 3 which accommodates a liquid mixture, and performs a measurement is provided. Moreover, the washing | cleaning part 12 which cleans the inside of the reaction container 3 which complete | finished the measurement of the liquid mixture in the measurement part 13 is provided.
And the washing | cleaning part 12 discharges blank liquids, such as a pure water, to the reaction container 3 which wash | cleaned.

The measurement part 13 produces | generates blank data by the blank measurement which detects the light which permeate | transmitted the reaction container 3 by which the blank liquid was discharged. Also, a reaction vessel 3 in which standard samples and reagents are dispensed.
Standard data is generated by standard measurement that detects light transmitted through the liquid mixture. In addition, test data is generated by test measurement that detects light transmitted through the mixed solution in the reaction container 3 into which the test sample and the reagent are dispensed.

The drive unit 26 has a mechanism for driving various units of the analysis unit 24. Then, the sample disk 5, the reagent rack 1a, and the reagent rack 2a are rotationally driven to move the sample container 17, the reagent container 6, and the reagent container 7. Further, the reaction disk 4 is rotated to move the reaction vessel 3. In addition, the sample dispensing arm 10, the first reagent dispensing arm 8, the second reagent dispensing arm 9, the first stirring arm 20, and the second stirring arm 21 are driven up and down and rotated, respectively, to sample dispensing probe 16, First reagent dispensing probe 14, second reagent dispensing probe 15, first stirrer 1
8 and the second stirring bar 19 are moved.

The analysis control unit 27 controls the drive unit 26 to operate various units of the analysis unit 24. Further, in order to inspect the reaction container 3 cleaned by the cleaning unit 12 of the analysis unit 24, the operation unit 5 is used.
The inspection items input for each test sample from 0 are sequentially assigned. Subsequently, the blank liquid of the total amount which totaled the dispensing amount of the sample set as the analysis parameter of the inspection item and the dispensing amount of the reagent is discharged to the reaction container 3 to which the inspection item is assigned. Reaction vessel 3 from which blank liquid was discharged
Blank data is generated by the blank measurement. And based on the produced | generated blank data, the dispensing operation | movement of the sample and reagent for the said test item to the reaction container 3 which allocated the test item is controlled.

The determination unit 28 shown in FIG. 1 uses the reaction container 3 in which the blank measurement is performed based on the blank data generated by the measurement unit 13 of the analysis unit 24 for the inspection item assigned by the analysis control unit 27. It is determined whether it can be used. Here, among the plurality of blank data generated by a plurality of collections at the timing when the reaction vessel 3 in which the blank measurement is performed rotates and passes through a predetermined position, for example, the minimum data is subtracted from the maximum data. The determination is made based on the difference blank data or the average blank data obtained by averaging the data after removing the maximum data and the minimum data.

When the difference blank data and the average blank data are each within the preset allowable range, it is determined that the reaction vessel 3 in which the blank measurement is performed can be used for the inspection item. When the difference blank data or the average blank data is out of the preset allowable range, it is determined that the reaction vessel 3 in which the blank measurement is performed cannot be used for the inspection item.

Here, the analysis control unit 27 causes the sample and the reagent for the inspection item assigned to the reaction container 3 determined to be usable by the determination unit 28 to be dispensed. Also, the dispensing of the sample and reagent for the inspection item assigned to the reaction container 3 determined to be unusable by the determination unit 28 is stopped. Further, the canceled inspection item is assigned to the reaction container 3 to be cleaned next to the reaction container 3 determined to be unusable by the determination unit 28.

The data processing unit 30 processes the standard data and test data generated by the measurement unit 13 of the analysis unit 24 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each inspection item, and is generated by the calculation unit 31. And a data storage unit 32 for storing standard data and analysis data.

The calculation unit 31 generates calibration data representing the relationship between the standard value and the standard data for each inspection item from the standard data generated by the measurement unit 13 and a standard value preset for the standard sample of the standard data. . The generated calibration data is output to the output unit 40 and saved in the data storage unit 32.

In addition, the calibration data of the inspection item corresponding to the test data generated by the measurement unit 13 is read from the data storage unit 32, and the analysis data represented by the concentration value and the activity value is obtained from the calibration data and the test data. Generate. The generated analysis data is output to the output unit 40 and stored in the data storage unit 32.

The data storage unit 32 includes a memory device such as a hard disk, and stores the calibration data generated by the calculation unit 31 for each inspection item. Moreover, the analysis data of each test item generated by the calculation unit 31 is stored for each test sample.

The output unit 40 includes a printing unit 41 that prints and outputs calibration data and analysis data generated by the calculation unit 31 of the data processing unit 30 and a display unit 42 that displays and outputs the data. The printing unit 41
Includes a printer or the like, and prints calibration data and analysis data on printer paper or the like according to a preset format.

The display unit 42 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and displays calibration data and analysis data. In addition, the dispensing amount of the sample to be dispensed into the reaction vessel 3, which is the analysis parameter of each inspection item,
In order to set the analysis parameter setting screen for setting the dispensing amount of the first reagent or the dispensing amounts of the first and second reagents and the inspection items set in the analysis parameter setting screen for each test sample The inspection item setting screen is displayed.

The operation unit 50 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a touch key panel. Then, the input for setting the sample dispensing amount and the first reagent dispensing amount or the first and second reagent dispensing amounts and the like as the analysis parameters of each inspection item, and each test sample to be inspected Information Input for setting inspection items to be inspected is performed for each piece of information.

The system control unit 60 includes a CPU and a storage circuit, and stores input information such as analysis parameters and inspection items of each inspection item input by an operation from the operation unit 50 in the storage circuit. Then, based on the stored input information, the analysis control unit 27, the determination unit 28, the data processing unit 30, and the output unit 40 are integrated to control the entire system.

Next, with reference to FIG.2 and FIG.4, the structure of the measurement part 13 in the analysis part 24 is demonstrated.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the measurement unit 13. The measurement unit 13 includes a light source 131 that emits light, a diffraction grating 132 that diffracts light from the light source 131, and a detector 133 that detects light of each wavelength diffracted by the diffraction grating 132. As the light source 131, a halogen lamp or the like capable of obtaining high output stability from the near ultraviolet region to the near infrared region is used.
The light emitted from the light source 131 irradiates the reaction container 3 at the measurement position M that is rotating.
The light incident on the reaction vessel 3 by irradiation from the light source 131 forms an optical path that passes near the bottom in the reaction vessel 3, and the light transmitted through the reaction vessel 3 is diffracted by the diffraction grating 132.

The detector 133 detects a plurality of wavelengths of light in the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared region of, for example, 340 to 800 nm diffracted by the diffraction grating 132, and amplifies the electrical signal. And an A / D conversion circuit that converts an electric signal amplified by the amplifier into a digital signal. And the light of the wavelength set as an analysis parameter of this inspection item is detected for every inspection item.

And the measurement part 13 produces | generates blank data by the blank measurement which irradiates light to the reaction container 3 of the measurement position M currently rotating and detects the light which permeate | transmitted the reaction container 3 by which the blank liquid was discharged. . This blank data is treated as the intensity of incident light incident on the reaction vessel 3 determined to be usable by the determination unit 28.

Moreover, after it determines with the measurement part 13 being usable based on blank data, light is irradiated to the reaction container 3 which rotationally moves and passes the measurement position M. FIG. Then, standard data represented by absorbance is generated based on the blank data by standard measurement for detecting light transmitted through the reaction container 3 into which the standard sample and the reagent have been dispensed.

In addition, the measurement unit 13 irradiates light to the reaction vessel 3 that rotates and moves through the measurement position M after the determination unit 28 determines that it can be used based on the blank data. Then, test data represented by absorbance is generated based on the blank data by test measurement that detects light transmitted through the reaction container 3 into which the test sample and the reagent have been dispensed.

In this way, by providing the measurement unit 13 that can detect the light that has passed through the bottom of the reaction vessel 3 and the light that has passed through the reaction vessel 3 in the reaction vessel 3, the minute amount of the mixed solution in the reaction vessel 3 is measured. Can do.

Note that the intensity of light decreases as the light source 131 is used for a long time, and the intensity of light incident on the reaction vessel 3 also changes. For this reason, the light transmitted between the reaction containers 3 adjacent to each other that is not affected by the reaction container 3 is detected, for example, every time the test is started, and a correction coefficient at which the intensity of the light becomes a predetermined level is obtained. Then, the blank data corrected with the obtained correction coefficient is used for determination by the determination unit 28.

Next, the configuration of the cleaning unit 12 in the analysis unit 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the cleaning unit 12. The cleaning unit 12 includes a cleaning liquid supply pump 70 that supplies a cleaning liquid for cleaning the reaction container 3, and a blank liquid supply pump 75 that supplies a blank liquid for performing a blank measurement for each reaction container 3. . Further, a cleaning nozzle 80 is provided that discharges the cleaning liquid and blank liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply pump 70 into the reaction container 3 and sucks the mixed liquid, the cleaning liquid, and the blank liquid in the reaction container 3. .

In addition, the cleaning unit 12 includes a drainage pump 90 for causing the cleaning nozzle 80 to suck the liquid mixture, the cleaning liquid, and the blank liquid from the reaction vessel 3. Further, for example, a first detergent container 95 for containing an alkaline first detergent and a second detergent container 96 for containing an acidic second detergent used for washing the reaction container 3 are provided.

The cleaning liquid supply pump 70 includes first to third supply pumps 71 to 73 that supply the cleaning liquid to the cleaning nozzle 80. The first supply pump 71 sucks the pure water purified by the pure water device 110 and supplies the sucked pure water to the cleaning nozzle 80 as cleaning water. Further, the second supply pump 72 sucks pure water and the first detergent from the pure water device 110 and the first detergent container 95, and dilutes the sucked first detergent with pure water to the first. Is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 80 as a cleaning liquid. Further, the third supply pump 73 sucks pure water and the second detergent from the pure water device 110 and the second detergent container 96, and dilutes the diluted second detergent with pure water. Is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 80 as a cleaning liquid.

The blank liquid supply pump 75 is a metering pump capable of changing the supply amount, and sucks pure water from the pure water device 110 to obtain a blank liquid. Then, a total amount of blank liquid is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 80 by the total of the sample dispensing amount and the reagent dispensing amount set for the inspection item assigned to the reaction container 3 for each reaction container 3.

The cleaning nozzle 80 includes first to eighth nozzles 81 to 88 that are arranged to be movable up and down. Then, by the drain operation of the drain pump 90, each liquid of the mixed liquid, the cleaning water, the first cleaning liquid, the second cleaning liquid, and the blank liquid in the reaction container 3 is sucked. Further, by supplying the cleaning liquid supply pump 70 and the blank liquid supply pump 75, the cleaning water, the first
The cleaning liquid, the second cleaning liquid, and the blank liquid are discharged.

The first nozzle 81 finishes the measurement at the measurement unit 13 and stops at the washing position W1.
After the mixed liquid is sucked, the cleaning water supplied from the first supply pump 71 is discharged to perform cleaning. The second nozzle 82 is supplied from the second supply pump 72 after sucking the cleaning water in the reaction vessel 3 stopped at the cleaning position W2 after the cleaning water is discharged by the first nozzle 81. Cleaning is performed by discharging the first cleaning liquid. Further, the third nozzle 83 is the second nozzle 8.
After the first cleaning liquid is discharged by 2, the first cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 3 stopped at the cleaning position W <b> 3 is sucked, and then the second cleaning liquid supplied from the third supply pump 73 is discharged to perform cleaning. I do.

The fourth nozzle 84 sucks the second cleaning liquid in the reaction vessel 3 that stops at the cleaning position W4 after the second cleaning liquid is discharged by the third nozzle 83, and then supplies the second cleaning liquid from the first supply pump 71. The cleaning water is discharged to perform cleaning. The fifth nozzle 85 sucks the cleaning water in the reaction vessel 3 that stops at the cleaning position W5 after the cleaning water is discharged by the fourth nozzle 84, and then is supplied from the first supply pump 71. Cleaning is performed by discharging cleaning water.

The sixth nozzle 86 has a blank position B after the cleaning water is discharged by the fifth nozzle 85.
Washing is performed by sucking the washing water in the reaction vessel 3 that is stopped at step S2. By this suction, the reaction container 3 at the blank position B is completely cleaned and emptied. And the blank liquid of the total amount computed from the dispensing amount of the sample set for the inspection item allocated to the reaction container 3 of the blank position B which performed washing | cleaning and a reagent is discharged.

The seventh nozzle 87 has a cleaning position W after the blank liquid is discharged by the sixth nozzle 86.
The blank liquid in the reaction vessel 3 in which the blank measurement stopped at 7 is performed is sucked. 8th
The nozzle 88 sucks the blank liquid remaining in the reaction vessel 3 stopped at the cleaning position W8 after the blank liquid is sucked by the seventh nozzle 87. By this suction, the reaction container 3 at the cleaning position W8 is emptied.

The blank measurement is performed at a timing when the reaction container 3 from which the blank liquid is discharged at the blank position B passes through the measurement position M while moving to the cleaning position W7.

The drainage pump 90 includes first and second drainage pumps 91 and 92. And
By the drain operation of the first drain pump 91, the first nozzle 81 of the cleaning nozzle 80 sucks the mixed solution. Further, the second nozzle 82 sucks the cleaning water, and the third nozzle 83 sucks the first cleaning liquid. The fourth nozzle 84 sucks the second cleaning liquid. In addition, 85 and 86 suck the cleaning water into the fifth and sixth nozzles. Further, the seventh nozzle 87 sucks the blank liquid. Further, the eighth nozzle 88 sucks the blank liquid by the drain operation of the second drain pump 92.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic analyzer 100.
In the storage circuit of the system control unit 60, the analysis parameters of each inspection item input from the operation unit 50, the information on the test sample to be inspected, the inspection item A1 to be inspected set for each piece of information, and this Input information such as an inspection item A2 different from the inspection item A1 is stored. Then, when an input to start examination is performed from the operation unit 50, the automatic analyzer 100 starts operation (step S1).

Hereinafter, an operation related to the reaction container 3 to which the inspection item A1 is assigned first and the inspection item A1 is assigned after the inspection item A1 is assigned will be described.

The analysis control unit 27 determines each unit of the analysis unit 24 based on the analysis parameters such as the inspection items A1 and A2 input from the operation unit 50, the information on the test sample, and the information on the inspection items A1 and A2 to be inspected. Operate. The first to fifth nozzles 81 to 85 of the cleaning unit 12 are at the cleaning position W1.
The reaction container 3 stopped at thru | or W5 is wash | cleaned, and the 6th nozzle 86 wash | cleans the reaction container 3 stopped at the blank position B after stopping at the washing position W5 (step S2).

When there is an inspection item to be inspected (Yes in Step S3), the analysis control unit 27 assigns, for example, the inspection item A1 to the reaction container 3 stopped at the blank position B as the inspection target (Step S4). If there is no inspection item to be inspected (No in step S3), step S3
21.

After “Yes” in step S3, the sixth nozzle 86 sets the sample dispensing amount and the reagent dispensing amount set for the inspection item A1 assigned to the reaction container 3 in the blank position B where the cleaning is performed. A first total amount of blank liquid is discharged (step S5).

After stopping at the blank position B, the measurement unit 13 irradiates the reaction container 3 that rotates and moves through the measurement position M with light. And 1st blank data are produced | generated by the blank measurement which detects the light which permeate | transmits the reaction container 3 by which the 1st total amount of blank liquid of the measurement position M was discharged (step S6).

Based on the first blank data generated by the measurement unit 13, the determination unit 28 determines whether or not the reaction container 3 in which the blank measurement has been performed can be used for the inspection item A1. When the first blank data is within the preset allowable range (Yes in step S7), it is determined that the reaction container 3 in which the blank measurement has been performed can be used for the inspection item A1. If the blank data is out of the preset allowable range (step S
7), it is determined that the reaction vessel 3 in which the blank measurement has been performed cannot be used for the inspection item A1.

Thus, in the blank measurement for obtaining the intensity of the incident light to each reaction vessel 3, the first total amount of the blank liquid based on the total amount of the sample and the reagent dispensed set in the inspection item A1 is used. ,
By discharging into the reaction container 3 to which the inspection item A1 is assigned, it can be determined whether or not the reaction container 3 into which the blank liquid has been discharged can be used for the inspection item A1.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, the light path irradiated from the measurement unit 13 falls within the allowable range when it is included in the blank liquid region in the reaction vessel 3. At this time, since the position of the reaction vessel 3 with respect to the measurement unit 13 is a normal height, it is determined that the reaction vessel 3 can be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, when a part of the bottom portion of the reaction vessel 3 is included in the optical path of the light emitted from the measurement unit 13, it is out of the allowable range. At this time, since the position of the reaction vessel 3 with respect to the measurement unit 13 is high, it is determined that the reaction vessel 3 cannot be used. In addition, FIG.
), When the liquid level of the blank liquid in the reaction vessel 3 is included in the optical path of the light emitted from the measurement unit 13, it is out of the allowable range. At this time, since the position of the reaction vessel 3 with respect to the measurement unit 13 is low, it is determined that the reaction vessel 3 cannot be used.

Thus, the use of the reaction vessel 3 having a high position when attached to the holder 3a for reducing the measurement accuracy of the measurement unit 13 can be stopped. Further, when the amount of the mixed liquid is very small, the use of the reaction vessel 3 having a low position when mounted on the holder 3a for reducing the measurement accuracy of the measurement unit 13 can be stopped.

After “Yes” in step S7, the sample is controlled by controlling the dispensing operation of the sample and reagent for the inspection item A1 to the reaction container 3 to which the inspection item A1 based on the first blank data is assigned by the analysis control unit 27. The dispensing probe 16 dispenses the sample for the inspection item A1 into the reaction container 3 determined to be usable, and the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 are reaction containers into which the sample has been dispensed. 3 is dispensed with the first and second reagents for the inspection item A1 (step S8).

The measurement unit 13 irradiates light to the reaction container 3 that rotates and moves through the measurement position M after the sample and the reagent are dispensed. Then, test data represented by absorbance is generated based on the first blank data by test measurement that detects light transmitted through the reaction container 3 containing the test sample and reagent mixture (step S9). .

The calculation unit 31 of the data processing unit 30 generates analysis data of the inspection item A1 based on the test data generated by the measurement unit 13. The output unit 40 outputs analysis data of the inspection item A1. The reaction vessel 3 used for the inspection item A1 moves to the cleaning position W1. Then, it returns to step S2.

After “No” in step S7, the analysis control unit 27 associates the reaction container 3 determined to be unusable with the container ID for identifying the reaction container 3, and the first total amount and the first total amount or less. An error code indicating inappropriate use is stored in an internal memory. Then, the allocation of the inspection item A1 to the reaction container 3 determined to be unusable is canceled (step S1).
0). Thereafter, the canceled inspection item A1 is assigned to the reaction vessel 3 that stops at the blank position B.

The sample dispensing probe 16 stops dispensing the sample for the inspection item A1 to the reaction container 3 determined to be unusable, and the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 are unusable. The dispensing of the first and second reagents for the inspection item A1 into the reaction container 3 determined to be is stopped (
Step S11).

Thus, the inspection item A to the reaction container 3 determined to be unusable for the inspection item A1.
By stopping the dispensing of the sample for 1 and the reagent, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the analysis data due to the displacement of the reaction container 3 in advance.

The first to fifth nozzles 81 to 85 clean the reaction container 3 stopped at the cleaning positions W1 to W5, and the sixth nozzle 86 cleans the reaction container 3 stopped at the cleaning position W5 and then stopped at the blank position B. (Step S12).

When there is an inspection item to be inspected (Yes in step S13), the analysis control unit 27 determines that the inspection item A1 cannot be used, and then in the reaction container 3 at the blank position B where the cleaning has been performed. The inspection item A2 is assigned (step S14). If there is no inspection item to be inspected (No in step S13), the process proceeds to step S21.

After step S14, the analysis control unit 27 dispenses the first total amount stored in association with the container ID of the reaction container 3 stopped at the blank position B and the sample dispensing amount set for the assigned inspection item A2. And the second total amount by the sum of the dispensed amount of the reagent. If the second total amount is larger than the first total amount (No in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. If the second total amount is equal to or less than the first total amount (Yes in step S15), the process returns to step S10.

As described above, after it is determined that the test item A1 cannot be used, the test item A2 is assigned to the washed reaction container 3, and the second total amount of the sample and the reagent set in the test item A2 is determined. When the amount is equal to or less than the first total amount, the sample and reagent dispensing to the reaction vessel 3 to which the inspection item A2 is assigned is stopped in the same manner as in the case of the inspection item A1, thereby analyzing the displacement of the reaction vessel 3 Data deterioration can be prevented in advance.

After “No” in step S15, the sixth nozzle 86 is moved to the reaction vessel 3 in the blank position B.
A second total amount of blank liquid is discharged (step S16).

After stopping at the blank position B, the measurement unit 13 irradiates the reaction container 3 that rotates and moves through the measurement position M with light. And 2nd blank data is produced | generated by the blank measurement which detects the light which permeate | transmitted the reaction container 3 by which the 2nd total amount of blank liquid was discharged (step S).
17).

Based on the second blank data generated by the measurement unit 13, the determination unit 28 determines whether or not the reaction container 3 in which the blank measurement has been performed can be used for the assigned inspection item A2. . When the second blank data is within the allowable range (Yes in step S18), it is determined that the reaction container 3 in which the blank measurement has been performed can be used for the inspection item A2. If the second blank data is out of the allowable range (No in step S18), the process returns to step S10.

In step S12 after returning to step S10, the sample dispensing probe 1
6 stops dispensing the sample for the inspection item A2 into the reaction container 3 determined to be unusable, and determines that the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 are unusable. The dispensing of the first and second reagents for the inspection item A2 into the reaction container 3 is stopped.

In this way, after it is determined that the test item A1 cannot be used, it is possible to determine whether or not the cleaned reaction container 3 can be used for the test item A2. And
It is possible to stop the dispensing of the sample and the reagent to the reaction container 3 determined to be unusable for the inspection item A2. Thereby, deterioration of the analysis data due to the displacement of the reaction vessel 3 can be prevented in advance.

After “Yes” in step S18, the sample dispensing probe 16 dispenses the sample for the inspection item A2 into the reaction container 3 determined to be usable, and the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14,
15 dispenses the first and second reagents for the inspection item A2 into the reaction container 3 into which the sample has been dispensed (step S19).

The measurement unit 13 irradiates light to the reaction container 3 that rotates and moves through the measurement position M after the sample and the reagent are dispensed. Then, test data represented by absorbance is generated based on the second blank data by test measurement that detects light transmitted through the reaction container 3 containing the test sample and reagent mixture (step S20). .

The calculation unit 31 of the data processing unit 30 generates analysis data of the inspection item A2 based on the test data generated by the measurement unit 13. The output unit 40 outputs analysis data of the inspection item A2. The reaction vessel 3 used for the inspection item A2 moves to the cleaning position W1. Then, it returns to step S12.

After “No” in Step S3 or “No” in Step S13, the analysis control unit 27
The operation of each unit of the analysis unit 24 is stopped. When the end of the test is input from the operation unit 50, the automatic analyzer 100 ends the operation (step S21).

After the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 is completed, an input for displaying an error log column is performed from the operation unit 50 in order to confirm whether or not an error code is added in association with the container ID of each reaction container 3. And the container ID stored in the memory of the analysis control unit 27 and the container ID
The first total amount and the error flag related to are displayed on the display unit 42. The operator displays the display unit 4
After removing the reaction container 3 with the container ID displayed in 2 from the holder 3a and reattaching it to the correct position, the container ID displayed on the display unit 42, the first total amount and the error flag related to this container ID are displayed. By erasing, steps S1 to S21 can be executed in response to an input for starting the next inspection.

According to the embodiment described above, a small amount of mixing in the reaction vessel 3 can be achieved by providing the measurement unit 13 that can detect the light that has passed through the vicinity of the bottom of the reaction vessel 3 and transmitted through the reaction vessel 3. The liquid can be measured. Further, in the blank measurement for obtaining the intensity of the incident light to each reaction container 3, the first by the sum of the dispensed amount of the sample and the reagent set in the inspection item A1
Whether or not the reaction container 3 into which the first total amount of blank liquid is discharged can be used for the inspection item A1 by discharging the total amount of blank liquid into the reaction container 3 to which the inspection item A1 is assigned. Can be determined.

Further, after it is determined that the test item A1 cannot be used, the test item A2 is assigned to the cleaned reaction container 3, and the second of the total amount of the sample and the reagent set in the test item A2 is set.
Is greater than the first total amount, the second total amount of blank liquid is discharged by discharging the second total amount of blank liquid into the reaction vessel 3 to which the inspection item A2 is assigned. It is possible to determine whether or not the reaction container 3 is usable for the inspection item A2.

Then, the dispensing of the sample and the reagent to the reaction container 3 to which the inspection item A1 determined to be unusable can be stopped. Further, when the second total amount is equal to or less than the first total amount, the dispensing of the sample and the reagent to the reaction container 3 to which the inspection item A2 is assigned can be stopped. Thereby, deterioration of the analysis data due to the displacement of the reaction vessel 3 can be prevented in advance.

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.

B Blank position 3 Reaction vessel 3a Holder 12 Washing unit 13 Measuring unit 27 Analysis control unit 28 Determination unit 86 Sixth nozzle

Claims (6)

In an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and measures a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel,
A nozzle that discharges a total amount of blank liquid into the reaction vessel by the sum of the dispensing amount of the sample set for the inspection item assigned to the reaction vessel and the dispensing amount of the reagent,
Analysis control for controlling the dispensing operation of the sample and reagent for the inspection item to the reaction container based on the blank data generated by detecting the light transmitted through the reaction container in which the total amount of the blank liquid is discharged And an automatic analyzer. A determination unit that determines whether or not the reaction container can be used for the inspection item based on blank data generated by detecting light transmitted through the reaction container through which the total amount of blank liquid is discharged. Have
The automatic analysis according to claim 1, wherein the analysis control unit stops dispensing of the sample and reagent for the inspection item to the reaction container determined to be unusable for the inspection item. Analysis equipment. The automatic analysis according to claim 2, wherein the analysis control unit causes the sample and the reagent for the inspection item to be dispensed to the reaction container determined to be usable for the inspection item. apparatus. The nozzle is a sum of a sample dispensing amount and a reagent dispensing amount set for the inspection item different from the inspection item assigned to the reaction container determined to be unusable for the inspection item. When the total amount by the above is larger than the total amount, the blank solution of the total amount by the sum of the dispensed amount of the sample set for the test item different from the test item and the dispensed amount of the reagent is added to the reaction container. Discharge,
The determination unit can be used for an inspection item that is different from the inspection item, based on blank data generated by detecting light transmitted through the reaction vessel from which the total amount of blank liquid has been discharged. 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not there is any. The analysis control unit includes a sample dispensing amount and a reagent dispensing amount set for a test item different from the test item assigned to the reaction container determined to be unusable for the test item. 5. The dispensing of the sample and the reagent for the inspection item different from the inspection item into the reaction container is stopped when the total amount by the sum of the above is less than the total amount. The automatic analyzer according to any one of the above. The said blank data is data handled as intensity | strength of the incident light which injects into the reaction container determined to be usable by the said determination part, The Claim 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Automatic analyzer.

Images