JP2016161295A - Automatic analysis device and sample dilution-agitation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an automatic analysis device with which it is possible to change the method of dispensing a specimen in accordance with the use state of the automatic analysis device, the type of specimen, and measurement items, and to reliably analyze the specimen without causing a dispensing failure or correcting an analysis result.SOLUTION: A control device 216 comprises: a probe operation control part 218B; a syringe operation control part 216C; a specimen viscosity calculation part 216D for calculating the viscosity of the specimen from the pressure detected by a pressure gauge 221; a memory 216F; a parameter selection part 216E for selecting an appropriate dispensing operation from the dispensing operation parameters stored in the memory 216F on the basis of the specimen viscosity calculated by the specimen viscosity calculation part 216D; and a general operation control part 216A for controlling the operation of the probe operation control part 218B, syringe operation control part 216C, specimen viscosity calculation part 216D, and parameter selection part 216E. The general operation control part 216A controls the operation of the detection part unit 215 of an analysis operation part 300 and the display part 223D of an operation part 223.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for diluting a specimen such as blood in a reaction container and performing analysis, and a sample dilution stirring method.

  A conventional automatic analyzer is provided with a dispensing mechanism for accurately dispensing a sample from a sample container in order to improve the reliability of the analysis result. In this dispensing mechanism, a dispensing nozzle and a pump or syringe are connected via a flow path, and water is used as a pressure transmission medium.

  In the dispensing mechanism as described above, when the specimen has a high viscosity, it may not be possible to dispense accurately. This is because the dispensing operation is completed before the pressure fluctuation generated by the syringe or the like is sufficiently transmitted to the tip of the dispensing probe, and a predetermined amount cannot be sucked and discharged.

  If a specified amount of sample is not dispensed, an incorrect analysis result may be output. In order to prevent erroneous analysis, the amount of sample actually dispensed is calculated from the pressure during suction and the capacitance of the dispensing probe, and the analysis result is corrected.

  For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, detection of detecting the pressure of the liquid in the pipe of the sample dispensing mechanism when the sample is sucked at a predetermined suction speed with reference to the relationship stored in the viscosity storage unit A viscosity calculating unit that calculates the viscosity of the specimen corresponding to the pressure detected by the means is provided.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the measured absorbance of the reaction solution is determined according to the prescribed dispensing amount based on the viscosity of the sample calculated by the viscosity calculation unit and the suction speed when the sample is sucked. The absorbance of the reaction solution is corrected when a sample having a standard viscosity, which is a viscosity that can be dispensed into the sample, is dispensed with the same amount as the sample that has been aspirated and reacts with the reagent.

JP 2010-111282 A

  In automatic analyzers, when dispensing a highly viscous sample, the cause of dispensing failure is that the pressure fluctuation caused by the syringe or the like is not sufficiently transmitted to the tip of the dispensing probe, and the dispensing operation ends. This means that the fixed amount cannot be discharged, and the sample adheres to the dispensing probe at the time of discharge, and the sample is not discharged to the predetermined amount of the reaction container.

  In particular, with the recent increase in throughput of apparatuses, the time allocated for dispensing tends to be shortened, and it is necessary to reduce dispensing defects associated with the above causes.

  On the other hand, since there is no need to maintain high throughput during periods of low analysis requests such as at night, sufficient time is taken for dispensing high-viscosity specimens to avoid the occurrence of dispensing failures and ensure analysis. It is possible to do.

  In addition, a highly urgent sample needs to be analyzed reliably to prevent retesting due to poor dispensing.

  Further, depending on the measurement item, it may be difficult to correct the analysis result as in the above-mentioned document 1.

  Therefore, in order to avoid the situation where the analysis result needs to be corrected, it is necessary to reduce the dispensing failure of the sample by the dispensing probe.

  The purpose of the present invention is to change the sample dispensing method according to the usage status of the automatic analyzer, the type of sample, and the measurement items, and to analyze the sample reliably without correcting dispensing errors or analysis results. Realization of a simple automatic analyzer and sample dilution stirring method.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows.

  In an automatic analyzer, dispensing includes a reaction disk in which a plurality of reaction containers are arranged, a sample dispensing probe, and a sample suction / discharge operation mechanism that sucks and discharges a sample and a diluent in the sample dispensing probe. A mechanism, a reagent container disk in which a plurality of reagent containers are arranged, a reagent dispensing mechanism that sucks the reagent contained in the reagent container and discharges it to the reaction container arranged in the reaction disk, and the reaction container A detecting unit for analyzing the stored solution, a pressure gauge for detecting the internal pressure of the sample dispensing probe, the reaction disk, the dispensing mechanism, the reagent container disk, the reagent dispensing mechanism, and the detecting unit. A control unit that controls the operation of the unit and the pressure gauge.

  The control unit controls dilution and stirring operations of the sample sucked into the sample dispensing probe according to the characteristics of the sample sucked into the sample dispensing probe.

  Further, it is a method of diluting and stirring a sample of an automatic analyzer, wherein the internal pressure when the sample dispensing probe aspirates the sample is detected by a pressure gauge, and the suction is performed from the internal pressure of the sample probe detected by the pressure gauge. The viscosity of the sample is calculated, and the dilution and stirring operations of the sample sucked into the reagent dispensing probe are controlled based on the calculated sample viscosity.

  According to the present invention, the sample dispensing method can be changed according to the usage status of the automatic analyzer, the type of sample, and the measurement item, and the sample can be analyzed reliably without correcting dispensing errors or analysis results. A simple automatic analyzer and sample dilution stirring method can be realized.

It is a schematic block diagram of the automatic analyzer which applied the liquid stirring method concerning Example 1 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the sample dispensing mechanism which implements the stirring method in Example 1 of this invention. It is an operation | movement flow of the dispensing mechanism in Example 1 of this invention. It is an internal mechanism block diagram of the control apparatus in Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the dispensing operation | movement in the dispensing system by Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the parameters a, b, and c in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the alarm display screen which prompts the reanalysis after manual dilution by an operator. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which outputs a measurement result. It is a flowchart of the dispensing operation | movement in the dispensing system by Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart at the time of changing dispensing operation for every sample by Example 3 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the selection screen of the operation mode displayed on the display part of the operation part by Example 4 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the system with which multiple automatic analyzers in Example 5 of this invention were connected. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the system in which the sample pre-processing system in Example 6 of this invention and several automatic analyzer were connected.

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

  The present invention controls the dilution and stirring operation of a sample sucked into a reagent dispensing probe in accordance with the characteristics (viscosity, specific measurement items, emergency specimen) of the specimen (sample).

Example 1
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer to which a liquid stirring method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, an automatic analyzer 200 includes a rack 202 in which a plurality of sample containers (sample containers) 201 for storing biological samples (specimens) such as blood and urine, and a rack transport line 203 for transporting the racks 202. A reagent container storage unit that stores a plurality of reagent containers 204 containing various reagents used for analysis of a specimen (sample) and is covered with a reagent disk cover 206; a specimen and a reagent; A sample in which a specimen is dispensed from the sample container 201 to the reaction container 4 accommodated in the incubator disk 207 by rotation driving or vertical driving. Dispensing mechanism (sample dispensing mechanism) 208 and ink from reagent container 204 by rotational drive or vertical drive A reagent dispensing mechanism 209 that dispenses the reagent into the reaction container 4 accommodated in the beta disk 207, a detection unit 215 that analyzes the reaction solution, and a control device that controls the overall operation of the automatic analyzer 200 (control unit) ) 216 and an operation unit 223.

  The automatic analyzer 200 also includes a reaction container / dispensing chip storage unit 211 in which a plurality of unused reaction containers 4 and dispensing tips 2 and 3 are stored, and a standby reaction for replacement / replenishment thereof. Container / dispensing tip storage unit 210, disposal hole 212 for discarding used dispensing tips 2, 3 and reaction vessel 4, and conveyance for holding and delivering dispensing tips 2, 3 and reaction vessel 4 And a mechanism 213.

  The transport mechanism 213 is provided so as to be movable in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions (not shown), and transports the reaction container 4 stored in the reaction container / dispensing chip storage unit 211 to the incubator disk 207. Then, the used reaction container 4 is discarded in the disposal hole 212, or unused dispensing tips 2 and 3 are transported to the tip mounting position 214.

  Of the automatic analyzer 200, the rack transport line 203, the reagent container disk 205, the incubator disk 207, the sample dispensing mechanism 208, the reagent dispensing mechanism 209, which are other mechanisms excluding the control device 216 and the operation unit 223, The detection unit 215 that analyzes the reaction solution, the transport mechanism 213, and the like are referred to as an analysis operation unit 300.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sample dispensing mechanism 208 that is mounted on the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 and performs the stirring method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, a sample dispensing mechanism 208 is provided with an arm 217, a dispensing probe 1 that is provided at one end of the arm 217, and is immersed in a specimen contained in the sample container 201 and sucked, and a dispensing probe (sample dispensing). A disposable dispensing tip 2 provided at the immersion part of the tip of the probe 1 at the tip (lower end), a drive unit 218 connected to the other end of the arm 217, and for driving the arm 217 to rotate and drive up and down; A syringe (sample suction / discharge operation mechanism) 219 that sucks and discharges a sample as a medium that is connected to the probe 1 and transmits the operation of water in the pipe 220, a pressure gauge 221 that measures the pressure during sample suction, and a control device 216 And a sample viscosity calculation unit 216D (described later) that calculates the viscosity of the sample from the pressure measured by the pressure gauge 221.

  Next, a specific example of the specimen dispensing method employed in the above-described automatic analyzer will be described.

  FIG. 3 is an operation flow of the dispensing mechanism in the dispensing method. In FIG. 3, first, in step 301, a pretreatment liquid or a diluted liquid is dispensed to the reaction container 4 by the reagent dispensing mechanism 209. Next, in step 302, the sample is dispensed by the dispensing nozzle 1 into the reaction vessel 4 into which the pretreatment liquid or the diluted liquid has been dispensed. Thereafter, in step 303, the pretreatment liquid or the mixed liquid of the diluted liquid and the sample is sucked and discharged using the dispensing nozzle 1, and the mixed liquid is stirred.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an internal mechanism of the control device 216, and is a diagram illustrating a function of controlling a dispensing operation by the dispensing mechanism.

  In FIG. 4, the control device 216 includes a probe operation control unit 218 </ b> B that controls the operation of the probe drive unit 218, a syringe operation control unit 216 </ b> C that controls the operation of the syringe 219, and the viscosity of the specimen from the pressure detected by the pressure gauge 221. The sample viscosity calculating unit 216D for calculating the value, the memory 216F, and the parameter selecting unit 216E for selecting an appropriate dispensing operation from the dispensing operation parameters stored in the memory 216F based on the sample viscosity calculated by the sample viscosity calculating unit 216D. A probe operation control unit 218B, a syringe operation control unit 216C, a specimen viscosity calculation unit 216D, and an overall operation control unit 216A that controls operations of the parameter selection unit 216E.

  The overall operation control unit 216A controls the operations of the detection unit 215 of the analysis operation unit 300 and the display unit 223D of the operation unit 223. In addition, operation input and data from the operation input unit 223E of the operation unit 223 are supplied to the overall control unit 216A.

  Although omitted for simplification of illustration, the overall operation control unit 216A also controls operations of other components of the analysis operation unit 300.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the dispensing operation in the dispensing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A case where the specimen is diluted 100 times will be described as an example.

  First, the sample requested to be analyzed is aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 1 (steps S1, S2, probe drive mechanism 218, probe operation control unit 216B, syringe 219, operation control by syringe operation control unit 216C). At that time, the pressure at the time of sample suction is measured by the pressure gauge 221 provided in the sample dispensing mechanism 208, and the viscosity α of the sample is calculated by the sample viscosity calculation unit 216D from the pressure at the time of suction (step S3).

  Next, the parameter selection unit 216E selects an appropriate parameter from the parameters stored in the memory 216F based on the viscosity calculated by the sample viscosity calculation unit 216D (step S4).

  That is, the parameter is a condition for diluting the specimen by changing the number of dilutions and stirrings according to the calculated viscosity of the specimen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating examples of parameters a, b, and c. For each parameter, the number of dilutions, the sample discharge setting time, and the number of agitation are set. The conditions shown in FIG. 6 are stored in the memory 216F.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the calculated viscosity of the specimen is α ≦ A, dilution is performed by a normal dispensing operation (parameter a), and if the viscosity is not α ≦ A, another parameter is selected. (Indicated by the symbol Q).

  In step S13, when the calculated viscosity of the specimen is A <α ≦ B, dilution is performed by the dispensing operation (parameter b) in which the number of stirring is increased from the normal number (example: 3 times), and the viscosity is A When <α ≦ B is not satisfied, another parameter is selected (indicated by a symbol Q).

  In step S21, when the calculated viscosity of the sample is B <α ≦ C, the sample is diluted 100 times by one dispensing, and diluted by a dispensing operation in which the number of agitation is increased more than usual. Is not B <α ≦ C, another parameter is selected (indicated by the symbol Q).

  In step S26, when the calculated viscosity of detection is C <α, the analysis is canceled, and when C <α is not satisfied, another parameter is selected (indicated by symbol Q).

  The above-described viscosity A is the standard viscosity, and α ≦ A is the first viscosity range. Further, the viscosity B is set to a high viscosity, and A <α ≦ B is set to the second viscosity range. Also, the viscosity C is the allowable maximum viscosity, and B <α ≦ C is the third viscosity range. C <α is set as the fourth viscosity range. The viscosity B is higher than the viscosity A and lower than the viscosity C. For example, the viscosity B can be an intermediate viscosity between the viscosity A and C. As long as the viscosity B is higher than the viscosity A and lower than the viscosity C, it may be a value other than the intermediate value between the viscosities A and C.

  A case where parameter a (normal operation) is selected will be described.

  After the diluted solution is dispensed into the reaction container 4 and the specimen is discharged, stirring is performed once (N = 1) (steps S6, S7, S8). In this case, a 10-fold dilution operation is performed.

  Subsequently, after the diluent is dispensed into the reaction vessel 4 and the specimen is discharged, stirring is performed once (N = 1) (steps S9, S10, S11). In this case, a 10-fold dilution operation is performed.

  In step S12, the detection unit 215 performs analysis, and in step S29, the result is output to the display unit 223D.

  Next, the case where the parameter b is selected will be described.

  After the diluted solution is dispensed into the reaction container 4 and the specimen is discharged, stirring is performed three times (N = 3) (steps S14, S15, and S16). In this case, a 10-fold dilution operation is performed.

  Subsequently, after the diluent is dispensed into the reaction vessel 4 and the specimen is discharged, stirring is performed three times (N = 3) (steps S17, S18, and S19). In this case, a 10-fold dilution operation is performed.

  In step S20, analysis is performed by the detection unit 215, and in step S29, the result is output to the display unit 223D.

  Next, a case where the parameter c is selected will be described.

  After the diluted solution is dispensed into the reaction container 4 and the specimen is discharged, stirring is performed three times (N = 3) (steps S22, S23, and S24). In this case, a 100-fold dilution operation is performed.

  Subsequently, in step S25, the detection unit 215 performs analysis, and in step S29, the result is output to the display unit 223D.

  Next, the case where the viscosity α of the sample is C ≦ α (step S26) will be described.

  If the viscosity of the sample is C ≦ α, it is determined that a dispensing failure will occur, and the subsequent operation is stopped (step S27). At this time, the specimen viscosity calculation unit 216D calculates the dilution ratio necessary to obtain a viscosity that allows normal dispensing, and outputs it to the display unit 223D as shown in FIG. Analysis is prompted (step S28).

  According to this method, the stirring parameters, particularly the sample dilution ratio and the number of times of suction and discharge stirring are changed according to the viscosity of the sample. In particular, in the case of a sample having a high viscosity, it may take more time than a normal sample to suck a sufficient amount of sample into the chip due to the viscosity of the sample as described above. In the present invention, for a sample that may take a long time for aspiration, a desired dilution rate can be obtained by a single dilution process, and by ensuring a longer aspiration time, an accurate dilution ratio can be obtained. This sample can be obtained.

  In addition, when analysis is performed using a dispensing parameter other than normal parameters, a data flag is added on a screen for outputting an analysis result (measurement result) as shown in FIG.

  In the sample dispensing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the viscosity of the sample is measured from the pressure at the time of sample aspiration, and the parameter is determined. However, due to scheduling restrictions of the automatic analyzer, the subsequent dispensing is already performed at the time of sample aspiration. You may not be able to change the behavior.

  In that case, when the suction operation is performed for the first time on the target sample, dummy suction for viscosity calculation is performed using a single dispensing operation. Calculate the viscosity of the specimen by dummy suction and determine the parameters. Subsequent dispensing of the same sample is performed according to the parameters.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sample dispensing method is changed according to the use state of the automatic analyzer, the type of sample, and the measurement item, and the sample is surely corrected without correcting dispensing errors or analysis results. Thus, an automatic analyzer and a sample dilution stirring method capable of analyzing the above can be realized.

  In other words, by using the sample dispensing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing operation that has been uniform and prioritized the throughput so far becomes a dispensing failure and cannot be analyzed. Analyzes of highly viscous specimens that require later reanalysis.

  In addition, since the time required for dispensing differs depending on the viscosity of the sample, a decrease in throughput can be minimized, and when a sample with a high viscosity is requested, analysis can be performed without causing dispensing failure. Can be implemented.

(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the entire configuration of the automatic analyzer 200, the sample dispensing mechanism 208, the control device 216, and the operation unit 223 are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.

  Example 2 of the present invention is an example in which the dilution operation is changed for each measurement item.

  Depending on the measurement item, a sample having a high viscosity may be requested to be analyzed frequently. For example, when measuring LDL-cholesterol or triglyceride, which is a diagnostic criterion for dyslipidemia, parameters are set when analysis is requested, and dispensing is performed with the set parameters regardless of the viscosity of the specimen. By doing so, dummy suction for viscosity calculation can be omitted. Measurement items dispensed with specific parameters can be arbitrarily selected by the operator regardless of the viscosity of the specimen.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the dispensing operation in the dispensing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart when the dispensing operation is changed for each measurement item. In FIG. 9, the operation input unit 223E requests the control device 216 to analyze a sample, and controls whether the analysis request includes a specific measurement item stored in advance in the memory 216F. The part 216A determines (steps S31 and S32). If a specific measurement item is included in step S32, the process proceeds to step S33, and the overall operation control unit 216A determines whether or not a plurality of specific measurement items are included.

  If it is determined in step S33 that a single specific measurement item is included, the process proceeds to step S34, and the parameter b is set. And the process of step S35-S43, S60 is performed. Steps S36 to S38, S40 to S43, and S60, which are operations other than the sample aspirating operation in steps S35 and S39, are the same as steps S14 to S20 and S29 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S33 that a plurality of specific measurement items are included, the process proceeds to step S44, and the parameter c is set. And the process of step S45-S49, S60 is performed. Steps S46 to S49 and S60, which are operations other than the sample aspirating operation in step S45, are the same as steps S22 to S25 and S29 in FIG.

  In step S32, when a specific measurement item is not included, the process proceeds to step S50, and parameter a is set. And the process of step S51-S60 is performed. Steps S52 to S54 and S56 to S60, which are operations other than the sample aspirating operation in steps S51 and S55, are the same as steps S6 to S8, S9 to S12, and S29 in FIG.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, since dispensing parameters are set when an analysis request is made and the subsequent analysis operation is scheduled, the consumption of machine cycles due to the dummy suction is suppressed. I can do it.

(Example 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Since the entire configuration of the automatic analyzer 200, the sample dispensing mechanism 208, the control device 216, and the operation unit 223 are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.

  The third embodiment of the present invention is an example in which the dilution operation is changed for each specimen type.

  When there is a request for analysis of a sample with high urgency, it is important to output the analysis result quickly. However, if the sample is a highly viscous sample, the dispensing will be poor and the analysis will not be performed. Probability is high.

  When the analysis is stopped due to a sample dispensing failure, a re-analysis is requested after the operator dilutes the method, and it takes time to output the analysis result. Therefore, in Example 3, when there is a request for analysis of a highly urgent sample, in order to prevent the analysis from being stopped due to a defective dispensing, the parameter selected when the viscosity of the sample is always high is used to ensure the analysis. Note and analyze.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the dispensing operation is changed for each sample according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  10, the operation input unit 223E requests the control device 216 to analyze a sample, and the overall operation control unit 216A determines whether the analysis request is an urgent sample (steps S31 and S32E).

  If it is determined in step S32E that the analysis request is an urgent sample, the process proceeds to step S44, and the parameter c is set. And the process of step S45-S49, S60 is performed. Steps S46 to S49 and S60, which are operations other than the sample aspirating operation in step S45, are the same as steps S22 to S25 and S29 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S32E that the analysis request is not an urgent sample, the process proceeds to step S50, and parameter a is set. And the process of step S51-S60 is performed. Steps S52 to S54 and S56 to S60, which are operations other than the sample aspirating operation in steps S51 and S55, are the same as steps S6 to S8, S9 to S12, and S29 in FIG.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the analysis of the urgent sample is requested, the parameter corresponding to the sample having the highest viscosity is set and the analysis is performed. Even when there is a request for analysis of a high sample, it is possible to prevent the analysis from being stopped due to a defective dispensing, and it is possible to reliably dispense and analyze an emergency sample.

Example 4
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the entire configuration of the automatic analyzer 200, the sample dispensing mechanism 208, the control device 216, and the operation unit 223 are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.

  The fourth embodiment of the present invention is an example in which the dilution operation is changed depending on the operation mode of the automatic analyzer. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation mode selection screen displayed on the display unit 223 </ b> D of the operation unit 223.

  In FIG. 11, the operation mode includes a normal mode and a dispensing priority mode, and can be arbitrarily selected by an operator. In the dispensing priority mode, the dispensing operation is always performed using the dispensing parameter (parameter c) when the sample with the maximum viscosity is requested. In the normal mode, the dispensing operation is performed using the normal parameter (parameter a).

  Automatic analysis by switching to the dispensing priority mode that prevents the analysis from being stopped due to defective dispensing, instead of the normal operation mode that maximizes the processing capacity of the automated analyzer during periods of low availability such as at night or on holidays The device can be operated.

  In the time zone when the operation rate of the automatic analyzer is low, there is a possibility that the response may be delayed if the number of operators is small and the sample is not analyzed due to poor dispensing.

  According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, by setting the dispensing priority mode in the above case, the operator can operate the apparatus without always monitoring it.

(Example 5)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The fifth embodiment of the present invention is an example relating to a dispensing method and exchange of data in the system in a modular system (automatic analysis system) in which a plurality of automatic analyzers are connected.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a system in which a plurality of automatic analyzers according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are connected. The automatic analyzers 401, 402, and 403 have the same configuration as that of the example shown in the first embodiment, and each device includes control devices 407, 408, and 409 similar to the control device 216. Further, the system includes a control unit 410 and an operation unit 411. The sample dispensing process is performed according to the operation flow shown in FIGS.

  A sample container for storing the sample is loaded by the operator through the sample loading unit 404 and stored in the sample storage unit 405. Then, the sample is transported from the sample storage unit 405 to the respective automatic analyzers 401, 402, and 403 through the sample transport unit 406.

  Next, a case where a plurality of automatic analyzers 401, 402, and 403 analyze one sample will be described. The sample is first transported to the analyzer 401 and dispensed. At this time, the viscosity of the specimen is measured according to Example 1, and analysis is performed using a dispensing parameter corresponding to the viscosity. At this time, the control device 407 of the analyzer 401 reports the viscosity of the sample and the used dispensing parameter to the control unit 410 of the system. Thereafter, the control unit 410 transfers the viscosity of the sample and the data of the dispensing parameters used in the analysis device 401 to the control devices 408 and 409 of the analyzers 402 and 403 where the analysis of the sample is scheduled. The analyzers 402 and 403 perform dispensing based on the data transferred from the control unit 410.

  When the analyzers 401, 402, and 403 are of the same model, the transferred dispensing parameters are used as they are because they have a common dispensing parameter. On the other hand, when the respective analyzers are not of the same type, dispensing is performed by selecting an appropriate dispensing parameter for each device by the control device in the device based on the viscosity of the transferred specimen.

  When the viscosity measured by the automatic analyzer in which the analysis is performed first exceeds the upper limit of the dispenseable viscosity of each automatic analyzer, the analysis by the automatic analyzer is canceled at that point, as shown in FIG. As described above, by outputting an alarm to the display unit of the operation unit 411, re-analysis after manual dilution by the operator is urged.

  In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the sample viscosity information and the used dispensing parameter of the analyzer that first performed the sample dispensing operation among the plurality of connected automatic analyzers 401 to 403 are other automatic analysis. Since the data is transferred to the apparatus, the analysis operation time can be shortened.

(Example 6)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Embodiment 6 of the present invention is an example (sample pretreatment automatic analysis system) related to a dispensing method and data exchange in the system when a sample pretreatment system and an automatic analyzer are connected.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system in which a sample pretreatment system and a plurality of automatic analyzers according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention are connected. The plurality of automatic analyzers 505a, 505b, and 505c have the same configuration as the example shown in the fifth embodiment.

  In FIG. 13, the sample put into the sample pretreatment system 501 is automatically transmitted through the transport line 504 after being subjected to centrifugation, opening of test tubes, dispensing into child samples, etc. in each of the modules 501a to 501e. It is conveyed to the analyzers 505a to 505c and analyzed. Each of the modules 501a to 505c includes at least a sample dispensing mechanism 207 and a dispensing mechanism for child samples having the same configuration as the incubator disk 207 in the configuration of the automatic analyzer illustrated in FIG. The control device 216 has a configuration similar to that of the control device 216 and includes a control device and a pressure gauge that can calculate the viscosity of the specimen (sample).

  The sample rack of the sample container for storing the sample is transported to the modules 501a to 505c by the sample transport line 504, and the sample container dispensed into the child sample containers is transported to the automatic analyzers 505a to 505c by the sample transport line. Is done.

  When the sample pretreatment system 501 has a function of dispensing a parent sample into child samples, the control unit 502 of the sample pretreatment system 501 uses each sample in each module (each sample pretreatment apparatus) according to the same method as in the first embodiment. Measure the viscosity. The viscosity information of the sample is sent from the control unit 502 of the sample pretreatment system 501 to the control unit 506 of the automatic analyzer. Based on the viscosity information transferred from the control unit 502 before the analysis is started, the control unit 506 of the automatic analyzer performs the separation according to the flow shown in FIGS. 5, 9, and 10 (however, it is not necessary to calculate the viscosity of the specimen). Note Select a parameter.

  When it is determined in advance that the sample viscosity exceeds the upper limit of the dispenseable viscosity of each automatic analyzer on the sample transport system, the analysis by the automatic analyzer is skipped, and an alarm is operated as shown in FIG. By prompting the operator to re-analyze after manual dilution by the operator. In that case, the reagents and consumables of the automatic analyzers 505a to 505c can be used without wastefully reducing the throughput.

  In addition, when a sample storage medium, such as an RFID tag, is attached to each sample in the sample pretreatment system, the sample pretreatment system 501 stores the viscosity information of the sample in a recording medium. When analysis is performed after the sample is pretreated and stored for a long period of time, viscosity information is read on the sample pretreatment system or an automatic analyzer, and a dispensing parameter is selected. Accordingly, it is not necessary to store information in the system, and the specimen viscosity is not measured again, so that it can be operated without reducing the throughput.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Dispensing probe, 2, 3 ... Dispensing tip, 4, 5 ... Reaction container, 200 ... Automatic analyzer, 201 ... Sample container, 202 ... Rack, 203 ..Rack transport line 204 ... reagent container 205 ... reagent container disk 206 ... reagent disk cover 207 ... incubator disk 208 ... sample dispensing mechanism (sample dispensing mechanism) 209 ... Reagent dispensing mechanism 210, 211 ... Reaction container / dispensing tip storage unit 212 ... Disposal hole 213 ... Conveying mechanism 214 ... Chip mounting position 215 ... Detecting unit, 216 ... Control device, 216A ... Overall control unit, 216B ... Probe operation control unit, 216C ... Syringe operation control unit, 216D ... Sample viscosity calculation unit, 216E ... Parameter selection unit, 216F ... memory, 217 ... arm, 218 ... vertical rotation drive unit, 219 ... syringe (sample suction / discharge operation mechanism), 220 ... piping, 221 ... pressure gauge 223 ... operation unit, 223D ... display unit, 223E ... operation input unit, 300 ... analysis operation unit, 401, 402, 403 ... automatic analyzer, 404 ... sample input unit 405 ... Sample storage unit, 406 ... Sample transport line, 407, 408, 409 ... Automatic analyzer control device, 410 ... Modular system control unit, 411 ... Operating unit, 501 ... Sample pretreatment system, 502 ... Sample pretreatment system control unit, 503 ... Sample pretreatment system operation unit, 504 ... Sample transport line, 505a to 505c ... Automatic analyzer, 06 ... automatic analyzer control unit, 507 ... automatic analyzer operation unit

Claims (11)

A reaction disc in which a plurality of reaction vessels are arranged;
A dispensing mechanism having a sample dispensing probe and a sample suction and discharge operation mechanism for sucking and discharging the sample and the diluent in the sample dispensing probe;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the reaction disk and the dispensing mechanism;
And the control unit controls dilution and stirring operations of the sample sucked into the sample dispensing probe according to the characteristics of the sample sucked into the sample dispensing probe. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
A pressure gauge for detecting the internal pressure of the sample dispensing probe;
The characteristic of the sample is the viscosity of the sample, and the control unit calculates the viscosity of the sucked sample from the internal pressure of the sample probe detected by the pressure gauge, and based on the calculated viscosity of the sample, An automatic analyzer characterized by determining a dilution rate and the number of stirring operations in one dilution process in a step of diluting a sample to a desired dilution rate. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
When the viscosity is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the control unit executes a sample dilution process in multiple times to prepare a sample having a specific dilution ratio, and the viscosity is larger than the threshold. In the automatic analyzer, the sample dilution process is performed once to prepare a sample having the same dilution ratio. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The control unit is configured so that the calculated viscosity of the sample belongs to a first viscosity range that is a standard viscosity or less, is greater than the standard viscosity, and is not greater than a high viscosity that is greater than the standard viscosity. A fourth viscosity that belongs to a certain second viscosity range, that is greater than the above high viscosity, and that belongs to a third viscosity range that is less than or equal to the allowable maximum viscosity or that is greater than the above allowable viscosity. An automatic analyzer characterized by determining whether the sample belongs to the range and controlling the dilution and stirring operation of the sample sucked into the sample dispensing probe according to the sample dilution and stirring operation set for each determined viscosity range . The automatic analyzer according to claim 3,
The control unit
A syringe operation control unit for controlling the sample suction / discharge operation mechanism;
A specimen viscosity calculator that calculates the viscosity of the sample based on the pressure detected by the pressure gauge;
A memory storing dilution and stirring operations of the sample set in each of the first viscosity range, the second viscosity range, the third viscosity range, and the fourth viscosity range;
A parameter selection unit that selects the dilution and stirring operation of the sample stored in the memory according to the viscosity of the sample calculated by the specimen viscosity calculation unit;
An automatic analyzer comprising: an overall control unit that controls operations of the syringe operation control unit, the specimen viscosity calculation unit, and the parameter selection unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The characteristic of the sample is whether or not a specific measurement item is included in the analysis of the sample, and the control unit determines whether or not the specific measurement item is included in the sample or whether the specific measurement item is included in the sample. Is included, or the sample contains a single specific measurement item, and the dilution and stirring operation of the sample sucked into the sample dispensing probe is changed according to each of the above cases. An automatic analyzer characterized by that. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The characteristic of the sample is whether or not the sample is an urgent sample that must be analyzed urgently, and the control unit determines whether or not the sample is an urgent sample, and According to circumstances, the automatic analyzer changes the dilution and stirring operations of the sample sucked into the sample dispensing probe. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
It has an operation unit that receives commands from the operator,
The characteristics of the sample are the normal mode and the dispensing priority mode set in the operation unit, and the control unit is in the case where the mode set in the operation unit is the normal mode or the dispensing priority mode. The automatic analyzer is characterized by changing the dilution and stirring operation of the sample sucked into the sample dispensing probe according to each of the above cases. A reaction disc in which a plurality of reaction vessels are arranged;
A sample dispensing probe;
A dispensing mechanism having a sample suction / discharge operation mechanism for sucking and discharging the sample and the diluent in the sample dispensing probe;
A pressure gauge for detecting the internal pressure of the sample dispensing probe;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the reaction disk and the dispensing mechanism;
A plurality of automatic analyzers, each of which is connected to a plurality of automatic analyzers, and an automatic analyzer system that includes a sample transport unit that transports a sample to
The control unit of one of the plurality of automatic analyzers calculates the viscosity of the sucked sample from the internal pressure of the sample probe detected by the pressure gauge, and based on the calculated viscosity of the sample Determine the dilution ratio and the number of stirring operations in one dilution process in the process of diluting to the desired dilution ratio.
In the step of diluting the sample to a desired dilution ratio based on the viscosity of the sample calculated by the control unit of the one automatic analyzer. An automatic analysis system characterized by determining a dilution ratio and the number of stirring operations in one dilution process. A dispensing mechanism having a sample dispensing probe and a sample suction / discharge operation mechanism for sucking the sample into the sample dispensing probe and discharging the sample into the sample container;
A pressure gauge for detecting the internal pressure of the sample dispensing probe;
A controller that controls the operation of the dispensing mechanism and the pressure gauge, and calculates the viscosity of the sucked sample from the internal pressure of the sample probe detected by the pressure gauge;
A sample pretreatment device comprising:
A dispensing mechanism having a reaction disk in which a plurality of reaction containers are arranged, a sample dispensing probe, a sample suction / discharge operation mechanism for sucking and discharging a sample and a diluent in the sample dispensing probe, and the reaction A control unit for controlling the operation of the disk and the dispensing mechanism;
An automatic analyzer comprising:
A sample transport line for transporting a sample container containing a sample from the sample pretreatment device to the automatic analyzer;
A sample pretreatment automatic analysis system comprising:
The sample pretreatment automatic analysis characterized in that the control unit of the automatic analyzer controls the dilution and stirring operation of the sample sucked into the sample dispensing probe based on the viscosity of the sample calculated by the pretreatment device. system. A method of diluting and stirring a sample of an automatic analyzer,
Calculate the viscosity of the aspirated sample,
Controlling the dilution rate and the number of stirring operations in one dilution process in the step of diluting the sample sucked into the reagent dispensing probe to a desired dilution rate based on the calculated viscosity of the sample A method of diluting and stirring a sample of an analyzer.

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