JP2017083296A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer that can respond to a rapid reaction process.SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer includes a holding unit, a first dispensation unit, a second dispensation unit, a light measuring unit 28, a first driving unit, and a second driving unit. The holding unit can hold a plurality of reaction containers 19. The first dispensation unit dispenses a sample to the reaction containers 19. The second dispensation unit dispenses a reagent to the reaction containers 19. The light measuring unit 28 optically measures the characteristics of a mixture solution of the sample and the reagent by applying a light to the mixture solution. The first driving unit sequentially aligns the reaction containers 19 to the first and second dispensation units by moving the holding unit. The second driving unit moves the light measuring unit 28 along the movement path of the holding unit faster than the holding unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer.

  The automatic analyzer optically measures a change in the color tone of the mixed solution generated by the reaction between the sample and the reagent. The automatic analyzer optically measures changes in turbidity caused by antigen-antibody reaction by immunoturbidimetry or latex agglutination. By the measurement, analytical data showing the concentrations of various test item components and enzyme activities in the mixed solution can be obtained. There are various test items, including biochemical test items and immunological test items, and there are various measurement methods according to these test items.

  By the way, depending on the inspection item, since the reaction proceeds rapidly, there is a case where it is desired to keep following the change for several seconds to several tens of seconds immediately after the reagent is added to the sample. However, it is difficult for many existing automatic analyzers to cope with inspection items that exhibit such a rapid reaction process. In order to realize such a reaction measurement, if a plurality of photometric units for optical measurement are provided exclusively, the reaction container immediately after reagent dispensing can be captured immediately by any of the photometric units. Cost increases.

JP 2007-225339 A JP 2011-75560 A

  Existing automatic analyzers can deal with inspection items whose reaction process is relatively slow, but the faster the reaction rate, the more difficult it becomes. In addition, depending on the patient's condition, some specimens react slowly even with the same test item, while other specimens react rapidly. It is desired to expand the range of reaction rates that can be handled so that the reaction can be performed even when the process proceeds rapidly.

  It is necessary to stop the reaction container feeding mechanism during sample / reagent dispensing or cleaning operations. However, there is a known technique to increase the number of data acquisition per hour by moving the photometry unit during that time or to improve accuracy. ing. However, such a technique does not satisfy the need to perform the measurement immediately after reagent dispensing, nor does it provide a motivation to solve the problem. In addition, it is difficult to cope with inspection items that rapidly respond.

  An object is to provide an automatic analyzer that can cope with a rapid reaction process.

  According to the embodiment, the automatic analyzer includes a holding unit, a first dispensing unit, a second dispensing unit, a photometric unit, a first driving unit, and a second driving unit. The holding unit can hold a plurality of reaction vessels. The first dispensing unit dispenses a sample into the reaction container. The second dispensing unit dispenses the reagent into the reaction container. The photometric unit optically measures the characteristics of the mixed solution by irradiating the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent with light. A 1st drive part moves a holding | maintenance part, and aligns a some reaction container to a 1st dispensing part or a 2nd dispensing part sequentially. The second drive unit moves the photometry unit at a higher speed than the holding unit along the movement path of the holding unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the reaction disk 20, the reaction container 19, and the photometry unit 28 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the relationship among the reaction disk 20, the reaction vessel 19, and the photometry unit 28 in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the reaction container holder 115 and the photometry unit 28 that move relative to each other. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the photometry unit 28 passes the reaction container holder 115. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a positional relationship between the moving reaction container 19 and the photometry unit 28.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. The automatic analyzer includes an analysis unit 100, a system control unit 200, and a data processing unit 300.
The analysis unit 100 includes a sampler 12, a reagent store 15, and a reagent store 18. A plurality of sample racks 11 are arranged side by side on the sampler 12. Each sample rack 11 holds a plurality of sample containers 10. The sample container 10 accommodates samples such as standard samples and test samples.

  The reagent store 15 keeps the first reagent in the reagent container 13 held in the reagent rack 14 cold. The reagent rack 14 holds the reagent container 13 movably. The reagent container 13 accommodates a first reagent of one reagent system or two reagent systems. A 1st reagent contains the component which reacts with the component of the test item contained in a sample.

  The reagent store 18 keeps the reagent container 16 held in the reagent rack 17 cold. The reagent rack 17 holds the reagent container 16 so as to be movable. The reagent container 16 accommodates a second reagent that forms a pair with the first reagent of the two-reagent system.

  The analysis unit 100 includes a plurality of reaction containers 19 arranged on a circumference surrounding the reagent rack 17 and a reaction disk 20 that holds each reaction container 19 so as to be movable.

  The analysis unit 100 includes a sample dispensing probe 21 and a sample dispensing arm 22. The sample dispensing probe 21 sucks the sample in the sample container 10 held in the sample rack 11 and discharges it into the reaction container 19 (dispensing). The sample dispensing arm 22 holds the sample dispensing probe 21 movably.

The analysis unit 100 includes a first reagent dispensing probe 24, a first reagent dispensing arm 25, a second reagent dispensing probe 26, and a second reagent dispensing arm 27. The first reagent dispensing probe 24 sucks the first reagent in the reagent container 13 held in the reagent rack 14 and discharges it into the reaction container 19 (dispensing). The first reagent dispensing arm 25 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 24 movably. The second reagent dispensing probe 26 sucks the second reagent in the reagent container 16 held in the reagent rack 17 and discharges it into the reaction container 19 from which the first reagent has been discharged (dispensing). The second reagent dispensing arm 27 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 26 so as to be movable. The sample and the reagent are dispensed into the reaction container 19 by the sample dispensing probe 21 and the first reagent dispensing probe 24 (second reagent dispensing probe 26).
The analysis unit 100 includes a photometry unit 28 and a cleaning nozzle 29. The cleaning nozzle 29 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 19 that has finished the measurement.

  The photometry unit 28 irradiates the reaction container 19 with light, and by this irradiation, a mixture of the standard sample and the first reagent or the first and second reagents in the reaction container 19, the test sample and the first reagent or the first reagent And the light which permeate | transmitted the liquid mixture with a 2nd reagent is detected. Then, the photometry unit 28 processes the detected signal to generate standard data or test data represented by, for example, absorbance. That is, the photometry unit 28 irradiates light to the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent, and optically measures the characteristics of the mixed solution.

  The system control unit 200 in FIG. 1 is realized as a processor having a memory, for example. The system control unit 200 reads a program from a memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or the like, and controls the analysis unit 100 and the data processing unit 300 according to the read program. Further, the system control unit 200 calculates various information related to automatic analysis based on various data acquired from the data processing unit 300.

  The system control unit 200 includes a control unit 200a, a container feeding unit 200b, a photometric unit moving unit 200c, and a position specifying unit 200d. Among these, the container feeding unit 200b controls a drive mechanism unit (not shown) such as a servo motor and an actuator provided in the analysis unit 100 to move the reaction container holder 115. That is, the container feeder 200b moves the reaction container holder 115 stepwise along the circumference of the reaction disk 20, and moves each reaction container 19 to the sample dispensing probe 21, the first reagent dispensing probe 24 (second reagent dispensing). Align with the probe 26). As a result, samples and reagents are successively introduced into the plurality of reaction vessels 19.

  The photometric unit moving unit 200c moves the photometric unit 28 by controlling the drive mechanism unit provided in the analyzing unit 100. That is, the photometric unit moving unit 200 c moves the photometric unit 28 at a higher speed than the moving speed of the reaction vessel holder 115 along the movement path of the reaction vessel holder 115.

  The control unit 200a performs measurement by the photometry unit 28 at least during the movement of the reaction container holder 115. Of course, the reaction vessel holder 115 is stopped during reagent dispensing or the like, but measurement by the photometric unit 28 may be performed during that time. In short, in the embodiment, measurement by light irradiation / light reception is performed in a state where the photometry unit 28 is continuously rotated (revolved) along the movement path of the reaction container holder 115.

The position specifying unit 200d specifies the reaction container 19 to be measured. That is, the position specifying unit 200d specifies the reaction container 19 to be measured and also specifies the light irradiation position in the specified reaction container 19.
The data processing unit 300 in FIG. 1 is realized as a processor having a memory, for example. The data processing unit 300 acquires measurement data from the photometry unit 28 by wireless communication or communication via a slip ring.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the reaction disk 20, the reaction container 19, and the photometry unit 28 in FIG. The reaction disk 20 is formed by arranging a plurality of reaction vessel holders 115 in a substantially circumferential shape. FIG. 2 shows one reaction vessel holder 115. The reaction container holder 115 has a plurality of openings 117 into which the reaction container 19 can be inserted. A reaction container 19 is inserted into each opening 117. A slit plate 119 is attached to the outer peripheral side of the reaction vessel holder 115.

  The reaction vessel holder 115 is rotated counterclockwise or clockwise by a driving mechanism (not shown) to move the reaction vessel 19. The movement period is, for example, about 1 second per step. The photometry unit 28 moves along a circular orbit drawn by the reaction vessel holder 115. In the embodiment, the moving direction of the photometry unit 28 is constant (for example, counterclockwise), and the moving speed is, for example, about 0.5 second in one round orbit.

  The photometry unit 28 has, for example, a groove-shaped area through which the reaction container row can pass. The photometry unit 28 moves on a circular orbit so as to sandwich the row of reaction vessels 19, irradiates the reaction vessel 19 with light, and measures its transmitted light, scattered light, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a top view showing the relationship among the reaction disk 20, the reaction vessel 19, and the photometry unit 28 in FIG. In FIG. 3, the reaction vessel holder 115 has a fan shape, and moves in a step shape on a circular orbit along with the progress of sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, and photometry. The photometry unit 28 rotates on the circular orbit, for example, counterclockwise. In the embodiment, the rotational movement speed is substantially constant. For example, the rotational movement speed catches up and overtakes the reaction vessel holder 115 with a period of 0.5 seconds.

  The reaction vessel holder 115 includes an absolute encoder 115a. The absolute encoder 115a detects position information on the movement path of each reaction container 19 by counting a predetermined amount that changes with the movement of the reaction container holder 115. The detected position information of the reaction vessel 19 is notified to the position specifying unit 200d of the system control unit 200.

  The photometry unit 28 includes an absolute encoder 28a, a light source 28b, a light receiving unit 28c, a space power feeding unit 28d, a communication unit 28e, a memory 28f, and a control unit 28g.

  The absolute encoder 28a detects position information on the movement path of the photometric unit 28 by counting a predetermined amount that changes as the photometric unit 28 moves. The detected position information of the photometry unit 28 is notified to the position specifying unit 200d.

  The light source 28b includes a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Each LED, for example, emits light at a wavelength of 405 nm, 570 nm, or 660 nm (nanometer), respectively.

  The light receiving unit 28c includes a plurality of light receiving elements (PD: Photo Diode, etc.) provided in pairs with the respective LEDs. In the photometry unit 28, the light source 28b and the light receiving unit 28c are attached so as to sandwich the reaction vessel 19 therebetween.

  As the photometry unit 28 moves, the space power supply unit 28 d charges the rechargeable battery by a so-called wireless power supply method, and generates drive power required for photometry processing and data processing in the photometry unit 28. The power stored in the rechargeable battery is supplied via a stabilization circuit or the like to the light source 28b, the current amplifier (amplifier) of the light receiving unit 28c, an analog-digital converter (not shown), the communication unit 28e, the memory 28f, and the control unit. 28g and so on.

  The memory 28f stores received light data (light quantity value) of the light receiving unit 28c converted into digital data. The control unit 28g is a microcomputer circuit including a memory and a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes signal processing, analysis processing, compression processing, and the like on the measurement value as digital data. The measurement data generated through such processing is transmitted to the data processing unit 300 (FIG. 1) by wireless communication or the like by the communication unit 28e. In particular, the position information of the photometry unit 28 detected by the absolute encoder 28a is also transmitted to the data processing unit 300 by the communication unit 28e and transferred from the data processing unit 300 to the position specifying unit 200d (FIG. 1).

  Based on the position information of the reaction vessel 19 detected by the absolute encoder 115a and the position information of the photometry unit 28 detected by the absolute encoder 28a, the position specifying unit 200d and the reaction container to be measured by the photometry unit 28 and the measurement Identify the location.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a base line as a reference line related to the position is set in advance from the center of the circle drawn by the reaction disk 20. The absolute encoder 28a detects an angle x with respect to the base line of the photometry unit 28. Further, the absolute encoder 115a detects the angle y of the reaction vessel holder 115 with respect to the p base line. The positions of the plurality of reaction vessels 19 with respect to the reaction vessel holder 115 are known in advance.

  Therefore, by detecting the angles x and y, the positional relationship between the individual reaction vessels 19 and the photometry unit 28 can be calculated accurately. Furthermore, since the positional relationship among the individual light sources 28b and the light receiving unit 28c and the photometric unit 28 is also known in advance, the data “which light source used to measure which position in which reaction vessel” can be accurately obtained. Can be acquired. For example, by attaching an absolute encoder to the reaction vessel holder 115 and the photometric unit 28, it is possible to obtain photometric data with sufficient accuracy even if the photometric unit 28 is moving at high speed. Incidentally, in recent years, absolute encoders with tens of thousands of steps have been provided. Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the reaction container holder 115 and the photometry unit 28 that move relative to each other. When the photometric unit 28 moves, each reaction vessel 19 passes between the light source and the light receiving unit of the photometric unit 28 regardless of the movement / stop of the reaction vessel holder 115.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the photometry unit 28 passes the reaction container holder 115. From the state of FIG. 5A, the photometry section 28 passes each reaction vessel 19 as time passes, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C. If a sufficiently high-speed analog-digital converter or CPU is used, even if the photometry unit 28 is moving at a high speed (for example, 0.5 seconds per round), at least several measurement samples for each reaction vessel 19 Data can be obtained.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a positional relationship between the moving reaction container 19 and the photometry unit 28. In FIG. 6A, it is assumed that a sample is dispensed into the reaction container A, and the photometric unit 28 is located, for example, two squares behind. From this point, it is assumed that 2 seconds have elapsed as shown in FIG. 6B, the reaction container holder 115 has advanced by 2 squares, and the reaction container A has reached the dispensing position (loading position) of the reagent 1. Since the photometry unit 28 makes one round of the circular orbit in about 0.5 seconds, the path has been made about four times from FIG. 6 (a) to FIG. 6 (b).

  Assume that two seconds have passed and the reaction container holder 115 has advanced by two squares as shown in FIG. 6C, and the reaction container A has reached the dispensing position (loading position) of the reagent 2. When this state is reached, the reaction between the specimen and the reagent starts inside the reaction container A, and data acquisition by photometry becomes possible.

  According to the embodiment, the photometry unit 28 makes four rounds of the path from FIG. 6B to FIG. 6C. Then, it takes only about 0.5 seconds to several tenths to several hundredths of seconds to catch up with the reaction vessel A from the state of FIG. Therefore, the state of the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent can be measured in detail immediately after the start of the reaction.

  That is, according to the embodiment, the progress of the reaction can be grasped in detail immediately after the reagent is dispensed into the sample. In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the number of photometry units 28, the cost and the scale of the apparatus are not increased without increasing the number of complicated and precise photometry systems. As a result, it is not necessary to increase the number of signal processing systems, so the load on data processing does not increase. Furthermore, by increasing the number of reaction vessels 19, it is possible to create an environment equivalent to providing a plurality of photometric units. This also makes it possible to increase the efficiency of analysis.

  The existing automatic analyzer waits until the reaction container reaches the photometry unit after dispensing a sample or a reagent into the reaction container, and observes the reaction when passing through the optical path of the photometry unit. However, in this method, it is difficult to observe the situation immediately after dispensing the reagent into the sample (for example, 1 second or less), and a period during which the reaction container cannot be measured for several seconds or more until it reaches the optical path occurs. In addition, since the interval at which the reaction change is observed is every few seconds to several tens of seconds, photometry cannot be performed at fine time intervals. In general biochemical item reactions, the reaction is observed in about 10 minutes, so it is advantageous to look at this interval time longer. However, depending on the measurement item, the reaction state immediately after reagent dispensing is observed. In addition, since the time required for the state change is very short, it is desirable that the change in the order of 0.5 second or less can be observed.

  Therefore, in the embodiment, the photometry unit 28 is moved at a higher speed along the path of the moving reaction vessel holder 115. In addition, an absolute encoder was provided in each of the reaction vessel holder 115 and the photometry unit 28 so that the absolute position could be measured.

  Further, the measurement is started from the point in time when it is sensed that the head of the photometry unit 28 catches up with the reaction vessel holder 115 and the reaction vessel to be measured first is applied. Then, based on the position information from the two encoders, information about which part of the reaction vessel the photometric data is recorded together with the photometric data.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to measure a diagnostic item whose reaction process is abrupt and whose reaction end time varies without increasing the number of photometry units while maintaining the sample processing speed. Therefore, there is no increase in space and cost, and the load on the signal processing system does not increase. It is also easy to increase the measurable wavelength.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to measure a reaction state at a time interval of less than 1 second immediately after dispensing a reagent to a sample. This appears as a significantly advantageous effect in the inspection of inspection items accompanied by the prozone phenomenon.

  As is well known, the appearance of a region where the reaction is suppressed due to the excessive concentration of either antigen or antibody in the antigen-antibody reaction is called a zone phenomenon. The reaction suppression region due to antibody excess is referred to as the front zone (prozone), and the reaction suppression region due to antigen excess is referred to as the post zone.

  For example, when γGTP or AST related to liver function is examined, a prozone phenomenon is likely to occur, and a test result suspicious of false negatives often occurs. Depending on the specimen, the reaction is completed in 5 to 10 seconds from the start. Since it was difficult for existing automatic analyzers to capture such a phenomenon with high accuracy, re-inspection of the test occurred.

  On the other hand, in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment, the reaction process immediately after the reagent dispensing can be traced, so that it is possible to determine whether or not the prozone phenomenon has occurred by a single inspection. This is a clear advantage in comparison with existing devices. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same advantage can be obtained for test items whose reaction proceeds rapidly, such as blood coagulation reaction.

  Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer that can cope with a rapid reaction process.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the embodiment, the photometry unit 28 and the reaction vessel holder 115 are arranged concentrically so as to draw a circular trajectory. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the photometry unit 28 and the reaction vessel holder 115 may be arranged linearly and moved on a linear track. In addition, the photometry unit 28 is moved in the same direction as the reaction container holder 115, but it may be in the opposite direction.

  Although the photometry unit 28 is illustrated as having a plurality of light sources, the number of light sources is not limited to three as illustrated, and may be one, two, four, or more. The same applies to the light receiving section. In addition, a unique wavelength is set for each pair of the light source and the light receiving unit, but the same wavelength may be measured by a plurality of pairs. Alternatively, a spectroscopic unit may be provided on the light receiving unit side, and a light source may be used as a halogen lamp or the like, and light having a plurality of wavelengths may be transmitted through the reaction container.

  A fan-shaped reaction vessel holder 115 is shown in FIG. According to this shape, it is possible to create a state in which the photometry unit 28 does not overlap the reaction vessel holder 115, so that a period during which no photometry is performed can be provided, and there is room for executing processing such as data processing and data transmission during that period. be able to. However, in particular, if the clock speed of the CPU (control unit 28g) mounted on the photometry unit 28 is sufficiently high, the reaction vessel holder 115 may be formed over the entire circumference instead of a fan shape.

  The term “processor” used in the description of the embodiment refers to, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a programmable logic device. (For example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor implements a function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be directly incorporated in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit. Each processor in each of the above embodiments is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but is configured as a single processor by combining a plurality of independent circuits so as to realize the function. Also good. Further, the functions may be realized by integrating a plurality of components in each of the above embodiments into one processor.

  Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Sample container, 11 ... Sample rack, 12 ... Sampler, 13 ... Reagent container, 14 ... Reagent rack, 15 ... Reagent storage, 16 ... Reagent container, 17 ... Reagent rack, 18 ... Reagent storage, 19 ... Reaction container, 20 ... Reaction disk, 21 ... Sample dispensing probe, 22 ... Sample dispensing arm, 24 ... Reagent dispensing probe, 25 ... Reagent dispensing arm, 26 ... Reagent dispensing probe, 27 ... Reagent dispensing arm, 28 ... Photometry unit 28a ... absolute encoder 28b ... light source 28c ... light receiving unit 28d ... space feeding unit 28e ... communication unit 28f ... memory 28g ... control unit 29 ... washing nozzle 100 ... analyzing unit 115 ... reaction vessel holder 115a ... absolute encoder, 117 ... opening, 119 ... slit plate, 200 ... system control unit, 200a ... control unit, 200b ... container feeding unit 200c ... metering portion moving portion, 200d ... position specifying section, 300 ... data processing unit

Claims (6)

A holding unit capable of holding a plurality of reaction vessels;
A first dispensing unit for dispensing a sample into the reaction vessel;
A second dispensing unit for dispensing a reagent into the reaction container;
A photometric unit that optically measures the characteristics of the liquid mixture by irradiating light to the liquid mixture of the sample and the reagent;
A first drive unit that moves the holding unit to sequentially align the plurality of reaction vessels with the first dispensing unit or the second dispensing unit;
An automatic analyzer comprising: a second drive unit that moves the photometric unit along the movement path of the holding unit at a higher speed than the holding unit.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that performs measurement by the photometry unit at least during movement of the holding unit.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inspection item accompanied by coagulation or a prozone phenomenon is inspected for the sample.   The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second drive unit moves the photometry unit in the same direction as the holding unit. A first position sensor for detecting position information of the reaction vessel;
A second position sensor for detecting position information of the photometric unit;
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a specifying unit that specifies a reaction container to be measured by the photometric unit and a measurement position based on a detection result of the first position sensor and a detection result of the second position sensor. The automatic analyzer as described in any one. The travel path is a circular orbit,
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holding unit holds the plurality of reaction vessels in a fan shape along the circular orbit.