JP2017156249A - Dispensation device, measurement system including the same, and dispensation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dispensation device with which it is possible to sufficiently stir a specimen irrespective of the diameter size of a specimen container.SOLUTION: The dispensation device comprises a dispensation nozzle 74c for dispensing a specimen U drawn in from a first specimen container 1 into a second specimen container, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the dispensation nozzle 74c. The dispensation nozzle 74c is provided at a tip 74h with an opening 74i in a nozzle side face that communicates with a nozzle hollow part. The control unit causes the specimen U to be drawn in from the first specimen container 1 by the dispensation nozzle 74c, and causes the specimen U to be discharged while the tip face 74k of the dispensation nozzle 74c is brought into contact with the bottom face 11 of the first specimen container 1 or arranged in an upper neighborhood of the bottom face 11, thereby stirring the specimen U and causing the specimen U after being stirred to be drawn in and dispensed into the second specimen container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a sample from a first sample container to a second sample container, a measurement system including the same, and a dispensing method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic analyzer equipped with a dispensing mechanism that dispenses a whole blood sample contained in a sample container into a reaction container. The dispensing mechanism agitates the whole blood sample by repeating suction and discharge in the sample container by a dispensing nozzle.

  However, the prior art has the following problems.

  That is, in the dispensing device of Patent Document 1, since the whole blood sample is accommodated in a test tube having a small volume and a small diameter, the whole blood sample can be sufficiently sucked and discharged using the dispensing nozzle. Stirring is possible. However, depending on the size of the sample container, sufficient agitation is not possible regardless of the type of the sample, so that there is a problem that highly accurate measurement cannot be performed.

JP 2011-128075 A

  The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances as described above, and a dispensing device capable of sufficiently stirring a specimen regardless of the diameter of the specimen container, and a measurement including the same The problem is to provide a system and a dispensing method.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

  A dispensing apparatus provided by the first aspect of the present invention includes a dispensing nozzle that dispenses a sample aspirated from a first sample container into a second sample container, and a control that controls the operation of the dispensing nozzle. And the dispensing nozzle has an opening communicating with the nozzle hollow portion on the nozzle side surface at the tip, and the control unit is connected to the dispensing nozzle from the first sample container, The sample is discharged by aspirating the sample and causing the sample nozzle to be discharged in a state where the distal end surface of the dispensing nozzle is in contact with the bottom surface of the first sample container or in the vicinity of the top of the bottom surface. The sample after stirring is aspirated and dispensed into the second sample container.

  The dispensing nozzle is configured to be able to change a relative position with respect to the bottom surface of the first sample container, and the control unit changes a relative position between the dispensing nozzle and the first sample container. In this case, the specimen may be ejected a plurality of times.

  The control unit controls a transport mechanism that transports the first sample container, and the control unit moves the first sample container by the transport mechanism to move the dispensing nozzle and the first sample. It is good also as a structure which changes the relative position of a container.

  The control unit may be configured to collect the sample from the opening by bringing the distal end surface of the dispensing nozzle into a pressed state against the bottom surface of the first sample container.

  A measurement system provided by the second aspect of the present invention includes the dispensing device provided by the first aspect of the present invention, and a measurement device that measures a specific component contained in the specimen, The injection device includes a sample container transfer mechanism for transferring the second sample container from the upstream side toward the downstream side, and the sample container transfer mechanism connects the measurement device to the downstream side, and the dispensing The second specimen container into which the specimen has been dispensed is transported from the apparatus toward the measuring apparatus.

  The dispensing method provided by the third aspect of the present invention dispenses the specimen sucked from the first specimen container into the second specimen container using a dispensing nozzle that performs suction and discharge of the specimen. A dispensing method for dispensing a sample contained in the first sample container to the dispensing nozzle having an opening communicating with a nozzle hollow portion on a nozzle side surface of a tip portion, and the nozzle A stirring step of stirring the sample by causing the sample to be discharged in a state where the tip surface of the sample is in contact with the bottom surface of the first sample container or in a state of being disposed in the vicinity of the upper portion of the bottom surface; A dispensing step of dispensing the sample stirred in the stirring step into the second sample container.

  In the stirring step, the dispensing nozzle is configured to be able to change a relative position with respect to the bottom surface of the first sample container, and the control unit is configured to change the dispensing nozzle and the first sample container. The relative position may be changed, and the specimen may be ejected a plurality of times.

  In the agitation step, the distal end surface of the dispensing nozzle may be pressed against the bottom surface of the first sample container, and the sample may be collected from the opening.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a dispensing device capable of sufficiently stirring a sample regardless of the size of the sample container, a measurement system including the dispensing device, and a dispensing method are provided. be able to.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a measurement system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the elements on larger scale which show the inside of the dispensing apparatus main body which comprises the measuring system shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged left side view of a dispensing device that constitutes the measurement system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is a partially enlarged front view showing a tip portion of a dispensing nozzle included in the dispensing apparatus that constitutes the measurement system shown in FIG. FIG. 4B is a bottom view showing a tip portion of a dispensing nozzle included in the dispensing apparatus constituting the measurement system shown in FIG. 5 (A) to 5 (E) are partial plan views for explaining an example of the dispensing operation by the dispensing device that constitutes the measurement system shown in FIG. 6 (A) to 6 (C) show an example of the suction operation and the discharge operation of the dispensing nozzle in the stirring operation of the urine sample by the dispensing nozzle shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B). It is a partial enlarged front view. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example of the operation of the dispensing nozzle in the plane direction in the stirring operation of the urine sample by the dispensing nozzle shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged plan view for explaining a dispensing operation performed by a dispensing nozzle after completion of the stirring operation of the urine sample shown in FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B). FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged front view showing a modification of the suction operation of the dispensing nozzle in the stirring operation of the urine sample by the dispensing nozzle shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B). 10 (A) to 10 (C) show other modified examples of the suction operation and the discharge operation of the dispensing nozzle in the stirring operation of the urine sample by the dispensing nozzle shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B). FIG. FIG. 11 (A) is a partially enlarged front view showing the tip of the dispensing nozzle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 (B) is a bottom view of the tip of the dispensing nozzle shown in FIG. 11 (A). It is a top view for demonstrating the experimental condition of the Example based on embodiment of this invention. It is a plane photograph for demonstrating the result of the Example based on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 (A) is a plane photograph for explaining the results of the examples based on the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B is a plane photograph for explaining the result of the comparative example.

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

[First Embodiment]
1 to 4 show an example of a measurement system to which the present invention is applied. The measurement system MS1 is installed, for example, in a hospital laboratory. The measurement system MS1 transfers the urine sample U collected in the urine cup 1 to the Spitz tube 20 held in the sample rack 2, and automatically and continuously measures the specific component contained in the urine sample U. As shown in FIG. 1, the measurement system MS1 includes a dispensing device D1 and a urine qualitative measurement device 8.

  The dispensing device D1 includes an identification information reading device 3, a urine cup transport device 4, a sample rack supply device 5, a sample rack transport device 6, and a main body 7. These are connected to each other via a communication line L1, and are configured to be capable of data communication. The dispensing device D1 transfers the urine sample U collected in the urine cup 1 to the Spitz tube 20 held in the sample rack 2.

  The urine sample U corresponds to an example of a specimen referred to in the present invention. Examples of specimens that can be measured in the measurement system MS1 include liquids such as serum, plasma, and water collected from the environment in addition to the urine sample U. In addition, the urine qualitative measurement device 8 is described as an example of the measurement device connected to the dispensing device D1, but other measurement devices may be connected.

  Dispensing device D1 and urine qualitative measuring device 8 constituting measurement system MS1 are connected to host computer 9 via communication line L2, and are configured to be capable of data communication. Dispensing device D1 and urine qualitative measurement device 8 are also connected to each other via communication line L2. The host computer 9 is further connected to a terminal 90 via a communication line L3, and is configured to be capable of data communication. The host computer 9 is for data management of the entire measurement system MS1. For example, the identification information of the subject, the measurement items for each subject ordered by the doctor or the like from the terminal 90, the measurement received from the urine qualitative measurement device 8 Manage data collectively.

  Dispensing device D1, urine qualitative measuring device 8, and host computer 9 only need to be able to communicate data with each other. For example, a local information communication network (LAN) constructed in a hospital, the Internet, or the like. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which communication connection is performed using the above line or a configuration in which wireless communication is performed. The host computer 9 and the terminal 90 can be similarly connected.

  The identification information reading device 3 is for reading the identification information of the subject described in the urine cup 1, and corresponds to an example of an identification information reading mechanism. A specific example of the identification information reading device 3 is a bar code reader. The urine cup 1 is a paper cup used when the subject collects the urine sample U, corresponds to an example of the first sample container in the present invention, and is included in the sample collection container. The urine cup 1 may be made of synthetic resin in addition to paper. The identification information is printed on the label 10 as a barcode, for example. The bar code type may be a one-dimensional bar code or a two-dimensional bar code. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the label 10 is attached to the side surface of the urine cup 1. The bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 is formed to be substantially flat, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, a barcode reading light 31 is emitted from the identification information reading device 3. The user reads the identification information by applying the barcode reading light 31 to the barcode 10 a on the label 10. After reading the identification information, the user places the urine cup 1 on the urine cup transport path 43 of the urine cup transport device 4 described later, as indicated by an arrow N1. The identification information reading device 3 includes a control unit 30. The control unit 30 performs an operation process of transmitting the read identification information to the main body 7. The identification information reading device 3 may be installed on the urine cup transport path 43 and read the identification information of the urine cup 1 on the urine cup transport path 43.

  The urine cup transport device 4 is a device for transporting the urine cup 1 from upstream to downstream with reference to the main body 7 (that is, the dispensing device D1), and corresponds to an example of a sample collection container transport mechanism. As shown in FIG. 1, the urine cup transport device 4 includes a control unit storage unit 41 and a urine cup transport path 43. The control unit storage unit 41 stores the control unit 40. The control unit 40 is for controlling the operation of the urine cup transport device 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the urine cup transport path 43 includes a frame portion 44 and a transport conveyor 45. The frame portion 44 is for guiding the urine cup 1 and is provided so as to sandwich both sides of the transport conveyor 45 in the transport direction of the urine cup 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyor 45 is wound around a pair of rotatable pulleys 45a arranged at both ends, for example, and can be circulated and driven through a fixed path. As shown in FIG. 1, the transport conveyor 45 extends from the cup supply unit 43 a to the cup discharge unit 43 b and includes a cup stopper 46 on the downstream side of the dispensing position 7 b of the main body 7. The cup stopper 46 includes a cup detection sensor (not shown). When the cup detection sensor detects the urine cup 1 conveyed from the upstream as indicated by the arrow N2, the cup stopper 46 stops the urine cup 1 by damming. After the collection of the urine sample U is completed, the damming is released and the conveyance of the urine cup 1 is resumed in the downstream direction indicated by the arrow N10. The urine cup 1 that has reached the cup discharge portion 43b is taken out by the user. A dispensing nozzle 74c described later is configured to be able to change the horizontal relative position with respect to the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 in order to agitate the urine sample U. The urine cup conveyance path 43 is used to move the dispensing nozzle 74c in the direction opposite to the arrow N2 by moving the urine cup 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow N2 when stirring the urine sample U. Is done.

  The sample rack supply device 5 is for supplying the sample rack 2 to the sample rack transport device 6 connected downstream. As shown in FIG. 1, the sample rack supply device 5 includes a control unit 50 and a sample rack supply unit 51. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the sample rack supply device 5 and the operation of the sample rack transport device 6. The sample rack supply unit 51 includes a sample rack storage unit 52 and a frame unit 54. The frame portion 54 is provided around the sample rack storage unit 52 and is used for guiding the sample rack 2.

  The sample rack storage unit 52 is a part for storing a plurality of sample racks 2. The sample rack storage unit 52 is provided with a drive belt 53 at the bottom. The drive belt 53 moves the sample rack 2 as shown by an arrow N4 and aligns it with the end of the sample rack storage unit 52. The sample rack storage unit 52 sends out the sample rack 2 from the notch portion 54a provided in the frame portion 54 toward the sample rack transport device 6 in response to an instruction from the control unit 70 of the main body 7 described later. By reciprocating along the front wall portion 54b, the sample rack 2 is pushed toward the sample rack transport path 60 of the sample rack transport apparatus 6 through the notch portion 54a by reciprocating along the front wall portion 54b. A pusher (not shown) is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sample rack 2 is for holding a plurality of Spitz tubes 20 upright. The sample rack 2 can hold ten Spitz tubes 20. However, the number of sample racks 2 held is not limited to ten. The sample rack 2 corresponds to an example of a sample container holder. The sample rack 2 has a hole-shaped holding portion 2 a for holding the Spitz tube 20. The sample rack 2 does not have to hold the Spitz tube 20 in all the holding portions 2a during transport. A window 2b is provided on the side of the sample rack 2. The Spitz tube 20 is irradiated with measurement light for acquiring various data through the window 2b.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the Spitz tube 20 is a container used to transfer the urine sample U collected in the urine cup 1. The urine sample U dispensed into the Spitz tube 20 is used for urine qualitative measurement, for example, in the urine qualitative measurement device 8 connected downstream. The Spitz tube is made of a synthetic resin, specifically, for example, made of transparent polystyrene. The Spitz tube 20 corresponds to an example of the second specimen container in the present invention. However, the second specimen container is not limited to the Spitz tube 20, and may be a glass test tube, for example. The outer diameter of the Spitz tube 20 is, for example, φ5 mm to 20 mm. On the other hand, the lower diameter of the urine cup 1 is generally about φ50 mm and is larger than the Spitz tube 20.

  In the dispensing device D1, dispensing of the urine sample U is managed in units of the sample rack 2. The sample rack transport device 6 is a device for transporting the sample rack 2 pushed out from the sample rack supply device 5 from upstream to downstream, and corresponds to an example of a sample container transport mechanism in the present invention. Included in the transport mechanism. As shown in FIG. 1, the sample rack transport device 6 includes a sample rack transport path 60, a Spitz tube counting unit 63, a sample rack position detection unit 65, and an optical measurement unit 66.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sample rack transport path 60 includes a frame portion 61 and a transport conveyor 62. The frame portion 61 is for guiding the sample rack 2 and is provided so as to sandwich both sides of the transport conveyor 62 in the transport direction of the sample rack 2. The transport conveyor 62 is, for example, wound around a pair of rotatable pulleys (not shown) having drive belts arranged at both ends, and can be driven to circulate along a fixed path. The conveyor 62 is configured to be able to repeat driving and stopping finely. Such an operation of the transfer conveyor 62 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 50 as described above. The sample rack 2 is conveyed as shown by an arrow N3 from the upstream, and after dispensing of the urine sample U to the Spitz tube 20 that is held is completed, for example, according to a request from the urine qualitative measurement device 8, the arrow N11 As shown in Fig. 4, the conveyance toward the downstream is resumed.

  The Spitz tube counting unit 63 is a sensor for detecting the number of Spitz tubes 20 held in the sample rack 2, and optically detects the presence or absence of the Spitz tube 20, for example.

  The sample rack position detector 65 is a sensor for optically detecting, for example, that the sample rack 2 has been transported and the position of each Spitz tube 20 in the sample rack 2. The sample rack transport path 60 is provided with a dispensing position 7b for dispensing the urine sample U stored in the urine cup 1 into the Spitz tube 20. In order to dispense the urine sample U into the Spitz tube 20, the control unit 50 controls the operation of the sample rack transport path 60 based on the signal output from the sample rack position detection unit 65.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 7 includes a control unit 70, a label attaching unit 73, and a dispensing unit 74. The control unit 70 is connected to the label attaching unit 73 and the dispensing unit 74 via the control line 71, and controls these operations. Further, as described above, the control unit 70 is connected to the identification information reading device 3, the urine cup transport device 4, the sample rack supply device 5, and the sample rack transport device 6 constituting the dispensing device D1 and the communication line L1. The operation process of the entire dispensing device D1 is controlled. The control unit 70 is connected to the urine qualitative measurement device 8 and the host computer 9 via the communication line L2, and controls the operation process of the entire urine measurement system MS1.

  The label affixing unit 73 is for affixing the identification information printing label 20a on which duplicate information having contents corresponding to the identification information of the urine cup 1 is printed in the barcode 20b format on the Spitz tube 20. The label affixing unit 73 duplicates the identification information read by the identification information reading device 3 and applies it to the Spitz tube 20 in the order of reading.

  The dispensing unit 74 is for sequentially transferring the urine sample U accommodated in the corresponding urine cup 1 to the Spitz tube 20 to which the label 20a is attached in the label attaching unit 73. It corresponds to an example. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the dispensing unit 74 includes a urine sample transfer unit 74a and a cleaning unit 74b. The urine sample transfer unit 74a includes a dispensing nozzle 74c, a drive unit 74d, and a rail unit 74e. The urine sample transfer unit 74a is used to move the dispensing nozzle 74c in the horizontal direction indicated by arrows N8 and N9 with respect to the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 when stirring the urine sample U in the urine cup 1. . The directions indicated by the arrows N8 and N9 are directions that intersect the conveyance direction indicated by the arrow N2 of the conveyance conveyor 45.

  The dispensing nozzle 74c is for dispensing the urine sample U of the urine cup 1 into the Spitz tube 20 and stirring the urine in the urine cup 1 by sucking and discharging. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dispensing nozzle 74c is connected to a pump (not shown) for sucking and discharging the urine sample U through a tube 74j. Specific examples of the pump include a syringe pump. The dispensing nozzle 74c includes a connecting portion 74f and a hollow pipe portion 74g. The connecting portion 74f is a portion for connecting the tube 74j and the pipe portion 74g, and is engaged with the rail portion 74e. The pipe portion 74g is a portion that is inserted into the urine cup 1 and the Spitz tube 20, and is a portion that sucks and discharges the urine sample U. The dispensing nozzle 74c sucks the urine sample U from the tip end portion 74h of the pipe portion 74g and discharges it into the Spitz tube 20.

  The drive unit 74d is for moving the dispensing nozzle 74c, and is configured by, for example, a belt pulley mechanism. As shown in FIG. 1, the rail portion 74e is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction in plan view. The dispensing nozzle 74c is engaged with the rail portion 74e and is moved thereon by the driving portion 74d. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the drive unit 74d moves the dispensing nozzle 74c in the front-rear direction indicated by arrows N8 and N9 along the rail unit 74e. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drive unit 74d moves the dispensing nozzle 74c in the vertical direction indicated by arrows N19 and N20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the drive unit 74d directs the dispensing nozzle 74c toward the urine cup 1 transported to the dispensing position 7b of the urine cup transport path 43 by the arrow N8 along the rail portion 74e. Move in the forward direction shown. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, above the urine cup 1, the drive unit 74d moves the dispensing nozzle 74c in the downward direction indicated by the arrow N20. The dispensing nozzle 74c sucks the urine sample U in the urine cup 1. Thereafter, the drive unit 74d moves the dispensing nozzle 74c storing the urine sample U in the upward direction indicated by the arrow N19, and further in the backward direction indicated by the arrow N9, the dispensing position 7b of the sample rack transport path 60. Move towards the Spitz tube 20 at Next, the drive unit 74d moves the dispensing nozzle 74c in the downward direction indicated by the arrow N20 above the Spitz tube 20. The dispensing nozzle 74c discharges and dispenses the urine sample U stored therein into the Spitz tube 20. When the dispensing is completed, the dispensing nozzle 74c moves in the upward direction indicated by N19.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (A), a V-groove notch 74i is formed on the nozzle tip surface 74k at the tip 74h of the pipe 74g of the dispensing nozzle 74c. The notch 74i corresponds to an example of the opening referred to in the present invention. However, the shape of the notch 74i is not limited to the V-groove shape, and various shapes can be adopted. The notch 74i can be, for example, a semicircular shape, a square shape, or a rectangular shape in addition to the V groove shape. In addition, the notch part 74i provided in the nozzle outer surface should just be arrange | positioned at the nozzle front-end | tip part 74h, and may be connected with the nozzle hollow part.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the notches 74i are provided radially at equal intervals at four locations around the tip 74h. However, the number of notches 74i formed is not limited to four, but may be provided in at least one. The number of notches 74i may be, for example, one, two, three, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more. The notches 74i are not necessarily provided at regular intervals, and may be provided irregularly or may be provided with a predetermined rule.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the pipe portion 74g has a hollow cylindrical shape. The notch length M1 in the direction along the tube axis direction of the pipe portion 74g is, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, 0.1 to 2.0 mm, 0.1 to 1.0 mm, 0.1 to 0.5 mm. Or 0.1 to 0.2 mm. The notch width M2 along the circumferential direction of the pipe portion 74g is, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, 0.1 to 2.0 mm, 0.1 to 1.0 mm, 0.1 to 0.5 mm, Or it is set to 0.1-0.2 mm. The outer diameter M3 of the pipe portion 74g is, for example, φ2.0 mm to 6.0 mm, and the inner diameter M4 is, for example, φ1.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

  The cleaning part 74b is for cleaning the tip part 74h of the dispensing nozzle 74c. Dispensing nozzle 74c that has finished dispensing is washed by washing unit 74b in order to prevent contamination.

  The urine qualitative measurement device 8 is for performing qualitative measurement processing of a specific component contained in the urine sample U using a urine test paper, and as shown in FIG. 1, a main body 81, a transport device 87, have. The urine qualitative measurement device 8 corresponds to an example of a measurement device according to the present invention. The urine qualitative measurement device 8 is fed with a Spitz tube 20 into which a urine sample U has been dispensed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the transport device 87 transports the sample rack 2 that holds the Spitz tube 20 along a certain route. The transport device 87 includes two transfer paths 87b and 87e partitioned by a partition base 88, and a frame portion 87a that surrounds the front and both sides of these transfer paths 87b and 87e. In the transport device 87, when the sample rack 2 is placed in the starting end region of the transfer path 87b, the sample rack 2 is sequentially transported in the directions indicated by the arrows N12 to N14 by driving using the drive belts 87c and 87f, and finally. It reaches the end region of the transfer path 87e. Reading of the barcode 20b of the Spitz tube 20 and collection of the urine sample U from the Spitz tube 20 are performed in a process in which the sample rack 2 is transferred in the direction indicated by the arrow N13 in the transfer path 87d.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 81 of the urine qualitative measurement device 8 includes a test paper supply unit 82, an identification information reading unit (not shown), a urine sample collection nozzle 83, a measurement unit 84, a printer (not shown), and a display. Unit (not shown) and a control unit 80.

  The urine qualitative measurement by the urine qualitative measurement device 8 is performed using a urine test paper. The urine test paper is supplied from the test paper supply unit 82. When the measurement operation starts, the test paper is automatically placed from the test paper supply unit 82 on the mounting table constituting the measurement unit 84. Note that the test paper is one in which one or more reagent pads are attached on a plastic stick.

  According to the test paper, it is configured to react with a predetermined component in the urine sample U and develop a color corresponding to the concentration of the component due to the difference in the reagent contained in each reagent pad. Qualitative values or semi-quantitative values of measurement items can be measured.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, a label 20 a on which a barcode 20 b is printed is attached to the Spitz tube 20. In this bar code 20b, identification information of the provider of the urine sample U is recorded. The identification information reading unit is, for example, a barcode reader, and reads the identification information from the label 20a attached to the Spitz tube 20 when the sample rack 2 is transported to the front. The control unit 80 can know the measurement items ordered for the urine sample U by making an inquiry to the host computer 9 based on the identification information.

  The urine sample collection nozzle 83 is for sucking and collecting a predetermined amount of the urine sample U from the Spitz tube 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the urine sample collection nozzle 83 moves between the urine sample collection unit provided in the transfer path 87d and the measurement unit 84 as indicated by arrows N15 and N16, and the urine sample U is moved to the measurement unit. 84. The urine sample collection nozzle 83 performs a collection operation of the urine sample U and a spotting operation on the reagent pad of the urine test paper by a urine sample collection nozzle driving unit (not shown).

  The measuring unit 84 includes a mounting table (not shown) and an optical measuring device (not shown). A urine test paper is placed on the mounting table. The urine sample U collected by the urine sample collection nozzle 83 is spotted by a predetermined amount on the reagent pad of the urine test paper. The optical measuring instrument is configured to measure the color development degree of each reagent pad on which the urine sample U is spotted as the light reflectance. A qualitative value or semi-quantitative value of a predetermined component in the urine sample U is calculated based on the measurement data acquired by the optical measuring instrument.

  A urine qualitative measurement result of the urine sample U is associated with the identification information of the subject, and a printer is provided for printing out on a predetermined sheet. An image display screen such as a liquid crystal display panel is provided, and for example, a display unit for displaying a screen for guiding measurement results and operation of the urine qualitative measurement device 8 is provided. The display unit is configured by a touch panel, for example, and the user can input data necessary for urine qualitative measurement from the display unit.

  The control unit 80 is configured using, for example, a microcomputer, and controls operation processing of each unit of the urine qualitative measurement device 8. The control unit 80 includes a storage unit, which stores a program and various data for causing the control unit 80 to perform operation control and various data processing of each unit of the urine qualitative measurement device 8. Yes. In addition, the urine qualitative measurement result acquired by, for example, the measurement unit 84 is temporarily stored in the storage unit. The urine qualitative measurement result is transmitted to the host computer 9 through the communication line L2 as pair information associated with the identification information.

  Next, the transfer operation of the urine sample U from the urine cup 1 to the Spitz tube 20 in the measurement system MS1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, as an example, the movement of the dispensing device D1 when one urine cup 1 is transported by the urine cup transport path 43 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the user causes the identification information reading device 3 to read the barcode 10a indicating the identification information printed on the label 10 of the urine cup 1, and the urine cup 1 is transferred to the transport conveyor 45 by the arrow N1. Place as shown. The control unit 70 receives the identification information from the identification information reading device 3, and stores it in the reading order storage unit 70a in the order of reading. The urine cup transport device 4 transports the urine cup 1 toward the dispensing position 7b on the urine cup transport path 43 as indicated by an arrow N2.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the sample rack 2 is supplied from the sample rack supply unit 51, and the number of the Spitz tubes 20 held is counted by the Spitz tube counting unit 63. The sample rack 2 is transported to the label attaching position 7a by the sample rack transport path 60. On the other hand, the urine cup 1 is conveyed to the dispensing position 7b. At this time, the urine sample U accommodated in the urine cup 1 is stirred, and details of the stirring operation will be described later.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the Spitz tube 20 transported to the label attaching position 7a is transferred to the label attaching unit 73 as shown by an arrow N6, and the urine sample U to be dispensed is supplied. After the label 20a on which the identification information corresponding to the identification information of the stored urine cup 1 is printed in the form of the barcode 20b is attached, the label 20a is returned to the sample rack 2. The label attaching unit 73 attaches the labels 20a to the Spitz tube 20 in the order stored in the reading order storage unit 70a. The Spitz tube 20 is returned to the sample rack 2 after the label 20a is attached. Next, the sample rack transport path 60 transports the sample rack 2 toward the dispensing position 7b so that the next unused Spitz tube 20 comes to the label attaching position 7a.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5D, the Spitz tube 20 with the label 20a attached reaches the dispensing position 7b, while the dispensing nozzle 74c removes the urine sample U in the urine cup 1. After stirring and aspiration, the sample is transferred to the dispensing position 7b on the sample rack transport path 60 as indicated by an arrow N9. The dispensing nozzle 74 c dispenses a predetermined amount of the urine sample U into the Spitz tube 20.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5E, the sample rack transport path 60 transports the sample rack 2 toward the urine qualitative measurement device 8 on the downstream side as indicated by an arrow N11. In addition to the above, the sample rack 2 is transported toward the urine qualitative measurement device 8 even when there is no Spitz tube 20 available for the sample rack 2. Next, the dispensing nozzle 74c moves onto the urine cup transport path 43 as shown by an arrow N8 in preparation for the next operation.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6 (A) to FIG. 10 (C), the stirring operation of the urine sample U accommodated in the urine cup 1 will be described in detail.

  The urine sample U collected by the subject in the urine cup 1 may contain red blood cells E as a formed component. When such a urine sample U is left for a certain period of time, the red blood cells E are deposited at the bottom of the urine cup 1 as shown in FIG. In this state, if the urine sample U is aspirated from the urine cup 1, dispensed into the Spitz tube 20, and measurement is performed, there is a problem in the accuracy of the measurement result in measurement items such as urine occult blood and urine sediment.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, stirring of the urine sample U using the dispensing nozzle 74c is performed with the nozzle tip surface 74k in contact with the bottom surface 11. If it does in this way, the inside (hollow part) and the exterior of the pipe part 74g will be in the state connected only by the notch part 74i.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, when the urine sample U is aspirated in this state, the red blood cells E around the tip 74h are moved from the notch 74i to the inside of the dispensing nozzle 74c as shown by the arrows. Sucked. Since the notch 74i is formed on the side surface of the pipe part 74g, the red blood cells E spreading thinly on the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 can be efficiently sucked. Further, since the cutout portion 74i is formed smaller than the nozzle opening of the tip end portion 74h of the dispensing nozzle 74c, the suction force per unit area can be made stronger and the red blood cells E can be sucked into the dispensing nozzle 74c. . Thus, if the dispensing nozzle 74c which has the notch 74i in the side surface of the pipe part 74g is used, the erythrocyte E will be efficiently accommodated in the dispensing nozzle 74c.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the red blood cells E accommodated in the dispensing nozzle 74c are discharged together with the urine sample U into the urine cup 1 from the notch 74i as indicated by an arrow. Since the red blood cells E are discharged from the side portion of the tip end portion 74h with a stronger discharge force, stirring is efficiently performed. Therefore, the urine sample U is stirred so that the red blood cells E are uniformly dispersed.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the dispensing nozzle 74c discharges the urine sample U at a plurality of locations in the planar direction when the urine sample U in the urine cup 1 is agitated. The movement of the dispensing nozzle 74 c in the planar direction is performed by combining the operation of the urine sample transfer unit 74 a and the operation of the urine cup transport path 43. That is, the transport conveyor 45 transfers the urine cup 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow N2. Thereby, the dispensing nozzle 74c relatively moves in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow N2. On the other hand, the dispensing nozzle 74c moves along the rail portion 74e in the directions indicated by arrows N8 and N9 orthogonal to the direction indicated by the arrow N2.

  The movement of the dispensing nozzle 74c in these planar directions is controlled by the control unit 70. As described above, when the urine cup 1 is conveyed to the dispensing position 7b by the conveyance conveyor 45 in the direction indicated by N2, it is detected by the cup detection sensor (not shown) included in the cup stopper 46, and the cup stopper 46 is detected by the urine cup. 1 is stopped. At this time, the conveyor 45 may be stopped or may not be stopped. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the urine cup 1 stops in two stages at two points of the first stop position and the second stop position in the direction indicated by the arrow N2. In the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1, the first stop position is a position connecting the places indicated by numbers 1 to 3, and the second stop position is a position connecting the places indicated by numbers 4 to 6.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (A), first, the dispensing nozzle 74c moves the urine sample U at the first stop position number 1 by the method shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B). Aspirate. Suction is performed only once, and it is discharged in several times. At the first stop position, the dispensing nozzle 74c discharges the urine sample U at three locations in the order of numbers 1, 2, and 3 by the method shown in FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the urine cup 1 stops at the second stop position at the dispensing position 7b. At the second stop position, the dispensing nozzle 74c discharges the urine sample U at three locations in the order of numbers 4, 5, and 6 by the method shown in FIG. Note that the discharge location and the number of times can be appropriately changed according to the size of the container and the characteristics of the specimen. Furthermore, the dispensing nozzle 74c may be configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the urine cup transport direction (a direction parallel to the arrow N2), thereby changing the sample aspiration and discharge positions. Further, suction may be performed a plurality of times, or suction and discharge may be repeated.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the stirring of the urine sample U in the urine cup 1 by the dispensing nozzle 74c is completed, the dispensing position 7b on the sample rack transport path 60 corresponds to the identification information of the urine cup 1. The Spitz tube 20 provided with the identification information is moving. The dispensing nozzle 74c sucks the urine sample U for dispensing at the position of No. 4, and moves along the rail portion 74e in the direction indicated by the arrow N9 toward the corresponding Spitz tube 20. When the dispensing nozzle 74 c reaches the Spitz tube 20, a predetermined amount of the urine sample U accommodated therein is dispensed into the Spitz tube 20.

  FIG. 9 shows a modification of the contact method of the nozzle tip surface 74 k with the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1. The bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 often has a shape in which the central portion is raised. For this reason, when the entire amount of the urine sample U is aspirated, a formed component such as red blood cells E tends to remain in the peripheral portion of the bottom surface 11. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the nozzle tip surface 74k is strongly applied to the bottom surface 11 in the direction indicated by the arrow N20, the bottom surface 11 around the tip portion 74h is deformed so as to be recessed downward. The formed portion and the remaining urine sample U are collected in the recess by recessing the peripheral portion of the tip portion 74h, and sucked by the dispensing nozzle 74c as indicated by an arrow. As a result, the urine sample U can be collected so that the formed component such as the red blood cells E does not remain in the peripheral portion of the bottom surface 11. Since the urine cup 1 is made of paper or thin resin, it can be easily deformed by pressing the nozzle against the bottom surface. Note that the pressing means that the dispensing nozzle 74c is moved downward so that the bottom surface 11 is positioned lower than the position of the bottom surface 11 in a state where the urine cup 1 is left standing.

  10 (A) to 10 (C) show a modification of the arrangement method of the distal end portion 74h of the dispensing nozzle 74c with respect to the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 10A, in this arrangement method, a narrow gap 12 is provided between the tip 74h and the bottom surface 11 of the dispensing nozzle 74c. If it does in this way, the inside and the exterior of the pipe part 74g will be in the state connected by the notch part 74i and the narrow clearance gap 12. FIG. The gap 12 is preferably smaller than the notch length M1 of the notch 74i, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, 0.1 to 2.0 mm, 0.1 to 1.0 mm, 0, It is set to 1 to 0.5 mm or 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, when the urine sample U is aspirated in such a state, the red blood cells E around the tip 74h are dispensed from the notch 74i and the narrow gap 12 as shown by the arrows. Sucked into the nozzle 74c. Since the notch 74i is formed on the side surface of the tip 74h and the gap 12 is sufficiently narrow, the red blood cells E spreading thinly on the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 can be efficiently aspirated as indicated by arrows. Thus, if the dispensing nozzle 74c having the notch 74i is used, the red blood cells E are efficiently sucked into the dispensing nozzle 74c. The suction of the urine sample U may not be performed in a state where the nozzle tip surface 74k of the dispensing nozzle 74c is in contact with the bottom surface 11 or is disposed in the vicinity of the top of the bottom surface 11.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (C), the red blood cells E sucked into the dispensing nozzle 74c are put together with the urine sample U from the notch 74i and the gap 12 in the direction parallel to the bottom surface 11, as shown by arrows. It is discharged into the urine cup 1. Since the red blood cells E are discharged with a strong discharge force from the notch 74i on the side of the tip 74h and the sufficiently narrow gap 12, the influence of liquid discharge extends to a position away from the dispensing nozzle 74c. The urine sample U is efficiently stirred. Therefore, the urine sample U is agitated so that the red blood cells E are uniformly dispersed.

  According to the present embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 74c of the dispensing device D1 includes the notch 74i at the distal end portion 74h, and the distal end portion 74h is in contact with the bottom surface 11 or disposed in the vicinity of the upper side of the bottom surface 11. Since the urine sample U is discharged, when the urine sample U is dispensed from the urine cup 1 into the Spitz tube 20, the sample U should be uniformly and sufficiently stirred regardless of the size of the diameter of the urine cup 1. Can do. Since the urine sample U can be discharged from the notch 74i in the lateral direction, stirring can be performed efficiently. In addition, the state arrange | positioned in the upper vicinity of the bottom face 11 is a state which can ensure the discharge force to the side from the notch part 74i to some extent with respect to the discharge which goes down from the front-end | tip part 74h of the dispensing nozzle 74c. For example, the distance between the nozzle tip surface 74k and the bottom surface 11 of the dispensing nozzle 74c is preferably smaller than the notch length M1 of the notch 74i.

  In addition, a dispensing device that uniformly stirs the formed components such as red blood cells in the urine sample U collected on the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 can be configured at low cost. Moreover, since it can be made into the simple structure which does not use a stirring element etc., the dispensing apparatus which is easy to prevent the contamination by stirring operation can be comprised.

  The dispensing nozzle 74c is configured to be able to change the horizontal relative position with respect to the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1, and can discharge the urine sample U at a plurality of locations. Regardless of the size, the urine sample U can be uniformly and sufficiently agitated. Note that the control of the control unit 70 can appropriately change the sample suction and discharge positions of the dispensing nozzle 74c according to the size of the sample container.

  Further, in the dispensing nozzle 74c, the plurality of cutout portions 74i are provided radially around the tip portion 74h, so that the urine sample U can be discharged evenly and uniformly around the tip portion 74h. Thereby, the urine sample U can be uniformly and sufficiently stirred regardless of the diameter of the urine cup 1.

  The dispensing nozzle 74c is configured such that the urine sample U collected on the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 can be collected from the cutout portion 74i in a state where the distal end portion 74h is pressed against the bottom surface 11. Therefore, the red blood cells E spreading around the tip 74h can be efficiently suctioned over a wide range. Further, the notch 74i is formed smaller than the hole provided in the tip 74h of the dispensing nozzle 74c, and the suction force per unit area is increased to suck the red blood cells E into the dispensing nozzle 74c. it can. For this reason, if the dispensing nozzle 74c which has the notch part 74i is used, more formed components, such as red blood cells E, can be accommodated in the dispensing nozzle 74c. Further, since the area of the notch 74i is smaller than the nozzle opening at the tip of the dispensing nozzle 74c, the liquid is ejected vigorously from the notch 74i, and the stirring effect extends to a position away from the dispensing nozzle 74c. It can be stirred evenly.

  In the measurement system MS1, the dispensing device D1 is connected to the urine qualitative measurement device 8 by the sample rack transport device 6. Thereby, the transfer of the urine sample U from the urine cup 1 to the Spitz tube 20 and the urine qualitative measurement can be performed automatically and continuously. Therefore, labor saving can be achieved while maintaining the accuracy of the qualitative measurement of the urine sample U.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B show a dispensing nozzle 74Ac according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing nozzle 74Ac is used by being attached to the dispensing device D1, similarly to the dispensing nozzle 74c in the first embodiment. In the figure, the same or similar elements as those in the dispensing nozzle 74c in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. Detailed description of elements with the same reference numerals will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, a circular hole 74Ai communicating with the nozzle hollow portion is provided on the outer surface of the tip 74h of the dispensing nozzle 74Ac. The hole 74Ai corresponds to an example of the opening referred to in the present invention. However, the shape of the opening is not limited to a circle, and various shapes can be adopted. Specifically, for example, a square shape, a rectangular shape, or a triangular shape can be adopted. The hole 74Ac only needs to be disposed at the nozzle tip 74h and communicate with the nozzle hollow portion.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the holes 74Ai are provided radially at equal intervals at four locations around the tip 74h. However, the number of holes 74Ai formed is not limited to four, and may be provided at least one. The number of holes 74Ai may be, for example, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more. The holes 74Ai are not necessarily provided at regular intervals, and may be provided irregularly or may be provided with a predetermined rule.

  The diameter M5 of the circular hole 74Ai is, for example, φ0.1-3.0 mm, φ0.1-2.0 mm, φ0.1-1.0 mm, φ0.1-0.5 mm, or φ0.1-0. Set to 2 mm. The length M6 from the hole 74Ai to the nozzle tip surface 74k is, for example, 0.1 to 3.0 mm, 0.1 to 2.0 mm, 0.1 to 1.0 mm, 0.1 to 0.5 mm, or 0. Set to 1 to 0.2 mm. Further, the outer diameter M3 and the inner diameter M4 of the pipe portion 74g are set in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  The stirring operation of the urine sample U accommodated in the urine cup 1 using the dispensing nozzle 74Ac is performed in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 6 (A) to 10 (C) in the first embodiment. be able to.

  According to the present embodiment, the opening can be formed in a state where the periphery of the tip 74h of the dispensing nozzle 74Ac is not interrupted. Thereby, since the strength of the tip end portion 74h can be ensured, the dispensing nozzle 74Ac can be made resistant to collision and the like. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment. The specific configuration of the dispensing device and the measurement system according to the present invention can be varied in design in various ways. Similarly, the specific configuration of each step of the dispensing method according to the present invention can be variously changed.

  Hereinafter, the effects of the above-described embodiment will be specifically described based on examples and comparative examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[Example]
Experimental conditions of the examples are shown below. (Condition A)
In this experiment, the stirring effect of the urine sample U containing red blood cells as a formed component was confirmed using the dispensing device D1.
(1) As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a V-groove was formed as a notch 74i in the tip 74h of the dispensing nozzle 74c and attached to the dispensing device D1.
(2) As shown in FIG. 12, 7.8 ml of the urine sample U was sucked at the position of No. 1, and 1.3 ml was discharged in the order of No. 1 to No. 3 at the first stop position. Further, 1.3 ml was discharged in the order of number 4 to number 6 at the second position. When discharging, the nozzle tip surface 74k of the dispensing nozzle 74c is in contact with the bottom surface 11, and the urine sample U is discharged only from the V groove.
(3) Thereafter, at the position of No. 4, a urine sample U was collected by the dispensing nozzle 74c and dispensed into the Spitz tube 20.
(4) Visual confirmation of the urine cup 1 after stirring was performed.
(5) Further, the number of red blood cells in the urine sample U collected in the Spitz tube 20 was counted. The number of red blood cells was measured by a flow cytometry method using an automatic analyzer (AUTION Hybrid manufactured by ARKRAY). As a control (REF), the effect of stirring was confirmed by counting and comparing the number of red blood cells in the urine sample U which was uniformly stirred by the procedure.

[Comparative example]
The experimental conditions of the comparative example are shown below. (Condition B)
(1) Discharge stirring was performed in a state in which the notch 74 i was not provided in the tip 74 h of the dispensing nozzle 74 c and the tip 74 h was separated from the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 by about 3 mm. Others were performed in the same manner as in Condition A.
(2) Visual confirmation of the urine cup 1 after stirring was performed.
(3) Further, as in the example, the number of red blood cells in the urine sample U collected in the Spitz tube 20 was counted by the flow cytometry method.

[Visual confirmation result]
As shown in FIG. 13, when the urine cup 1 containing the urine sample U before stirring was left standing and confirmed from above, it was confirmed that red blood cells E were precipitated on the bottom surface 11. In particular, more red blood cells were precipitated in the peripheral portion than in the central portion of the bottom surface.
As shown in FIG. 14 (A), in the example (condition A), the pattern printed on the bottom surface 11 appeared to be uniformly wrinkled, and it was confirmed that the pattern was uniformly stirred.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14 (B), in the comparative example (condition 2), there were a pattern of the bottom surface 11 that was clearly visible and a pattern that was not. In particular, red blood cells E remained in a precipitated state on the buttocks of the bottom surface 11. Thus, in the comparative example, it was confirmed that stirring was uneven and insufficient. Even when the distance between the bottom surface 11 of the urine cup 1 and the distal end portion 74h of the dispensing nozzle 74c is smaller than 3 mm, only the peripheral portion of the dispensing nozzle 74c has an agitating effect, as in the above visual confirmation result. Red blood cells E were preferentially precipitated.

[Red blood cell count (REC) counting result]
Tables 1 and 2 show the results of measuring the number of red blood cells for the control (REF), the example (condition A), and the comparative example (condition B). The closer the counting result of each sample is to the number of red blood cells of the control, the more uniform the stirring is.
As shown in Table 1, in the example (Condition A (n = 15)), each sample generally showed a red blood cell count of 95% or more with respect to the subject, and there was little variation. In the comparative example (condition B (n = 6)), a sample showing only 70% of the red blood cell count of the control was seen, and the variation was large.
From the above, it was revealed that the stirring in the example was performed more uniformly than the stirring in the comparative example. In the above-described embodiment, the discharge is performed six times at the left and right three positions. However, the discharge position and the number of times are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately changed according to the size of the container.

D1 Dispensing device MS1 Measurement system U Urine sample (specimen)
1 Urine cup (first sample container)
20 Spitz tube (second specimen container)
6 Sample rack transport device (sample container transport mechanism)
74c, 74Ac Dispensing nozzle 74h Tip 74i Notch (opening)
74Ai hole (opening)
11 Bottom 8 Urine qualitative measuring device (measuring device)

Claims (8)

A dispensing nozzle for dispensing the sample aspirated from the first sample container into the second sample container;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the dispensing nozzle;
With
The dispensing nozzle is provided with an opening communicating with the nozzle hollow part on the nozzle side surface at the tip part,
The control unit causes the dispensing nozzle to aspirate the sample from the first sample container, and a state where the tip end surface of the dispensing nozzle is in contact with the bottom surface of the first sample container or the bottom surface The sample is agitated by discharging the sample in a state of being arranged in the vicinity of the upper side, the sample after agitation is aspirated, and dispensed into the second sample container. Dispensing device. The dispensing nozzle is configured to be able to change a relative position with respect to the bottom surface of the first specimen container.
2. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a relative position between the dispensing nozzle and the first sample container, and causes the sample to be discharged a plurality of times. The controller controls a transport mechanism for transporting the first sample container;
The dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes a relative position between the dispensing nozzle and the first sample container by movement of the first sample container by the transport mechanism.   The dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit is configured to press the distal end surface of the dispensing nozzle against the bottom surface of the first sample container and collect the sample from the opening. apparatus. A dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A measuring device for measuring a specific component contained in the specimen;
With
The dispensing apparatus includes a sample container transport mechanism that transports the second sample container from the upstream side toward the downstream side,
The sample container transport mechanism connects the measurement device to the downstream side, and transports the second sample container into which the sample has been dispensed from the dispensing device toward the measurement device. A dispensing method for dispensing the sample aspirated from a first sample container into a second sample container using a dispensing nozzle that performs aspiration and discharge of the sample,
The sample accommodated in the first sample container is aspirated by the dispensing nozzle having an opening communicating with the nozzle hollow portion on the nozzle side surface of the tip portion, and the tip surface of the nozzle is placed on the first sample. An agitation step of agitating the sample by causing the sample to be discharged in a state of being in contact with the bottom surface of the container or being disposed in the vicinity of the upper portion of the bottom surface;
A dispensing step for causing the dispensing nozzle to dispense the sample stirred in the stirring step into the second sample container;
A dispensing method. In the stirring step, the dispensing nozzle is configured to be capable of changing a relative position with respect to the bottom surface of the first specimen container.
The dispensing method according to claim 6, wherein the control unit changes the relative position of the dispensing nozzle and the first sample container, and causes the sample to be discharged a plurality of times.   The dispensing method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, in the stirring step, the distal end surface of the dispensing nozzle is pressed against the bottom surface of the first sample container, and the sample is collected from the opening.