JP2018017603A - Autoanalyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an autoanalyzer which can prevent influence on measurement data due to a machine difference such as a difference between substrates and a difference between circuit elements so as to achieve highly accurate analysis at a high speed, while downsizing the autoanalyzer and saving costs.SOLUTION: The autoanalyzer has: a first light source for emitting light to a mixture of a sample and a reagent held by a first reaction container; a first detector for detecting the emitted light; a second light source for emitting light to a mixture of a sample and a reagent held by a second reaction container; and a second detector for detecting the emitted light. The autoanalyzer receives a first signal detected by the first detector and a second signal detected by the second detector and selects a signal to be transmitted to an analog/digital conversion part from among the received signals so that a timing to convert the first signal is not overlapped with a timing to convert the second signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention is an automatic analyzer for analyzing the amount of components contained in a sample such as blood or urine, and in particular, an automatic analyzer capable of measuring a plurality of different types of analysis items such as biochemical analysis items and blood coagulation time items. Relates to data processing.

  As an analyzer for analyzing samples such as blood and urine, a detector that detects the amount of transmitted or scattered light of single or multiple wavelengths obtained by irradiating light from a light source onto a reaction mixture in which the sample and reagent are mixed There is known an automatic analyzer that detects a target component amount and the like based on the detected light quantity data.

  In recent years, automatic analyzers have been increasingly required to perform high-precision analysis, and it has become increasingly important to quickly analyze many samples and process the acquired data at high speed. .

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a composite automatic analyzer that can measure a plurality of different types of analysis items with a single device. In this document, the biochemical analysis item and the blood clotting time item share the sample dispensing mechanism, and the reaction cell for the biochemical analysis item at the timing when the sample is dispensed to the measurement unit for the blood clotting time item. Rotating the reaction disk without dispensing a sample for biochemical analysis items into an empty reaction cell, and pre-heating by discharging a reagent for blood coagulation time measurement into this empty reaction cell Explained.

  Further, Patent Document 2 relates to a technique for processing measurement data sent from a large number of detectors in an automatic analyzer, and the data processing amplifier circuit and A / D converter are expanded from one system to three systems. In addition, by setting the data processing timing in each system so as not to overlap, it is shown that the processing waiting time is reduced and the overall processing efficiency is improved.

International Publication No. 2013/187210 JP 2007-10560 A

  In the case of a compound type device that analyzes multiple different types of analysis items with a single device, each measurement data is equipped with a dedicated detection board corresponding to each analysis item in order to process the data for each analysis item. Is generally configured to be processed using an amplification circuit and an A / D converter on each detection substrate.

  By doing in this way, even if the timing of data processing overlaps between the biochemical analysis item and the blood coagulation time item, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the data processing becomes defective and to suppress a decrease in processing capability. On the other hand, the ambient temperature changes from one board to another due to the difference in the board installation position, and there is a possibility that a difference between boards in the measurement data may occur due to the difference in the temperature characteristics of the circuit elements. In addition, a space for installing a substrate for each analysis item is required, which may increase the size of the apparatus and increase the cost.

  In Patent Document 1, as described above, a common dispensing mechanism is used to prevent the apparatus from becoming complicated, and the analysis operation cycle of the biochemical analysis item is changed to the sample dispensing in the analysis operation cycle of the blood coagulation time item. Although the analysis efficiency is improved by controlling to change based on the operation, the combined automatic analyzer can efficiently process the measurement data obtained for each analysis item and measure No consideration is given to the effects of machine differences in the data.

  In the automatic analyzer described in Patent Document 2, since an amplifier circuit for data processing and an A / D converter are added, separate circuit elements may be used for data processing of the same sample. Measurement data may be affected by differences between circuit elements. Moreover, it is considered that there is a high probability that the cost will increase as these mechanisms are increased.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention suppresses the influence of machine differences such as differences in measurement data between substrates and circuit elements, realizes high-precision and high-speed analysis, and contributes to downsizing and cost saving of the apparatus. An object is to provide an automatic analyzer.

  As one aspect for solving the above problems, a rotatable reaction disk in which a first reaction container for mixing and reacting a sample and a reagent is arranged circumferentially, and a reagent in the first reaction container A first reagent dispensing mechanism that dispenses into the reaction chamber, a reaction port in which a second reaction vessel for mixing and reacting the sample and the reagent is disposed, and a second that dispenses the reagent into the second reaction vessel. A reagent dispensing mechanism, a sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample into the first reaction container and the second reaction container, a sample and a reagent held in the first reaction container arranged on the reaction disk, A first light source for irradiating light to the mixed solution, a first detector for detecting the irradiated light, and a sample and a reagent held in a second reaction container disposed in the reaction port A second light source for irradiating the mixed liquid with light, a second detector for detecting the irradiated light, An analog / digital conversion unit that converts the detected light from analog data into digital data, and a control unit that analyzes a sample based on the converted data, and is detected by the first detector A signal switching unit that receives the first signal and the second signal detected by the second detector, and selectively sends a specific signal among the received signals to the analog / digital conversion unit. And the control unit controls the operation of the signal switching unit, and the timing for converting the first signal and the timing for converting the second signal in the analog / digital conversion unit overlap each other. An apparatus for selecting a signal to be sent to the analog / digital conversion unit from among the received signals, and a method using the apparatus Subjected to.

  According to the above aspect, automatic analysis contributes to miniaturization and cost saving of the apparatus while suppressing the influence due to machine differences such as inter-substrate difference and circuit element difference of measurement data and realizing high-precision and high-speed analysis. An apparatus can be provided.

The figure which shows the basic composition of the composite-type automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment. The figure which shows the basic composition of the board | substrate in the automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment (Example 1). The timing chart which shows the analysis operation | movement and data processing operation | movement of a biochemical analysis which concern on this Embodiment (Example 1), and a blood coagulation analysis. The figure which shows the basic composition of the board | substrate provided with the signal storage part in the automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment (Example 2). The figure explaining the signal processing operation | movement which concerns on this Embodiment (Example 2), and the data processing operation | movement of a biochemical analysis and a blood coagulation analysis. The figure which shows the structure of the reaction container and detection sensor in the automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment. The flowchart explaining the analysis operation | movement and data processing operation | movement of biochemical analysis and blood coagulation analysis in the automatic analyzer which concerns on this Embodiment (Example 1). The figure which shows the basic composition of the detection board (single unit) for data processing of a biochemical analysis item. The figure which shows the basic composition of the detection board | substrate (single body) for the data processing of blood coagulation time analysis. The figure which shows the basic composition of the reaction port in the blood coagulation detection part which concerns on this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that throughout the drawings, components having the same functions in the drawings are denoted by the same reference symbols in principle, and description thereof may be omitted.

<About the basic configuration of the device>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. Here, as an aspect of the automatic analyzer, an example of a combined automatic analyzer including a turntable biochemical analyzer and a blood coagulation time analysis unit will be described.

  As shown in this figure, the automatic analyzer 1 has a reaction disk 13, a sample disk 11, a first reagent disk 15, a second reagent disk 16, a blood coagulation time analysis unit 2, a detector (biochemistry) on its housing. (Analysis detector) 19 is arranged.

  The reaction disk 13 is a disk-like unit that can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, and a plurality of reaction vessels 26 can be arranged on the circumference thereof.

  The sample disk 11 is a disk-shaped unit that can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise, and a plurality of sample containers 27 for storing samples such as standard samples and test samples can be arranged on the circumference thereof. it can.

  The first reagent disk 15 and the second reagent disk 16 are disk-like units that can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, and contain reagents containing components that react with the components of each test item included in the sample. A plurality of reagent containers can be arranged on the circumference. Although not shown in the figure, the first reagent disk 15 and the second reagent disk 16 can be configured to be able to cool the reagents in the arranged reagent containers by providing a cold insulation mechanism or the like.

  A sample dispensing probe 12 is disposed between the sample disk 11 and the reaction disk 13, and the sample container 27 on the sample disk 11, the reaction container 26 on the reaction disk 13, and the like by rotation of the sample dispensing probe 12. The reaction container 28 at the sample dispensing position 18 of the blood coagulation time analysis unit 2 is arranged so as to be able to suck and dispense a sample.

  Similarly, a first reagent dispensing probe 17 (for biochemical analysis, first reagent dispensing mechanism) is disposed between the first reagent disk 16 and the reaction disk 13 between the second reagent disk 15 and the reaction disk 13. The second reagent dispensing probe 14 (for biochemistry) is arranged in the reaction container 26 on the reaction disk 13, the first reagent disk 15, and the reagent container on the second reagent disk 16 by rotating operations. It arrange | positions so that dispensing operation | movement, such as aspiration and discharge, is possible.

  The blood coagulation time analysis unit 2 mainly includes a blood coagulation time detector 21, a blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20 (second reagent dispensing mechanism), a disposable reaction container magazine 25, a sample dispensing position 19, and a reaction container transfer mechanism. 23, a reaction container disposal port 24, and an optical jig magazine 22.

  Next, a control system and a signal processing system related to the automatic analyzer 1 will be described. An overall control unit 102 and a measurement control unit 103 are provided as control systems, and the overall control unit 102 is connected to the sample dispensing control unit 201, the reagent dispensing control unit (1) 205, and the reagent dispensing control via the interface 101. The unit (2) 206, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing control unit 203, and the transfer mechanism control unit 202 are connected to each other, and a signal serving as a command is transmitted to each control unit. The measurement control unit 103 calculates the measurement value of the light intensity that changes with time according to the degree of the mixing reaction between the sample and the reagent, and based on the calibration value acquired in advance, the concentration of the analyte or the reaction time (In the blood coagulation field, this refers to the clotting time, etc.). Moreover, based on the comparison result with a predetermined determination threshold value, it is also possible to determine the quality by determining the concentration and reaction time of the analyte contained in the sample. The calculated concentration or reaction time is output to the display unit 106 and stored in the storage unit 104.

  The sample dispensing control unit 201 controls the sample dispensing operation by the sample dispensing probe 12 based on the command received from the overall control unit 102.

  In addition, the reagent dispensing control unit (1) 205 and the reagent dispensing control unit (2) 206 are based on a command received from the overall control unit 102, and the first reagent dispensing probe 17 and the second reagent dispensing probe 14 are used. To control the reagent dispensing operation.

  In addition, the transfer mechanism control unit 202 performs the reaction container magazine 25, the sample dispensing position 18, the reaction port 209 of the blood coagulation time detection unit 21, and the reaction port 209 based on the command received from the overall control unit 102. The transfer operation of the disposable reaction container 28 for blood coagulation analysis between the reaction container waste ports 24 is controlled.

  In addition, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing control unit 203 receives the reaction container 28 that accommodates the sample dispensed by the sample dispensing probe 12 transferred to the reaction port 209 based on the command received from the overall control unit 102. In contrast, the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20 dispenses a blood coagulation reagent. Alternatively, a pretreatment liquid that is a mixed liquid of the sample mixed in the reaction container 26 and the first reagent for blood coagulation analysis is dispensed to the empty reaction container 28 by the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20. . In this case, the second reagent for blood coagulation analysis is then dispensed into the reaction vessel 28 that contains the pretreatment liquid. Here, the reagent for blood coagulation analysis is arranged on the first reagent disk 15 and the second reagent disk 16, and a reaction disk is used as necessary by the first reagent dispensing probe 17 and the second reagent dispensing probe 18. 13 is once dispensed into the reaction container 26 and used for blood coagulation analysis.

  Although the overall control unit 102 and the measurement control unit 103 have been described as independent configurations in this figure, the entire automatic analyzer can be configured to be controlled as a single control unit.

  The transmitted light or scattered light of the reaction liquid in the disposable reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 and the transmitted light or scattered light of the reaction liquid in the reaction container (for biochemical analysis, first reaction container) 26 are blood. Photoelectric conversion and signal amplification are performed by the detection substrate 207 for coagulation time analysis and the detection substrate 208 for biochemical items, and the analog signal is sent to the common A / D conversion substrate 204. Thereafter, each photometric value converted into a digital signal by the common A / D conversion board 204 is taken into the storage unit 104. Details of operations of the blood coagulation time analysis detection substrate 207, the biochemical item detection substrate 208, and the common A / D conversion substrate 204 will be described later with reference to FIG.

<Analysis of biochemical items>
Analysis of biochemical items by the automatic analyzer 1 is performed in the following procedure. First, the operator uses the operation unit 105 to request an inspection item for each sample. In order to analyze the sample for the requested inspection item, the sample dispensing probe 12 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 27 to the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 according to the analysis parameters.

  The reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 into which the sample has been dispensed is transferred by the rotation of the reaction disk 13 and stops at the reagent receiving position. The pipette nozzles of the first reagent dispensing probe 17 and the second reagent dispensing probe 14 dispense a predetermined amount of reagent solution into the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 according to the analysis parameter of the corresponding inspection item. The dispensing order of the sample and the reagent may be reversed from this example, and the reagent may precede the sample.

  Thereafter, the sample and the reagent are stirred and mixed by a stirring mechanism (not shown). When the reaction vessel (for biochemical analysis) 26 crosses the photometric position, the detector (biochemical analysis detector) 19 measures the transmitted light or scattered light of the reaction solution. The measured transmitted light or scattered light is converted into numerical data proportional to the amount of light by the common A / D conversion board 204, and is taken into the storage unit 104 via the interface 101.

  Using the converted numerical value, concentration data is calculated based on a calibration curve measured in advance by an analysis method designated for each inspection item. Component concentration data as an analysis result of each inspection item is output to the display unit 106.

  Before the measurement operation described above is executed, the operator sets various parameters necessary for analysis and registers reagents and samples via the operation screen of the display unit 106 and the operation unit 105. Further, the operator confirms the analysis result after the measurement on the operation screen on the display unit 106.

<Analysis of blood coagulation time items>
The analysis of blood coagulation time items by the automatic analyzer 1 is mainly performed by the following procedure.

  First, the operator requests inspection items for each sample using the operation unit 105 such as a keyboard. In order to analyze the sample for the requested inspection item, the reaction container transfer mechanism 23 removes a disposable reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis, second reaction container) 28 from the reaction container magazine 25 to a sample dispensing position 18. Transfer to The sample dispensing probe 12 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 27 to the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 according to the analysis parameters.

  The reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 into which the sample has been dispensed is transferred to the reaction port 209 of the blood coagulation time detection unit 21 by the reaction container transfer mechanism 23 and is heated to a predetermined temperature. The first reagent dispensing probe 17 dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent solution into the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 on the reaction disk 13 according to the analysis parameter of the corresponding inspection item. Since the reaction disk 13 is provided with a thermostat (not shown), the reagent solution dispensed in the reaction vessel (biochemical analysis) 26 is warmed to 37 ° C.

Thereafter, the blood coagulation / dispensing mechanism 20 sucks the reagent dispensed into the reaction cell (for biochemical analysis) 26, and the temperature is raised to a predetermined temperature in the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20 by a temperature raising mechanism (not shown). After warming, the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 is discharged.
From the time when the reagent is discharged, photometry of transmitted light or scattered light irradiated on the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 is started. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of the reaction port in the blood coagulation detector according to the present embodiment. (A) is upper surface sectional drawing, (b) is sectional drawing when the XX 'surface shown to (a) is made into the front. As shown in this figure, the reaction port 209 has a reaction container installation part 2101 in which a reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 is installed, and a reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) installed in the reaction container installation part 2101. 28 includes a light source 2102 for irradiating light 28 and a detector 2103 (a detector for blood coagulation analysis, a second detector) for detecting scattered light 2105 of the irradiated light 2104. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the blood coagulation time detection unit 21 includes a plurality of reaction ports 201, but may be configured to include a single reaction port 209. Further, in this figure, the mode in which the detector 2103 (blood coagulation analysis detector, second detector) detects the scattered light has been described. However, as described above with reference to FIG. Is also applicable.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the measured transmitted light or scattered light is converted into numerical data proportional to the amount of light by the common A / D conversion board 204, and taken into the storage unit 104 via the interface 101.

  Using this converted numerical value, the time required for the blood coagulation reaction (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as blood coagulation time) is obtained. For example, for test items such as APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time), the blood coagulation time thus determined is output as an analysis result. Here, for test items such as Fbg (fibrinogen), data on component concentrations are obtained based on a calibration curve previously measured by the analysis method specified for each test item for the obtained blood coagulation time. Is output as an analysis result. Blood clotting time and component concentration data as analysis results of each test item are output on the screen of the display unit 106.

  Here, before the above measurement operation is performed, the operator performs various parameter settings necessary for analysis and registration of reagents and samples in advance via the operation screen of the display unit 106 and the operation unit 105. . Further, the operator can check the analysis result after measurement on the operation screen on the display unit 106.

  Further, the discharge destination of the sample discharged by the sample dispensing probe 12 may be a reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26. In this case, as described above, after reacting with the pretreatment liquid in the reaction vessel (for biochemical analysis) 26 in advance, the reaction vessel (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 is dispensed by the blood coagulation dispensing probe 23. You can also.

  In the blood coagulation / dispensing probe 20, the sample contained in the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 is moved into the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 by the moment when the reagent is discharged. Mixing with the sample, stirring called discharge stirring is performed. In contrast to this example, the sample and reagent can be dispensed in the order that the reagent is ahead of the sample, and in this case, mixing with the reagent can be performed according to the momentum when the sample is discharged. it can.

  Here, in the discharge agitation, it is important to maintain high positional accuracy with respect to the reaction container at the position of the tip of the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20 in order to execute reliable agitation, and special attention is required for the position adjustment.

<Measurement data processing procedure>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of the substrate in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in this figure, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a blood coagulation time analysis detection substrate 207 for a blood coagulation time analysis unit and a biochemical item for a biochemical analysis unit as a configuration for processing measurement data. Detection board 208 and a common A / D conversion board 204 that performs A / D conversion of measurement data.

  The blood coagulation time analysis detection substrate 207 includes a photoelectric conversion element 207a that converts scattered light from a sample into a current value, and an amplification circuit 207b that converts and amplifies the signal into a voltage value.

  The biochemical item detection substrate 208 includes a photoelectric conversion element 208a that converts the transmitted light from the sample into a current value, and an amplification circuit 208b that converts and amplifies the signal into a voltage value.

  The common A / D conversion board 204 receives analog voltage data sent from the blood coagulation time analysis detection board 207 and the biochemical item detection board 208, and from the received data, the A / D conversion section in the subsequent stage A signal switching unit 204a that selects a signal to be sent to 204b, an A / D conversion unit 204b that receives a signal from the signal switching unit 204a and converts it from analog voltage to digital value data, and a CPU 205c that processes the digital value data It consists of

Here, FIG. 8 shows a basic configuration of a detection substrate (single unit) for data processing of biochemical analysis items,
FIG. 9 shows a basic configuration of a detection substrate (single unit) for data processing of blood coagulation time analysis. Conventionally, even in a complex type automatic analyzer, as shown in these figures, processing of measurement data obtained for each analysis item has been performed on an independent substrate, so that the processing efficiency is low, and There was a risk of machine differences affecting measurement data. In contrast, in the present embodiment, an analysis operation and a data processing operation described later are executed using the common A / D conversion board 204 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the analysis operation and data processing operation of biochemical analysis and blood coagulation analysis according to the present embodiment. Here, the data processing operation is performed by the common A / D conversion board 204 in the configuration shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the overall control unit 102 includes a period t1 (a certain reaction container (biochemical analysis)) including a period in which the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 passes in front of the detector (biochemical analysis detector) 19. Other reaction located at an adjacent position from the time [point A in the figure] when the chemical reaction) 26 [reaction vessel (1) in the figure] starts to pass in front of the detector (detector for biochemical analysis) 19 The reagent is discharged from the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20 within the container (for biochemical analysis) 26 [interval until the point [point B in the figure] when the reaction container (2) in the figure starts to pass). The operation is controlled.

  In the signal switching unit 204a on the common A / D conversion board 204, based on the switching signal instructed from the measurement control unit 103, the detector (biochemical analysis detector) 19 and the detector (blood coagulation analysis detector). ) In the analog voltage sent from the blood coagulation time analysis detection board 207 and the biochemical item detection board 208 from 2103, specific data is selectively transmitted to the A / D conversion unit 204b. Switching is performed. That is, as shown in this figure, for biochemical analysis, data related to biochemical analysis is triggered by the passage of the reaction vessel (for biochemical analysis) 26 in front of the detector (detector for biochemical analysis) 19. In the blood coagulation analysis, the signal is switched so that the first A / D conversion of the data related to the blood coagulation analysis is performed with the reagent discharge operation as a trigger. This operation will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. Here, regarding the blood coagulation analysis, this figure shows a case where attention is paid to one specific reaction port 209 among the plurality of reaction ports 209. That is, in the blood coagulation analysis, the detector (blood coagulation analysis detector) 2103 completes the blood coagulation reaction for the reaction liquid stored in the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 held in one reaction port 209. Until then, data detection, output and A / D conversion are performed a plurality of times. In addition, regarding the reagent discharge operation, only the start timing is shown, and the length of the discharge time is not shown in the figure.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the analysis operation and data processing operation of biochemical analysis and blood coagulation analysis in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. First, when the analysis is started (a), for the biochemical analysis, the reaction disk 13 is rotated (b-1), the detection sensor 30 is the reaction vessel (for biochemical analysis) 26 is the detector (detection for biochemical analysis). ) It is detected that it has started passing in front of 19 (c-1). The measurement control unit 103 receives the detection of the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 by the detection sensor 30 (d-1), and among the analog voltages from the biochemical item detection substrate 208, the A / D conversion unit 204b A switching signal instructing data to be passed to is transmitted to the signal switching unit 204a (e-1). Based on the switching signal, the signal switching unit 204a transmits specific analog voltage data to the A / D conversion unit 204b (f-1). Thereafter, the A / D conversion unit 204b performs an A / D conversion process for converting the transmitted analog voltage into digital value data (g-1). Here, FIG. 6 shows the structure of the reaction container and the detection sensor in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. The detection of the reaction vessel (for biochemical analysis) 26 is performed when the position indicator 29 provided at the lower part of the reaction disk 13 passes through the detection sensor 30 as shown in the figure. Thus, it can detect by installing the position indicator 29 according to the position where the reaction container (for biochemical analysis) 26 is arrange | positioned.

  As for blood coagulation analysis, when measurement is started (a), the reagent is discharged from the blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe 20 to the reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis) 28 at the timing described above (b-2). When it is detected by receiving a reagent discharge command signal from the overall control unit 102 (c-2) that the reagent discharge operation has been executed, the measurement control unit 103 reads from the blood coagulation time analysis detection substrate 207. Of the analog voltage, a switching signal for instructing data to be passed to the A / D conversion unit 204b is transmitted to the signal switching unit 204a (d-2). Based on the switching signal, the signal switching unit 204a transmits data of a specific analog voltage to the A / D conversion unit 204b (e-2). Thereafter, the A / D conversion unit 204b performs A / D conversion processing for converting the transmitted analog voltage into digital value data (f-2).

  As described above, by executing the above-described flows in the biochemical analysis and the blood coagulation analysis, in a single apparatus, the measurement data can be shared for different types of analysis, and each analysis can be performed. A / D conversion timing can be controlled so as not to overlap.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, as a different type of analysis, one common A / D conversion is performed by devising that the biochemical analysis items and the A / D conversion operation timing of the blood coagulation time analysis do not overlap. Although an example in which the A / D conversion on the substrate 204 can be realized has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and can naturally be applied to combinations with other analyses. For example, for immunoassay and electrolyte analysis, it is possible to similarly perform processing with one common A / D conversion substrate by the above-described method.

  In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the A / D conversion operations of biochemical analysis and blood coagulation analysis do not overlap by adjusting the timing of the operation that triggers the start of A / D conversion. The control method was described as above. In the present embodiment, a method for controlling the measurement data so as not to overlap each other by temporarily storing the measurement data in both analyzes will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a substrate provided with a signal storage unit in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment.

  In the configuration shown in this figure, the signal switching unit 204a having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 switches the data of the analog voltage transmitted to the signal storage unit 204e for temporarily storing the measurement data and the A / D conversion unit 204b, and The difference is that the operation switching of the signal storage unit 204e is configured by contact switching units 204d-1 to d-3 (SW1, SW2, SW3) that are executed based on an instruction from the measurement control unit 103.

  In this configuration, signals from the blood clotting time analysis detection substrate 207 can be accumulated.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the signal switching operation and the data processing operation of biochemical analysis and blood coagulation analysis according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in this figure, at the time of A / D conversion of biochemical analysis items, SW1 and SW3 are turned on and SW2 is turned off, thereby accumulating measurement data of blood coagulation time analysis items in the signal accumulation unit 204e. During this time, the measurement data of the biochemical analysis item is transmitted to the A / D conversion unit 204b to perform A / D conversion.

  After the A / D conversion of the biochemical analysis item is completed, the SW1 and SW3 are turned off and the SW2 is turned on, so that the measurement data of the biochemical analysis item is not transmitted to the A / D conversion unit 204b, and the process described above is performed. The measurement data of the blood coagulation time analysis item accumulated in this way is transmitted to the A / D conversion unit 204b to perform A / D conversion.

  After the A / D conversion of the blood coagulation time analysis is completed, SW1 and SW3 are turned on again, and SW2 is turned off to perform A / D conversion of the biochemical analysis items.

  As described above, based on the instruction of the measurement control unit 103, by setting “SW1 and SW3 to ON and SW2 to OFF”, the signal is stored in the signal storage unit 204e, and “SW1 and SW3 are set to OFF, By setting “SW2 to ON”, the operation of the signal storage unit 204e between the state in which the stored signal is transmitted from the signal storage unit 204e can be switched.

  Thereafter, by repeatedly executing this operation, A / D conversion processing of biochemical analysis items and blood clotting time analysis items is performed alternately.

  According to the present embodiment, since the signal can be stored in the signal storage unit 204e and the operation can be switched so as to be transmitted at an appropriate timing, each mechanism that has been used as a trigger for starting A / D conversion in the first embodiment can be used. The timing of the operation is not limited, and the analysis operation can be given more freedom. In particular, in addition to the above-described biochemical analysis and blood coagulation analysis, for example, when an analysis such as an ion selective electrode (ISE) analysis is further performed using a common substrate, each analysis is further performed in the embodiment 1. Although it is necessary to strictly control the timing of the operation of the mechanism, according to this aspect, it is possible to reduce such a restriction. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, when the A / D conversion operations overlap, the signal from the blood coagulation time analysis detection board 207 is stored in the signal storage unit 204e, thereby performing the A / D conversion operation. Although the overlap has been eliminated, the arrangement of the signal accumulation unit 204e and the contact switching unit 204d is changed to accumulate the signals from the biochemical item detection substrate 208 to eliminate the overlap of the A / D conversion operations. Is also feasible in the same way. However, in the blood coagulation analysis, the end point of the reaction time is not fixed and may vary depending on the sample, so that it is difficult to predict the timing when a new analysis can be started compared to the biochemical analysis. Therefore, there is a case where data processing can be executed more efficiently by connecting the signal storage unit 204e to the blood coagulation time analysis detection substrate 207 and storing signals.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, as a different type of analysis, one common A / D is created by devising that the operation timing of A / D conversion of the biochemical analysis item and the blood coagulation time analysis item does not overlap. Although an example in which the A / D conversion on the conversion board 204 can be realized has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a combination with other analysis as a matter of course. For example, immunoanalysis and electrolyte analysis can be similarly handled with a single A / D conversion board.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to above-described embodiment, Various modifications are included. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to one having all the configurations described. Further, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. . Moreover, it is possible to add / delete / replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic analyzer 2 ... Blood coagulation time analysis unit 11 ... Sample disk 12 ... Sample dispensing probe 13 ... Reaction disk 14 ... Second reagent dispensing probe 15 ... First reagent disk 16 ... second reagent disk 17 ... first reagent dispensing probe (first reagent dispensing mechanism)
18 ... Sample dispensing position 19 ... Detector (detector for biochemical analysis, first detector)
20 ... Blood coagulation reagent dispensing probe (second reagent dispensing mechanism)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Blood coagulation time detection part 22 ... Optical jig magazine 23 ... Reaction container transfer mechanism 24 ... Reaction container disposal port 25 ... Disposable reaction container magazine 26 ... Reaction container (biochemical analysis) First reaction vessel)
27 ... Sample container 28 ... Reaction container (for blood coagulation analysis, second reaction container)
29 ... Position indicator 30 ... Detection sensor 101 ... Interface 102 ... Overall control unit 103 ... Measurement control unit 104 ... Storage unit 105 ... Operation unit 106 ... Display unit 201 ... Sample dispensing control unit 202 ... Transfer mechanism control unit 203 ... Blood coagulation reagent dispensing control unit 204 ... Common A / D conversion board 204a ... Signal switching unit 204b ... A / D converter 204c... CPU
204d-1 to d-3 ... contact switching unit 204e ... signal storage unit 205 ... reagent dispensing control unit (1)
206 ... Reagent dispensing control unit (2)
207... Blood clotting time analysis item detection substrate 207a... Photoelectric conversion element 207b... Amplification circuit 208... Biochemical analysis item detection substrate 207a. ... Reaction port 2101 ... Reaction container installation part 2102 ... Light source 2103 ... Detector (detector for blood coagulation analysis, second detector)
2104 ... Irradiation light 2105 ... Scattered light

Claims (12)

A rotatable reaction disk in which a first reaction vessel for mixing and reacting a sample and a reagent is arranged circumferentially;
A first reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent into the first reaction vessel;
A reaction port in which a second reaction vessel for mixing and reacting the sample and the reagent is disposed;
A second reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent into the second reaction vessel;
A sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample into the first reaction container and the second reaction container;
A first light source for irradiating light to a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent held in a first reaction vessel disposed on the reaction disk, a first detector for detecting the irradiated light,
A second light source for irradiating light to the mixed liquid of the sample and the reagent held in the second reaction container disposed in the reaction port, a second detector for detecting the irradiated light,
A control unit for analyzing the sample based on the detection result,
An analog / digital converter that converts the detected light from analog data to digital data;
The first signal detected by the first detector and the second signal detected by the second detector are received, and a specific signal is selectively selected from the received signals. It has a signal switching part to send to the conversion part,
The controller is
The received signal is controlled so that the timing of converting the first signal and the timing of converting the second signal in the analog / digital conversion unit do not overlap each other by controlling the operation of the signal switching unit. Among them, a signal to be sent to the analog / digital converter is selected. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The controller is
After the first reaction vessel arranged on the reaction disk starts to pass in front of the first detector, the signal switching unit is configured to send the first signal to the analog / digital conversion unit. An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling its operation. An automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
The second reagent dispensing mechanism controls the operation of the signal switching unit so as to send the second signal to the analog / digital conversion unit after dispensing a reagent into the second reaction vessel. Automatic analyzer characterized by The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the signal switching unit and the analog / digital conversion unit are mounted on a common substrate for the first detector and the second detector. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The signal switching unit is
The first detector or the second detector is connected to one detector, receives the first signal or the second signal detected by the connected detector, and temporarily receives the received signal. An automatic analyzer characterized by having a signal accumulating unit for storing it automatically. An automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein
The first detector or the second detector connected to the signal storage unit is arranged between the detector and the signal storage unit, and the connection is made before the signal storage unit. A first contact switching unit that receives the first signal or the second signal detected by the detector and performs switching so that a specific signal among the received signals is selectively sent to the signal storage unit; An automatic analyzer characterized by that. An automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein
Between the analog / digital conversion unit and the other detector not connected to the signal storage unit among the first detector or the second detector, and the analog / digital converter. The other detector is arranged between the signal conversion unit and the other detector, and the signal stored in the signal storage unit is switched to selectively send the signal to the analog / digital conversion unit. An automatic analyzer having a second contact switching unit for performing the above. An automatic analyzer according to claim 7,
Therefore, a third contact switching unit that receives the detected first signal or the second signal and performs switching so as to selectively send a specific signal among the received signals to the analog / digital conversion unit is provided. An automatic analyzer characterized by that. An automatic analyzer according to claim 8, comprising:
The controller is
During the period in which the first contact switching unit and the third contact switching unit are on, the second contact switching unit is turned off,
During the period in which the second contact switching unit is in the on state, the first to third contact switching units are operated so as to turn off the first contact switching unit and the third contact switching unit. An automatic analyzer characterized by controlling. An automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The first detector detects transmitted light or scattered light of light emitted from the first light source,
The automatic detector is characterized in that the second detector detects scattered light of light emitted from the second light source. An automatic analyzer according to claim 10, wherein
2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the second reaction vessel is disposable. A rotatable reaction disk in which a first reaction vessel for mixing and reacting a sample and a reagent is arranged circumferentially;
A first reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent into the first reaction vessel;
A reaction port in which a second reaction vessel for mixing and reacting the sample and the reagent is disposed;
A second reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent into the second reaction vessel;
A sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample into the first reaction container and the second reaction container;
A first light source for irradiating light to a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent held in a first reaction vessel disposed on the reaction disk, a first detector for detecting the irradiated light,
A second light source for irradiating light to the mixed liquid of the sample and the reagent held in the second reaction container disposed in the reaction port, a second detector for detecting the irradiated light,
A control unit for analyzing a sample based on the detection result, and an analysis method using an automatic analyzer comprising:
An analog / digital converter that converts the detected light from analog data to digital data;
The first signal detected by the first detector and the second signal detected by the second detector are received, and a specific signal is selectively selected from the received signals. It has a signal switching part to send to the conversion part,
The controller is
The received signal is controlled so that the timing of converting the first signal and the timing of converting the second signal in the analog / digital conversion unit do not overlap each other by controlling the operation of the signal switching unit. An analysis method, wherein a signal to be sent to the analog / digital conversion unit is selected.

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