JP2018044847A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer which allows a reagent container to be transported into a reagent storage without reducing throughput.SOLUTION: AN automatic analyzer comprises: a first reagent rack 15 which movably holds a reagent container 13; a second reagent rack 16 which movably holds another reagent container 13 independently of the reagent container 13 held by the first reagent rack 15; a first reagent dispensing probe 25 which dispenses a first reagent in the reagent container 13 held by the first or second reagent rack 15 or 16 into a reaction vessel 21; and a transport mechanism 81 which transports the reagent container 13 to the first or second reagent rack 15 or 16. The transport mechanism 81 transports the reagent container 13 to a position above one reagent rack out of the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16, and stops one reagent rack to transport the reagent container 13 located above one reagent rack to one reagent rack while the first reagent in another reagent container 13 held by the other reagent rack is dispensed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent and measures a mixed solution of the dispensed sample and reagent.

  The automatic analyzer is intended for biochemical test items, immunological test items, and the like, and optically measures changes in color tone and turbidity caused by the reaction of a mixture of a sample collected from a specimen and a reagent for each test item. By this measurement, analysis data represented by the concentration of each test item component contained in the sample, the activity of the enzyme, and the like are generated.

  In this automatic analyzer, an inspection item selected in accordance with an inspection from among a large number of inspection items is analyzed. The reagent for each test item is stored in a reagent container, and the reagent container is stored in a reagent store. Then, the reagent dispensing probe dispenses the reagent container into the reaction container, and the analysis data is generated by measuring the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent dispensed into the reaction container.

  Reagent containers for many test items are stored in the reagent container of the automatic analyzer, so that the reagent containers that are low in capacity are replenished and replaced with reagent containers that contain a sufficient amount of reagents. Is burdened. This problem can be solved by using an automatic analyzer equipped with a transport mechanism for transporting a reagent container containing a sufficient amount of reagent into the reagent storage.

JP 2014-95709 A

  However, when the reagent is dispensed, it is necessary to stop the reagent dispensing operation when the reagent container is transported into the reagent storage.

  The embodiment has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of transporting a reagent container into a reagent container without reducing throughput.

  In order to achieve the above object, the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment dispenses a sample and a reagent for each inspection item into a reaction container, and measures the liquid mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container. In the apparatus, a reagent container in which the reagent is stored is disposed in a reagent store, a plurality of the reagent containers are movably held, a first reagent rack is disposed in the reagent store, and the first container is disposed in the reagent store. A second reagent rack movably holding a plurality of the reagent containers independently of the reagent containers held in one reagent rack; and each of the second reagent racks held in the first or second reagent rack A dispensing probe for aspirating the reagent in the reagent container and discharging it into the reaction container, and the reagent container at a predetermined position outside the reagent container are connected to the first or second reagent rack. Transport to a position where can be held And a control unit that drives and controls the transport mechanism to transport the reagent container at the predetermined position, and the control unit moves the reagent container at the predetermined position to the first or second position. When one of the reagent racks is transported to above the reagent rack and the reagent storage, and the reagent in each of the reagent containers held in the other reagent rack is being dispensed into the reaction container The one reagent rack is stopped and the reagent container above the reagent storage is transported to a position where the one reagent rack can be held.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the analysis part which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance of the reagent container which concerns on embodiment. The top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the 1st reagent rack which concerns on embodiment, a 2nd reagent rack, a reagent storage, and a 1st conveyance part. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a transport mechanism according to the embodiment. The figure which shows the stop position of the conveyance arm of the conveyance mechanism which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows each stop position of the conveyance arm which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows each stop position of the conveyance arm which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the stop position of the conveyance arm which concerns on embodiment. 1 cycle time of the 1st and 2nd reagent rack, the 2nd reagent rack, the 1st reagent dispensing probe, and the 1st reagent dispensing arm in the 1st reagent storage concerning the dispensing of the 1st reagent concerning an embodiment 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation timing in FIG.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the embodiment. This automatic analyzer 100 measures the standard data and test samples by measuring a mixture of each sample such as a standard sample of each test item to be tested and a test sample collected from the test sample and a reagent of each test item. An analysis unit 10 that generates data is provided. The analysis unit 10 includes a plurality of units that perform sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, and the like, and includes a driving unit 40 that drives these units.

  Further, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a transport unit 41 including a plurality of units that transport reagents used for measurement in the analysis unit 10. Further, an analysis control unit 44 that controls the drive unit 40 and the transport unit 41 to operate the units of the analysis unit 10 and the transport unit 41 is provided. In addition, a reagent information storage unit 45 that stores information for identifying a reagent used for measurement in the analysis unit 10 is provided.

  The automatic analyzer 100 includes a data processing unit 50 that processes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis unit 10 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each inspection item. In addition, an output unit 60 that prints out and displays the calibration data and analysis data generated by the data processing unit 50 is provided.

  The automatic analyzer 100 also performs an input for setting analysis parameters such as the amount of sample and reagent to be dispensed for each inspection item, an input for executing calibration for generating calibration data, and a test for generating analysis data. An operation unit 70 for inputting and the like is provided. Further, a system control unit 71 that controls the analysis control unit 44, the data processing unit 50, and the output unit 60 is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the analysis unit 10. The analysis unit 10 includes a sample disk 12 that holds a plurality of sample containers 11. The sample container 11 accommodates samples such as standard samples and test samples for each inspection item. In addition, a first reagent storage 14 is provided that stores a plurality of reagent containers 13 and keeps the reagents stored in the reagent containers 13 cold. The reagent container 13 accommodates a reagent containing a component that reacts with the component of each inspection item included in the sample, for example, a first reagent system and a two reagent system first reagent. In addition, a second reagent storage 18 that stores a plurality of reagent containers 17 and keeps the reagents stored in the reagent containers 17 cold is provided. The reagent container 17 stores a second reagent that forms a pair with the first reagent of the two-reagent system for each inspection item.

  The analysis unit 10 includes a first reagent rack 15 which is disposed inside and holds a plurality of reagent containers 13 on the circumference so as to be rotatable. Further, the plurality of reagent containers 13 can be rotated independently of the reagent containers 13 that are arranged on the inner peripheral side of the first reagent rack 15 in the first reagent storage 14 and are held in the first reagent rack 15. Is provided with a second reagent rack 16 held on the circumference. Moreover, the 1st reagent rack 19 arrange | positioned in the 2nd reagent storage 18 and hold | maintains on the circumference so that the some reagent container 17 can rotate is provided. Further, the plurality of reagent containers 17 can be rotated independently of the reagent containers 17 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the first reagent rack 19 in the second reagent storage 18 and held in the first reagent rack 19. Is provided with a second reagent rack 20 held on the circumference.

  The analysis unit 10 includes a plurality of reaction vessels 21 arranged on the circumference and a reaction disk 22 that holds the reaction vessels 21 so as to be rotatable.

  The analysis unit 10 also includes a sample dispensing probe 23 that performs dispensing for sucking the sample in the sample container 11 held on the sample disk 12 for each inspection item and discharging the sample into the reaction container 21. Further, a sample dispensing arm 24 that supports the sample dispensing probe 23 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable is provided.

  In addition, the analysis unit 10 sucks the first reagent in the reagent container 13 of each inspection item held in the first or second reagent racks 15 and 16, and the amount set as the analysis parameter of the inspection item The first reagent dispensing probe 25 for dispensing the first reagent into the reaction container 21 into which the sample has been dispensed is provided. Moreover, the 1st reagent dispensing arm 25 which supports the 1st reagent dispensing probe 25 so that rotation and a vertical movement are possible is provided. Further, the lower end portion of the first reagent dispensing probe 25 descending from above the liquid level contacts the liquid level of the first reagent in each reagent container 13 held in the first or second reagent rack 15 or 16. Thus, a first reagent liquid level detector 27 for detecting the liquid level is provided.

  The analysis unit 10 also includes a first stirrer 28 that stirs the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent dispensed in each reaction vessel 21. Moreover, the 1st stirring element 29 which supports the 1st stirring element 28 so that rotation and a vertical movement are possible is provided.

  The analysis unit 10 sucks the second reagent in the reagent container 17 of each inspection item held in the first or second reagent racks 19 and 20, and sets the amount set as the analysis parameter of the inspection item The second reagent dispensing probe 30 is provided for dispensing the second reagent into the reaction vessel 21 into which the first reagent has been dispensed. In addition, a second reagent dispensing arm 31 that supports the second reagent dispensing probe 30 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable is provided. Further, the lower end of the second reagent dispensing probe 30 descending from above the liquid level comes into contact with the liquid level of the second reagent in each reagent container 17 held in the first or second reagent rack 19 or 20. Accordingly, a second reagent liquid level detector 32 for detecting the liquid level is provided.

  The analyzer 10 also includes a second stirrer 33 that stirs the sample dispensed in each reaction vessel 21, a mixed solution of the first reagent and the second reagent, and the second stirrer 33 is rotated and moved up and down. And a second stirring arm 34 that is movably supported. Further, each reaction container 21 containing the mixed liquid stirred by the first stirrer 28 and each reaction container 21 containing the mixed liquid stirred by the second stirrer 33 are irradiated with light and optically measured. The measuring unit 35 is provided. In addition, a cleaning nozzle 36 is provided for cleaning the reaction vessel 21 that has been measured by the measuring unit 35.

  And the measurement part 35 irradiates light to each reaction container 21 which is rotating, The light which permeate | transmitted the liquid mixture containing the standard sample in the said reaction container 21, and the liquid mixture containing a test sample by the irradiation Is detected. Based on the detected signal, standard data represented by absorbance and test data are generated and output to the data processing unit 50.

  The drive unit 40 shown in FIG. 1 drives the sample disk 12 of the analysis unit 10 to rotate each sample container 11. Further, the first reagent rack 15 is driven to rotate and move each reagent container 13 held in the first reagent rack 15. Further, the second reagent rack 16 is driven to rotate and move each reagent container 13 held in the second reagent rack 16 independently of the reagent container 13 held in the first reagent rack 15. . Further, the reaction disk 22 is driven to rotate and move each reaction vessel 21. Further, the first reagent rack 19 is driven to rotate and move each reagent container 17 held in the first reagent rack 19. Further, the second reagent rack 20 is driven to rotate and move each reagent container 17 held in the second reagent rack 20 independently of the reagent container 17 held in the first reagent rack 19. .

  The drive unit 40 has a rotation and vertical movement mechanism for driving the sample dispensing arm 24, and moves the sample dispensing probe 23 between the sample container 11 and the reaction container 21. In addition, the first reagent dispensing arm 26 has a rotation and vertical movement mechanism for driving the first reagent dispensing arm 26, and the first reagent dispensing probe 25 reacts with the reagent container 13 held in the first or second reagent rack 15, 16. Move between containers 21. Further, the first stirring arm 29 is driven to move the first stirring bar 28 into the reaction vessel 21.

  The drive unit 40 has a rotation and vertical movement mechanism for driving the second reagent dispensing arm 31, and the second reagent dispensing probe 30 is held by the first or second reagent racks 19 and 20. It is moved between the reagent container 17 and the reaction container 21. Further, the second stirring arm 34 is driven to move the second stirring bar 33 into the reaction vessel 21.

  The transport unit 41 includes a first transport unit 42 that transports the reagent container 13 and a second transport unit 43 that transports the reagent container 17, which are driven and controlled by the analysis control unit 44. Then, the first transport unit 42 reads the first reagent identification information for identifying the reagent container 13 placed at a predetermined position outside the first reagent storage 14 and the first reagent in the reagent container 13, and then first The first reagent rack 15 and the second reagent rack 16 in one reagent storage 14 are transported to a position where they can be held. Further, the reagent containers 13 held in the first reagent rack 15 and the second reagent rack 16 are transported outside the first reagent storage 14.

  The second transport unit 43 reads the second reagent identification information for identifying the reagent container 17 placed at a predetermined position outside the second reagent container 18 and the second reagent in the reagent container 17, and then the second reagent. The first reagent rack 19 and the second reagent rack 20 in the storage 18 are transported to a position where they can be held. In addition, each reagent container 17 held in the first reagent rack 19 or the second reagent rack 20 is transported outside the second reagent storage 18.

  The analysis control unit 44 sets the transport destination of the reagent container 13 whose first reagent identification information has been read by the first transport unit 42 of the transport unit 41 as the reagent of either the first or second reagent rack 15 or 16. Determine the rack holding position. Then, the first reagent identification information read by the first transport unit 42 is stored in the reagent information storage unit 45 in association with the determined information on the holding position of one reagent rack. Further, the reagent container 13 identified by the first reagent identification information read by the first transport unit 42 is transported to the determined holding position of one reagent rack.

  Further, the analysis control unit 44 holds the transport destination of the reagent container 17 whose second reagent identification information has been read by the second transport unit 43 in one of the first or second reagent racks 19 and 20. Determine the position. Then, the second reagent identification information read by the second transport unit 43 and the determined information on the holding position of one reagent rack are stored in the reagent information storage unit 45 in association with each other. Further, the reagent container 13 identified by the second reagent identification information read by the second transport unit 43 is transported to the determined holding position.

  Further, the analysis control unit 44 causes each sample, each first reagent, and each second reagent to be dispensed once during one cycle time. When an input for executing calibration is performed from the operation unit 70, the cleaning of each reaction vessel 21, the dispensing of the standard sample for each inspection item, the dispensing of the first reagent for each inspection item, and the respective inspections Stirring of the mixture of the standard sample and the first reagent of the item, dispensing of the second reagent of each inspection item, stirring of the mixed solution of the standard sample, the first reagent and the second reagent of each inspection item, and each inspection The measurement of the mixed liquid of items is performed for each cycle time, and standard data is generated.

  After the calibration is completed, when an input for executing an inspection is performed from the operation unit 70, the cleaning of each reaction vessel 21, the dispensing of each test sample, the dispensing of the first reagent of each inspection item, Stirring the mixed solution of the test reagent and the first reagent of each test item, dispensing the second reagent of each test item, and stirring the mixed solution of the test sample and the first reagent and second reagent of each test item And measurement of the stirred liquid mixture is performed for each cycle time, and test data is generated for each inspection item.

  Further, the analysis control unit 44 supplies a drive pulse to the rotation mechanism of the first reagent dispensing arm 26 in the drive unit 40. The first reagent dispensing probe 25 is moved to move the reagent container 13 to the predetermined position by the first reagent rack 15, the reagent container 13 moved to the predetermined position by the second reagent rack 16, and the predetermined container It stops at each upper stop position above the reaction vessel 21 moved to the position. Further, a driving pulse is supplied to the vertical mechanism of the first reagent dispensing arm 26 to lower the first reagent dispensing probe 25 from the upper stop position of each reagent container 13. Then, the lowered first reagent dispensing probe 25 is stopped by the first reagent liquid level detector 27 at a position where the liquid level of the first reagent in the reagent container 13 is detected, and then the first reagent dispensing probe 25 in the reagent container 13 is detected. Aspirate the reagent.

  Further, a drive pulse is supplied to the rotation mechanism of the second reagent dispensing arm 31. Then, the second reagent dispensing probe 30 is moved, the reagent container 17 moved to a predetermined position by the first reagent rack 19, the reagent container 17 moved to a predetermined position by the second reagent rack 20, And it stops at each upper stop position above the reaction vessel 21 moved to a predetermined position. Further, a drive pulse is supplied to the vertical mechanism of the second reagent dispensing arm 31 to lower the second reagent dispensing probe 30 from the upper stop position of each reagent container 17. Then, the lowered second reagent dispensing probe 30 is stopped at the position where the second reagent liquid level detector 32 detects the liquid level of the second reagent in the reagent container 17, and then the second reagent liquid level detector 32 in the reagent container 17. Aspirate the reagent.

  Further, the analysis control unit 44 calculates the amount of the first reagent in the reagent container 13 based on the number of drive pulses required for the first reagent dispensing probe 25 to descend from the upper stop position of each reagent container 13. To do. Then, when the calculated amount of the first reagent in the reagent container 13 is reduced and the number of dispenseable times is equal to or less than the amount (warning amount) corresponding to a preset number of warnings, the reagent container 13 is moved to the first container. It is conveyed outside the reagent storage 14. Further, the amount of the second reagent in the reagent container 17 is calculated based on the number of driving pulses required for the second reagent dispensing probe 30 to descend from the upper stop position of each reagent container 17. When the calculated second reagent in each reagent container 17 falls below the warning amount, the reagent container 17 is transported out of the second reagent storage 18.

  Further, the analysis control unit 44 sets the expiration date of each reagent container 13 and 17 identified by the first and second reagent identification information read by the first and second transport units 42 and 43. Here, the date when each of the first and second reagent identification information is read is defined as the opening date of the reagent containers 13 and 17 identified by the first and second reagent identification information, and the date when the effective period has elapsed from the opening date. Expiration date after opening. Then, the expiry date before the opening or after the opening is set as the expiry date of the reagent containers 13 and 17. Further, when the first and second reagent identification information does not include an effective period, the expiration date before opening is set as the expiration date of the reagent containers 13 and 17.

  In addition, the analysis control unit 44 counts the number of times the first and second reagents are dispensed for each test item in a preset period.

  The reagent information storage unit 45 is information such as the first reagent identification information, the holding position, the amount of the first reagent, and the expiration date for each reagent container 13 held in the first reagent rack 15 or the second reagent rack 16. Save. Further, the second reagent identification information, the holding position, the amount of the second reagent, the expiration date, and the like regarding each reagent container 17 held in the first reagent rack 19 and the second reagent rack 20 are stored. Further, information on the number of times of dispensing the first and second reagents for each inspection item in a preset period is stored.

  The data processing unit 50 includes a calculation unit 51 and a data storage unit 52. And the calculating part 51 produces | generates the calibration data which show the relationship between a standard value and standard data from the standard value produced | generated by the measurement part 35 of the analysis part 10, and the standard value set to the standard sample of this standard data. Further, analysis data represented as a concentration value or an activity value is generated from the test data generated by the measurement unit 35 using the calibration data of the test item corresponding to the test data. The data storage unit 52 includes a memory device such as a hard disk, and stores the calibration data generated by the calculation unit 51 for each inspection item. Moreover, the analysis data of each test item generated by the calculation unit 51 is stored for each test sample.

  The output unit 60 includes a printing unit 61 that prints out the standard data and analysis data generated by the data processing unit 50, and a display unit 62 that displays the data. The printing unit 61 includes a printer and prints out calibration data and analysis data on a printer sheet or the like according to a preset format.

  The display unit 62 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and displays a screen for setting analysis parameters for each inspection item. Further, a screen for setting identification information such as a name and ID for identifying the test sample and each test item is displayed for the test sample to be tested. Also, calibration data and analysis data are displayed.

  The operation unit 70 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a touch key panel, and performs input for setting analysis parameters for each inspection item. In addition, input for setting identification information and each inspection item is performed on the test sample. Also, input for executing calibration, inspection, and the like is performed.

  The system control unit 71 includes a CPU and a storage circuit, and stores the analysis parameter information of each inspection item, the identification information of the test sample, and the input information such as the inspection item input from the operation unit 70 in the storage circuit. Based on the input information, the analysis control unit 44, the data processing unit 50, and the output unit 60 are integrated to control the entire system.

  Next, the reagent container 13, the first reagent rack 15, the second reagent rack 16, the first reagent storage 14, the first reagent dispensing probe 25, and the reagent container 13 for dispensing the first reagent in the analyzer 10. The configuration and operation of the first conveyance unit 42 of the conveyance unit 41 related to the conveyance will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing the appearance of the reagent container 13. The reagent container 13 has a quadrangular prism shape and has an opening provided so that the first reagent dispensing probe 25 can enter and suck the first reagent in the vicinity of one end of the upper surface in the longitudinal direction. Of the four side surfaces, the first reagent identification information is written in, for example, a barcode on the first side surface having the short side near the rectangular opening forming the upper surface as one side. In addition, a protrusion is formed at the upper end of the second side surface facing the first side surface, and a recess that engages with a part of the first transport portion 42 in the transport portion 41 is formed on the lower surface of the protrusion portion. Yes.

  The first reagent identification information includes an inspection item number for identifying each inspection item, a container number for identifying the reagent container 13, an expiration date indicating the usable period of the first reagent before opening, for example, a date, and opening. Information such as the validity period of the later first reagent is included.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the first reagent rack 15, the second reagent rack 16, the first reagent storage 14, and the first transport unit 42.

  The first reagent rack 15 moves each reagent container 13 and stops at the first suction position P1 where the first reagent dispensing probe 25 can suck the first reagent. Further, the first transport unit 42 stops at the first transport position P <b> 2 that can be transported from the first reagent rack 15. The first reagent rack 15 stops an empty holding position where the reagent container 13 carried by the first carrying unit 42 can be held at the first carrying position P2.

  The second reagent rack 16 moves each reagent container 13 and stops at the second suction position P3 where the first reagent dispensing probe 25 can suck the first reagent. Moreover, the 1st conveyance part 42 stops at the 2nd conveyance position P4 which can be carried out from the 1st reagent storage 14. FIG. The second reagent rack 16 stops an empty holding position where the reagent container 13 carried by the first carrying unit 42 can be held at the second carrying position P4.

  The first reagent storage 14 has an opening at the top and a reagent cover 141 that covers the opening at the top so as to be freely opened and closed. The reagent cover 141 has first and second through holes 142 and 143 so that the first reagent dispensing probe 25 can enter the reagent containers 13 at the first and second suction positions P1 and P3. Have. In addition, the reagent cover 141 is provided so that the reagent container 13 can be carried into and out of the first reagent container 14 with the upper opening covered with the reagent cover 141. It has the 1st and 2nd doors 144 and 145 which open and close the 1st and 2nd carrying-in / out entrance and this 1st and 2nd carrying-out entrance.

  The first door 144 moves the reagent container 13 held in the first reagent rack 15 when the first transport unit 42 transports the reagent container 13 to the first reagent rack 15 and the first reagent storage 14. When the 1st conveyance part 42 carries out out of the 1st reagent storage 14, the closed 1st entrance / exit is opened. In addition, the second door 145 is provided when the first transport unit 42 transports the reagent container 13 to the second reagent rack 16 and the first reagent storage 14 or when the reagent container is held in the second reagent rack 16. When the first transport unit 42 carries 13 out of the first reagent storage 14, the closed second carry-out port is opened.

  The first transport unit 42 stores reagent containers 13 transported to the first and second reagent racks 15, 16 and reagent containers transported from the first and second reagent racks 15, 16. A warehouse 80 is provided. Further, a transport mechanism 81 is provided for transporting the reagent container 13 from one of the first or second reagent racks 15 and 16 or the reagent storage 80 to the other.

  The reagent storage 80 is disposed away from the first reagent storage 14 and includes a support base 801 on which the reagent container 13 is placed. Further, a reader 802 that reads the first reagent identification information of the reagent container 13 placed at the take-in position T1 on the support base 801 is provided. Further, a moving mechanism 803 that is arranged below the support table 801 and moves the reagent container 13 whose first reagent identification information has been read by the reader 802 from the loading position T1 to the third transport position P5 on the support table 801. It has.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the transport mechanism 81. As shown in FIG. 4, the transport mechanism 81 is disposed at a position separated from the arc trajectory Tr of the first reagent dispensing probe 25 that moves when the first reagent is dispensed. And the conveyance arm 811 which has the convex part engaged with the recessed part formed in the protrusion lower surface of the reagent container 13 in a lower end part is provided. Further, a vertical movement mechanism 812 that supports the transfer arm 811 so as to be movable in the vertical direction is provided. Further, a horizontal movement mechanism 813 that supports the vertical movement mechanism 812 so as to be horizontally movable in the directions of the arrows L1 and L2 is provided.

  Thus, even when the first reagent dispensing probe 25 continuously dispenses the first reagent by disposing the transport mechanism 81 away from the track Tr of the first reagent dispensing probe 25, The reagent container 13 can be transported from one of the reagent storage 80 and the first reagent storage 14 to the other without the transport mechanism 81 being in contact with the first reagent dispensing probe 25.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the transport mechanism 81 when the reagent container 13 is transported from one of the first or second reagent racks 15 and 16 or the reagent storage 80 to the other will be described.

  First, the operation when the reagent container 13 is transported from the reagent storage box 80 to one of the first or second reagent racks 15 and 16 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the transport arm 811 and the vertical movement mechanism 812 are stopped at the basic position A0 above the reagent container 13 at the third transport position P5 in the reagent storage 80, for example. The vertical movement mechanism 812 moves the transport arm 811 downward, and stops it at a position A1 that is separated from the reagent container 13 at the third transport position P5 in the L2 direction, as shown in FIG. 6B. The horizontal movement mechanism 813 moves the vertical movement mechanism 812 in the L1 direction, and stops the transfer arm 811 at a position A2 close to the reagent container 13 at the third transfer position P5 as shown in FIG.

  The vertical movement mechanism 812 moves the transfer arm 811 upward. By this movement, the lower end portion of the transfer arm 811 is engaged with the protruding portion of the reagent container 13 to hold the reagent container 13. Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, the transfer arm 811 holding the reagent container 13 is stopped at the position A3. In this manner, the reagent container 13 at the third transport position P5 can be transported up to the reagent storage 80.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 813 moves the vertical movement mechanism 812 in the L1 direction, and, as shown in FIG. 7B, the reagent container 13 held by the transfer arm 811 is transferred to one reagent rack and the first reagent storage. 14 Stop at position A4 above. As described above, even when the first reagent dispensing probe 25 continuously dispenses the first reagent in the reagent container 13 stored in the first reagent container 14, the reagent container 13 above the reagent storage container 80. Can be transported to the upper side of one reagent rack and the first reagent storage 14.

  When the empty holding position of one reagent rack capable of holding the reagent container 13 stops at one of the first or second transfer positions P2 and P4 corresponding to the one reagent rack, the vertical movement mechanism 812 The transfer arm 811 holding the reagent container 13 is moved downward. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the transport arm 811 is stopped at a position A <b> 5 where the lower end portion is below the protruding portion of the reagent container 13. In this way, the reagent container 13 above the one reagent rack and the first reagent storage 14 can be transported to a position where the one reagent rack can be held.

  After the transfer arm 811 stops at the position A5, the horizontal movement mechanism 813 moves the vertical movement mechanism 812 in the L2 direction and moves away from the reagent container 13 away from the reagent container 13 as shown in FIG. The opened transfer arm 811 is stopped at position A6. The vertical movement mechanism 812 moves the transfer arm 811 upward, and stops it at a position A7 above one reagent rack and the first reagent storage 14, as shown in FIG.

  After the transfer arm 811 stops at the position A7, the horizontal movement mechanism 813 moves the vertical movement mechanism 812 in the L1 direction, and stops the transfer arm 811 and the vertical movement mechanism 812 at the basic position A0.

  The transport mechanism 81 transports one reagent rack and the reagent container 13 above the first reagent storage 14 to a position where one reagent rack can be held, and moves the transport arm 811 opened from the reagent container 13 to the first. The operation until moving to above the one reagent storage 14 is performed for n cycle times corresponding to n times (n is a predetermined integer of 1 or more) of one cycle time.

  The analysis control unit 44 stops one reagent rack during an n cycle time in which dispensing of the first reagent in the reagent container 13 of each test item held in the other reagent rack is performed n times. The transport mechanism 81 transports the reagent container 13 above the first reagent storage 14 to an empty holding position of one reagent rack.

  Next, the operation when the reagent container 13 is transported from one reagent rack to the reagent storage 80 will be described.

  The transfer arm 811 and the vertical movement mechanism 812 are stopped at the basic position A0. The horizontal movement mechanism 813 moves the vertical movement mechanism 812 in the L1 direction, and the reagent in one of the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16 in which the reagent container 13 to be conveyed to the reagent storage 80 is held. The transfer arm 811 is stopped at a position A7 above the rack and the first reagent storage 14.

  Of the reagent containers 13 held in one reagent rack, the reagent container 13 transported to the reagent storage 80 is one of the first or second transport positions P2 and P4 corresponding to the one reagent rack. When stopped at the position, the vertical movement mechanism 812 moves the transfer arm 811 downward and stops it at the position A6.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 813 moves the vertical movement mechanism 812 in the L1 direction after the transfer arm 811 stops at the position A6, and stops the transfer arm 811 at the position A5. The vertical movement mechanism 812 moves the transfer arm 811 upward, and stops the transfer arm 811 holding the reagent container 13 at the position A4.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 813 moves the vertical movement mechanism 812 in the L1 direction, and stops the transport arm 811 holding the reagent container 13 at a position A3 above the reagent storage box 80. The vertical movement mechanism 812 moves the transport arm 811 holding the reagent container 13 downward, and stops the transport arm 811 at the position A2.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 813 moves the vertical movement mechanism 812 in the L2 direction, and stops the transfer arm 811 at the position A1. The vertical movement mechanism 812 moves the transfer arm 811 opened from the reagent container 13 at the third transfer position P5 upward, and stops it at the basic position A0.

  The analysis control unit 44 stops one reagent rack during the n cycle time in which dispensing of the first reagent in the reagent container 13 of each inspection item held in the other reagent rack is performed n times, The reagent container 13 held in one reagent rack is transported to the upper side of the first reagent storage 14.

  FIG. 10 shows the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16, the second reagent rack 16, the first reagent dispensing probe 25 and the first reagent dispensing in the first reagent storage 14 related to the dispensing of the first reagent. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation timing of one cycle time of the arm 26. In FIG. 10, the time allocated to each operation is indicated by a convex portion, and each unit operates within the time of the convex portion.

  In this timing chart, for example, when the first reagent rack 15 holds the reagent container 13 to be dispensed, the first reagent rack 15 starts from “rotation” and moves each held reagent container 13. Then, the reagent container 13 to be dispensed for dispensing the first reagent by the first reagent dispensing probe 25 is “stopped” at the first suction position P1. The second reagent rack 16 is “stopped” during the cycle time during which the first reagent in each reagent container 13 held in the first reagent rack 15 is dispensed.

  When the second reagent rack 16 holds the reagent container 13 to be dispensed, the second reagent rack 16 “rotates” and “stops” at the same timing as the first reagent rack 15. To do. Then, each held reagent container 13 is moved, and the reagent container 13 to be dispensed to which the first reagent dispensing probe 25 dispenses the first reagent is “stopped” at the second suction position P3. The first reagent rack 15 is “stopped” during the cycle time during which the first reagent in each reagent container 13 held in the second reagent rack 16 is dispensed.

  When the first reagent rack 15 is rotating, the first reagent dispensing probe 25 follows the trajectory Tr shown in FIG. 4 from a predetermined position by the “rotation” of the first reagent dispensing arm 26. Move. Then, at approximately the same timing as the timing at which the first reagent rack 15 stops the reagent container 13 to be dispensed at the first suction position P1, above the reagent container 13 and the first reagent storage 14 at the first suction position P1. Stop at the top stop position.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 25 moves down from the upper stop position by the movement of the first reagent dispensing arm 26 in the “down” direction, and enters the reagent container 13 stopped at the first suction position P1, The liquid level of the first reagent in the reagent container 13 stops at a position where it is detected by the first reagent liquid level detector 27. Then, “aspiration” of the first reagent in the reagent container 13 to be dispensed is performed.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 25 that has aspirated the first reagent is raised by the movement of the first reagent dispensing arm 26 in the “up” direction, and the upper stop position above the reagent container 13 at the first aspiration position P1. Then, the first reagent dispensing arm 26 is “rotated” to move from the upper stop position along the trajectory Tr and stop at the upper stop position above the reaction vessel 21. Then, the first reagent is “discharged” into the reaction container 21.

  After the first reagent dispensing probe 25 stops at the upper stop position above the reagent container 13 at the first suction position P1, the first reagent rack 15 “turns” over the next cycle time.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 25 that has discharged the first reagent moves from the upper stop position of the reaction vessel 21 along the trajectory Tr by the “rotation” of the first reagent dispensing arm 26 and stops at a predetermined position. To do. When the first reagent dispensing probe 25 reaches a predetermined position, one cycle time ends.

  In addition, each unit of the reagent container 17, the first reagent rack 19, the second reagent rack 20, the second reagent storage 18, the second reagent dispensing probe 30, and the reagent for dispensing the second reagent in the analysis unit 10 and the reagent Each unit of the second transport unit 43 related to transport of the container 17 includes each unit of the reagent container 13, the first reagent rack 15, the second reagent rack 16, the first reagent storage 14, and the first reagent dispensing probe 25. In addition, since it is configured in the same manner as each unit of the first transport unit 42 and operates in the same manner, description thereof is omitted.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. Below, operation | movement of each unit of the 1st reagent rack 15 which concerns on conveyance of the reagent container 13, the 2nd reagent rack 16, the 1st reagent storage 14, and the 1st conveyance part 42 is demonstrated. The operation of each unit of the first reagent rack 19, the second reagent rack 20, the second reagent storage 18, and the second transport unit 43 related to the transport of the reagent container 17 is as follows. Since it operates in the same manner as the unit, its description is omitted.

  When an input for displaying the first reagent information related to the first reagent of each test item stored in the reagent information storage unit 45 is performed from the operation unit 70, the analysis control unit 44 displays the information stored in the reagent information storage unit 45. Based on the information on the number of times of dispensing of the first reagent in the test item, a predetermined number of test items are selected from the test items in the order in which the number of times of dispensing has increased during the most recent predetermined period. Here, the most recent period is set so that a predetermined number of inspection items in which the reagent has been dispensed a predetermined number of times or more can be selected.

  In the following, the number of inspection items to be selected in the order in which the number of dispensings is large during the most recent predetermined period is n or more. n, the transport mechanism 81 transports the one reagent rack and the reagent container 13 above the first reagent storage 14 to a position where the one reagent rack can be held and moves the transport arm 811 opened from the reagent container 13 to the first position. This is the number of cycle times required for the operation to move to above the one reagent storage 14.

  For each inspection item whose number selected is, for example, n in descending order, the two reagent containers 13 of the inspection item are divided and held in the first reagent rack 15 and the second reagent rack 16. decide. In addition, the first reagent in one of the reagent containers 13 with the earliest expiration date out of the two reagent containers 13 of each of the n inspection items selected in descending order of the number of times of dispensing is determined first. To do.

  The display unit 62 displays the first reagent identification information of the reagent container 13 of each inspection item held in the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16, the amount of the first reagent, the holding position, and the expiration date information. To do. Moreover, the inspection item in which the reagent container 13 is not held in any of the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16, and only one reagent container 13 among the plurality of selected inspection items is held. Displays inspection item information.

  One reagent container 13 of the inspection item not held in any of the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16 and one reagent container 13 of the inspection items of n selected in descending order of the number of dispensings. When the reagent container 13 of the inspection item that is only held is opened and placed at the taking-in position T1 of the reagent storage 80, the reader 802 identifies the first reagent of the reagent container 13 at the taking-in position T1. Read information. The moving mechanism 82 moves the reagent container 13 having the first reagent identification information read by the reader 802 from the take-in position T1 to the third transport position P5.

  The analysis control unit 44 is the reagent container 13 of the inspection item in which the reagent container 13 whose first reagent identification information is read by the reader 802 is not held in any of the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16. In this case, the transport destination of the reagent container 13 whose first reagent identification information has been read by the reader 802 is determined as an empty holding position in one of the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16. The transport mechanism 81 transports the reagent container 13 moved to the third transport position P5 to an empty holding position of one determined reagent rack.

  In addition, the analysis control unit 44 sets the reagent container 13 whose first reagent identification information has been read by the reader 802 to the reagent container of any one of the inspection items with the number n selected in descending order. 13 and the reagent container 13 of the inspection item is held only in one reagent rack, the transport destination of the reagent container 13 in which the first reagent identification information is read by the reader 802 is set to an empty space in the other reagent rack. The holding position is determined. The transport mechanism 81 transports the reagent container 13 moved to the third transport position P5 to the empty holding position of the determined other reagent rack.

  After the calibration is performed, the reagent information storage unit 45 stores, for example, the first reagent related to each reagent container 13 held in each of the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16 at the time when the calibration is finished. Information such as identification information, holding position, amount of the first reagent and expiration date is stored. In addition, information on the number of times the first reagent has been dispensed for each test item in the most recent predetermined period is stored. In addition, information on empty holding positions where the reagent containers 13 can be held in the first and second reagent racks 15 and 16 is held.

  For example, when an input for executing a test is performed from the operation unit 70, the analysis control unit 44 cleans each reaction vessel 21, dispenses each test sample, dispenses the first reagent of each test item, Stirring the mixed solution of the test reagent and the first reagent of each test item, dispensing the second reagent of each test item, and stirring the mixed solution of the test sample and the first reagent and second reagent of each test item And measurement of the stirred liquid mixture is performed for each cycle, and test data is generated for each inspection item. The data processing unit 50 generates analysis data based on the test data generated by the analysis unit 10. The output unit 60 prints and displays the analysis data.

  During the inspection, when the first reagent is dispensed at every cycle time, the reagent in the reagent container 13 held in one of the first or second reagent racks 15 and 16 is stored. When the first reagent falls below the warning amount, the analysis control unit 44 causes the display unit 62 to display information on the inspection item where the first reagent falls below the warning amount.

  When the unopened reagent container 13 of the inspection item whose first reagent has fallen below the warning amount is opened and placed at the take-in position T1, the reader 802 reads the first reagent information of the reagent container 13 . The analysis control unit 44 determines the holding position of the reagent container 13 and the empty holding position identified by the first reagent identification information read by the reader 802 and the first reagent identification information stored in the reagent information storage unit 45. Based on the information, the holding position of the reagent container 13 placed at the taking-in position T1 is determined. And it is made to convey to the determined holding position.

  Here, when there is an empty holding position in one reagent rack where the reagent container 13 in which the first reagent is less than the warning amount is held, the reagent container 13 is held in one reagent rack, After the reagent container 13 at the take-in position T1 is moved to the third transport position P5, it is transported to an empty holding position of one reagent rack. Further, when there is no empty holding position in one reagent rack in which the reagent container 13 in which the first reagent is less than the warning amount is held, the reagent container 13 is moved from one reagent rack to the third transport position P5. After being conveyed, it is moved to the take-out position T2. After that, after the reagent container 13 at the take-in position T1 is moved to the third transport position P5, an empty holding position where the reagent container 13 in which the first reagent in one reagent rack is below the warning amount is held. Transport to.

  First, when one reagent rack has an empty holding position, an operation of transferring the reagent container 13 at the take-in position T1 from the third transfer position P5 to the empty holding position of one reagent rack will be described.

  The analysis controller 44 transports the reagent container 13 at the third transport position P5 moved from the take-in position T1, and stops it above one of the reagent racks and the first reagent storage 14. Then, according to the timing chart shown in FIG. 10, when n is 1, during one cycle time in which the first reagent in each reagent container 13 held in the other reagent rack is dispensed once, Stop the reagent rack. In addition, when n is an integer of 2 or more, one reagent rack is used for n cycle times in which dispensing of the first reagent in each reagent container 13 held in the other reagent rack is performed n times continuously. Stop.

  Then, during the n cycle time when one reagent rack is stopped, the reagent container 13 above the first reagent storage 14 is transported to an empty holding position of one reagent rack, and the transport arm 811 opened from the reagent container 13 is transported. Is moved to above the first reagent storage 14. Next, the vertical movement mechanism 812 is moved in the L1 direction, and the transfer arm 811 and the vertical movement mechanism 812 are stopped at the basic position A0.

  As described above, when the reagent container 13 in the reagent storage 80 is transported to one reagent rack, the first reagent in the reagent container 13 of each inspection item held in the other reagent rack is dispensed n times. By stopping one of the reagent racks during the n cycle time, the reagent container 13 transported to the upper side of the first reagent storage 14 can be transported to the one reagent rack. Thereby, when dispensing of the first reagent is being performed during the inspection, the reagent container 13 is transferred to a position where one reagent rack can be held without interrupting the dispensing of the first reagent. be able to.

  By the way, the order of dispensing each sample and the order of dispensing the first reagent of each inspection item set for each sample are set in advance. Further, in each of the inspection items with the number n selected in descending order of the number of times of dispensing, the first reagent in one of the two reagent containers 13 with the earlier expiration date is dispensed first. It has become.

  For this reason, the analysis control unit 44 holds one reagent container 13 in one reagent rack that has an early expiration date for use of the two reagent containers 13 for each of the inspection items of n selected in descending order of the number of dispensings, When the other reagent container 13 with the late expiration date is held in the other reagent rack, when n is 1, and dispensing performed during the n cycle time, the first container in the one reagent container 13 In the case of one reagent, the first reagent in the other reagent container 13 is dispensed at the cycle time when the first reagent in the one reagent container 13 is dispensed. Further, when n is 2 or more, and when the first reagent in the one reagent container 13 is included in the dispensing performed during the n cycle time, the first reagent in the one reagent container 13 is Dispensing the first reagent in each reagent container 13 held in the other reagent rack by causing the first reagent in the other reagent container 13 to be dispensed at the cycle time when one reagent is dispensed. Make the note run n times in succession.

  As described above, one reagent container 13 of the two reagent containers 13 in each of the inspection items of n selected in descending order of the number of times of dispensing is held in one reagent rack and the other reagent container 13 is held in the other reagent. The first reagent in the other reagent container 13 of the inspection item is dispensed at a cycle time in which the first reagent in one reagent container 13 of each inspection item that is frequently dispensed is held. By doing so, it is possible to easily realize n dispensing of the first reagent of each inspection item in which the reagent container 13 is held in the other reagent rack. Thereby, when dispensing of the 1st reagent is performed during a test | inspection, the conveyance of the reagent container 13 can be performed rapidly, without interrupting dispensing of a 1st reagent.

  Note that the first of the test items set for each sample is set so that the first reagent dispensing in the reagent container 13 of each test item held in the other reagent rack can be performed n times during the n cycle time. The order of reagent dispensing may be changed. In this case, the dispensing of the first reagent in the reagent container 13 of each inspection item held in one of the reagent racks whose order has been changed is turned to a cycle time before or after the n cycle time. To do.

  In this way, by changing the order of the first reagent of each test item, when the first reagent is being dispensed during the test, each test item in which the reagent container 13 is held in the other reagent rack. It is possible to easily realize n dispensing of the first reagent. Thereby, when dispensing of the 1st reagent is performed during a test | inspection, the conveyance of the reagent container 13 can be performed rapidly, without interrupting dispensing of a 1st reagent.

  Next, the operation of transporting the reagent container 13 at the take-in position T1 from the third transport position P5 to one reagent rack when there is no empty holding position in one reagent rack will be described.

  The analysis control unit 44 moves the vertical movement mechanism 812 at the basic position A0 in the L2 direction, and stops the transfer arm 811 at a position A7 above one reagent rack and the first reagent storage 14. Then, during the n cycle time in which the first reagent in each reagent container 13 held in the other reagent rack is dispensed n times, one reagent rack is stopped and held in one reagent rack. The reagent container 13 whose first reagent is below the warning amount is transported to the upper side of the first reagent storage 14. Next, the reagent container 13 above the first reagent storage 14 is transported to the third transport position P5 and then moved to the removal position T2.

  Thus, when the reagent container 13 held in one reagent rack is transported to the reagent storage box 80, the dispensing of the first reagent in the reagent container 13 of each inspection item held in the other reagent rack is n. By stopping one reagent rack during the n cycle times to be performed, the reagent container 13 held in one reagent rack can be transported to the upper side of the first reagent storage 14. Thereby, when dispensing of the first reagent is performed during the inspection, the unnecessary reagent container 13 is carried out of the first reagent rack 14 from one reagent rack without interrupting the dispensing of the first reagent. Can be made.

  The analysis control unit 44 moves the reagent container 13 in which the first reagent has fallen below the warning amount to the take-out position T2, and then moves the reagent container 13 at the take-in position T1 to the third transport position P5. Then, the reagent container 13 at the third transport position P5 is transported and stopped above one of the reagent racks and the first reagent storage 14. Then, during the n cycle time in which dispensing of the first reagent in each reagent container 13 held in the other reagent rack is performed n times, one reagent rack is stopped and The reagent container 13 is transported to an empty holding position of one reagent rack, and the transport arm 811 opened from the reagent container 13 is moved to above the first reagent container 14. Next, the vertical movement mechanism 812 is moved in the L1 direction, and the transfer arm 811 and the vertical movement mechanism 812 are stopped at the basic position A0.

  According to the embodiment described above, the first reagent dispensing probe 25 continuously dispenses the first reagent by disposing the transport mechanism 81 away from the track Tr of the first reagent dispensing probe 25. The reagent container 13 can be transported from either the reagent storage 80 or the first reagent storage 14 to the other without the transport mechanism 81 coming into contact with the first reagent dispensing probe 25 even when the transport mechanism 81 is in contact with the first reagent dispensing probe 25.

  When the reagent container 13 of the reagent storage 80 is transported to one of the first or second reagent racks 15 and 16, the inside of the reagent container 13 of each inspection item held in the other reagent rack. During the n cycle time in which the first reagent is dispensed n times, one reagent rack is stopped, so that the reagent container 13 transported above the first reagent storage 14 is transported to one reagent rack. Can do. Thus, when dispensing of the first reagent is performed during the inspection, the incoming reagent container 13 is carried in from the outside of the first reagent container 14 without interrupting the dispensing of the first reagent. It can be held in a reagent rack.

  In addition, one reagent container 13 of the two reagent containers 13 in each of the inspection items with the number n selected in descending order is held in one reagent rack and the other reagent container 13 is placed in the other reagent rack. By holding and dispensing the first reagent in the other reagent container 13 of the inspection item at the cycle time in which the first reagent in one reagent container 13 of the inspection item having a large number of dispensings is dispensed During the n cycle time, n dispensing of the first reagent of each inspection item in which the reagent container 13 is held in the other reagent rack can be easily realized. Thereby, when dispensing of the 1st reagent is performed during a test | inspection, the conveyance of the reagent container 13 can be performed rapidly, without interrupting dispensing of a 1st reagent.

  As described above, the reagent container 13 can be transported to one reagent rack in the first reagent storage 14 without reducing the throughput.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

13, 17 Reagent containers 14, 18 Reagent storage 15, 19 First reagent rack 16, 20 Second reagent rack 21 Reaction container 25 First reagent dispensing probe 26 First reagent dispensing arm 42 First transport unit 44 Analysis Control unit 80 Reagent storage box 81 Transport mechanism

Claims (7)

In an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent for each test item into a reaction container and measures a mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container,
A first reagent rack that is disposed in a reagent store in which reagent containers containing the reagents are stored and holds the plurality of reagent containers movably;
A second reagent rack disposed in the reagent storage and movably holding a plurality of the reagent containers independently of the reagent containers held in the first reagent rack;
A dispensing probe that aspirates the reagent in each of the reagent containers held in the first or second reagent rack and performs dispensing to be discharged into the reaction container;
A transport mechanism for transporting the reagent container at a predetermined position outside the reagent storage to a position where the first or second reagent rack can be held;
A control unit that drives and controls the transport mechanism to transport the reagent container at the predetermined position;
The control unit transports the reagent container at the predetermined position to either one of the first reagent rack and the second reagent rack and above the reagent storage, and is held by the other reagent rack. When one of the reagent containers is being dispensed into the reaction container, the one reagent rack can be held and the one reagent rack can hold the reagent container above the reagent container. An automatic analyzer characterized in that it is transported to a position.   2. The automatic analysis according to claim 1, wherein the first and second reagent racks hold a plurality of reagent containers in which reagents of a specific inspection item among the inspection items are stored. apparatus.   3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the specific test item is one in which the number of reagents dispensed in a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. A reagent information storage unit for storing information on the number of times of dispensing of the reagent for each test item
The control unit selects a predetermined number of test items from the test items in the order in which the number of times of dispensing is large in a predetermined period based on the information on the number of times of dispensing stored in the reagent information storage unit. In the selected predetermined number of inspection items, one reagent container of the two reagent containers of the inspection item is held in the one reagent rack, and the other reagent container is held in the other reagent rack. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, which is determined as follows. The dispensing probe performs dispensing of the reagent in each reagent container held in the first or second reagent rack into the reaction container once during one cycle time,
The transport mechanism includes a transport arm that holds the reagent container in an openable manner and a vertical movement mechanism that supports the transport arm so as to be movable up and down, and the one reagent rack holds the reagent container above the reagent storage. N cycles corresponding to n times (1 is a predetermined integer greater than or equal to 1) times the one cycle time until the transport arm released from the reagent container is moved to the upper position of the reagent container. Done during the time,
When the n is an integer of 2 or more, the control unit performs the n cycles in which the dispensing of the reagent in each of the reagent containers held in the other reagent rack is continuously performed n times. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein during the time, the one reagent rack is stopped and the reagent container above the reagent storage is transported to a position where the one reagent rack can be held. An automatic analyzer according to the above. The controller is
When n is 1 and the dispensing performed during the n cycle time is a reagent in the one reagent container, the cycle time during which the reagent in the one reagent container is dispensed To dispense the reagent in the other reagent container,
When n is an integer of 2 or more, and when the reagent in the one reagent container is included in the dispensing performed during the n cycle time, the distribution of the reagent in the one reagent container The dispensing of the reagent in each of the reagent containers held in the other reagent rack is continuously performed n times so that the dispensing of the reagent in the other reagent container is performed at the cycle time when the dispensing is performed. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the automatic analyzer is performed.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the number of inspection items selected by the control unit in the order in which the number of times of dispensing is large in the predetermined period is the n.

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