JP2019158451A - Dilution-dispensation nozzle cleaning container, dispensation-dilution system, and automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a dilution-dispensation nozzle cleaning container, for example, which is smaller and can be applied to an automatic analyzer without involving reduction in the throughput.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, there is provided a container including the integration of a dilution cup and a dispensation nozzle cleaning cup and preferably further including a common cleaning mechanism for cleaning the dilution cup and the dispensation nozzle cleaning cup. There is further provided a dilution-dispensation system including the container and a dispensation nozzle, which is for a sample selected from the group of a reagent, a ground substance, and a specimen. There is furthermore provided an automatic analyzer, for example, having the dispensation-dilution system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a container or the like used for dilution and dispensing nozzle cleaning. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dilution / dispensing nozzle cleaning container used in an automatic analyzer, a dispensing / dilution system including the same, an automatic analyzer having them, and the like.

Conventionally, automatic analyzers for analyzing biological samples such as blood, urine and various body fluids dispense liquid samples such as specimens and reagents into reaction containers using dispensing means such as a pipetting mechanism.
Such an automatic analyzer usually has a dilution means such as a specimen or a reagent. For example, one using a dedicated mechanism such as a dilution turntable (Patent Document 1), one using a dispensing probe connected to a dispensing pipe filled with purified water (Patent Documents 2 and 3), and a dedicated dilution turn Examples include those in which dilution is performed in a reaction cell without using a table or the like (Patent Document 4).

JP2013-242238A JP2009-210483 JP2008-304334 JP2011-117755A

In the background art described above, since the diluting means using a dedicated mechanism such as a dilution turntable requires a space for the dedicated mechanism, the size of the automatic analyzer on which it is mounted increases.
Further, in the automatic analyzer, when the number of mechanisms other than the mechanism related to the original analysis, such as a dilution turntable, increases, the man-hour for dilution increases, so that the throughput of the automatic analysis decreases.
In addition, depending on the installation location of the dedicated mechanism in the automatic analyzer, the moving distance of the specimen, the reagent, etc. and the moving distance of the liquid required for dilution increase, so that the throughput of the automatic analysis decreases.

  In the above background art, the diluting means using the dispensing probe connected to the dispensing pipe filled with purified water, physiological saline or the like can dilute the concentrated reagent or the like with purified water or the like, and does not reduce the throughput. Although there is a merit, the reagent dispensing pipe cannot be mixed with a solution other than purified water or physiological saline because it contaminates the dispensing pipe of the probe.

  In the above background art, the dilution means for performing dilution in the reaction cell without using a dedicated dilution turntable does not require a space for the dedicated mechanism, but the mechanism such as the cell and probe used for the reaction is also used for dilution. This occupies the throughput of automatic analysis.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dilution / dispensing nozzle cleaning container or the like that is smaller in size and does not reduce the throughput even when applied to an automatic analyzer.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an outline of the present invention is as follows.
[Item 1] A container in which a dilution cup and a dispensing nozzle cleaning cup are integrated.
[Item 2] The item according to item 1, having a structure suitable for diluting a sample selected from the group consisting of a reagent, a substrate, and a specimen, and washing a nozzle for dispensing the sample. container.
[Item 3] The container according to Item 1 or 2, further comprising a common cleaning mechanism for cleaning the dilution cup and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup.
[Item 4] The container according to Item 3, wherein the common cleaning mechanism includes a common liquid supply pump and / or a liquid suction / discharge pump.
[Item 5] A dispensing / dilution system for a sample selected from the group consisting of a reagent, a substrate, and a specimen, which further has a dispensing nozzle in the container according to any one of Items 1 to 4.
[Item 6] An automatic analyzer having the dispensing / dilution system according to Item 5.
[Item 7] A reagent having a dilution cup and a nozzle cleaning cup arranged close to each other, having a common cleaning mechanism for cleaning the dilution cup and the nozzle cleaning cup, and further having a dispensing nozzle, An automatic analyzer equipped with a dispensing / dilution system for a sample selected from the group consisting of a substrate and a specimen.

The dilution / dispensing nozzle cleaning container of the present invention has a structure in which the dilution cup and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup are integrated, so that almost no space is required, and a reagent dispensing / dilution system equipped with the same The automatic analyzer can be miniaturized.
Furthermore, the container of the present invention having a common cleaning mechanism for cleaning the dilution cup and the cup for cleaning the dispensing nozzle uses only the minimum necessary dedicated mechanism, and therefore requires almost the space occupied by the dedicated mechanism. In addition, it is possible to reduce the size of the automatic analyzer on which it is mounted.
In addition, the dispensing / dilution system and the automatic analyzer, which have a dispensing nozzle in the container, can also use the dispensing nozzle for dilution, thereby realizing a small space. In addition, the number of movements of the dispensing nozzle (dispensing probe) can be reduced, the movement (rotation) distance of the probe can be shortened, and / or the number of times of suction and discharge of the probe can be reduced. Thus, the man-hours and time for dilution and / or dispensing nozzle cleaning can be reduced, and the throughput of automatic analysis can be improved.
Furthermore, it can be expected that the above-described effects can be exhibited by adopting a structure in which the dilution cup and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup are close to each other.

The external appearance of Embodiment 1 of this invention is shown. It is the figure which looked at Embodiment 1 of this invention from one direction. It is the figure which looked at Embodiment 1 of this invention from another direction orthogonal to the direction seen in FIG. Reference line 1 and reference line 2 are lines provided for convenience in this figure in order to grasp the relative position of each part. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention taken along a straight line connecting the center of the dilution cup 7 and the center of the nozzle cleaning cup 9 of FIG. The reference line 3 is a line provided for convenience in this figure in order to grasp the relative position of each part. It is the figure which arranged the flow of the pipe | tube of the dilution cup 7, and the flow in the dilution cup 7 of the liquid discharged | emitted from piping. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the arrangement of the piping of the nozzle cleaning cup 9 and the flow of the liquid discharged from the piping in the nozzle cleaning cup 9. It is a figure which shows an example of the automatic analyzer of this invention. It is sectional drawing of Embodiment 2 (when the drain of a dilution cup and the drain of a nozzle washing cup are joined) of this invention. This cross section corresponds to a cross sectional view taken along the same plane as the cross sectional view of FIG. 4 regarding the first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of Embodiment 3 (when a dilution cup and a dispensing nozzle washing | cleaning cup are arrange | positioned adjacently) of this invention. This cross section corresponds to a cross sectional view taken along the same plane as the cross sectional view of FIG. 4 regarding the first embodiment of the present invention.

  One of the embodiments of the present invention is a container in which a dilution cup and a dispensing nozzle cleaning cup are integrated.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 according to the container of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of the first embodiment viewed from one direction (hereinafter also referred to as “side view” or “view from the side”). 3 is a view of the first embodiment viewed from another direction orthogonal to the direction viewed in FIG. 2 (hereinafter also referred to as “top view” or “view from above”). 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment taken along a straight line connecting the center of the dilution cup 7 and the center of the nozzle cleaning cup 9 of FIG.
Hereinafter, although it demonstrates centering on the form of FIGS. 1-4, this invention is not restrict | limited to this aspect.

  In Embodiment 1, the container 100 is provided with piping 1-6, the dilution cup 7 and its drain 8, the nozzle washing cup 9, and its drain 10, as shown in FIGS.

(Dilution cup)
The dilution cup 7 is connected to the drain 8 at the lower side so that liquid can pass therethrough. The dilution cup 7 only needs to have an open upper surface when the dilution operation is used. For example, the dilution cup 7 may have a structure in which the upper surface is always open, or may have a structure such as a lid that can be opened and closed during use. Good. Preferably, the upper surface of the dilution cup 7 is preferably opened from the viewpoint that a special device or control is not required for opening and closing a member such as a lid, and a simple structure can be achieved.
It is preferable that the connecting portion between the dilution cup 7 and the drain 8 is prepared so that the liquid does not enter the drain 8 when the dilution cup 7 is diluted. Such means is not particularly limited, and the following methods can be exemplified.
(1) Provide a valve that can be opened and closed at the connection part.
(2) By adjusting the hole diameter area of the connection part with the drain 8, the liquid is held in the dilution cup 7 by surface tension even when there is no lid at the time of dilution, and a pump or the like is connected to the drain 8 in advance. When the liquid is discharged, the pump is operated to suck the liquid accumulated in the dilution cup 7.

The above (2) is preferable in that it is not necessary to set a valve. Thus, when it is set as the form of (2), the hole diameter of the connection part of the dilution cup 7 and the drain 8 is about 0.5-3.0 mm so that a liquid can be hold | maintained at the dilution cup 7 with surface tension at the time of dilution, Preferably it is about 0.5 to 1.5 mm.
The dilution cup 7 of the dilution container according to the present invention has such a structure, and has a mechanism for sucking and discharging the remaining solution such as the reagent after mixing. It is possible to carry out quickly without using. Similarly, after the dilution cup 7 is washed with a washing liquid such as water, the liquid can be discharged quickly and without any remaining liquid.
When a member such as a lid or valve is installed at the suction port of the container, special equipment is required to open and close the lid and valve, etc., and it is considered that carry over through the member may occur, Such a point need not be considered in the container of the present invention in which such a member is not used.

The dilution cup 7 is connected to the pipes 1 and 2, respectively, and can supply a dilution liquid such as water from each pipe to the dilution cup. As long as the dilution liquid such as water can be supplied to the dilution cup 7, the aspect of the piping is not restricted at all.
For example, the form described in FIGS. 1 to 4 is an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the number of pipes, the position of connection with the dilution cup 7 of each pipe, and the liquid is discharged to the dilution cup 7 of each pipe. As long as the dilution liquid such as water can be supplied to the dilution cup 7, the aspect such as the angle is not restricted at all.
The method for supplying the dilution liquid such as water via the piping is not particularly limited. For example, a pump or the like is connected to each pipe in advance, and when supplying a dilution liquid such as water, the pump can be operated to supply a dilution liquid such as water to the dilution cup 7.

  The shape of the diluting cup 7 is not particularly limited. However, the diluting cup 7 is closed with only a curved surface when viewed from above (from the viewpoint of FIG. 3), for example, in that the liquid flows smoothly in the container during dilution and is easily mixed. It is preferable that More preferably, it is oval or circular. More preferably, it is circular. When viewed three-dimensionally, a shape in which the upper part of the cylinder and the lower part of the hemisphere or cone (preferably hemisphere) are connected is preferable.

1-4, the number of pipes connected to the dilution cup 7 is two, and the liquid discharge ports are arranged symmetrically when viewed from above (from the viewpoint of FIG. 3). .
Although the number of pipes is not particularly limited, the efficiency of liquid supply and cleaning can be improved by using a plurality of pipes. On the other hand, since the structure becomes complicated if it is too large, at most four (or three or even two). ) Degree is preferred. Further, the interval between the liquid discharge ports of the pipe is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the interval be equal since it can be uniformly cleaned.
In addition, the direction in which the liquid is discharged from the pipe is not particularly limited, but in the form illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the directions in which the liquid is discharged from the two pipes do not face each other and slightly shift as shown in FIG. The direction is set. Preferably, the position of the pipe may be set so that the liquid is discharged from the two pipes in a symmetric direction. As a result, since the liquid flows in the dilution cup 7 so as to convect along the wall surface of the cup, the cleaning efficiency is further improved.
The positions of the two pipes may be the same height in the vertical direction or may be different in height.

The dilution cup 7 of the container of the present invention has a powerful cleaning mechanism by adopting the structure as described above. Therefore, carryover can be suppressed when diluting various samples.
In addition, the dilution cup 7 of the dilution container of the present invention has a structure as described above, so that a sample such as a reagent can be sufficiently mixed by sucking and stirring the probe. Therefore, measurement variations can be reduced.

(Nozzle cleaning cup)
The nozzle cleaning cup is for cleaning a nozzle used for dispensing a sample selected from the group consisting of a reagent, a substrate, and a specimen.
The lower part of the nozzle cleaning cup 9 is connected to the drain 10 so that liquid can pass therethrough. The nozzle cleaning cup 9 only needs to have an open upper surface when the nozzle cleaning operation is used. For example, the nozzle cleaning cup 9 may have a structure in which the upper surface is always open or a structure that includes a member such as a lid that can be opened and closed during use. May be. Preferably, the upper surface of the nozzle cleaning cup 9 is preferably opened from the viewpoint that a special device or control is not required for opening and closing a member such as a lid, and a simple structure can be achieved.
The connecting portion between the nozzle cleaning cup 9 and the drain 10 is open, and it is preferable that the liquid flowing into the nozzle cleaning cup 9 is naturally discharged from the drain 10 by gravity. It is not limited. As an example, the hole diameter of the connecting portion between the nozzle cleaning cup 9 and the drain 10 is about 1 to 20 mm, preferably about 3 to 10 mm.

The nozzle cleaning cup 9 is connected to each of the pipes 3 to 6 and can supply cleaning liquid such as water from each pipe to the cleaning cup and / or sucks and discharges air to the cleaning cup through the pipe. be able to. The aspect of the piping is not restricted at all as long as a liquid such as water or air can be supplied to the nozzle cleaning cup 9.
For example, the form described in FIGS. 1 to 4 is an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the number of pipes, the position of connection of each pipe with the nozzle cleaning cup 9, and the liquid is supplied to the nozzle cleaning cup 9 of each pipe. As long as water can be supplied to the nozzle cleaning cup 9, the mode such as the angle of discharge is not limited.
A method for supplying a liquid such as water via the pipe is not particularly limited. For example, a pump or the like is connected in advance to each pipe, and when supplying a liquid such as water, the pump can be operated to supply a liquid such as water to the nozzle cleaning cup 9.
Alternatively, for example, the pipes 3 to 6 can be used as pipes (air pipes) for sucking and discharging air. A means for sucking and discharging air through the pipe is not particularly limited. For example, a pump may be used. A pump for supplying a liquid such as water can also be used as air suction / discharge means.
By using air, water droplets adhering to the nozzle after nozzle cleaning can be removed by blowing away with air discharged from any one of the pipes 3 to 6 to improve water drainage.

The shape of the nozzle cleaning cup 9 is not particularly limited. However, in terms of efficiently and surely cleaning the nozzle, it is preferable that the nozzle cleaning cup 9 has such a length that the portion including the tip of the nozzle is completely included. Generally, it is about 0.5 to 20 cm, but is not limited thereto.
Moreover, it is preferable that it is the thickness suitable for the nozzle. For example, the thickness may be set to 2 times or more, preferably 3 times or more, more preferably 4 times or more the diameter of the cross section of the nozzle.

1-4, the number of piping connected to the nozzle cleaning cup 9 is four. The number of pipes is not particularly limited, but the efficiency of liquid supply and cleaning is improved by using a plurality of pipes. On the other hand, if the number is too large, the structure becomes complicated.
Alternatively, a pipe for distributing water (water pipe) for liquid such as water and a pipe for sucking and discharging air (air pipe) can be separately set and combined. Although the setting of the number of a water pipe and air piping is not specifically limited, It is preferable that it is the same number. By using air, water droplets adhering to the nozzle after nozzle cleaning can be removed by blowing it away with air discharged from the pipe, thereby improving water drainage.
The positions of the four pipes are not particularly limited. The height may be the same in the vertical direction, or the heights may be different. In the form described in FIGS. 1 to 4, two pipes connected to the nozzle cleaning cup 9 are set at different heights in the vertical direction, and the liquid discharge ports of each two pipes are from above. They are arranged point-symmetrically when viewed (from the viewpoint of FIG. 3). The interval between the liquid discharge ports of the pipe is not particularly limited, but is preferably point-symmetric (or equidistant) because it can be washed uniformly.
In addition, the direction in which the liquid is discharged from the pipe is not particularly limited, but in the form described in FIGS. 1 to 4, the directions in which the liquid is discharged from each of the two pipes do not face each other. It is set in the direction slightly shifted like Preferably, the position of the pipe may be set so that the liquid is discharged from the two pipes in a symmetric direction. Accordingly, since the liquid flows in the nozzle cleaning cup 9 so as to convect along the wall surface of the cup, the cleaning efficiency is further improved.
Furthermore, in the form described in FIGS. 1 to 4, the directions in which the liquid is discharged from the four pipes do not face each other, but are set slightly different from each other as shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, the positions of the pipes may be set so that the liquid is discharged from the four pipes in a symmetric direction. Accordingly, since the liquid flows in the nozzle cleaning cup 9 so as to convect along the wall surface of the cup, the cleaning efficiency is further improved.
The height and direction of the pipes arranged symmetrically are not particularly limited. The pipes arranged symmetrically may be the same height and / or orientation, but the pipes are installed at different heights and water is discharged from different heights, or the installation angles of the pipes are changed. By discharging water at an angle, the liquid flows in the nozzle cleaning cup 9 so as to convect along the wall surface of the cup, so that the cleaning efficiency is further improved.
These aspects are suitable for efficiently and reliably cleaning long areas of the nozzle.

  The nozzle cleaning cup 9 of the container of the present invention has a powerful cleaning mechanism by adopting the structure as described above. Therefore, carryover can be suppressed when diluting various samples.

(Positional relationship between dilution cup and nozzle cleaning cup in container)
As one embodiment, in the dilution container 100 of the present invention, the dilution cup 7 and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup 9 are integrated. In this specification, the term “integrated” means that a diluting cup and a dispensing nozzle cleaning cup are incorporated in a single container so that both cups are adjacent to each other. Refers to the configured state.
As long as the configuration of the container 100 can be integrally held with the dilution cup 7 and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup 9 and the dilution cup 7 and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup 9 can be installed in a substantially vertical direction when used. There is no particular limitation. Preferably, the dilution cup 7 and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup 9 are both installed in the vertical direction in the container 100. Examples of the shape of the container 100 include a cylinder such as a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, or a regular polygonal right-angled cylinder. A cylinder or an elliptic cylinder is preferable, and a cylinder is more preferable. For the purpose of stabilizing the structure, it may be combined with a support or a base.
In the container 100, the drain 8 coupled to the dilution cup 7 is preferably installed so as to be in a substantially vertical direction when used, but this is not the case when the dilution cup 7 is drained by a suction discharge mechanism. . Similarly, the drain 10 coupled to the nozzle cleaning cup 9 is preferably installed so as to be in a substantially vertical direction during use, and more preferably in the vertical direction during use, but is not limited thereto.
Furthermore, the drain 8 coupled to the dilution cup 7 and the drain 10 coupled to the nozzle cleaning cup 9 can be joined and combined into one drain. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the case where the drain 8 and the drain 10 are joined in this way to form one drain, as Embodiment 2 of the present invention. When joining as one drain in this way, at least one of the drain 8 and the drain 10 may be joined by being inclined with a gradient from the substantially vertical direction below.
The shape and size of the diluting cup 7 and the nozzle cleaning cup 9 do not have to be the same, but for example, in the container 100 from the viewpoint of ease of molding of the container and difficulty in obstructing the probe operation. The heights of the openings are preferably the same (for example, FIG. 4).

The material of the container 100 is not particularly limited, but PS (polystyrene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), AS (acrylonitrile / styrene), vinyl chloride, PFA (perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin), PCT (Polycyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate), PCTA, or the like can be used.
In the container 100 of the present invention, since the dilution cup 7 and the dispensing nozzle washing cup 9 are integrated, the sample selected from the group consisting of the reagent, the substrate, and the sample is diluted, and these samples are dispensed. Nozzle cleaning can be performed both in one container. Therefore, the container 100 of the present invention has a structure suitable for diluting a sample selected from the group consisting of a reagent, a substrate, and a specimen, and washing a nozzle for dispensing the sample. As an example, the container 100 of the present invention can be used to dilute a substrate and to wash a nozzle that dispenses the substrate. As another example, the container 100 of the present invention is used to dilute a specimen and can be used to wash a nozzle for dispensing a reagent. As a further example, the container 100 of the present invention is used to dilute a first reagent and to wash a nozzle that dispenses a second reagent that is different from the first reagent. It may be used.

As still another embodiment, the present invention can arrange the dilution cup and the nozzle cleaning cup so as not to be integrated but close to each other. FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view when the dilution cup and the nozzle cleaning cup are arranged close to each other without being integrated, as Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
Here, the close proximity means that the distance between the side surface of the inner wall of the dilution cup and the side surface of the inner wall of the nozzle cleaning cup is about 0.1 to 10 cm, preferably about 0.1 to 5 cm. The arrangement of both cups. By arranging the dilution cup and the nozzle cleaning cup close to each other in this way, it is possible to reduce the space and shorten the movement (rotation) distance of the dispensing nozzle, and the throughput of the automatic analyzer. Can be improved.

One embodiment of the present invention is the container as described above, further comprising a common cleaning mechanism for cleaning the dilution cup and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup.
In yet another embodiment, a common cleaning mechanism may be provided for cleaning the dilution cup and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup that are arranged close to each other.

(Common cleaning mechanism)
The cleaning process of the dilution cup includes introduction of a cleaning liquid such as water from a pipe to the dilution cup 7 and suction and discharge of the cleaning liquid from the drain 8. Therefore, the cleaning mechanism is not particularly limited. For example, the introduction of water is not restricted as long as water can be supplied from each pipe to the dilution cup as described above. For example, a supply pump such as a shot pump or a syringe pump may be used. For example, a suction pump or the like may be used for sucking and discharging the cleaning liquid.
The cleaning process of the nozzle cleaning cup includes introduction of a cleaning liquid such as water from a pipe to the nozzle cleaning cup 9 and discharge of the cleaning liquid from the drain 10. For example, for the introduction of water, a supply pump used for supplying a cleaning liquid such as water in the dilution cup cleaning step may be used in common with the dilution cup cleaning. No particular external force is required to discharge the cleaning liquid from the nozzle cleaning cup, but suction and discharge may be performed using a suction pump or the like in common with the dilution cup.
As an example in the case of having a common cleaning mechanism, in Embodiments 2 and 3 of the present invention, cross-sectional views when a suction pump 11 which is one of the configurations of the common cleaning mechanism is provided are shown in FIGS. .

In one embodiment of the present invention, by integrating the dilution cup and the nozzle cleaning cup into one container, the liquid supply pumps to both cups can be shared as described above. At the same time, the drains from the cups can be brought close together and bundled or grouped together, and there is an advantage that the suction pumps used for sucking and discharging the cleaning liquid from the cups can be made common. In this way, by sharing the liquid supply pump and / or the liquid suction / discharge pump with the diluting cup and the nozzle cleaning cup, the space occupied by these structures can be reduced and the space can be saved. It is possible to further reduce the size of the analyzing apparatus. In addition, since the number of parts can be reduced by using a common pump or the like, it may be possible to reduce the manufacturing cost.
In another embodiment, the dilution cup and the nozzle cleaning cup are arranged close to each other, and a common cleaning mechanism is provided for cleaning the dilution cup and the nozzle cleaning cup. However, since the space can be reduced, it may be possible to reduce the size of the analyzer on which the device is mounted.
In the present invention, as described above, the dilution cup and the nozzle cleaning cup may be integrated into one container or may be arranged so as to be close to each other. However, the space can be further reduced. The embodiment in which the dilution cup and the nozzle cleaning cup are integrated into one container is particularly preferable from the viewpoint that the number of parts at the time of manufacture can be reduced and manufacturing is easy.

One embodiment of the present invention is a dispensing / dilution system in which the container further includes a dispensing nozzle.
As still another embodiment, the dilution cup and the dispensing nozzle cleaning cup can be arranged close to each other, and a dispensing / dilution system including a dispensing nozzle can be provided.

(Dispensing nozzle)
The aspect of the dispensing nozzle for dispensing a sample selected from the group consisting of a reagent, a substrate, and a specimen used in the system of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, the same ones used in various commercially available automatic analyzers can be used. As an example, there can be exemplified a configuration in which it is vertically connected from the vicinity of the tip of an arm that can be moved up and down in the vertical vertical direction and can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise in a horizontal plane. In the present specification, the dispensing nozzle is also referred to as a dispensing probe, or simply a probe or a nozzle.

  The dispensing nozzle is connected to a suction / discharge pump and a water supply pump through pipes set via the arm, respectively, and dispenses and / or samples selected from the group consisting of a reagent, a substrate, and a specimen. Alternatively, a dispensing / dilution system for dilution may be formed. By using the suction / discharge pump, for example, the reagent can be discharged to a target location by moving the reagent dispensing nozzle while sucking the reagent into the dispensing nozzle. Further, by using a water supply pump, for example, water for sample dilution can be supplied, or the inside of the nozzle can be washed by passing water through the reagent dispensing nozzle. The connection switching between the suction / discharge pump and the water supply pump and the reagent dispensing nozzle can be performed by appropriately setting a valve or the like.

  One of the embodiments of the present invention is an automatic analyzer having the dispensing / dilution system.

(Automatic analyzer)
The automatic analyzer of the present invention to which the above dispensing / dilution system is applied is not particularly limited.
An outline of an example of the automatic analyzer of the present invention is shown in FIG. The automatic analyzer 200 in FIG. 7 is assumed to be used in a method for detecting a measurement target in a specimen using an immune reaction on a reaction material provided with a solid phase.
The main configuration of the automatic analyzer 200 shown in FIG. 7 includes a sample rack installation unit 201 (and a mechanism 201a for supplying a sample to a reaction material on a reaction table) for waiting for a sample, and supply of a reaction material used for measurement. Unit 202 (and mechanism 202a for supplying the reaction material onto the reaction table), reagent table 203 for arranging the reagent used for measurement (and mechanism 203a for supplying the reagent to the reaction material on the reaction table), A storage 204 (and a mechanism 204a for supplying the substrate, the substrate dilution solution, etc. to the reaction material on the reaction table) in which the substrate used for the measurement and the substrate dilution solution for diluting the substrate as necessary are arranged. , A reaction table 205 in which a reaction between a specimen and a reaction material / reagent is performed, a detection unit 206 that detects a physicochemical change caused by the reaction, and the like. Although the form of 201a, 203a, and 204a is not specifically limited, For example, the aspect of the said dispensing nozzle can be taken.
In the above example, the dispensing / dilution system of the present invention is applicable when 201a, 203a and / or 204a is used as a dispensing nozzle.
In the example of FIG. 7, 203a and / or 204a takes the form of the dispensing nozzle described above. Four storages 204 are installed along a flow line in which the tip of the arm of the dispensing nozzle 204a rotates, and the container 100 of the present invention is installed in front of the reaction table 205 at the end of the flow line. Can do. Further, the container 100 of the present invention can be installed between the reagent table 203 and the reaction table 205 along a flow line in which the tip of the arm of the reagent dispensing nozzle 203a rotates.

One aspect in which the effect of the dispensing / dilution system of the present invention is more exhibited is when a reagent that requires dilution or mixing is used immediately before being supplied to the reaction material.
Such an embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, a reagent that is not stable under conditions suitable for the reaction is stored under stable conditions, and mixed with other reagents immediately before use. The case where it adjusts to conditions etc. is mentioned.
As a specific example, when a chromogenic substrate or luminescent substrate is reacted with peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase or other phosphatase labeled with an antibody, the chromogenic substrate or luminescent substrate is used immediately before use to improve the reactivity. Examples thereof include a method of adjusting the pH of the enzyme by adjusting the pH by diluting with a diluting solution or a luminescent substrate diluting solution, and a method of adjusting the dilution of the chromogenic substrate or the luminescent substrate to the optimal concentration.

  The automatic analyzer of the present invention may further include a control unit, an input unit, a display unit, and the like. As the control unit, for example, a microcomputer or the like is used and connected to the automatic analyzer 200 to control the operation of each component of the automatic analyzer 200, and to the value of the physicochemical change detected by the detector 206. Based on this, the component concentration of the specimen is analyzed. In addition, the control unit, for example, performs an analysis operation while controlling the operation of each component of the automatic analyzer 200 based on an analysis command input from an input unit such as a keyboard, and includes analysis results and warning information. Various information based on a display command input from the input unit is displayed on a display unit such as a display panel. In addition, the control unit controls the discharge amount of the reagent and water by controlling the driving of the suction / discharge pump and the water supply pump, for example.

  In the above description, the automatic analyzer of the present invention has been described by taking the automatic analyzer used in the method of detecting using an immune reaction as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to an automatic analyzer for biochemical examination, a urine qualitative apparatus for general examination, and an automatic analyzer for urine sedimentation. Furthermore, the automatic analyzer of the present invention may include a single automatic analyzer as a unit.

(Description of operation of the dilution container of the present invention)
In the automatic analyzer 200, two types of reagents, a luminescent substrate reagent and a luminescent substrate diluent, are stored in a storage 204 in which a substrate is placed, and an example in which both reagents are mixed at the time of use will be described. Here, the operation of the dispensing nozzle will be described by taking the operation of the mechanism 204a for supplying the substrate and its diluted solution to the reaction material on the reaction table as an example.

The dispensing nozzle (one aspect of 204a, hereinafter may be abbreviated as “nozzle”) is moved on the luminescent substrate reagent stored in the storage 204 by rotation, and then lowered so that the nozzle tip touches the reagent. Then, the reagent is aspirated, and after aspiration, the nozzle is moved up and down and rotated so that the vicinity of the tip of the nozzle enters the nozzle cleaning cup 9 and is stopped. With the nozzle stopped, the cleaning water is discharged from the pipes 5 and 6 of the nozzle cleaning cup 9 to clean the outer wall near the tip of the nozzle, and then the air is discharged from the pipes 3 and 4 of the nozzle cleaning cup 9 Remove water droplets adhering to the vicinity of the tip. The drainage of the nozzle cleaning cup 9 is discharged from the drain 10.
Next, the nozzle is moved up and down to suck the luminescent substrate diluted solution stored in the storage 204, and after suction, the nozzle is diluted near the tip of the nozzle by a combination of up and down movement and rotation. Move to stop into container 7 and stop. Here, the previously aspirated reagent and the luminescent substrate diluent are combined and discharged into the dilution cup 7. By aspirating two reagents with the same probe, throughput can be improved.

In the above operation, before sucking the luminescent substrate diluent, a small amount (appropriate amount) of air is sucked so that the luminescent substrate is not mixed in the container holding the luminescent substrate diluent stored in the storage 204. You can also
In the above step, the luminescent substrate reagent is discharged such that the luminescent substrate is discharged to the dilution cup 7 before the luminescent substrate diluent is sucked, and the luminescent substrate diluted solution is sucked and discharged to the dilution cup 7 after nozzle cleaning. And the discharge of the luminescent substrate dilution reagent may be performed separately.

  After the reagent and the luminescent substrate diluent are discharged to the dilution cup 7, the reagent discharged to the dilution cup 7 is mixed by suction stirring using a nozzle. A predetermined amount of the mixed reagent is sucked by the nozzle, and the nozzle is moved up and down and rotated to move and stop the tip of the nozzle on the reaction container set on the reaction table 205. Here, the previously aspirated mixed reagent is discharged into the reaction container set on the reaction table 205.

  Thereafter, the nozzle is cleaned and air blown by the nozzle cleaning cup 9 in the same manner as described above. The dilution cup 7 is washed by discharging water from the pipes 1 and 2 into the dilution cup 7 to wash the container, and then discharging the drainage from the drain 8. Thereafter, these operations are repeated in the next measurement.

  Note that means for supplying and dispensing reagents and the like in the automatic analyzer described in the present invention (for example, mechanisms such as 201a, 202a, 203a, and 204a in FIG. 7) are not necessarily separated from other mechanisms. It does not matter if it is not realized, or some mechanisms may be configured to be able to dilute in cooperation.

  The present invention is applicable to an automatic analyzer that analyzes biological samples such as blood, urine, and various body fluids.

1-6 Piping 7 Dilution cup 8 Drain cup drain 9 Nozzle cleaning cup 10 Nozzle cleaning cup drain 11 Suction pump 100 Container 200 Automatic analyzer 201 Sample rack installation section 201a For supplying sample to reaction material on reaction table 202 Reactant supply unit 202a Mechanism for supplying reaction material onto reaction table 203 Reagent table 203a Mechanism for supplying reagent to reaction material on reaction table 204 Storage for placing substrate and its diluent 204a Mechanism for supplying substrate and its diluted solution to reaction material on reaction table 205 Reaction table 206 Detector

Claims (7)

  A container in which a diluting cup and a dispensing nozzle cleaning cup are integrated.   The container according to claim 1, having a structure suitable for diluting a sample selected from the group consisting of a reagent, a substrate, and an analyte, and suitable for washing a nozzle for dispensing the sample.   Furthermore, the container of Claim 1 or 2 which has a common washing | cleaning mechanism for washing | cleaning of a dilution cup and the washing | cleaning of a dispensing nozzle washing cup.   The container according to claim 3, wherein the common cleaning mechanism includes a common liquid supply pump and / or a liquid suction / discharge pump.   A dispensing / dilution system for a sample selected from the group consisting of a reagent, a substrate, and a specimen, further comprising a dispensing nozzle in the container according to claim 1.   An automatic analyzer comprising the dispensing / dilution system according to claim 5.   A reagent, a substrate, and a specimen having a common washing mechanism for washing the dilution cup and the nozzle washing cup, and further having a dispensing nozzle. An automatic analyzer equipped with a sample dispensing / dilution system selected from the group consisting of: