JP2021015030A - Adapter and biochemical analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an adapter which is held in a biochemical analyzer and can discriminate the kind of a sample container by the biochemical analyzer.SOLUTION: An adapter 1 is used for a biochemical analyzer including: a sample tray 8 which holds a bottom surface of a blood collection tube 9a when the blood collection tube 9a is mounted and does not hold a bottom surface of a trace cup 9b when the trace cup 9b is mounted; a photoelectronic sensor 53 for detecting the blood collection tube 9a by irradiating the blood collection tube 9a held by the sample tray 8 with light; a photoelectronic sensor 51 for detecting the blood collection tube 9a or the trace cup 9b by irradiating the blood collection tube 9a or the trace cup 9b held by the sample tray 8. The trace cup 9b is mounted on the adapter 1 which is mounted on the sample tray 8 in a state that the trace cup 9b is mounted and in which the sample tray 8 holds the bottom surface, and in which through holes 1c, 1d for passing through the light emitted from the photoelectronic sensor 53 are formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an adapter used in a biochemical analyzer that analyzes components of a biological sample (hereinafter referred to as "sample sample") such as blood and urine.

In the biochemical analyzer, various operations such as calibration and component analysis are performed after the sample container is mounted on a tray and held. As the sample container, in addition to a normal sample container such as a blood collection tube, a small sample container having a short length is used to store a small amount of sample sample or a calibration sample used for calibration of an apparatus. There is.

When the small sample container is held in the tray, there are a mode in which the sample container is held directly in the tray and a mode in which the sample container is held in the tray via an adapter longer than the small sample container. By using the adapter in this way, it is possible to obtain a space for pasting identification information such as a barcode in which sample information is stored.

When using a small-sized sample container here, it is desirable to distinguish between a normal-sized sample container and a small-sized sample container. As a result, for example, the limit value of the amount of entry when the probe that sucks and discharges the sample sample enters the sample container can be set appropriately, and it is possible to prevent the probe and the sample container from interfering with each other and damaging both. be able to. In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a photoelectric sensor is used to discriminate between a normal size sample container and a small size sample container.

International Publication No. 2016/017291

In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the length of the adapter is shorter than the length of the normal size sample container in order to prevent the light emitted from the photoelectric sensor from the normal size sample container from being blocked by the adapter. .. However, in such a configuration, since the bottom surface of the adapter cannot be held by the tray, the adapter is not held stably, and the position of the adapter with respect to the tray may shift, which may interfere with the above-mentioned operation.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a current situation, and provides an adapter that can be stably held by the biochemical analyzer and can discriminate the type of the sample container by the biochemical analyzer. With the goal.

A typical configuration of the adapter according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a first sample container for accommodating a sample, a second sample container for accommodating a sample, which is shorter than the first sample container, and a second sample container. A holding member for holding the first sample container and the second sample container, which holds the bottom surface of the first sample container when the first sample container is attached, and the second sample container is attached. In this case, a holding member that does not hold the bottom surface of the second sample container, and a first detection means that irradiates the first sample container held by the holding member with light to detect the first sample container. A second detection means for detecting the first sample container or the second sample container by irradiating the first sample container or the second sample container held by the holding member with light. An adapter used in a chemical analyzer, the adapter is attached to the holding member in a state where the second sample container is attached and the second sample container is attached, and the bottom surface is attached to the holding member. It is characterized in that a passing portion for being held and passing the light emitted from the first detection means is formed.

According to the present invention, the adapter can be stably held by the biochemical analyzer and can discriminate the type of sample container.

It is a schematic diagram of a biochemical analyzer. It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a trace cup and an adapter. It is a front view, a side view, a rear view, a plan view, and a bottom view of an adapter. It is sectional drawing and perspective view of the adapter. It is sectional drawing around the sample tray in a biochemical analyzer. It is sectional drawing around the sample tray in a biochemical analyzer.

<Biochemical analyzer>
Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the biochemical analyzer provided with the adapter according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings together with the analysis operation of the sample sample. It should be noted that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the present embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those, unless otherwise specified. ..

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the biochemical analyzer 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the biochemical analyzer 10 includes a touch panel type operation unit 13 for performing various settings by a user operation, a light source 17, and a photometer 18.

Further, the biochemical analyzer 10 includes a reagent tray 15 that holds the reagent bottle 7, a reagent probe 2 that sucks and discharges the reagent contained in the reagent tray 15, and a reagent arm 3 that holds the reagent probe 2. The reagent bottle 7 contains the reagent corresponding to the analysis target. The support portion 3a of the reagent arm 3 is rotatably supported and is configured to be vertically movable. The reagent probe 2 attached to the tip of the reagent arm 3 rotates and moves up and down as the reagent arm 3 operates. The reagent probe 2 is connected to a pump (not shown) via a pipe (not shown) extending from the inside of the reagent arm 3 to the inside of the biochemical analyzer 10. The reagent probe 2 sucks and discharges the reagent in the reagent bottle 7 as the pump pressurizes and depressurizes.

Further, the biochemical analyzer 10 holds a sample tray 8 (holding member) for holding the sample container 9, a sample probe 11 (suction member) for sucking and discharging the sample sample in the sample container 9, and the sample probe 11. A sample arm 12 is provided. The sample container 9 contains a sample sample such as blood. The support portion 12a of the sample arm 12 is rotatably supported and is configured to be vertically movable. The sample probe 11 attached to the tip of the sample arm 12 rotates or moves up and down with the operation of the sample arm 12. The sample probe 11 is connected to a pump (not shown) via a pipe (not shown) extending from the inside of the sample arm 12 to the inside of the biochemical analyzer 10. The sample probe 11 sucks and discharges the sample sample in the sample container 9 as the pump pressurizes and depressurizes.

Further, the biochemical analyzer 10 includes a sample sample contained in the sample container 9, a reaction cell 5 in which the reagent contained in the reagent bottle 7 is dispensed, a reaction tray 4 holding the reaction cell 5, and a reaction cell. A stirring unit 6 for stirring the mixture of the sample sample and the reagent dispensed in 5 is provided. Further, a cleaning unit (not shown) for cleaning the reaction cell 5 is provided.

Next, the operation of analyzing the sample sample by the biochemical analyzer 10 will be described. First, the user operates the operation unit 13 to set analysis items and the like of the sample sample. This setting information is input to the control unit 60 (FIG. 5).

Next, the sample tray 8 rotates, and the sample container 9 is transferred to the suction position accordingly. After that, when the sample arm 12 is driven, the sample probe 11 descends from above into the inside of the sample container 9 at the suction position, and the sample probe 11 sucks a predetermined amount of the sample sample.

Next, the sample probe 11 is moved to a position above the reaction cell 5 held in the reaction tray 4 by driving the sample arm 12. After that, the sample probe 11 descends and enters the inside of the reaction cell 5, and the sample sample sucked from the sample container 9 is discharged into the inside of the reaction cell 5 for dispensing.

Further, while the sample probe 11 is performing the sample sample dispensing operation, the reagent probe 2 is also performing the same operation. That is, the reagent tray 15 rotates, and the reagent bottle 7 is transferred to the suction position accordingly. Next, when the reagent arm 3 is driven, the reagent probe 2 enters the inside of the reagent bottle 7 located at the suction position, and a predetermined amount of reagent is sucked by the reagent probe 2.

Next, the reaction tray 4 rotates, and the reaction cell 5 into which the sample sample is dispensed moves to a predetermined position. Further, the reagent probe 2 moves to a position above the reaction cell 5 by driving the reagent arm 3. After that, the reagent probe 2 descends and enters the inside of the reaction cell 5, and the reagent sucked from the reagent bottle 7 is discharged into the inside of the reaction cell 5 for dispensing.

Next, the mixture of the sample sample and the reagent dispensed into the reaction cell 5 is stirred by the stirring unit 6. After that, the reaction tray 4 rotates, and the reaction cell 5 crosses the luminous flux emitted from the light source 17 with this rotation, so that the absorbance of the mixture in the reaction cell 5 is measured by the photometer 18 and output as an electric signal. Will be done. The electric signal output from the photometer 18 is input to the control unit 60 via an A / D converter (not shown). After that, the control unit 60 calculates the analysis item based on the input electric signal, and causes the operation unit 13 to display the analysis result.

<Adapter>
Next, the configuration of the adapter 1 used together with the sample container 9 will be described.

The biochemical analyzer 10 according to the present embodiment assumes blood, serum separated from blood, or the like as a sample sample, and two types of containers, a blood collection tube 9a and a trace cup 9b, are used as the sample container 9. (See FIG. 6). The microcup 9b is a container that is shorter than the blood collection tube 9a and has a smaller volume than the blood collection tube 9a, and is used for analyzing a small amount of sample sample collected from a small organism such as a child. is there.

A bar code label (not shown) containing identification information such as the name, sex, age, and blood collection date of the person who provides the sample sample is attached to the blood collection tube 9a. The bar code label is read by a bar code reader 55 (FIG. 5) provided in the biochemical analyzer 10. On the other hand, since the micro cup 9b is smaller in size than the blood collection tube 9a, there is no space for attaching the barcode label, and the barcode label cannot be attached.

Therefore, the adapter 1 is used to secure a space for attaching the barcode label. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the trace cup 9b and the adapter 1. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the trace cup 9b and the adapter 1 cut along the XX cross section shown in FIG. 2A. 3A and 3B are views showing the configuration of the adapter 1, FIG. 3A is a front view, FIG. 3B is a side view, FIG. 3C is a rear view, and FIG. 3D is a plan view. FIG. 3E is a bottom view. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 1. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the adapter 1.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the adapter 1 is a tubular member having a length longer than the trace cup 9b and the same length as the blood collection tube 9a, and the trace cup 9b is housed therein. To. The trace cup 9b is held in the sample tray 8 via the adapter 1. The trace cup 9b can also be directly attached to the sample tray 8. That is, the trace cup 9b is used in two modes, one is mounted directly on the sample tray 8 and the other is mounted via the adapter 1.

By using the adapter 1 in this way, a barcode label can be attached to the surface of the adapter 1. Further, the surface of the adapter 1 is knurled to form a knurled portion 1b. By attaching the bar code label to the knurled portion 1b, the ground contact area between the bar code label and the adapter 1 becomes small, so that the bar code label can be easily peeled off. Therefore, it becomes easy to repeatedly attach and remove the barcode label, and it becomes easy to reuse the adapter 1.

Further, the sample tray 8 has a mounting portion 8a formed of a resin spring on which the sample container 9 and the adapter 1 are mounted and held, and a bottom receiving portion 8c that holds the bottom surface of the sample container 9 and the bottom surface of the adapter 1. When the adapter 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 8a of the sample tray 8, the bottom surface of the adapter 1 is held in contact with the bottom receiving portion 8c of the sample tray 8. Similarly, when the blood collection tube 9a is attached to the sample tray 8, the bottom surface of the blood collection tube 9a is held in contact with the bottom receiving portion 8c of the sample tray 8. By holding the bottom surface of the adapter 1 and the bottom surface of the blood collection tube 9a by the sample tray 8 in this way, the adapter 1 and the blood collection tube 9a are stably held. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adapter 1 and the blood collection tube 9a from being displaced from each other with respect to the sample tray 8 and interfering with the operation such as the analysis operation described above.

Further, on the side surface of the adapter 1, a protruding portion 1a (engaging portion) protruding in the wall thickness direction (diameter direction) is formed. Further, a recess 8b (engaged portion) is formed in the vicinity of the mounting portion 8a of the sample tray 8. When the adapter 1 is mounted on the sample tray 8, the protrusion 1a of the adapter 1 engages with the recess 8b of the sample tray 8. This restricts the adapter 1 from rotating with respect to the sample tray 8. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adapter 1 from rotating to hide the barcode label and preventing the barcode reader 55 from reading the barcode.

Further, the adapter 1 is formed with two through holes 1c and 1d penetrating in the wall thickness direction of the adapter 1. The through holes 1c and 1d are passing portions through which the light L of the photoelectric sensor 53 used for discriminating the sample container 9 mounted on the sample tray 8 passes, as will be described later. The through holes 1c and 1d are arranged at positions facing each other in the horizontal direction so that the light irradiated in the horizontal direction can pass through the through holes 1c and 1d.

Here, the through hole 1d located below the protruding portion 1a in the vertical direction extends from the side surface to the bottom surface of the adapter 1. On the other hand, the through hole 1c located below the mounting portion 8a in the vertical direction when mounted on the sample tray 8 remains on the side surface of the adapter 1. As a result, the opening area of the through hole 1d is widened to reduce the weight and material of the adapter 1, and when the adapter 1 is inserted and removed from the sample tray 8 in the vertical direction, the through hole 1c is formed. It is possible to prevent the mounting portion 8a from being caught and difficult to attach / detach.

<Method of identifying sample container>
Next, a method of discriminating the sample container 9 held in the sample tray 8 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the sample tray 8 in the biochemical analyzer 10. As shown in FIG. 5, three photoelectric sensors 51, 52, and 53 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, which is the length direction (longitudinal direction) of the sample container 9, around the sample tray 8. In the photoelectric sensors 51, 52, 53, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged on the same surface, the light emitting element irradiates the object with light L, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving element to detect the object. It is an interrupter. A transparent photo interrupter may be used.

The photoelectric sensors 51, 52, and 53 are connected to a control unit 60 including a CPU 61, a ROM 62, and a RAM 63. A drive motor 54 for driving the sample arm 12 and a barcode reader 55 are also connected to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls various devices by the CPU 61 performing arithmetic processing while using the RAM 63 for the work area based on the control program stored in the ROM 62.

The photoelectric sensor 51 (second detection means) irradiates the blood collection tube 9a, the trace cup 9b, or the adapter 1 with light L to detect them, and transmits an ON signal to the control unit 60 as an electric signal. The photoelectric sensor 52 (third detection means) irradiates the blood collection tube 9a or the adapter 1 with light L to detect them, and transmits an ON signal as an electric signal to the control unit 60. The photoelectric sensor 53 (first detection means) irradiates the blood collection tube 9a with light L to detect the blood collection tube 9a, and transmits an ON signal as an electric signal to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls the drive motor 54 and the barcode reader 55 based on the detection results of the photoelectric sensors 51, 52, and 53. The details of the control will be described later.

Next, a specific control for determining the type of the sample container 9 mounted on the sample tray 8 will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the sample tray 8. Here, FIG. 6A shows a state in which the blood collection tube 9a is attached, FIG. 6B shows a state in which the trace cup 9b is attached, and FIG. 6C shows a trace cup 9b. It shows how the adapter 1 in the state where is attached is attached.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the blood collection tube 9a is mounted on the sample tray 8, the light L emitted from the photoelectric sensors 51, 52, and 53 irradiates the blood collection tube 9a to the blood collection tube 9a. Be reflected. As a result, ON signals are transmitted from the photoelectric sensors 51, 52, and 53 to the control unit 60, respectively. That is, when the photoelectric sensor 51 is ON, the photoelectric sensor 52 is ON, and the photoelectric sensor 53 is ON, the control unit 60 determines that the sample tray 8 is equipped with the blood collection tube 9a.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the trace cup 9b is mounted on the sample tray 8, the light L emitted from the photoelectric sensor 51 is irradiated to the trace cup 9b and reflected by the trace cup 9b. As a result, the ON signal is transmitted from the photoelectric sensor 51 to the control unit 60. On the other hand, the trace cup 9b has a short length, and the light L emitted from the photoelectric sensors 52 and 53 does not hit the trace cup 9b, so that the photoelectric sensors 52 and 53 remain OFF. That is, when the photoelectric sensor 51 is ON, the photoelectric sensor 52 is OFF, and the photoelectric sensor 53 is OFF, the control unit 60 determines that the sample tray 8 is equipped with the trace cup 9b.

As shown in FIG. 6C, when the adapter 1 with the trace cup 9b mounted is mounted on the sample tray 8, the light L emitted from the photoelectric sensors 51 and 52 is irradiated to the adapter 1. , Reflected by the adapter 1. As a result, the ON signal is transmitted from the photoelectric sensors 51 and 52 to the control unit 60. On the other hand, the light L emitted from the photoelectric sensor 53 passes through the through holes 1c and 1d formed in the adapter 1 and does not hit the adapter 1. Therefore, the photoelectric sensor 53 remains OFF. That is, when the photoelectric sensor 51 is ON, the photoelectric sensor 52 is ON, and the photoelectric sensor 53 is OFF, the control unit 60 determines that the adapter 1 with the trace cup 9b attached to the sample tray 8 is attached.

Further, when the photoelectric sensor 51 is OFF, the photoelectric sensor 52 is OFF, and the photoelectric sensor 53 is OFF, the control unit 60 determines that nothing is mounted on the sample tray 8. In this way, the control unit 60 determines the type of the sample container 9 mounted on the sample tray 8 and the presence / absence of the adapter 1.

In the present embodiment, in order to increase the mounting position of the sample container 9, the mounting portion 8a and the bottom receiving portion 8c are formed over two circumferences in the rotation direction of the sample tray 8. Here, the type of the sample container 9 mounted on the mounting portion 8a formed on the outer peripheral portion side of the sample tray 8 is determined by using the photoelectric sensors 51, 52, and 53 described above. The types of the sample container 9 mounted on the mounting portion 8a formed on the outer peripheral side of the sample tray 8 are three photoelectric sensors (not shown) provided in the vicinity of the support shaft portion 8d which is the rotation center of the sample tray 8. Is similarly determined using.

Further, the control unit 60 performs the following control based on the above-mentioned determination result. That is, the control unit 60 is driven so that when it is determined that the sample tray 8 is equipped with the trace cup 9b, the amount of entry of the sample probe 11 is smaller than when it is determined that the sample tube 9a is attached. Controls the motor 54. Specifically, the control unit 60 detects the liquid level of the sample sample via the sample probe 11 and controls the amount of movement of the sample probe 11 after detecting the liquid level as described above. In addition, when the trace amount cup 9b is attached to the sample tray 8 referred to here, the case where the adapter 1 with the minute amount cup 9b attached is attached is also included. By such control, when the sample probe 11 enters the trace cup 9b, it is possible to prevent the sample probe 11 from interfering with the bottom of the trace cup 9b and damaging both of them.

Further, when the control unit 60 determines that the sample tray 8 is equipped with the blood collection tube 9a or the adapter 1 in which the trace cup 9b is mounted, the bar code reader 55 sets the bar code reader 55 to read the bar code. On the other hand, when the control unit 60 determines that the sample tray 8 is equipped with the trace cup 9b, the control unit 60 sets the bar code reader 55 in a state in which the bar code is not read. By switching the barcode reader 55 to OFF in a situation where it is assumed that the barcode label is not attached in this way, power consumption can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, blood or serum is assumed as the sample sample, and the blood collection tube 9a is used as the sample container 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, even if urine is assumed as the detection sample and a urine collection container is used as the sample container 9 instead of the blood collection tube 9a, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the blood collection tube 9a is directly attached to the sample tray 8 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the same effect as described above can be obtained even if the blood collection tube 9a is attached to the adapter 1 and the blood collection tube 9a is attached to the sample tray 8 via the adapter 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration for reading the identification information of the sample sample from the barcode has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, a QR code label may be attached to the blood collection tube 9a or the adapter 1 and the QR code (registered trademark) may be read by a QR code reader, or the identification information of the sample sample may be read by another method.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the adapter 1 forms two through holes 1c and 1d as a passing portion for the light L of the photoelectric sensor 53 to pass through has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect as described above can be obtained even if a transparent portion is provided by a glass plate as a passing portion and the light L of the photoelectric sensor 53 is transmitted through the transparent portion.

1 ... Adapter 1a ... Protruding part (engaging part)
1c, 1d ... Through hole (passing part)
8 ... Sample tray (holding member)
8b ... Recess (engaged part)
9a ... Blood collection tube (first sample container)
9b ... Trace cup (second sample container)
10 ... Biochemical analyzer 11 ... Sample probe (suction member)
51 ... Photoelectric sensor (second detection means)
52 ... Photoelectric sensor (third detection means)
53 ... Photoelectric sensor (first detection means)
55 ... Bar code reader 60 ... Control unit (control means)

Claims (9)

The first sample container that houses the sample and
A second sample container containing a sample, which is shorter than the first sample container, and
A holding member for holding the first sample container and the second sample container, which holds the bottom surface of the first sample container when the first sample container is attached, and the second sample container is attached. A holding member that does not hold the bottom surface of the second sample container when
A first detection means for detecting the first sample container by irradiating the first sample container held by the holding member with light.
A second detection means for detecting the first sample container or the second sample container by irradiating the first sample container or the second sample container held by the holding member with light.
It is an adapter used for a biochemical analyzer equipped with
The adapter is attached to the holding member with the second sample container attached, and the bottom surface is held by the holding member, and is ejected from the first detection means. An adapter characterized in that a passing portion for passing light is formed. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter has an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion formed on the holding member and restricts the adapter from rotating with respect to the holding member. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of the adapter is knurled. The first sample container that houses the sample and
A second sample container containing a sample, which is shorter than the first sample container, and
A holding member for holding the first sample container and the second sample container, which holds the bottom surface of the first sample container when the first sample container is attached, and the second sample container is attached. A holding member that does not hold the bottom surface of the second sample container when
A first detection means for detecting the first sample container by irradiating the first sample container held by the holding member with light.
An adapter that is attached to the holding member while the second sample container is attached and the bottom surface is held by the holding member in a state where the second sample container is attached, from the first detection means. An adapter with a passage part for passing the emitted light,
A second sample container, the second sample container, or the adapter held by the holding member is irradiated with light to detect the first sample container, the second sample container, or the adapter. Detection means and
A biochemical analyzer characterized by being equipped with. A suction member that enters the first sample container or the second sample container and sucks the sample contained in the first sample container or the second sample container.
Based on the detection results of the first detection means and the second detection means, it is determined whether the first sample container or the second sample container is held by the holding member, and the holding member holds the first sample container. 2 When it is determined that the sample container is held, a control means for controlling the suction member so that the amount of the suction member entering is smaller than when it is determined that the first sample container is held. ,
The biochemical analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the biochemical analyzer is provided. The biochemical analyzer according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a third detection means for irradiating the first sample container or the adapter with light to detect the first sample container or the adapter. .. With a barcode reader that reads the barcode attached to the adapter or the first sample container,
Which of the first sample container, the second sample container, and the adapter is held by the holding member based on the detection results of the first detection means, the second detection means, and the third detection means. When it is determined that the first sample container or the adapter is held, the barcode reader is set to read the barcode, and when it is determined that the second sample container is held, the barcode reader is read. A control means for switching the bar code reader so that the bar code reader does not read the bar code, and
The biochemical analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the biochemical analyzer is provided. The holding member has an engaged portion and has an engaged portion.
The adapter according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the adapter has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion and restricts the adapter from rotating with respect to the holding member. The biochemical analyzer described. The biochemical analyzer according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the surface of the adapter is knurled.

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