JP2021036249A - Specimen analyzer and specimen analysis method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a specimen analyzer and a specimen analysis method with which it is possible to heighten the traceability of a container that can accommodate specimens.SOLUTION: A specimen analyzer 1 comprises: a storage unit (131) capable of storing a plurality of containers that can accommodate specimens and having an ejection port (150) capable of ejecting containers; a manufacturing lot information acquisition unit (263) for acquiring manufacturing lot information (LI) relating to container manufacturing lots; an analysis processing unit (264) for analyzing specimens accommodated in the container ejected from the ejection port (150); a recording unit (270) for recording the manufacturing lot information (LI), an analysis result (RA) of specimens accommodated in the container and time information indicating time at which specimens are analyzed in association with one another; and a display information generation unit (267) for generating, on the basis of the manufacturing lot information (LI), the analysis result (RA) and the time information, display information for displaying the analysis result (RA) of specimens analyzed in a prescribed period on a display unit (300) in a display mode associated with the manufacturing lot information (LI).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a sample analyzer and a sample analysis method.

Blood analysis such as blood coagulation analysis and immunoserum analysis is usually performed using an analyzer. Generally, in such an analyzer, a sample contained in a sample container such as a blood collection tube is transferred to a container such as a cuvette used at the time of analysis, and the reagent is dispensed into the container and mixed with the sample. After warming the container, it is transported to the analysis unit for analysis of the sample.

Since the container used in the above-mentioned analyzer is stored in the analyzer in advance, the analyzer accommodates a storage unit for storing a large number of empty containers and a container of the storage unit in the sample container. It is provided with a transport unit for transporting the dispensed sample to the dispensing position where the sample is dispensed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the analyzer described in Patent Document 1 includes a supply mechanism unit 500 for supplying a cuvette as a container, and the supply mechanism unit 500 includes a storage unit 501 for storing a plurality of cuvettes. , A take-out unit 502 for taking out a cuvette from the storage unit 501 is provided. The take-out unit 502 places the cuvette on the swing rail 503 installed at the lowermost part inside the storage section 501, and swings the swing rail 503 to carry out the cuvette from the storage section 501.

When the cuvettes are exhausted or the number of cuvettes is low in the reservoir 501, the user needs to replenish the reservoir 501 with empty cuvettes. Depending on the user, the cuvette may be replenished by pouring the cuvette into the storage unit 501 at once from a bag containing a large number of cuvettes of several hundred to 1,000. As a result, the cuvette is scratched when it is poured into the reservoir 501. Therefore, the analysis result of the sample contained in the damaged cuvette may be abnormal. One method for identifying the cause of the anomaly is to track the cuvette associated with the analysis result in which the anomaly occurred.

Patent Document 2 describes that both information on consumables such as reagents, sample containers, and periodic replacement parts and test contents of samples are managed. Further, Patent Document 2 describes that the consumables information includes the production lot number associated with the sample container.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-194349 JP-A-2002-350451

By the way, in the conventional analyzer as described in Patent Document 2, a consumables management technique for enhancing the traceability of consumables is required. However, Patent Document 2 does not mention specific management contents of consumables and test contents, such as displaying consumables and test contents in association with each other on a display unit. Therefore, the conventional consumables management technology cannot sufficiently meet such a demand.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a sample analyzer and a sample analysis method capable of enhancing the traceability of a container capable of containing a sample.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 to 10, 13, and 17, the sample analyzer (1) according to one aspect of the present invention can store a plurality of containers capable of accommodating samples, and can store the containers. It was discharged from a storage unit (131) having a discharge port (150) capable of discharging, a production lot information acquisition unit (263) for acquiring production lot information (LI) regarding a production lot of a container, and a discharge port (150). An analysis processing unit (264) that analyzes the sample contained in the container, production lot information (LI), an analysis result (RA) of the sample contained in the container, and time information indicating the time when the sample was analyzed. Based on the recording unit (270) that records in association with each other, the production lot information (LI), the analysis result (RA), and the time information, the analysis result (RA) of the sample analyzed in a predetermined period is stored in the production lot information. It is provided with a display information generation unit (267) that generates display information for display on the display unit (300) in a display mode associated with (LI).

According to the above aspect, the analysis result of one or more samples analyzed in a predetermined period by the sample analyzer (1) based on the production lot information (LI), the analysis result (RA), and the time information ( Display information for displaying RA) on the display unit (300) in a display mode associated with the production lot information (LI) is generated. Therefore, for example, it is possible to estimate the production lot information of the container associated with the analysis result in which an abnormality has occurred with a certain accuracy. Therefore, the traceability of the container that can store the sample can be improved.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 18, in the sample analyzer (1), when the display information generation unit (267) acquires the production lot information (LI) of the container supplied to the storage unit (131). , The display information for displaying the production lot information (LI) on the display unit (300) in a predetermined display mode may be generated.

According to the above aspect, display information for displaying the production lot information (LI) of a plurality of containers supplied to the storage unit (131) on the display unit (300) in a predetermined display mode is generated. Therefore, the production lot information (LI) of the container supplied to the storage unit (131) can be easily grasped at a glance.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 18, in the sample analyzer (1), the display information generation unit (267) displays the production lot information (LI) of the container stored in the storage unit (131) in advance by the display unit (300). When the production lot information (LI) of the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131) is acquired after the first display information to be displayed on the storage unit (131) is generated, the production lot information (LI) is displayed on the display unit (LI). Second display information for display in 300) may be generated.

According to the above aspect, the display information generation unit (267) generates the second display information after generating the first display information. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the time when the production lot information is changed with a certain accuracy.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 18, in the sample analyzer (1), the display information generation unit (267) acquires the production lot information (LI) of the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131). After that, when the container to be stored in the storage unit (131) in advance is discharged from the storage unit (131) in a predetermined amount, or when a predetermined time has elapsed, the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131) Display information for displaying the production lot information (LI) on the display unit (300) may be generated.

According to the above aspect, after the production lot information (LI) of the newly supplied container is acquired, the display information is generated when certain conditions are satisfied as described above, so that the production lot information is changed. The time can be grasped more accurately.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 19, in the sample analyzer (1), the display information generation unit (267) supplies the container when the amount of the container stored in the storage unit (131) is equal to or less than the set amount. Information may be generated to prompt the user.

According to the above aspect, for example, when the amount of the container to be stored in the storage unit (131) becomes small, the supply of the container is promoted. Therefore, it is possible to promote the replenishment of the container at an appropriate timing.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 13 and 19, in the sample analyzer (1), a container arranged at a predetermined height from the bottom (131e) of the storage unit (131) and stored in the storage unit (131). The display information generation unit (267) further includes a sensor (350) capable of detecting the presence / absence of the container, and generates information for promoting the supply of the container based on the detection result of the presence / absence of the container by the sensor (350). May be good.

According to the above aspect, for example, it can be easily specified that the amount of the container to be stored in the storage unit (131) has decreased, so that the replenishment of the container can be promoted at a more appropriate timing.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 13 and 19, in the sample analyzer (1), the discharge status of the container arranged at the discharge port (150) and stored in the storage unit (131) can be detected. A sensor (400) is further provided, and the display information generation unit (267) may generate information for prompting the supply of the container when the container is discharged from the discharge port (150) in a predetermined amount or more.

According to the above aspect, for example, it can be easily specified that the amount of the container to be stored in the storage unit (131) has decreased, so that the replenishment of the container can be promoted at a more appropriate timing.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 8, 9, and 13, in the sample analyzer (1), the storage unit (131) is arranged at a predetermined height from the bottom portion (131e) of the storage unit (131), and the storage unit (131) is arranged. The first sensor that can detect the presence or absence of the container to be stored in), the second sensor that is arranged at the discharge port (150) and can detect the discharge status of the container that is stored in the storage unit (131), and the second sensor. A calculation unit (266) that calculates the amount of the container discharged from the discharge port (150) as the usage amount based on the detection result is further provided, and the first sensor detects the container in the calculation unit (266). The amount of the container discharged from the discharge port (150) after the exhaustion may be calculated as the usage amount.

According to the above aspect, by measuring the usage amount of the container stored in the storage unit (131), it is possible to accurately identify that the amount of the container stored in the storage unit (131) has decreased.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the sample analyzer (1), the calculation unit (266) starts the calculation of the usage amount, and then the production lot information (LI) of the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131). ) Is acquired, the usage amount may be reset.

According to the above aspect, when the production lot information (LI) of the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131) is acquired, the calculated usage amount is reset. Therefore, the calculation of the usage amount can be restarted when the production lot information (LI) is newly acquired.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the sample analyzer (1) is further provided with a reader (R) for reading the code (C) attached to the storage box (450) in which the container is stored, and is manufactured in a production lot. The information acquisition unit (263) may acquire the production lot information (LI) included in the code (C) read by the reader (R).

According to the above aspect, the production lot information (LI) included in the code (C) is acquired by reading the code (C) attached to the storage box (450) in which the container is stored. Therefore, the production lot information (LI) can be surely and easily acquired.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the sample analyzer (1), the production lot information (LI) may include at least the production lot number of the container.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 to 10, 13, and 17, the sample analysis method according to one aspect of the present invention acquires production lot information (LI) regarding a production lot of a container capable of accommodating a sample. Steps to analyze the sample using the container discharged from the discharge port (150) provided in the storage unit (131) capable of storing the container, the production lot information (LI), and the storage in the container. Predetermined based on the step of associating and recording the analysis result (RA) of the sample and the time information indicating the time when the sample was analyzed, and the production lot information (LI), the analysis result (RA), and the time information. Includes a step of generating display information for displaying the analysis result (RA) of the sample analyzed in the above period on the display unit (300) in a display mode associated with the production lot information (LI).

According to the above aspect, the sample analysis method obtains the analysis result (RA) of the sample analyzed in a predetermined period based on the production lot information (LI), the analysis result (RA), and the time information (production lot information (RA). Display information for display on the display unit (300) is generated in a display mode associated with LI). Therefore, for example, it is possible to estimate the production lot information of the container associated with the analysis result in which the abnormality has occurred. Therefore, the traceability of the container that can store the sample can be improved.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 18, in the sample analysis method, the step of generating display information is the production lot when the production lot information (LI) of the container supplied to the storage unit (131) is acquired. Display information for displaying the information (LI) on the display unit (300) in a predetermined display mode may be generated.

According to the above aspect, display information for displaying the production lot information (LI) of one or more containers supplied to the storage unit (131) on the display unit (300) in a predetermined display mode is generated. To do. Therefore, the production lot information (LI) of the container supplied to the storage unit (131) can be easily grasped at a glance.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 18, in the sample analysis method, in the step of generating display information, the production lot information (LI) of the container stored in advance in the storage unit (131) is displayed on the display unit (300). When the production lot information (LI) of the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131) is acquired after the first display information for the purpose is generated, the production lot information (LI) is displayed on the display unit (300). Second display information for display may be generated.

According to the above aspect, the second display information is generated after the first display information is generated. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the time when the production lot information is changed with a certain accuracy.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 18, in the sample analysis method, the step of generating the display information is stored after the production lot information (LI) of the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131) is acquired. When a predetermined amount of the container to be stored in the storage unit (131) is discharged from the storage unit (131) or after a predetermined time has elapsed, the production lot information of the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131) ( Display information for displaying LI) on the display unit (300) may be generated.

According to the above aspect, after the production lot information (LI) of the newly supplied container is acquired, the display information is generated when certain conditions are satisfied as described above, so that the production lot information is changed. The time can be grasped more accurately.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 19, in the sample analysis method, the step of generating display information is to promote the supply of containers when the amount of containers stored in the storage unit (131) becomes less than the set amount. Information may be generated.

According to the above aspect, for example, when the amount of the container to be stored in the storage unit (131) becomes small, the supply of the container is promoted. Therefore, it is possible to promote the replenishment of the container at an appropriate timing.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 13 and 19, in the sample analysis method, the steps for generating display information are arranged at a predetermined height from the bottom (131e) of the storage unit (131), and the storage unit (131) is arranged at a predetermined height. ) May generate information for prompting the supply of the container based on the detection result of the presence / absence of the container by the sensor (350) capable of detecting the presence / absence of the container.

According to the above aspect, for example, it can be easily specified that the amount of the container to be stored in the storage unit (131) has decreased, so that the replenishment of the container can be promoted at a more appropriate timing.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 13 and 19, in the sample analysis method, the step of generating display information is arranged at the discharge port (150), and the container stored in the storage unit (131) is discharged. When it is determined that the container has been discharged from the discharge port (150) in a predetermined amount or more based on the detection result of the sensor (400) capable of detecting the situation, information for prompting the supply of the container may be generated.

According to the above aspect, for example, it can be easily specified that the amount of the container to be stored in the storage unit (131) has decreased, so that the replenishment of the container can be promoted at a more appropriate timing.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 8, 9 and 13, in the sample analysis method, the first sensor is arranged at the discharge port (150) and can detect the discharge status of the container stored in the storage unit (131). The step of calculating the amount of the container discharged from the discharge port (150) as the usage amount based on the detection result of the above is further included, and the calculation step is a predetermined step from the bottom portion (131e) of the storage portion (131). The amount of the container discharged from the discharge port (150) after the second sensor, which is arranged at the height and can detect the presence or absence of the container stored in the storage unit (131), stops detecting the container, is calculated as the usage amount. You may.

According to the above aspect, by measuring the usage amount of the container stored in the storage unit (131), it is possible to accurately identify that the amount of the container stored in the storage unit (131) has decreased.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the sample analysis method, in the calculation step, after the calculation of the usage amount is started, the production lot information (LI) of the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131) is acquired. In that case, the usage amount may be reset.

According to the above aspect, when the production lot information (LI) of the container newly supplied to the storage unit (131) is acquired, the calculated usage amount is reset. Therefore, the calculation of the usage amount can be restarted when the production lot information (LI) is newly acquired.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the sample analysis method, the step of reading the code (C) attached to the storage box (450) in which the container is stored is further included, and the production lot information (LI) is acquired. The step may acquire the production lot information (LI) contained in the read code (C).

According to the above aspect, the production lot information (LI) included in the code (C) is acquired by reading the code (C) attached to the storage box (450) in which the container is stored. Therefore, the production lot information (LI) can be surely and easily acquired.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the sample analysis method, the production lot information (LI) may include at least the production lot number of the container.

According to the present invention, the traceability of a container that can contain a sample can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the sample analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a cross section showing an outline of the internal configuration of the sample analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a cuvette according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the cuvette supply unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the upper surface of the sample analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a vertical cross section showing an example of the internal configuration of the input portion of the cuvette supply portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a cross section showing an example of the internal configuration of the first storage unit of the cuvette supply unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a vertical cross section showing an example of the internal configuration of the first storage portion and the second storage portion viewed from the rear side according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which cuvettes are stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a vertical cross section showing an example of the internal configuration of the first storage portion and the second storage portion viewed from the left side according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the second storage unit and the transport unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a transport path according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of a control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process of reading a code attached to a storage box in which a cuvette is stored in the reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an information table including analysis results and production lot information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of display information generation processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display unit of the sample analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display unit of the sample analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display unit of the sample analyzer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration related to the related technology.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted. In addition, the positional relationship such as up, down, left, and right shall be based on the positional relationship shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to the ratios shown. Further, the following embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(First Embodiment)
<Configuration of sample analyzer>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the sample analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the internal configuration of the analyzer 1.

The sample analyzer 1 automatically analyzes a sample such as blood. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 1 includes a housing 10 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The housing 10 includes, for example, a front wall 10a, a side wall 10b on the right side when viewed from the front (front), a side wall 10c on the left side when viewed from the front, a ceiling wall 10d, and a rear wall 10e.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sample analyzer 1 holds a sample container carrying unit 20 for carrying the sample container A and a plurality of cuvettes B as containers capable of accommodating the samples side by side in a ring shape inside the housing 10. A first table 21 to be used, a second table 22 for holding a plurality of reagent containers C containing reagents to be mixed with a sample, a heating unit 23 for holding and heating a cuvette B, and a cuvette B. It is provided with an analysis unit 24 for analyzing an analysis sample of cuvette B (a mixture of a sample and a reagent), a discharge unit 25 for discharging the cuvette B for which analysis has been completed, a control unit 26, and the like.

Further, the sample analyzer 1 has a device configuration for injecting a liquid into the cuvette B, and the sample dispensing arm 27 for injecting the sample of the sample container A carried into the sample container carry-in unit 20 into the cuvette B of the first table 21. And two reagent dispensing arms 28, 29 and the like for injecting the reagent of the reagent container C of the second table 22 into the cuvette B are provided.

Further, the sample analyzer 1 conveys the cuvette supply unit 30 that supplies the cuvette B to the main body of the apparatus and the cuvette B supplied by the cuvette supply unit 30 to the first table 21 as an apparatus configuration for conveying the cuvette B. The first transfer arm 31, the second transfer arm 32 that transfers the cuvette B of the first table 21 to the first reagent dispensing arm 28 and the heating unit 23, and the cuvette B of the heating unit 23 are the first. The reagent dispensing arm 29, the analysis unit 24, the third transfer arm 33, and the like for transporting the reagent to the discharge section 25 are provided.

In a plan view, the sample container loading unit 20 is arranged on the front side in the housing 10, and the first table 21 and the second table 22 are arranged near the center in the housing 10. The heating unit 23 is arranged on the right side in the housing 10, and the analysis unit 24 is arranged on the rear surface (rear surface) side. The discharge unit 25 is arranged between the heating unit 23 and the analysis unit 24. The cuvette supply unit 30 is arranged on the left side in the housing 10 between the analysis unit 24 and the first table 21.

The sample container loading section 20 is accessible to the rack loading section 40 for loading the rack R accommodating a plurality of sample containers A and the sample dispensing arm 27, and the sample is ejected from the sample container A of the rack R by the sample injection arm 27. The sample suction position 41 to be sucked, the rack carry-out section 42 for carrying out the rack R of the sample container A to which the sample is sucked, and the rack R to the rack carry-in section 40, the sample suction position 41, and the rack carry-out section 42 in this order. A transport unit 43 for transport is provided. The transfer device 43 transfers the rack R using, for example, a conveyor.

The first table 21 has an annular shape and is configured to be rotatable by a drive unit. The first table 21 includes a plurality of cuvette holding portions 50 for holding the cuvette B. The cuvette holding portions 50 are arranged at equal intervals over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cuvette B includes a body portion b1 for accommodating a liquid and a collar portion b2 provided near the entrance of the body portion b1. The collar portion b2 projects outward in the radial direction from the upper portion of the body portion b1 and has an outer diameter larger than that of the body portion b1. The cuvette B has, for example, a dimension in the longitudinal direction of about 30 mm, a body portion b1 has an outer peripheral outer diameter D1 of about 8 mm, and a flange portion b2 has an outer peripheral outer diameter D2 of about 10 mm. The cuvette holding portion 50 shown in FIG. 2 has a hole larger than the outer peripheral outer diameter D1 of the cuvette B body b1 and smaller than the outer peripheral outer diameter D2 of the collar b2, and the cuvette B body b1 is accommodated in this hole. Then, the cuvette B can be held.

The second table 22 is arranged inside the first table 21. The second table 22 has a disk shape and is configured to be rotatable by a drive unit. The second table 22 includes a plurality of reagent container holding units 60 for holding the reagent container C. The reagent container holding portions 60 are arranged, for example, in a plurality of concentric circles. The reagent container holding portions 60 are arranged at equal intervals, for example, along the circumferential direction.

The heating unit 23 has a circular heating plate 70. The heating plate 70 has a plurality of cuvette holding portions 71 for holding the cuvette B. The cuvette holding portions 71 are arranged at equal intervals over the entire circumference of the heating plate 70, for example, near the outermost circumference. The heating plate 70 has a heat source and can heat the liquid in the cuvette B held in the cuvette holding portion 71 to a predetermined temperature.

The analysis unit 24 has a rectangular analysis plate 80. The analysis plate 80 has a plurality of cuvette holding portions 81 for holding the cuvette B. The cuvette holding portions 81 are arranged in a plurality of rows along the longitudinal direction of the analysis plate 80, for example. The analysis unit 24 has an irradiation unit and a light receiving unit, irradiates the cuvette holding unit 81 with light from the irradiation unit, receives the light transmitted through the analysis solution of the cuvette B by the light receiving unit, and analyzes the sample from the light reception result. can do.

The discharge unit 25 is provided with a discharge hole 82 for discharging the cuvette B. The discharge hole 82 is provided in the lower part of the housing 10 and communicates with the cuvette collection unit for collecting the cuvette.

The sample dispensing arm 27 is arranged between the sample suction position 41 of the sample container loading unit 20 in the housing 10 and the first table 21 in a plan view. The sample dispensing arm 27 includes a driving unit 90 for driving the sample dispensing arm 27 and a nozzle 91 for sucking and discharging the sample.

The drive unit 90 includes, for example, a rotary drive unit that rotates the sample dispensing arm 27 between the sample suction position 41 and the first table 21 in a plane direction, and an elevating drive unit that moves the sample dispensing arm 27 up and down. I have. The nozzle 91 is provided at the tip of the sample dispensing arm 27, and the sample can be sucked or discharged by a pump or the like. With this configuration, the sample dispensing arm 27 accesses the sample container A at the sample suction position 41, sucks the sample, moves onto the first table 21, and discharges the sample to the cuvette B of the first table 21. can do.

The reagent dispensing arms 28 and 29 have an elongated arm 100 in a plan view, and a nozzle 101 is provided below the elongated arm 100. The arm 100 of the first reagent dispensing arm 28 extends from the top of the second table 22 to the vicinity of the heating portion 23. The arm 100 of the second reagent dispensing arm 29 extends from the second table 22 to the vicinity of the analysis unit 24. The arm 100 is fixed to the ceiling of the housing 10, for example.

The nozzle 101 is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction with respect to the arm 100 by a drive unit. The nozzle 101 of the first reagent dispensing arm 28 is movable along the arm 100 from the top of the second table 22 to the vicinity of the heating table 70 of the heating unit 23. The nozzle 101 of the second reagent dispensing arm 29 is movable along the arm 100 from the top of the second table 22 to the vicinity of the top of the analysis plate 80 of the analysis unit 24. The nozzle 101 can suck or discharge the reagent by a pump or the like (not shown). Further, the nozzle 101 is provided with a heat source, and the sucked reagent can be heated to a predetermined temperature. With this configuration, the nozzle 101 of the first reagent dispensing arm 28 accesses the reagent container C of the second table 22, sucks the reagent, moves to the vicinity of the heating table 70, and is located near the heating table 70. The reagent can be discharged to the cuvette B held by the second arm 32. Further, the nozzle 101 of the second reagent dispensing arm 29 accesses the reagent container C of the second table 22, sucks the reagent, moves to the vicinity of the analysis plate 80, and the third is near the analysis plate 80. The reagent can be discharged to the cuvette B held by the arm 33.

The cuvette supply unit 30 stores an empty cuvette B input from the outside, and sequentially supplies the cuvette B to the cuvette unloading unit 182, which will be described later. Details of the configuration of the cuvette supply unit 30 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first arm 31 is arranged between the transport path 181 described later of the cuvette supply unit 30 and the first table 21 in a plan view. The first arm 31 has a drive unit 110 for driving the first arm 31 and a cuvette holding unit 111 for holding the cuvette B. The drive unit 110 has a rotary drive unit that rotates the first arm 31 in a plane direction between the cuvette carry-out unit 182 of the cuvette supply unit 30 and the first table 21, and an elevating unit that moves the first arm 31 up and down. It has a drive unit. The cuvette holding portion 111 is provided at the tip end portion of the first arm 31, and has, for example, a U-shape, and the cuvette B can be held by hooking the flange portion b2 of the cuvette B from below. With such a configuration, the first arm 31 holds the cuvette B of the cuvette carry-out part 182 of the cuvette supply part 30, moves the cuvette B onto the first table 21, and makes the cuvette holding part 50 of the first table 21. Can be placed in.

The second arm 32 is arranged, for example, on the heating plate 70 of the heating unit 23. The second arm 32 has a drive unit 115 for driving the second arm 32 and a cuvette holding unit 116 for holding the cuvette B. The drive unit 115 includes, for example, a rotary drive unit that rotates the second arm 32 between the first table 21 and the heating table 70 in the horizontal direction, and an elevating drive unit that moves the second arm 32 up and down. A telescopic drive unit for expanding and contracting the second arm 32 in the horizontal direction is provided. The cuvette holding portion 116 is provided at the tip end portion of the second arm 32, has a U-shape, for example, and can hold the cuvette B by hooking the flange portion b2 of the cuvette B from below. With such a configuration, the second arm 32 holds the cuvette B of the cuvette holding portion 50 of the first table 21 and moves the cuvette B below the nozzle 101 of the first reagent dispensing portion 28, or , Can be moved to the cuvette holding portion 71 of the heating table 70.

The third arm 33 is arranged on the rear surface side of the analysis unit 24 in the housing 10 in a plan view. The third arm 33 has a drive unit 120 for driving the third arm 33 and a cuvette holding unit 121 for holding the cuvette B. The drive unit 120 includes a drive mechanism for moving the third arm 33 in the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction. The cuvette holding portion 121 is provided at the tip end portion of the third arm 33, and has, for example, a U-shape, and the cuvette B can be held by hooking the collar portion b2 of the cuvette B from below. With such a configuration, the third arm 33 holds the cuvette B of the cuvette holding portion 71 of the heating table 70, and the cuvette B is moved below the nozzle 101 of the second reagent dispensing portion 29, or analyzed. It can be moved to the cuvette holding portion 81 of the portion 24. The third arm 33 can convey the cuvette B for which the analysis has been completed to the discharge unit 25.

<Structure of cuvette supply section>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of the cuvette supply unit 30. The cuvette supply unit 30 includes, for example, an input unit 130 for charging an empty cuvette B, a first storage unit 131 (storage unit) for storing the cuvette B charged from the input unit 130, and a first storage unit 131. A second storage unit 132 for storing the cuvette B discharged from the vehicle and a transport unit 133 for transporting the cuvette B of the second storage unit 132 are provided.

The charging unit 130 includes, for example, a rectangular charging port 140 and a transport path 141 leading from the charging port 140 to the first storage unit 131. As shown in FIG. 5, the input port 140 opens on the upper surface of the housing 10 by opening the door 142 provided on the ceiling wall 10d of the housing 10. The transport path 141 extends in the direction from the front surface side to the rear surface side of the housing 10. The transport path 141 has a cross-sectional shape in which the vertical cross section perpendicular to the stretching direction is substantially rectangular. As shown in FIG. 6, the transport path 141 has a bottom surface 143 that is inclined so as to gradually descend from the input port 140 toward the first storage unit 131.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first storage portion 131 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and for example, the side wall 131a on the right side when viewed from the front, the side wall 131b on the left side when viewed from the front, the ceiling wall 131c, and the rear. It is provided with a face wall 131d. The front surface of the first storage unit 131 is open, and the transport path 141 is connected to it. Further, the first storage unit 131 has a bottom portion 131e as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a cross section showing the internal configuration of the first storage unit 131. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a vertical cross section showing the internal configurations of the first storage unit 131 and the second storage unit 132 as viewed from the rear side of the housing 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom portion 131e has a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction in a plan view. The bottom 131e includes, for example, a discharge port 150, a first inclined plate 151, a second inclined plate 152, and a diaphragm 153.

The discharge port 150 has, for example, a square shape and is open to a second storage portion 132 below. The discharge port 150 is adjacent to the rear wall 131d and is arranged at a position closer to the side wall 131a on the right side than the center in the left-right direction. The discharge port 150 has a relationship of L <D <3 × L, where L is the maximum dimension of the cuvette B (longitudinal dimension shown in FIG. 3) and D is the maximum dimension of the discharge port (diagonal dimension). It preferably has dimensions that satisfy the relationship L <D <2 × L.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a vertical cross section showing the internal configurations of the first storage unit 131 and the second storage unit 132 as viewed from the left side of the housing 10. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the first inclined plate 151 is provided on the front surface side of the first storage portion 131, and is smoothly continuous with the bottom surface 143 of the transport path 141. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the first inclined plate 151 is inclined so as to gradually lower toward the discharge port 150 on the right side of the center in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second inclined plate 152 is provided on the left side wall 131b side of the first storage portion 131, and is inclined so as to gradually lower from the left side wall 131b toward the discharge port 150. ing. A resin having a low frictional force (for example, polyacetal) is used for the first inclined plate 151 and the second inclined plate 152 in order to improve the sliding of the cuvette B.

As shown in FIG. 7, the diaphragm 153 has, for example, a rectangular shape and forms a part of the bottom 131e. The diaphragm 153 extends horizontally from the right side wall 131a toward the discharge port 150. The diaphragm 153 has a structure that is more likely to vibrate than other parts around it, for example, a thin plate shape or a material having a high elastic modulus.

As shown in FIG. 8, the diaphragm 153 has, for example, an L-shape, and extends downward from the tip of the horizontal portion 153a and the horizontal portion 153a extending from the right side wall 131a toward the discharge port 150 side. It includes a vertical portion 153b. The vertical portion 153b faces the discharge port 150 and forms a part of the edge of the discharge port 150. The upper surface 153c of the horizontal portion 153a is an upper surface facing the inside of the first storage portion 131, and the outer surface 153d of the vertical portion 153b is a side surface facing the discharge port 150. The upper surface 153c of the horizontal portion 153a and the outer surface 153d of the vertical portion 153b are smoothly connected at the upper edge of the edge of the discharge port 150.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which cuvettes are stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a vibrating member 160 vibrating in the vertical direction is provided on the back surface of the diaphragm 153. The vibrating member 160 is, for example, a vibrating actuator that vibrates by feeding power. The vibration of the vibrating member 160 can be controlled by the control unit 26. The vibrating member 160 vibrates the diaphragm 153, and the cuvette B accumulated in the first storage unit 131 can be dropped from the discharge port 150 to the second storage unit 132. The remaining cuvette B is stagnant due to the natural frictional force between the cuvettes B and is stored in the first storage unit 131. At this time, the second storage unit 132 stores a substantially fixed amount of cuvette B, which is not too large with respect to the storage capacity of the second storage unit 132. In the present embodiment, the diaphragm 153 and the vibrating member 160 constitute a vibration applying mechanism 165, which controls the fall of the cuvette B from the first storage unit 131 to the second storage unit 132. Consists of.

Returning to FIG. 4, the first storage unit 131 is arranged at a predetermined height from the bottom 131e of the first storage unit 131, and is a storage unit sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of cuvettes stored in the first storage unit 131. Further equipped with 350. Further, the storage unit sensor 350 is also arranged at a specific position on the inner wall corresponding to the position of the outer wall of the first storage unit 131. The storage unit sensor 350 installed on the outer wall and the storage unit sensor 350 installed on the inner wall can transmit and receive sensor information to each other. The storage sensor 350 is, for example, a non-contact optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of a cuvette by irradiating a laser beam intermittently or periodically in a predetermined direction and receiving the reflected light. can do. The storage unit sensor 350 is used to determine whether or not the amount of cuvettes stored in the first storage unit 131 is equal to or less than a set amount (for example, 200). Although the storage sensor 350 is not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, it irradiates the laser beam in the direction shown by the broken line DL. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the cuvette is stored below the virtual surface in the left-right direction including the broken line DL, the storage unit sensor 350 does not detect the cuvette. Therefore, in the control unit 26 that has acquired the sensor information from the storage unit sensor 350, it is determined that the amount of cuvettes stored in the first storage unit 131 is equal to or less than the set amount. The storage sensor 350 may be a sensor that employs another detection technique in addition to the optical sensor, as long as it can detect the presence or absence of the cuvette.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first storage unit 131 is further provided with an discharge port sensor 400 which is arranged in the discharge port 150 and can detect the discharge status of the cuvette stored in the first storage unit 131. The outlet sensor 400 is, for example, a non-contact optical sensor, and the cuvette is exposed to the outlet 150 by irradiating the laser beam intermittently or periodically in a predetermined direction and receiving the reflected light. It is possible to detect whether or not the light has passed (has been discharged). The discharge port sensor 400 may be a sensor that employs another detection technique in addition to the optical sensor, as long as it can detect whether or not the cuvette has passed through the discharge port 150. The outlet sensor 400 outputs sensor information corresponding to the detection result to the control unit 26. The outlet sensor 400 may be replaced by at least one of the first sensor 260 or the second sensor 261 described later. Specifically, the amount of cuvette discharged from the cuvette outlet 150 or the amount of cuvette used is based on the detection result of at least one of the first sensor 260 or the second sensor 261 instead of the discharge port sensor 400. It may be calculated. Further, the amount of cuvette discharged from the cuvette outlet 150 or the amount of cuvette used is based on the detection result of at least one of the first sensor 260 or the second sensor 261 in addition to the detection result of the discharge port sensor 400. May be calculated.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 8 and 11, the second storage unit 132 is provided directly below the first storage unit 131. The second storage unit 132 has a smaller storage capacity than the first storage unit 131.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second storage portion 132 has a front wall 132a, a side wall 132b on the right side when viewed from the front, a side wall 132c on the left side when viewed from the front, a rear wall 132d, and a bottom wall 132e. There is.

As shown in FIG. 11, the bottom wall 132e has an inverted conical (mortar-shaped) inclined surface having the lowest position near the center.

The upper surface of the second storage portion 132 is open and is exposed to the bottom portion 131e of the first storage portion 131. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper surface on the left side when viewed from the rear surface of the second storage portion 132 is exposed to the second inclined plate 152 of the bottom 131e, and is directly below the second inclined plate 152. , A gap 170 is formed so that the second storage portion 132 can be accessed from the outside. As shown in FIG. 1, a door 171 that can be opened and closed is provided on the left side wall 10c of the housing 10 corresponding to the gap 170 on the left side of the second storage unit 132. By opening the door 171, the second storage unit 132 can be accessed from the outside of the housing 10.

The transport unit 133 shown in FIG. 4 takes out the cuvette B of the second storage unit 132 and sequentially transports the cuvette B to the cuvette unloading unit 182.

The transport unit 133 accommodates, for example, an extraction mechanism 180 for taking out the cuvette B of the second storage unit 132, a transport path 181 for transporting the cuvette B taken out by the take-out mechanism 180, and a cuvette B transported by the transport path 181. It is provided with a cuvette carry-out unit 182.

As shown in FIG. 12, the cuvette carry-out portion 182 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The cuvette transport unit 182 includes, for example, a rotating unit 250 that is rotated by a driving unit. The rotating portion 250 has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a plurality of, for example, three accommodating holes 251 on the outer peripheral surface. The accommodating hole 251 has a substantially cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the cuvette B from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 250. The cuvette B that has fallen through the transport path 181 is accommodated and held in the accommodating hole 251 when the rotating portion 250 rotates and the accommodating hole 251 aligns with the slit 231 of the rail 230. When the accommodating hole 251 does not fit the slit 231 of the rail 230, the cuvette B stays on the rail 230. In normal times, the amount of cuvette B dropped in the transport path 181 is set to be larger than the number of cuvettes B held in the cuvette carry-out portion 182. Therefore, the rail 230 is set in the transport path 181. A state in which a plurality of cuvettes B are accumulated up to the upper part of the (waiting order). A predetermined number, for example, 10 cuvettes B can be stored in the transport path 181 according to the length thereof.

The cuvette supply unit 30 includes a sensor capable of detecting the transport state of the cuvette B by the transport unit 133. Specifically, the transport path 181 is provided with a first sensor 260 provided at the uppermost portion of the rail 230 and capable of detecting the presence / absence of the cuvette B and the passage of the cuvette B, and a cuvette provided at the lowermost portion of the rail 230. A second sensor 261 capable of detecting the presence or absence of B is provided. The first sensor 260 and the second sensor 261 are, for example, non-contact type optical sensors having a light irradiation unit and a light receiving unit, and whether or not the light receiving unit receives the light emitted from the irradiation unit. Correspondingly, the presence or absence of cuvette B is detected. The detection results of the first sensor 260 and the second sensor 261 are output to the control unit 26.

The control unit 26 is, for example, a computer, and the sample injection arm 27, the reagent dispensing units 28, 29, the first arm 31, and the second arm 31 are executed by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory provided in the computer. Controls the drive of various drive units such as the arm 32, the third arm 33, the sample container carry-in unit 20, the first table 21, the second table 22, the heating unit 23, the analysis unit 24, and the cuvette supply unit 30. Therefore, the analysis process of the sample can be carried out. In particular, the control unit 26 can control the operation of the vibration applying mechanism 165 based on the detection result of the transport state of the cuvette B by the sensors 260 and 261 in the analysis process.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of the control unit 26 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 26 schematically shows an information processing unit 262 that executes information processing for generating display information to be displayed on the display unit 300 shown in FIG. 1, and information related to information processing. A recording unit 270 for recording information processing is provided.

The information processing unit 262 functionally includes a manufacturing lot information acquisition unit 263, an analysis processing unit 264, a sensor information acquisition unit 265, a calculation unit 266, and a display information generation unit 267. Each function is executed by the CPU executing the program stored in the memory included in the control unit 26 (computer).

The production lot information acquisition unit 263 acquires production lot information (for example, production lot number, etc.) regarding the production lot of the cuvette.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reading process of a code attached to a storage box in which a cuvette is stored in the reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the reading device R included in the sample analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 reads the code C attached to the storage box 450 in which the cuvette is stored. The reading device R outputs the barcode information to the control unit 26. The code may include not only a barcode which is a one-dimensional code but also a QR code (registered trademark) which is a two-dimensional code, or may include another code. Then, the manufacturing lot information acquisition unit 263 acquires the manufacturing lot information LI included in the code C read by the reading device R. The production lot information LI may further include the number of cuvettes contained in the storage box 450, that is, the number of cuvettes newly supplied to the first storage unit 131, together with the production lot number.

According to this configuration, the production lot information LI included in the code C is acquired by reading the code C attached to the storage box 450 in which the cuvette is stored. Therefore, the production lot information LI can be obtained reliably and easily.

The storage box 450 has, for example, three bags containing 1000 cuvettes. That is, one storage box contains 3000 cuvettes. Therefore, the production lot information LI is assigned individual production lot information for every 3000 cuvettes.

Returning to FIG. 13, the analysis unit 264 analyzes the sample contained in the cuvette discharged from the discharge port 150 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. The analysis processing unit 264 analyzes, for example, an analysis sample (a mixture of a sample and a reagent) contained in a cuvette.

The sensor information acquisition unit 265 is a detection result output from the storage unit sensor 350 shown in FIG. 4, the outlet sensor 400 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and the first sensor 260 and the second sensor 261 shown in FIG. Is acquired as sensor information.

The calculation unit 266 calculates the amount of cuvette discharged from the discharge port 150 as the usage amount based on the detection results of the discharge port sensor 400 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. For example, the calculation unit 266 can accurately calculate the amount of cuvettes used in the analysis process by measuring the number of cuvettes passing through the discharge port 150.

The display information generation unit 267 associates the analysis results of one or more samples analyzed in a predetermined period with the production lot information based on the production lot information LI, the analysis result, and the time information when the analysis process is executed. Display information for display on the display unit 300 is generated in the display mode. The display information generation unit 267 outputs the generated display information to the display unit 300.

The "predetermined period" may be several hours, one day (24 hours), or multiple days, or may be weekly, monthly, or yearly. Further, the "time information" indicates the time when the analysis process is executed, and includes, for example, the analysis start time or the analysis end time as shown in FIG. 15 described later. The time information may be a specific time during the execution of the analysis process.

The recording unit 270 records at least the production lot information LI, the analysis result RA of the sample contained in the cuvette, and the cuvette amount information CI in association with each other. Further, the time information indicating the time when the sample is analyzed may be included in the analysis result RA, or may be recorded separately from the analysis result RA. The cuvette amount information CI is information on the cuvette amount, and may indicate, for example, the number of cuvettes newly supplied to the first storage unit 131. Further, the cuvette amount information CI is the amount of cuvette used (for example,) based on the sensor information output from the outlet sensor 400 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the first sensor 260 and the second sensor 261 shown in FIG. The number used) may be used.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an information table including analysis results and production lot information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, the recording unit 270 records, for example, the sample number, the production lot number, the analysis time, and the analysis result in association with each other. The recording unit 270 may further record rack information such as a rack number and a rack position for each sample number.

<Display information generation process>
An example of the display information generation process according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of display information generation processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 16, the production lot information acquisition unit 263 shown in FIG. 13 acquires production lot information LI of a plurality of cuvettes capable of accommodating a sample (step S1). The analysis processing unit 264 analyzes the sample contained in the cuvette discharged from the discharge port 150 provided in the first storage unit 131 capable of storing the cuvette (step S3). The recording unit 270 records the production lot information LI, the analysis result RA of the sample contained in the cuvette, and the time information indicating the time when the sample is analyzed in association with each other (step S5). The display information generation unit 267 displays the analysis result RA of the sample analyzed in a predetermined period (for example, one day) in association with the production lot information LI based on the production lot information LI, the analysis result RA, and the time information. Display information for display on the display unit 300 is generated in the mode (step S7).

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the analysis result screen G1 of the display unit 300 of the sample analyzer 1. As shown in FIG. 17, the display information generation unit 267 displays, for example, the display information for displaying the analysis result RA dated January 13, 2019 on the display unit 300 in the form of a list display associated with the production lot information number. To generate. The analysis result screen G1 may further include rack information such as a rack number and a rack position for each sample number.

Here, the analysis result of the sample number "20_27" is "Error" (abnormal occurrence). Whether or not an abnormality has occurred in a certain analysis result is determined by, for example, setting a first reference value of an analysis value and a second reference value lower than the first reference value in each analysis process, and a certain analysis value is the first reference value. If it exceeds the value or falls below the second reference value, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the analysis process. Then, the user who operates the sample analyzer 1 can grasp that the production lot number of the cuvette containing the sample of the analysis result in which the abnormality has occurred is "U1000-011".

Here, as described above, the replenishment of the cuvette is executed when the number of cuvettes stored in the first storage unit 131 becomes small. For example, when the number of stored cuvettes reaches about 100, 1000 new cuvettes are supplied to the first storage unit 131. In this way, if a new cuvette is supplied before the cuvettes to be stored in the first storage unit 131 are completely exhausted, the cuvettes having different production lot numbers may be mixed in the first storage unit 131. There is. Therefore, although the production lot number of the cuvette containing the sample of the analysis result in which the abnormality has occurred is displayed as "U1000-011" on the analysis result screen G1 shown in FIG. 17, the abnormality is actually obtained. The production lot number of the cuvette containing the sample of the analysis result in which is generated may be "A1000-001" different from "U1000-011". In this way, although it is not possible to completely grasp the production lot number of the cuvette containing the sample of the analysis result in which the abnormality has occurred, the user can at least associate the production lot number of the cuvette with a plurality of analysis results in a predetermined period. It can be determined (estimated) that the possibility of "U1000-011" or "A1000-001" is high.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, based on the production lot information LI, the analysis result RA, and the time information, the analysis result RA of the sample analyzed in a predetermined period is displayed in association with the production lot information LI. Display information for display on the display unit 300 is generated. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the production lot information of the cuvette associated with the analysis result in which the abnormality has occurred. Therefore, the traceability of the cuvette that can accommodate the sample can be improved.

The analysis result screen G1 is January 13, 2019, that is, a list screen of analysis results for one day, but is not limited to this. For example, the analysis result screen G1 may be a list screen of analysis results for several hours or a plurality of days, or may be a list screen of analysis results on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis.

On the analysis result screen G1, the analysis result in which the abnormality has occurred may be displayed in a form different from other analysis results. For example, the analysis result of the sample number "20_27" may be highlighted, such as being displayed in a color different from that of other analysis results, or being displayed in a character thickness different from that of other analysis results. According to this configuration, the analysis result in which the abnormality has occurred can be easily grasped on the analysis result screen G1.

(Second Embodiment)
An example of the display information generation process according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a cuvette management screen of the display unit 300 of the sample analyzer 1. As shown in FIG. 18, the cuvette management screens G3 and G5 include, for example, an image corresponding to the internal configuration of the sample analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 2, and the real-time management status of the cuvette can be grasped. FIG. 18A is an example of a cuvette management screen including a production lot number of cuvettes to be stored in advance in the first storage unit 131 shown in FIGS. 4 to 10 and the like. FIG. 18B is an example of a cuvette management screen including the production lot number of the cuvette newly supplied to the first storage unit 131.

As shown in FIG. 18A, when the display information generation unit 267 shown in FIG. 13 acquires the production lot information LI of the cuvette supplied to the first storage unit 131, the production lot information acquisition unit 263 acquires the production lot information LI. Display information for displaying the production lot information LI on the display unit 300 in a predetermined display mode is generated. Then, the display unit 300 displays the cuvette management screen G3 including the production lot number CN1 "A1000-001".

According to this configuration, the production lot information LI of the cuvette supplied to the first storage unit 131 can be easily grasped at a glance.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the display information generation unit 267 displays the cuvette production lot information LI stored in advance in the first storage unit 131 shown in FIGS. 4 to 10 and the like on the display unit 300. Generate the first display information. The display unit 300 displays, for example, the cuvette management screen G3 including the production lot number CN1 “A1000-001”. After that, when the production lot information acquisition unit 263 acquires the production lot information LI of the cuvette newly supplied to the first storage unit 131 (for example, the information corresponding to the production lot number CN3 “U1000-011”), The display information generation unit 267 generates a second display information for displaying the production lot information (LI) on the display unit (300). For example, as shown in FIG. 18B, the display unit 300 displays the cuvette management screen G3 including the production lot number CN3 “U1000-011”.

According to this configuration, the display information generation unit 267 generates the second display information after generating the first display information. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the time when the production lot information is changed with a certain accuracy.

In the display information generation unit 267, the first storage after the production lot information acquisition unit 263 acquires the production lot information LI of the cuvette newly supplied to the first storage unit 131 shown in FIGS. 4 to 10 and the like. When a predetermined amount of cuvette stored in the first storage unit 131 is discharged from the first storage unit 131 or after a predetermined time has elapsed, the production lot information LI of the cuvette newly supplied to the first storage unit 131 is obtained. Display information for display on the display unit 300 is generated.

Here, as described above, the replenishment of the cuvette is executed when the number of cuvettes stored in the first storage unit 131 becomes small. For example, when the number of stored cuvettes reaches about 100, 1000 new cuvettes are supplied to the first storage unit 131. Therefore, after the production lot information acquisition unit 263 acquires the production lot information LI of the cuvettes newly supplied to the first storage unit 131, when the remaining 100 cuvettes are discharged, the first storage unit 131 Will store 1000 newly supplied cuvettes. Therefore, in such a case, display information for displaying the newly supplied cuvette production lot information LI on the display unit 300 is generated. Further, after the production lot information acquisition unit 263 acquires the production lot information LI of the cuvettes newly supplied to the first storage unit 131, the time for discharging 100 remaining cuvettes is predicted (or set) in advance. Then, after the lapse of time, display information for displaying the production lot information LI of the newly supplied cuvette on the display unit 300 may be generated. The point that the cuvette that stays in advance and the cuvette that is newly supplied coexist is ignored here.

According to this configuration, after the production lot information LI of the newly supplied cuvette is acquired, the display information is generated when certain conditions are satisfied as described above, so that the time when the production lot information is changed can be determined. It can be grasped more accurately.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the production lot information acquisition unit 263 acquires the production lot information LI of the cuvette, the display information generation unit 267 displays the production lot information LI in a predetermined display mode. Display information for display on the display unit 300 is generated. Therefore, since the cuvette management screen including the production lot information is displayed on the display unit 300, it becomes easy to grasp the production lot information LI of the cuvette supplied to the first storage unit 131 at a glance.

The calculation unit 266 may calculate the amount of cuvette discharged from the discharge port 150 as the usage amount based on the detection result of the discharge port sensor 400. The display information generation unit 267 may generate display information for displaying the cuvette management screen including the usage amount, for example. The calculation unit 266 determines the amount of the container discharged from the discharge port 150 after the storage unit sensor 350 stops detecting the container (for example, the cuvette in the first storage unit 131 becomes less than a predetermined amount). It may be calculated as the amount used.

According to this configuration, by measuring the amount of cuvette used in the first storage unit 131, it is possible to accurately identify that the amount of containers stored in the first storage unit 131 has decreased. it can.

After starting the calculation of the usage amount, the calculation unit 266 resets the usage amount when the production lot information LI of the cuvette newly supplied to the first storage unit 131 is acquired. Then, for example, the count is restarted with the usage amount being zero.

According to this configuration, when the production lot information LI of the cuvette newly supplied to the first storage unit 131 is acquired, the calculated usage amount is reset. Therefore, the calculation of the usage amount can be restarted when the production lot information LI is newly acquired.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the cuvette management screen G7 of the display unit 300 of the sample analyzer 1. As shown in FIG. 19, the cuvette management screen G7 includes information RI for promoting replenishment (supply) of cuvettes. The information RI may be text information such as "please replenish", image information for encouraging replenishment, or a combination of text information and image information.

The display information generation unit 267 shown in FIG. 13 supplies cuvettes when the amount of cuvettes stored in the first storage unit 131 shown in FIGS. 4 to 10 and the like is less than the set amount (for example, 200). Generate information to encourage. According to this configuration, the supply of cuvettes is promoted when the amount of cuvettes stored in the first storage unit 131 becomes small. Therefore, it is possible to promote the replenishment of cuvettes at an appropriate timing.

The display information generation unit 267 generates information for promoting the supply of cuvettes based on the detection result of the presence or absence of cuvettes by the storage unit sensor 350 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. According to this configuration, it can be easily specified that the amount of the container to be stored in the first storage unit 131 has decreased, so that the replenishment of the cuvette can be promoted at a more appropriate timing.

The display information generation unit 267 generates information for promoting the supply of the container when a predetermined amount (for example, 800 pieces) or more of the cuvettes stored in the first storage unit 131 is discharged from the discharge port 150. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily identify that the amount of cuvettes stored in the first storage unit 131 has decreased, so that it is possible to promote the replenishment of the container at a more appropriate timing.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the cuvette management screen G7 including the information RI for promoting the replenishment (supply) of the cuvette is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the user to replenish the cuvette.

<Other Embodiments>
The above embodiment is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be modified / improved (for example, combining each embodiment, omitting a part of the configuration of each embodiment) without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention also includes an equivalent thereof. Is done.

1: Specimen analyzer, 30: Cuvette supply unit, 131: First storage unit, 131e: Bottom, 150: Discharge port, 263: Production lot information acquisition unit, 264: Analysis processing unit, 266: Calculation unit, 267: Display information generator, 270: Recording unit, 300: Display unit, 350: Storage unit sensor, 400: Discharge port sensor, 450: Storage box, B: Cuvette, C: Code, R: Reader

Claims (13)

Steps to obtain production lot information about the production lot of the container that can hold the sample, and
A step of analyzing a sample using the container discharged from a discharge port provided in a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of the container, and a step of analyzing a sample.
A step of associating and recording the production lot information, the analysis result of the sample contained in the container, and the time information indicating the time when the sample was analyzed.
Based on the production lot information, the analysis result, and the time information, a step of generating display information for displaying the analysis result of the sample on the display unit in a display mode associated with the production lot information and the time information. Specimen analysis methods, including. In the step of generating the display information, when an abnormality occurs in the analysis of the sample, information indicating that the analysis of the sample has an abnormality is displayed on the display unit in association with the production lot information and the time information. The sample analysis method according to claim 1, wherein display information is generated. The step of generating the display information is to display the production lot information on the display unit in a predetermined display mode when the production lot information of a plurality of containers supplied to the storage unit is acquired. The sample analysis method according to claim 1, wherein the display information of the above is generated. The step of generating the display information is newly supplied to the storage unit after generating the first display information for displaying the production lot information of the container stored in the storage unit in advance on the display unit. The sample analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the production lot information of the container is acquired, the second display information for displaying the production lot information on the display unit is generated. .. In the step of generating the display information, after the production lot information of the container newly supplied to the storage unit is acquired, a predetermined amount of the container to be stored in the storage unit in advance is discharged from the storage unit. When, or after a lapse of a predetermined time, any one of claims 1 to 4, which generates display information for displaying the production lot information of the container newly supplied to the storage unit on the display unit. The sample analysis method according to paragraph 1. The step of generating the display information is any one of claims 1 to 5, which generates information for promoting the supply of the container when the amount of the container stored in the storage unit becomes equal to or less than a set amount. The sample analysis method described in the section. The step of generating the display information is arranged at a predetermined height from the bottom of the storage unit, and is based on the detection result of the presence / absence of the container by a sensor capable of detecting the presence / absence of the container stored in the storage unit. The sample analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which generates information for promoting the supply of the container. The step of generating the display information is arranged in the discharge port, and the container discharges a predetermined amount or more from the discharge port based on the detection result of a sensor capable of detecting the discharge status of the container stored in the storage unit. The sample analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when it is determined that the container has been supplied, information for promoting the supply of the container is generated. A step of calculating the amount of the container discharged from the discharge port as the usage amount based on the detection result of the first sensor that is arranged in the discharge port and can detect the discharge status of the container stored in the storage unit. And, including
The calculation step is arranged at a predetermined height from the bottom of the storage unit, and after the second sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of the container stored in the storage unit does not detect the container, the discharge port The sample analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the amount of the container discharged from the container is calculated as the amount used. The calculation step is described in claim 9, wherein the usage amount is reset when the production lot information of the container newly supplied to the storage unit is acquired after the calculation of the usage amount is started. Specimen analysis method. Further including the step of reading the code attached to the storage box in which the container is stored,
The sample analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the step of acquiring the production lot information is to acquire the production lot information included in the read code. The sample analysis method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the production lot information includes at least the production lot number of the container. A storage unit capable of storing a plurality of containers that can store a sample and having a discharge port capable of discharging the container, and a storage unit.
A manufacturing lot information acquisition unit that acquires manufacturing lot information regarding the manufacturing lot of the container, and
An analysis processing unit that analyzes a sample contained in the container discharged from the discharge port, and
A recording unit that records the production lot information, the analysis result of the sample contained in the container, and the time information indicating the time when the sample is analyzed in association with each other.
Display information that generates display information for displaying the analysis result of a sample on the display unit in a display mode associated with the production lot information and the time information based on the production lot information, the analysis result, and the time information. A sample analyzer comprising a generator.