JP2022065667A - Sample measurement device and sample suction method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable selective suction.

SOLUTION: A sample measurement device 10 is provided, comprising a suction unit 101 for sucking samples, a flow channel 110 connected to the suction unit 101, a first pump 121 connected to the flow channel 110, a second pump 122 connected to the flow channel 110, and a control unit 200 configured to selectively drive one of the first pump 121 and the second pump 122 when sucking a sample from the suction unit 101.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a sample measuring device and a sample suction method.

As shown in FIG. 30, Patent Document 1 describes the first and second syringe pumps CL1 and CL2 driven by a single drive source 10, and the third syringe pump CL3 connected in series to the second syringe pump CL2. Discloses a sample measuring device equipped with the above. The first syringe pump CL1 sends the sheath liquid having a flow rate Q to the sheath flow cell FC. The sheath liquid having a flow rate of Q flows into the sheath flow cell FC by the first syringe pump CL1, and the sample liquid having a flow rate of Qs flows into the sheath flow cell FC from the sample container C1.

The sheath flow cell FC discharges a mixed solution of the sample solution and the sheath solution. The flow rate of the mixed solution is Q + Qs. Of the discharged mixed liquids, the mixed liquid having a flow rate Q is sucked by the second syringe pump CL2, and the mixed liquid having a flow rate Qs is sucked by the third syringe pump CL3.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-114419

In the suction of a sample by a sample measuring device, the suction amount and the like may differ depending on the measurement item and the like. Therefore, it is desired to cope with different amounts of sample suction and the like. Although the second syringe pump CL2 and the third syringe pump CL3 of Patent Document 1 have different suction flow rates, they are driven at the same time, and a certain amount of mixed liquid which is the sum of the flow rates of both pumps CL2 and CL3 is sucked. It's just a single way of sucking. Therefore, the sample measuring device of Patent Document 1 can only handle a certain amount of sample suction.

One aspect of the present invention is a sample measuring device. In the embodiment, the sample measuring device (10) has a suction unit (101) for sucking a sample, a flow path (110) connected to the suction unit (101), and a first flow path (110) connected to the flow path (110). When the sample is sucked from the pump (121), the second pump (122) connected to the flow path (110), and the suction unit (101), the first pump (121) and the second pump (122) A control unit (200) for selectively driving one of them is provided. By selectively driving one of the first pump and the second pump, it is possible to cope with different suction methods such as sucking different amounts of samples.

It is desirable that the second pump (122) has a suction capacity different from that of the first pump (12). In this case, different amounts of sample can be sucked by the first pump and the second pump.

The control unit (200) can select a plurality of measurement modes for sample measurement, and selects a pump to be driven when sucking a sample from the suction unit (101) according to the selected measurement mode. Is preferable. In this case, the pump to be driven is selected according to the selected measurement mode.

The plurality of measurement modes are a first measurement mode in which a first amount of sample is sucked by a first pump (121) and a second measurement mode in which a second amount of sample different from the first amount is sucked by a second pump (122). It is preferable to include a second measurement mode. The first measurement mode may be, for example, a measurement mode for measuring the number of CD34-positive stem cells in the sample, or a measurement mode for calculating the ratio of predetermined cell surface marker-positive cells in the sample. .. The second measurement mode is, for example, a measurement mode for measuring the number of CD4 positive lymphocytes in a sample. The plurality of measurement modes may include a first measurement mode in which a variable amount of sample is sucked by the first pump, and a second measurement mode in which a fixed amount of sample is sucked by a second pump.

The sample measuring device (10) further includes a mixing chamber (190) in which the sample contained in the sample container (20) is dispensed and a mixed sample in which the dispensed sample and the reagent are mixed is prepared. The plurality of measurement modes are the first measurement mode in which the sample in the sample container (20) is sucked from the suction unit (101) by the first pump (121) and the mixed sample in the mixing chamber (190) is sucked in the suction unit (101). ) To a second measurement mode of suction by the second pump (122). Since the amount that can be sucked may differ between the sample in the sample container and the mixed sample in the mixing chamber, suction by different pumps is advantageous.

The sample measuring device (10) further includes a mixing chamber (190) in which the sample contained in the sample container (20) is dispensed and a mixed sample in which the dispensed sample and the reagent are mixed is prepared. The control unit (200) sucks the sample in the sample container (20) from the suction unit (101) by the first pump (12), and the sample in the mixing chamber (190) is sucked from the suction unit (101) to the second pump. It is preferable to suck by (122). Since the amount that can be sucked may differ between the sample in the sample container and the mixed sample in the mixing chamber, suction by different pumps is advantageous.

The first pump (121) is one pump selected from the group consisting of a syringe pump, a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump and an air pump, and the second pump (122) is a syringe pump, a diaphragm pump and a peristaltic pump. And one pump selected from the group consisting of air pumps. The first pump and the second pump may be the same type of pump or different types of pumps. For example, it is preferable that the first pump is a syringe pump and the second pump is a diaphragm pump. It is preferable that the first pump and the second pump have different suction capacities regardless of whether the first pump and the second pump are of the same type or different types. The suction capacity depends, for example, on the pump volume.

It is preferable that the flow path (110) is connected to a detection unit (102) for measuring a sample sucked into the flow path (110). The control unit (200) preferably drives at least one of the first pump and the second pump when sending the sample sucked to the flow path (110) to the detection unit (102). In this case, the sucked sample can be sent to the detection unit 102.

The control unit (200) preferably drives the syringe pump when sending the sample sucked to the flow path (110) to the detection unit (102). This syringe pump may be either a first pump or a second pump, or may be another pump.

The first pump (121) is connected to the flow path (110) via the first branch flow path (111) branched from the flow path (110), and the second pump (122) is the flow path (110). It is preferable to be connected to the flow path (110) via the second branch flow path (112) branched from. After sucking the sample from the suction unit (101) into the flow path (110), it is preferable to wash both the first branch flow path (111) and the second branch flow path (112).

It is preferable to further include a switching valve 182 that selectively communicates the first branch flow path (111) and the second branch flow path (112) with the flow path (110). In this case, the first branch flow path (111) and the second branch flow path (112) can be selectively communicated with the flow path (110).

Another aspect of the present invention is a sample suction method. In the embodiment, the sample suction method is performed by a first measurement mode in which a sample is sucked by a first pump connected to a flow path connected to a suction portion for sucking a sample, and a second pump connected to the flow path. The second measurement mode of sucking the sample is selectively executed. A measurement mode may be selected from a plurality of measurement modes, and the first measurement mode or the second measurement mode may be selectively executed depending on the selected measurement mode. The second pump preferably has a suction capacity different from that of the first pump.

According to the present invention, suction can be performed by one of the first pump and the second pump by selectively driving one of the first pump and the second pump.

It is a block diagram of the sample measuring apparatus. It is a fluid circuit diagram of 1st example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of 1st example. It is an operation flowchart of the fluid circuit of 1st example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of 1st example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of 1st example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of 1st example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of 1st example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of 1st example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of 1st example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 2nd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 2nd example. It is an operation flowchart of the fluid circuit of 2nd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 2nd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 2nd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 2nd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 2nd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 3rd example. It is an operation flowchart of the fluid circuit of 3rd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 3rd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 3rd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 3rd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 3rd example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 4th example. It is a movement explanatory drawing of the suction part of 4th example. It is an operation flowchart of the fluid circuit of 4th example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 4th example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 4th example. It is a fluid circuit diagram of the 4th example. It is a fluid circuit diagram described in Patent Document 1.

[1. Sample measuring device]

The sample measuring device 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a device main body 100 for measuring the sample 21 and a control unit 200. Sample 21 is, for example, blood or other body fluid. The blood is, for example, peripheral blood or cord blood. The device main body 100 sucks the sample 21 housed in the sample container 20 by the suction unit 101. The sample 21 housed in the sample container 20 may be a mixture of reagents or may not be a mixture of reagents. The suction unit 101 is, for example, a nozzle capable of sucking and discharging a sample or the like.

The apparatus main body 100 includes a fluid circuit 100a for sucking a sample or the like. The fluid circuit 100a includes a detection unit 102 for measuring the sucked sample. The detection unit 102 is, for example, a flow cytometer. The flow cytometer measures the sample optically by the flow cytometry method. The measured value by the detection unit 102 is transmitted to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 measures the measured value transmitted from the detection unit 102.

The control unit 200 is, for example, a computer including a processor 230 and a storage unit 240 as shown in FIG. The processor 230 executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 240. In the embodiment, the computer program causes the processor to execute a process for controlling the apparatus main body 100 and a process for measuring a measured value transmitted from the detection unit 102.

The control unit 200 includes a display unit 210. The display unit 210 displays the screen. The screen is, for example, an operation screen and a measurement result screen for the user to operate the apparatus main body 100. The control unit 200 includes an input unit 220. The input unit 220 accepts a user operation. The input unit 220 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse.

As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 240 stores data 241,242 that defines a plurality of measurement modes for sample measurement. The measurement mode defines the operation of the apparatus main body 100 according to the inspection item. Since the operation of the device main body 100 differs depending on the inspection item, the device main body 100 can be operated according to the inspection item by setting a plurality of measurement modes corresponding to the plurality of inspection items. Since the apparatus main body 100 of the embodiment corresponds to a plurality of inspection items, it is highly versatile.

The test items are, for example, a CD34-positive stem cell count test, a hematopoietic tumor cell surface antigen test, and an HIV lymphocyte subset test. The CD34-positive stem cell number test is a test for measuring the number of CD34-positive stem cells from, for example, peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, and blood components by apheresis. The hematopoietic tumor cell surface antigen test is, for example, a test for calculating the ratio of predetermined cell surface marker-positive cells from the blood cell components of a hematopoietic tumor patient. The cell surface marker-positive cell ratio is, for example, the ratio of cell surface marker-positive cells to leukocytes. The HIV lymphocyte subset test is, for example, a test for measuring the number of CD4 positive lymphocytes from the peripheral blood of an HIV patient.

The storage unit 240 can store, for example, data in the CD34-positive stem cell count test / measurement mode, data in the hematopoietic tumor cell surface antigen test / measurement mode, and data in the HIV lymphocyte subset test / measurement mode. The storage unit 240 can also store data in other measurement modes.

The plurality of measurement modes are displayed on the display unit 210. The input unit 220 accepts from the user the selection of one measurement mode to be executed from the plurality of measurement modes. The control unit 200 reads data 241,242 defining one selected measurement mode from the storage unit 240, and operates the apparatus main body 100 based on the data 241,242. The operation of the apparatus main body 100 according to the measurement mode will be described later.

[2. Sample suction]

[2.1 First example of sample suction]

FIG. 2 shows a first example of the fluid circuit 100a provided in the apparatus main body 100. The operation of the fluid circuit 100a is controlled by the control unit 200. The fluid circuit 100a shown in FIG. 2 includes a main flow path 110 connected to the suction unit 101. The main flow path 110 is branched into a first branch flow path 111 and a second branch flow path 112 at the branch portion 113. The branch portion 113 may be branched into three or more branch flow paths.

A first pump 121 is connected to the first branch flow path 111. The first pump 121 is, for example, a syringe pump. The syringe pump 121 transfers the fluid by suction or discharge. The syringe pump 121 is suitable for transferring a relatively small amount of fluid and can transfer an accurate amount of fluid at an accurate speed.

The syringe pump 121 is operated by the motor 121a, and the motor 121a is controlled by the control unit 200. The control unit 200 drives the motor 121a of the syringe pump 121 to cause the syringe pump 121 to perform suction or discharge. The syringe pump 121 has a variable suction amount or discharge amount, and can transfer a variable amount of fluid. The suction amount or discharge amount of the syringe pump 121 is adjusted by the control unit 200.

By driving the first pump 121 for suction, the control unit 200 can suck the sample 21 from the suction unit 101 connected via the first branch flow path 111 and the main flow path 110. The sucked sample flows into the main flow path 110. The sucked sample may flow into the first branch flow path 111. In FIG. 2, the suction unit 101 sucks the sample 21 housed in the sample container 21, but may suck the sample housed in the chamber provided in the apparatus main body 100.

The first pump 121 includes an introduction port 121b for introducing a cleaning liquid for cleaning the flow path into the first pump 121. The introduction port 121b is connected to the cleaning liquid container 130 via the flow path 131. A solenoid valve SV3 is provided in the middle of the flow path 131. The solenoid valve SV3 is always closed.

A second pump 122 is connected to the second branch flow path 112. When three or more branch flow paths are branched from the branch portion 113, the pump may be connected to other branch flow paths other than the first branch flow path 111 and the second branch flow path 112. ..

The second pump 122 is, for example, a diaphragm pump. The diaphragm pump 122 transfers the fluid by suction or discharge. Although the accuracy of transfer volume and transfer rate is inferior to that of syringe pumps, it is suitable for relatively large and rapid transfer of fluid. The diaphragm pump 122 of the embodiment has a suction capacity different from that of the syringe pump 121. More specifically, the diaphragm pump 122 of the embodiment has a larger suction capacity than the syringe pump 121, and can quickly suck more samples than the syringe pump 121.

The diaphragm pump 122 of the embodiment transfers a fixed amount of fluid rather than a variable transfer amount. The diaphragm pump 122 is controlled by the control unit 200.

In the embodiment, the first pump and the second pump are preferably pumps capable of delivering a constant fluid in the forward and reverse directions. Examples of the type of pump include a syringe pump, a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, an air pump and the like. Here, by providing the valve, the air pump can control the opening / closing time of the valve and send a constant fluid. Further, the liquid feeding direction can be switched by switching the positive pressure and the negative pressure generated by the air pump.

By driving the second pump 122 for suction, the control unit 200 can suck the sample 21 from the suction unit 101 connected via the second branch flow path 112 and the main flow path 110. The sucked sample flows into the main flow path 110. The sucked sample may flow into the second branch flow path 112.

A three-way solenoid valve 181 is provided in the middle of the second branch flow path 112. The three-way switching valve 181 includes a solenoid valve SV1 and a solenoid valve SV2. The solenoid valve SV1 and the solenoid valve SV2 are always closed. The solenoid valve SV1 is provided on the second branch path 112. When the solenoid valve SV1 is opened, the suction unit 101 and the second pump 122 communicate with each other. The solenoid valve SV2 is provided in the flow path 117 connected from the second branch path 112 to the drainage chamber 119. When the solenoid valve SV2 is opened, the second pump 122 and the drainage chamber 119 communicate with each other.

As shown in FIG. 3, a three-way switching valve 182 may be added to the fluid circuit 100a shown in FIG. The three-way switching valve 182 selectively communicates the first branch flow path 111 and the second branch flow path 112 with the main flow path 110. The three-way switching valve 182 includes a solenoid valve SV4 and a solenoid valve SV5. The solenoid valve SV4 and the solenoid valve SV5 are always closed. The solenoid valve SV4 is provided on the first branch path 111. The solenoid valve SV4 disconnects the first branch flow path 111 from the main flow path 110 in the closed state, and communicates the main flow path 110 and the first branch flow path 111 in the open state. The solenoid valve SV5 is provided on the second branch path 112. The solenoid valve SV5 separates the second branch flow path 112 from the main flow path 110 in the closed state, and communicates the main flow path 110 and the second branch flow path 112 in the open state.

The control unit 200 controls the fluid circuit 100a shown in FIG. 2 or 3 as shown in FIG. In step S11, the control unit 200 accepts the measurement mode selection by the user. The user performs an operation of selecting one measurement mode from a plurality of measurement modes displayed on the display unit 210 by the input unit 220. Here, it is assumed that the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode are set as a plurality of measurement modes. The pumps 121 and 122 used for sample suction differ between the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode.

When the first measurement mode is selected, in step S12, the control unit 200 sucks and drives the first pump 121 to generate a suction force F1 as shown in FIG. The sample 21 is sucked from the suction unit 101 by the suction force F1 of the first pump 121. The sucked sample 21 flows into the main flow path 110 and the first branch flow path 111. When a predetermined amount of sample is sucked, the syringe pump 121 is stopped. In FIG. 5, the flow paths 110 and 111 filled with the sample 21 are shown by thick lines. Also in the other figures, the thick line in the fluid circuit 100a indicates that the flow path is filled with the sample.

Since the first pump 121 of the embodiment is a syringe pump, the suction amount is relatively small but accurate. Therefore, the first measurement mode here is suitable for accurately sucking a relatively small amount of the first amount of sample. Further, since the syringe pump 121 of the embodiment can suck a variable amount, the first measurement mode here may be a measurement mode for sucking a variable amount of the sample.

When the second measurement mode is selected, in step 13, the control unit 200 sucks and drives the second pump 122 to generate a suction force F2 as shown in FIG. At this time, the solenoid valve SV1 is in the open state. The sample 21 is sucked from the suction unit 101 by the suction force F2 of the second pump 122. The sucked sample 21 flows into the main flow path 110 and the second branch flow path 112. When a predetermined amount of sample is sucked, the control unit 200 closes the solenoid valve SV1 and stops the suction by the second pump 122.

The second pump 122 of the embodiment is a diaphragm pump and has a higher suction capacity than the syringe pump 121. Therefore, the second measurement mode here is suitable for rapidly sucking a second amount of sample that is larger than the first amount. Further, since the diaphragm pump 122 of the embodiment sucks a fixed amount of sample, the second measurement mode here may be a measurement mode of sucking a fixed amount of sample.

In step S14, the control unit 200 opens the solenoid valve SV2 and drives the second pump 122 to discharge to generate a discharge force F3 as shown in FIG. 7. As a result, the sample in the second pump 122 is discharged to the drainage chamber 119.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, since the control unit 200 selectively drives the first pump 121 and the second pump 122 having different suction capacities, it is possible to easily cope with different suction amounts. Since the driven pump is selected according to the selected measurement mode, the pump according to the measurement mode can suck an appropriate amount of the sample according to the measurement mode.

Note that FIG. 4 shows the selective driving of the first pump 121 and the second pump 122, and only one of the pumps is driven. That is, in FIG. 4, the control unit 200 does not drive the first pump 121 and the second pump 122 at the same time. However, the control unit 200 may drive the first pump 121 and the second pump 122 at the same time.

The sucked sample may be sent to the detection unit 101 as shown in the second example described later, or may be dispensed to the chamber in the apparatus main body 100. As described above, in the first example, the next treatment for the sucked sample is not particularly limited, and the sucked sample is transferred to the site in the apparatus main body 100 corresponding to the next treatment for the sample. The transfer to the portion in the apparatus main body 100 according to the next process may be performed by the first pump 121 or the second pump 122, or may be performed by another pump (not shown).

From step S15 to step S17, the control unit 200 cleans the fluid circuit 100a. Steps S15 to S17 are common to the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode, and are performed regardless of which measurement mode is selected.

In step S15, the control unit 200 opens the solenoid valve SV3. As shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning liquid flows from the cleaning liquid container 130 to the flow path 131, the first pump 121, the first branch flow path 11, the main flow path 110, and the suction unit 101 due to the positive pressure applied to the cleaning liquid. Flow F4 is generated. The suction unit 101, the main flow path 110, the first branch flow path 111, and the first pump 121 are washed by the cleaning liquid flow F4. In FIG. 8, the flow paths 110, 111, 131 filled with the cleaning liquid are shown by thick dotted lines. Also in other figures, the thick dotted line in the fluid circuit 100a indicates that the flow path is filled with the cleaning liquid.

In step S16, the control unit 200 opens the solenoid valve SV1 and drives the second pump 122 for suction to generate a suction force. As shown in FIG. 9, this suction force creates a cleaning liquid flow F5 in which the cleaning liquid flows from the branch portion 113 to the second branch flow path 112 and the second pump 122. The second branch flow path 112 and the second pump 122 are washed by the washing liquid flow F5.

In step S17, the control unit 200 closes the solenoid valve SV1 and opens the solenoid valve SV2, and drives the second pump 122 to discharge. As shown in FIG. 10, the discharge drive of the second pump 122 produces a discharge flow F6 in which the cleaning liquid 122 in the second pump 122 is discharged to the drain chamber 119.

In steps S15 and S16, both the first branch flow path 111 and the second branch flow path 112 are washed. When the sample is sucked by the first pump 121, the sample only flows into the first branch flow path 111, and basically the sample does not flow into the second branch flow path 112. However, in the vicinity of the branch portion 113, the sample may adhere to the second branch flow path 112 side as well. Therefore, even when the sample is sucked by the first pump 121, by cleaning not only the first branch flow path 111 but also the second branch flow path 112, the vicinity of the branch portion 113 can be reliably washed and the sample can be washed. Carryover can be prevented. Similarly, even when the sample is sucked by the second pump 122, the vicinity of the branch portion 113 can be reliably washed by cleaning not only the second branch flow path 112 but also the first branch flow path 111. It is possible to prevent the carryover of the sample.

When step S17 is completed, as shown in FIG. 10, the main flow path 110, the first branch flow path 111, and the second branch flow path 112 are in a state of being filled with the cleaning liquid. In this state, the next sample is sucked. When both the first branch flow path 111 and the second branch flow path 112 are filled with the cleaning liquid, the air layer disappears in the flow path, and the damper effect due to the air layer can be avoided, which is advantageous.

[2.2 Example of sample suction]
FIG. 11 shows a second example of the fluid circuit 100a. In the fluid circuit 100a of the second example, the detection unit 102 is connected to the main flow path 110. Further, in the fluid circuit 100a of the second example, a pinch valve PV for opening and closing the main flow path 110 is provided between the detection unit 102 and the suction unit 101. The pinch valve PV is always open. The valve that opens and closes the main flow path 110 may be other than the pinch valve PV, but the pinch valve PV has a structure in which the main flow path 110 is deformed from the outside of the main flow path 110 to open and close, and the inside of the valve PV mechanism is opened and closed. Since the sample does not flow, particles in the sample do not adhere to the valve PV, cleaning is easy, and carryover of the sample can be suppressed. Regarding the configuration of the fluid circuit 100a of the second example, the configurations other than the detection unit 102 and the pinch valve PV are the same as those of the fluid circuit 100a of the first example.

As shown in FIG. 12, a three-way switching valve 182 may be added to the fluid circuit 100a shown in FIG. The three-way switching valve 182 is the same as the three-way switching valve 182 of FIG.

The control unit 200 controls the fluid circuit 100a shown in FIG. 11 or 12 as shown in FIG. In step S21, similarly to step S11, the control unit 200 accepts the measurement mode selection by the user. Here, too, it is assumed that the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode are set as the plurality of measurement modes. The pumps 121 and 122 used for sample suction differ between the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode.

When the first measurement mode is selected, in step S22, the control unit 200 sucks and drives the first pump 121 to generate a suction force F11 as shown in FIG. At this time, the pinch valve PV is in the open state. The sample 21 is sucked from the suction unit 101 by the suction force F11 of the first pump 121. The sucked sample 21 flows into the main flow path 110 and the first branch flow path 111. When a predetermined amount of sample is sucked, the syringe pump 121 is stopped.

In step S23, the control unit 200 closes the pinch valve PV, drives the first pump 121 to discharge, and generates a discharge force F12 as shown in FIG. The sample in the main flow path 110 is sent to the detection unit 102 by the discharge force F12 of the first pump 121. The sample in the first branch flow path 111 may also be sent to the detection unit 102. The detection unit 102 measures the sample and transmits the measured value to the control unit 200.

Since the first pump 121 of the embodiment is a syringe pump, the first measurement mode here is suitable for accurately sucking a relatively small amount of the first amount of sample. Further, since the syringe pump 121 of the embodiment can suck a variable amount, the first measurement mode here may be a measurement mode for sucking a variable amount of the sample.

When the second measurement mode is selected, in step 24, the control unit 200 sucks and drives the second pump 122 to generate a suction force F13 as shown in FIG. At this time, the pinch valve PV and the solenoid valve SV are in the open state. The sample 21 is sucked from the suction unit 101 by the suction force F13 of the second pump 122. The sucked sample 21 flows into the main flow path 110 and the second branch flow path 112. When a predetermined amount of sample is sucked, the control unit 200 closes the solenoid valve SV1 and stops the suction by the second pump 122.

Since the second pump 122 of the embodiment is a diaphragm pump having a higher suction capacity than the syringe pump 121, the second measurement mode is for rapidly sucking a second amount of sample that is larger than the first amount. Suitable. Further, since the diaphragm pump 122 of the embodiment sucks a fixed amount of sample, the second measurement mode here may be a measurement mode of sucking a fixed amount of sample.

In step S25, the control unit 200 closes the pinch valve PV, drives the first pump 121 to discharge, and generates a discharge force F14 as shown in FIG. The sample in the main flow path 110 is sent to the detection unit 102 by the discharge force F14 of the first pump 121. The detection unit 102 measures the sample and transmits the measured value to the control unit 200. The sample in the main flow path 110 is sucked by the diaphragm pump 122, but the liquid of the sample is sent to the detection unit 102 by the syringe pump 121. The syringe pump 121 can send an accurate amount of sample to the detection unit 102 at an accurate constant speed. The detection unit 102 can perform stable measurement by feeding the liquid at a constant speed.

In step S25, the control unit 200 opens the solenoid valve SV2 and drives the second pump 122 to discharge to generate a discharge force F15 as shown in FIG. As a result, the sample in the second pump 122 is discharged to the drainage chamber 119. The drainage operation of the second pump 112 may be performed at the same time as the measurement by the detection unit 102, or may be performed separately.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, since the control unit 200 selectively drives the first pump 121 and the second pump 122 having different suction capacities, it is possible to easily cope with different suction amounts. Since the driven pump is selected according to the selected measurement mode, the pump according to the measurement mode can suck an appropriate amount of the sample according to the measurement mode. On the other hand, the liquid is stably delivered to the detection unit 23 by the syringe pump 121 capable of feeding the liquid at a constant speed regardless of which pump is used for suction. The liquid may be sent to the detection unit 23 by a second pump 122, or by a pump other than the first pump 121 and the second pump 122.

From step S26 to step S28, the control unit 200 cleans the fluid circuit 100a. Steps S26 to S28 are common to the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode, and are performed regardless of which measurement mode is selected. The cleaning operation from step S26 to step S28 is the same as the cleaning operation from step S15 to step S17 shown in FIG. In the second example as well, both the first branch flow path 111 and the second branch flow path 112 are washed regardless of whether the sample is sucked by any of the pumps 121 and 122.

The operation of the fluid circuit 100a of the second example is the same as that of the fluid circuit 100a of the first example, except that the points not particularly described are not described.

[2.3 Example of sample suction]

FIG. 18 shows a third example of the fluid circuit 100a. In the fluid circuit 100a of the third example, the flow path 151 is connected to the main flow path 110. One end of the flow path 151 is connected to the middle portion 152 of the flow path 131 connected to the cleaning liquid container 130, and the other end is connected to the middle portion 110c of the main flow path 110. The other end of the flow path 151 is connected to the main flow path 110 between the pinch valve PV and the suction portion 101. Here, of the main flow path 110, the portion on the suction portion 101 side of the middle portion 110c is referred to as the first main flow path 110a, and the portion on the first pump 121 and the second pump 122 side of the middle portion 110c is referred to as the second main flow. It is called road 110b.

Further, in the fluid circuit 100a of the third example, the solenoid valve SV6 is provided in the middle of the flow path 151. The solenoid valve SV6 is always closed. Regarding the configuration of the fluid circuit 100a of the third example, the configurations other than the flow path 151 and the solenoid valve SV6 are the same as those of the fluid circuit 100a of the first example and the second example.

The control unit 200 controls the fluid circuit 100a shown in FIG. 18 as shown in FIG. In step 31, the control unit 200 accepts the measurement mode selection by the user, as in step S11. Here, too, it is assumed that the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode are set as the plurality of measurement modes. The pumps 121 and 122 used for sample suction differ between the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode.

When the first measurement mode is selected, in step S22, the control unit 200 sucks and drives the first pump 121 to suck the sample 21 from the suction unit 101. In step S33a, the control unit 200 discharges and drives the first pump 121 to send the sample in the main flow path 110 to the detection unit 102.

When the second measurement mode is selected, in step 34, the control unit 200 sucks and drives the second pump 122 to generate a suction force F21 as shown in FIG. At this time, the pinch valve PV and the solenoid valve SV1 are in the open state. The sample 21 is sucked from the suction unit 101 by the suction force F21 of the second pump 122. The sucked sample 21 flows into the main flow path 110 and the second branch flow path 112. When a predetermined amount of sample is sucked, the control unit 200 closes the solenoid valve SV1 and stops the suction by the second pump 122.

In step S35a, the control unit 200 closes the pinch valve PV, drives the first pump 121 to discharge, and generates a discharge force F22 as shown in FIG. 21. The sample in the main flow path 110 is sent to the detection unit 102 by the discharge force F22 of the first pump 121. The detection unit 102 measures the sample and transmits the measured value to the control unit 200.

In step S35a, the control unit 200 opens the solenoid valve SV2 and drives the second pump 122 to discharge to generate a discharge force F23 as shown in FIG. As a result, the sample in the second pump 122 is discharged to the drainage chamber 119. The discharge operation of the second pump 112 may be performed at the same time as the measurement by the detection unit 102, or may be performed separately.

In the third example, in steps S33b and S35b, the suction unit 101 and the first main flow path 110a can be washed while the sample is being sent to the detection unit 102. In steps S33b and S35b, the control unit 200 opens the solenoid valve SV6. As a result, the positive pressure applied to the cleaning liquid produces a cleaning liquid flow F24 in which the cleaning liquid flows from the cleaning liquid container 130 to the flow path 151, the solenoid valve SV6, and the first main flow path. The suction unit 101 and the first main flow path are cleaned by the cleaning liquid flow F24. In the third example, the main flow path 110 can be separated into the detection unit 102 side and the suction unit 101 side by the pinch valve PV, and the measurement of the sample by the detection unit 102 and the cleaning of the suction unit 101 are performed in parallel. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the processing time. The measurement of the sample by the detection unit 102 and the cleaning of the suction unit 101 may be performed separately.

From step S36 to step S38, the control unit 200 cleans the fluid circuit 100a. Steps S36 to S38 are common to the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode, and are performed regardless of which measurement mode is selected. The cleaning operation from step S36 to step S38 is the same as the cleaning operation from step S15 to step S17 shown in FIG. In the third example, since the suction unit 101 and the first main flow path 110a have already been cleaned in steps S33b and S35b, the cleaning in step S36 can be shortened and the cleaning efficiency is improved.

The operation of the fluid circuit 100a of the third example is the same as that of the fluid circuit 100a of the first example and the second example except that the points not particularly described are not described.

[2.4 Example of sample suction]

FIG. 23 shows a fourth example of the fluid circuit 100a. In the fluid circuit 100a of the fourth example, the three-way solenoid valve 183 is provided in the flow path 151 of the third example. A third pump 123 is connected to the three-way solenoid valve 183 via the flow path 154. The three-way solenoid valve 183 includes a solenoid valve SV7 and a solenoid valve SV8. The solenoid valve SV7 and the solenoid valve SV8 are always closed. The third pump 123 is connected to the flow path 151 in the middle portion 153 between the solenoid valve SV7 and the solenoid valve SV8. The three-way switching valve 183 has at least a state in which the third pump 123 communicates with the suction unit 101, a state in which the third pump 123 communicates with the suction unit 101 and the cleaning liquid container 130, and a state in which the third pump 123 communicates with the suction unit 101 and the suction unit 101. It is possible to switch between the state of being separated from the cleaning liquid container 130 and the state of being separated from the cleaning liquid container 130.

The third pump 123 is, for example, a syringe pump. In the third example, the syringe pump 123 is operated by the motor 123a, and the motor 123a is controlled by the control unit 200. The control unit 200 drives the motor 123a of the syringe pump 123 to cause the syringe pump 123 to perform suction or discharge. The third pump 123 is used for suctioning and discharging a sample from the suction unit 101.

As shown in FIG. 24, in the fourth example, the suction unit 101 sucks or discharges the sample from the first position for sucking the sample 21 from the sample container 20 and the reaction chamber (mixing chamber) 190 in the apparatus main body 100. It is possible to move to the second position. The suction unit 101 can be moved to each of the first position and the second position by the moving mechanism 300 provided in the apparatus main body 100. The moving mechanism 300 moves the suction unit 101 by, for example, a mechanism driven by a motor 301. The moving mechanism 300 may be, for example, an endless belt that is rotationally driven by a motor, or may be a moving mechanism by a rack and a pinion.

The suction unit 101 can suck the sample 21 in the sample container 20 and dispense the sucked sample 21 into the reaction chamber 191. The reagent 196 in the reagent container 195 is dispensed into the reaction chamber 191 via a flow path connecting the reagent container 156 and the reaction chamber 191. In the reaction chamber 191, a mixed sample 191 in which the sample 21 and the reagent 196 are mixed is prepared. The suction unit 101 can suck the mixed sample 191 for measurement by the detection unit 102.

The control unit 200 controls the fluid circuit 100a shown in FIG. 23 as shown in FIG. 25. In step 41, similarly to step S11, the control unit 200 accepts the measurement mode selection by the user. Here, too, it is assumed that the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode are set as the plurality of measurement modes. The first measurement mode is, for example, a CD34-positive stem cell number test measurement mode or a hematopoietic tumor cell surface antigen test measurement mode, and the second measurement mode is, for example, an HIV lymphocyte subset test measurement mode. The pumps 121 and 122 used for sample suction differ between the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode.

When the first measurement mode is selected, in step S42, the control unit 200 sucks and drives the first pump 121 to suck the sample 21 in the sample container 20 from the suction unit 101. In step S43a, the control unit 200 discharges and drives the first pump 121 to send the sample in the main flow path 110 to the detection unit 102. In parallel with step S43a, step S43b can be executed to clean the suction unit 101 and the first main flow path 110a in the same manner as in step S33b.

When the second measurement mode is selected, in step 44, the control unit 200 closes the pinch valve PV, opens the solenoid valve SV8, and suction-drives the third pump 123 to drive the third pump 123 as shown in FIG. 26. A suction force F31 is generated. The sample 21 is sucked from the suction unit 101 by the suction force F31 of the third pump 123. The sucked sample 21 flows into the first main flow path 110a and the flow paths 151 and 154. When a predetermined amount of sample is sucked, the control unit 200 stops the suction by the third pump 123.

In step S45, the control unit 200 moves the suction unit 101 above the reaction chamber 190, drives the third pump 123 to discharge, and generates a discharge force F32 as shown in FIG. 27. The discharge force F32 of the third pump 123 dispenses the sample 21 sucked by the third pump 123 into the reaction chamber 190.

In step S46, the control unit 200 dispenses the sample in the reagent container 195 into the reaction chamber 190. As shown in FIG. 24, the reagent 196 in the reagent container 195 is sucked by the suction force of the pump 197, and the sucked reagent 196 is sent to the reaction chamber 190 by the discharge force of the pump 197. Solenoid valves SV10 and SV11 are provided between the reagent container 195 and the reaction chamber 190, and suction and dispensing of the reagent 196 can be switched.

In step S47, the reaction between the sample contained in the mixed sample in the reaction chamber 190 and the reagent is performed. In step S48, the control unit 200 sucks and drives the second pump 122 in step S48 to generate a suction force F33 as shown in FIG. 28. At this time, the pinch valve PV and the solenoid valve SV1 are in the open state. Further, the suction unit 101 has moved to a position where the mixed sample 191 in the reaction chamber 190 is sucked. The suction force F33 of the second pump 122 sucks the mixed sample 191 in the reaction chamber 190 from the suction unit 101. The sucked sample 191 flows into the main flow path 110 and the second branch flow path 112. When a predetermined amount of sample is sucked, the control unit 200 closes the solenoid valve SV1 and stops the suction by the second pump 122.

In step S49a, the control unit 200 closes the pinch valve PV, discharges and drives the first pump 121, and sends the sample in the main flow path 110 to the detection unit 102. The detection unit 102 measures the sample and transmits the measured value to the control unit 200.

A sufficient amount of mixed sample 191 is present in the reaction chamber 190 due to the increase in the amount of the reagent, and the accuracy of the suction amount may be lower than in the case of sucking a small amount of the sample 21 from the sample container 20. Therefore, in the second measurement mode, efficient suction is possible by sucking with the second pump (diaphragm pump) 122 having a large suction amount. Further, in the first measurement mode, the sample 21 that has flowed into the main flow path 110 by the suction unit 101 can be directly sent to the detection unit 102 without going through the reaction chamber 190, so that the loss of the sample can be reduced. Can be done.

Also in the fourth example, in steps S43b and S49b, the suction unit 101, the first main flow path 110a, the flow path 154, and the third pump 123 can be washed while the sample (mixed sample) is being sent to the detection unit 102. .. In steps S43b and S49b, the control unit 200 opens the solenoid valve SV7 and the solenoid valve SV8. The positive pressure applied to the cleaning liquid creates a cleaning liquid flow F35 in which the cleaning liquid flows from the cleaning liquid container 130 to the flow path 151, the solenoid valve SV7, the flow path 154, and the third pump 123. Further, a cleaning liquid flow F36 flowing from the solenoid valve SV8 to the first main flow path 110a and the suction unit 101 is generated. The solenoid valves SV7, SV8, the flow path 154, the suction portion 101, and the first main flow path 110a are washed by the cleaning liquid flows F35 and F46. Also in the fourth example, the main flow path 110 can be separated into the detection unit 102 side and the suction unit 101 and the third pump 123 side by the pinch valve PV, and the sample measurement by the detection unit 102 and the suction unit 101 and It is possible to shorten the processing time by performing cleaning of the third pump 123 in parallel. The measurement of the sample by the detection unit 102 and the cleaning of the suction unit 101 and the third pump 123 may be performed separately.

From step S50 to step S52, the control unit 200 cleans the fluid circuit 100a. Steps S50 to S52 are common to the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode, and are performed regardless of which measurement mode is selected. The cleaning operation from step S50 to step S52 is the same as the cleaning operation from step S15 to step S17 shown in FIG. In the fourth example, since the suction unit 101 and the first main flow path 110a have already been cleaned in steps S43b and S49b, the cleaning in step S36 can be shortened and the cleaning efficiency is improved.

Further, in the fourth example, since the suction unit 101, the first main flow path 110a, the flow path 154, and the third pump 123 are cleaned by cleaning the steps S43b and S49b, the measurement by the detection unit 102 and the step from step S50. Without waiting for the completion of cleaning of S52, the third pump 123 can perform step S44 of sucking the sample from the sample container 21 containing the next sample to be measured.

The operation of the fluid circuit 100a of the fourth example is the same as the operation of the fluid circuit 100a of the first to third examples except that the points not particularly described are not described.

10 Sample measuring device 101 Suction unit 110 Flow path 111 First branch flow path 112 Second branch flow path 121 First pump 122 Second pump 200 Control unit

Claims (17)

A suction part that sucks the sample and
The flow path connected to the suction part and
The first pump connected to the flow path and
A second pump connected to the flow path, which is different from the first pump,
A control unit that selectively drives one of the first pump and the second pump when sucking a sample from the suction unit.
A sample measuring device equipped with. The first pump is one pump selected from the group consisting of a syringe pump, a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump and an air pump.
The sample measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the second pump is one pump different from the first pump, which is selected from the group consisting of a syringe pump, a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, and an air pump. The sample measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pump has a variable suction amount of the sample, and the second pump has a fixed suction amount of the sample. The sample measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first pump is a syringe pump and the second pump is a diaphragm pump. The control unit selectively drives one of the first pump and the second pump so that the suction amount of the sample by the second pump is larger than the suction amount of the sample by the first pump. ,
The sample measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The control unit
Multiple measurement modes can be selected for sample measurement,
One of the first pump and the second pump is selectively driven according to the selected measurement mode.
The sample measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The plurality of measurement modes are
In the first measurement mode in which the first amount of sample is sucked by the first pump,
A second measurement mode in which a second amount of sample different from the first amount is sucked by the second pump,
including,
The sample measuring device according to claim 6. The first measurement mode is
A measurement mode for measuring the number of CD34-positive stem cells in the sample, or a measurement mode.
This is a measurement mode for calculating the ratio of predetermined cell surface marker-positive cells in the sample.
The sample measuring device according to claim 7. The second measurement mode is a measurement mode for measuring the number of CD4 positive lymphocytes in the sample.
The sample measuring device according to claim 7 or 8. The sample measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a detection unit for measuring a sample sucked into the flow path is connected to the flow path. The sample measuring device according to claim 10, wherein the control unit drives at least one of the first pump and the second pump when the sample sucked into the flow path is sent to the detection unit. The detector is equipped with a flow cytometer.
The first pump is a syringe pump.
The control unit drives the first pump when sending the sample sucked to the flow path to the detection unit.
The sample measuring device according to claim 10 or 11. The first pump is connected to the flow path via the first branch flow path branched from the flow path.
The sample measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second pump is connected to the flow path via a second branch flow path branched from the flow path. The sample measuring device according to claim 13, wherein after sucking a sample from the suction unit into the flow path, both the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path are washed. The sample measuring apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a switching valve for selectively communicating the first branch flow path and the second branch flow path to the flow path. The first measurement mode in which the sample is sucked by the first pump connected to the flow path connected to the suction part for sucking the sample, and
A second measurement mode in which a sample is sucked by a second pump connected to the flow path, which is different from the first pump, and
A sample suction method that selectively performs. Select a measurement mode from multiple measurement modes
The sample suction method according to claim 16, wherein the first measurement mode or the second measurement mode is selectively executed according to the selected measurement mode.

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