JP2022160062A - Automatic analyzing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To avoid leaving a specimen container, having been physically treated, excluded from objects to be measured as a user forgets to instruct resetting.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzing device comprises: a bar code reader which reads specimen identification information of a specimen container housed in each storage position of a specimen container storage unit; an information linking part which sets specimen identification information on a specimen container to which suction abnormality occurs as abnormal specimen identification information by linking abnormality occurrence information; and a control part which uses correspondence data between specimen identification information and a storage position, which is stored in a storage part according to a current read result by the bar code reader, and correspondence data stored in the storage part according to a previous read result so as to determine whether the specimen container to which the abnormality identification information added has been moved, and executes processing to resetting the linking of the abnormality occurrence information when it is determined that the specimen container has been moved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to automated analyzers.

Automatic analyzers are devices that rapidly and highly accurately analyze (measure) components contained in specimens, and are used in various fields such as biochemical tests and blood transfusion tests. An automatic analyzer has a measurement unit that measures a sample. The measurement unit handles specimens such as blood and urine collected from a living body. A sample is placed in a sample container and set in the measurement section. Specimen identification information, which is information for identifying a specimen, is assigned to the specimen container. The measurement unit identifies the specimen contained in each specimen container by reading the specimen identification information attached to each specimen container.

A predetermined amount of the sample in the sample container set in the measurement unit is aspirated by the dispensing probe. At that time, an abnormality (hereinafter also referred to as "aspiration error") may occur in which a predetermined amount of sample cannot be aspirated from the sample container. Aspirating errors are likely to occur repeatedly with the same specimen container. Two methods are conceivable as a method for avoiding repeated occurrence of aspiration failure in the same sample container. The first method is to interrupt the measurement by the measuring unit after an aspiration error occurs in any of the sample containers, remove the sample container in which the aspiration error occurred from the measuring unit, and then restart the measurement by the measuring unit. be. In the second method, after an aspiration error occurs in any of the sample containers, the measurement by the measurement unit is interrupted, and the sample in the sample container in which the aspiration error occurred is excluded from the measurement target. It is a method of resuming the measurement of the part.

Patent Literature 1 describes a technique related to an automatic analyzer provided with a plurality of dispensing units having a dispensing detection mechanism that detects whether the dispensing of a sample from a sample container to a reaction container has been performed normally. . Further, in Patent Document 1, when the dispensing detection mechanism of any of the dispensing units detects an abnormality, information to the effect that the dispensing abnormality has occurred is added to the registered sample information regarding the sample in which the abnormality has occurred. A technique is described for controlling the sample to be added and having information indicating that a dispensing error has occurred so that it is not dispensed by another dispensing unit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-10363

However, the above-described first method has a drawback in that it is troublesome to find and take out the sample container containing the sample in which an erroneous aspiration has occurred (hereinafter, also referred to as a ``mis-aspirated sample container'') from the measurement unit. rice field. In addition, in the second method, it is necessary to specify only the sample to be measured after resuming the measurement by operating the mouse on the operation screen in order to exclude the sample in the mis-aspirated sample container from the measurement target. There was a drawback that the operation for that purpose was troublesome.

In addition, as another method for avoiding the repeated occurrence of aspiration errors in the same sample container, information indicating that an abnormality (aspiration error) has occurred during sample aspiration is provided for the sample identification information read from the aspiration failure sample container. until the user instructs to release the linking of the abnormality information (hereinafter referred to as "release instruction"), the sample identification information linked to the abnormality information is A control method (hereinafter referred to as a "third method") is also conceivable to prevent the specimen from being aspirated from the attached specimen container.

According to the third method, it is possible to save the trouble of finding and taking out the mis-aspirated specimen container from the measurement unit and the trouble of designating only the specimen to be measured on the operation screen by operating the mouse or the like. However, the third method has the following problems.
First, for a sample container in which an aspiration error has occurred, the user can remove the sample container from the measurement unit and perform a physical treatment to eliminate the aspiration error, thereby suppressing the recurrence of the aspiration error. In addition, when the user returns the sample container that has undergone physical treatment to the measurement unit, the user can release the linking of the abnormality occurrence information from the sample identification information attached to the sample container. Specimen containers that have undergone physical treatment can be included in measurement targets. However, if the user forgets to give the release instruction, the sample container that has undergone physical treatment remains excluded from the measurement targets. For this reason, there is a problem that the measurement result cannot be obtained even if the measurement of the measurement unit is restarted for the sample in the sample container for which the cancellation instruction has been forgotten.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to prevent the user from forgetting to give a release instruction and leaving the physically treated specimen container excluded from the measurement object. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of

An automatic analyzer according to the present invention has a sample container storage unit capable of storing a plurality of sample containers in different storage positions, and an aspirating section for aspirating samples from each of the sample containers stored in the sample container storage unit. a measuring unit for measuring the sample aspirated by the aspirating unit; a reading device for reading the sample identification information attached to each sample container contained in the sample container containing unit; and the sample identification information read by the reading device. , a storage unit for storing association data that associates storage positions of the sample container to which the sample identification information is attached, and an abnormality occurs when an abnormality occurs when the aspirating unit aspirates the sample. an information linking unit that sets the sample identification information attached to the sample container attached to the sample container to the abnormal sample identification information by linking the abnormality occurrence information; Using the correspondence data stored in the storage unit according to the read results before this time, it is determined whether or not the sample container with the abnormal sample identification information has been moved, and if it is determined that the sample container has been moved, a control unit that executes a predetermined process for releasing the association of the abnormality occurrence information with the abnormal specimen identification information.

According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the case where the user forgets to issue a release instruction and the specimen container that has undergone physical treatment remains excluded from the measurement target.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic perspective view which shows typically the structural example of the automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which specimen identification information and accommodation positions are associated and stored in a storage unit; 4 is a flowchart (Part 1) for explaining the processing operation of the automatic analyzer in the embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a flowchart (part 2) for explaining the processing operation of the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen displayed on a display part during the measurement of a measurement part. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit while the measurement by the measurement unit is suspended; 4 is a flow chart showing a user's processing procedure in the first specific example. It is a flow chart which shows a user's processing procedure in the 2nd concrete example. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a user's processing procedure in the third specific example; FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function or configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

<Configuration of automatic analyzer>
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, a case where the automatic analyzer is a biochemical analyzer will be described as an example, but the automatic analyzer according to the present invention may be applied to analyzers other than biochemical analyzers. A biochemical analyzer is an apparatus that analyzes biological components contained in specimens such as blood and urine. Moreover, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention may be applied to an analyzer having both a biochemical analysis function and an electrolyte analysis function.

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 includes a measurement unit 10 that measures a sample, and a control device 40 . The measurement section 10 includes a sample container housing unit 2 , a dilution container housing unit 3 , a first reagent container housing unit 4 , a second reagent container housing unit 5 , and a reaction container housing unit 6 . The measurement unit 10 also includes a sample dilution unit 7, a sampling unit 8, a dilution stirrer 9, a dilution washing device 11, a first dispensing unit 12, a second dispensing unit 13, and a first reaction stirrer. A device 14 , a second reaction stirring device 15 , a multi-wavelength photometer 16 , a constant temperature bath 17 and a reaction vessel cleaning device 18 are provided.

The sample container housing unit 2 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with one axial end open. A plurality of sample containers 21 and a plurality of diluent containers 22 are accommodated in the sample container storage unit 2 . The sample container storage unit 2 has a turntable 2a that stores a plurality of sample containers 21 at different storage positions, and a turntable 2b that stores a plurality of diluent containers 22 at different storage positions. The turntable 2 a is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the sample container housing unit 2 , and the turntable 2 b is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the sample container housing unit 2 . Each of the turntables 2a and 2b is rotatably supported in the circumferential direction by a driving mechanism (not shown). Further, each of the turntables 2a and 2b is rotated at a predetermined speed in a predetermined angle range in the circumferential direction by a drive mechanism (not shown).

The sample container 21 is a container that stores samples such as blood, urine, and serum. Each of the plurality of sample containers 21 is attached with sample identification information for identifying the sample. The specimen identification information is information assigned to each specimen in order to distinguish individual specimens. For example, a sticker printed with sample identification information is attached to the sample container 21 . The specimen identification information may be any information as long as it is information that can identify the specimen. The sample identification information is composed of, for example, character string information combining a plurality of characters. The characters constituting the specimen identification information may be numbers only, symbols only, alphabets only, other characters only, or a combination of any two or more characters. In other words, the type of characters and the combination of characters constituting the sample identification information can be changed arbitrarily.

In addition to the sample identification information, the identifier of the sample identification information is also printed on the seal on which the sample identification information is printed. Any identifier can be used as long as it can generate specimen identification information according to a predetermined rule and can be read in a predetermined manner. An example of the identifier is code information obtained by encoding specimen identification information. The code information is information that can generate specimen identification information, which is the original information (before encoding) of the code information, by decoding processing. Code information is composed of, for example, a bar code. A barcode is an example of optically readable code information. However, the code information is not limited to optically readable information, and may be information of other methods such as magnetically readable information.

In this embodiment, as an example, the specimen identification information is made up of character string information, and the identifier of the specimen identification information is made up of a one-dimensional bar code. It is also assumed that each sample container 21 is affixed with a sticker printed with a bar code and character string information arranged side by side.

A barcode reader 50 is fixed to the sample container housing unit 2 . The barcode reader 50 reads the barcode, which is the identifier of the sample identification information attached to the sample container 21 . The barcode reader 50 is configured by a barcode scanner that optically reads barcodes. A reading window (not shown) of the barcode reader 50 is arranged facing radially inward of the sample container accommodating unit 2 . A reading window of a barcode reader is a window for passing light directed toward the barcode and light reflected from the barcode.

Here, the principle of barcode reading by a barcode reader will be briefly described.
First, a barcode reader optically reads a barcode and converts an analog signal obtained as a result of the reading into a digital signal. Next, the barcode reader decodes the converted digital signal according to the barcode standard to generate character string information, which is the original information of the barcode, that is, specimen identification information. Therefore, reading the barcode attached to the sample container 21 is substantially the same as reading the sample identification information attached to the sample container 21 . That is, the barcode reader 50 corresponds to a reading device that reads the sample identification information attached to each sample container 21 housed in the sample container housing unit 2 .

The barcode reader 50 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the sample container accommodating unit 2 with screws or the like. That is, the barcode reader 50 is a stationary barcode reader. When the sample container 21 is set in the sample container accommodating unit 2 , the sample container 21 is set so that the print surface of the barcode faces radially outward of the sample container accommodating unit 2 . As a result, when the sample container 21 housed in the sample container housing unit 2 is arranged in the vicinity of the barcode reader 50 by rotating the turntable 2a, the printed surface of the barcode is exposed to the reading window of the barcode reader 50. face each other, and the barcode of the sample container 21 is read by the barcode reader 50 in this state.

Next, the barcode reading operation using the rotational movement of the turntable 2a will be described.
The barcode reader 50 automatically reads the barcode attached to each of the plurality of sample containers 21 in order by rotating the turntable 2a while the plurality of sample containers 21 are accommodated on the turntable 2a. Along with reading, sample identification information (character string information) is generated from the read barcode information. The reading of barcodes by the barcode reader 50 is performed for each accommodation position of the turntable 2a in accordance with a reading instruction signal sent from the control unit 41 to the barcode reader 50 via the interface unit 45 . The control unit 41 detects the rotational angular position of the turntable 2a by, for example, receiving an output signal from a rotary encoder (not shown) attached to the rotating shaft of the turntable 2a through the interface unit 45. FIG. A plurality of housing positions of the turntable 2a are set at different rotational angular positions in the circumferential direction of the turntable 2a. Therefore, the control unit 41 detects the rotation angle position of the turntable 2a while the turntable 2a is rotating, and every time the detected rotation angle position reaches the rotation angle position corresponding to one of the storage positions, the barcode A read instruction signal is sent to the reader 50 . Therefore, when the turntable 2a is provided with a total of M accommodation positions, the barcode reading is performed a total of M times while the turntable 2a rotates once (360 degrees). This allows the barcode reader 50 to automatically read the barcodes of all the sample containers 21 accommodated in the turntable 2a.

Next, the barcode reading operation at the vacant position will be described.
Of the plurality of storage positions that the turntable 2a has, some of the storage positions may become empty positions in which the specimen container 21 is not stored (set). In that case, the barcode reader 50 also reads barcodes for empty positions. More specifically, inside the sample container housing unit 2, bar codes dedicated to vacant positions (hereinafter also referred to as "dedicated bar codes") are provided over the entire circumference of the turntable 2a. The dedicated bar code is read by the bar code reader 50 through the vacant position when any of the housing positions on the turntable 2a is vacant. A dedicated bar code is a bar code common to all storage positions of the turntable 2a. In other words, even if any storage position is an empty position, the dedicated barcode read through the empty position is common. When the barcode reader 50 reads the dedicated barcode through the vacant position, the barcode reader 50 decodes the digital signal based on the reading result to generate specimen identification information (character string information) dedicated to the vacant position. When the sample container 21 is set in the empty storage position, the dedicated barcode is hidden behind the sample container 21 when viewed from the barcode reader 50 . That is, the dedicated barcode is arranged at a position shielded by the specimen container 21 set at the housing position. Therefore, the barcode reader 50 reads the dedicated barcode when the storage position is an empty position, and reads the barcode attached to the sample container 21 when the sample container 21 is set at the storage position. It will be.

Note that the barcode reading operation by the barcode reader 50 is not limited to the case where a plurality of sample containers 21 are accommodated in the turntable 2a (including the case where the sample containers 21 are accommodated in all accommodation positions). , when only one specimen container 21 is accommodated on the turntable 2a, or when no specimen container 21 is accommodated on the turntable 2a.

The diluent container 22 is a container that contains a special diluent that is different from a normal diluent. A normal diluent refers to a liquid (for example, physiological saline) filled inside a diluent dispensing probe, which will be described later. That is, the diluents used in the measurement unit 10 include normal diluents and special diluents.

A plurality of sample containers 21 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the sample container storage unit 2 . A plurality of sample containers 21 are set in two rows in the radial direction of the sample container storage unit 2 with a predetermined interval therebetween.

The multiple diluent containers 22 are arranged inside the multiple sample containers 21 in the radial direction of the sample container accommodating unit 2 . A plurality of diluent containers 22 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the sample container accommodating unit 2 . In addition, the plurality of diluent containers 22 are set in two rows with a predetermined interval in the radial direction of the specimen container accommodating unit 2 .

As for the configuration of the measurement unit 10, the special diluent described above is not only supplied from the diluent container 22 arranged in the sample container housing unit 2, but also is placed at a position where the diluent dispensing probe can be aspirated. A special diluent may be supplied from a separate container or the like, or a special diluent may be supplied directly to the dilution container 23 . Moreover, the arrangement of the plurality of sample containers 21 in the radial direction of the sample container accommodating unit 2 is not limited to two rows, and may be one row or three or more rows. This point also applies to the plurality of diluent containers 22 .

The dilution container storage unit 3 is arranged around the specimen container storage unit 2 . The dilution container housing unit 3 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with one axial end open. A plurality of dilution containers 23 are housed in the dilution container housing unit 3 . The dilution container storage unit 3 has a dilution turntable 3a that stores a plurality of dilution containers 23 at different storage positions. The dilution turntable 3a is rotatably supported in the circumferential direction by a driving mechanism (not shown), and is rotated at a predetermined speed in the circumferential direction by the driving mechanism within a predetermined angular range.

A plurality of dilution containers 23 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the dilution container housing unit 3 . The dilution container 23 contains a diluted sample. A diluted sample is a sample that has been aspirated from the sample container 21 and diluted.

The first reagent container storage unit 4 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with one axial end open. A plurality of first reagent containers 24 are housed in the first reagent container housing unit 4 . The first reagent container storage unit 4 has a first reagent turntable 4a that stores a plurality of first reagent containers 24 at different storage positions. The first reagent turntable 4a is rotatably supported in the circumferential direction by a driving mechanism (not shown). The plurality of first reagent containers 24 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the first reagent container storage unit 4 .

The first reagent container 24 is a container that contains a first reagent. Reagent identification information for identifying the first reagent is attached to each of the plurality of first reagent containers 24 . The reagent identification information is information assigned to each first reagent in order to distinguish individual first reagents. For example, a seal printed with reagent identification information is attached to the first reagent container 24 . Code information obtained by encoding the reagent identification information is printed in addition to the reagent identification information on the seal printed with the reagent identification information. Details and specific examples of the reagent identification information and the code information are the same as those of the specimen identification information described above, so description thereof will be omitted.

A barcode reader 51 is fixed to the first reagent container housing unit 4 . The barcode reader 51 reads the barcode that is the identifier of the reagent identification information attached to the first reagent container 24 . The barcode reader 51 is configured by a barcode scanner that optically reads barcodes. A reading window (not shown) of the barcode reader 51 is arranged facing radially inward of the first reagent container accommodating unit 4 . The barcode reading principle is as described above. Further, since the barcode reading operation by the barcode reader 51 is the same as the barcode reading operation by the barcode reader 50 described above, the description thereof is omitted.

The barcode reader 51 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first reagent container storage unit 4 with screws or the like. That is, the barcode reader 51 is a stationary barcode reader. When setting the first reagent container 24 in the first reagent container storage unit 4 , the first reagent container 24 is set so that the print surface of the barcode faces radially outward of the first reagent container storage unit 4 . As a result, when the first reagent container 24 housed in the first reagent container housing unit 4 is arranged in the vicinity of the barcode reader 51 by rotating the first reagent turntable 4a, the reading window of the barcode reader 51 can be read. In this state, the bar code printed surface faces (directly faces), and the bar code of the first reagent container 24 is read by the bar code reader 51 . The barcode reading operation using the rotational movement of the first reagent turntable 4a and the barcode reading operation at the vacant position are the same as in the case of the sample container accommodating unit 2, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The second reagent container storage unit 5 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with one axial end open. A plurality of second reagent containers 25 are stored in the second reagent container storage unit 5 . The second reagent container storage unit 5 has a second reagent turntable 5a that stores a plurality of second reagent containers 25 at different storage positions. The second reagent turntable 5a is rotatably supported in the circumferential direction by a driving mechanism (not shown). A plurality of second reagent containers 25 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the second reagent container storage unit 5 .

The second reagent container 25 is a container that contains a second reagent. Reagent identification information for identifying the second reagent is attached to each of the plurality of second reagent containers 25 . The reagent identification information is information assigned to each second reagent in order to distinguish individual second reagents. For example, a seal printed with reagent identification information is attached to the second reagent container 25 . Code information obtained by encoding the reagent identification information is printed in addition to the reagent identification information on the seal printed with the reagent identification information. Details and specific examples of the reagent identification information and the code information are the same as those of the specimen identification information described above, so description thereof will be omitted. Further, since the barcode reading operation by the barcode reader 52 is the same as the barcode reading operation by the barcode reader 50 described above, the description thereof is omitted.

A barcode reader 52 is fixed to the second reagent container housing unit 5 . The barcode reader 52 reads the barcode that is the identifier of the reagent identification information attached to the second reagent container 25 . The barcode reader 52 is configured by a barcode scanner that optically reads barcodes. A reading window (not shown) of the barcode reader 52 is arranged facing radially inward of the second reagent container accommodating unit 5 . The barcode reading principle is as described above.

The barcode reader 52 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second reagent container storage unit 5 with screws or the like. That is, the barcode reader 52 is a stationary barcode reader. When setting the second reagent container 25 in the second reagent container storage unit 5 , the second reagent container 25 is set so that the print surface of the bar code faces radially outward of the second reagent container storage unit 5 . As a result, when the second reagent container 25 housed in the second reagent container housing unit 5 is arranged in the vicinity of the barcode reader 52 by rotating the second reagent turntable 5a, the read window of the barcode reader 52 can be read. In this state, the bar code printed surface faces (directly faces), and the bar code of the second reagent container 25 is read by the bar code reader 52 . Since the barcode reading operation using the rotational movement of the second reagent turntable 5a and the barcode reading operation at the empty position are the same as in the case of the sample container accommodating unit 2, the description thereof will be omitted.

The reaction container housing unit 6 is arranged around the specimen container housing unit 2 and the dilution container housing unit 3 . More specifically, the reaction container housing unit 6 is arranged in a space surrounded by the specimen container housing unit 2 and the dilution container housing unit 3, and the first reagent container housing unit 4 and the second reagent container housing unit 5. ing. The reaction container housing unit 6 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with one axial end open. A plurality of reaction vessels 26 are housed in the reaction vessel housing unit 6 . The reaction vessel housing unit 6 has a reaction turntable 6a that houses a plurality of reaction vessels 26 at different housing positions. The reaction turntable 6a is rotatably supported in the circumferential direction by a driving mechanism (not shown), and is rotated at a predetermined speed in the circumferential direction within a predetermined angular range by the driving mechanism.

A plurality of reaction vessels 26 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the reaction vessel housing unit 6 . A diluted sample sampled from the dilution container 23 , a first reagent sampled from the first reagent container 24 , and a second reagent sampled from the second reagent container 25 are injected into the reaction container 26 . Then, the diluted sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent are stirred and reacted in the reaction container 26 .

The sample dilution unit 7 is arranged near the specimen container storage unit 2 and the dilution container storage unit 3 . The sample dilution unit 7 has a dilution dispensing probe 7a. The dilution-dispensing probe 7a is supported by a first driving section (not shown) so as to be movable in the vertical direction, which is the axial direction of the sample container accommodating unit 2 and the dilution container accommodating unit 3. As shown in FIG. Further, the dilution-dispensing probe 7a is rotatably supported along a direction substantially parallel to the openings of the sample container storage unit 2 and the dilution container storage unit 3, that is, along the horizontal direction. The dilution-dispensing probe 7a is configured to reciprocate between the specimen-container housing unit 2 and the dilution-container housing unit 3 by rotating along the horizontal direction. Note that when the dilution-dispensing probe 7a moves between the sample-container housing unit 2 and the dilution-container housing unit 3, the dilution-dispensing probe 7a passes through a cleaning device (not shown).

Here, the operation of the dilution dispensing probe 7a of the sample dilution unit 7 will be described.
First, the dilution-dispensing probe 7 a of the sample dilution unit 7 moves to a predetermined position above the opening in the sample container accommodating unit 2 . Next, the dilution-dispensing probe 7 a descends along the axial direction of the sample container accommodating unit 2 . As a result, the distal end side (lower end side) of the dilution dispensing probe 7 a is inserted into the specimen container 21 . At this time, the dilution dispensing probe 7a aspirates a predetermined amount of the sample contained in the sample container 21 by operating a pump (not shown). In other words, the dilution-dispensing probe 7 a functions as an aspirator that aspirates the sample from each sample container 21 accommodated in the sample-container accommodation unit 2 . Next, the dilution-dispensing probe 7a rises along the axial direction of the sample container accommodating unit 2. As shown in FIG. As a result, the distal end portion of the dilution-dispensing probe 7 a is pulled up from the inside of the specimen container 21 .

Next, the dilution-dispensing probe 7a moves to a predetermined position above the opening in the dilution-container housing unit 3 by rotating a predetermined amount along the horizontal direction. Next, the dilution-dispensing probe 7a descends along the axial direction of the dilution-container housing unit 3. As shown in FIG. As a result, the distal end portion of the dilution-dispensing probe 7a is inserted into the predetermined dilution container 23. As shown in FIG. In this state, the dilution dispensing probe 7a discharges the previously aspirated specimen and a predetermined amount of diluent (for example, physiological saline) supplied from the sample dilution unit 7 itself into the dilution container 23 . As a result, the specimen is diluted to a predetermined multiple concentration in the dilution container 23 to generate a diluted specimen. After that, the diluted dispensing probe 7a is washed by the washing device. When diluting the sample with the special diluent described above, first, the special diluent is aspirated and discharged by the dilution dispensing probe 7a, and then the sample is aspirated and discharged by the dilution dispensing probe 7a. The sequential steps generate the diluted sample. In this case, a diluted sample may be generated by aspirating a special diluent and sample in order by the diluent dispensing probe 7a and then discharging the diluent and sample together into the dilution container 23 .

Here, when the dilution dispensing probe 7a aspirates the sample from the sample container 21 accommodated at an arbitrary accommodation position of the sample container accommodation unit 2, an abnormality such as being unable to aspirate a predetermined amount of the sample occurs. may occur. Abnormal sample aspiration (suction error) is caused by, for example, deposition of a blood clot called a fibrin clot, or insufficient amount of sample remaining in the sample container 21 . Such an abnormality is highly likely to occur repeatedly in the same specimen container 21 . The sample dilution unit 7 has an abnormality detection sensor 55 that detects whether or not an abnormality has occurred when the sample is aspirated by the dilution pipetting probe 7a.

A plurality of abnormality detection sensors 55 may be provided according to the content of abnormality that occurs during sample aspiration. For example, the abnormality detection sensor 55 measures the internal pressure of the dilution dispensing probe 7a for an abnormality caused by deposition of blood clots, and detects the abnormality when the measured internal pressure (negative pressure) falls below an allowable value. Outputs a signal to the effect that it has occurred. In addition, the abnormality detection sensor 55 detects the liquid surface height of the sample when the dilution pipetting probe 7a is inserted into the sample container 21 for the abnormality caused by the shortage of the remaining amount of the sample in the sample container 21. When the detected liquid level falls below the allowable height, a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred is output.

The sampling unit 8 is arranged between the dilution container housing unit 3 and the reaction container housing unit 6 . The sampling unit 8 comprises a sampling dispensing probe 8a. The sampling-dispensing probe 8a is supported by a second driving section (not shown) so as to be movable in the vertical direction, which is the axial direction of the dilution container housing unit 3 and the reaction container housing unit 6. As shown in FIG. Also, the sampling-dispensing probe 8a is rotatably supported along a direction substantially parallel to the openings of the dilution container housing unit 3 and the reaction container housing unit 6, that is, along the horizontal direction. The sampling-dispensing probe 8a is configured to reciprocate between the dilution container housing unit 3 and the reaction container housing unit 6 by rotating along the horizontal direction.

The sampling-dispensing probe 8 a aspirates a diluted specimen from a dilution container 23 set in the dilution container housing unit 3 and discharges the aspirated diluted specimen into a reaction container 26 set in the reaction container housing unit 6 . When aspirating a diluted sample from the dilution container 23 , the tip portion of the sampling pipetting probe 8 a is inserted into the dilution container 23 . When discharging a diluted sample into the reaction container 26 , the tip side portion of the sampling pipetting probe 8 a is inserted into the reaction container 26 .

The first dispensing unit 12 is arranged between the first reagent container accommodating unit 4 and the reaction container accommodating unit 6 . The first dispensing unit 12 has a first dispensing probe 12a. The first pipetting probe 12a is supported by a third driving section (not shown) so as to be movable in the vertical direction, which is the axial direction of the reaction container housing unit 6. As shown in FIG. Also, the first pipetting probe 12a is rotatably supported along a direction substantially parallel to the opening of the reaction container housing unit 6, that is, along the horizontal direction. The first dispensing probe 12a is configured to reciprocate between the first reagent container housing unit 4 and the reaction container housing unit 6 by rotating along the horizontal direction.

The first pipetting probe 12 a aspirates the first reagent from the first reagent container 24 set in the first reagent container storage unit 4 and applies the aspirated first reagent to the reaction set in the reaction container storage unit 6 . Discharge into container 26 . When aspirating the first reagent from the first reagent container 24 , the distal end portion of the first dispensing probe 12 a is inserted into the first reagent container 24 . Also, when discharging the first reagent into the reaction container 26 , the tip side portion of the first dispensing probe 12 a is inserted into the reaction container 26 .

The second dispensing unit 13 is arranged between the second reagent container accommodating unit 5 and the reaction container accommodating unit 6 . The second pipetting unit 13 has a second pipetting probe 13a. The second dispensing probe 13a is supported by a fourth driving section (not shown) so as to be movable in the vertical direction, which is the axial direction of the reaction container accommodating unit 6. As shown in FIG. Further, the second dispensing probe 13a is rotatably supported along a direction substantially parallel to the opening of the reaction container housing unit 6, that is, along the horizontal direction. The second dispensing probe 13a is configured to reciprocate between the second reagent container housing unit 5 and the reaction container housing unit 6 by rotating along the horizontal direction.

The second dispensing probe 13a aspirates the second reagent from the second reagent container 25 set in the second reagent container storage unit 5, and distributes the aspirated second reagent to the reaction set in the reaction container storage unit 6. Discharge into container 26 . When aspirating the second reagent from the second reagent container 25 , the distal portion of the second dispensing probe 13 a is inserted into the second reagent container 25 . When discharging the second reagent into the reaction container 26 , the distal portion of the second dispensing probe 13 a is inserted into the reaction container 26 .

The dilution stirrer 9 is arranged around the dilution container housing unit 3 . The dilution stirrer 9 has a stirrer (not shown). The stirrer is inserted into the dilution container 23 and stirs the specimen and the diluent contained therein.

The dilution washing device 11 is arranged around the dilution container housing unit 3 together with the dilution stirring device 9 described above. The dilution cleaning device 11 cleans the dilution container 23 after the diluted specimen has been aspirated by the sampling unit 8 . The dilution cleaning device 11 has a plurality of dilution container cleaning nozzles (not shown). A plurality of dilution container cleaning nozzles are connected to a waste liquid pump (not shown) and a detergent pump (not shown).

The cleaning process of the dilution container 23 by the dilution cleaning device 11 is performed in the following procedure.
First, the dilution cleaning apparatus 11 inserts the dilution container cleaning nozzle into the dilution container 23 and drives the waste liquid pump to suck the diluted sample remaining in the dilution container 23 with the dilution container cleaning nozzle. Further, the dilution cleaning device 11 discharges the diluted sample sucked by the dilution container cleaning nozzle to a waste liquid tank (not shown).

Next, the dilution cleaning device 11 supplies the detergent to the dilution container cleaning nozzle by driving the detergent pump, and discharges the supplied detergent into the dilution container 23 from the dilution container cleaning nozzle. The inside of the dilution container 23 is washed by the discharge of this detergent. After that, the dilution cleaning device 11 sucks the detergent remaining in the dilution container 23 with the dilution container cleaning nozzle, and then dries the inside of the dilution container 23 . Thus, the cleaning of the dilution container 23 is completed.

The first reaction stirring device 14 , the second reaction stirring device 15 and the reaction vessel cleaning device 18 are arranged around the reaction vessel housing unit 6 . The first reaction stirrer 14 has a stirrer (not shown), and inserts the stirrer into the reaction container 26 to stir the diluted specimen and the first reagent. Thereby, the reaction between the diluted sample and the first reagent is uniformly and rapidly performed. The configuration of the first reaction stirring device 14 is the same as that of the dilution stirring device 9 . Therefore, description of the configuration of the first reaction stirring device 14 is omitted.

The second reaction stirrer 15 has a stirrer (not shown), and by inserting this stirrer into the reaction vessel 26, stirs the diluted specimen, the first reagent, and the second reagent. As a result, the reaction between the diluted specimen, the first reagent, and the second reagent is performed uniformly and rapidly. The configuration of the second reaction stirring device 15 is the same as that of the dilution stirring device 9 . Therefore, description of the configuration of the second reaction stirring device 15 is omitted.

The multi-wavelength photometer 16 is arranged around the reaction vessel housing unit 6 so as to face the outer wall of the reaction vessel housing unit 6 . The multi-wavelength photometer 16 optically measures the diluted sample injected into the reaction container 26 and reacted with the first reagent and the second reagent. The multi-wavelength photometer 16 is a photometer for detecting the reaction state of the diluted specimen, and outputs numerical data called "absorbance" obtained from the diluted specimen as a detection (measurement) target. Since the absorbance numerical data output by the multi-wavelength photometer 16 changes according to the amount of various components in the specimen, the amount of each component can be obtained from this numerical data.

The constant temperature bath 17 keeps the temperature of the reaction vessel 26 set in the reaction vessel housing unit 6 constant. Thereby, the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 26 is kept at a constant temperature.

The reaction container cleaning device 18 is a device for cleaning the inside of the reaction container 26 for which inspection has been completed. The reaction vessel cleaning device 18 has a plurality of reaction vessel cleaning nozzles (not shown). The plurality of reaction vessel cleaning nozzles are connected to a waste liquid pump (not shown) and a detergent pump (not shown), similarly to the dilution vessel cleaning nozzles described above. The cleaning process of the reaction vessel 26 by the reaction vessel cleaning device 18 is the same as the cleaning process of the dilution container 23 by the dilution cleaning device 11 described above, except that the objects to be cleaned are different. Therefore, the description of the cleaning process of the reaction vessel 26 by the reaction vessel cleaning device 18 is omitted.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control system of the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a display unit 43, an input operation unit 44, an interface unit 45, an information linking unit 46, and various units (41 to 46 ) and a bus 48 interconnecting the . The measurement unit 10 , three barcode readers 50 , 51 , 52 and an abnormality detection sensor 55 are connected to the control device 40 via an interface unit 45 . In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the measurement unit 10, the three barcode readers 50, 51, 52, and the abnormality detection sensor 55 are shown separately. 52 and an abnormality detection sensor 55 are devices attached to the measurement unit 10 . Specifically, the barcode reader 50 is attached to the sample container accommodating unit 2, the barcode reader 51 is attached to the first reagent container accommodating unit 4, and the barcode reader 52 is attached to the second reagent container accommodating unit 5. , an abnormality detection sensor 55 is attached to the sample dilution unit 7 .

The control unit 41 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs executed by the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used as a work area for the CPU. . The control unit 41 controls the overall processing and operation of the automatic analyzer 1 including the measurement unit 10 by executing the program read from the ROM to the RAM by the CPU.

The storage unit 42 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The storage unit 42 stores various electronic information such as data and parameters that the control unit 41 refers to when controlling the processing and operation of the automatic analyzer 1 . The data stored in the storage unit 42 includes data used for various types of processing performed by the measurement unit 10, such as measurement processing for biochemical analysis and maintenance processing. The storage unit 42 also stores association data that associates the sample identification information read using the barcode reader 50 with the housing position of the sample container 21 to which the sample identification information is attached. used for

The display unit 43 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like. The display unit 43 displays measurement data obtained by the measurement by the measurement unit 10, analysis results based on the measurement data, and the like. The display unit 43 also displays various screens such as various setting screens, operation screens, status screens indicating the state of the measuring unit 10, and alarm screens including errors and warnings.

The input operation part 44 is a part operated by the user to input various data to the automatic analyzer 1 . The input operation unit 44 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc. (not shown). The data input by the input operation unit 44 is taken into the control unit 41 and stored in the storage unit 42 as necessary.

The interface section 45 receives various data output from the measurement section 10 and provides the received data to the control section 41 . The data output from the measurement unit 10 includes measurement data obtained by measurement in the measurement unit 10, and the like. The interface section 45 also receives various control data from the control section 41 and provides the received control data to the measurement section 10 . In this manner, the interface section 45 exchanges control data between the control section 41 and the measurement section 10 , so that the control section 41 can control the operation of each section of the measurement section 10 .

Further, the interface unit 45 individually receives data output from each of the barcode readers 50 , 51 , 52 and the abnormality detection sensor 55 and provides the received data to the control unit 41 . The data output from each barcode reader 50, 51, 52 includes sample identification information (character string information), which is the original information of the barcode, and the data output from the abnormality detection sensor 55 , and a signal to the effect that an abnormality has occurred during sample aspiration. Further, the interface unit 45 receives various control data from the control unit 41 and individually provides the received control data to the bar code readers 50, 51 and 52 respectively. In this manner, the interface unit 45 exchanges control data between the control unit 41 and each barcode reader 50, 51, 52, so that the control unit 41 controls each barcode reader 50, 51, 52. You can control the action. The three barcode readers 50 , 51 , 52 attached to the measurement unit 10 perform barcode reading operations in accordance with reading instruction signals individually given from the control unit 41 . The interface unit 45 also receives various control data from the control unit 41 and provides the received control data to the abnormality detection sensor 55 . In this manner, the interface unit 45 exchanges control data between the control unit 41 and the abnormality detection sensor 55 , so that the control unit 41 can control the operation of the abnormality detection sensor 55 .

When an abnormality occurs when the dilution pipetting probe 7a aspirates a sample, the information linking unit 46 links the abnormality occurrence information to the sample identification information attached to the sample container 21 in which the abnormality has occurred. . Then, the information linking unit 46 sets the sample identification information attached to the sample container 21 before the occurrence of the abnormality to the abnormal sample identification information by linking the abnormality occurrence information. The sample identification information linked with the abnormality occurrence information by the information linking unit 46 is treated as abnormal sample identification information until the linking of the abnormality occurrence information is released. In addition, specimen identification information that is not associated with abnormality occurrence information is handled as normal specimen identification information.

The information linking unit 46 links the abnormality occurrence information to the sample identification information according to an instruction from the control unit 41, for example. In this case, the control unit 41 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred when the dilution pipetting probe 7a aspirates the sample, based on whether or not a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred has been output from the abnormality detection sensor 55. . Specifically, when the abnormality detection sensor 55 outputs a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred, the control unit 41 determines that an abnormality has occurred during sample aspiration, and the abnormality detection sensor 55 detects that an abnormality has occurred. If no signal is output, it is determined that no abnormality occurred during sample aspiration, that is, the sample was aspirated normally by the dilution dispensing probe 7a. Further, when the control unit 41 determines that an abnormality has occurred when the dilution pipetting probe 7a aspirates the sample, the identification information of the storage position (in this embodiment, position number) and the specimen identification information read in advance by the barcode reader 50 from the specimen container 21 accommodated in the accommodation position are sent to the information tying unit 46, thereby tying the abnormality occurrence information. The information linking unit 46 is instructed.

Then, the information linking unit 46 links the abnormality occurrence information to the specimen identification information instructed by the control unit 41 . At this time, the information associating unit 46 associates the abnormality occurrence information with the specimen identification information attached to the specimen container 21 in which the abnormality has occurred, for example, by setting a flag. As a result, the flagged sample identification information is treated as sample identification information associated with the abnormality occurrence information, ie, abnormal sample identification information. Sample identification information with no flag set is treated as sample identification information not associated with abnormality occurrence information, that is, normal sample identification information. Note that the normal sample identification information also includes sample identification information for which the flag is cleared after being flagged.

Next, a specific processing content when storing the association data in which the sample identification information and the accommodation position are associated with each other in the storage unit 42 will be described.
First, as a premise of the explanation, it is assumed that a total of 80 storage positions are provided on the turntable 2a of the sample container storage unit 2, and numbers from 1 to 80 are assigned to these storage positions. It is also assumed that the reading of the sample identification information (barcode) by the barcode reader 50 starts from the 1st housing position and ends at the 80th housing position.

In such a case, every time the barcode reader 50 reads the sample identification information at one accommodation position, the control unit 41 stores the sample identification information read by the barcode reader 50 and the sample container 21 to which the sample identification information is attached. is stored (written) in the storage unit 42 in association with the storage position of the . As a result, when the barcode reader 50 has read the sample identification information at all storage positions from 1 to 80, the storage unit 42 stores the storage positions from 1 to 80 and Association data indicating association with the sample identification information read by the barcode reader 50 is stored.

The storage unit 42 has a storage area for storing accommodation positions and specimen identification information in association with each other, and the association data is stored in this storage area, for example, in a table format. Specifically, a table 47 as shown in FIG. 3 is prepared in the storage area of the storage unit 42 . The table 47 is created using part of the storage area of the storage unit 42 . The table 47 has a field 47a for writing the accommodation position number, a field 47b for writing the sample identification information, and a field 47c for writing the status of the flag. In the field 47a, storage position numbers 1 to 80 of the turntable 2a of the sample container storage unit 2 are written. The field 47b is written with sample identification information read by the bar code reader 50 at each storage position of the turntable 2a.

For example, assuming that the sample container 21 is stored in the storage position No. 7 and the sample identification information generated by reading the barcode attached to the sample container 21 by the barcode reader 50 is "AAAAAA", the control unit 41 stores the specimen identification information "AAAAAAA" in association with the accommodation position No. 7; Also, assuming that the sample container 21 is stored in the storage position No. 10 and the sample identification information obtained by reading the barcode attached to the sample container 21 by the barcode reader 51 is "BBBBBB", the control unit 41 stores the specimen identification information "BBBBBB" in association with the tenth accommodation position. Also, assuming that the accommodation position No. 20 is an empty position and the sample identification information obtained by reading the dedicated barcode that can be seen through this empty position by the barcode reader 51 is "ZZZZZZ", the control unit 41 , and the sample identification information “ZZZZZZ” is stored in association with the storage position No. 20. It should be noted that the specimen identification information stored in association with the vacant positions is all common information "ZZZZZZ".

Also, in FIG. 3, the state of the flag written in the field 47c is OFF by default. Default refers to the case where the sample identification information read by the bar code reader 50 from the sample container 21 newly accommodated in the sample container accommodation unit 2 is stored in the table 47 . The sample identification information written in the field 47c with the flag turned off is the sample identification information with no flag, that is, the sample identification information treated as normal sample identification information. Further, the sample identification information whose flag state is ON written in the field 47c is the sample identification information with the flag set, that is, the sample identification information handled as abnormal sample identification information.

When the measurement unit 10 sequentially measures the samples in the sample containers 21 accommodated in the respective accommodation positions of the sample container accommodation unit 2 for each accommodation position (specimen container 21), the control unit 41 associates the samples with the accommodation positions. It is confirmed for each accommodation position whether or not the sample identification information stored in the storage unit 42 is flagged. Then, when the flag of sample identification information stored in association with a certain accommodation position is turned on, the control unit 41 excludes the sample container 21 to which this sample identification information is attached from the measurement object. . For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the specimen identification information flag stored in association with the accommodation position No. 10 is in an ON state, and is stored in association with accommodation positions Nos. 9 and 11 (not shown). When all the flags of the sample identification information are in the OFF state, the control unit 41 aspirates the sample from the sample container 21 housed in the ninth housing position, and then aspirates the sample into the tenth housing position. The sample container 21 that is currently in the storage position is skipped and the sample is aspirated from the sample container 21 that is stored in the 11th storage position. That is, the control unit 41 controls the rotation of the turntable 2a so as not to aspirate the sample from the sample container 21 accommodated in the tenth accommodation position.

As described above, when an abnormality occurs when a sample is aspirated from one of the plurality of sample containers 21 housed in the sample container housing unit 2, the information linking unit 46 determines that the abnormality has occurred. Abnormal specimen identification information is obtained by linking the abnormality occurrence information to the specimen identification information read by the bar code reader 50 from the specimen container 21 . Then, the control unit 41 controls the measurement unit 10 so as not to aspirate the sample from the sample container 21 to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached during the measurement by the measurement unit 10 . As a result, unless the linking of the abnormality occurrence information to the specimen identification information is released, the measurement unit 10 performs measurement while excluding the specimen container 21 in which the abnormality has occurred from the measurement target. Therefore, it is possible to avoid repeated occurrence of an abnormality (absorption error) in the same sample container 21 .

<Processing operation of the automatic analyzer>
Next, the processing operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. The illustrated processing operations are performed under the control of the control unit 41 .

First, the control unit 41 confirms whether or not the user has given an instruction to start measurement (step S1). The user sets (accommodates) one sample container 21 at each accommodation position on the turntable 2a of the sample container accommodation unit 2, and when all the sample containers 21 desired for measurement have been accommodated on the turntable 2a, , by operating the operation screen of the display unit 43 with a mouse or the like, an instruction to start measurement is given. A user instruction to start measurement is sent from the input operation unit 44 to the control unit 41 . Further, when instructing the start of measurement, the user operates the operation screen of the display unit 43 with a mouse or the like to instruct all the sample containers 21 accommodated in the sample container accommodation unit 2 to be measured. Alternatively, it is possible to instruct to perform the measurement only for some of the sample containers 21 .

Next, when the user gives an instruction to start measurement, the control unit 41 causes the barcode reader 50 to read the sample identification information from all the sample containers 21 housed in the sample container housing unit 2. (Step S2). In that case, the control unit 41 rotates the turntable 2a and causes the barcode reader 50 to read the sample identification information at each storage position of the turntable 2a during this rotation. Accordingly, at the accommodation position where the sample container 21 is accommodated, the barcode attached to the sample container 21 is read by the barcode reader 50, and the barcode reader 50 generates the sample identification information based on the reading result. In addition, at an accommodation position where no specimen container 21 is accommodated, that is, at an empty position, the barcode dedicated to the empty position is read by the barcode reader 50, and the barcode reader 50 reads the specimen identification information dedicated to the empty position based on the reading result. Generated by The specimen identification information read by the barcode reader 50 is taken into the control section 41 through the interface section 45 . Thereby, the control unit 41 can acquire the sample identification information read by the barcode reader 50 at each accommodation position of the turntable 2a.

Next, the control unit 41 associates the sample identification information with the accommodation position and stores them in the storage unit 42 according to the read result of the sample identification information in step S2 (step S3). As a result, the table 47 (see FIG. 3) of the storage unit 42 stores data in which the sample identification information and the accommodation position are associated with each other, that is, association data. The association data is stored in the storage unit 42 each time measurement is started by the measurement unit 10 in accordance with an instruction to start measurement from the user. The specific processing contents when the specimen identification information and the accommodation position are associated and stored in the storage unit 42 are as described above.

Next, the control section 41 operates each section of the measurement section 10 to start measurement (step S4). The operations of each part of the measurement unit 10 performed during measurement include rotation of the turntables 2a and 2b,
Rotating operation of the dilution turntable 3a, rotating operation of the first reagent turntable 4a, rotating operation of the second reagent turntable 5a, rotating operation of the reaction turntable 6a, dispensing operation of the sample dilution unit 7, and sampling unit 8. Dosing operation, stirring operation of dilution stirring device 9, cleaning operation of dilution cleaning device 11, dispensing operation of first dispensing unit 12, dispensing operation of second dispensing unit 13, stirring operation of first reaction stirring device 14 , the stirring operation of the second reaction stirring device 15, the detection operation of the multi-wavelength photometer 16, and the like.

Next, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the abnormality detection sensor 55 has detected an abnormality during the measurement by the measurement unit 10 (step S5). When an abnormality occurs when the sample in the sample container 21 accommodated in one of the accommodation positions is aspirated by the dilution dispensing probe 7a, the abnormality detection sensor 55 detects the occurrence of the abnormality at that accommodation position, and notifies the user of the occurrence of the abnormality. Output a signal. Therefore, when the abnormality detection sensor 55 outputs a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred, the control unit 41 determines YES in step S5 and proceeds to the process of step S6. If the signal indicating that the operation has been completed is not output, it is determined as NO in step S5, and the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S<b>6 , the information linking unit 46 links the abnormality occurrence information to the sample identification information according to the instruction from the control unit 41 . Specifically, the information linking unit 46 attaches a flag to the sample identification information stored in the storage unit 42 in association with the housing position where the abnormality detection sensor 55 has detected an abnormality. By switching from the OFF state to the ON state, the abnormality occurrence information is linked. The specimen identification information in the ON state is treated as abnormal specimen identification information until the association with the abnormality occurrence information is released.

Next, the control unit 41 changes the display of the storage position where the occurrence of the abnormality is detected in the operation screen displayed on the display unit 43 during measurement by the measurement unit 10 (step S7). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in a situation where the graphic of the turntable 2a and the graphic of the turntable 2b are displayed on the operation screen, the sample is aspirated from the sample container 21 accommodated in the first accommodation position of the turntable 2a. If an abnormality occurs when doing so, the control unit 41 changes the display of the first accommodation position to a display different from that of the other accommodation positions. Also, although not shown, a message indicating that the abnormality occurrence information is linked to the sample identification information read from the sample container 21 stored in the first storage position may be displayed on the operation screen. As a result, the user viewing the operation screen can identify (know) which accommodation position accommodates the sample container 21 in which the abnormality has occurred.

Next, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the measurement of the samples in all the sample containers 21 instructed by the user to perform the measurement has been completed (step S8). At this time, if the sample container 21 for which the sample measurement has not been completed remains on the turntable 2a, the control unit 41 determines NO in step S8, and proceeds to the process of step S9.

In step S9, the control unit 41 confirms whether or not the user has given an instruction to interrupt the measurement. Then, if the control unit 41 has not received an instruction to suspend measurement from the user, it returns to the process of step S5 to continue the measurement of the measurement unit 10, and if it has received an instruction to suspend measurement from the user, the control unit 41 returns to step The process proceeds to S10.

In step S<b>10 , the control section 41 suspends the measurement by the measurement section 10 . When the measurement of the measuring section 10 is interrupted, the operation of each section of the measuring section 10 stops. At that time, in the sample container accommodating unit 2, the rotation of the turntable 2a is stopped. In addition, the sample dilution unit 7 is placed above the sample container storage unit 2 so as not to interfere with the operation of removing the sample container 21 from the sample container storage unit 2 and the operation of adding the sample container 21 to the sample container storage unit 2 . It stops at a position (retreat position) that is horizontally displaced from the space.

After that, the control unit 41 checks whether or not the user has given an instruction to restart the measurement (step S11). While the measurement by the measurement unit 10 is suspended, the control unit 41 displays a measurement restart button 58 on the operation screen of the display unit 43 as shown in FIG. 7, for example. The user's instruction to restart measurement is given by the user pressing the restart measurement button 58 by operating the mouse or the like on the operation screen shown in FIG. In addition, the user can remove the sample container 21 from the sample container storage unit 2 or add the sample container 21 to the sample container storage unit 2 while the control unit 41 is suspending the measurement by the measurement unit 10 . It becomes possible. Further, when instructing the restart of measurement, the user operates the operation screen of the display unit 43 with a mouse or the like to instruct all the sample containers 21 housed in the sample container housing unit 2 to perform the measurement. Alternatively, it is possible to instruct to perform the measurement only for some of the sample containers 21 .

Next, when the user gives an instruction to resume measurement, the control unit 41 reads the sample identification information by the barcode reader 50 from all the sample containers 21 accommodated in the sample container accommodation unit 2. (Step S12).
Next, the control unit 41 associates the sample identification information with the accommodation position and stores them in the storage unit 42 according to the read result of the sample identification information in step S12 (step S13).

The process of step S12 is performed in the same manner as the process of step S2 described above, and the process of step S13 is performed in the same manner as the process of step S3 described above. In addition, the association data, which is the data that associates the sample identification information with the accommodation position, is stored in the storage unit 42 each time before restarting the measurement of the measurement unit 10 according to the user's instruction to restart the measurement. . Further, the association data stored in the storage unit 42 is updated to the latest data each time the barcode reader 50 is used to read the specimen identification information. Further, the association data stored in the storage unit 42 before updating is stored and retained in the storage unit 42 for at least a predetermined period. The predetermined period is a period until confirmation of removal and addition of the sample container 21 to the sample container housing unit 2 and confirmation of whether or not the sample container 21 has been moved is completed.

Next, the control unit 41 performs collation processing for confirming removal and addition of the sample container 21 (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 41 stores data (hereinafter referred to as “previous correspondence data”) in which the specimen identification information and the accommodation position are associated according to the previous reading result of the barcode reader 50, and the current barcode. According to the reading result of the reader 50, the data in which the specimen identification information and the accommodation position are associated (hereinafter referred to as "current association data") is collated. Then, if there is sample identification information that is not included in the current association data among the sample identification information included in the previous association data, the control unit 41 determines that the sample container 21 to which this sample identification information is attached is the sample container accommodation unit. It recognizes that it has been removed from the unit 2. However, the controller 41 does not determine that the sample container 21 has been moved only by recognizing that the sample container 21 has been removed from the sample container storage unit 2 . In addition, if there is sample identification information not included in the previous association data among the sample identification information included in the current association data, the control unit 41 determines that the sample container 21 to which this sample identification information is attached is the sample container accommodation unit. It recognizes that it has been added to unit 2. It should be noted that the sample identification information flag included in the previous association data is set at the point in time when the abnormality detection sensor 55 detects the occurrence of an abnormality between the reading of the previous sample identification information and the current reading of the sample identification information. is changed from off to on.

As a result of the collation processing in step S14, the control unit 41 collects information about the sample container 21 recognized as having been removed from the sample container housing unit 2 and/or the sample container 21 recognized as having been added to the sample container housing unit 2. may be displayed on the operation screen of the display unit 43 . The information about the sample container 21 is, for example, the accommodation position number, the sample identification information, and the like. As a result, the user viewing the operation screen can confirm whether or not the sample container 21 removal work and addition work performed by the user using the measurement interruption period have been properly performed.

Next, the control unit 41 adds the specimen identification information (abnormal specimen identification information) associated with the abnormality occurrence information during the measurement until the measurement by the measurement unit 10 is interrupted in step S10 to the current association data. It is determined whether or not it exists (step S15). If the user takes out the sample container 21 attached with the abnormal sample identification information from the sample container storage unit 2 during the measurement suspension period, the abnormal sample identification information does not exist in the current association data, so NO in step S15. Otherwise, YES is determined in step S15 and the process of step S16 is skipped.

The sample containers 21 that the user can take out from the sample container storage unit 2 during the measurement suspension period include not only the sample containers 21 with abnormal sample identification information, but also those with normal sample identification information. A specimen container 21 is also included. The user can also add sample containers 21 to the sample container storage unit 2 using the measurement interruption period. The sample containers 21 that can be added to the sample container storage unit 2 include not only new sample containers 21 but also sample containers 21 previously removed from the sample container storage unit 2 . Such confirmation of removal and addition of the sample container 21 is performed by the collation processing in step S14, and the judgment processing in step S15 is performed based on the result of the collation processing in step S14.

Next, the control unit 41 selects the sample container accommodating unit 2 for the sample container 21 attached with the sample identification information that does not exist in the current association data among the sample identification information linked with the abnormality occurrence information during measurement. (step S16). At this time, the control unit 41 stores the sample identification information (abnormal sample identification information) of the sample container 21 recognized as having been removed from the sample container accommodating unit 2 as removed sample identification information separately from the current association data. Store in 42.

As a specific situation in which the control unit 41 recognizes that the sample container 21 has been taken out, for example, the following situation can be considered.
First, it is assumed that the sample identification information linked with the abnormality occurrence information is "001" in step S6 before the measurement of the measurement unit 10 is interrupted in step S10. While the measurement by the measurement unit 10 is suspended, the user takes out the sample container 21 to which the sample identification information "001" is attached from the sample container accommodating unit 2, and then instructs the restart of the measurement. Then, the barcode reader 50 reads the sample identification information when the sample container 21 with the identification information “001” is not stored in the sample container storage unit 2 . Therefore, the sample identification information "001" does not exist in the sample identification information (currently associated data) stored in the storage unit 42 in step S13. Therefore, in step S<b>16 , the control unit 41 recognizes that the sample container 21 attached with the sample identification information “001” linked with the abnormality occurrence information during measurement has been removed from the sample container accommodating unit 2 .

Next, the control unit 41 extracts the sample identification information linked to the abnormality occurrence information, that is, the abnormal sample identification information, from the sample identification information stored in the storage unit 42 in step S13 (step S17). In the present embodiment, sample identification information associated with abnormal sample information is sample identification information whose flag is turned on. At this time, if there is no abnormal specimen identification information in the specimen identification information stored in the storage unit 42 in step S13, or if there is abnormal specimen identification information, all of it has been extracted. , sample identification information is not extracted. If there are a plurality of pieces of abnormal specimen identification information that have not yet been extracted from the specimen identification information stored in the storage unit 42 in step S13, one of them is extracted.

Next, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the sample identification information has been extracted in step S17 (step S18), and proceeds to step S19 if the sample identification information has been extracted.

In step S19, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the sample container 21 attached with the sample identification information extracted in step S17 is moved. Whether or not the specimen container 21 has been moved is determined as follows based on the result of the collation process in step S14 and the results of subsequent processes in steps S15 to S18.
First, the sample identification information extracted in step S17 is the sample identification information attached to the sample container 21 recognized as having been taken out from the sample container accommodating unit 2 before this sample identification information is extracted, that is, the extracted sample identification. If it is the same as the information, it is determined that the sample container 21 has been moved. In addition, when the accommodation position associated with the specimen identification information extracted in step S17 is different from the accommodation position associated with the specimen identification information linked with the abnormality occurrence information during the measurement before the current measurement interruption. determines that the specimen container 21 has been moved. Also, if the storage position associated with the sample identification information extracted in step S17 was an empty position during the measurement before the current measurement was interrupted, it is determined that the sample container 21 has been moved. Further, the accommodation position associated with the sample identification information extracted in step S17 is associated with sample identification information different from the sample identification information extracted in step S17 during the measurement before the current measurement is interrupted. If the sample container 21 has been moved, it is determined that the sample container 21 has been moved. Otherwise, it is determined that the specimen container 21 is not moved.

Next, if the control unit 41 determines that the sample container 21 has been moved (if YES is determined in step S19), the control unit 41 cancels the association of the abnormality occurrence information with the sample identification information extracted in step S17. (step S20). For example, if the sample identification information extracted in step S17 is the sample identification information “BBBBBB” shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 41 changes the flag of the sample identification information “BBBBBB” from on to off. do.

Note that the process of step S20 corresponds to a predetermined process executed by the control unit 41 in order to release the linking of the abnormality occurrence information. In this case, the control unit 41 automatically cancels the linking of the abnormality occurrence information. Therefore, the user does not need to perform an operation to release the linking of the abnormality occurrence information. Therefore, the user's operation can be saved.

However, the predetermined process is not limited to the process of releasing the linkage of the abnormality occurrence information, and may be the process of prompting the user to release the linkage of the abnormality occurrence information. Specifically, the control unit 41 may execute, as a predetermined process, a process of displaying on the screen of the display unit 43 a message prompting the user to release the linking of the abnormality occurrence information. In this case, the user sees the message displayed on the screen of the display unit 43 and performs an operation for canceling the linking of the abnormality occurrence information, and the control unit 41 receives the user's operation from the input operation unit 44. to cancel the linking of the error occurrence information. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting the release instruction and leaving the sample container 21 that has undergone physical treatment excluded from the measurement target. This effect can also be obtained when the control unit 41 automatically cancels the linking of the abnormality occurrence information.

Examples of physical treatment include a procedure of removing the fibrin clot and re-centrifuging in order to eliminate the abnormality due to the fibrin clot, or a procedure of re-collecting blood from the living body in order to eliminate the abnormality due to insufficient remaining amount of the specimen. etc. can be considered. The physical treatment may be any treatment as long as it is a treatment for resolving an abnormality that occurs during suction.

Next, the control unit 41 displays on the display unit 43 that the linking of the abnormality occurrence information has been released (step S21). The content displayed on the display unit 43 allows the user to specify in which housing position the sample container 21 to which the sample identification information that has been unlinked from the abnormality occurrence information is attached is stored. Any content may be used as long as it is the content. For example, on the operation screen shown in FIG. Returns the display of the current containment position to the same display as the other containment positions, i.e. the default display. Further, although not shown, a message may be displayed to the effect that the association of the abnormality occurrence information with the sample identification information has been released with respect to the sample container 21 housed in the first housing position. Thereby, the user can know that the linking of the abnormality occurrence information has been canceled by the internal processing of the automatic analyzer 1 . In addition, the user can ascertain in which housing position the sample container 21 attached with the sample identification information that has been unlinked from the abnormality occurrence information is stored.

On the other hand, when the control unit 41 determines that the sample container 21 is not moved (when it determines NO in step S19), it skips the process of step S20. In this case, the control unit 41 does not execute the predetermined process described above. In other words, the control unit 41 does not release the linking of the abnormality occurrence information.

After that, the control unit 41 returns to the process of step S17. Then, when the specimen identification information is not extracted in step S17, the control unit 41 shifts from the process of step S18 to the process of step S22.

In step S22, the control section 41 operates each section of the measurement section 10 to restart the measurement. When the measurement of the measurement unit 10 is restarted, each unit of the measurement unit 10 restarts its operation.

Next, the control unit 41 returns from the process of step S22 to the process of step S5. After that, when the measurement of the samples in all the sample containers 21 instructed by the user to perform the measurement has been completed, the control unit 41 determines YES in step S8 and ends the series of processing.

Subsequently, the abnormality detection sensor 55 detects the occurrence of an abnormality during measurement by the measurement unit 10, and the information linking unit 46 links the abnormality occurrence information to the sample identification information based on the detection result. The procedure of processing (operation, work, etc.) will be described with two specific examples.

(First specific example)
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a user's processing procedure in the first specific example.
First, the user gives an instruction to interrupt the measurement (step S100). The instruction to interrupt the measurement is given by the user pressing a measurement interruption button (not shown) displayed on the operation screen of the display unit 43 by operating the mouse or the like.
Next, the user takes out the sample container 21 whose abnormality has been detected by the abnormality detection sensor 55 during the measurement of the measurement unit 10 from the sample container storage unit 2 using the interruption period of the measurement unit 10 (step S101). .
Next, the user issues an instruction to resume measurement without returning the sample container 21 taken out in step S101 to the sample container accommodating unit 2 (step S102). The instruction to restart the measurement is given by the user pressing the measurement restart button 58 (see FIG. 7) displayed on the operation screen by operating the mouse or the like.
Next, the user physically treats the specimen container 21 taken out in step S101 (step S103).
Next, the user gives an instruction to interrupt the measurement (step S104).
Next, the user returns the sample container 21 subjected to the physical treatment in step S103 to an arbitrary accommodation position in the sample container accommodation unit 2 using the interruption period of the measurement section 10 (step S105).
Next, the user issues an instruction to resume measurement (step S106).

In response to such a user's processing procedure, the control unit 41 performs the following processing according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
First, the control unit 41 suspends measurement by the measurement unit 10 in accordance with a user instruction to suspend measurement (steps S9 and S10), and then resumes measurement by the measurement unit 10 in accordance with a user instruction to resume measurement. If the abnormal sample identification information does not exist in the sample identification information read using the bar code reader 50 in step S12 (NO in step S15), the sample container 21 to which the abnormal sample identification information is added. has been removed from the sample container accommodating unit 2 (step S16).
Next, after recognizing that the sample container 21 attached with the abnormal sample identification information as described above has been removed from the sample container accommodating unit 2, the control unit 41 restarts the measurement by the measuring unit 10 (step S22). As a result, the sample container 21 to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached is excluded from the measurement target in the measurement after restarting, so that repeated occurrence of aspiration failure in the same sample container 21 can be avoided.
Subsequently, the control unit 41 suspends the measurement by the measuring unit 10 according to the user's instruction to suspend the measurement (steps S9 and S10).
Next, the control unit 41 retrieves in step S16 from the sample identification information read using the barcode reader 50 in step S12 before restarting the measurement of the measurement unit 10 in accordance with the user's instruction to restart measurement. is extracted, it is determined that the sample container 21 has been moved, and the linking of the abnormality occurrence information is released (steps S17 to S20).
As a result, when the user returns the sample container 21 subjected to the physical treatment to the sample container accommodating unit 2 and instructs the restart of measurement, even if the user forgets to give the cancellation instruction, the physical treatment cannot be performed in the measurement after the restart. A sample container 21 that has been completed can be included in the measurement target.

(Second specific example)
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a user's processing procedure in the second specific example.
First, the user gives an instruction to interrupt the measurement (step S200).
Next, the user takes out from the sample container storage unit 2 the sample container 21 in which the abnormality detection sensor 55 has detected an abnormality during the measurement by the measurement unit 10 (step S201).
Next, the user physically treats the sample container 21 taken out in step S201 (step S202) while the measurement of the measurement unit 10 is suspended.
Next, the user returns the sample container 21 subjected to the physical treatment in step S202 to the sample container accommodating unit 2 (step S203). At this time, the user returns the physically treated specimen container 21 to a storage position (hereinafter also referred to as "another position") different from the original storage position (before removal).
Next, the user issues an instruction to resume measurement (step S204).

In response to such a user's processing procedure, the control unit 41 performs the following processing according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
First, the control unit 41 suspends the measurement by the measurement unit 10 according to the user's instruction to suspend the measurement. (Steps S9 and S10).
Next, the control unit 41 determines that there is abnormal sample identification information in the sample identification information read by the barcode reader 50 before restarting the measurement of the measurement unit 10 in accordance with the user's instruction to restart measurement, In addition, when the storage position of the sample container 21 to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached is different from the storage position when the abnormality occurrence information is linked, it is determined that the sample container 21 has been moved, and the abnormality occurrence information is generated. The association is released (steps S17 to S20).
As a result, when the user returns the sample container 21 subjected to the physical treatment to the sample container accommodating unit 2 and instructs the restart of measurement, even if the user forgets to give the cancellation instruction, the physical treatment cannot be performed in the measurement after the restart. A sample container 21 that has been completed can be included in the measurement target.

(Third specific example)
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the user's processing procedure in the third specific example.
First, the user gives an instruction to interrupt the measurement (step S300).
Next, the user issues an instruction to resume measurement without removing from the sample container storage unit 2 the sample container 21 in which the abnormality detection sensor 55 has detected an abnormality during measurement by the measurement unit 10 (step S301).

In response to such a user's processing procedure, the control unit 41 performs the following processing according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
First, the control unit 41 suspends the measurement by the measuring unit 10 according to the user's instruction to suspend the measurement (steps S9 and S10).
Next, the control unit 41 determines that there is abnormal sample identification information in the sample identification information read by the barcode reader 50 before restarting the measurement of the measurement unit 10 in accordance with the user's instruction to restart measurement, In addition, when the storage position of the sample container 21 to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached is the same as the storage position when the abnormality occurrence information is linked, it is determined that the sample container 21 is not moved (steps S17 to S19). ).
As a result, if there is a sample container 21 attached with abnormal sample identification information during the measurement before interruption and the user instructs to resume measurement without removing this sample container 21 from the sample container storage unit 2, Also in the measurement of , the sample container 21 to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached can be excluded from the measurement object.

In step S203 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the user needs to return the physically treated sample container 21 to another position, but there is a possibility that the user may accidentally return the sample container 21 to the original accommodation position. There is In that case, the storage position of the sample container 21 to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached becomes the same position as the storage position when the abnormality occurrence information is linked. Therefore, the control unit 41 determines that the sample container 21 is not moved (steps S17 to S19). Therefore, in the measurement after resuming, the sample container 21 that has undergone physical treatment remains excluded from the measurement targets. As means for solving such an inconvenience, the control unit 41 performs the following processing (not shown) when it is determined that the sample container 21 is not moved (when it is determined NO in step S19). is preferred.

First, the control unit 41 inquires of the user whether or not a physical treatment has been performed on the sample container 21 determined not to be moved. Next, when the user answers that the user has taken physical measures in response to the above inquiry, the control unit 41 cancels the linking of the abnormality occurrence information and restarts the measurement by the measurement unit 10. resumes the measurement of the measurement unit 10 without canceling the linking of the abnormality occurrence information. As a result, even if the user accidentally returns the sample container 21 that has undergone physical treatment to its original storage position, the sample container 21 that has undergone physical treatment can be included in the measurement target in the measurement after restarting. . In addition, when the user returns the sample container 21 that has not undergone any physical treatment to its original accommodation position, the sample container 21 to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached should be excluded from the measurement targets even after restarting the measurement. can be done.

As described above, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 41 stores the association data stored in the storage unit 42 according to the current reading result by the barcode reader 50 and the previous reading result. Using the correspondence data stored in the storage unit 42 according to the above, it is determined whether or not the sample container 21 to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached has been moved. Then, when determining that the sample container 21 has been moved, the control unit 41 executes a predetermined process for canceling the association of the abnormality occurrence information with the abnormal sample identification information. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting the release instruction and leaving the physically treated sample container excluded from the measurement target.

<Modifications, etc.>
The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but also includes forms with various modifications and improvements within the range where specific effects obtained by the constituent elements of the invention and their combinations can be derived.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the processes for confirming removal and addition of the sample container 21, determining whether or not the sample container 21 has been moved, and releasing the linking of the abnormal sample information, that is, the processing shown in FIG. The processing of steps S14 to S21 is performed before the measurement unit 10 resumes measurement in step S22, but the present invention is not limited to this, and before the measurement unit 10 starts measurement in step S4 It is also possible to perform the same processing as described above. In that case, after step S3 in FIG. 4 and before step S4, steps S14 to S21 are performed, and when step S18 determines NO, measurement by the measuring unit 10 may be started. Also, when the previous measurement is completed (when YES is determined in step S8), if the latest association data, extracted specimen identification information, etc. are stored in the storage unit 42, such information will be stored next time. is stored in the storage unit 42 until the next measurement, and when the user instructs the start of the next measurement, the above information stored in the storage unit 42 since the end of the previous measurement and the information before the start of the next measurement Whether or not the sample container 21 is moved may be determined using the association data stored in the storage unit 42 in step S3.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the barcode reader 50 is used as an example of a reading device that reads the sample identification information attached to the sample container 21 , but the reading device is not limited to the barcode reader 50 . For example, the sample container 21 may be attached with a sticker printed with character string information constituting the sample identification information, and the reading device may be configured to directly read the character string information using a known character recognition technology. . In other words, the reading device may be any device as long as it can read the sample identification information attached to the sample container 21 .

Further, the control unit 41 releases the linking of the abnormality occurrence information in accordance with the flow charts shown in FIGS. may or may not have

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Automatic analyzer 2... Specimen container accommodation unit 7a... Dilution dispensing probe (suction part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Measurement part 21... Specimen container 41... Control part 42... Storage part 43... Display part 46... Information linking part 50... Bar code reader (reading device)

Claims (13)

A sample container storage unit capable of storing a plurality of sample containers in different storage positions; a measurement unit that measures a sample;
a reading device for reading sample identification information attached to each sample container accommodated in the sample container accommodation unit;
a storage unit for storing association data that associates the specimen identification information read by the reading device with the accommodation position of the specimen container to which the specimen identification information is attached;
When an abnormality occurs when the aspirator aspirates the sample, the sample identification information attached to the sample container in which the abnormality has occurred is set as abnormal sample identification information by linking the abnormality occurrence information. an information linking unit;
The abnormal specimen identification information is attached using the association data stored in the storage unit according to the current reading result by the reading device and the association data stored in the storage unit according to the reading result before this time. determining whether or not the sample container has been moved, and if it is determined that the sample container has been moved, performing a predetermined process for releasing the association of the abnormality occurrence information with the abnormal sample identification information. Department and
Automatic analyzer with The control unit extracts the abnormal specimen identification information from the specimen identification information read this time by the reading device, and determines whether or not the specimen container attached with the extracted abnormal specimen identification information is moved, The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process is executed when it is determined that the sample container has been moved. In a state in which at least one sample identification information among sample identification information attached to each sample container contained in the sample container containing unit is set as the abnormal sample identification information, the control unit receives a request from a user. The measurement of the measurement unit is interrupted in accordance with the instruction to interrupt measurement, and then the abnormality is included in the specimen identification information read by the reading device before restarting the measurement of the measurement unit in accordance with the instruction to resume measurement from the user. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein when the sample identification information does not exist, it is recognized that the sample container to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached is removed from the sample container storage unit. After recognizing that the sample container to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached has been removed from the sample container storage unit, the control unit suspends measurement by the measurement unit in accordance with a user's instruction to suspend measurement. The same as the abnormal sample identification information attached to the sample container recognized as being removed from the sample identification information read by the reading device before restarting the measurement of the measurement unit in accordance with the instruction to resume measurement from 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein it is determined that the sample container has been moved when the sample identification information of is extracted. In a state in which at least one sample identification information among sample identification information attached to each sample container contained in the sample container containing unit is set as the abnormal sample identification information, the control unit receives a request from a user. The measurement of the measurement unit is interrupted in accordance with the instruction to interrupt measurement, and then the abnormality is included in the specimen identification information read by the reading device before restarting the measurement of the measurement unit in accordance with the instruction to resume measurement from the user. When the specimen identification information exists and the housing position of the specimen container to which the abnormal specimen identification information is attached is different from the housing position when the abnormal specimen identification information is linked, the movement of the specimen container is judged to be possible. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, which judges. In a state in which at least one sample identification information among sample identification information attached to each sample container contained in the sample container containing unit is set as the abnormal sample identification information, the control unit receives a request from a user. The measurement of the measurement unit is interrupted in accordance with the instruction to interrupt measurement, and then the abnormality is included in the specimen identification information read by the reading device before restarting the measurement of the measurement unit in accordance with the instruction to resume measurement from the user. If there is sample identification information and the storage position of the sample container to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached is an empty position during the measurement before this measurement is interrupted, it is possible to move the sample container. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2. In a state in which at least one sample identification information among sample identification information attached to each sample container contained in the sample container containing unit is set as the abnormal sample identification information, the control unit receives a request from a user. The measurement of the measurement unit is interrupted in accordance with the instruction to interrupt measurement, and then the abnormality is included in the specimen identification information read by the reading device before restarting the measurement of the measurement unit in accordance with the instruction to resume measurement from the user. Sample identification information different from the abnormal sample identification information is associated with the storage position of the sample container to which the sample identification information is present and to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached during the measurement before the current measurement is interrupted. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that the sample container has been moved if the sample container has been moved. The control unit sets the sample identification information attached to at least one sample container among the sample identification information attached to each sample container accommodated in the sample container accommodation unit as the abnormal sample identification information. The specimen identification read by the reading device before resuming the measurement by the measuring unit according to the user's instruction to resume measurement, and then following the user's instruction to resume measurement. When the abnormal specimen identification information exists in the information and the storage position of the specimen container to which the abnormal specimen identification information is attached is the same as the storage position when the abnormal specimen identification information is linked, 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that there is no movement of the specimen container. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein the control section does not execute the predetermined process when it is determined that the sample container is not moved. When the control unit determines that the sample container has not been moved, the control unit inquires of the user whether or not physical measures have been taken to resolve the abnormality, and the user performs the physical measures in response to the inquiry. 9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein the linking of the abnormality occurrence information is canceled when the answer is that the analysis has been performed. further equipped with a display,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein, when the linking of the abnormality occurrence information is released, the control section displays that fact on the display section. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process is a process of releasing the linking of the abnormality occurrence information or a process of prompting a user to release the linking of the abnormality occurrence information. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control section controls the measurement section so as not to aspirate the sample from the sample container to which the abnormal sample identification information is attached.

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