JP4366380B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a sample dispensing mechanism and an automatic analyzer for performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific components in a sample by mixing the sample with a reagent, and in particular, a sample having a high dispensing processing capacity per hour. The present invention relates to a dispensing mechanism and an automatic analyzer equipped with the dispensing mechanism.

  Taking an example of an automatic medical analyzer used for analysis of specific components in biological samples such as blood and urine, such an automatic analyzer is undertaken from a large hospital, small / medium hospital or clinic with a large number of patients. This is an indispensable device for efficient analysis at the inspection center.

  Such an automatic analyzer is desired to be compact and capable of performing more types of analysis and having a high processing speed, and various types of automatic analyzers have been proposed.

  One means for increasing the processing speed is to increase the sample dispensing speed. Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic chemical analysis apparatus provided with two sampling nozzles, each of which has a sample dispensing mechanism capable of sampling from one sample container to two reaction containers at different timings.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a sample dispensing apparatus in which a plurality of sampling nozzles are provided in one sampling arm, and each nozzle is capable of independent discharge control.

JP-A-3-140869 JP 2001-66316 A

  According to the method described in Patent Document 1, since each dispensing probe can perform a dispensing operation at different timings, it can handle 1200 tests / hour with an operation equivalent to 600 tests / hour. However, based on the description of the examples, it is considered that the two dispensing probes are supported by one probe shaft, and the two dispensing probes cannot perform the sample dispensing operation completely independently. That is, since it is considered that two dispensing probes cannot be arranged on the same probe rotation plane because of the structure, it is considered necessary to synchronize the dispensing operations of the two dispensing probes.

  Further, in the method described in Patent Document 2, since two dispensing probes are provided on the same dispensing arm, it is considered that the dispensing operation cannot be performed at different timings as well.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a sample dispensing probe that includes a sample dispensing probe capable of independently dispensing a plurality of dispensing probes, improves dispensing speed, and enables flexible dispensing operation timing. It is to provide an automatic analyzer equipped with the same.

  The sample dispensing probe of the present invention is suitable for an automatic medical analyzer, but it is needless to say that the sample dispensing probe can be applied to an inorganic / organic sample analyzer or the like.

  The problem solving means of the present invention is as follows.

A plurality of sample containers for storing the sample to be analyzed can be placed, and a sample container mounting mechanism having a mechanism capable of changing the arrangement of the plurality of sample containers, and a plurality of reaction containers for mixing the sample to be analyzed and the reagent are provided. A reaction container mounting mechanism having a mechanism that can be placed and capable of changing the arrangement of the plurality of reaction containers; a sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample from the sample container and discharging the sample to the reaction container; In a sample dispensing apparatus comprising:
The sample dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles for sample separation and discharge, and the nozzles can independently move the nozzle for sample separation and discharge, and the nozzles. Are each provided with a mechanism capable of moving independently between the sample container and the reaction container.

  The sample container mounting mechanism may be of any form as long as the position of the sample container can be moved. For example, the thing provided with the sample disk which arrange | positions several sample containers on the circumference may be sufficient. In this case, although it is expressed as a sample disk, it is not always necessary to have a disk shape. Therefore, the expression “on the circumference of the disk” is used, but in the case of a disk-shaped disk, it can be read as “on the circumference”.

  Moreover, the thing of the form which uses the rack which can mount one or more sample containers and moves this rack may be sufficient.

  The same applies to the reaction vessel mounting mechanism. It may be in the form of a reaction disk, or the reaction vessel may be moved linearly.

  As described above, in the present invention, an analyzer having a plurality of sample dispensing devices that can operate independently can provide an automatic analyzer with high processing capacity per time and high added value.

  Each sample dispensing mechanism of the present invention repeats the operation of collecting a sample and discharging the sample into the reaction vessel. By having multiple nozzles, it is possible to fill the waiting time for sample collection by sampling other samples while one sample dispensing mechanism discharges the sample to the reaction disk after sample collection. Thus, high-speed processing can be realized.

  Since multiple sample dispensing mechanisms can be independently dispensed, frequent sampling operations can be performed from the sample container.With this, the movement time of the sample container to the sampling position is shortened. Although there is no time to move to a predetermined location, which causes a reduction in processing capacity, it is possible to prevent a decrease in processing capacity by allowing each sample dispensing mechanism to collect from a plurality of sample collection positions.

  The nozzle may be provided with a moving mechanism capable of reciprocating between the sample collection position and the reaction disk, and the movement trajectory of the sample dispensing mechanism may be linear or curved. It is necessary to have means that do not interfere with each other in order for the dispensing mechanism to be able to operate independently. For example, when the sample dispensing mechanism operates in the same plane, an escape position may be provided on the operation path of the sample dispensing mechanism so as not to restrain the mutual movement between the sample collection position and the reaction disk. Position the mechanism so that the trajectory does not interfere. Alternatively, the moving parts of the mechanism are arranged vertically so as not to interfere with each other. Alternatively, a mechanism may be considered in which a rotation shaft is provided at the midpoint between the sample collection position and the reaction disk, and a plurality of sample dispensing mechanisms are moved to the sample collection position or the reaction disk by this rotation shaft. In the case of movement by a rotating shaft, each sample dispensing mechanism may have moving means other than the rotating shaft in order to move the sample dispensing mechanism to a plurality of sample collection positions or a plurality of reaction disk positions.

  Further, the nozzle may be provided with a liquid level detection function, and the liquid level detection function may be used to confirm whether or not there is a minimum number of samples for reliably collecting a sample in the sample container.

  In the case of an analyzer having a plurality of sample dispensing mechanisms, based on the determination result when it is determined that there is not enough sample in the sample container to reliably collect samples in any sample dispensing mechanism. Next, the sample dispensing device that collects the same sample next time can reduce unnecessary operations by stopping the sampling from the planned sample container and changing the sampling source to the next sample container It becomes.

  Further, the nozzle may be provided with a clogging detection function, and the clogging detection function may be used to check whether a clogging factor in the flow path is present in the sample container. In the case of an analyzer having a plurality of sample dispensing mechanisms, if a clogging factor is present in the sample container by any sample dispensing mechanism, the next sample is collected from the same sample based on the determination result. The dispensing apparatus can reduce the wasteful operation by stopping the sampling from the sample container and changing the sampling source to the sample container to be sampled next.

  In addition, even if the nozzle becomes inoperable due to some abnormality, it has a plurality of sample dispensing mechanisms that can operate independently. The analysis operation can be continued by the sample dispensing mechanism in operation.

  Further, if at least one of the plurality of nozzles is operable, the analysis can be performed by operating only the operable sample dispensing mechanism among the plurality of sample dispensing mechanisms.

  In sample dispensing, the dummy is sucked in addition to the amount dispensed into the reaction vessel in order to avoid thinning in the flow path. This dummy is finally discharged and discarded into the cleaning tank. By having multiple sample dispensing mechanisms, the processing capacity will increase, but if the sample volume is extremely small, such as a pediatric sample, all items requested for that sample will be analyzed even if the processing capacity is reduced. Is more valuable. For example, all items requested even in the case of a small amount of sample by collecting and dispensing a sample only with a specific sample dispensing mechanism instead of using all the sample dispensing mechanisms according to the information of the sample container Can be analyzed. When the operation is separated according to the sample container type as in the above example, for example, by enabling / disabling the function from the operation screen, a device with higher added value can be provided.

  Higher processing speed is possible with a larger number of nozzles, but there is a problem with space, such as the need to provide a relief position between mechanisms and an increase in the reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing reagents after dispensing the sample into the reaction container. Therefore, it is desirable to select appropriately according to the processing capacity.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view. Reaction vessels 35 are arranged on the circumference of the reaction disk 36. A reagent disk 42 is disposed inside the reaction disk 36 and a reagent disk 41 is disposed outside. A plurality of reagent containers 40 can be placed on the circumference of each of the reagent disks 41 and 42. Two reagents enter one reagent container 40. A transport mechanism 12 for moving the rack 11 on which the sample container 10 is placed is installed near the reaction disk 36. Rails 25 and 26 are arranged on the reagent disk 41 and the reagent disk 42. The rail 25 includes reagent probes 20 and 21 movable in a direction parallel to the rail and in the vertical direction. Removable reagent probes 22 and 23 are installed. Reagent probes 20, 21, 22,
Each 23 is connected to a reagent pump 24. Between the reaction vessel 35 and the transport mechanism 12, sample probes 15 and 16 that can be rotated and moved up and down are installed.

  The sample probes 15 and 16 move while drawing an arc around the rotation axis, and alternately perform sample dispensing from the sample container to the reaction container. A mechanism capable of changing the probe height is provided so that the movements of each other do not interfere with each other, and the adjustment of the dispensing timing and the height is executed as programmed in advance.

  The configuration of a sample dispensing mechanism according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 shows the locus of the sample probe from the top of the apparatus, FIG. 4 shows the structure of the sample probe from the front of the apparatus, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the moving mechanism of the sample probe. The sample probes 15 and 16 are moved from the sample container 61 and the reaction container 35 at the suction position by the sample probe on the rack 11 to the reaction container 62 that is the sample discharge position by the sample probe. In addition to the sample container 61 and the reaction container 62, the sample probe 15 can be moved to three positions of the cleaning position 63, and 65 indicates the locus of the sample probe 15. On the other hand, the sample probe 16 can be moved to three locations of the cleaning position 64 in addition to the sample container 61 and the reaction container 62, and 66 indicates the locus of the sample probe 16.

  The sample probe 15 can be moved along the rail 71 by a driving source not shown in the drawing between the sample container 61 and the reaction container 62. Further, the sample probe 15 can move between the cleaning position 63, the sample container 61, and the reaction container 62. The movement in the left-right direction can be moved along the rail 73 by a drive source not shown in the drawing. The moving operation in the front-rear direction and the moving operation in the left-right direction are performed by the other following the one. As a result, the sample probe head 75 can move in a plane constituted by the rail 71 and the rail 73, and can move in a three-dimensional space by the nozzle 77 having the vertical movement mechanism.

  Similarly, the sample probe 16 can be moved along the rail 72 by a driving source not shown in the drawing between the sample container 61 and the reaction container 62, and the cleaning position 63, the sample container 61, and the reaction container 62 are further moved. It is possible to move along the rail 74 by a driving source not shown in the drawing. The moving operation in the front-rear direction and the moving operation in the left-right direction are performed by the other following the one. As a result, the sample probe head 76 can move in a plane constituted by the rail 72 and the rail 74, and can move in a three-dimensional space by the nozzle 78 having the vertical movement mechanism.

  The sample probes 15 and 16 have a liquid level detection function and a clogging detection function, and the sample probes 15 and 16 are connected to the sample pump 14, respectively. The sample probes 15 and 16 are controlled by independent drive systems.

Around 36, stirring devices 30 and 31, a light source 50, a detection optical device 51, and a container cleaning mechanism 45 are arranged. The container cleaning mechanism 45 is connected to a cleaning pump 46. A cleaning port 54 is installed in each operation range of the sample probes 15 and 16, the reagent probes 20, 21, 22 and 23, and the stirring devices 30 and 31. The sample pump 14, the reagent pump 24, the washing pump 46, the detection optical device 51, the reaction vessel 35, the reagent disk 41, the reagent probes 20, 21, 22, 23, and the sample probes 15 and 16 are connected to the controller 60, respectively. ing.

  An analysis procedure using this apparatus will be described.

  A sample to be inspected, such as blood, is placed in the sample container 10, placed on a rack 11, and carried by a transport mechanism 12.

  The sample collected in the sample container 61 by the sample probe 15 or 16 is dispensed into the reaction container 62.

  The initial position of the sample probe 15 is a cleaning position 63, and the initial position of the sample probe 16 is a cleaning position 64.

The sample probe 15 moves to the sample suction position on the rail 71 and the rail 73, and the sample probe head 75 moves down on the sample container 61 to move up to discharge the sample sucked into the reaction container 62. Then, the sample probe 16 moves on the rail 72 and the rail 74 to the sample suction position 61, the sample probe head 76 moves down on the sample container 61, rises after the sample is sucked, and discharges the sample sucked into the reaction container 62. To move on.

  For example, when a sample is aspirated from the sample probe 15, the sample probe 15 is moved to the sample aspirating position as shown in the time chart of FIG. 6, and is moved to eject the aspirated sample to the reaction container 62 after the sample is aspirated. . As the sample probe 15 moves to the reaction container 62, the sample probe 16 starts moving from the cleaning position 64 to the sample container 61. At this time, the sample probe 15 moves to the reaction vessel 62 via the cleaning position 63 so that the sample probe 15 and the sample probe 16 do not collide with each other. Similarly, when the sample probe 16 finishes sucking the sample from the sample container 61, the sample probe 16 moves to the reaction container 62 for discharging the sample via the cleaning position 64. As a result, the time for sucking the sample from the sample container can be shortened. In order to perform the operation of the time chart shown in FIG. 6, it is sufficient to arrange a mechanism so that the two sampling probes do not intersect with each other. As a mechanism for realizing this, an embodiment other than the mechanism configuration shown in FIG. 7 and FIG.

The difference between FIG. 7 and FIG. 5 is that, in FIG. 5, a curved rail 101 along the movement locus of the sample probe is used, but in FIG. It is a point that is provided.

  FIG. 8 is a sample obtained by using two linear rails crossing an obtuse angle instead of two rails crossing at right angles, in FIG. Interference between the probe heads 75 and 76 is avoided.

  When the sample suction from the sample container is completed for a predetermined amount, the transport mechanism 12 causes the next sample container to transport the rack 11 to the sample suction position.

  In addition, the sample probe is not provided in the dispensing mechanism that moves along the rail as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, but a dispensing arm is provided in the moving mechanism, and the dispensing arm is rotated. It is also possible to adjust the position where dispensing is possible by moving or translating.

A certain amount of reagent is dispensed from the reagent probe 20 or 21 or 22 or 23 from the reagent container 40 installed on the reagent disk 41 or 42, stirred by the stirring devices 30 and 31, and reacted for a certain period of time. The measurement result is output to a control computer not explicitly shown in the figure. When further measurement items are requested, the above sampling is repeated, and the sample probe 16 collects from the sample container 10 while the sample probe 15 is discharging the sample collected in the reaction container 35. Thereafter, when the measurement items of the same sample container 10 are finished, a sample is collected from the next sample container 10 by the sample probe 15 or 16 and set for all the sample containers 10 on the rack 11 by the sample probe 15 or 16. It repeats until sampling of all the measurement items done is completed.

  Any combination of the sample probe 15 or 16 and the reagent probe 20 or 21 or 22 or 23 is possible. As a result, even if either of the sample probes 15 or 16 becomes unable to continue operation due to some abnormality, the analysis operation is continued for all reagent items arranged on the analyzer with the other sample probe. Is possible.

  When it is already known that either one of the sampling probes 15 or 16 is abnormal, the analysis can be started with only the sample probe having the abnormality being effective.

  If it is determined that either of the sample probes 15 or 16 has a clogging factor mixed in the sample in the sample container 10 by the clogging detection function of each sample probe, the sample probe that has detected clogging is The channel cleaning is performed at the cleaning port 54, and the other sample probe can stop the sampling operation from the corresponding sample and shift to the sample sampling from the next sample container 10 on the rack 11. Even if the movement of the sample container 10 on the rack 11 to the sample collection position is not in time due to the judgment of the state, the sample probe 15 or 16 can collect samples from a plurality of positions, so that an unnecessarily empty cycle is required. It is possible to continue the analysis operation without generating it.

  Moreover, especially when there are extremely few samples in the sample container such as an infant sample, it is necessary to use only one of the sample probes 15 and 16 to prevent thinning in the sample probe, which is necessary when collecting samples. It is possible to reduce the number of dummies that are not discharged into the reaction vessel 35 and discarded into the cleaning tank.

The top view of the automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied. The perspective view of the automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied. The figure which looked at the operation | movement of the sample dispensing probe of this invention from the top. The figure which looked at the sample dispensing probe of this invention from the side. The perspective view of the sample dispensing probe mechanism of this invention. The timing chart which shows dispensing timing. The figure which shows another Example of this invention. The figure which shows another Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Sample container, 11 ... Rack, 12 ... Conveyance mechanism, 14 ... Sample pump, 15, 16 ... Sample probe, 20, 21, 22, 23 ... Reagent probe, 24 ... Reagent pump, 25, 26 ... Rail, 30, 31 ... Stirring device, 35 ... Reaction container, 36 ... Reaction disk, 40 ... Reagent container, 41, 42 ... Reagent disk, 45 ... Container cleaning mechanism, 46 ... Cleaning pump, 50 ... Light source, 51 ... Detection optical device , 54 ... Cleaning port, 60 ... Controller, 61 ... Sample container at sample suction position, 62 ... Reaction container at sample discharge position, 63 ... Cleaning position of sample probe 1, 64 ... Cleaning position of sample probe 2, 65 ... Sample probe 15 trajectories, 66... Sample probe 16 trajectories, 71 and 72. Sample probe 16 rails 1, 73 and 74. Rail probe 16 2,75 ... sample probe 15 head, 76 ... sample probe 16 head, 77 ... sample probe 15 nozzles, nozzle 78 ... sample probe 16.

Claims (2)

A sample container mounting means provided with a mechanism capable of mounting a plurality of sample containers containing the sample to be analyzed and capable of changing the arrangement of the plurality of sample containers;
A plurality of reaction containers for mixing a sample to be analyzed and a reagent, and a reaction container mounting means having a mechanism capable of changing the arrangement of the plurality of reaction containers;
Sample dispensing means for dispensing a sample from the sample container and discharging it to the reaction container;
In the automatic analyzer comprising the sample container mounting means, the reaction container mounting means, and the control means connected to and controlling the sample dispensing means,
The sample dispensing means includes a plurality of nozzles for sample collection and discharge, and can be dispensed from the same sample container.
Each of the plurality of nozzles independently includes a mechanism for moving between the sample container and the reaction container to separate and discharge the sample,
At least one of the nozzles has a liquid level detection function for detecting the liquid level of the sample in the container, and a function for transmitting information on the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection function to another nozzle. Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
When the information on the liquid level is information that it is determined that a sufficient amount of sample is not stored in the sample container, the control means does not have a sufficient amount of sample in another nozzle to which the information is transmitted. An automatic analyzer characterized in that the sample collection from the sample container determined to be stopped is stopped, and the sample collection destination is changed to another sample container.

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