JP4508763B2 - Sample preparation equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a specimen preparation apparatus, and more particularly, to a specimen preparation apparatus provided with a staining section that stains a specimen.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a specimen preparation device that includes a staining unit that stains a specimen is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a smear preparation apparatus that automatically performs a staining process on a smear of a blood sample on a slide glass using a staining solution as a specimen preparation apparatus. In Patent Document 1, in order to maintain the state of the cells, the specimen cells are fixed using a fixing solution or a stock solution of the staining solution before performing the staining treatment with the staining solution.

By the way, in the conventional smear staining apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is common to use a staining liquid in which a solid staining agent (dye) is dissolved in a methanol solution as a staining liquid used for the staining process. It is. For this reason, when left for a long time after completion of the staining process, the staining agent in the residual staining liquid (such as a flow path or a chamber for storing the staining liquid provided in the middle of the flow path) remaining in the staining liquid supply path ( Dye) is deposited, and adheres to the inner wall or chamber of the flow path, resulting in inconvenience that the flow path is clogged. In addition, the float switch malfunctions due to the stain (dye) adhering to the float switch in the chamber, resulting in a malfunction of the chamber.
JP-A-8-304244

  An object (object) of the present invention is to provide a specimen preparation apparatus that can fix a specimen and wash a staining liquid supply path (flow path) without complicating the apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to achieve the above object, a specimen preparation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first storage section that stores a first staining liquid for staining a specimen smeared on a slide glass, and a first staining liquid. A first channel for supplying the sample from the first container to the specimen and a second container for storing the liquid for washing the first channel, and using the liquid stored in the second container To fix the specimen.

  In the specimen preparation device according to this one aspect, as described above, the specimen is fixed by using the liquid for cleaning the first flow path accommodated in the second accommodation section, so that one second accommodation section is used. Since the first flow path that is the supply path of the first staining liquid and the specimen can be fixed using the stored liquid, the second storage that stores the liquid for cleaning the first flow path There is no need to separately provide a portion and a storage portion for storing a liquid for fixing the specimen. This makes it possible to fix the specimen and clean the supply path (flow path) of the first staining liquid without complicating the apparatus.

  In the specimen preparation device according to the above aspect, the liquid preferably includes a methanol liquid. If comprised in this way, fixation of a sample and washing | cleaning of the flow path of a 1st dyeing | staining liquid can be easily performed using the methanol liquid accommodated in one 2nd accommodating part.

  The specimen preparation device according to the above aspect preferably further includes a second flow path for supplying the liquid accommodated in the second accommodation portion to the specimen when the specimen is fixed. If comprised in this way, since the liquid accommodated in the 2nd accommodating part can be easily supplied to a sample with a 2nd flow path, a sample can be fixed easily.

  In this case, preferably, the first valve for controlling the supply of the liquid stored in the second storage portion from the second storage portion to the first flow path, and the second of the liquid stored in the second storage portion. And a second valve for controlling supply from the housing portion to the second flow path, and the first valve and the second valve are alternatively opened. If comprised in this way, since a 2nd valve is closed when a 1st valve is opened, the liquid accommodated in the 2nd accommodating part can be easily supplied only to a 1st flow path. Moreover, since the first valve is closed when the second valve is opened, the liquid stored in the second storage portion can be easily supplied only to the second flow path. As described above, the liquid stored in the second storage portion can be selectively supplied to the first flow path or the second flow path easily by the first valve and the second valve.

  In the specimen preparation device according to the above aspect, the first flow path preferably includes a first storage section for storing the first staining liquid, and at least the first storage section of the first flow path is the second storage section. It is washed with the liquid contained in the container. If comprised in this way, the 1st storage part in which a 1st dyeing liquid tends to remain | survive can be wash | cleaned using the liquid accommodated in the 2nd accommodating part.

  In this case, preferably, the first storage unit has a float switch that switches to an on state or an off state in accordance with a change in the amount of liquid stored in the first storage unit. If comprised in this way, since the liquid accommodated in the 2nd accommodating part can be easily washed away the stain (dye) of the 1st dyeing liquid adhering to the float switch of the 1st storage part, Occurrence of malfunction of the float switch due to the stain (dye) of the first staining liquid adhering to the float switch can be easily suppressed.

  In the configuration including the first storage section, preferably, the first flow path is provided on the downstream side of the first storage section of the first flow path, and the first staining liquid and a diluent for diluting the first staining liquid; The first storage section and the second storage section of the first flow path are washed with the liquid stored in the second storage section. If comprised in this way, not only the 1st storage part in which a 1st dyeing liquid will remain easily but the 1st dyeing liquid diluted with the dilution liquid tends to remain using the liquid accommodated in the 2nd accommodating part. The second reservoir can also be cleaned.

  In the specimen preparation device according to the above aspect, preferably, a third storage section that stores a second staining liquid for staining a specimen that has been stained with the first staining liquid, and a second staining liquid from the third storage section. A third flow path for supplying the specimen, and the liquid stored in the second storage portion is used to wash not only the first flow path but also the third flow path. If comprised in this way, washing | cleaning of the 1st flow path which is a supply path | route of a 1st dyeing liquid, fixation of a sample, and supply of a 2nd dyeing liquid using the liquid accommodated in one 2nd accommodating part Since the cleaning of the third flow path as the path can be performed, it is necessary to separately provide the cleaning liquid storage section of the first flow path, the specimen fixing liquid storage section, and the third flow path cleaning liquid storage section. There is no. Thereby, the structure of an apparatus can be simplified more.

  In this case, preferably, the third flow path includes a third storage section that stores the second staining liquid, and the third storage section of the third flow path is washed with the liquid stored in the second storage section. If comprised in this way, the 3rd storage part in which a 2nd dyeing liquid will remain easily can be wash | cleaned using the liquid accommodated in the 2nd accommodating part.

  In this case, preferably, the third flow path is provided on the downstream side of the third storage section of the third flow path, and the fourth storage section mixes the second staining liquid and the diluent for diluting the second staining liquid. The third storage part and the fourth storage part of the third flow path are washed with the liquid stored in the second storage part. If comprised in this way, using the liquid accommodated in the 2nd accommodating part, not only the 3rd storage part in which a 2nd dyeing liquid will remain easily but the 2nd dyeing liquid diluted with the dilution liquid tends to remain. The fourth reservoir can also be cleaned.

  The configuration including the third flow path preferably further includes a third valve for controlling the supply of the liquid stored in the second storage section from the second storage section to the third flow path. If comprised in this way, supply to the 3rd flow path of the liquid accommodated in the 2nd accommodating part can be easily controlled using a 3rd valve | bulb.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of a blood smear preparation apparatus and a transport apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows the inside of the blood smear preparation apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. It is the top view which showed the structure. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing a cassette and a slide glass used in the blood smear preparation apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show the embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the 1st suction discharge | emission part of the dyeing | staining part of the blood smear sample preparation apparatus by. FIG. 7 is a fluid circuit diagram showing a supply path of the dyeing treatment liquid supplied to the dyeing unit shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the whole structure of the blood smear preparation apparatus 1 and the conveying apparatus 2 by this embodiment is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, an example in which the sample preparation device of the present invention is applied to the blood smear preparation device 1 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a transport apparatus 2 is installed on the front surface of the blood smear preparation apparatus 1. In addition, the blood smear preparation apparatus 1 and the transport apparatus 2 are installed on a support base 3. In addition, on the support 3, five containers 101 to 105 in which a staining liquid used in the staining process of the blood smear preparing apparatus 1 is stored are placed. In the present embodiment, the containers 101 to 105 are used for the May-Grünwald solution (staining solution), the diluting solution (phosphate buffer solution in this embodiment), Giemsa solution (staining solution), methanol solution, and specimen cleaning, respectively. Contains water.

  The blood smear preparation apparatus 1 includes a control unit 1a having a function of controlling an operation for preparing a smear of a blood sample. The control unit 1a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Further, the transport device 2 is provided for automatically transporting the sample rack 50 storing the test tube 51 in which blood is stored to the blood smear preparing device 1. The transport device 2 includes a carry-in unit 2 a into which the sample rack 50 is carried in, and a take-out unit 2 b in which the test tube 51 is taken out from the sample rack 50.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 1-7, the whole structure of the blood smear preparation apparatus 1 is demonstrated. First, as shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the control unit 1 a, the blood smear preparing device 1 transports a test tube 51 containing blood from the transport device 2 side to the blood smear preparing device 1 side. The hand member 1b is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the blood smear preparation apparatus 1 includes a suction / dispensing mechanism section 21, a smear section 22, a resin cassette 23, a cassette housing section 24, a cassette transport section 25, and a slide. The glass insertion part 26, the dyeing | staining part 27, and the storage part 28 are provided.

  The suction dispensing mechanism unit 21 has a function of sucking blood from the test tube 51 conveyed to the blood smear preparation apparatus 1 side by the hand member 1b (see FIG. 1) and dropping the sucked blood onto the slide glass 10. Have. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction / dispensing mechanism 21 includes a piercer (aspiration needle) 21a for sucking blood from a test tube 51 and a dispensing pipette for dispensing the sucked blood to the slide glass 10. 21b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the smearing unit 22 supplies the slide glass 10 to the dispensing / smearing position 90, smears and dries the blood dropped on the slide glass 10, and the slide glass 10 It is provided for printing. Further, the resin cassette 23 is configured so as to be able to accommodate the smeared slide glass 10 and the dyeing treatment liquid used in the dyeing process. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cassette 23 includes a slide glass storage hole 23a and a staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 23b. The slide glass storage hole 23a and the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 23b are connected inside.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the cassette housing portion 24 is provided to carry the cassette 23 into the cassette carrying portion 25, and includes a feed belt 24a. The cassette transport unit 25 is provided to transport the cassette 23 carried from the cassette housing unit 24 to the slide glass insertion unit 26 and the staining unit 27. As shown in FIG. 2, the cassette transport unit 25 includes a cassette transport member 25 a that can move in the horizontal direction (A direction in FIG. 2) and a transport path for transporting the cassette 23 supplied from the cassette housing unit 24. 25b. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the slide glass insertion portion 26 is provided to store the slide glass 10 that has been smeared and printed in the slide glass storage hole 23 a of the cassette 23.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the staining unit 27 according to the present embodiment supplies and discharges the staining liquid to and from the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 23b of the cassette 23 conveyed by the cassette conveying member 25a. The slide glass 10 housed in 23 is lifted and dried, so that the smeared slide glass 10 is dyed. The dyeing unit 27 includes a feeding member 71 for feeding the cassette 23 conveyed by the cassette conveying member 25a to the staining unit 27, a conveying belt 72 for conveying the cassette 23 fed from the feeding member 71, and the cassette 23. The first to fifth suction / discharge sections 73 to 77 for supplying and discharging the dyeing liquid, and the fan 78a for drying the slide glass 10 in the second suction / discharge section 74; A fan 78b for drying the slide glass 10 and a feed mechanism 79 for feeding the cassette 23 from the transport belt 72 to the transport belt 28a side of the storage unit 28 are included.

  Next, the feeding member 71 and the first suction / discharge portion 73 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 5, the feeding member 71 includes a swinging member 71a, a support shaft 71b that supports the swinging member 71a, a motor 71c for rotating the support shaft 71b, and a drive belt 71d. 71e. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first suction / discharge unit 73 according to the present embodiment includes a supply pipette 73 a that supplies the staining liquid to the cassette 23 and a pipette support that supports the supply pipette 73 a. It includes a member 73b and a drive mechanism 73e having a motor 73c and a drive belt 73d for moving the pipette support member 73b in the vertical direction. The first suction / discharge unit 73 is configured to supply the dyeing solution (methanol solution) to the cassette 23 by moving the supply pipette 73a downward by the drive mechanism unit 73e. A slide glass gripping member 73 f for gripping the slide glass 10 and lifting it from the cassette 23 is attached to the pipette support member 73 b of the first suction / discharge unit 73.

  The second suction / discharge section 74 basically has the same structure as the first suction / discharge section 73 described above. The third suction discharge unit 75 to the fifth suction discharge unit 77 have a structure in which the slide glass gripping member 73f is removed from the first suction discharge unit 73 described above. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the second suction discharge unit 74 to the fifth suction discharge unit 77 are respectively used for the dyeing treatment liquid (May-Grunwald solution, May-Grunwald dilution solution, Giemsa dilution solution, specimen) with respect to the cassette 23. Discharge of supply pipettes 74a, 75a, 76a and 77a for supplying (washing water) and dyeing solution (methanol solution, Meigrunwald solution, Meigrunwald dilution solution, Giemsa dilution solution and sample washing water) It has discharge pipettes 74b, 75b, 76b and 77b to be performed.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the dyeing | staining process liquid each supplied from the supply pipettes 73a, 74a, 75a, and 76a of the 1st suction discharge part 73 of the dyeing | staining part 27 by the 4th suction discharge part 76 by this embodiment. The supply path will be described in detail. In the supply path according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, four containers 101 to 104 for storing the dyeing treatment liquid are installed. Specifically, as described above, the container 101 stores the May-Grunwald solution as a staining solution, the container 102 stores a diluent (phosphate buffer solution), and the container 103 has a Giemsa as a staining solution. The liquid is stored, and the container 104 stores a methanol liquid.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the container 101 that stores the May-Grunwald solution as a staining solution is connected to a supply pipette 74 a of the second suction / discharge unit 74 via a valve 111, a valve 112, a chamber 113, and a valve 114. Yes. A pressure regulator 115 is connected to the chamber 113. The chamber 113 is connected to a discharge pipette 75b (see FIG. 2) of the third suction / discharge section 75 via a relay member such as a valve (not shown). The valve 114 is connected to a diaphragm pump 117 to which an atmospheric pressure regulator 116 is connected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the chamber 113 is disposed below the blood smear preparation apparatus 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the chamber 113 is constituted by a tank 113b in which a float switch 113a is provided. The float switch 113a is made of a material that can float in the dyeing solution, and supports a floating member 113d in which a magnet 113c is embedded, a floating member 113d that can move in the vertical direction, and magnetic detection. And a support bar 113f with a built-in type reed switch 113e. The reed switch 113e is embedded in a predetermined position of the support rod 113f that can detect the magnetism of the magnet 113c of the floating member 113d when the dyeing solution in the tank 113b reaches a specified amount. In the float switch 113a, when the floating member 113d approaches a predetermined position, the reed switch 113e of the support bar 113f detects the magnetism of the magnet 113c in the floating member 113d and is turned on, and the floating member 113d is in the predetermined position. It is configured that the reed switch 113e of the support bar 113f is in an off state without being able to detect the magnetism of the magnet 113c in the floating member 113d when it is away from the center.

  The atmospheric pressure regulator 115 has a function for pressurizing and depressurizing the inside of the chamber 113 to which the atmospheric pressure regulator 115 is connected. The diaphragm pump 117 has a function of sucking and discharging a certain amount of solution. Note that the plurality of atmospheric pressure regulators and diaphragm pumps installed in the fluid path according to the present embodiment have the same functions as the atmospheric pressure regulator 115 and the diaphragm pump 117 described above.

  In addition, the container 101 containing the May-Grunwald solution as a staining solution is also supplied to the supply pipette 75a of the third suction / discharge unit 75 via the valve 111, the valve 112, the chamber 113, the valve 121, the mixing chamber 122, and the valve 123. It is connected. The valve 121 is connected to a diaphragm pump 125 to which an atmospheric pressure regulator 124 is connected. The valve 123 is connected to a diaphragm pump 127 to which an atmospheric pressure regulator 126 is connected. Further, the container 102 containing the diluent (phosphate buffer solution) is connected to the mixing chamber 122 via the valve 131. The valve 131 is connected to a diaphragm pump 133 to which an atmospheric pressure regulator 132 is connected. The mixing chamber 122 is provided to mix the May-Grunwald solution as a staining solution stored in the container 101 with the diluent (phosphate buffer solution) stored in the container 102.

  The container 103 containing the Giemsa solution as the staining solution is connected to the supply pipette 76a of the fourth suction / discharge unit 76 via the valve 141, the valve 142, the chamber 143, the valve 144, the mixing chamber 145, and the valve 146. ing. A pressure regulator 147 is connected to the chamber 143. The valve 144 is connected to a diaphragm pump 149 to which an atmospheric pressure regulator 148 is connected. The valve 146 is connected to a diaphragm pump 151 to which the atmospheric pressure regulator 150 is connected. The chamber 143 has the same structure as the chamber 113 described above, and a float switch 143a is provided inside. Moreover, the chamber 143 is arrange | positioned under the blood smear preparation apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. Further, the container 102 containing the diluent is connected to the mixing chamber 145 through a valve 134 as shown in FIG. The valve 134 is connected to a diaphragm pump 136 to which an atmospheric pressure regulator 135 is connected. The mixing chamber 145 is provided to mix the Giemsa solution as the staining solution stored in the container 103 and the diluent stored in the container 102.

  The mixing chamber 122 is connected to the waste liquid chamber 163 via the valve 161, and the mixing chamber 145 is connected to the waste liquid chamber 163 via the valve 162. An atmospheric pressure regulator 164 is connected to the waste liquid chamber 163. The waste liquid chamber 163 has substantially the same structure as the chamber 113 described above, and a float switch 163a is provided inside. The float switch 163a of the waste liquid chamber 163 is provided for detecting whether or not the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid chamber 163 is discharged accurately. The chamber 113, the chamber 143, and the waste liquid chamber 163 are connected to the discharge ports 174, 175, and 176 through valves 171, 172, and 173, respectively.

  Further, the container 104 containing the methanol liquid is connected via a valve 181 in the middle of the supply path of the May-Grunwald liquid from the container 101 containing the May-Grunwald liquid to the chamber 113. The container 104 containing the methanol liquid is connected to the Giemsa liquid supply path from the container 103 containing the Giemsa liquid to the chamber 143 via the valve 182.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the container 104 containing the methanol liquid is connected to the supply pipette 73a of the first suction / discharge unit 73 via the valve 191 as shown in FIG. The valve 191 is connected to a diaphragm pump 193 to which an atmospheric pressure regulator 192 is connected. In this way, by providing a path from the container 104 to the supply pipette 73a of the first suction / discharge unit 73 via the valve 191, the washing methanol liquid stored in the container 104 can be easily transferred to the first portion of the staining unit 27. It becomes possible to supply to the smear (slide glass 10) of 1 suction discharge part 73.

  The storage unit 28 shown in FIG. 2 is provided to store the cassette 23 in which the stained slide glass 10 stained by the staining unit 27 is stored. The storage unit 28 is provided with a conveyance belt 28 a for conveying the cassette 23.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 1-7, operation | movement of the blood smear sample preparation apparatus 1 by this embodiment is demonstrated. When preparing a blood sample smear using the blood smear preparation device 1, first, as a suction dispensing operation, as shown in FIG. 1, a sample rack on which a test tube 51 containing a blood sample is placed. 50 is set in the carrying-in part 2a of the conveying apparatus 2. As a result, the sample rack 50 is transported to the take-out portion 2b of the transport device 2. And after the hand member 1b of the blood smear preparation apparatus 1 lifts and stirs the test tube 51 of the sample rack 50, the test tube 51 is arrange | positioned to the suction dispensing mechanism part 21 shown in FIG. Then, blood in the test tube 51 is sucked by the piercer 21a. Thereafter, the dispensing pipette 21b is moved forward and downward to the dispensing / smearing position 90 shown in FIG. 2, and then blood is dropped (dispensed) from the dispensing pipette 21b onto the slide glass 10.

  A smearing operation by the smearing unit 22 is performed in parallel with the suction dispensing operation by the suction dispensing mechanism unit 21 or after the suction dispensing operation. In the smearing unit 22, the slide glass 10 is supplied to the dispensing / smearing position 90 (see FIG. 2), and the blood dropped on the slide glass 10 is smeared and dried. Then, after the blood sample information is printed on the slide glass 10, the printed slide glass 10 is moved to the slide glass insertion portion 26 side. Next, the cassette 23 set in the cassette housing portion 24 shown in FIG. 2 is sent to the transport path 25b of the cassette transport portion 25 by the feed belt 24a. And it is conveyed to the slide glass insertion part 26 by the cassette conveyance member 25a of the cassette conveyance part 25. FIG.

  In the slide glass insertion portion 26 shown in FIG. 2, first, it is determined whether or not the slide glass 10 is stored in the slide glass storage hole 23 a (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the cassette 23. When it is determined that the slide glass 10 is stored in the cassette 23, the cassette 23 is moved to the staining unit 27 along the transport path 25b by the cassette transport member 25a as it is. In this case, the cassette 23 is moved to the storage unit 28 without being stained by the staining unit 27. When the slide glass insertion unit 26 determines that the slide glass 10 is not stored in the slide glass storage hole 23a of the cassette 23, the slide glass insertion unit 26 inserts the slide glass 10 into the cassette 23. Then, the cassette 23 in which the smeared slide glass 10 is stored is transported to the staining unit 27 by the cassette transport member 25a.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5 to 7, the staining operation of the staining unit 27 and the supply operation of the staining processing liquid used in the staining unit 27 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. In addition, the operation of each member in the supply operation of the staining treatment liquid (valve opening operation and blocking operation, transformation operation by the atmospheric pressure regulator, and the like) is controlled by the control unit 1a of the blood smear preparation apparatus 1. In addition, as an initial state at the start of each fluid operation, all the valves are in a shut-off state.

  First, the staining unit 27 according to the present embodiment fixes (fixes) the smear sample before staining the smear sample of the blood sample. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the smeared slide glass 10 is lifted from the slide glass storage hole 23 a of the cassette 23 by the slide glass gripping member 73 f in the first suction / discharge unit 73 of the staining unit 27. Then, the methanol liquid in the container 104 is dispensed into the staining liquid suction dispensing hole 23b of the cassette 23 by the supply pipette 73a.

  Here, when the methanol liquid stored in the container 104 is supplied to the supply pipette 73a of the first suction / discharge unit 73, first, the valve 191 is used to connect the container 104 and the diaphragm pump 193 as shown in FIG. The flow path between them is opened. In this case, the valves 181 and 182 are controlled by the control unit 1a (see FIG. 2) of the blood smear preparing apparatus 1 so as to be in a shut-off state. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 193 connected to the valve 191 is depressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 192. As a result, the methanol liquid in the container 104 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 193 by a certain amount. Thereafter, the flow path between the container 104 and the diaphragm pump 193 is blocked by the valve 191 and the flow path between the diaphragm pump 193 and the supply pipette 73a of the first suction / discharge unit 73 is opened. . Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 193 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 192. Thereby, the methanol liquid of the diaphragm pump 193 is supplied into the cassette 23 (see FIG. 2) from the supply pipette 73a of the first suction / discharge unit 73.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, after the smeared slide glass 10 is returned to the cassette 23, the cassette 23 in which the smeared slide glass 10 is stored one by one, and the swing member of the feeding member 71. 71a is placed on the conveyor belt 72. Then, the cassette 23 is transported to the second suction / discharge section 74 by the transport belt 72 shown in FIG.

  The second suction / discharge section 74 lifts the smeared slide glass 10 from the slide glass storage hole 23a of the cassette 23, and blows air from the fan 78a on the smear surface of the slide glass 10 for about 1 second to about 60 seconds. Dry by evaporating the liquid component above. This completes the smear fixing process with the methanol solution. The time (immersion time) from when the smeared slide glass 10 is immersed in the methanol solution by the first suction / discharge unit 73 to when the slide glass 10 is lifted by the second suction / discharge unit 74 is about 20 seconds to about 20 seconds. 120 seconds.

  Next, a dyeing process (Maygrunwald / Giemsa double dyeing process) is performed. First, in the second suction / discharge section 74, after the methanol solution is sucked and discharged from the staining solution suction / dispensing hole 23b of the cassette 23 by the discharge pipette 74b, the slide glass 10 is returned to the slide glass storage hole 23a of the cassette 23. . Next, the supply pipette 74a dispenses the May-Grunwald solution contained in the container 101 from the staining solution suction dispensing hole 23b of the cassette 23, and immerses the smeared slide glass 10 in the May-Grunwald solution. Thereby, the May Grünwald Giemsa double staining process is started.

  When dispensing the May-Grunwald liquid contained in the container 101 (see FIG. 7) by the supply pipette 74a of the second suction / discharge unit 74, first, from the initial state (all valves shut off), the valves 111 and 112 is opened, and the pressure in the chamber 113 is reduced by the atmospheric pressure regulator 115. Thereby, the May-Grunwald liquid in the container 101 is sucked into the chamber 113. As the May-Grunwald liquid flows into the chamber 113, the floating member 113d of the float switch 113a installed in the chamber 113 moves upward, and the float switch 113a is turned on. As a result, the valves 111 and 112 are shut off, and the pressure reduction by the atmospheric pressure regulator 115 is released. Then, the movement of the May-Grunwald liquid in the container 101 to the chamber 113 is completed. Then, the flow path between the chamber 113 and the diaphragm pump 117 is opened by the valve 114. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 117 is depressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 116. As a result, a predetermined amount of the May-Grunwald liquid in the chamber 113 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 117. Thereafter, the flow path between the diaphragm pump 117 and the chamber 113 is blocked by the valve 114, and the flow path between the diaphragm pump 117 and the supply pipette 74a of the second suction / discharge section 74 is opened. . Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 117 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 116. Thus, the May-Grunwald liquid of the diaphragm pump 117 is supplied from the supply pipette 74a of the second suction / discharge section 74 into the cassette 23 (see FIG. 2).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, the smeared slide glass 10 is immersed in the May-Grunwald solution as a dyeing process for about 1 minute to about 5 minutes while the cassette 23 is being transported by the transport belt 72. In the third suction / discharge section 75, the May-Grunwald liquid is sucked from the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 23b of the cassette 23 by the discharge pipette 75b, and then moved to the chamber 113 via a relay member such as a valve (not shown). Is done. As described above, the May-Grunwald liquid supplied to the cassette 23 by the supply pipette 74 a of the second suction discharge section 74 is returned again into the chamber 113 using the discharge pipette 75 b of the third suction discharge section 75. The May-Grunwald liquid returned to the chamber 113 is repeatedly used about 20 times or less. The number of times of use is preset on the user side. Then, after being used repeatedly for the set number of times, the May-Grunwald liquid in the chamber 113 is discharged from the discharge port 174 to the outside of the apparatus. When discharging the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the chamber 113 from the discharge port 174 to the outside of the apparatus, as shown in FIG. Pressurize. Then, after a certain time, the valve 171 is turned off. Thereby, the discharge of the May-Grunwald liquid stored in the chamber 113 to the outside of the apparatus is completed. Thereafter, the May-Grunwald liquid in the container 101 is moved to the chamber 113 via the valves 111 and 112.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, the May-Grunwald diluted solution is dispensed into the staining solution suction dispensing hole 23 b of the cassette 23 by the supply pipette 75 a of the third suction discharge unit 75. When supplying the May-Grunwald diluted solution to the supply pipette 75a of the third suction / discharge unit 75, first, the flow path between the chamber 113 and the diaphragm pump 125 is opened by the valve 121 shown in FIG. . Then, the pressure in the diaphragm pump 125 is reduced by the atmospheric pressure regulator 124. As a result, a predetermined amount of the May-Grunwald liquid in the chamber 113 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 125. Thereafter, the valve 121 opens the flow path between the diaphragm pump 125 and the mixing chamber 122. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 125 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 124. As a result, the May-Grunwald liquid of the diaphragm pump 125 is moved to the mixing chamber 122. Thereafter, the flow path between the diaphragm pump 125 and the mixing chamber 122 is blocked by the valve 121. Thereby, the movement of the May-Grunwald liquid in the chamber 113 to the mixing chamber 122 is completed.

  Then, the diluted solution (phosphate buffer solution) in the container 102 is moved to the mixing chamber 122 in order to dilute the May-Grunwald solution in the mixing chamber 122. Specifically, first, the flow path between the container 102 and the diaphragm pump 133 is opened by the valve 131. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 133 is depressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 132. As a result, a certain amount of the diluted liquid in the container 102 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 133. Thereafter, the valve 131 opens the flow path between the diaphragm pump 133 and the mixing chamber 122. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 133 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 132. As a result, the diluent of the diaphragm pump 133 is moved to the mixing chamber 122. Thereafter, the flow path between the diaphragm pump 133 and the mixing chamber 122 is shut off by the valve 131. Thereby, the movement of the diluent in the container 102 to the mixing chamber 122 is completed. Then, the May-Grunwald solution is mixed with the diluent in the mixing chamber 122 to become a May-Grunwald diluent.

  Then, after the flow path between the mixing chamber 122 and the diaphragm pump 127 is opened by the valve 123, the inside of the diaphragm pump 127 is decompressed by the atmospheric pressure regulator 126. As a result, a fixed amount of the May-Grunwald diluted solution in the mixing chamber 122 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 127. Thereafter, the flow path between the diaphragm pump 127 and the mixing chamber 122 is blocked by the valve 123, and the flow path between the diaphragm pump 127 and the supply pipette 75a of the third suction / discharge unit 75 is opened. To do. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 127 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 126. As a result, the May-Grunwald diluted solution of the diaphragm pump 127 is supplied from the supply pipette 75a of the third suction / discharge unit 75 into the cassette 23 (see FIG. 2).

  Thereafter, the May-Grunwald diluent remaining after suction by the diaphragm pump 127 stored in the mixing chamber 122 is discharged from the discharge port 176 to the outside of the apparatus. The discharging operation of the May grungwald diluted solution is performed every time the May grung Wald solution is supplied from the supply pipette 75a of the third suction discharge unit 75. When discharging the May-Grunwald diluent in the mixing chamber 122 to the outside of the apparatus, the valve 161 is opened and the pressure in the waste liquid chamber 163 is reduced by the atmospheric pressure regulator 164. As a result, the May-Grunwald diluent in the mixing chamber 122 moves to the waste liquid chamber 163. Then, after a certain time, the valve 161 is turned off. Next, the valve 173 is opened, and the inside of the waste liquid chamber 163 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 164. Then, after a certain period of time, the valve 173 is turned off. As a result, the May-Grunwald diluent in the waste liquid chamber 163 is discharged from the discharge port 176 to the outside of the apparatus, and the discharge of the May-Grunwald diluent stored in the mixing chamber 122 to the outside of the apparatus is completed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, the smeared slide glass 10 is immersed in the May-Grunwald diluent for about 1 minute to about 5 minutes while the cassette 23 is being transported by the transport belt 72. Then, in the fourth suction / discharge section 76, the May-Grunwald diluted liquid is sucked from the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 23b of the cassette 23 by the discharge pipette 76b and discharged from a discharge path (not shown), and then the supply pipette 76a Giemsa diluted solution is dispensed into the staining solution suction dispensing hole 23b. When supplying the Giemsa diluted solution to the supply pipette 76a of the fourth suction discharge unit 76 of the staining unit 27, first, the valves 141 and 142 shown in FIG. 7 are opened from the initial state (all valves are shut off). In addition, the pressure in the chamber 143 is reduced by the atmospheric pressure regulator 147. Thereby, the Giemsa liquid in the container 103 is sucked into the chamber 143. As the Giemsa liquid flows into the chamber 143, the float switch 143a installed in the chamber 143 is turned on. As a result, the valves 141 and 142 are shut off, and the pressure reduction by the atmospheric pressure regulator 147 is released. Then, the movement of the Giemsa liquid in the container 103 to the chamber 143 ends.

  Then, the Giemsa liquid in the chamber 143 is moved to the mixing chamber 145. Specifically, first, the flow path between the chamber 143 and the diaphragm pump 149 is opened by the valve 144. Then, the pressure in the diaphragm pump 149 is reduced by the atmospheric pressure regulator 148. As a result, the Giemsa liquid in the chamber 143 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 149 by a certain amount. Thereafter, the valve 144 opens the flow path between the diaphragm pump 149 and the mixing chamber 145. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 149 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 148. Thereby, the Giemsa solution of the diaphragm pump 149 moves to the mixing chamber 145. Then, the flow path between the diaphragm pump 149 and the mixing chamber 145 is shut off by the valve 144. Thereby, the movement of the Giemsa liquid in the chamber 143 to the mixing chamber 145 is completed.

  Then, in order to dilute the Giemsa solution in the mixing chamber 145, the diluted solution (phosphate buffer solution) in the container 102 is moved to the mixing chamber 145. Specifically, first, the flow path between the container 102 and the diaphragm pump 136 is opened by the valve 134. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 136 is depressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 135. As a result, the diluent in the container 102 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 136 by a certain amount. Thereafter, the valve 134 opens the flow path between the diaphragm pump 136 and the mixing chamber 145. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 136 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 135. Thereby, the diluted solution of the diaphragm pump 136 moves to the mixing chamber 145. Thereafter, the flow path between the diaphragm pump 136 and the mixing chamber 145 is blocked by the valve 134. Thereby, the movement of the diluent in the container 102 to the mixing chamber 145 is completed. The Giemsa solution is mixed with the diluent in the mixing chamber 145 to become a Giemsa diluent.

  Then, after the flow path between the mixing chamber 145 and the diaphragm pump 151 is opened by the valve 146, the inside of the diaphragm pump 151 is decompressed by the atmospheric pressure regulator 150. As a result, the Giemsa diluted solution in the mixing chamber 145 is sucked into the diaphragm pump 151 by a certain amount. Thereafter, the flow path between the diaphragm pump 151 and the mixing chamber 145 is blocked by the valve 146, and the flow path between the diaphragm pump 151 and the supply pipette 76a of the fourth suction / discharge section 76 is opened. To do. Then, the inside of the diaphragm pump 151 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 150. Accordingly, the Giemsa diluted solution of the diaphragm pump 151 is supplied from the supply pipette 76a of the fourth suction / discharge unit 76 into the cassette 23 (see FIG. 2).

  Thereafter, the Giemsa liquid stored in the chamber 143 is discharged from the discharge port 175 to the outside of the apparatus. When discharging the Giemsa solution in the chamber 143 to the outside of the apparatus, the valve 172 is opened and the inside of the chamber 143 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 147. Then, after a certain time, the valve 172 is brought into a shut-off state. As a result, the discharge of the Giemsa liquid stored in the chamber 143 to the outside of the apparatus is completed.

  Further, the Giemsa diluted liquid remaining after the suction by the diaphragm pump 151 stored in the mixing chamber 145 is discharged from the discharge port 176 to the outside of the apparatus through the waste liquid chamber 163. When discharging the Giemsa diluted solution in the mixing chamber 145 to the outside of the apparatus, the valve 162 is opened and the pressure inside the waste liquid chamber 163 is reduced by the atmospheric pressure regulator 164. As a result, the Giemsa diluted solution in the mixing chamber 145 moves to the waste liquid chamber 163. Then, after a certain time, the valve 162 is turned off. Next, the valve 173 is opened, and the inside of the waste liquid chamber 163 is pressurized by the atmospheric pressure regulator 164. Then, after a certain period of time, the valve 173 is turned off. Thereby, the Giemsa diluted solution in the waste liquid chamber 163 is discharged from the discharge port 176 to the outside of the apparatus, and the discharge of the Giemsa diluted liquid stored in the mixing chamber 145 to the outside of the apparatus is completed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the smeared slide glass 10 is immersed in the Giemsa diluted solution for about 1 minute to about 20 minutes while the cassette 23 is conveyed by the conveyance belt 72. In the fifth suction / discharge section 77, the Giemsa diluted solution is sucked from the staining solution suction / dispensing hole 23b of the cassette 23 by the discharge pipette 77b and discharged from a discharge path (not shown). Then, after water for sample cleaning is dispensed into the staining liquid suction / dispensing hole 23b of the cassette 23 by the supply pipette 77a, the stained slide glass 10 is sucked by the discharge pipette 77b and washed with water. Then, the stained slide glass 10 is dried by the fan 78b. Thereafter, the cassette 23 in which the dyed slide glass 10 is stored is sequentially sent from the conveyor belt 72 to the conveyor belt 28a of the storage unit 28. The cassette 23 is transported and stored by the transport belt 28 a of the storage unit 28.

  In this embodiment, after the smear preparation operation by the blood smear preparation device 1 is completed, the second suction and discharge is performed by the methanol liquid stored in the container 104 before the blood smear preparation device 1 is shut down. Giemsa to the supply pipette 74a of the supply pipette 74a of the part 74, the supply path of the Maygrunwald dilution liquid to the supply pipette 75a of the third suction discharge part 75, and the supply pipette 76a of the fourth suction discharge part 76 The diluent supply path is cleaned.

  First, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation when the supply path of the May-Grunwald liquid to the supply pipette 74a of the second suction / discharge section 74 is washed with the methanol liquid stored in the container 104 will be described. First, from the initial state (all valves are shut off), the valves 181 and 112 are opened, and the pressure in the chamber 113 is reduced by the atmospheric pressure regulator 115. In this case, the valves 182 and 191 are controlled so as to be cut off by the control unit 1a (see FIG. 2) of the blood smear preparing apparatus 1. As a result, the methanol liquid in the container 104 is sucked into the chamber 113, and the float switch 113a is turned on after a predetermined time. As a result, the valves 181 and 112 are shut off, and the pressure reduction by the atmospheric pressure regulator 115 is released. Then, the movement of the methanol liquid in the container 104 to the chamber 113 is completed. Then, the same procedure as the procedure for moving the May-Grunwald solution in the chamber 113 to the supply pipette 74 a of the second suction / discharge unit 74 is performed on the methanol solution in the chamber 113. As a result, the methanol solution in the chamber 113 is supplied from the supply pipette 74a of the second suction / discharge section 74 into the cassette 23 (see FIG. 2). Thereafter, the methanol liquid stored in the chamber 113 is discharged from the discharge port 174 to the outside of the apparatus. As a result, the cleaning with the methanol liquid stored in the container 104 with respect to the supply path of the May-Grunwald liquid to the supply pipette 74a of the second suction / discharge section 74 is completed. As described above, the methanol liquid stored in the container 104 is used to clean the chamber 113, the supply pipette 74a, and the like, so that the May-Grunwald liquid can be easily applied to the float switch 113a and the supply pipette 74a of the chamber 113. It becomes possible to wash away the staining agent (dye) of the May-Grunwald liquid adhering to the inner wall of the supply path, the supply pipette 74a, and the discharge pipette 74b. Accordingly, it is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of malfunction of the float switch 113a due to the stain (dye) of the May-Grunwald liquid adhering to the float switch 113a.

  In addition, as an operation when the supply path of the May-Grunwald diluted solution to the supply pipette 75a of the third suction / discharge unit 75 is washed with the methanol solution stored in the container 104, first, the methanol solution stored in the container 104 is used. Is moved to the chamber 113 via valves 181 and 112. Thereafter, a procedure similar to the procedure for moving the May-Grunwald solution in the chamber 113 to the supply pipette 75 a of the third suction / discharge unit 75 through the mixing chamber 122 is performed on the methanol solution in the chamber 113. As a result, the methanol solution in the chamber 113 is supplied to the supply pipette 75 a of the third suction / discharge unit 75 via the mixing chamber 122. Thereafter, the methanol liquid stored in the chamber 113 is discharged from the discharge port 174 to the outside of the apparatus. Further, the methanol liquid stored in the mixing chamber 122 is discharged from the discharge port 176 to the outside of the apparatus via the waste liquid chamber 163. As a result, the cleaning with the methanol liquid stored in the container 104 with respect to the supply path of the May-Grunwald diluted solution to the supply pipette 75a of the third suction / discharge unit 75 is completed.

  In addition, as an operation when the supply path of the Giemsa diluted solution to the supply pipette 76a of the fourth suction / discharge unit 76 is washed with the methanol solution stored in the container 104, first, an initial state (all valves are shut off) Then, the valves 182 and 142 are opened, and the pressure in the chamber 143 is reduced by the atmospheric pressure regulator 147. In this case, the valves 181 and 191 are controlled so as to be shut off by the control unit 1a (see FIG. 2) of the blood smear preparing apparatus 1. As a result, the methanol liquid in the container 104 is sucked into the chamber 143, and the float switch 143a is turned on after a predetermined time. As a result, the valves 182 and 142 are shut off and the pressure reduction by the atmospheric pressure regulator 147 is released. Then, the movement of the methanol liquid in the container 104 to the chamber 143 is completed. Thereafter, a procedure similar to the procedure for moving the Giemsa solution in the chamber 143 to the supply pipette 76a of the fourth suction / discharge unit 76 through the mixing chamber 145 is performed on the methanol solution in the chamber 143. As a result, the methanol liquid in the chamber 143 is supplied to the supply pipette 76 a of the fourth suction / discharge unit 76 via the mixing chamber 145. Thereafter, the methanol solution stored in the chamber 143 is discharged from the discharge port 175 to the outside of the apparatus. Further, the methanol liquid stored in the mixing chamber 145 is discharged from the discharge port 176 to the outside of the apparatus via the waste liquid chamber 163. As a result, the washing with the methanol solution stored in the container 104 with respect to the supply path of the Giemsa diluted solution to the supply pipette 76a of the fourth suction / discharge unit 76 is completed.

  Thereafter, the shutdown of the blood smear preparing apparatus 1 is completed, and the blood smear preparing apparatus 1 is stopped until the start of the next smear preparing operation.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the path from the container 101 to the supply pipette 74a of the second suction / discharge section 74 and the supply pipette 75a of the third suction / discharge section 75, and the supply of the fourth suction / discharge section 76 from the container 103 By fixing the smear sample using the methanol solution contained in the container 104 for washing the path to the pipette 76a, the stain solution (May Grunwald) is used using the methanol solution contained in one container 104. Liquid and Giemsa liquid) from the container 101 to the supply pipette 74a of the second suction / discharge section 74 and the supply pipette 75a of the third suction / discharge section 75, and the supply from the container 103 to the fourth suction / discharge section 76 It is possible to perform cleaning with the path leading to the pipette 76a and fixation of the smear. As a result, a container containing the methanol solution for washing for washing the supply path of the staining solution (May-Grunwald solution and Giemsa solution) and a container containing the fixing methanol solution for fixing the smear are separately provided. Therefore, it is possible to fix the smear and wash the supply path (flow path) of the May-Grunwald solution without complicating the smear preparation apparatus 1.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a blood smear preparation apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applied to a specimen preparation apparatus that performs a staining process other than the blood smear preparation apparatus. Also good.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which uses a methanol liquid was shown as a liquid which fixes the smear sample and the liquid which wash | cleans the flow path of a dyeing liquid, this invention is not limited to this and uses liquids other than a methanol liquid. Then, the smear may be fixed and the flow path of the staining solution may be washed.

  In the above embodiment, the container 104 containing the methanol liquid is connected via the valve 181 to the middle of the supply path of the May-Grunwald liquid from the container 101 containing the May-Grunwald liquid to the chamber 113. As an example, the methanol liquid is supplied from the container 104 to the mixing chamber 122 via the chamber 113 and the valve 121. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the container containing the methanol liquid is added to the above connection. 104 is directly connected to the mixing chamber 122 via a relay member (valve or the like), so that methanol liquid as a cleaning liquid is supplied from the container 104 to the mixing chamber 122 via the chamber 113 and directly from the container 104. The mixing chamber 122 may be supplied. Thereby, since the methanol liquid accommodated in the container 104 is supplied to the mixing chamber 122 via two paths, the time required for cleaning the mixing chamber 122 can be shortened. Further, in this case, since a higher concentration methanol solution is supplied to the mixing chamber 122, the cleaning efficiency of the mixing chamber 122 can be improved.

  Similarly, the container 104 containing the methanol liquid is connected to the middle of the supply path of the Giemsa liquid from the container 103 containing the Giemsa liquid to the chamber 143 via the valve 182 and the container containing the methanol liquid. 104 is directly connected to the mixing chamber 145 via a relay member (valve or the like), so that methanol liquid as a cleaning liquid is supplied from the container 104 to the mixing chamber 145 via the chamber 143 and directly from the container 104. The mixing chamber 145 may be supplied. Thereby, since the methanol liquid accommodated in the container 104 is supplied to the mixing chamber 145 via two paths, the time required for cleaning the mixing chamber 145 can be shortened. Further, in this case, a higher-concentration methanol solution is supplied to the mixing chamber 145, so that the cleaning efficiency of the mixing chamber 145 can be improved.

It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the blood smear preparation apparatus and conveying apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which showed the internal structure of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the cassette and slide glass which are used for the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the cassette and slide glass which are used for the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the 1st suction discharge part of the dyeing | staining part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the 1st suction discharge part of the dyeing | staining part of the blood smear preparation apparatus by one Embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a fluid circuit diagram showing a supply path of a dyeing treatment liquid supplied to the dyeing unit shown in FIG. 2.

Explanation of symbols

1 Blood smear preparation device (specimen preparation device)
10 slide glass 101 container (first housing part)
103 container (third container)
104 Container (second container)
113 chamber (first reservoir)
113a Float switch 122 Mixing chamber (second reservoir)
143 chamber (third reservoir)
145 Mixing chamber (fourth reservoir)
181 Valve (first valve)
182 Valve (3rd valve)
191 Valve (second valve)

Claims (11)

A first storage section for storing a first staining solution for staining a specimen smeared on a slide glass;
A first flow path for supplying the first staining liquid from the first container to the specimen;
A second storage portion for storing a liquid for cleaning the first flow path,
A specimen preparation device for fixing the specimen using the liquid contained in the second accommodation section.   The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid includes a methanol liquid.   The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second flow path for supplying the liquid accommodated in the second accommodation portion to the specimen when the specimen is fixed. A first valve for controlling the supply of the liquid stored in the second storage portion from the second storage portion to the first flow path;
A second valve for controlling the supply of the liquid stored in the second storage portion from the second storage portion to the second flow path;
The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first valve and the second valve are alternatively opened. The first flow path includes a first reservoir for storing the first staining liquid,
The specimen preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a first storage section of the first flow path is washed with the liquid stored in the second storage section.   The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first storage unit includes a float switch that switches to an on state or an off state in accordance with a change in the amount of liquid stored in the first storage unit. The first flow path includes a second storage section that is provided on the downstream side of the first storage section of the first flow path and mixes the first staining liquid and a diluent for diluting the first staining liquid. ,
The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first storage section and the second storage section of the first flow path are washed with the liquid stored in the second storage section. A third storage section for storing a second staining liquid for staining the specimen that has been stained with the first staining liquid;
A third flow path for supplying the second staining liquid from the third storage unit to the specimen;
The specimen preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein not only the first flow path but also the third flow path is cleaned using the liquid stored in the second storage section. . The third flow path includes a third reservoir that stores the second staining liquid,
The specimen preparation device according to claim 8, wherein the third storage part of the third flow path is washed with the liquid stored in the second storage part. The third flow path includes a fourth storage section that is provided on the downstream side of the third storage section of the third flow path and mixes the second staining liquid and a diluent for diluting the second staining liquid. ,
The specimen preparation device according to claim 9, wherein the third storage section and the fourth storage section of the third flow path are washed with the liquid stored in the second storage section.   11. The device according to claim 8, further comprising a third valve for controlling supply of the liquid stored in the second storage portion from the second storage portion to the third flow path. Specimen preparation equipment.

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