JP4537472B2 - Analysis equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for analyzing a biological sample, and more particularly to a sample analyzer that can collect a biological sample using a plurality of dispensing devices.

  Analyzing a biological sample such as blood or urine derived from a patient is widely performed for diagnosing a disease state, and an automated analyzer is used in hospitals and clinical laboratories.

  In many cases, test results obtained by a single automatic analyzer are insufficient for diagnosis of pathological conditions. In such a case, it is necessary to collect test data from a plurality of analyzers. The analysis system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-281113 is configured to analyze many types of analysis items with a single system. In this Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-281113, a plurality of analysis units for biochemical analysis are arranged along the sample rack transport line, and the sample rack from the rack supply unit is brought to one of the analysis units. Thus, an analysis system configured to dispense a sample on a sample rack with a pipette nozzle has been proposed.

  In addition, US Pat. No. 5,470,534 is arranged such that a biochemical analyzer, an immunoassay, a nucleic acid analyzer, etc. are arranged along the transport path of the sample container, and the same sample can be measured by each analyzer. The analysis system is shown. In this example, whether to advance the sample to the second measurement stage is determined according to the analysis result at the first measurement stage. Biochemical analysis items are analyzed in the first measurement stage, and samples that need to be transferred to the second measurement stage to determine the pathological condition are analyzed in the second measurement stage by an immunoanalyzer and / or a nucleic acid analyzer. .

  On the other hand, in an apparatus for automatically analyzing a biological sample, it is common to dispense a large number of samples one after another using a single pipette probe. Sample contamination issues arise. As a known example dealing with this type of carry-over, there is, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-169851. This example uses analysis of biochemical analysis items such as measuring components normally contained in blood using a series of reaction vessels formed on the same circumference, and agglutination reaction of latex particles. Analysis of immunological analysis items such as detecting detected antigens or antibodies.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-169851 discloses that the reagent dispensing probe after dispensing the reagent of the immunological analysis item is washed with a washing liquid over a sufficient washing time or the discharge amount of the washing liquid is increased. In addition to cleaning, after dispensing reagents for biochemical analysis items, the reagent dispensing probe can be cleaned for a short time or by reducing the discharge amount of the cleaning liquid to eliminate unnecessary consumption of the cleaning liquid. In the case of a sample dispensing probe other than the reagent, it is pointed out that wasteful consumption of the cleaning liquid can be eliminated by adjusting the flow rate of the cleaning liquid.

  As another type of dispensing a biological sample, it is known to use a disposable nozzle tip. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-146010, a tip holder is provided within a movable range of a coupling tube that can couple nozzle tips, and the tip holder is movable from the tip rack where a large number of nozzle tips are arranged to the position of the tip holder. After transporting one nozzle tip by the gripper, the nozzle tip is coupled to the end of the coupling tube on the chip holder, the sample sucked into the coupled nozzle tip is discharged into the reaction container, and the sample It is shown that the nozzle tip is removed from the coupling tube at the tip release station after dispensing.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-25755 discloses an analyzer in which a plurality of reaction units are arranged in the vicinity of a conveyance line that conveys a sample rack, and a bypass line and a sample dilution unit are arranged between the conveyance line and each reaction unit. Is described. It has been suggested that the plurality of reaction units can be configured to perform colorimetric analysis, electrode method analysis, and immunoassay analysis. In this example, the sample rack is moved from the transfer line to the bypass line by the rack changer attached to the transfer line, and the dilution arm dispenses the sample from the sample rack on the bypass line to the sample diluting unit. The dispensing arm dispenses the sample from the sample dilution section to the reaction section. In this example, it is pointed out that it is desirable to arrange a plurality of reaction parts in an order that avoids mutual contamination between samples.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-25755 U.S. Pat.No. 5,470,534 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-169851 JP-A-8-146010 JP-A-9-281113

  Many methods for measuring immunological analysis items include an operation of binding a labeling substance to a solid phase using an antigen-antibody reaction (that is, an immune reaction). When it is necessary to analyze the immunological analysis items by such a method and the biochemical analysis items by the method of measuring the reaction solution resulting from the chemical reaction by absorption, or analyze the DNA analysis items and the biochemical analysis items When it is necessary to do so, it is convenient in terms of sample handling to arrange a plurality of analysis units in the analysis system and to use the same sample container in common for each analysis unit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,534 relating to such an analysis system does not describe any measures to avoid carry-over between samples. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-281113 discloses a plurality of analysis units, but describes that a biochemical analysis unit and an immune analysis unit are provided side by side, or that a biochemical analysis unit and a DNA analysis unit are provided side by side. Not done.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-169851 proposes that the same dispensing probe, which is used repeatedly, is used for both biochemical analysis items and immunological analysis items, and carryover is avoided only by washing operations. Therefore, it is difficult to eliminate the influence of carry-over on the measurement value regarding the immunological analysis item that causes a problem even if a very small amount of residual sample is present.

  According to the configuration using the disposable nozzle tip disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-146010, the nozzle tip is exchanged for each sample, so there is no fear of carryover between samples. However, since the nozzle chip is combined and detached for each sample, sufficient processing capacity cannot be obtained when a large amount of analysis items must be processed in a short time, such as biochemical analysis items. There are difficulties in terms.

  In the analyzer disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-25755, there is no difference in the configuration of a plurality of reaction parts, and mutual contamination between samples is intended to be avoided only by the arrangement order of each reaction part. Yes. However, since the dilution arm and the dispensing arm are repeatedly used in common for all the samples, it is difficult to avoid carry-over between samples caused by the intervention of these arms.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent measurement values of immunological analysis items from being affected by carryover between samples even when a pipette nozzle that is repeatedly used is used for collecting samples for biochemical analysis items.

  Another object of the present invention is that when biochemical analysis items and immunological analysis items are analyzed by different analysis units, it is not necessary to reduce the processing capacity for biochemical analysis items, and between immunological analysis items between samples. An object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer that can avoid carryover.

  Another object of the present invention is to use both a dispensing device that collects a sample using a repeatedly used pipette nozzle and a dispensing device that collects a sample using a disposable nozzle tip. It is possible to avoid carryover between samples.

  Another object of the present invention is that when analyzing a specific sample in which both an analysis item having a high need for avoiding carryover and an analysis item having a low need for avoidance are analyzed, It is an object of the present invention to provide an analyzer capable of processing a specific sample so that the analysis result is not affected by a carryover between the first and second samples.

  The present invention provides an analysis apparatus comprising: a plurality of analysis units that analyze a sample; and a sample transport device that transports the sample to at least one of the plurality of analysis units according to an analysis item. The analysis unit includes a first analysis unit having a dispensing device that uses at least a disposable nozzle tip, and a second analysis unit having a dispensing device that uses a pipette nozzle that is repeatedly used. A storage unit for storing a specific analysis item that needs to be collected is provided, and a sample to be analyzed for the specific analysis item is transported to the first analysis unit prior to transport to another analysis unit, and The analyzer receives a sample for the specific analysis item by a nozzle tip.

  In the above, a display device that displays a screen for designating the specific analysis item, and a sample that includes the specific analysis item among a plurality of analysis items instructed to be analyzed, A control unit may be provided that controls the rack transport apparatus so that the sample rack having the recognized sample is transported to the first analysis unit at the beginning of the sample collection process.

  Further, in the above, the screen displayed by the display device includes an analysis item selection column in which one or more analysis items can be selected from a plurality of analysis items, and avoidance of carryover in association with the selected analysis item. You may make it have the level instruction | indication column which can instruct | indicate a level.

  In addition, the plurality of analysis units are arranged along the conveyance path of the rack conveyance device, and a sample rack having only samples that do not require analysis of the specific analysis item is required in the arrangement order of the plurality of analysis units. It may be conveyed so as to stop in response.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to preferably avoid carry-over between samples when measuring analysis items that are severe with respect to avoiding carry-over and comparatively loose analysis items. In addition, according to the present invention, when analyzing a specific sample in which both analysis items that are highly necessary to avoid carry-over between samples and analysis items that are less necessary to be analyzed are analyzed, A specific sample can be processed so as not to affect the analysis result of each analysis item by the carryover between the samples.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sample container containing a biological sample such as serum, plasma or urine is handled in a state of being loaded in a sample rack as a container holder. Any sample rack may be used as long as it can hold one or more sample containers. In the following embodiments, an example in which up to five sample containers can be held is shown.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an automatic analyzer to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, the rack supply device 10 operates to supply the sample rack 2 to the rack transport line 60 of the rack transport device. The rack supply device 10 includes an area where a tray on which a plurality of sample racks are arranged can be placed, and an identification reading unit 15. Since the sample rack 2 having a sample is loaded into the rack supply device 10, it may be referred to as a rack loading unit. The sample racks 2 loaded into the rack supply device are pushed out one by one to the entrance side of the rack transport line 60 by a known rack pushing mechanism. The pushed sample rack 2 is moved to the reading position of the identification reading unit 15 by a moving device such as a movable hook.

  The sample rack 2 is a rectangular parallelepiped support, for example, and can hold a plurality of sample containers 5 in one row along the length direction of the sample rack. Such a sample rack 2 is attached with a barcode label in which rack identification information including a rack type and a rack number is encoded. Each sample container 5 is attached with a barcode label in which sample information such as a container identification number, a patient code, a medical department code, and a sample reception number is encoded.

  The automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 1 includes a rack storage unit 30 in which the sample racks 2 that have been transported by the rack transport line 60 are stored in an orderly manner. Between the rack supply apparatus 10 and the rack storage unit 30, along the rack transport line 60, an electrolyte item analysis unit 300, an immune item or DNA item analysis unit 100, a biochemical item analysis unit 200, and a standby unit as a standby unit 20 are arranged in this order from the side closer to the rack supply device.

  The electrolyte item analysis unit 300 dispenses a sample from the sample rack stopped at the sample collection position of the analysis unit 300 to the dilution container 305 built in the analysis unit 300 on the rack transport line 60. Have This pipetting device 302 has a pipette nozzle that is used repeatedly, that is, a pipetting nozzle that is commonly used for different samples, and sucks and holds the sample in the sample container on the sample rack in the pipette nozzle. A predetermined amount of the held sample is discharged into the dilution container 305. The sample diluted with the diluent in the dilution vessel 305 is guided to the flow cell by a suction pipe (not shown), and electrolyte components such as sodium ion, potassium ion, and chlorine ion contained in the sample are disposed in the flow cell. It is measured by an ion selective electrode corresponding to each ion. The analysis unit control unit 301 built in the analysis unit 300 performs an operation for obtaining the concentration of each electrolyte component based on the detection signal of each ion, and reports the obtained measurement value to the overall control unit 50.

  As will be described later, the immunization item or DNA item analysis unit 100 uses a disposable nozzle tip, and inhales a sample into the nozzle tip from the sample container on the sample rack positioned at the sample collection position of the bypass line 61. A dispensing device 102 is provided which operates to discharge and discharge a held predetermined amount of sample to the reaction vessel on the reaction disk 103. The dispensing device 102 replaces the nozzle tip as the sample is changed. For example, when there is only one analysis item to be analyzed in the analysis unit 100 for the previous sample, the dispensing device 102 removes the used nozzle tip after one sampling operation for the previous sample. Then, install a new nozzle tip. On the other hand, when there are three analysis items to be analyzed by the analysis unit 100 for the next sample, the dispensing apparatus 102 removes the used nozzle tip after three sampling operations into the three reaction vessels. Attach a new nozzle tip for subsequent samples.

  When the analysis unit 100 is a unit for analyzing immunological analysis items, the sample collected on the reaction disk 103 is mixed with a reagent for immune reaction, and further after the immune reaction of the sample and the reagent, if necessary. The analysis items are measured through the steps. In this case, immune response is a synonym for antigen-antibody reaction. When the analysis unit 100 is a unit for analyzing DNA analysis items, the sample collected on the reaction disk 103 is mixed with a nucleic acid analysis reagent, and after the hybridization reaction, the site to which the label is bound is defined as a restriction enzyme. And the analysis result of the DNA analysis item is obtained based on the measurement of the label.

  One embodiment for obtaining a measurement value of an immunological analysis item using an immune reaction between a sample and a reagent is a method of measuring a labeling substance using a solid phase such as a magnetic particle sensitized with an antibody. For example, an analyte in a sample and a solid phase are bound by an immune reaction, a reagent having a labeling substance is bound to the first complex by an immune reaction, and then the solid phase and the liquid phase are separated. The separated liquid phase is guided to the flow cell, and the labeling substance is measured by fluorescence photometry or chemiluminescence photometry. Alternatively, the solid phase after liquid phase separation is guided to a photometric position, and the label bound on the solid phase is measured by a chemiluminescence method or an electrochemiluminescence method. The analysis unit control unit 101 built in the analysis unit 100 controls operation of each mechanism unit in the analysis unit 100 and calculation of measurement data of analysis items.

  As will be described later, the analysis unit 200 for biochemical items includes a pipetting nozzle that is used repeatedly, that is, a dispensing device 202 that collects a sample using a commonly used dispensing nozzle. The dispensing device 202 sucks and holds a sample near the tip of the pipette nozzle from the sample container on the sample rack positioned at the sample collection position of the bypass line 62 via the rack transport line 60, and holds a predetermined amount of the held sample. It operates to discharge to the reaction vessel on the reaction disk 203. A chemical reaction between the sample and the reagent proceeds in the reaction vessel, and the optical characteristics of the formed reaction solution are measured. In this example, the reaction solution is optically measured in a state where the reaction solution is accommodated in the reaction vessel, and the measurement value of the biochemical analysis item is obtained. The analysis unit control unit 201 built in the analysis unit 200 controls operation of each mechanism unit in the analysis unit 200 and calculation of measurement item measurement data.

  In the analysis apparatus of FIG. 1, the rack transport apparatus that transports a sample rack having a sample includes a rack transport line 60, a bypass line 61 for the analysis unit 100, and a bypass line 62 for the analysis unit 200. Each of the bypass lines 61 and 62 is formed substantially parallel to the rack transport line 60. The sample rack is received from the rack transport line 60 on the upstream side of the bypass line, and the sample rack that has been subjected to the sample dispensing process is downstream of the bypass line. Hand over to the rack transport line 60 on the side. The sample racks on the rack transport line 60 and the bypass lines 61 and 62 are transported to a predetermined position by a known transport unit that drives a belt conveyor or a movable hook by a motor.

  The sample rack 2 having the sample is positioned in at least one of the plurality of analysis units. After the sample is collected from the sample rack by the corresponding analysis unit, the sample rack 2 is transported to the standby unit 20. A sample rack with the possibility of retesting is waited in the standby unit 20 until the control unit determines whether remeasurement is necessary. The sample rack that has entered the standby unit 20 is moved in a u-shape. The sample rack determined that the measurement result in the analysis unit does not require remeasurement for all the samples on the sample rack is immediately stored in the rack storage unit 30. However, the sample rack having the sample determined that the measurement result in the related analysis unit needs to be measured again is moved from the standby unit 20 to the return line 65, and is moved to the entrance side of the rack transport line 60 by the return line 65. The sample is transported, transferred again to the rack transport line 60, transported to the analysis unit to be remeasured, and sampled.

  In this way, the standby unit 20 temporarily waits for the sample rack that has been sampled in any of the plurality of analysis units, but the sample that has been sampled by the analysis unit 100 for immune items. Handle racks specially. That is, the sample instructed that the analysis measurement by the three analysis units 100, 200 and 300 or the two analysis units 100 and 200 is necessary is called a specific sample, and the specimen having the specific sample When the rack is referred to as a specific sample rack for convenience, this specific sample rack is first transported to the immune item analysis unit 100 prior to transport to another analysis unit, and a specific sample is coupled to the dispensing device 102. The sample is collected by the nozzle tip. This specific sample rack is put into the standby unit 20 without stopping by another analysis unit. When it is determined that a specific sample needs to be remeasured with respect to the measurement result by the analysis unit 100, the specific sample rack that has been waiting in the standby unit 20 is returned via the feedback line 65. Hand it over to the rack transporter.

  The specific sample rack for remeasurement is transported by the rack transport device to the analysis unit 100 for immunization items without stopping at another analysis unit, and a specific sample is collected for remeasurement. At this time, a new pipette tip is coupled to the nozzle coupling tube of the dispensing apparatus 102. Such an operation is performed when only one sample container is held in the sample rack, and in the case of a plurality of samples, it is necessary to satisfy the collection of all the samples, so that the operation of transporting the sample rack becomes complicated. .

  The operations of the rack supply device 10, the standby unit 20, the rack storage unit 30, the conveyance device including the conveyance line 60, and the return line 65 in FIG. 1 are controlled by the overall control unit 50. The reading result by the barcode reader 16 serving as the identification information reading device for the sample rack and the sample container of the rack supply device 10 is also transmitted to the overall control unit 50. The overall control unit 50 includes a storage unit 51, and stores an operation unit 52 having a keyboard, a CRT 53 as a screen display device, a printer 54 for outputting an analysis result of each sample, and an operation program for the analysis device. Connected to a floppy disk memory 55 or the like.

  The items to be analyzed for each sample on each specimen rack are instructed in advance from the operation unit 52 before the analysis operation is started and are stored in the storage unit 51, so that the overall control unit 50 has the barcode reader 16. And the analysis item information already stored can be collated, and an analysis unit to be transported for each sample rack can be determined based on the collation result.

  In the example of FIG. 1, an example is shown in which one analysis unit 100 used for analysis measurement of immune analysis items and one analysis unit 200 used for analysis measurement of biochemical analysis items are arranged. Two or more analysis units may be arranged along the rack transport line 60.

  Next, details of a configuration example of an analysis unit for immune analysis items will be described with reference to FIGS. The analysis unit 100 includes a dispensing device 102 for collecting a sample, a reaction disk 103 capable of rotating and transporting a reaction vessel 105 having a constant temperature maintaining function, and a reagent bottle 117 in which a plurality of types of reagents are combined for each analysis item. Is arranged along the circumference of the reagent disk 115, which is rotatable, the reagent dispensing pipettor 110 for dispensing the reagent from the reagent bottle 117 to the reaction container 105 on the reaction disk 103, and the sample formed on the reaction disk 103 And a transport mechanism 120 for transporting an unused reaction vessel 105 and an unused nozzle chip 125 in a parts supply area 135 to a predetermined position by a gripping portion. It has.

  The sample dispensing apparatus 102 has a connecting tube 104 that can detachably connect a disposable nozzle tip 125 as shown in FIG. The connecting pipe 104 communicates with a pump system 109 having an intake / exhaust mechanism, and is held by a movable arm 106 that moves up and down and rotates in the horizontal direction.

  When the analysis operation is started, the transport mechanism 120 grips the disposable unused reaction vessel 105 placed in the parts supply area 135 by the gripper 128 and transports it to the reaction disk 103, and grips it at the position 121. And put the reaction container on the reaction disk. Next, the transport mechanism 120 grips the unused nozzle chip 125 placed in the component supply area 135 by the gripping unit 128, releases the gripping at the coupling position 107, and places the nozzle chip.

  The sample rack 2 transported from the rack supply apparatus 10 via the rack transport line 60 is moved to the bypass line 61 of the analysis unit 100 and moved to the sample collection position 111. The dispensing device 102 positions the movable arm 106 at the coupling position 107, lowers the connecting pipe 104, and fits an unused nozzle tip 125 to the tip of the connecting pipe 104 (see FIG. 3). Next, the dispensing device 102 turns the connecting tube 104 to the collection position, inserts the tip of the nozzle tip 125 slightly below the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 5 on the sample rack, and a predetermined amount of sample is inserted. Inhalation is held in the nozzle tip 125.

  Since the unused reaction container 105 has been moved from the position 121 to the discharge position 112, the dispensing apparatus 102 transfers a predetermined amount of sample held in the nozzle tip 125 into the reaction container 105 at the discharge position 112. To discharge. After the necessary number of times of sampling for one sample, the dispensing apparatus 102 moves the connecting pipe 104 to the disengagement position 108 and removes the used nozzle tip 125 from the connecting pipe 104. The operation of removing the nozzle tip is achieved by bringing the upper end surface of the nozzle tip into contact with the lower surface of the split groove that is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting tube 104 and smaller than the outer diameter of the upper end of the nozzle tip 125 and raises the connecting tube 104. The The removed nozzle tip is collected in a waste box. When there are a plurality of analysis items to be analyzed in the analysis unit 100 with respect to the samples in the same sample container, after one nozzle tip is continuously used for sampling of the analysis items, the connection pipe 104 is used. Remove the nozzle tip. This reduces the number of nozzle tips consumed.

  The reaction container that has received the sample is moved to the reagent receiving position 113 by the reaction disk 103. The reagent dispensing pipetter 110 sucks the dispersion liquid of magnetic fine particles as a solid phase into the pipette nozzle at the position 118 and discharges the dispersion liquid to the reaction container on the reagent receiving position 113. Along with this, a first immune reaction in which, for example, an antigen as an analysis target in the sample is bound to the solid phase is started. The reagent dispensing pipetter 110 discharges the reagent containing the labeled substance sucked into the pipette nozzle at the position 119 with respect to the reaction container positioned again at the reagent receiving position 113 after a predetermined time. Along with this, a second immune reaction is started in which the labeling substance binds to the analyte in the reaction container. The pipette nozzle of the reagent dispensing pipettor 110 is used after being washed every time the reagent is dispensed.

  Thereafter, the reaction container 105 containing the reaction liquid of the immune reaction is positioned at the suction position 114 by the reaction disk 103. The sipper mechanism 130 introduces the reaction liquid from the reaction container at the suction position 114 to the detection unit 140 through the suction nozzle. In the detection unit 140, a liquid phase containing a substance that is not bonded to the magnetic particles flows while the magnetic particles are adsorbed on the wall surface of the flow path by the magnet. Thereby, the solid phase and the liquid phase are separated. The separated liquid phase is guided to the measurement unit, and the fluorescence or chemiluminescence of the labeling substance contained in the liquid phase is measured. Alternatively, the measurement is performed by generating chemiluminescence or electrochemiluminescence on the labeling substance bonded to the magnetic particles through the analyte, by using both the separation site and the measurement unit. Thereafter, the sipper mechanism 130 sucks the cleaning liquid from the cleaning tank 131 through the suction nozzle, and cleans the flow path of the detection unit 140. The used reaction container is removed from the reaction disk 103 at a position 121 by a transport mechanism.

  Next, details of a configuration example of the analysis unit for biochemical analysis items in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the analysis unit 200 for analyzing biochemical analysis items has a reaction disk 203 in which translucent reaction vessels 205 are arranged concentrically. Water maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.) is supplied from the constant temperature water supply device 230 to the constant temperature bath of the reaction disk 203. Two reagent supply systems exist, and a reagent selected according to the analysis item from among the reagent bottles 217 arranged in large numbers on the first reagent disk 215 is a reaction container on the reaction disk 203 by the reagent dispensing pipettor 210. The reagent selected according to the analysis item from among the reagent bottles 218 arranged in large numbers on the second reagent disk 216 is dispensed to the reaction container 205 on the reaction disk by the reagent dispensing pipetter 211. Is done. The stirrer 219 stirs the sample and reagent mixture in the reaction vessel.

  The sample collection dispenser 202 includes a pipette nozzle 225 capable of sucking and discharging a liquid, and the pipette nozzle is disposed at a sample collection position on the bypass line 62, a sample discharge position 204 on the reaction disk 203, and probe cleaning. It can be positioned in the tank 207. The pipette nozzle 225 that dispenses one sample on the sample rack 2 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid on the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the pipette nozzle in the probe cleaning tank 207 before collecting another sample. For repeated use.

  The reaction liquid of the sample and the reagent formed in the reaction container 205 on the reaction disk 203 is irradiated with a light beam from the multi-wavelength light source 235 while being accommodated in the reaction container. The light transmitted through the reaction vessel is dispersed by the multi-wavelength photometer 240, the wavelength corresponding to the analysis item is selectively detected, and the photometric signal is digitized by the analog-digital converter 245 and input to the analysis unit control unit 201. And processed. The photometric reaction container is cleaned by a container cleaning section (not shown) and moved to a sample discharge position so that a new sample can be received.

  In the analysis unit 200 of FIG. 4, the sample rack 2 transported via the rack transport line 60 and transferred to the bypass line 62 is positioned at the sample collection position on the bypass line 62. The dispensing device 202 inserts the tip of the pipette nozzle 225 slightly below the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 5 at the sample collection position, and sucks and holds a predetermined amount of sample near the nozzle tip. It moves to the sample discharge position 204 in the reaction container row. Then, the sample held in the nozzle is discharged into the cleaned reaction container 205 at the discharge position.

  The reaction container 205 that has received the sample is moved to the addition position of the first reagent by the reaction disk 203, and the first reagent corresponding to the analysis item is dispensed by the reagent dispensing pipettor 210. Next, the mixture in the reaction vessel is stirred by the stirring mechanism 219, and the chemical reaction between the sample and the reagent proceeds. In the case of an analysis item that requires the second reagent, the second reagent is added by the reagent dispensing pipetter 211 at the addition position of the second reagent. The reaction container containing the reaction solution is transferred so as to cross the light beam at the photometry position 241, and the absorbance of the reaction solution is obtained based on the transmitted light at that time, and the analysis unit control unit 201 determines the measurement object in the sample. The concentration or the enzyme activity value is calculated and stored in the storage unit 51 of the overall control unit 50.

  Next, an operation example of the automatic analyzer in the embodiment of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Prior to the start of the analysis operation, the analysis items required for each sample from the patient are input through the operation unit 52. Each sample is usually requested to analyze and analyze a plurality of analysis items. In this automatic analyzer, analysis items that are highly necessary to avoid sample carryover are set in advance and stored in the storage unit 51 of the overall control unit 50.

  When an instruction to set analysis conditions is given from the operation unit 52, an analysis condition setting screen 70 is displayed on the CRT 53, which is a screen display device. As shown in FIG. 5, the screen 70 has a routine operation screen call button 71, a reagent management screen call button 72, a calibration screen call button 73, an accuracy management screen call button 74, and a utility screen call button 75 on the upper side. The corresponding screen is displayed in the center by pressing each button with a finger by a touch panel method or by operating the mouse or the like and clicking with the pointer. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the corresponding screen is called by instructing the utility screen call button 75. A help button 76 is arranged below the analysis condition setting screen 70. When this button is designated, an explanatory text is displayed for screen operation.

  The analysis condition setting screen 70 has a stop instruction button 81 for the analyzer, a stop instruction button 82 for a sampling operation during an analysis operation, a call button 83 for an alarm screen, each analysis unit, and rack transport. A call button 84 for a screen indicating the status, a print instruction button 85 for the printer 54, a start instruction button 86 for the analyzer, and the like are arranged. Each button described above is always displayed while the analysis condition setting screen 70 is displayed.

  Now, when the utility screen call button 75 is selected, the screen call buttons of the system 151, the maintenance 152, the application 153, the calculation item 154, the carryover 155, the report 156, and the unit configuration 157 appear in the display area 150. An add instruction button 161, a database write instruction button 162 to the floppy disk memory, a delete instruction button 163, and a read instruction button 164 from the floppy disk memory appear. When the application screen call button 153 is selected in this state, a list 170 showing a plurality of analysis items and sample types appears, and detailed screen call buttons 171 to 174 appear.

  Further, when the analysis button 171 is selected from the detailed screen calling buttons, a screen as shown in FIG. 5 appears in the display area 180. That is, a sample amount setting field 181, a reagent dispensing amount setting field 182, a carry-over avoidance level setting field 183 between samples, and a storage instruction button 184 are displayed.

  In the screen of FIG. 5, the analysis items displayed in the list 170 are TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone (THYROTROPIN), T4 is thyroxine, FT4 is free thyroxine, and T3. Is TRI-IODOTHYRONINE, CEA is fetal cancer antigen (CARCINO-EMBRYONIC ANTIGEN), HCG is maternal urinary gland stimulating hormone (HUMAN CHORIONICGONADOTROPIN), TNT is troponin T HBsAg is a hepatitis B surface antigen (HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN), and a-HBs is an antibody of hepatitis B surface antigen. These are all immunological analysis items.

  Now, HBsAg is selected from the analysis items in the list 170, 30 μl is input as the sample collection amount in the sample amount setting column 181 and the addition amount of the first reagent R1 is input in the reagent dispensing amount setting column 182. Assume that 70 μl is input as the addition amount of the second reagent R2, 60 μl, and 40 μl as the addition amount of the bead reagent. Further, it is assumed that the “high” level among “high” and “low” is selected and instructed in the carryover avoidance level setting field 183. The level selection button 187 is used to select high and low levels. Next, when the storage instruction button 184 is selected, regarding the analysis item of HBsAg, the avoidance level of carryover between samples is instructed in association with the analysis item together with the sample amount and the reagent dispensing amount, and the storage unit 51 Is remembered.

  Next, by selecting another analysis item displayed in the list 170, and similarly setting the sample amount, reagent dispensing amount, and carryover avoidance level according to the corresponding item, these conditions are set one after another. can do. Further, by selecting a plurality of analysis items from the list 170 and designating a common carry-over avoidance level, it is possible to collectively specify a carry-over avoidance level for a plurality of analysis items. It becomes possible.

  The “high” level in the carry-over avoidance level setting field 183 allows sample collection to be performed under conditions where there is no carry-over between samples. Specifically, a disposable nozzle that is replaced with a new one for each sample. The overall control unit 50 controls the transport destination of the corresponding sample rack so that the sample collection is executed by the dispensing device using the chip. When “high level” is instructed for a specific analysis item, the storage unit 51 stores a specific analysis item that needs to be dispensed by a disposable nozzle tip. In contrast, a “low” level is an indication that sampling may be performed using a dispensing device having a pipette nozzle that is used repeatedly for multiple samples by washing. The corresponding analysis item can be analyzed and measured by the analysis unit 200 and / or the analysis unit 300 in FIG.

  The analysis conditions set on the setting screen as shown in FIG. 5 are continuously used corresponding to each analysis item unless the conditions are changed thereafter. Therefore, if an analysis item to be described later is input when an examination request for a patient sample is made, the analysis conditions set in FIG. 5 are automatically applied.

  As described above, in the analysis apparatus of FIG. 1, there is a special necessity for avoiding carryover between samples, that is, the analysis information indicated as being at the “high” level has its indication information stored in the storage unit. Is done. When the same analysis item as the already-designated analysis item is selected through the analysis condition setting screen 70 for setting a new analysis condition thereafter, the stored information, that is, information indicating that there is a need to avoid carryover is displayed. Operates to be output to a display device. In the case of the example of FIG. 5, “high” is displayed in the setting field 183 when an analysis item is selected.

  Next, an operator's work at the start of daily analysis work will be described. When the routine operation screen calling button 71 is selected on the analysis condition setting screen 70, an item selection screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the CRT 53 in the display area 150. In this screen, a sample type selection field 251, a sample number input field 252, a patient identification number input field 253, a sample cup type selection field 254, an analysis item selection area 255, a previous sample instruction button 256, and a rear sample instruction button 257, a registration instruction button 258 is displayed. Among these, the analysis item selection area 255 has a reservation registration function for five pages, and each page has 24 item input fields or analysis item selection fields. When the previous sample instruction button 256 is selected, analysis item information relating to the sample immediately before the currently displayed sample is displayed instead of the current display content. When the post-specimen instruction button 257 is selected, analysis item information relating to the sample immediately after the current display sample is displayed.

  Note that the screen of FIG. 6 shows the analysis item selected on the first page of the analysis item selection area 255. The analysis items displayed are AST for aspartate aminotransferase, ALT for alanine aminotransferase, IP for inorganic phosphorus (INORGANIC PHOSPHORUS), and TP for total protein (TOTAL). PROTEIN), Alb is albumin (ALBUMIN), LD is lactate dehydrogenase (LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE), UA is uric acid (URIC ACID), CRE is creatinine (CREATININE), Na is sodium ion, K is a potassium ion.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which 10 items of biochemical analysis items to be analyzed on the first page are selected for the serum sample having the specimen number 1. FIG. 7 shows an example in which seven immune analysis items to be analyzed are selected on the second page of the analysis item selection area 255 for samples having the same specimen number. After the input of all analysis items requested to be inspected for the same sample, the registration instruction button 258 is selected to reserve analysis measurement for a plurality of analysis items related to the sample and store them in the storage unit 51. . Since the screen of the display area 150 is updated by this registration operation, the analysis item relating to the sample of the next specimen number can be selected. In this way, the operator sequentially performs analysis item selection work for all samples requested for inspection. In the example of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, 17 analysis items are registered for the sample having the specimen number 1.

  If the reagent management screen calling button 72 on the analysis condition setting screen 70 is selected, a setting screen for analysis items to be analyzed and measured for each analysis unit in the analyzer of FIG. 1 is displayed. Such assignment of analysis items to each analysis unit is executed in advance prior to input of requested analysis items for each sample as shown in FIG. When assigning which analysis item is to be processed by each analysis unit, the level of avoiding carryover between samples set in FIG. 5 is reflected. That is, the “high” level analysis item is assigned to the analysis unit 100 having a dispensing device using a disposable nozzle tip.

  On the other hand, when instructing items to be analyzed for each sample during routine work, the relationship between the analysis items and the carry-over avoidance level and the analysis items assigned to each analysis unit are already in the control unit of the automatic analyzer. Since it is registered, for example, the control unit collates the requested analysis item relating to the sample of specimen number 1 and determines in which analysis unit of the plurality of analysis units this sample is subjected to analysis processing. Incidentally, the sample of sample No. 1 has an electrolyte component related to the analysis unit 300, an immune analysis item related to the analysis unit 100, and a biochemical analysis item related to the analysis unit. Analytical processing is performed in the analysis unit.

  When setting analysis conditions for each analysis item through the screens shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a screen for selecting an analysis item for which the analysis conditions should be set is displayed on the display device and selected on the screen. An instruction field that can indicate that there is a need to avoid the influence of carry-over between samples for the analyzed item is displayed on the display device. Thereafter, the analysis unit 100, 200, 300, and the like to analyze the analysis item instructed that there is a need to avoid carry-over and the analysis item not instructed that there is a need to avoid through the display device. Sample collection of an analysis item that is not instructed to be avoided is performed after completion of sample collection of the analysis item that is instructed to be avoided.

  Next, an example of handling a sample by the automatic analyzer of FIG. 1 will be described. Here, for convenience, the first sample rack that is first supplied from the rack supply apparatus 10 to the rack transport line 60 holds a single sample for analyzing and measuring electrolyte analysis items and biochemical analysis items. It is assumed that the second sample rack supplied in the second holds a single sample for analyzing and measuring electrolyte analysis items, immunological analysis items, and biochemical analysis items. When a plurality of samples are loaded in the same sample rack, the transport route is determined so that the sample racks collect samples of analysis items related to all samples.

  The first sample rack pushed out from the rack supply device 10 to the entrance side of the transport device is positioned at the reading position of the identification reading unit 15, and reads the sample information on the barcode label attached to the sample container by the barcode reader 16. . The overall control unit 50 collates the read information with the analysis condition information specified for the sample, and based on the comparison result, there is no specific analysis item that needs to be sampled by the nozzle tip. And the requested analysis item corresponding to the analysis item assigned to each analysis unit is recognized, and the analysis unit to which the first sample rack should stop is determined.

  Since the first sample rack has only samples that do not need to be analyzed by the analysis unit 100 for immunization items, the biochemical items are collected after stopping at the analysis unit 300 for the electrolyte items arranged from the side close to the rack supply apparatus 10. It is determined by the overall control unit 50 to be transported to the analysis unit 200 for use. That is, the sample rack in this case is transported so as to stop as needed in the order of arrangement of the plurality of analysis units. Each of the analysis unit 200 and the analysis unit 300 is an analysis unit having a dispensing device using a pipette nozzle that is repeatedly used.

  The first sample rack from which the identification information has been read is moved to the sample collection position of the analysis unit 300 for the electrolyte item, and a part of the sample on the sample rack is inhaled by the dispensing device 302 to serve as a receiving container. 305 is discharged. The first specimen rack that has finished sample collection in the analysis unit 300 is transported to the biochemical item analysis unit 200 without stopping by the immunity item analysis unit.

  The first sample rack is temporarily stopped at the entrance of the bypass line 62, subsequently moved to the bypass line 62, and positioned at the sample collection position on the bypass line 62. The dispensing apparatus 202 repeats the operation of pipetting the sample in the sample container on the first specimen rack into the number of reaction containers 205 corresponding to the number of items to be analyzed by the pipette nozzle 225. When sampling of the planned number of analysis items is completed, the first sample rack is moved to the rack transport line 60 and then transported into the standby unit 20.

  When the result of the analysis measurement by each analysis unit is determined by the control unit that re-measurement is unnecessary, the first sample rack exits from the standby unit 20 and is stored in the rack storage unit 30. If the control unit determines that the analysis measurement result by the analysis unit 200 needs to be remeasured for one or more analysis items, the first sample rack waiting in the standby unit 20 is returned to the return line. 65, and is transported to the inlet side of the transport line 60, and then transported to the analysis unit 200 again by the transport line. Then, after the samples corresponding to the analysis items for remeasurement are collected, the first sample rack is stored in the rack storage unit 30 via the transport line 60. Analysis results of the samples on the first sample rack by the analysis units 200 and 300 can be output to the CRT 53 and the printer 54.

  While the first sample rack is being processed, the second sample rack can be supplied from the rack supply device 10 to the inlet side of the rack transport device. The sample information displayed as a barcode on the outer wall of the sample container is read by the barcode reader 16 from the second sample rack moved to the reading position of the identification reading unit 15. The control unit collates the analysis condition setting information, the instruction information input or selected from the operation unit 52, and the read information with respect to the sample on the second sample rack, and determines the analysis unit on which the second sample rack should stop. Since the biological sample held in the second sample rack is instructed to analyze and measure the electrolyte analysis item, the immune analysis item, and the biochemical analysis item, in the configuration example of FIG. 1, the second sample rack has three analysis units. It is decided to stop at 100, 200 and 300.

  In this case, the control unit recognizes that a plurality of analysis items instructed to be analyzed include a specific analysis item that requires dispensing by a disposable nozzle tip, and executes the dispensing. It is determined that the second sample rack is first transported to the possible analysis unit 100. Based on this determination, the control unit controls the operation of the rack transport apparatus so as to transport the second sample rack to the analysis unit 100 prior to transport to another analysis unit. The analysis items assigned to the analysis unit 100 are not limited to the immunological analysis items, but even the biochemical analysis items are set to have a high carry-over avoidance level between samples as shown in FIG. If it is an analysis item, a sample is taken for the analysis item.

  Based on the determination of the transport order described above, the second sample rack in the identification reading unit 15 does not stop at the analysis unit 300 closest to the rack supply apparatus, and passes through the rack transport line 60 for the second analysis order. It is carried into the bypass line 61 corresponding to the unit 100 and positioned at the sample collection position on the bypass line 61. Dispensing device 102 connects unused disposable nozzle tips 125 to connecting tube 104, and dispenses the same sample on the second sample rack to reaction vessel 105 corresponding to the number of analysis items instructed. repeat. The second sample rack that has received the sample by the nozzle chip is moved from the bypass line 61 to the rack transport line 60 and transported to the standby unit 20 without stopping at the third analysis unit 200 in the arrangement order.

  While the second sample rack is temporarily waiting in the standby unit 20, an analysis measurement result by the analysis unit 100 regarding the corresponding sample is obtained. Based on the analysis measurement result by the analysis unit 100, the control unit determines whether or not remeasurement is necessary for each measured analysis item. If a determination result indicating that re-measurement is unnecessary for any analysis item is output, the second sample rack that has been waiting in the standby unit 20 is moved to the feedback line 65, and the rack is returned to the rack by the feedback line 65. It is transported to the entrance side of the transport line 60. Next, the second sample rack stops at the analysis unit 300 for the electrolyte item and receives a specific sample by the pipette nozzle of the dispensing device 302. Next, the second sample rack is transported to the third analysis unit 200 in the arrangement order without stopping at the analysis unit 100, and is positioned at the sample collection position on the bypass line 62, by the pipette nozzle 225 of the dispensing device 202. Receive a specific sample.

  The second sample rack that has received samples in the analysis unit 300 and the analysis unit 200 is transported to the standby unit 20 and temporarily stands by. Then, the necessity of re-measurement is determined based on the analysis measurement results by the second and third analysis units, and if re-measurement is not necessary, the re-measurement is accommodated in the rack storage unit 30, but if re-measurement is necessary, The sample is again transported to the analysis unit 300 and / or the analysis unit 200 via the feedback line 65 to receive a sample for remeasurement. Thereafter, the second sample rack is transported and stored in the rack storage unit 30.

  On the other hand, if a determination result indicating that remeasurement is necessary for any analysis item comes out based on the analysis measurement result by the analysis unit 100 for immunization items, the control unit sets the second sample rack as follows. It is made to convey. That is, the second sample rack holding a specific sample is transferred from the standby unit 20 to the return line 65, transferred to the entrance side of the rack transfer line 60 by the return line 65, and transferred to the rack transfer line. The rack transport line 60 transports the second sample rack to the bypass line 61 corresponding to the analysis unit 100 without stopping at the analysis unit 300. At this point, the second sample rack has not been sampled by the other analysis units 200 and 300.

  The dispensing device 102 of the analysis unit 100 is used for remeasurement of an analysis item determined to require remeasurement of a specific sample on the second sample rack positioned at the sample collection position on the bypass line 61. In addition, a new disposable nozzle tip is used to dispense into the reaction vessel 105 on the reaction disk 103.

  The second sample rack that has been sampled for remeasurement is once moved to the rack transport line 60 and immediately transported to the bypass line 62 corresponding to the analysis unit 200. Then, the first sample collection by the pipette nozzle 225 of the dispensing device 202 is received. The second sample rack that has received the sample for the specific sample is transferred to the return line 65 via the rack transfer line 60, and then transferred to the rack transfer line 60 and transferred to the analysis unit 300. Then, the first sampling of the specific sample by the pipette nozzle of the dispensing device 302 is received.

  Alternatively, when the sample collection for the remeasurement with respect to the analysis unit 100 is finished, the second sample rack is moved to the rack transport line 60 and subsequently moved to the return line 65, and the entrance side of the rack transport line 60 It is also possible to control to receive a sample relating to a specific sample in the analysis unit 300 and then in the analysis unit 200. In any case, the second sample rack that has received the samples collected by the analysis units 200 and 300 is transported to the standby unit 20 and temporarily waits until it is determined whether re-measurement by these analysis units is necessary. The transport operation related to the second sample rack after determining whether or not remeasurement is necessary is the same as that already described.

  Depending on the patient sample, analysis of only one of the three analysis units in FIG. 1, analysis by two analysis units of immunity and biochemistry, or analysis by two analysis units of immunity and electrolyte is sufficient. There is. In the case of a sample to be analyzed and measured by the analysis unit 100 and the analysis unit 200 or 300, the sample is first collected by the analysis unit 100, and then sample collection for re-measurement is performed by the same analysis unit 100, and then another analysis is performed. The unit 200 or 300 is configured so as to collect a sample in the same sample container.

  As described above, the embodiment apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has a dispensing apparatus that uses a pipette nozzle that is repeatedly used after being sampled in an analysis unit having a dispensing apparatus that uses a disposable nozzle tip. Since the analysis unit is configured to execute the collection of the sample in the same sample container, it is possible to analyze and measure analysis items that must strictly avoid the influence of carry-over between samples while maintaining high reliability. In addition, the analysis items that are not so strongly affected by carry-over between samples are sampled by a dispensing device that uses a pipette nozzle that is repeatedly used, so that the processing capacity of the entire analysis device does not need to be significantly reduced. This is because the analysis items that require a pipette nozzle are overwhelmingly more numerous than the items that require the use of disposable nozzle tips.

  Next, the configuration of another embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8 includes a sample container transfer device 800, a first analysis unit 810 that analyzes and measures immune analysis items, and a second analysis unit 820 that analyzes and measures biochemical analysis items. It has. The sample container transfer device 800 has a rotatable sample disk 801 that can hold a large number of sample containers 802 in a circle.

  The first dispensing device 830 is a dispensing device that uses a disposable nozzle tip for each sample. The second dispensing device 840 is a dispensing device that uses a pipette nozzle that is repeatedly washed and used. The first analysis unit 810 can arrange a large number of reaction vessels 812 on the reaction disk 811 in a replaceable manner, and includes a reaction vessel exchange device 813 for replacing a used reaction vessel with an unused reaction vessel. To do. Necessary reagents corresponding to immunological analysis items are dispensed from the reagent supply unit 816 to the reaction container 812 on the reaction disk 811.

  The first dispensing device 830 can combine a disposable unused nozzle tip on the tip supply device 814 with the tip connecting tube. The used nozzle tip is removed from the connecting pipe and discarded in the disposal box 815. The first analysis unit 810 includes a measurement unit that measures a reaction solution or a solid phase after an immune reaction. The reaction disk 821 in the second analysis unit 820 has a row of translucent reaction vessels 822. Necessary reagents corresponding to the biochemical analysis items are dispensed into the reaction containers 822 from the reagent supply unit 826. The second analysis unit 820 includes a measurement unit that measures the optical characteristics of the reaction solution after the chemical reaction.

  In the automatic analyzer of FIG. 8, it is assumed that a specific sample that needs to be analyzed and measured for both immunological analysis items and biochemical analysis items is contained in one specific sample container 802. When analysis is started for such a specific sample, the corresponding specific sample container is positioned at the sample collection position a by the sample disk 801. Then, a part of the specific sample is sucked into the nozzle tip by the first dispensing device 830 combined with the unused nozzle tip, and discharged to the reaction vessel 812 on the reaction disk 811. In the reaction container, the immune reaction between the sample and the reagent proceeds, and the immunological analysis item to be analyzed is measured.

  After the sample collection by the first dispensing device for the specific sample container is finished, the same sample container is positioned at the sample collection position b, and the sample collection by the second dispensing device is executed. The specific sample dispensed into the reaction vessel 822 on the reaction disk 821 by the pipette nozzle of the second dispensing device is subjected to a chemical reaction with the reagent in the reaction vessel, and based on photometry of the formed reaction solution Biochemical analysis items are measured.

  Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 can measure both biochemical analysis items and immunological analysis items, the analytical measurement values of the immunological analysis items are not affected by carryover between samples. When measuring biochemical analysis items and immunological analysis items, a dispensing device that uses a disposable nozzle tip and a dispensing device that uses a pipette nozzle that is used repeatedly are applied to the sample in the same sample container. By performing the injection operation prior to the use of the pipette nozzle, carryover between samples caused by the pipette nozzle can be avoided for analysis items that do not like carryover, and for biochemical analysis items. Allows commonly used pipette nozzles to be used for sample collection.

The top view which shows schematic structure of one Example based on this invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of an analysis unit for immune analysis items in FIG. 1. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the dispensing apparatus in the analysis unit of FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an analysis unit for biochemical analysis items in FIG. 1. Explanatory drawing of the screen which sets a sample amount, reagent dispensing amount, and a carry-over avoidance level. The figure which shows the example of a screen which selects the designated analysis item for every sample. The figure of the example of a screen which selects the designated analysis item with respect to the same sample as the thing of FIG. The figure which shows schematic structure of the other Example based on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  2 ... Sample rack, 5,802 ... Sample container, 10 ... Rack supply device, 20 ... Standby unit, 30 ... Rack storage unit, 50 ... Overall control unit, 60 ... Rack transport line, 61,62 ... Bypass line, 65 ... Return line, 70 ... analysis condition setting screen, 100, 200, 300, 810, 820 ... analysis unit, 101, 201, 301 ... analysis unit controller, 102, 202, 302 ... dispensing device, 104 ... connecting pipe, 105 , 205, 812, 822 ... reaction vessel, 125 ... nozzle tip, 800 ... sample container transfer device, 830 ... first dispensing device, 840 ... second dispensing device.

Claims (1)

In an analyzer comprising a plurality of analysis units for analyzing a sample and a sample transport device for transporting the sample to at least one of the plurality of analysis units according to an analysis item,
The plurality of analysis units include a first analysis unit having a dispensing device that uses at least a disposable nozzle tip, and a second analysis unit having a dispensing device that uses a pipette nozzle that is repeatedly used. Among a plurality of analysis items instructed to analyze, a storage unit for storing a specific analysis item that needs to be sampled by a chip, a display device for displaying a screen for designating the specific analysis item And the sample transport device is controlled so that the sample rack having the recognized sample is transported to the first analysis unit at the beginning of the sample collection process. A control unit,
The screen displayed by the display device displays a plurality of analysis items as a list, selects a plurality of analysis items from the list, and sets a carry-over avoidance level in association with the selected analysis items. And a level instruction field that can be designated as an analysis device.

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