JP4755927B2 - Method and apparatus for measuring blood cells in a blood sample - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring blood cells in a blood sample. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sucking a blood sample (hereinafter also simply referred to as a sample) in a sealed container sealed with a stopper and measuring blood cells in the blood sample .

Conventionally, as a sample aspiration tube for aspirating a liquid sample in a sample container sealed with a stopper such as a rubber cap, a suction thin tube for aspirating the sample and for aeration in the container at the time of aspiration A ventilating thin tube is provided, and those used by piercing both capillaries into the plug body are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
The sample suction tube described in Patent Document 1 is a main component of a sample supply device that sucks and supplies a sample in a sealed tube to an automatic sample inspection device, and two thin tubes are arranged coaxially. It has a coaxial structure. That is, a ventilation thin tube is provided coaxially with the suction thin tube on the outer periphery of the suction thin tube having a central through hole, and the sample in the sealed tube is sucked through the central through hole. The sample tube is ventilated to the atmosphere through the flow path between the narrow tube and the ventilating thin tube when the sample is sucked.

However, since the sample suction tube has a structure in which two thin tubes are arranged coaxially, it is difficult to manufacture and the cost is high due to this. Furthermore, since it is necessary to clean the outer periphery of two thin tubes, there is a problem that the cleaning process is complicated.
On the other hand, as a sample suction / discharge device that sucks and discharges a liquid sample in a sample container sealed with a cap with a suction needle, the cap is punctured with a suction needle to release the air in the container, and then the suction needle is removed from the cap. It is known that the outside and the inside of the suction needle are removed and the liquid sample is sucked by puncturing the cap with the suction needle again (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 58-76765 A JP 2001-153762 A

However, the apparatus described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that when a small amount of liquid sample is aspirated while being quantified, its quantification accuracy is insufficient.
In addition, the sample suction / discharge device holds the sealed container so that the cap is on the bottom, punctures the cap with a suction needle from the bottom to the top, releases the atmosphere, and removes the suction needle from the cap. Then, after reversing the suction needle and immersing the tip in the washing tank to clean the inside of the suction needle, the liquid sample is sucked by puncturing the cap with the suction needle again. For this reason, a cleaning device for cleaning the outside of the suction tube and a cleaning tank for cleaning the inside of the suction tube are required, and the device configuration and the sequence for sucking the liquid sample are complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. When a blood sample is aspirated from a sealed container sealed by a stopper with a suction tube, it is relatively easy to use a suction tube having a simple configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for measuring blood cells in a blood sample , which can improve quantitative accuracy by a simple aspiration sequence .

The blood sample measuring method of the present invention is a blood cell measuring method for measuring blood cells by sucking a blood sample in a sealed container sealed inside by a stopper,
Puncturing the plug with a suction tube, inserting the tip of the suction tube into a sealed container, and communicating the inside of the sealed container with the atmosphere;
Withdrawing the suction tube upward from the sealed container, and then supplying the diluent from the proximal side of the suction tube at a position above the sealed container to fill the suction tube with the diluent;
Performing suction from the proximal end side of the suction tube and forming an air gap on the distal end side in the suction tube;
Puncturing the plug again with a suction tube filled with diluent and having an air gap formed at the tip , inserting the suction tube into a sealed container, and sucking a blood sample in the sealed container; ,
Discharging the blood sample sucked into the suction tube into a measurement sample preparation container;
An erythrocyte measurement step of measuring the erythrocyte count by supplying the measurement sample prepared in the measurement sample preparation container to a detector for erythrocyte measurement ;
It is characterized by having.

  In the blood sample measuring method of the present invention, the stopper is punctured with a suction tube and the inside of the sealed container is communicated with the atmosphere, and then the suction tube is withdrawn from the sealed container, and then the diluent is supplied from the proximal end side of the suction tube. The suction tube is filled with diluent. In this state, the stopper is punctured again with the suction tube, the suction tube is inserted into the sealed container, and the blood sample in the sealed container is sucked. As described above, since the blood sample in the sealed container is sucked in the state where the liquid (diluent) is filled in the suction tube, the quantitative accuracy can be improved, and even a small amount of blood sample can be accurately obtained. A fixed amount can be aspirated.

Between the suction step and the diluent filling step, subjected to suction from the base end side of the suction pipe is provided with the step of forming an air gap on the distal end side of the suction tube, the dilution of the suction tube By forming an air gap on the distal end side, when the blood sample is sucked into the suction tube in the subsequent process, the blood sample can be prevented from coming into contact with and mixed with the diluent to reduce its concentration. . Thereby, it can prevent that fixed_quantity | quantitative_assay falls.

  Between the suction step and the discharge step, a step of washing the outside of the suction tube with a diluent while removing the suction tube from the plug body can be provided. According to this configuration, even if a blood sample adheres to the outer circumference of the suction tube during the suction step, the outside of the suction tube is washed with the diluent while removing the suction tube from the stopper, so that the attached blood It is possible to prevent the inside of the apparatus from being contaminated, for example, by dropping the sample to another place in the apparatus.

  A step of washing the outside of the suction tube with a diluent after the discharge step, and a step of supplying the diluent from the proximal end side of the suction tube and washing the inside of the suction tube with the diluent. preferable. In this case, since the suction tube is washed immediately after the series of steps using the suction tube is completed, the measurement using the next specimen (blood sample) can be started continuously.

The discharge step is a step of discharging a part of the blood sample sucked into the suction tube to the measurement sample preparation container, and after this discharge step, a part of the blood sample sucked into the suction tube is second. A second discharge step of discharging into the measurement sample preparation container ; a white blood cell classification step of supplying a second measurement sample prepared in the second measurement sample preparation container to the second detector for white blood cell measurement and classifying the white blood cells ; Can be provided. A blood sample can be efficiently measured by performing two types of measurements using a blood sample sucked at one time.

After the second discharge step, there are provided a step of washing the outside of the suction tube with a diluent, and a step of supplying the diluent from the proximal end side of the suction tube and washing the inside of the suction tube with the diluent. Is preferred. Also in this case, since the suction tube is washed immediately after the series of steps using the suction tube is completed, the measurement using the next specimen (blood sample) can be started continuously. .

The blood sample measuring device of the present invention includes a suction tube for puncturing a plug for sealing the inside of a sealed container and sucking the blood sample in the sealed container;
The suction tube is aspirated at any one of an external position above the plug body that seals the sealed container, an air release position that opens the inside of the sealed container, and a suction position that sucks the blood sample in the sealed container. A suction tube moving mechanism for moving the suction tube so that the mouth is located;
A first flow path that is open to the atmosphere, a diluent storage section that stores the diluent, a second flow path that can connect the suction pipe to the diluent storage section, and a diluent stored in the diluent storage section. A first pump that can be supplied to the suction pipe via the second flow path, and a second pump that can suck and discharge the blood sample in the sealed container via the second flow path; A fluid mechanism capable of selectively communicating the first and second flow paths with a suction pipe;
A measurement sample preparation container for mixing a blood sample and a reagent to prepare a measurement sample;
A detector for the measurement of red blood cell count was measured measurement sample prepared by the measurement specimen preparation vessel,
The suction port of the suction tube is moved from the external position to the atmosphere opening position in the sealed container by puncturing the plug, and the inside of the sealed container is opened to the atmosphere through the first flow path, and then the suction The suction port of the tube is moved from the atmosphere open position to an external position above the sealed container , the diluent is supplied into the suction tube through the second flow path by the first pump, and suction is performed by the second pump. Then, an air gap is formed on the distal end side in the suction tube, and the suction port of the suction tube in a state where the diluent is filled and the air gap is formed at the distal end is inserted from the external position by puncturing the plug body. A controller for controlling the suction tube moving mechanism and the fluid mechanism so as to move to the suction position in the sealed container and suck the blood sample in the sealed container through the second flow path by the second pump ; Special features It is set to.

  In the blood sample measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit controls the suction tube moving mechanism and the fluid mechanism, and the stopper is punctured with the suction tube and the sealed container is communicated with the atmosphere, and then the suction tube is sealed. It is pulled out from the container, and then a diluent is supplied from the proximal end side of the suction tube to fill the diluent in the suction tube. In this state, the stopper is punctured again with the suction tube, the suction tube is inserted into the sealed container, and the blood sample in the sealed container is sucked. As described above, since the blood sample in the sealed container is sucked in the state where the liquid (diluent) is filled in the suction tube, the quantitative accuracy can be improved, and even a small amount of blood sample can be accurately obtained. A fixed amount can be aspirated.

  A container holder for holding the sealed container so that the stopper is located at the top, a through-hole that movably moves the suction pipe in the up-and-down direction, a supply path for supplying a diluent into the through-hole, and a through-hole And a cleaning device having a discharge path for sucking and discharging the diluted solution supplied to the container, the cleaning device is capable of cleaning the suction pipe above the sealed container, and the fluid mechanism is connected to the supply path of the cleaning device. It is preferable that the diluting liquid can be supplied and the suction from the discharge path of the cleaning device is possible. According to this configuration, the outer periphery of the suction tube can be cleaned only by moving the suction tube in the vertical direction, and the moving mechanism and moving operation of the suction tube for cleaning the suction tube can be simplified.

The suction tube moving mechanism includes a vertical sliding portion that is movable in a vertical direction while holding the suction tube, and the device includes the cleaning device and a holding member that holds the vertical sliding portion, It is preferable to have a second moving mechanism for moving the holding member. In this case, the suction tube and the cleaning device can be moved together, and the suction tube can be cleaned without loss time at a desired timing.
The second moving mechanism is configured to horizontally move the holding member so that the position of the suction tube is from above the sealed container to above the measurement sample preparation container after the suction tube sucks the blood sample. Can do.
In addition, the blood cell measurement apparatus includes a second measurement sample preparation container for adjusting a second measurement sample by mixing a blood sample and a reagent,
A second detection unit for measuring the second measurement sample prepared in the second measurement sample preparation container and performing white blood cell classification,
The suction tube moving mechanism includes a vertical sliding portion that is movable in a vertical direction while holding the suction tube, and the device hermetically holds the holding member that holds the vertical sliding portion and the holding member. You may have the 2nd moving mechanism for moving horizontally above the container, the upper part of the 1st measurement sample preparation container, and the upper part of the 2nd measurement sample preparation container.

  According to the blood sample measurement method and apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to improve the quantitative accuracy when a blood sample is sucked with a suction tube.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a blood sample measuring method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a sample analyzer S including a blood sample measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sample analyzer S with a casing 1 removed. FIG. 3 is an explanatory front view of the state where the casing is also removed.

The sample analyzer S is communicably connected to a processing apparatus PC (typically a personal computer in which necessary computer programs are installed) having a display, an input device, a CPU, a memory, and the like (see FIG. 14). A sample analysis system is configured by the sample analysis device S and the processing device PC. The processing apparatus PC is installed with software for a sample analyzer for operating the sample analyzer S, various settings related to analysis, display of analysis results, and the like, and by communicating with the sample analyzer S, A command can be given to the analyzer S or measurement data can be received from the sample analyzer S.
The sample analyzer S is a device (blood analyzer) that measures blood (sample) stored in a blood collection tube 3 that is a sealed container (initial sample storage container). It is mainly comprised with the casing 1 which accommodates the main body 2. FIG.

  The casing 1 is made of a synthetic resin or a rust-proof steel plate, and is fixed to the apparatus main body 2 using fixing means such as bolts. An opening 5 is formed in the lower right portion of one surface of the casing 1 (the left side surface in FIG. 1), and the blood collection tube 3 can be inserted into the apparatus main body 2 through the opening 5. . That is, a slider 7 provided with a mounting table 6 for mounting the blood collection tube 3 in the vicinity of the lower end of the apparatus main body 2 is disposed so as to be able to protrude and retract from the opening 5. Yes. Further, a cover 8 for closing the opening 5 is rotatably provided at the tip of the slider 7, and this cover 8 is biased to be inclined outward by a predetermined angle by a spring (not shown). (See FIG. 1). When the device is in a non-operating state (this state can be displayed to the outside by turning off the lamp in the button 15 provided on one surface of the casing 1), when the button 15 is pressed, The slider 7 advances to the outside of the apparatus main body 2. At this time, the opening 5 is closed by the cover 8 when the apparatus is not in operation. However, when the slider 7 advances to the outside of the apparatus main body 2, the protrusion 8 a of the cover 8 and the opening 5. The engagement with the recess 9 formed in the periphery of the is released, and the cover 8 is opened. Further, by disengaging the protrusion 8a and the recess 9, the cover 8 is inclined outward by a predetermined angle by the biasing force of the spring.

The mounting table 6 functions as a container holder for holding the blood collection tube 3 so that the plug 3a of the blood collection tube 3 is located at the upper part, and a recess (in which the lower part of the blood collection tube 3 can be inserted on the upper surface thereof (Not shown) is formed. When the lower part of the blood collection tube 3 is inserted into this recess and the button 15 is pressed, the slider 7 moves back into the apparatus main body 2 and sets the blood collection tube 3 at a predetermined position. Next, the cover 8 is raised against the biasing force of the spring, and the opening 5 is closed by the cover 8. At this time, the protrusion 8a and the recess 9 are engaged with each other, so that the cover 8 is prevented from being opened. Then, it is set so that the subsequent sample aspirating step and the like can be performed by detecting that the opening 5 is securely closed by the cover 8 by a detecting means such as a microswitch.
A part of the side surface of the casing 1 (the right side surface in FIG. 1) is fixed to the apparatus main body 2 with bolts 10 so that inspection, maintenance, etc. in the apparatus main body 2 can be easily performed. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 16 denotes an exhaust port for mainly releasing heat generated in the apparatus main body 2 to the outside by a fan (not shown).

  The apparatus main body 2 has a sample setting unit 4 for setting the blood collection tube 3 at a predetermined position in the apparatus, and for adjusting a mixed sample for analysis by quantifying and diluting the blood in the blood collection tube 3. A sample preparation unit; detection units D1, D2, and D3 that measure (detect) diluted blood; and a control unit that electrically drives and controls the sample adjustment unit and the detection unit. The blood sample measuring device of the present invention comprises an element or mechanism for aspirating a sample from a sealed container, adjusting a measurement sample, and measuring the sample among the sample adjustment unit, the detection unit, and the control unit. ing.

  The sample setting unit 4 is a part for setting a blood collection tube 3 in which a sample (blood) is contained in a sealed state in a predetermined position in the apparatus main body 2, and includes the mounting table 6, slider 7 and A driving source (not shown) such as a stepping motor for driving the slider 7 is used.

  The sample preparation unit sucks a predetermined amount of blood from the inside of the blood collection tube 3 and mixes it with a reagent in the first mixing chamber MC1 or the second mixing chamber MC2 (measurement sample adjustment container), thereby mixing samples for various analyzes. The suction tube 13 that punctures the plug 3a that seals the inside of the blood collection tube 3 and sucks the sample in the blood collection tube 3, and the horizontal drive unit 20 that moves the suction tube 13 horizontally. A vertical drive unit 60 that moves the suction tube 13 vertically, a fluid mechanism that opens the inside of the blood collection tube 3 to the atmosphere and sucks and discharges a sample in the blood collection tube 3, and the horizontal drive unit A vertical drive unit and a control unit for controlling the operation of the fluid mechanism. The sample preparation unit according to the present embodiment also includes a vertical sliding unit 40 that is moved horizontally by the horizontal driving unit 20, and the vertical sliding unit 40 holds the suction tube 13. The guide mechanism allows vertical movement.

As long as the suction tube 13 has a channel extending in the longitudinal direction inside and a suction port for sucking a sample or air is formed in the vicinity of the tip, the suction tube 13 is not particularly limited in the present invention. it can.
As shown in the fluid circuit diagrams of FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus main body 2 is provided with a reagent container for containing the reagent. Specifically, as a reagent container, a diluent container EPK-V for storing a diluent (washing liquid) EPK, a hemoglobin hemolyzer container SLS-V for storing a hemoglobin hemolyzing agent SLS, and a hemolyzing agent for white blood cell classification Leukocyte classification hemolytic agent container (first reagent container) FFD-V for storing FFD, and leukocyte classification staining container (second reagent container) FFS-V for storing leukocyte classification staining liquid FFS Is equipped.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory front view of the horizontal drive unit of the sample analyzer shown in FIG. 1. The horizontal drive unit 20 includes the vertical sliding unit 40 (details will be described later) and the later described as illustrated. A moving panel 21 that is a holding member that holds the cleaning spitz CS, a drive mechanism (second moving mechanism) 22 that horizontally moves the moving panel 21, and a guide mechanism 23 that guides the horizontal movement of the moving panel 21 are provided. ing. The moving panel 21 is made of a vertically long plate made of metal or synthetic resin, and screw holes 24 for fixing the vertical sliding portion 40 are formed in the upper and lower portions. The drive mechanism 22 is disposed on the front surface of the support panel 25 (front surface in FIG. 4) and a drive pulley 26 and a driven pulley 27 that are rotatably provided on the back surface side of the support panel 25. A stepping motor 28 that rotationally drives the driving pulley 26, a timing belt 29 stretched between the driving pulley 26 and the driven pulley 27, and fixed to both the inner peripheral surface of the timing belt 29 and the back surface of the movable panel 21. The connecting member 30 is made up of.

  An upper guide 31 that guides the upper end of the movable panel 21 is provided at the upper edge of the support panel 25. On the other hand, on the surface of the support panel 25 and below the timing belt 29, the movable panel 21 is provided. A lower guide 32 is provided for guiding the lower part. The guide mechanism 23 includes an upper guide 31 and a lower guide 32. The upper guide 31 includes a horizontal portion 31 a that protrudes from the upper end edge of the support panel 25 to the surface side, and a vertical portion 31 b that hangs downward from the front end of the horizontal portion 31 a. The vertical portion 31b is sandwiched between the formed back-side clamping piece 33 and the surface-side clamping piece 34 having a substantially C-shaped cross section that is formed so as to protrude from the front surface in the vicinity of the upper end. On the other hand, the lower guide 32 has a guide shaft 35 disposed below the timing belt 29 in parallel with the moving direction of the timing belt 29 and a sliding member 36 having a passage in which the guide shaft 35 can slide. The sliding member 36 is fixed to the back surface of the movable panel 21.

  In such a configuration, when the stepping motor 28 is driven, the connecting member 30 fixed to the timing belt 29 moves left or right in FIG. 3, thereby moving the moving panel 21 fixed to the connecting member 30. It can be moved left or right. In this case, the upper and lower portions of the moving panel 21 are guided by the upper guide 31 and the lower guide 32, respectively. Therefore, the moving panel 21 can be moved smoothly without shaking in the front / rear, left / right or up / down directions.

  Next, the vertical sliding portion 40 will be described in detail. 5 is an explanatory front view of the vertical sliding portion of the sample analyzer S shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is an explanatory front view of the vertical sliding portion and the horizontal driving portion, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing on the left side of a drive part. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the vertical sliding portion 40 holds a support body 41, a guide shaft 42 that is vertically supported by the support body 41, the suction pipe 13, and on the guide shaft 42. And a suction tube holding portion 43 that slides on the surface.

  The support 41 is provided in a vertically long back surface portion 41a parallel to the movable panel 21 or the support panel 25, and perpendicular to the back surface portion 41a. Similarly, the vertically long side surface portion 41b and the top and bottom of the back surface portion 41a are provided. At the end, it is composed of an upper surface portion 41c and a lower surface portion 41d provided perpendicularly to the back surface portion 41a. The side surface portion 41 b is formed with a vertically long guide slit 45 that guides a guide rod 44 that protrudes from the suction tube holding portion 43 in the horizontal direction. A guide shaft 42 is vertically supported between the upper surface portion 41c and the lower surface portion 41d. In addition, 46 is a notch part formed in the said back surface part 41a in order to penetrate the screw which fixes the vertical sliding part 40 to the movement panel 21 of the said horizontal drive part 20. As shown in FIG.

  The suction tube holding portion 43 includes a sliding portion 43a having a substantially cubic shape, and an engaging portion 43b formed on one surface (the left surface in FIG. 5) of the sliding portion 43a. As shown in FIG. 7, the engaging portion 43 b has a cross shape in cross section, and engages with a concave portion having a cross shape in the cross section of the arm of the vertical drive portion described later, thereby moving the suction tube 13 vertically. A shaft 47 projects from the other surface of the sliding portion 43a (the front surface in FIG. 5), and a guide roller 48 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 47. The guide roller 48 engages with a guide arm of a vertical drive unit 60 described later, and the suction tube holding unit 43 moves in the vertical direction in conjunction with the guide arm.

A cleaning spitz CS for cleaning the inner and outer circumferences of the suction pipe 13 is fixed to the lower surface portion 41 d of the support body 41 through a bracket 49. Further, supply and drainage nipples 50, 51, 52 are fixed to the lower portion of the side surface portion 41b of the support 41, and the proximal end of the suction tube 13 and the cleaning spitz CS are respectively connected through the tubes 53, 54, 55. It is connected to the.
Reference numeral 56 denotes a plate-like spacer, which is fixed by screws 57 to a fixing portion 58 provided on the lower surface of the sliding portion 43 a and a protruding portion 59 protruding from the side surface portion 41 b of the support body 41. The spacer 56 fixes the suction tube holding portion 43 to the uppermost portion of the support body 41 and prevents the sharp tip of the suction tube 13 from coming out of the cleaning spitz CS.
That is, when the vertical sliding portion 40 is mounted on the horizontal driving portion 20, the vertical sliding portion 40 is brought into contact with the movable panel 21 of the horizontal driving portion 20 with the spacer 56 attached, and the cutting is performed. After being fixed to the screw hole 24 through the notch 46 with a screw, the spacer 57 is removed by loosening the screw 57. Thereby, the vertical sliding part 40 can be safely mounted on the horizontal driving part 20 without the operator being damaged at the tip of the suction pipe. Further, when the suction tube 13 has a problem such as clogging, the entire vertical sliding portion 40 including the suction tube 13 is replaced. In this case, the replacement work can be safely performed by using the spacer 56. It can be carried out. Normally, the spacer 56 is attached at the time of shipment from the factory or when the entire vertical sliding portion 40 is replaced, but is removed when other devices are in operation (see FIG. 6).

  Next, the vertical drive unit 60 of the suction tube 13 will be described in detail. 8 is a left side explanatory view of the vertical drive unit of the sample analyzer S shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. The vertical drive unit 60, together with the above-described vertical sliding unit 40, constitutes a suction tube moving mechanism in the blood sample measurement device of the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 8, is an elongated body disposed along the horizontal direction. An arm 61, a screw shaft 64 that passes through the arm 61 in the orthogonal direction (vertical direction) and is rotatably supported by a bearing 63 disposed on the support panel 62, and is screwed to the screw shaft 64. A nut portion 65 fixed to the arm 61; a slide rail 66 disposed on the support panel 62 so as to be parallel to the screw shaft 64; and one end portion of the arm 61 ( And a stepping motor fixed to the support panel 62. The slide member 67 is provided on the inner end of the apparatus main body 2 and slidably engages with the slide rail 66 to guide the arm 61 in the vertical direction. 68 It is equipped with a.

Pulleys 69 and 70 are fixed to the upper end of the screw shaft 64 and the output shaft of the stepping motor 68, respectively, and a timing belt 71 is stretched between the pulleys 69 and 70. In addition, a guide arm 72 having a U-shaped cross section that engages with the guide roller 48 of the vertical sliding portion 40 (see FIG. 8) is horizontally disposed at the other end of the arm 61 (end on the surface side of the apparatus main body 2). (Perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 8).
The arm 61 also has a cross-shaped recess 73 in the vicinity of the end on the guide arm 72 side and on the surface facing the cross-shaped engagement portion 43b of the suction tube holding portion 43. . As shown in FIG. 9, the engaging portion 43b is fitted into the concave portion 73 having a cross-shaped cross section while maintaining an appropriate clearance from the arrow X direction. In this inserted state, the suction tube 13 is positioned so as to be directly above the blood collection tube 3, and when the suction tube 13 punctures the plug 3a of the blood collection tube 3, the force of the vertical movement of the arm 61 is directly sucked. It is transmitted to the tube holding part 43.

  By appropriately controlling the driving of the stepping motor 28 of the horizontal driving unit 20 and the stepping motor 68 of the vertical driving unit 60 described above by the control unit of the apparatus main body 2, the suction tube holding unit 43, that is, the suction tube 13 is horizontally Alternatively, the sample can be driven vertically to suck the sample from the blood collection tube 3 or supply the sample to a mixing chamber described later. When the sample is sucked, since the suction tube 13 includes an operation of puncturing the plug 3 a of the blood collection tube 3, the engaging portion 43 b of the suction tube holding portion 43 is fitted with the concave portion 73 having a cross-shaped cross section of the arm 61. A large force is transmitted to the suction tube holder 43. On the other hand, when the suction tube 13 moves onto the mixing chamber and supplies the sample to the mixing chamber, the driving force of the stepping motor 68 of the vertical driving unit 60 is transmitted via the arm 61, the guide arm 72, and the guide roller 48. Is transmitted to the suction tube holder 43.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, the sample analyzer S according to the present embodiment adjusts a mixed sample for measuring red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets, and performs measurement related to white blood cells. Are provided with a second mixing chamber MC2 for adjusting the mixed sample, a first detector D1 for measuring red blood cells, a second detector D2 for measuring hemoglobin, and a third detector D3 for measuring white blood cells.

As shown in FIG. 14, the apparatus main body 2 includes a control unit 100 that controls the sample preparation unit and measurement units D1, D2, and D3. The apparatus main body 2 includes solenoid valves SV1 to SV33, SV40, SV41 and various pumps and motors 28, 68, SP1, SP2, P, V, DP1, DP2, DP3 A drive circuit unit 110 for driving DP4, DP5, and the like is also provided, and the control unit 100 drives the electromagnetic valve and the like via the drive circuit unit 110.
The control unit 100 can communicate with the processing apparatus PC via a communication interface (not shown), and can exchange various signals and data with the processing apparatus PC.

  Next, an embodiment of the blood sample measuring method of the present invention will be described with reference to the fluid circuit diagram shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 to 13, SP1 and SP2 are syringe pumps for sucking and supplying the sample (blood), CS is a cleaning spitz for cleaning the suction tube, and DP1 to DP5 are diluents. It is a diaphragm pump for quantifying liquids such as hemolytic agents and staining solutions. Further, WC1 to WC2 are drainage chambers, EPK-C is an EPK (diluent) container, and SV1 to SV33 are electromagnetic valves for opening and closing the flow path. These valves SV1 to SV33 are normally closed valves that are normally closed.

  The blood sample measurement method according to the present embodiment includes a step of puncturing the plug 3a with the suction tube 13, inserting the tip of the suction tube 13 into the sealed container 3, and communicating the inside of the sealed container 3 with the atmosphere. The step of pulling out the suction tube 13 from the sealed container 3 and then supplying the diluent from the proximal end side of the suction tube 13 to fill the suction tube with the diluent, and puncturing the plug 3a again with the suction tube 13 The suction tube 13 is inserted into the sealed container 3, the blood sample in the sealed container 3 is sucked, the sucked blood sample is discharged into the measurement sample preparation container, and the measurement sample preparation container is used. The steps of measuring the measured sample are described below in order.

(1) When a predetermined preliminary process such as turning on the power of the apparatus and transferring the diluent to the diluent container EPK-C is completed, a standby display is made. In this state, the blood collection tube 3 is set in the apparatus main body 2, the mode is selected, and then the start button is pressed to start the sample aspirating process.
(2) First, the valve SV14 is opened and the inside of the drainage chamber WC1 is brought into a negative pressure state. At the time of continuous measurement, the valve SV14 is open at the end of the previous measurement, and the drain chamber WC1 is in a negative pressure state. Next, the valve SV15 is opened, the diluted liquid (EPK) in the suction pipe 13 is sucked, and the suction pipe 13 is emptied. Next, the valve SV15 is closed and the valve SV23 is opened to empty the first mixing chamber MC1 and its discharge line (step S1).
(3) Next, the valve SV14 is closed, the drainage chamber WC1 is opened to the atmosphere, and then the valve SV15 is opened to reach the first mixing chamber MC1 from the suction port of the suction pipe through the drainage chamber WC1. The line including the flow path is opened to the atmosphere (step S2).
(4) In step S1 and step S2, the suction tube 13 is located outside the blood collection tube 3. After step S2, the suction tube 13 punctures the plug 3a of the blood collection tube 3, and the tip of the suction tube 13 The suction tube 13 is lowered to the open atmosphere position where the suction port is located above the sample. As a result, the inside of the blood collection tube 3 is opened to the atmosphere through a line from the suction port of the suction tube to the first mixing chamber MC1 through the drainage chamber WC1 (step S3 (first insertion step)).
(5) Next, the valve SV15 and the valve SV23 are closed, and the valve SV14 is opened to bring the first drain chamber WC1 into a negative pressure state.
(6) Thereafter, the suction tube 13 is lifted from the second position, and the valve SV11 and the valve SV51 are opened at the same time as the tip of the suction tube 13 comes out of the plug 3a of the blood collection tube 3. In parallel, the outer periphery of the suction tube 13 is washed (step S4).
(7) Next, the valve SV21, the valve SV15, and the valve SV16 are opened, and the valve SV15 is closed after 0.2 seconds. As a result, positive pressure is applied to the 1.0 mL diaphragm pump DP1 for diluent that is the first pump, and the sample suction line including the second flow path and the suction pipe 13 are filled with the diluent (step S5 (liquid filling step)). )). It should be noted that the excess diluted solution coming out from the suction port of the suction tube 13 is sucked from the cleaning spitz CS.
(8) The valve SV11 and the valve SV51 are closed, and the cleaning of the suction pipe 13 is finished.
(9) After the ascending operation of the suction tube 13 is completed, the suction tube 13 is lowered again by several millimeters, the suction port at the tip of the suction tube 13 is taken out from the cleaning spitz CS, and then 3 uL is sucked by the syringe pump SP1 and sucked An air gap is formed at the tip of the tube 13 (step S6).
(10) Next, the suction tube 13 is lowered to the sample suction position in the blood collection tube 3, and the suction port is placed in the sample. In this state, a predetermined amount of sample is aspirated by the syringe pump SP1, which is the second pump (step S7 (second insertion step)). Thus, by sucking a blood sample in a state where a liquid (diluent) is filled in the suction tube, the quantification accuracy can be improved, and a predetermined amount can be accurately sucked even with a small amount of blood sample. Can do. Further, by forming an air gap at the tip of the suction tube 13 in step S6, when the blood sample is sucked into the suction tube 13 in the subsequent process, the blood sample contacts and mixes with the diluent, and the concentration is It can be prevented from becoming smaller. Thereby, it can prevent that fixed_quantity | quantitative_assay falls.

Through the above steps S1 to S7, the sample aspirating process is completed, and the mixed sample for analysis is adjusted in the first mixing chamber MC1 or the second mixing chamber MC2 by using the sample sucked into the suction tube 13 continuously. Then, using this mixed sample for analysis, the first detector D1, the second detector D2 or the third detector D3 measures the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and the like.
Specifically, after the sample is aspirated in step S7, the aspiration tube 13 is raised, the valve SV11 and the valve SV51 are opened at the same time that the tip of the aspiration tube 13 is removed from the plug 3a of the blood collection tube 3, and the aspiration tube 13 is opened. In parallel with the ascent operation, the outer periphery of the suction tube 13 is washed. As a result, even if a blood sample adheres to the outer periphery of the suction tube during the suction process, the outside of the suction tube 13 is washed with the diluent while the suction tube 13 is being removed from the plug 3a. It is possible to prevent the inside of the apparatus from being contaminated, for example, by dropping the sample to another place in the apparatus.
After completion of the cleaning of the suction tube 13, the horizontal driving unit 20 moves the moving panel 21 holding the suction tube 13 and the cleaning spitz CS in the horizontal direction and stops it above the first mixing chamber MC1. A predetermined amount of sample is discharged from the suction tube 13 to the first mixing chamber MC1.
Next, the horizontal driving unit 20 moves the moving panel 21 holding the suction pipe 13 and the cleaning spitz CS in the horizontal direction and stops it above the second mixing chamber MC2. A predetermined amount of sample is discharged from the suction tube 13 to the second mixing chamber MC2. Thus, the blood sample can be efficiently measured by performing two types of measurements using the blood sample sucked at one time.
After the completion of the discharge, the suction pipe 13 is raised and the outer periphery of the suction pipe 13 is washed by the washing spitz CS, and the rise is stopped when the tip of the suction pipe 13 comes into the washing spitz CS. A diluent is supplied from the tube 53 to the suction tube 13 to clean the inside of the suction tube 13. The diluted solution discharged from the suction port of the suction tube 13 is drained through the tube 54. Immediately after the series of steps using the suction tube is completed, the measurement using the next specimen (blood sample) can be started continuously by washing the suction tube.
In the above embodiment, the outer periphery of the suction tube is cleaned in step S4. However, the outer periphery of the suction tube is not necessarily cleaned, and may be omitted.

1 is an overall perspective view of a sample analyzer including a blood sample measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sample analyzer shown in FIG. 1 with a casing removed. It is front explanatory drawing of the state which removed the casing of the sample analyzer shown by FIG. It is front explanatory drawing of the horizontal drive part of the sample analyzer shown by FIG. It is front explanatory drawing of the vertical sliding part of the sample analyzer shown by FIG. It is front explanatory drawing of the vertical sliding part and horizontal drive part of the sample analyzer shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is a left side explanatory view of a vertical sliding portion and a horizontal driving portion of the sample analyzer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram on the left side of a vertical drive unit of the sample analyzer shown in FIG. 1. It is CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the first half part of the fluid circuit diagram of the sample analyzer shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a second half part of a fluid circuit diagram of the sample analyzer shown in FIG. 1. It is a fluid circuit diagram around the drainage chamber. It is a fluid circuit diagram around a diaphragm pump. It is a control block diagram of the sample analyzer shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a liquid sample suction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 casing 2 apparatus main body 3 blood collection tube 4 sample setting unit 13 suction tube 20 horizontal drive unit 21 moving panel 22 drive mechanism 23 guide mechanism 28 stepping motor 40 vertical sliding unit 41 support 42 guide shaft 43 suction tube holding unit 60 vertical drive Part 61 arm 64 screw shaft 65 nut part 66 slide rail 67 sliding member 68 stepping motor 72 guide arm S sample analyzer

Claims (10)

A blood cell measuring method for measuring blood cells by sucking a blood sample in a sealed container sealed inside by a stopper,
Puncturing the plug with a suction tube, inserting the tip of the suction tube into a sealed container, and communicating the inside of the sealed container with the atmosphere;
Withdrawing the suction tube upward from the sealed container, and then supplying the diluent from the proximal side of the suction tube at a position above the sealed container to fill the suction tube with the diluent;
Performing suction from the proximal end side of the suction tube and forming an air gap on the distal end side in the suction tube;
Puncturing the plug again with a suction tube filled with diluent and having an air gap formed at the tip , inserting the suction tube into a sealed container, and sucking a blood sample in the sealed container; ,
Discharging the blood sample sucked into the suction tube into a measurement sample preparation container;
An erythrocyte measurement step of measuring the erythrocyte count by supplying the measurement sample prepared in the measurement sample preparation container to a detector for erythrocyte measurement ;
A method for measuring blood cells in a blood sample , comprising : The method for measuring blood cells in a blood sample according to claim 1, further comprising a step of washing the outside of the suction tube with a diluent while pulling out the suction tube from the stopper between the suction step and the discharge step . A step of washing the outside of the suction tube with a diluent after the discharging step, and a step of supplying the diluent from the proximal end side of the suction tube and washing the inside of the suction tube with the diluent. Item 3. A method for measuring blood cells in a blood sample according to Item 1 or 2. The discharge step is a step of discharging a part of the blood sample sucked into the suction tube to the measurement sample preparation container, and after this discharge step, a part of the blood sample sucked into the suction tube is second. A second discharge step of discharging into the measurement sample preparation container; a white blood cell classification step of supplying a second measurement sample prepared in the second measurement sample preparation container to the second detector for white blood cell measurement and classifying the white blood cells ; The blood cell measurement method in the blood sample of any one of Claims 1-3 provided with these. A step of washing the outside of the suction tube with a diluent after the second discharge step; and a step of supplying the diluent from the proximal end side of the suction tube and washing the inside of the suction tube with the diluent. The method for measuring blood cells in a blood sample according to claim 4 . A suction tube for puncturing a plug for sealing the inside of the sealed container and sucking a blood sample in the sealed container;
The suction tube is aspirated at any one of an external position above the plug body that seals the sealed container, an air release position that opens the inside of the sealed container, and a suction position that sucks the blood sample in the sealed container. A suction tube moving mechanism for moving the suction tube so that the mouth is located;
A first flow path that is open to the atmosphere, a diluent storage section that stores the diluent, a second flow path that can connect the suction pipe to the diluent storage section, and a diluent stored in the diluent storage section. A first pump that can be supplied to the suction pipe via the second flow path, and a second pump that can suck and discharge the blood sample in the sealed container via the second flow path; A fluid mechanism capable of selectively communicating the first and second flow paths with a suction pipe;
A measurement sample preparation container for mixing a blood sample and a reagent to prepare a measurement sample;
A detection unit for measuring the measurement sample prepared in the measurement sample preparation container and measuring the number of red blood cells,
The suction port of the suction tube is moved from the external position to the atmosphere opening position in the sealed container by puncturing the plug, and the inside of the sealed container is opened to the atmosphere through the first flow path, and then the suction The suction port of the tube is moved from the atmospheric release position to an external position above the sealed container, and the diluent is supplied into the suction tube through the second flow path by the first pump, and the second pump An air gap is formed on the tip side in the suction tube by suction, and the plug is inserted into the suction port of the suction tube filled with a diluent and the air gap is formed at the tip. A control unit for controlling the suction tube moving mechanism and the fluid mechanism so that the blood sample in the sealed container is sucked through the second flow path by the second pump. And having Blood cell counter in the blood sample, characterized. A container holder for holding the sealed container so that the stopper is located at the top, a through-hole that movably moves the suction pipe in the up-and-down direction, a supply path for supplying a diluent into the through-hole, and a through-hole And a cleaning device having a discharge path for sucking and discharging the diluted solution supplied to the container, the cleaning device is capable of cleaning the suction pipe above the sealed container, and the fluid mechanism is connected to the supply path of the cleaning device. The apparatus for measuring blood cells in a blood sample according to claim 6, wherein a diluent can be supplied to the tube and suction from the discharge path of the cleaning device is possible. The suction tube moving mechanism includes a vertical sliding portion that is movable in a vertical direction while holding the suction tube, and the device includes the cleaning device and a holding member that holds the vertical sliding portion, The blood cell measuring device in a blood sample according to claim 7, further comprising a second moving mechanism for moving the holding member . Said second moving mechanism, after the suction tube is aspirated blood sample, according to claim 8 in which the position of the suction pipe causes the holding member to be above the measurement sample preparing container from the upper side of the sealed container is horizontally moved Blood sample measuring device. A second measurement sample preparation container for adjusting a second measurement sample by mixing a blood sample and a reagent;
A second detection unit for measuring the second measurement sample prepared in the second measurement sample preparation container and performing white blood cell classification,
The suction tube moving mechanism includes a vertical sliding portion vertically movable while holding the suction tube, the apparatus comprising a holding member for holding the pre-Symbol vertical sliding portion, the holding member The blood cell measurement in the blood sample according to claim 9, further comprising a second moving mechanism for horizontally moving above the closed container, above the first measurement sample preparation container, and above the second measurement sample preparation container. apparatus.

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