JP5127637B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that analyzes a measurement item of a sample by reacting a sample with a reagent in a reaction tube and measuring a reaction result.

The automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item of a sample by reacting a sample with a reagent in a reaction tube and measuring a reaction result. This reagent is stored in a container such as a reagent container. As a method of measuring the remaining amount of the reagent in the container, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a method of measuring the volume according to the moving distance from the descending start point of the probe to the detection of the liquid level during reagent inhalation. . This liquid level detection method may be performed during reagent dispensing or in response to a liquid level detection instruction from an operator. When performing in the middle of reagent dispensing, when the liquid level is detected, the measurement item corresponding to the detected reagent must be measured. Therefore, it takes a very long time to measure the remaining amounts of many reagents. In addition, the volume of a reagent corresponding to a measurement item that is not a measurement target cannot be measured. On the other hand, when receiving an instruction for detecting the liquid level from the operator, the operator must issue an instruction for detecting the liquid level for each reagent. Therefore, the amount of operator work involved in measuring the remaining amount of reagent is large.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-332183

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can reduce the measurement time of the remaining amount of the reagent and reduce the work amount of the operator related to the measurement.

An automatic analyzer according to an aspect of the present invention is an automatic analyzer that analyzes a measurement item of a sample by reacting a sample with a reagent in a reaction tube and measuring a reaction result, and the measurement target used for the measurement A reagent container that rotatably holds a container for storing a reagent and a non-measurement target reagent that is not used for measurement, and detects the liquid level of the reagent stored in the container, and inhales and discharges the reagent. A probe, an arm that holds the probe in a vertically movable and rotatable manner, a determination unit that determines whether or not all the measurement target reagents stored in the reagent storage are discharged to the reaction tube, and the determination When it is determined that the probe is not dispensed, the probe inhales the reagent to be measured and discharges it to the reaction tube, and when it is determined that the probe is discharged by the determination unit, As Bed detects the liquid level of the non-analyte reagent contained in the container, characterized by comprising a control unit for controlling the said reagent storage and said probe arms.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the measurement time of the remaining amount of the reagent and the operator's work amount related to the measurement.

  Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer has an input unit 12, a display unit 14, a measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16, a storage unit 18, an analysis mechanism 20, a reagent remaining amount calculation unit with a system control unit 10 as a center. 22, a dispensing end determination unit 24, and an analysis mechanism control unit 26.

  The input unit 12 receives various commands and information input from the operator. As the input unit 12, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a switch button, or an input device such as a keyboard can be used as appropriate.

  The display unit 14 includes a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a plasma display. The display unit 14 displays a measurement processing setting screen and an analysis result to be described later.

  The measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16 sets a measurement item to be measured among measurement items that can be measured by the automatic analyzer according to an instruction from the operator via the input unit 12. A measurement item to be measured is referred to as a measurement target item. When the measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16 sets the measurement target item, the measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16 sets the reagent corresponding to the set measurement target item as the reagent to be measured. The reagent to be measured is called a reagent to be measured. The measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16 automatically sets measurement items other than the measurement target items among the measurable measurement items as measurement items that are not measurement targets. The measurement item to be measured is referred to as the non-measurement item. When the non-measurement target item is set, the measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16 sets a reagent corresponding to the set non-measurement target item as a reagent to be a non-measurement target. A reagent that is not to be measured is referred to as a non-measurement target reagent. The measurement target reagent, the non-measurement target item, and the non-measurement target reagent may be set according to an instruction from the operator via the input unit 12.

  The storage unit 18 stores identification information of the set measurement target item, measurement target reagent, non-measurement target item, and non-measurement target reagent. Further, the storage unit 18 stores measurement item parameters, measurement results, analysis results, reagent remaining amounts, analysis mechanism operation programs read out by the analysis mechanism control unit 26 described later, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the analysis mechanism 20 includes a reaction disk 40, a sample disk 50, a first reagent container 60, and a second reagent container 70. The reaction disk 40 holds a plurality of reaction tubes 41 arranged on the circumference. The reaction disk 40 repeats rotation and stop in a certain cycle. The sample disk 50 is disposed in the vicinity of the reaction disk 40. The sample disk 50 holds a sample container 51 in which a sample is accommodated. The sample disk 50 rotates so that the specific reaction tube 41 is positioned at a predetermined sample suction position. The first reagent storage 60 is disposed inside the reaction disk 40. The first reagent storage 60 holds a plurality of first reagent containers 61 in which a first reagent that selectively reacts with each measurement item of a sample is accommodated. The first reagent storage 60 rotates so that a specific first reagent container 61 is positioned at a predetermined first reagent suction position. The second reagent storage 70 is disposed in the vicinity of the reaction disk 40. The second reagent store 70 holds a plurality of second reagent containers 71 in which a second reagent corresponding to the first reagent is accommodated. The second reagent container 70 rotates so that the specific second reagent container 71 is positioned at a predetermined second reagent suction position.

  A sample arm 52 is disposed between the reaction disk 40 and the sample disk 50. A sample probe 53 is attached to the tip of the sample arm 52. The sample arm 52 moves the sample probe 53 to the sample suction position on the sample disk 50. Then, the sample probe 53 descends into the sample container 41 arranged at the sample inhaling position, and when the liquid level is detected, the sample probe 53 further descends by a predetermined amount and sucks the sample in the sample container 51 by a predetermined amount. The sample probe 53 rises when the sample has been inhaled. When the sample probe 53 finishes rising, the sample arm 52 rotates to move the sample probe 53 to the sample discharge position on the reaction disk 40. Thereafter, the sample probe 53 discharges the sucked sample by a predetermined amount to the reaction tube 41 arranged at the sample discharge position. The sample is dispensed into the reaction tube 41 for each item to be measured.

  A first reagent arm 62 is disposed near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 40. A first reagent probe 63 is attached to the tip of the first reagent arm 62. The first reagent arm 62 holds the first reagent probe so as to be movable up and down and rotatable. The first reagent probe 63 is moved to the reagent suction position on the first reagent storage 60 by the first reagent arm 62. When the measurement target reagent corresponding to the measurement target item is arranged at the reagent inhalation position, the first reagent probe 63 descends into the first reagent container 61 and detects the liquid level by a predetermined amount. The reagent descends and aspirates the reagent by a predetermined amount, and rises when this aspiration is completed. That is, when the reagent to be measured is arranged at the reagent inhalation position, the first reagent probe 63 performs liquid level detection and dispensing. On the other hand, when the first non-measurement target reagent corresponding to the non-measurement target item is arranged at the reagent inhalation position, the first reagent probe 63 descends into the first reagent container 61 and detects the liquid level. Then it rises.

  A second reagent arm 72 is disposed between the reaction disk 40 and the second reagent storage 70. A second reagent probe 73 is attached to the tip of the second reagent arm 72. The second reagent arm 62 holds the second reagent probe so as to be movable up and down and rotatable. The second reagent probe 73 is moved by the second reagent arm 72 to the second reagent suction position on the second reagent storage 70. When the second measurement target reagent is disposed at the second reagent inhalation position, the second reagent probe 73 sucks the second measurement target reagent and discharges it to the reaction tube. During inhalation, the second reagent probe 73 detects the liquid level of the second measurement target reagent in order to measure the remaining amount of the second measurement target reagent. On the other hand, when the second non-measurement target reagent is arranged at the second reagent inhalation position, the second reagent probe 73 uses the second non-measurement target reagent solution to measure the remaining amount of the second non-measurement target reagent. Detect the surface.

  A stirring arm 80 is disposed near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 40. A stirring bar 83 is attached to the tip of the stirring arm 80. The stirrer 83 stirs the sample and the reagent in the reaction tube 41 arranged at the stirring position on the reaction disk 40. The chemical reaction between the sample and the reagent is promoted by stirring the sample and the reagent.

  The reaction disk 40 is provided with a photometry unit 92. The photometry unit 92 irradiates light to the reaction tube 41 at the photometry position of the reaction disk 40 with a light emitter. The reaction tube 41 is rotated by the reaction disk 40 so as to cross the light applied to the photometric position. The photometry unit 92 measures the amount of light transmitted through the mixed solution in the reaction tube 41. The measured light quantity is transmitted to an analysis unit (not shown), and the measurement target item of the sample is analyzed.

  A cleaning unit 94 is disposed near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 40, and a plurality of cleaning nozzles and a drying nozzle are attached to the cleaning unit 94. The cleaning unit 94 cleans the reaction tube 41 at the cleaning position of the reaction disk 40 with a cleaning nozzle and dries it with a drying nozzle.

  The reagent remaining amount calculation unit 22 measures the amount of movement from the lowering start position of the reagent probes 63 and 73 to the liquid level detected by the reagent probes 63 and 73, and based on the measured amount of movement, the reagent container 63, The remaining amount of the first and second measurement target reagents stored in 73 is calculated.

  For example, the reagent arms 62 and 72 are provided with rotary encoders that generate pulse signals each time the reagent probes 63 and 73 move up and down by a certain amount. The rotary encoder supplies the generated pulse signal to the reagent remaining amount calculation unit 22. In addition, a descent start signal is supplied to the reagent remaining amount calculation unit 22 from a later-described analysis mechanism control unit 26 at the start of descent, and a liquid level detection signal is supplied from the analysis mechanism control unit 26 at the time of liquid level detection. The reagent remaining amount calculation unit 22 determines the reagent probes 63 and 73 based on the number of pulse signals from the rotary encoder supplied from when the lowering start signal is supplied to when the liquid level detection signal is supplied. The amount of descent from the descent start position to the liquid level is measured. Then, the reagent remaining amount calculation unit 22 calculates the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent containers 61 and 71 based on the measured descending amount.

  The dispensing end determination unit 24 determines whether all the first measurement target reagents set by the measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16 have been dispensed. Similarly, the dispensing end determination unit 24 also determines whether all the second measurement target reagents set by the measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16 have been dispensed. The determination result is transmitted to an analysis mechanism control unit 26 described later.

  The analysis mechanism control unit 26 controls each mechanism of the analysis mechanism 20 according to the operation program for operating each mechanism of the analysis mechanism 20 and the measurement item parameter stored in the storage unit 18, and Operate each mechanism. As a feature of the present embodiment, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 switches the operation modes of the first reagent probe 63 and the second reagent probe 73 according to the determination result of the dispensing end determination unit 24. Specifically, when the dispensing end determination unit 24 determines that all the first measurement target reagents have not been dispensed, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 determines that the first reagent probe 63 is the first measurement target reagent. The first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, and the first reagent probe 63 are controlled so as to detect and dispense the liquid level. On the other hand, when the dispensing end determination unit 24 determines that all the first measurement target reagents have been dispensed, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 detects the liquid level of the first non-measurement target reagent by the first reagent probe 63. As described above, the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, and the first reagent probe 63 are controlled. Similarly, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 controls the second reagent storage 70, the second reagent arm 72, and the second reagent probe 73 according to the determination result of the dispensing end determination unit 24.

  Next, the operation flow of the main part of the analysis mechanism 20 from the start to the end of the measurement process for the measurement target item will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic timing chart of the operation of the main part of the analysis mechanism 20 from the start to the end of the measurement process. Note that the measurement process refers to a series of processes from the start of dispensing of the sample and the measurement target reagent to the end of photometry for all measurement target items.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the measurement process is started, the sample probe 53 repeats this liquid level detection and dispensing until the liquid level of all the measurement target samples is detected and dispensed (S1). . When the liquid level is detected and dispensed for all the samples to be measured, the sample probe 53 stops (S2).

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the measurement process is started, the first reagent probe 63 repeats this liquid level detection and dispensing until the liquid level of all the first measurement target reagents is detected and dispensed ( S3). When the liquid level is detected and dispensed for all the first measurement target reagents, the first reagent probe 63 starts the liquid level detection of the first non-measurement target reagent (S4). The first reagent probe 63 repeats this liquid level detection until the liquid level is detected for all the first non-measurement target reagents (S4). The liquid level detection of the first non-measurement target reagent is performed by the photometry unit 92 until photometry for all measurement target items is completed. If all the first non-measurement target reagents are detected before the photometry is finished, the first reagent probe 63 stops even if the photometry is not finished.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the measurement process is started, the second reagent probe 73, like the first reagent probe 63, detects this liquid until all the second measurement target reagents are detected and dispensed. Surface detection and dispensing are repeated (S5). When the liquid level of all the second measurement target reagents is detected and dispensed, the second reagent probe 73 starts the liquid level detection of the second non-measurement target reagent (S6). The second reagent probe 73 repeats the liquid level detection until the liquid level is detected for all the second non-measurement target reagents or until the photometry for all the measurement target items is completed by the photometry unit 92 (S6).

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the measurement process is started, the stirrer 83 mixes the liquid mixture dispensed in the reaction tube 41 (at least one of the sample, the first measurement target reagent, and the second measurement target reagent). Is stirred (S7). The stirrer 83 repeats this stirring until the liquid mixture in the reaction tube 41 corresponding to all the measurement target items is stirred. When stirring of the mixed liquid in all the reaction tubes 41 is completed, the stirring bar 83 stops (S8).

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the measurement process is started, the photometry unit 92 measures the mixed liquid in the reaction tube 41 corresponding to the measurement target item (S9). The photometric unit 92 repeats this photometry until the mixed solution in the reaction tube 41 corresponding to all the measurement target items is measured. When metering is completed for all measurement target items, the metering unit 92 stops. The measurement process ends with the end of photometry.

  In FIG. 2, for the sake of simplicity, the dispensing by the sample probe 53, the dispensing by the first reagent probe 63, the dispensing by the second reagent probe 73, and the stirring by the stirrer 83 are completed at the same timing. Show. However, these operations do not have to end at the same timing.

  FIG. 3 is a detailed timing chart of the operation of the main part of the analysis mechanism 20 from the start of measurement to the end of dispensing in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, during the measurement process, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the reaction disk 40 to repeatedly stop and rotate at a predetermined timing. At this time, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the sample disk 50, the first reagent storage 60, and the second reagent storage 70 to repeatedly stop and rotate at the same timing as the reaction disk 40.

  During the rotation period of the reaction disk 40 from the start of measurement to the end of dispensing, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 performs a sample corresponding to the measurement target item assigned to the reaction tube 41 arranged at the sample discharge position on the reaction disk 40. Rotate the sample disk 50 so that is located at the sample suction position on the sample disk 50. During the stop period of the reaction disk 40, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the sample probe 53 to inhale the sample arranged at the sample inhalation position and dispense the sample into the reaction tube 41 arranged at the sample discharge position (S11). , S12). When the sample is inhaled, the liquid level of the sample contained in the sample container is detected by the sample probe 53 (S11, S12).

  During the rotation period of the reaction disk 40 from the start of measurement to the end of dispensing, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 corresponds to the measurement target item assigned to the reaction tube 41 arranged at the first reagent discharge position on the reaction disk 40. The first reagent storage 60 is rotated so that the first measurement target reagent to be placed is arranged at the first reagent suction position on the first reagent storage 60. During the stop period of the reaction disk 40, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the first reagent probe 53 to inhale the first measurement target reagent arranged at the first reagent inhalation position, and the reaction arranged at the first reagent discharge position. The first reagent to be measured is discharged into the tube 41 (S31, S32).

  More specifically, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the first reagent arm 62 to lower the first reagent probe 63 into the first reagent container 61 disposed at the first reagent suction position. The tip position of the first reagent probe 63 on the first reagent inhalation position and before the descent is referred to as a descent start position. The analysis mechanism control unit 26 lowers the first reagent probe 63 from the lowering start position to the first reagent arm 62 until the first reagent probe 63 detects the liquid level. Any known technique may be used as the liquid level detection method. When the first reagent probe 63 detects the liquid level, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 lowers the first reagent probe 63 from the liquid level by a predetermined amount to the first reagent arm 62. Then, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the first reagent probe 63 to inhale a predetermined amount of the first measurement target reagent. When the first reagent probe 63 finishes inhaling the first measurement target reagent, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 raises the first reagent probe 63 to the lowering start point in the first reagent arm 62.

  When the first reagent probe 63 finishes rising, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 rotates the first reagent arm 62 and moves the first reagent probe 63 to the first reagent discharge position of the reaction disk 40. Then, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the first reagent probe 63 to discharge the first measurement target reagent by a predetermined amount to the reaction tube 41 at the first reagent discharge position. After discharging, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 rotates the first reagent arm 62 and moves the first reagent probe 63 to a predetermined first cleaning position (not shown). The first cleaning position is on the rotation locus of the first reagent probe 63 and is between the first reagent suction position and the first reagent discharge position. The first reagent probe 63 moved to the first washing position is washed with water or the like. After washing, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 rotates the first reagent arm 62 and moves the first reagent probe 63 to the first reagent suction position again.

  During the rotation period of the reaction disk 40 from the start of measurement to the end of dispensing, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 corresponds to the measurement target item assigned to the reaction tube 41 arranged at the second reagent discharge position on the reaction disk 40. The second reagent storage 70 is rotated so that the second measurement target reagent to be placed is arranged at the second reagent suction position on the second reagent storage 70. During the stop period of the reaction disk 40, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the second reagent probe 73 to inhale the second measurement target reagent arranged at the second reagent inhalation position, and the reaction arranged at the second reagent discharge position. The second reagent to be measured is discharged into the tube 41 (S51, S52). The liquid level detection & dispensing operation of the second reagent storage 70, the second reagent arm 72, and the second reagent probe 73 in the liquid level detection & dispensing process of the second measurement target reagent is the same as the first reagent storage 60 described above. Since it is the same as the liquid level detection & dispensing operation of the first reagent arm 62 and the first reagent probe 63, detailed description is omitted.

  During the stop period of the reaction disk 40 from the start of measurement to the end of dispensing, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the stirrer 83 to stir the liquid mixture in the reaction tube 41 disposed at the stirring position on the reaction disk 40 ( S71, S72).

As shown in FIG. 3, during the rotation period of the reaction disk 40 from the start of measurement to the end of dispensing, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 continues to irradiate the photometry unit 92 with light at the photometry position of the reaction disk 40, The amount of light transmitted through the crossing reaction tube 41 is measured.

  Photometry does not have to be performed once for one reaction tube 41, but needs to be performed a plurality of times. Therefore, even when all the measurement target samples, the first measurement target reagent, and the second measurement target reagent are dispensed, the photometry unit 92 continues to operate until a necessary number of measurement values are obtained. Between the end of dispensing and the end of measurement, the first reagent probe 63 and the second reagent probe 73 detect the liquid level of the non-measurement target reagent in order to measure the remaining amount of the non-measurement target reagent.

  FIG. 4 is a detailed timing chart of the operation of the main part of the analysis mechanism 20 from the end of dispensing to the end of measurement in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, even after the dispensing is completed, the reaction disk 40 repeatedly stops and rotates at a predetermined timing. After the end of dispensing, the sample probe 53 and the stirring bar 83 are stopped during the stop period of the reaction disk 40 (S21, S22, S81, S82).

  During the rotation period of the reaction disk 40 after the end of dispensing, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 has the first reagent container 61 in which the first non-measurement target reagent is accommodated at the first reagent suction position on the first reagent storage 60. The 1st reagent storage 60 is rotated so that it may be arrange | positioned. During the stop period of the reaction disk 40, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the first reagent probe 63 to detect the liquid level of the first non-measurement target reagent in the first reagent container 61 disposed at the first reagent suction position. (S41, S42).

  More specifically, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the first reagent arm 62 to lower the first reagent probe 63 into the first reagent container 61 disposed at the first reagent suction position. The analysis mechanism control unit 26 lowers the first reagent probe 63 from the lowering start position to the first reagent arm 62 until the first reagent probe 63 detects the liquid level. When the first reagent probe 63 detects the liquid level, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 causes the first reagent arm 62 to raise the first reagent probe 63 to the lowering start point. When the first reagent probe 63 finishes rising, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 rotates the first reagent arm 62 and moves the first reagent probe 63 to the first cleaning position. The first reagent probe 63 moved to the first washing position is washed with water or the like. After washing, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 rotates the first reagent arm 62 and moves the first reagent probe 63 to the first reagent suction position again.

  During the rotation period of the reaction disk 40 after the end of dispensing, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 places the second reagent container 71 in which the second non-measurement target reagent is accommodated in the second reagent suction position on the second reagent storage 70. The second reagent storage is rotated as described. The second reagent probe detects the liquid level of the second non-measurement target reagent in the reagent container arranged at the second reagent inhaling position (S61, S62). The liquid level detection operations of the second reagent storage 70, the second reagent arm 72, and the second reagent probe 73 in the liquid level detection processing of the second measurement target reagent are the above-described first reagent storage 60 and first reagent arm 62. Since the operation is the same as the liquid level detection operation of the first reagent probe 63, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  During the rotation period of the reaction disk 40 after the end of dispensing, the photometry unit 92 continues to irradiate the photometry position with light during the rotation period of the reaction disk 40 and calculates the amount of light transmitted through the reaction tube 41 across the light. taking measurement. When the required number of measurement values is obtained for all measurement target items, the photometry unit 92 stops and the measurement process ends.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a reagent whose liquid level has been detected and a reagent whose liquid level has not been detected at the start of measurement processing, at the end of dispensing, and at the end of measurement in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that ten reagents are registered in the automatic analyzer. Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, assume that five measurement target reagents and five non-measurement target reagents are set at the start of the measurement process. As shown in FIG. 5B, at the end of dispensing, all the measurement target reagents have been liquid level detected, and all the non-measurement target reagents have not been liquid level detected. As shown in FIG. 5C, the liquid level is detected for all reagents at the end of the measurement.

  Next, the flow of the measurement processing of the measurement target item by the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The processing in the first reagent system (first reagent storage 60, first reagent arm 62, and first reagent probe 63) and the second reagent system (second reagent storage 70, second reagent arm 72, and second reagent). Since the processing in the probe 73) is the same, only the first reagent system will be described as an example.

  First, the system control unit 10 displays a measurement object item setting screen on the display unit 14 before the start of the measurement process. The operator selects a measurement target item from all measurement items registered in the automatic analyzer through the input unit 12 while referring to the displayed setting screen. The system control unit 10 supplies a selection signal from the input unit 12 to the measurement / measurement target setting unit 16. The measurement / measurement target setting unit 16 sets the measurement target item, the measurement target reagent, the non-measurement target item, and the non-measurement target reagent according to the supplied selection signal (step SA1). The identification information of the set measurement target item and non-measurement target item is supplied to the analysis mechanism control unit 26 by the system control unit 10.

  When an operator gives an instruction to start measurement processing via the input unit 12, the system control unit 10 causes the analysis mechanism control unit 26 to perform measurement processing. In the measurement process, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 first sets the operation mode of the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, and the first reagent probe 63 to the above-described liquid level detection & dispensing mode (step SA2). ). The remaining amount of the first reagent to be measured whose liquid level is detected during the liquid level detection & dispensing mode is calculated by the reagent remaining amount calculation unit 22.

  During the reagent liquid level detection & dispensing mode, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 waits for a dispensing end signal from the dispensing end determination unit 24 (step SA3). Hereinafter, the process of step SA3 will be specifically described. During the reagent liquid level detection & dispensing mode, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 ends dispensing every time the first reagent probe 63 ejects the first measurement target reagent to the reaction tube 41, indicating that it has been dispensed. It supplies to the determination part 24. Upon receiving the supply of the discharge end signal, the dispensing end determination unit 24 counts the discharge end signal.

  When the count number is smaller than the number of first measurement target items, the dispensing end determination unit 24 determines that all the first measurement target reagents have not been dispensed. When it is determined that all the first measurement target reagents have not been dispensed, the dispensing end determination unit 24 supplies the analysis mechanism control unit 26 with an incomplete signal indicating that dispensing has not been completed. While receiving this incomplete signal (step SA3: NO), the analysis mechanism control unit 26 performs the liquid level detection & dispensing operation on the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, and the first reagent probe 63. Repeat.

  When the count number is the same as the number of first measurement target items, the dispensing end determination unit 24 determines that all the first measurement target reagents have been dispensed. When it is determined that all the reagents have been dispensed, the dispensing end determination unit 24 supplies the analysis mechanism control unit 26 with an end signal indicating that the dispensing of the first measurement target reagent has been completed. When the end signal is supplied (step SA3: YES), the analysis mechanism control unit 26 changes the operation mode of the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, and the first reagent probe 63 to the liquid level detection & dispensing operation. To the liquid level detection mode (step SA4). The reagent remaining amount calculation unit 22 calculates the remaining amount of the first non-measurement target reagent whose liquid level is detected during the liquid level detection mode.

  During the liquid level detection mode, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 stands by until the liquid level is detected for all the non-measurement target reagents (step SA5). Hereinafter, the process of step SA5 will be specifically described. During the liquid level detection mode, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 counts the number of times of liquid level detection each time the first reagent probe causes the liquid level to be detected. While the count number is not equal to the number of non-measurement target reagents (step SA5: NO), the analysis mechanism control unit 26 applies the liquid level to the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, and the first reagent probe 63. The detection operation is repeated. When the count number is equal to the number of non-measurement target reagents (step SA5: YES), the analysis mechanism control unit 26 detects the liquid level of the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, and the first reagent probe 63. The operation is terminated, and the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, and the first reagent probe 63 are stopped (step SA6).

  Then, when the measurement of all measurement target items has not been completed (step SA7: NO), the analysis mechanism control unit 26 continues the photometry unit 92 to perform photometry. When the measurement of all measurement target items has been completed (step S76: YES), the analysis mechanism control unit 26 ends the measurement target item measurement process (step SA8).

  As described above, the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment is between the start and the end of the measurement process of the measurement target item, and after the completion of the dispensing of all the measurement target reagents, the non-measurement stored in the reagent container. By performing the liquid level detection of the target reagent, the remaining amount of the non-measurement target reagent is calculated during the measurement process. As a result, it is not necessary to measure the remaining amount of the non-measurement target reagent outside the measurement processing time of the measurement target item as in the conventional case. Further, if the measurement target item is set, the non-measurement target reagent is automatically set and the remaining amount is calculated, so that the burden on the operator is small. Thus, the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment can reduce the measurement time of the remaining amount of the reagent and reduce the work amount of the operator related to the measurement.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

(Modification 1)
In the above embodiment, the liquid level is detected for all the non-measurement target reagents. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a reagent for detecting the liquid level may be set from all the non-measurement target reagents. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for a non-measurement target reagent for liquid level detection displayed on the display unit 14. The system control unit 10 displays the setting screen shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 14 before starting the measurement process. The operator selects a non-measurement target reagent for liquid level detection via the input unit 12 while referring to the displayed setting screen. The selection signal is supplied from the system control unit 10 to the measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16. The measurement / non-measurement target setting unit 16 sets a non-measurement target reagent for liquid level detection according to the selection signal. The setting result is supplied to the analysis mechanism control unit 26. The analysis mechanism control unit 26 performs the liquid level detection only for the set non-measurement target reagent when the liquid level detection is performed among the non-measurement target reagents held in the first reagent storage 60 and the second reagent storage 70. In this manner, the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, the first reagent probe 63, the second reagent storage 70, the second reagent arm 72, and the second reagent probe 73 are controlled. Thus, according to the first modification, among the non-measurement target reagents held in the reagent containers 60 and 70, when the liquid level detection is performed, the liquid level detection is performed only for the set non-measurement target reagent, and the remaining amount is determined. It becomes possible to measure.

(Modification 2)
When liquid level detection of an unmeasured target reagent is performed, interference between reagents may occur depending on the order of liquid level detection. Therefore, the automatic analyzer according to the modified example 2 includes an order determining unit (not shown). The order determination unit determines the order of the liquid level detection of the unmeasured target reagents so that interference does not occur based on the interference parameters between the reagents set in advance. The analysis mechanism control unit 26 detects the liquid level of the unmeasured target reagent according to the determined order, so that the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, the first reagent probe 63, and the second reagent storage 70 are detected. The second reagent arm 72 and the second reagent probe 73 are controlled. Thus, the automatic analyzer according to the modified example 2 can detect the liquid level of the unmeasured reagent and measure the remaining amount so that interference between the reagents does not occur.

(Modification 3)
The reagent containers 60 and 70 are each provided with a lid (not shown). The lid may be opened during the measurement process. The lid may be opened when the reagent containers 61 and 71 are replaced or when the reagent is replenished. That is, there is a high possibility that the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent containers 61 and 71 is changed before and after the lids of the reagent containers 60 and 70 are opened. Therefore, the automatic analyzer according to the modified example 3 includes an open / close detection unit (not shown) that detects opening / closing of the lids in the reagent containers 60 and 70. The open / close detection unit detects opening / closing of the lid optically, electrically, or magnetically. A detection signal indicating that the lid has been opened is supplied to the analysis mechanism control unit 26. When the detection signal indicating that the lid is opened is supplied, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 initializes a parameter indicating whether or not the liquid level has been detected assigned to each measurement item in the storage unit 18. To do. Then, the analysis mechanism control unit 26 performs the first reagent storage 60, the first reagent arm 62, the first reagent probe 63, the second reagent storage 70, and the second reagent arm so as to perform the liquid level detection of the unmeasured target reagent again. 72 and the second reagent probe 73 are controlled. Thus, when the lids provided in the reagent containers 60 and 70 are opened and closed during the measurement process, the automatic analyzer according to the modified example 3 again detects the liquid level of all the non-measurement target reagents and measures the remaining amount. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The figure which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer concerning embodiment of this invention. The schematic timing chart of the operation | movement of the principal part of the analysis mechanism from the start to the end of the measurement process concerning embodiment of this invention. The detailed timing chart of operation | movement of the principal part of the analysis mechanism 20 from the measurement start of FIG. 2 to the end of dispensing. The detailed timing chart of operation | movement of the principal part of the analysis mechanism 20 from the end of dispensing of FIG. 2 to the end of measurement. The figure which shows typically the reagent by which the liquid level detection was carried out at the time of the measurement process start of FIG. 2, completion | finish of dispensing, and the completion of measurement, respectively. The figure which shows the flow of the measurement process of the measurement object item by the automatic analyzer of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a setting screen of the non-measurement object reagent which carries out the liquid level detection displayed on the display part concerning embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... System control part, 12 ... Input part, 14 ... Display part, 16 ... Measurement / non-measurement object setting part, 18 ... Memory | storage part, 20 ... Analysis mechanism system, 22 ... Reagent residual amount calculation part, 24 ... Dispensing end Judgment unit 26 ... analysis mechanism control unit 40 ... reaction disk 41 ... reaction tube 50 ... sample disk 51 ... sample container 52 ... sample arm 53 ... sample probe 60 ... first reagent storage 61 ... first 1 reagent container, 62 ... first reagent arm, 63 ... first reagent probe, 70 ... second reagent storage, 71 ... second reagent container, 72 ... second reagent arm, 73 ... second reagent probe, 80 ... stirring arm , 83 ... Stirrer, 92 ... Photometry part, 94 ... Cleaning part

Claims (6)

An automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample measurement item by reacting a sample with a reagent in a reaction tube and measuring a reaction result,
A reagent container for rotatably holding a container for containing a measurement target reagent used for measurement and a non-measurement target reagent not used for measurement ;
A probe for detecting the liquid level of the reagent contained in the container and sucking and discharging the reagent;
An arm for holding the probe in a vertically movable and rotatable manner ;
A determination unit for determining whether or not all of the measurement target reagents contained in the reagent container have been discharged to the reaction tube;
When it is determined that the probe is not dispensed by the determination unit, the probe sucks the reagent to be measured and discharges it to the reaction tube, and when it is determined that the probe is discharged by the determination unit, A control unit that controls the reagent storage, the probe, and the arm so that the probe detects the liquid level of the non-measurement target reagent stored in the container;
The automatic analyzer characterized by comprising.   The calculation part which calculates the capacity | capacitance of the said non-measuring object reagent in the said container based on the descending amount from the descent | fall start position of the said probe to the liquid level of the said non-measuring object reagent is characterized by the above-mentioned. Automatic analyzer. A first setting unit for setting a desired reagent out of all the non-measurement target reagents in the reagent storage;
The control unit controls the reagent storage, the probe, and the arm so that the probe detects the liquid level of the desired reagent when it is determined that the control unit has discharged the control unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising an order determination unit that determines an order of liquid level detection of the non-measurement target reagent based on a reagent interference parameter. A detection unit for detecting opening and closing of the lid of the reagent storage;
The control unit controls the reagent storage, the probe, and the arm so that the probe detects the liquid level of the non- measurement target reagent when the detection unit detects the opening of the lid. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising: a second setting unit configured to set the measurement target reagent and the non-measurement target reagent among all the reagents in the reagent storage according to an instruction from an operator. .

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