JP5255590B2 - Analysis apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an analysis apparatus and method for quantitatively or qualitatively analyzing a test substance in a specimen.

  Conventionally, automatic analyzers that perform qualitative or quantitative analysis of specimens such as blood (including whole blood and plasma) and urine have become widespread. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a large analysis apparatus having a plurality of analysis units and a transport unit that transports a sample to each analysis unit. The sample transported by each analysis unit is dispensed by a dispensing mechanism, and different types of analysis are performed on the same specimen. In particular, when dispensing abnormality occurs in one analysis unit, the fact is output and analysis by another analysis unit is not performed.

  On the other hand, in addition to the large analyzer used in a hospital or the like of Patent Document 1, a small analyzer for POCT (Point of Care Testing) medical treatment that measures a sample simply has been developed. Patent Document 2 proposes an analysis system in which a plurality of small analyzers described above are connected by a network.

JP 2006-10363 A JP 2008-292328 A

  In the case of a large analyzer such as Patent Document 1, it is clear from the system configuration that the same specimen is transported to each analysis unit by the transport means. On the other hand, when different types of items are performed for the same sample using a plurality of small analyzers disclosed in Patent Document 2, the user sets each sample in each analyzer unlike Patent Document 1, so Therefore, it cannot be determined whether or not the same sample as the other analyzer is set. Therefore, even if an abnormality caused by the specimen such as the specimen having a high viscosity or impurities is mixed in the specimen, the analysis cannot be stopped as in Patent Document 1, and all analyzes are performed. Similar anomalies may occur in the device. As a result, it is necessary to re-collect and re-measure the sample in all the analyzers, and there is a problem that the efficiency of the analysis work is reduced.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer and a method capable of minimizing a loss due to occurrence of a similar abnormality in each analyzer when analyzing the same sample with a plurality of analyzers. It is what.

  The analyzer of the present invention is an analyzer that includes an analysis means for analyzing a test substance in a sample, and is connected to another analyzer so that data can be transferred to each other. A sample determination unit that determines whether or not analysis by the analyzer is started, and if the sample determination unit determines that the analysis is not started by another analyzer, the analysis unit starts analysis of the sample. When it is determined that the analysis is started by another analyzer, the operation control means for waiting the analyzer until the analysis of the other analyzer is completed, and when an abnormality occurs during the analysis by the analyzer Status output means for transmitting the type of abnormality to the other analysis apparatus, and transmitting an analysis start command for canceling the standby state of the analysis means to the other analysis apparatus upon successful completion, and analysis means Waiting for When an abnormality type is transmitted from another analyzer, an information output unit is provided for outputting the abnormality type and the severity of abnormality indicating the degree of abnormality recurrence preset for each abnormality type to the outside. It is characterized by.

  The analysis method of the present invention uses a plurality of analyzers connected to other analyzers so as to be able to transfer data to each other, comprising an analysis means for extracting a sample in a sample container and analyzing a test substance in the sample. It is determined whether or not analysis by another analyzer is started for the sample to be analyzed in each analyzer, and the sample is analyzed by the other analyzer among the plurality of analyzers. Analysis of the sample of one analyzer determined not to be started is started, and another analyzer determined to be analyzed by the one analyzer for the sample waits for analysis. If an abnormality occurs during analysis, the analysis is stopped and the type of abnormality is transmitted to the other analyzers. When the analysis is completed normally, the waiting state of the analysis means is released to the other analyzers. The When the analysis start command is transmitted and the abnormality type is transmitted in the other analyzer, the abnormality type indicating the abnormality type in the standby state and the degree of abnormality recurrence preset for each abnormality type is displayed. Is output to the outside, and the analysis is started when an analysis start command is transmitted.

  Here, as long as the analyzer analyzes a specimen, for example, whole blood, for example, plasma extracted by centrifuging whole blood, urine, or the like is analyzed as a specimen.

  The analysis means may be any means capable of quantitatively or qualitatively analyzing the sample. For example, the sample is extracted from the sample container containing the sample, and the sample solution is generated by mixing and stirring the extracted sample with the reagent. The sample processing means and the analysis chip on which the flow path is formed are used for analysis, and the test substance in the sample is analyzed while flowing the sample solution into the flow path of the analysis chip by the sample processing means. And an analysis unit to be performed.

  It should be noted that the severity of the abnormality is not limited as long as the severity is higher as the possibility of occurrence in any analyzer as long as the sample is the same. It may be set to be heavier than the type of abnormality that occurs during the operation of the analysis unit.

  Further, the operation control means may wait for the analysis of the sample to be completed and transmit an analysis start command to another analyzer, or may generate a sample solution by the sample processing means and a predetermined amount of flow path When the inflow is normally completed, an analysis start command may be transmitted to another analyzer.

  In addition, the sample determination means acquires the identification information attached to the sample, for example, as long as it determines whether the analysis is started for the same sample in any of the plurality of analyzers. There is identification information acquisition means to be transferred to the analyzer, collation means for comparing the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means with identification information transferred from another analysis apparatus, and identification information that matches in the verification means If not, it is determined that the analysis is not started by another analyzer for the same sample, and if there is matching identification information, it is determined that the analysis is started by another analyzer for the same sample And a determination unit.

  According to the analysis apparatus and method of the present invention, it is determined whether or not analysis is started by another analysis apparatus for the same sample in each analysis apparatus, and among the plurality of analysis apparatuses, the same sample is analyzed by another analysis apparatus. Analysis of the sample of one analyzer that has been determined that analysis has not started is started, and another analyzer that has determined that analysis has been started by one analyzer for the same sample waits for analysis. If an abnormality occurs during the analysis of the analyzer, the analysis is stopped and the type of abnormality is transmitted to the other analyzer. When an analysis start command for canceling the error is sent and an error type is sent from another analyzer, the error type remains in a standby state and the degree of error recurrence set in advance for each error type. When an analysis start command is sent to the outside, the analysis device that performs the preceding analysis out of the plurality of analysis devices performs the analysis normally. While waiting for the analysis operation of the other analyzer, and when the abnormality is detected, the type and severity of the abnormality are output in the other analyzer, the user can use the other analyzer from the type and severity of the abnormality. If a similar abnormality occurs, measures such as dilution of the sample solution can be performed before starting the analysis, and sample-dependent abnormalities such as all the sample solutions set in multiple analyzers are wasted Can minimize the effects of.

  The analysis means extracts the specimen from the specimen container containing the specimen, and uses the specimen processing means for generating a specimen solution obtained by mixing and stirring the extracted specimen with the reagent, and the analysis using the analysis chip in which the flow path is formed. And an analysis unit that analyzes the test substance in the sample while flowing the sample solution into the flow path of the analysis chip by the sample processing means, and the severity of the abnormality is When the type of abnormality that occurs during the operation of the processing means is set to be heavier than the type of abnormality that occurs during the operation of the analysis unit, the severity of the sample-dependent abnormality is increased due to the viscosity of the sample or contamination of impurities. Thus, when analyzing the same sample with another analyzer, it is possible to notify the user that there is a high possibility that an abnormality similar to that of the preceding analyzer will occur.

  In addition, the operation control means transmits an analysis start command to another analyzer when the mixing and stirring of the specimen and the reagent by the specimen processing means and the inflow into the predetermined amount of the flow channel are normally completed. If there is no abnormality in the process that is most likely to cause an abnormality due to the sample, it is considered that there is a low possibility of an abnormality in the other analyzers, and the analysis from the preceding analyzer was waited for completion. Therefore, it is possible to start an analysis by another analysis apparatus without the need for an efficient analysis work.

  Further, the specimen determination means acquires the identification information attached to the specimen and transfers the identification information to the other analyzer, and the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means and the other analysis apparatus. When there is no matching information in the matching means for matching the identification information and the matching means, it is determined that the analysis is not started by another analyzer for the same sample, and there is matching identification information If there is a state determination means for determining that the analysis is started by another analyzer for the same sample, whether or not the same sample is automatically determined without inputting identification information by the user. Since the determination can be made, efficient analysis work can be performed.

The schematic diagram which shows preferable embodiment of the analysis system of this invention The block diagram which shows preferable embodiment of the analyzer of this invention Schematic diagram showing an example of an analysis chip used in the analyzer of FIGS. 1 and 2 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how a sample is extracted from a sample container using a nozzle tip by the sample processing means of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how the sample in the nozzle tip is injected and stirred into the reagent cell by the sample processing means of FIG. Schematic diagram showing an example of the analysis unit of FIG. Graph showing how quantitative or qualitative analysis is performed by the rate method in the analysis unit of FIG. The flowchart which shows preferable embodiment of the analysis method of this invention The flowchart which shows preferable embodiment of the analysis method of this invention

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an analysis system 100 having a plurality of analysis apparatuses of the present invention. In the analysis system 100, the plurality of analysis devices 1 are, for example, the same type of analysis device, and are connected to be able to transmit data via a network. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the case where each analyzer 1 is connected in a star shape, it may be connected in a daisy chain type. Furthermore, although the case where only a plurality of analysis devices 1 are connected is illustrated, an analysis management device that aggregates and manages analysis results may also be connected to the network.

  When a plurality of analyzers 1 analyze different items of the same sample in parallel, one of the analyzers 1A performs the analysis in advance, and the other analyzer 1B has the same analyzer 1A. It operates to start the analysis after the analysis (or liquid feeding) of the above is completed without any abnormality. Below, the structure of the analyzer 1 which performs this operation | movement is demonstrated in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the analyzer of the present invention. The analyzer 1 in FIG. 2 is an immunological analyzer using, for example, surface plasmon resonance. When an analysis is performed by the analyzer 1, the sample container CB containing the sample shown in FIG. 1 and the sample and reagent are extracted. The nozzle chip NC used at the time, and the analysis chip 10 in which the reagent cell and the microchannel are formed are loaded. Note that the sample container CB, the nozzle tip NC, and the analysis chip 10 are all disposable items that are discarded once they are used. Then, the analyzer 1 performs a quantitative or qualitative analysis on the test substance in the sample while flowing the sample through the microchannel of the analysis chip 10.

  The analysis apparatus 1 includes an analysis unit 20, a sample determination unit 30, an analysis control unit 40, a data transfer unit 50, an information output unit 60, and the like. The analysis unit 20 performs quantitative or qualitative analysis in a state where the sample solution is sent to the flow path of the analysis chip 10, and its operation is controlled by the analysis control unit 40. The analysis means 20 includes a sample processing means 20A and an analysis unit 20B. The sample processing means 20A extracts the sample from the sample container CB containing the sample using the nozzle chip NC, and generates a sample solution obtained by mixing and stirring the extracted sample with the reagent.

  Here, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the analysis chip 10. The analysis chip 10 has a structure in which an inlet 12, an outlet 13, sample cells 14 a and 14 b, and a flow path 15 are formed in a main body 11 made of a light transmissive resin. The injection port 12 communicates with the discharge port 13 via the flow channel 15, and by applying a negative pressure from the discharge port 13, the specimen is injected from the injection port 12, flows into the flow channel 15, and is discharged from the discharge port 13. The The sample cells 14a and 14b are containers for storing a reagent (second antibody) to be mixed with the sample in the sample container CB. Note that the openings of the sample cells 14a and 14b are sealed with a sealing member, and the sealing member is pierced when the sample and the reagent are mixed. In addition, metal films 16a, 16b, and 16c for detecting a test substance in the specimen are formed in the flow path 15, and the first antibody B1 is provided on the metal films 16a to 16c.

  When the start of analysis is instructed, the sample processing means 20A aspirates the sample from the sample container CB using the nozzle tip NC as shown in FIG. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the sample processing means 20A punctures the seal member of the sample cell 14a, mixes and stirs the sample with the reagent in the sample cell 14a, and then sucks the sample solution again using the nozzle tip NC. . This operation is similarly performed for the sample cell 14b. Then, a sample solution is generated in which the secondary antibody B2, which is a second binding substance specifically bound in the reagent, to the test substance (antigen) A present in the sample is modified on the surface. Then, the sample processing means 20A installs the nozzle chip NC containing the sample solution on the injection port 12 and dispenses the sample solution to the injection port 12. Thereafter, the specimen solution in the injection port 12 flows into the flow path 15 by the negative pressure from the discharge port 13.

  Note that the case where the sample processing unit 20A supplies the sample solution in which the sample and the reagent are mixed into the flow channel 15 is illustrated, but the reagent is filled in the flow channel 15 in advance, and the sample processing unit 20A Only the specimen may be allowed to flow from the inlet 12.

  The analysis unit 20B in FIG. 2 analyzes the test substance in the sample while flowing the sample solution into the flow path 15 of the analysis chip 10 by the sample processing means 20A. Here, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the analysis unit 20B. In addition, although light irradiation and fluorescence detection with respect to the metal film 16a are illustrated below, the same applies to the metal films 16b and 16c. The analysis unit 20B of FIG. 6 includes an excitation light source 21, a prism 22, and a photodetector 23. The excitation light source 21 irradiates the dielectric plate 17 and the metal film 16a with the excitation light L from the back surface side of the analysis chip through the prism 22 at an incident angle that is a total reflection condition. The photodetector 23 detects fluorescence Lf from the labeled specimen bound to the first antibody B1 on the metal film 16a by a so-called sandwich method.

  That is, the excitation light L is incident on the interface between the dielectric plate 17 and the metal film 16a by the excitation optical system 21 at a specific incident angle equal to or greater than the total reflection angle, thereby entering the sample S on the metal film 16a. The evanescent wave Ew oozes out, and surface plasmons are excited in the metal film 16a by the evanescent wave Ew. This surface plasmon causes an electric field distribution on the surface of the metal film 16a, thereby forming an electric field enhancement region. Then, the bound fluorescent labeling substance F is excited by the evanescent wave Ew and generates enhanced fluorescence. Since the fluorescence intensity changes depending on the amount of the fluorescent labeling substance F bound thereto, the fluorescence intensity changes with time as shown in FIG. By analyzing this time change rate, a quantitative analysis is performed on the test substance in the sample (rate method), and the analysis result is output from the information output means 4.

  The sample determination unit 30 in FIG. 2 determines whether or not analysis of a sample has been started by another analyzer 1, and includes an identification information acquisition unit 31, a collation unit 32, and a situation determination unit 33. Yes. The identification information acquisition unit 31 has a function of acquiring the identification information attached to the sample and transferring the acquired identification information ID to another analyzer 1 via the data transfer unit 50. Here, the identification information acquisition means 31 automatically reads the identification information ID from a barcode, an IC chip or the like attached to the surface of the sample container CB when the sample container CB is loaded in the analyzer 1. Alternatively, the identification information ID may be acquired according to the input from the input unit 3.

  The collating unit 32 collates the identification information ID acquired by the identification information acquiring unit 31 with the identification information ID transferred from the other analyzer 1. When there is no matching identification information ID in the matching means 32, the situation determination means 33 determines that analysis is not started by another analyzer for the same sample, and when there is a matching identification information ID. It is determined that the analysis is started by another analyzer 1 for the same sample. That is, as described above, when each analysis apparatus 1 acquires the identification information ID, the acquired identification information ID is transmitted to another analysis apparatus 1 via the network 2. Therefore, when there is an analyzer 1 that analyzes the same sample, the collating unit 32 can find the identification information ID that matches the identification information ID acquired from the sample container CB. On the other hand, when there is no analyzer 1 that analyzes the same sample, the collating unit 32 cannot find the identification information ID that matches the identification information ID acquired from the sample container CB. Thereby, it is possible to automatically identify the analysis apparatus 1 without identifying which analysis apparatus 1 the user has installed the same sample, so that the efficiency of analysis work can be improved.

  The analysis control unit 40 controls the operation of the analysis unit 20 and includes an operation control unit 41 and a state output unit 42. The operation control unit 41 causes the analysis unit 20 to start analyzing the sample when it is determined by the sample determination unit 30 that the analysis is not started by another analysis device 1. Then, the generation of the sample solution by the sample processing means 20A starts. On the other hand, when it is determined that the analysis is started by the other analyzer 1, the operation controller 41 causes the analyzer 20 (sample processing unit 20A) to wait until the analysis of the other analyzer 1 is completed. .

  Further, the operation control means 41 is based on the output from an abnormality detection sensor such as a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a liquid level detection sensor (not shown) provided in the specimen processing means 20A and the analysis unit 20B. It has a function of detecting an abnormality in 20A and analysis unit 20B. Then, when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection sensor, the operation control unit 41 stops the analysis operation and specifies the mechanism or process in which the abnormality has occurred based on the output of the abnormality detection sensor. . Then, the state output means 42 transmits the type of error (error code) assigned to each mechanism or process in which the abnormality specified by the operation control means 41 has occurred to the other analyzer 1 via the data transfer means. . On the other hand, when the operation is completed without detecting the abnormality by the abnormality detection sensor (when the operation is normally completed), the state output unit 42 transmits an analysis start command for releasing the standby state to the other analysis devices 1. .

  The state output unit 42 may transmit the analysis start command after the processing of both the sample processing unit 20A and the analysis unit 20B is normally completed, or the processing by the sample processing unit 20A is normally completed. The analysis start command may be transmitted later without waiting for the analysis unit 20B to complete the analysis. In other words, if there is no abnormality in the process that is most likely to cause an abnormality due to the specimen, it is considered that there is a low possibility that an abnormality will occur in other analyzers, and it does not wait for the analysis from the preceding analyzer to be completed. The analysis by another analyzer is started. Thereby, it is possible to perform an efficient analysis operation with reduced time while preventing the same abnormality due to the specimen from occurring simultaneously in the plurality of analyzers 1.

  The information output means 60 is configured to transmit information to a user such as a monitor or a speaker, and outputs the state of the analyzer 1 and the analysis result. In particular, the information output means 60 outputs the abnormality type and the severity of the abnormality set in advance for each abnormality type to the outside when the abnormality type is transmitted from another analyzer while the analysis means 20 is on standby. It has a function to do. Specifically, the information output means 60 has an error table in which the severity is associated with each abnormality type (error code), and the type of abnormality output from the status output means 42 using the error table. (Error code) and severity are output.

  Here, the severity of abnormality is the degree of abnormality recurrence expressed in, for example, five levels (1 to 5), and the severity of abnormality that is highly likely to occur in any analyzer 1 is set to be higher. Has been. In particular, the type of abnormality that occurs in the sample processing means 20A is set to be more severe than the type of abnormality that occurs in the analysis unit 20B. Then, the user inputs an analysis start command as it is through the input means 3 according to the type and severity of the abnormality displayed in the standby analyzer 1B, or takes out the sample container CB and temporarily removes the sample. Re-set after dilution.

  Thus, when analyzing the same sample using a plurality of analyzers 1A and 1B, not all are operated simultaneously, but one analyzer 1A performs the analysis operation in advance, and there is no abnormality. Since the analysis can be performed by the other analyzer 1B, before the sample S in the sample container is mixed with the reagent, a measure for avoiding the abnormality can be taken. The impact can be minimized.

  Further, when an abnormality occurs in the analyzing apparatus 1A that performs the preceding analysis, the type and severity of the abnormality that has occurred in the preceding analyzing apparatus 1A is output from the information output means 60 of the waiting analyzing apparatus 1B. Since it is possible to determine whether an abnormality that has occurred in the analyzed apparatus 1A is highly likely to occur in another analyzing apparatus 1B, it is possible to efficiently perform analysis while minimizing the influence of the abnormality. .

  8 and 9 are flowcharts showing a preferred embodiment of the analysis method of the present invention. The analysis method will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 8, when each analyzer 1 is powered on, data can be transmitted and received between the analyzers 1 (step ST1). In this state, the sample chip CB containing the same sample, the analysis chip 10 in which different types of reagents are sealed for each analysis device 1, and the nozzle chip NC are mounted in each analysis device 1 (step ST2). .

  Then, the identification information ID of the sample is detected by the identification information acquisition means 31 of each analyzer 1, and transferred to the other analyzer 1 (step ST3). Thereafter, the collating unit 32 and the situation determining unit 33 determine whether or not the analysis is already started in the other analyzer 1 for the same sample based on the collation of the identification information ID (step ST4). When it is determined that the analysis is started in the other analyzer 1, it is determined that the analyzer 1B waits for the analysis until there is an analysis start command (steps ST5 and ST6). On the other hand, when it is determined that the analysis is not yet performed in the other analysis device 1, the analysis is started by the analysis device 1A that performs the analysis in advance (step ST10).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, in the analyzer 1A, the sample processing unit 20A starts generating a sample solution in which the sample and the reagent are mixed (see step ST11, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5). During the operation of the sample processing means 20A, it is monitored whether or not an abnormality such as clogging or sample aspiration occurs (step ST11), and when completed without abnormality (step ST12), analysis by the analysis unit 20B is started. (See step ST13, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). Whether or not an abnormality has occurred during the analysis process of the analysis unit 20B is monitored (step ST14), and when it is completed normally without any abnormality (step ST15), analysis is started for another analysis apparatus 1B in a standby state. The command is transferred (step ST16), and the analysis operation is started in the other analyzer 1B. The analyzed result is displayed from the information output means 4 of the analyzer 1A (step ST17).

  On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs in the sample processing unit 20A or the analysis unit 20B (steps ST11 and ST14), the operation control unit 41 stops the operation of the sample processing unit 20A or the analysis unit 20B (step ST21). The type of abnormality is transferred from the analysis control means 40 to the other analysis apparatus 1B via the data transfer means 50 (step ST22), and the type and severity of abnormality is output from the information output means 4 of the other analysis apparatus 1B ( Step ST23).

  Then, the user determines whether or not to perform analysis in the other analyzer 1B based on the type and severity of the abnormality output to the information output means 4 of the other analyzer 1B. When the user determines that the analysis may be performed in the other analysis device 1B, an analysis start command is input by the input means 3, and the analysis operation of the other analysis device 1B is started. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a high possibility that an abnormality similar to that of the analysis apparatus 1A that performed the analysis in advance is performed, the analysis is performed after the sample S in the sample container CB is diluted or passed through a filtration filter. Reset to device 1B.

  According to the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not analysis by another analyzer 1 is started for the sample to be analyzed in each analyzer 1A, 1B, and the same sample among the plurality of analyzers 1 is determined. Analysis of the sample of one analyzer 1A determined that the analysis is not started by another analyzer 1 is started, and other analysis determined that analysis by the analyzer 1A is started for the same sample When the apparatus 1B waits for analysis and an abnormality occurs during the analysis of one analysis apparatus 1A, the analysis is stopped and the type of abnormality is transmitted to the other analysis apparatus 1B, and the analysis is completed normally. Transmits an analysis start command for canceling the standby state of the analysis means 20 to the other analyzer 1B, and when the abnormality type is transmitted in the other analyzer 1B, the abnormality remains in the standby state. The severity of abnormality set in advance for each type and type of abnormality is output to the outside, and when an analysis start command is transmitted, the analysis is started so that the analysis is performed in advance among the plurality of analysis devices 1. Since the analysis operation of the other analysis device 1B is put on standby until the analysis device 1A to perform analysis normally, and when an abnormality is detected, the type and severity of the abnormality are output in the other analysis device 1B. When the person determines that the same abnormality occurs in the other analyzer 1B based on the type and severity of the abnormality, it is possible to take measures such as diluting the sample solution before starting the analysis. It is possible to minimize the influence due to the specimen-dependent abnormality such as all the specimen solution set in the apparatus 1 is wasted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the analysis means 20 extracts the sample from the sample container CB containing the sample, and generates a sample solution obtained by mixing and stirring the extracted sample with the reagent. The analysis is performed using the analysis chip 10 in which the flow path 15 is formed, and the test substance in the sample is analyzed while flowing the sample solution into the flow path 15 of the analysis chip 10 by the sample processing means. Analysis unit 20B, and the severity of abnormality is set to be heavier in the type of abnormality occurring during the operation of the sample processing means 20A than in the type of abnormality occurring during the operation of the analysis unit 20B. When the same sample is analyzed by another analyzer 1 by increasing the severity of the sample-dependent abnormality due to the viscosity of the sample or contamination of impurities, the same abnormality as the preceding analyzer may occur. It is possible to notify the user of that is high sex.

  Further, the operation control unit 41 transmits an analysis start command to the other analyzer when the mixing and stirring of the sample and the reagent by the sample processing unit 20A and the inflow into the predetermined amount of the flow channel are normally completed. If there is no abnormality in the process that is most likely to cause an abnormality due to the sample, it is considered that there is a low possibility that an abnormality will occur in the other analyzer 1B, and the analysis from the preceding analyzer is performed. Since the analysis by the other analyzer 1B can be started without waiting for completion, an efficient analysis work can be performed.

  Furthermore, the sample determination unit 30 acquires the identification information ID attached to the sample and transfers the identification information ID to the other analyzer 1, and the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 31 and other analysis. The collation means 32 for collating the identification information transferred from the apparatus, and if there is no matching identification information in the collation means 32, it is determined that the analysis is not started by another analyzer 1 for the same sample, and the match If there is a situation determination means 33 that determines that the analysis is started by another analyzer 1 for the same sample when there is identification information to be identified, the user does not need to input the identification information ID Thus, since it can be automatically determined whether or not they are the same sample, efficient analysis work can be performed.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the analysis system 100 is configured by a plurality of analyzers of the same type is illustrated, but if each analyzer performs an analysis on the same sample in parallel, Different types of analyzers may be included.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the analysis control means 40 is illustrated as a case where the analysis is awaited when the other analysis apparatus 1 has already started the analysis. It may have the function which can be analyzed in parallel with other analysis devices 1 without.

  Further, the case where the sample processing means 20A generates a sample solution is illustrated, but when the sample is plasma, a sample separator may be further provided that centrifuges plasma from blood. Then, the sample processing means 20A may apply a sample container containing blood to a centrifuge and extract the centrifuged plasma to generate a sample solution. When an abnormality occurs during the generation of the sample solution, the sample container may be returned to the centrifuge again and further centrifuged.

1 Analyzing apparatus 1A Analyzing apparatus that analyzes in advance (one analyzing apparatus)
1B Standby analyzer (other analyzers)
4 information output means 10 analysis chip 20 analysis means 20A sample processing means 20B analysis unit 30 sample determination means 31 identification information acquisition means 32 collation means 33 status determination means 40 analysis control means 41 operation control means 42 status output means 50 data transfer means 60 Information output means 100 Analysis system ID Identification information L Excitation light

Claims (6)

An analyzer that includes an analysis means for analyzing a test substance in a sample and is connected to another analyzer so that data can be transferred to each other.
A sample determination means for determining whether or not analysis by the other analyzer is started for the sample to be analyzed;
When it is determined that the analysis is not started by the other analyzer in the sample determination unit, the analysis unit is started to analyze the sample, and it is determined that the analysis is started by the other analyzer Operation control means for waiting the analysis means until analysis of the other analysis device is completed,
When an abnormality occurs during analysis by the analysis means, the type of abnormality is transmitted to the other analysis apparatus, and when the analysis is completed normally, the standby state of the analysis means is released to the other analysis apparatus. Status output means for transmitting an analysis start instruction for
When the abnormality type is transmitted from the other analysis device while the analysis unit is on standby, the abnormality type and the severity of abnormality indicating the degree of abnormality recurrence set in advance for each abnormality type are set. And an information output means for outputting to the outside. The analysis means is
A sample processing means for generating a sample solution by extracting the sample from the sample container containing the sample or mixing and stirring the extracted sample with a reagent;
The analysis is performed using an analysis chip in which a channel is formed, and the test substance in the sample is flowed through the sample solution generated by the sample processing means into the channel of the analysis chip. The analysis apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an analysis unit that performs analysis of   The analysis according to claim 2, wherein the severity of the abnormality is set to be heavier in the type of abnormality that occurs during operation of the sample processing means than in the type of abnormality that occurs during operation of the analysis unit. apparatus.   The operation control means transmits an analysis start command to the other analyzer when the generation of the sample solution by the sample processing means and the flow of a predetermined amount into the flow path are normally completed. The analyzer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the analyzer is provided. The specimen determination means is
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information attached to the specimen and transferring the identification information to the other analyzer;
Collation means for collating the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means with the identification information transferred from the other analysis device;
When the matching information does not exist in the collating means, it is determined that the analysis is not started for the same sample by the other analyzer, and when the matching identification information exists, the other sample is determined for the same sample. The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a state determination unit that determines that the analysis is started by the analyzer. An analysis method using a plurality of analyzers connected to other analyzers so as to be able to transfer data to each other, comprising an analysis means for extracting a sample in a sample container and analyzing a test substance in the sample. ,
Determining whether analysis by the other analyzer is started for the sample to be analyzed in each analyzer;
Among the plurality of analyzers, the analysis of the sample of the one analyzer that has been determined that the analysis of the sample has not been started by another analyzer is started, and the sample is analyzed by the one analyzer The other analyzer that has determined that has started is waiting for analysis,
When an abnormality occurs during the analysis of the one analyzer, the analysis is stopped and the type of abnormality is transmitted to the other analyzer. When the abnormality is normally completed, the analysis is performed on the other analyzer. Send an analysis start command to release the waiting state of the analysis means,
In the other analyzer, when the type of abnormality is transmitted, the abnormality type in the standby state and the severity of abnormality indicating the degree of abnormality recurrence preset for each abnormality type are externally set. An analysis method comprising: outputting and starting an analysis when the analysis start command is transmitted.

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