JP5289138B2 - Reagent preparation apparatus and specimen processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a reagent preparation device and a specimen processing system that can prepare reagents from a plurality of different liquids.

  Conventionally, a reagent preparation device capable of preparing a reagent from a plurality of different liquids is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, a reagent quantification tank that contains a high concentration reagent, a pure water quantification tank that contains pure water, a preparation tank that is connected to the reagent quantification tank and the pure water quantification tank, and prepares a reagent, There is disclosed a reagent preparation device that includes a storage tank that is connected to a tank and stores a prepared reagent, and a supply tank that is connected to the storage tank and waits for the supply of the reagent to the measurement unit. In this reagent preparation apparatus, a high concentration reagent quantified to a predetermined amount and pure water quantified to a predetermined amount are supplied to the preparation tank, and the reagent is prepared by stirring in the preparation tank. When the preparation is completed, the entire amount of the reagent prepared in the preparation tank is transferred to the storage tank. Thereafter, when the transfer of the prepared reagent is completed, the preparation of the reagent is resumed. By repeating this operation, the reagent is stored in the storage tank.

JP-A-9-33538

However, the reagent preparing apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to increase the amount of reagent prepared within a predetermined time because only one preparation tank is provided. In particular, since it is necessary to supply pure water quantified with high accuracy to the preparation tank in preparation of the reagent, it is necessary to repeatedly supply pure water little by little. For this reason, it takes a long time to complete the preparation of the reagent in the preparation tank. In the reagent preparation apparatus described in Patent Document 1, after the preparation of a reagent that requires a long time, supply of the prepared reagent to the storage tank is started, and the entire amount of the reagent in the preparation tank is supplied to the storage tank. After the tank is emptied, preparation of a new reagent is started again. Thus, since the preparation of the reagent is resumed after the entire amount of the prepared reagent is supplied from the preparation tank to the storage tank, it is difficult to increase the amount of the reagent prepared within a predetermined time. Further, when reagent preparation is interrupted due to shutdown, there is a possibility that the reagent diluted to a concentration different from the desired concentration may remain in the apparatus.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. One object of the present invention is to provide a reagent diluted to a concentration different from a desired concentration in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit. It is an object to provide a reagent preparation device and a specimen processing system capable of preventing the residue .

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

To achieve the above object, the reagent preparing device according to a first aspect of the invention, the measuring unit first liquid and the first liquid to measure the sample using the reagent prepared from the different second liquid reagent a constructed reagent preparing device capable of supplying a reagent reservoir for storing a reagent to be supplied to the measurement section, by mixing a first liquid and a second liquid is supplied to the reagent reservoir a first mixed-section for preparing a reagent for a first liquid by mixing a second liquid, and the second mixed-section for preparing a reagent to be supplied to the reagent reservoir, the first liquid and the supplies the second liquid to the first mixed-portion, the first and second liquids to control the supply of the first liquid and the second liquid to supply to the second mixed-section, in the first mixing section Supply the prepared reagent to the reagent reservoir and store the reagent prepared in the second mixing unit And a supply control means for controlling the supply of reagent to supply to, when receiving a shutdown instruction, the supply control means, the reagent reservoir reagent middle preparation in the first mixing section and a second mixing section The reagent preparation in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit is continued until it is supplied.

As described above, the reagent preparing device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes the first mixed liquid storage unit that stores the mixed liquid and the second mixed liquid storage section that stores the mixed liquid. In comparison, the amount of reagent (mixed solution) prepared can be increased. In addition, when the shutdown instruction is received, the reagent preparation is continued until the reagent being prepared in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit is supplied to the reagent storage unit, so that the reagent is diluted to a concentration different from the desired concentration. It is possible to prevent the remaining reagent from remaining in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit.

In the reagent preparing device according to the first aspect, preferably, the reagent reservoir is connected to the measuring unit, the supply control means, after a predetermined amount of the reagent is manually prepared in the second mixed-section, a second mixing hands prepared reagent engagement section, that controls the supply of reagent to supply to the reagent reservoir.

In this case, preferably, the supply control means, while supplying the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-unit supplies the hands prepared reagent in the second mixed-unit to the reagent reservoir as described above, the first liquid, that controls the supply of the second liquid, and reagent.

While supplying the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-section, in a configuration for supplying a reagent which is manually prepared in the second mixed-unit to the reagent reservoir, preferably, the supply control means after a predetermined amount of reagent has been manually prepared in the first mixed-section, while supplying the first liquid and the second liquid to the second mixed-section, which is manually prepared in the first mixed-part reagent and to supply the reagent reservoir, a first liquid, that controls the supply of the second liquid, and reagent.

In the reagent preparing device according to the first aspect, preferably, the supply control means, after supplying the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-portion, the first and second liquids second mixed-section To control the supply of the first liquid and the second liquid. According to this structure, it is not necessary to provide the liquid supply means dedicated to each of the first mixed-section and the second mixed-section, it is possible to simplify the device configuration.

In the first of the reagent preparing device according to aspect preferably, the supply control means includes a supply of the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-section, the first liquid and the second to the second mixed-section The supply of the first liquid and the second liquid is controlled so that the supply of the liquid is alternately performed. According to this structure, a first liquid and a second supply of liquid to the first mixed-part (supply to the reagent reservoir from the second mixed-section), the first liquid and the second mixed-section since the supply of the second liquid and (supply to the reagent reservoir from the first mixed-portion) can be carried out alternately, while the supply of the mixture to the reagent reservoir, the first mixed-section or the second it can be continued without interruption of the first supply of the liquid and the second liquid to the mixed-section.

In the reagent preparing device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first mixing unit is configured to be able to store a mixed solution of the first liquid and the second liquid, and the second mixing unit is configured to store the first liquid and the second liquid. the mixed liquid of the liquid is configured to be stored, the first mixed-portion and the second mixed-section, have substantially the same capacity. According to this structure, in order to the mixture to a desired concentration, the supply amount and the supply amount of the second liquid in the first liquid to be supplied to the first mixed-section and the second mixed-section, respectively it can be made equal in the first mixed-portion and the second mixed-section. Thus, it is not necessary to change the supply amount of the first liquid and the second liquid by the supply destination of the first liquid and the second liquid (first mixed-section or the second mixed-section), the first liquid and the The supply control of the two liquids can be simplified. Here, the “mixed liquid” of the present invention refers to a state where the first liquid and the second liquid are simply mixed, and from the mixed state of the first liquid and the second liquid, the mixture is further stirred to obtain a uniform concentration. It is a broad concept including a state (a state prepared as a reagent).

In the reagent preparing device according to the first aspect, preferably further example Bei the first liquid storage unit for storing the first liquid, the supply control means, the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit first The supply of the first liquid from the first liquid storage unit is controlled so as to be selectively supplied to either one of the mixing unit and the second mixing unit. The reagent preparation device according to the first aspect preferably further includes a second liquid storage section that stores the second liquid, and the supply control means supplies the second liquid stored in the second liquid storage section to the second liquid storage section. The supply of the second liquid from the second liquid storage unit is controlled so as to be selectively supplied to either one of the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit.

In the first aspect the reagent preparing device according to preferably further example Bei stirring portion for stirring the reagent prepared in at least one of the first mixed-section and the second mixed-section, a first mixing section And the 2nd mixing part is connected with the reagent storage part via the stirring part.

In this case, the stirring section, by the reagent is supplied, the supplied reagent is configured to be agitated. According to this structure, since the usable as a reagent having a uniform concentration is stirred reagent only is supplied to the stirring section from the first mixed-section or the second mixed-section, of agitation for example, stirring unit Compared with the case where the motor and propeller for this are provided separately, an apparatus structure can be simplified.

In the aforementioned structure comprising the stirring portion, preferably, agitation unit, that is connected to the measurement section through the reagent reservoir.

In the configuration in which the agitation unit is connected to the measurement unit via the reagent storage unit , preferably, the first mixing unit is configured to store a mixed liquid of the first liquid and the second liquid, and the second mixing unit. parts are a mixture of the first liquid and the second liquid is configured to be stored, the reagent storage section, and the maximum liquid amount of the mixed liquid reserved in the first mixing section, is stored in the second mixing section mixture that has been configured to accommodate the total amount or more of the reagents with the maximum amount of liquid.

  In the reagent preparing device according to the first aspect, preferably, a pressure generating unit that generates a pressure for transferring the first liquid and the second liquid, and a supply switching unit that switches a supply destination of the pressure generated by the pressure generating unit, The supply control means controls supply destination switching by the supply switching unit. If comprised in this way, supply of the 1st liquid and 2nd liquid to a 1st liquid mixture accommodating part or a 2nd liquid mixture accommodating part can be easily performed by switching the supply destination of the pressure produced | generated by the pressure production | generation part. It can be carried out.

In this case, preferably, using a first pump for supplying the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-portion using a pressure generated by the pressure generating unit, the pressure generated by the pressure generating unit further comprising a second pump for supplying the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-section. If comprised in this way, since a 1st liquid and a 2nd liquid can be supplied with a some small pump, it is not necessary to use a large sized pump.

In the aforementioned structure comprising the first pump and the second pump, preferably, the supply control means may operate the first pump and the second pump simultaneously, the first liquid to the first mixed-portion and the second The supply switching unit controls the supply destination so as to supply the liquid. According to this structure, unlike the case of the supply to the first mixed-section and the second mixed-section the first and second pumps by separately driven, the flow paths of the first and second liquids and, like the first mixed-section flow channel of the switching mechanism to the second mixed-section need not be provided to each of the first and second pump, the first mixed-each pump at the same flow path part or supply to the second mixed-section can be performed. Thereby, the configuration and supply control of the apparatus can be simplified. In the configuration in which the first pump and the second pump operate simultaneously, preferably, the reagent preparing device includes a discard unit that discards the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit, a discard control unit, The disposal control means further supplies the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage section to the disposal section when the reagent being prepared in the first mixing section and the second mixing section is supplied to the reagent storage section. Discard. In the reagent preparing device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first liquid is water. In the reagent preparation device according to the first aspect, preferably, the second liquid is a high concentration reagent containing a preservative.

Sample processing system according to a second aspect of the invention, a measuring unit first liquid and the first liquid to measure the sample using the reagent prepared from the different second liquid, the reagent preparing device for preparing a reagent And the reagent preparation device mixes the reagent storage unit storing the reagent to be supplied to the measurement unit, the first liquid and the second liquid, and supplies the mixture to the reagent storage unit. a first mixed-section for preparing a reagent for, by mixing a first liquid and a second liquid, and the second mixed-section for preparing a reagent to be supplied to the reagent reservoir, the first liquid and supplies the second liquid to the first mixed-section, the first liquid and second liquid supply of the first liquid and second liquid is controlled to be supplied to the second mixed-section, to the first mixing unit The reagent prepared in this way is supplied to the reagent reservoir and the reagent prepared in the second mixing unit And a supply control means for controlling the supply of reagent to supply to the reagent reservoir, when a shutdown instruction has been received, the supply control means, the reagent in the middle of preparation in a first mixing section and the second mixing section reagents The reagent preparation in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit is continued until supplied to the storage unit.

Since the sample processing system according to the second aspect of the present invention includes the first mixed liquid storage section that stores the mixed liquid and the second mixed liquid storage section that stores the mixed liquid as described above, conventionally, In comparison, the amount of reagent (mixed solution) prepared can be increased. In addition, when the shutdown instruction is received, the reagent preparation is continued until the reagent being prepared in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit is supplied to the reagent storage unit, so that the reagent is diluted to a concentration different from the desired concentration. It is possible to prevent the remaining reagent from remaining in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit.

The sample processing system according to the second aspect, preferably, the reagent reservoir is connected to the measurement section, for stirring the reagent prepared in at least one of the first mixed-section and the second mixed-section agitating portion further comprising a first mixing section and a second mixing section, through the stirring section, which is connected to the reagent reservoir, measuring unit, Ru a suction unit for sucking the reagent from the reagent reservoir.

It is the perspective view which showed the blood analyzer provided with the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the blood analyzer provided with the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the sample preparation part of the blood analyzer provided with the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the schematic which showed the detection part of the blood analyzer provided with the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the data processing part of the blood analyzer provided with the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the top view which showed the diaphragm pump of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is an exploded view in the cross section along the 500-500 line | wire of FIG. It is sectional drawing along the 500-500 line | wire of FIG. It is the top view which showed the film | membrane body of the diaphragm pump of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the internal structure of the diaphragm pump of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of the diaphragm pump of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of the diaphragm pump of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control part of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the reagent preparation processing operation | movement of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the reagent preparation processing operation | movement of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the RO water production processing operation in step S6 of the reagent preparation processing operation shown in FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a high concentration reagent and RO water supply processing operation in steps S17 and S19 of the reagent preparation processing operation shown in FIG. 16; It is a timing chart for demonstrating supply operation | movement between each chamber of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the blood analyzer provided with the reagent preparation apparatus by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the reagent preparation apparatus by 2nd Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the modification of the reagent preparation apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and 2nd Embodiment shown in FIG.

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

(First embodiment)
First, with reference to FIGS. 1-14, the structure of the blood analyzer 1 by 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. Moreover, 1st Embodiment demonstrates the case where the reagent preparation apparatus 4 by 1st Embodiment of this invention is used as a part of blood analyzer 1 for performing a blood test.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the blood analyzer 1 includes a measurement unit 2 having a function of measuring blood, a data processing unit 3 that analyzes measurement data output from the measurement unit 2 and obtains an analysis result, and a sample. And a reagent preparation device 4 that prepares a reagent used for the above process. The measurement unit 2 is configured to measure white blood cells, reticulocytes, and platelets in blood by flow cytometry. The measuring unit 2 is configured to measure white blood cells, reticulocytes, and platelets by diluting blood using the reagent prepared and supplied by the reagent preparing device 4. Further, the measurement unit 2 uses the reagent prepared and supplied by the reagent preparation device 4 as a cleaning liquid, and is included in the sampling valve 21b and the reaction chamber 21c included in the measurement sample preparation unit 21 described later, and the detection unit 22. The sheath flow cell 22c and the like are configured to be washed. The flow cytometry method forms a sample flow including a measurement sample and irradiates the sample flow with a laser beam, whereby forward scattered light and side scattered light emitted from particles (blood cells) in the measurement sample. And a method for measuring particles (blood cells) for detecting side fluorescence.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement unit 2 includes a measurement sample preparation unit 21, a detection unit 22 that performs measurement of the measurement sample, an analog processing unit 23 for the output of the detection unit 22, a display / operation unit 24, a measurement And a microcomputer unit 25 for controlling the unit 2. Furthermore, the measurement unit 2 includes a pneumatic unit 7 (see FIG. 1) installed outside the casing, and uses the negative pressure and positive pressure supplied from the pneumatic unit 7 to transfer each liquid in the apparatus. Configured to do. The pneumatic unit 7 includes a negative pressure source 71 for supplying a negative pressure to the measuring unit 2 and a positive pressure source 72 for supplying a positive pressure.

  The measurement sample preparation unit 21 is provided to prepare a white blood cell measurement sample, a reticulocyte measurement sample, and a platelet measurement sample. As shown in FIG. 3, the measurement sample preparation unit 21 includes a sampling valve 21b through which blood is sucked and a reaction chamber 21c. The blood collection tube 21a contains blood to be analyzed. As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement sample preparation unit 21 is connected to the negative pressure source 71 through the electromagnetic valve 261 and is connected to the positive pressure source 72 through the electromagnetic valve 262. By opening the electromagnetic valve 261 with the electromagnetic valve 262 closed, a negative pressure is supplied from the negative pressure source 71 to the measurement sample preparation unit 21. Thereby, the reagent used for the measurement is aspirated from the reagent preparing device 4 (reagent is supplied from the reagent preparing device 4).

  The sampling valve 21b has a function of quantifying the blood in the blood collection tube 21a sucked by a suction pipette (not shown) by a predetermined amount. The sampling valve 21b is configured to be able to mix a predetermined reagent with the aspirated blood. That is, the sampling valve 21b is configured to generate a diluted sample in which a predetermined amount of blood supplied from the reagent preparation device 4 is mixed with a predetermined amount of blood.

  The reaction chamber 21c is configured to further mix a predetermined staining solution with the diluted sample supplied from the sampling valve 21b and to react for a predetermined time. Thereby, the measurement sample preparation unit 21 has a function of preparing a white blood cell measurement sample in which white blood cells are stained and red blood cells are hemolyzed. The measurement sample preparation unit 21 has a function of preparing a reticulocyte measurement sample in which reticulocytes are stained, and preparing a platelet measurement sample in which platelets are stained.

  The measurement sample preparation unit 21 supplies the white blood cell measurement sample together with the sheath liquid from the measurement sample preparation unit 21 to a sheath flow cell 22c (see FIG. 4) described later in the white blood cell classification measurement (hereinafter referred to as “DIFF measurement”) mode. Is configured to do. The measurement sample preparation unit 21 is configured to supply a reticulocyte measurement sample together with the sheath liquid from the measurement sample preparation unit 21 to the sheath flow cell 22c in the reticulocyte measurement (hereinafter referred to as “RET measurement”) mode. Yes. The measurement sample preparation unit 21 is configured to supply a platelet measurement sample together with the sheath liquid from the measurement sample preparation unit 21 to the sheath flow cell 22c in the platelet measurement (hereinafter referred to as “PLT measurement”) mode.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the detector 22 emits a laser beam emitted from the light emitter 22 a, an irradiation lens unit 22 b, a sheath flow cell 22 c irradiated with the laser beam, and the laser beam emitted from the light emitter 22 a travels. The condensing lens 22d, the pinhole 22e and the PD (photodiode) 22f arranged on the extension line of the direction, and the condensing lens arranged in a direction crossing the direction in which the laser light emitted from the light emitting unit 22a travels 22g, a dichroic mirror 22h, an optical filter 22i, a pinhole 22j, an APD (avalanche photodiode) 22k, and a PD 22l disposed on the side of the dichroic mirror 22h.

  The light emitting unit 22a is provided to emit light to the sample flow including the measurement sample passing through the inside of the sheath flow cell 22c. Moreover, the irradiation lens unit 22b is provided in order to make the light radiate | emitted from the light emission part 22a into parallel light. The PD 22f is provided to receive forward scattered light emitted from the sheath flow cell 22c. In addition, it is possible to obtain information regarding the size of the particles (blood cells) in the measurement sample from the forward scattered light emitted from the sheath flow cell 22c.

  The dichroic mirror 22h is provided to separate side scattered light and side fluorescence emitted from the sheath flow cell 22c. Specifically, the dichroic mirror 22h is provided to cause the side scattered light emitted from the sheath flow cell 22c to be incident on the PD 22l and to cause the side fluorescence emitted from the sheath flow cell 22c to be incident on the APD 22k. The PD 22l is provided to receive side scattered light. Note that it is possible to obtain internal information such as the size of the nuclei of particles (blood cells) in the measurement sample from the side scattered light emitted from the sheath flow cell 22c. The APD 22k is provided for receiving side fluorescence. Information on the degree of staining of particles (blood cells) in the measurement sample can be obtained from the side fluorescence emitted from the sheath flow cell 22c. Each of the PDs 22f and 22l and the APD 22k has a function of converting the received optical signal into an electric signal.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the analog processing unit 23 includes amplifiers 23a, 23b, and 23c. The amplifiers 23a, 23b, and 23c are provided to amplify and waveform-process electric signals output from the PDs 22f, 22l, and APD 22k, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the microcomputer unit 25 includes a control unit 251 having a control processor and a memory for operating the control processor, and an A / A for converting a signal output from the analog processing unit 23 into a digital signal. A D conversion unit 252 and a calculation unit 253 for performing predetermined processing on the digital signal output from the A / D conversion unit 252 are included.

  The control unit 251 has a function of controlling the measurement sample preparation unit 21 and the detection unit 22 via the bus 254a and the interface 255a. The control unit 251 is connected to the display / operation unit 24 via the bus 254a and the interface 255b, and is connected to the data processing unit 3 via the bus 254b and the interface 255c. The calculation unit 253 has a function of outputting a calculation result to the control unit 251 via the interface 255d and the bus 254a. In addition, the control unit 251 has a function of transmitting a calculation result (measurement data) to the data processing unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the data processing unit 3 is composed of a personal computer (PC) or the like, and has a function of analyzing the measurement data of the measurement unit 2 and displaying the analysis result. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the data processing unit 3 includes a control unit 31, a display unit 32, and an input device 33.

  The control unit 31 has a function of transmitting a measurement start signal including measurement mode information and a shutdown signal to the measurement unit 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 31 includes a CPU 31a, a ROM 31b, a RAM 31c, a hard disk 31d, a reading device 31e, an input / output interface 31f, an image output interface 31g, and a communication interface 31i. Has been. The CPU 31a, ROM 31b, RAM 31c, hard disk 31d, reading device 31e, input / output interface 31f, image output interface 31g, and communication interface 31i are connected by a bus 31h.

  The CPU 31a is provided for executing computer programs stored in the ROM 31b and computer programs loaded in the RAM 31c. The ROM 31b is configured by a mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or the like, and stores a computer program executed by the CPU 31a, data used for the same, and the like.

  The RAM 31c is configured by SRAM, DRAM, or the like. The RAM 31c is used to read out computer programs recorded in the ROM 31b and the hard disk 31d. Further, when these computer programs are executed, they are used as a work area of the CPU 31a.

  The hard disk 31d is installed with various computer programs to be executed by the CPU 31a, such as an operating system and application programs, and data used for executing the computer programs. An application program 34a described later is also installed in the hard disk 31d.

  The reading device 31e is configured by a flexible disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, or the like, and can read a computer program or data recorded on the portable recording medium 34. In addition, the portable recording medium 34 stores an application program 34a for causing a computer to realize a predetermined function. The computer as the data processing unit 3 is configured to read the application program 34a from the portable recording medium 34 and install the application program 34a in the hard disk 31d.

  Note that the application program 34a is not only provided by the portable recording medium 34, but also from the external device communicatively connected to the data processing unit 3 by an electric communication line (whether wired or wireless). It can also be provided through a communication line. For example, the application program 34a is stored in the hard disk of a server computer on the Internet, and the data processor 3 accesses the server computer to download the application program 34a and install it on the hard disk 31d. Is also possible.

  The hard disk 31d is installed with an operating system that provides a graphical user interface environment such as Windows (registered trademark) manufactured and sold by Microsoft Corporation. In the following description, the application program 34a according to the first embodiment is assumed to operate on the operating system.

  The input / output interface 31f includes, for example, a serial interface such as USB, IEEE1394, RS-232C, a parallel interface such as SCSI, IDE, IEEE1284, and an analog interface including a D / A converter, an A / D converter, and the like. Has been. An input device 33 including a keyboard and a mouse is connected to the input / output interface 31f, and the user can input data to the data processing unit 3 by using the input device 33. In addition, the user can use the input device 33 to select a measurement mode and to start and shut down the measurement unit 2 and the reagent preparation device 4. For example, when the user instructs activation or shutdown using the input device 33, an activation signal or a shutdown signal is transmitted to the reagent preparing device 4 via the communication interface 31i.

  The image output interface 31g is connected to a display unit 32 composed of an LCD or a CRT, and outputs a video signal corresponding to the image data given from the CPU 31a to the display unit 32. The display unit 32 displays an image (screen) according to the input video signal.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the reagent preparation device 4 is provided for preparing a reagent used in the measurement sample preparation unit 21 of the measurement unit 2. Specifically, the reagent preparing device 4 prepares a reagent used for blood analysis by diluting a high concentration reagent (reagent stock solution) to a desired concentration using RO water produced from tap water. It is configured. Here, the RO water is a kind of pure water, and is water from which impurities are removed by permeating through a RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane (reverse osmosis membrane). Pure water is water that includes purified water, deionized water, distilled water, and the like in addition to RO water and has been subjected to a treatment for removing impurities, but its purity is not particularly limited.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the reagent preparation device 4 includes a high concentration reagent chamber 41, an RO water chamber 42, a first dilution chamber 43 and a second dilution chamber 44, two diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b, and a stirring chamber. 46, a supply chamber 47, an RO water preparation unit 48, and a control unit 49 that controls the operation of each unit of the reagent preparation device 4. Furthermore, the reagent preparation device 4 includes a pneumatic unit 6 (see FIG. 1) installed outside the casing, and uses the negative pressure and positive pressure supplied from the pneumatic unit 6 to transfer each liquid in the device. Is configured to do. The pneumatic unit 6 has a negative pressure source 61 for supplying a negative pressure to the reagent preparing device 4 and a positive pressure source 62 for supplying a positive pressure.

  The high concentration reagent chamber 41 is configured such that a high concentration reagent is supplied from the high concentration reagent tank 5. The high concentration reagent chamber 41 is provided with a float switch 100 for detecting that a predetermined amount of high concentration reagent is accommodated in the chamber. The float switch 100 is configured such that the float part moves up and down according to the amount of liquid (liquid level) in the high concentration reagent chamber 41. When the float part of the float switch 100 reaches the lower limit, each part is controlled by the control part 49 so that the high concentration reagent is supplied from the high concentration reagent tank 5 to the high concentration reagent chamber 41. Further, when the float part of the float switch 100 reaches the upper limit, each part is controlled by the control part 49 so that the supply of the high concentration reagent from the high concentration reagent tank 5 to the high concentration reagent chamber 41 is stopped. It is configured. The float switch 100 is arranged near the upper end of the high concentration reagent chamber 41 so that when the high concentration reagent chamber 41 stores about 300 mL of high concentration reagent, the float portion reaches the upper limit. It is configured. Thus, the high concentration reagent chamber 41 is always supplied with the high concentration reagent so that about 300 mL is stored.

  The high-concentration reagent chamber 41 is connected to the high-concentration reagent tank 5 through an electromagnetic valve 200 and is connected to a negative pressure source 61 of the pneumatic unit 6 through an electromagnetic valve 201. The high concentration reagent chamber 41 is configured to be opened to the atmosphere or closed by opening / closing the electromagnetic valve 202. The high concentration reagent chamber 41 is connected to a flow path 301 for transferring a liquid from the diaphragm pump 45a (45b) to the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) by a flow path 300. An electromagnetic valve 203 is provided on the flow path 300, and the electromagnetic valve 203 is disposed in the vicinity of the flow path 301. Specifically, the length of the flow path 300a between the electromagnetic valve 203 and the flow path 301 is set to a small length of about 15 mm. The flow path 300 (300a) connected to the high concentration reagent chamber 41 has an inner diameter of about 1.8 mm, and the flow path 301 has an inner diameter of about 4.0 mm.

  The high concentration reagent contains a preservative. As a preservative, there is (2-pyridylthio-1-oxide) sodium, for example, TKM-A (manufactured by API Corporation) is a preservative containing (2-pyridylthio-1-oxide) sodium.

  The RO water chamber 42 is configured such that RO water for diluting the high concentration reagent is supplied from the RO water preparation unit 48. The RO water chamber 42 is provided with float switches 101 and 102 for detecting that the upper limit amount and the lower limit amount of RO water accommodated in the chamber has been reached. The float switch 101 (102) is configured such that the float part moves up and down according to the amount of liquid (liquid level) in the RO water chamber. When the float part of the float switch 101 reaches a position corresponding to the upper limit amount of the RO water chamber 42, each part is controlled by the control part 49 so that the supply of the RO water from the RO water preparation part 48 to the RO water chamber 42 is stopped. Is configured to be controlled. Further, when the float part of the float switch 102 reaches a position corresponding to the lower limit amount of the RO water chamber 42, each part is controlled by the controller 49 so that RO water is supplied from the RO water preparation part 48 to the RO water chamber 42. It is configured to be controlled. The float switch 101 is disposed in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the RO water chamber 42, and when about 600 mL of RO water is stored in the RO water chamber 42, the float portion corresponds to the upper limit amount of the RO water chamber 42. It is configured to reach the position to be. Further, the float switch 102 is configured such that when the RO water stored in the RO water chamber 42 is reduced to about 300 mL, the float portion reaches a position corresponding to the lower limit amount of the RO water chamber 42. . Thereby, while the reagent preparation device 4 is operating, the RO water chamber 42 stores about 300 mL or more and about 600 mL or less of RO water.

  The RO water chamber 42 is configured to be able to discard the RO water in the chamber. Specifically, the RO water chamber 42 is connected to the positive pressure source 62 via the electromagnetic valve 204 and is connected to the waste flow path via the electromagnetic valve 205, and both the electromagnetic valves 204 and 205 are connected. By opening the, the internal RO water is pushed out to the waste channel with positive pressure. The RO water chamber 42 is configured to be opened to the atmosphere or closed by opening / closing the electromagnetic valve 206. The RO water chamber 42 is connected to an RO water storage tank 48a (described later) of the RO water preparation unit 48 via an electromagnetic valve 207. The RO water chamber 42 is connected to the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b by the flow path 302 via the electromagnetic valve 208.

  The first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44 are respectively provided for diluting the high concentration reagent with RO water. Further, as will be described later, the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) is configured to be able to accommodate about 300 mL of liquid (mixed liquid of high concentration reagent and RO water) fed by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b. ing. The first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44 can store about 300 mL of liquid (mixed liquid) as the maximum liquid volume and have substantially the same capacity (for example, about 350 mL). The first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) has a float switch for detecting that the remaining amount of the liquid (mixed liquid of high concentration reagent and RO water) accommodated in the chamber has reached a predetermined amount. 103 (104) is provided. The float switch 103 (104) is configured such that the float portion moves up and down according to the amount of liquid (liquid level) in the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44). The first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) is configured to be always open to the atmosphere. The first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) is connected to the flow path 301 by a flow path 303 (304) through an electromagnetic valve 209 (210). The channel 303 (304) has an inner diameter of about 4 mm, like the channel 301. In addition, by opening the electromagnetic valve 209 with the electromagnetic valve 210 closed, it is possible to supply the liquid (RO water and high concentration reagent) transferred through the flow path 301 to the first dilution chamber 43. It is. On the other hand, if the electromagnetic valve 210 is opened with the electromagnetic valve 209 closed, the liquid (RO water and high concentration reagent) transferred through the flow path 301 can be supplied to the second dilution chamber 44. is there. That is, the electromagnetic valves 209 and 210 are configured to function as flow path switching units for the flow paths 303 and 304, respectively. By switching the flow paths 303 and 304, in the first embodiment, the RO water and high concentration reagent supply operation to the first dilution chamber 43 and the RO water and high concentration reagent supply operation to the second dilution chamber 44 are performed. Are configured to be controlled alternately by the control unit 49.

  The first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) is connected to the stirring chamber 46 via an electromagnetic valve 211 (212). A bubble sensor 400 (401) is provided between the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) and the electromagnetic valve 211 (212). The bubble sensor 400 (401) is a transmissive sensor, and is configured to detect bubbles passing through the flow path. As a result, when the float part of the float switch 103 (104) reaches the lower limit, and the bubble is detected by the bubble sensor 400 (401), the controller 49 causes the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber). 44), it is possible to confirm that all of the liquid (mixed liquid of high concentration reagent and RO water) has been discharged (supplied). When supplying the mixed solution in the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44), the entire amount (about 300 mL) of the mixed solution stored in the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) is supplied to the stirring chamber 46. It is configured to be supplied. Then, when the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) is emptied (all the liquid in the chamber is supplied), the emptied first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) has a high concentration. Each unit is configured to be controlled by the control unit 49 so that the reagent and the RO water are supplied.

  The diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b have the same configuration as each other and are configured to perform the same operation at the same time. That is, it is configured to be controlled by the control unit 49 so that the timings of the supply operations by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b substantially coincide. The diaphragm pump 45a (45b) has a function of quantifying the high-concentration reagent and the RO water by about 6.0 mL (fixed amount) in one quantification operation. Therefore, the supply amount of liquid (high concentration reagent and RO water) is configured to supply a total of about 12 mL (about 6.0 mL × 2) of liquid by one quantification. The diaphragm pump 45a (45b) is connected to the negative pressure source 61 via the electromagnetic valve 213 (215), and is connected to the positive pressure source 62 via the electromagnetic valve 214 (216).

  Next, the detailed configuration of the diaphragm pump 45a (45b) will be described. In the first embodiment, since the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b have the same configuration, the diaphragm pump 45a will be described as a representative, and a detailed description of the diaphragm pump 45b will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the diaphragm pump 45a has a circular shape when seen in a plan view. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the diaphragm pump 45a includes a film body 451 made of a rubber material such as EPDM and a pair of case pieces 452 and 453 configured to sandwich the film body 451 from both sides. Contains.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the film body 451 is formed in a flat plate shape having a circular shape when seen in a plan view, and has six screw holes 451 a for allowing the screws 454 to pass therethrough. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the film body 451 is configured to be sandwiched from both sides by case pieces 452 and 453.

  As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, the case piece 452 includes a circulation port 452a (see FIGS. 8 and 9), an inner wall 452b formed in a truncated cone shape, and an inner wall as viewed in plan. A cross-shaped groove portion 452c disposed at substantially the center of the portion 452b, six screw holes 452d (see FIG. 11), and a ring-shaped holding portion 452e formed so as to surround the inner wall portion 452b in plan view. And have. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, the case piece 453 is configured in the same manner as the case piece 452, and has a flow port portion 453a (see FIGS. 8 and 9), an inner wall portion 453b, and a groove portion 453c. The screw hole 453d (see FIG. 11) and the clamping part 453e correspond to the flow port part 452a, the inner wall part 452b, the groove part 452c, the screw hole 452d, and the clamping part 452e, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the case pieces 452 and 453 are joined to each other by six screws 454 (see FIG. 7) with the film body 451 sandwiched between the sandwiching portions 452 e and 453 e. Thereby, a chamber portion 452f surrounded by the inner wall portion 452b and the film body 451 and a chamber portion 453f surrounded by the inner wall portion 453b and the film body 451 are formed. The circulation port 452a and the chamber 452f are spatially connected to each other via a groove 452c, and the circulation port 453a and the chamber 453f are spatially connected to each other via a groove 453c. ing. The chamber portions 452f and 453f are spatially separated from each other by the film body 451.

  The circulation port 452 a is connected to the negative pressure source 61 and the positive pressure source 62. The circulation port 453a is connected to a flow path 302 connected to the RO water chamber 42 and a flow path 301 for transferring a liquid to the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44). When a negative pressure is supplied to the chamber 452f by the negative pressure source 61 connected to the flow port 452a, the diaphragm pump 45a is configured so that the film body 451 is in close contact with the inner wall 452b as shown in FIG. It is configured. Thereby, the volume of the chamber portion 453f separated by the membrane body 451 is expanded, and a liquid (RO water, high concentration reagent, or a mixed solution of RO water and high concentration reagent) enters the chamber portion 453f through the circulation port portion 453a. ) Is introduced. When the positive pressure is supplied to the chamber 452f by the positive pressure source 62 connected to the flow port 452a, the diaphragm pump 45a is brought into close contact with the inner wall 453b as shown in FIG. It is comprised so that. As a result, the volume of the chamber portion 453f separated by the film body 451 becomes substantially zero, so that the liquid in the chamber portion 453f flows out (extrudes) into the flow path 301 through the circulation port portion 453a. The diaphragm pump 45a is configured so that the amount of liquid flowing out at this time is about 6.0 mL. As described above, the supply operation of the liquid (RO water and high concentration reagent) by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b includes two processes of the inflow of the liquid and the outflow of the liquid. Then, by selecting a predetermined flow path from the flow paths 300 to 304 in each process, a high concentration reagent or RO water is introduced from the high concentration reagent chamber 41 or the RO water chamber 42, and the first dilution chamber 43 or The second dilution chamber 44 is configured to be quantified every about 12 mL (about 6.0 mL × 2) and supplied in multiple batches. The liquid quantification unit 50 of the reagent preparation device 4 is constituted by the high concentration reagent chamber 41, the RO water chamber 42, the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b, the pneumatic unit 6, the flow channels 300 to 304, and the electromagnetic valves 200 to 210 and 213 to 216. (See FIG. 6). The operation of supplying the RO water and the high concentration reagent by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the stirring chamber 46 is configured to be able to store about 300 mL of liquid, and liquid (high concentration reagent and RO water) supplied from the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44). It is provided to stir the mixture. Specifically, the stirring chamber 46 has a bent pipe 461, and the liquid (mixed liquid of high concentration reagent and RO water) supplied from the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) is pipe 461. Is passed through the inner wall surface of the stirring chamber 46 to flow into the stirring chamber 46. Thereby, since the liquid (mixed liquid of high concentration reagent and RO water) supplied from the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) flows along the inner wall surface of the stirring chamber 46, convection occurs. The high-concentration reagent and the RO water are easily stirred. The high-concentration reagent and the RO water are also contained in the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) and in the flow path from the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) to the stirring chamber 46. Although stirring is performed to some extent, it is possible to perform stirring more reliably by configuring the stirring chamber 46 as described above.

  The stirring chamber 46 is provided with a float switch 105 for detecting that the remaining amount of the liquid (mixed liquid of high concentration reagent and RO water) accommodated in the chamber has reached a predetermined amount. The float switch 105 is configured such that the float part moves up and down according to the amount of liquid (liquid level) in the stirring chamber 46. When the float part of the float switch 105 reaches the lower limit and the inside of the chamber is emptied, about 300 mL of the mixed liquid (stored in the chamber) is supplied from one of the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44 to the stirring chamber 46. Each part is controlled by the control unit 49 so that the total amount of the mixed liquid) is supplied. When the mixed liquid supplied and stirred from one of the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44 is discharged from the stirring chamber 46, the next is the other of the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44. To about 300 mL of the mixed solution is supplied to the stirring chamber 46. Thus, the supply operation of the mixed liquid from the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44 is configured to be performed alternately. In the first embodiment, these supply operations are performed while the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b perform the supply operation of the RO water and the high-concentration reagent to one (for example, the first dilution chamber 43). Each part is controlled by the control part 49 so that the supply operation to the stirring chamber 46 of the liquid mixture accommodated in the second dilution chamber 44) can be performed. The stirring chamber 46 is connected to the negative pressure source 61 via the electromagnetic valve 217 and is connected to the positive pressure source 62 via the electromagnetic valve 218.

  The operation of supplying the mixed solution from the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46 opens the electromagnetic valve 211 of the first dilution chamber 43 and the electromagnetic valve 217 of the negative pressure source 61, and By closing the electromagnetic valve 212 and the electromagnetic valve 218 of the positive pressure source 62, a negative pressure is supplied to the stirring chamber 46 and the mixed liquid (total amount) is caused to flow from the dilution chamber first dilution chamber 43. The operation of supplying the mixed solution from the second dilution chamber 44 to the stirring chamber 46 opens the electromagnetic valve 212 of the second dilution chamber 44 and the electromagnetic valve 217 of the negative pressure source 61 and By closing the electromagnetic valve 211 and the electromagnetic valve 218 of the positive pressure source 62, negative pressure is supplied to the stirring chamber 46 and the mixed liquid (total amount) is caused to flow from the second dilution chamber 44.

  The supply chamber 47 is provided for storing and storing a reagent that waits for supply to the measurement unit 2. The supply chamber 47 is configured to be able to store a mixed liquid that is equal to or larger than the total amount of the maximum liquid volume (about 300 mL) of the mixed liquid stored in each of the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44. In the first embodiment, the supply chamber 47 has a capacity (for example, about 800 mL) that can accommodate a reagent (a mixed solution having a predetermined concentration and stirred) having a maximum liquid amount of about 600 mL. The supply chamber 47 is provided with a float switch 106 for detecting that the remaining amount of the reagent accommodated in the chamber has reached about 300 mL. Further, the supply chamber 47 is provided with a float switch 107 for detecting that the remaining amount of the reagent accommodated in the supply chamber 47 is substantially zero. The float switch 106 (107) is configured such that the float part moves up and down in accordance with the amount of liquid (liquid level) in the supply chamber 47. The float part of the float switch 106 is configured to be movable from the vicinity of the upper end of the supply chamber 47 in the height direction to the intermediate position. When the float part of the float switch 106 reaches the intermediate position in the height direction of the supply chamber 47 (the lower limit position in the movable range of the float part of the float switch 106), a desired concentration of about 300 mL is supplied from the stirring chamber 46 to the supply chamber 47. Each unit is configured to be controlled by the control unit 49 so that the reagent is supplied. As a result, a reagent having a desired concentration of about 300 mL or more and about 600 mL or less is always stored in the supply chamber 47. By storing a predetermined amount of reagent in the supply chamber 47 in this way, it is possible to always supply the reagent to the measurement unit 2. Even if the reagent is stored in the supply chamber 47, the reagent contains the above-mentioned preservative, so that deterioration of the reagent is suppressed.

  Further, the float part of the float switch 107 is configured to be movable in the vicinity of the bottom part of the supply chamber 47. When the float switch 107 detects that the remaining amount of the reagent stored in the chamber has become substantially zero, the supply of the reagent to the measurement unit 2 is stopped. Thereby, even if the reagent is not supplied to the supply chamber 47 for some reason, it is possible to prevent bubbles from being mixed into the reagent supplied to the measurement unit 2 while continuing the supply of the reagent to the measurement unit 2 as much as possible. Is possible.

  The supply chamber 47 is connected to the stirring chamber 46 through an electromagnetic valve 219. Further, the supply chamber 47 is configured such that the reagent in the chamber can be discarded during maintenance or the like by opening the electromagnetic valve 220. Further, the supply chamber 47 is configured so as to be always open to the atmosphere. The supply chamber 47 is connected to the measurement unit 2 via a filter 471. The filter 471 is provided to prevent impurities from entering the reagent supplied to the measurement unit 2.

  Between the agitation chamber 46 and the supply chamber 47, a conductivity sensor 402 for measuring the electrical conductivity of the reagent is provided. The conductivity sensor 402 includes a temperature sensor 403 for measuring the temperature of the reagent at the position where the conductivity sensor 402 is disposed. In addition, a waste flow path is connected between the conductivity sensor 402 and the electromagnetic valve 219 via the electromagnetic valve 221.

  The RO water preparation unit 48 is configured so that RO water as a dilution liquid for diluting a high concentration reagent can be prepared using tap water. In addition, the RO water production unit 48 includes an RO water storage tank 48a, an RO membrane 48b, and a filter 48c for protecting the RO membrane 48b by removing impurities contained in tap water. Furthermore, the RO water preparation unit 48 includes a high-pressure pump 48d that applies high pressure to water that has passed through the filter 48c so that water molecules pass through the RO membrane 48b, and an electromagnetic valve 222 that controls the supply of tap water. .

  The RO water storage tank 48a is provided to store the RO water that has passed through the RO membrane 48b. The RO water storage tank 48a is provided with a float switch 108 for detecting that a predetermined amount of RO water is stored. Furthermore, the RO water storage tank 48a is provided with a conductivity sensor 404 for measuring the electrical conductivity of the RO water in the RO water storage tank 48a. The conductivity sensor 404 includes a temperature sensor 405 for measuring the temperature of the RO water. The rate at which RO water is supplied from the RO water preparation unit 48 to the RO water storage tank 48a, that is, the RO water production rate by the RO water production unit 48 is about 20 L / hour or more and about 50 L / hour or less.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 49 is connected to each part in the reagent preparing device 4 via a CPU 49a, a ROM 49b, a RAM 49c, a communication interface 49d connected to the data processing unit 3, and each circuit. I / O (Input / Output) section 49e.

  The CPU 49a is provided to execute a computer program stored in the ROM 49b and a computer program loaded in the RAM 49c. The CPU 49a is configured to use the RAM 49c as a work area when executing these computer programs.

  Next, a general formula for obtaining the target value of the electrical conductivity of the reagent is shown in the following formula (1).

Z ₀ = {X + (A−1) Y} / A (1)
In the above formula (1), Z ₀ is a target value (ms / cm) of electric conductivity at 25 ° C. of a reagent in which a high concentration reagent and RO water are mixed and stirred, and X is a high concentration reagent at 25 ° C. Electrical conductivity (ms / cm), Y represents the electrical conductivity of RO water at 25 ° C. (ms / cm), and A represents the dilution factor (known) (25 times in the first embodiment). X is a value unique to the high concentration reagent, and is a known value obtained in advance through experiments or the like.

  Further, a correction formula for considering the temperature of the RO water obtained by the temperature sensor 405 and the temperature of the reagent obtained by the temperature sensor 403 is shown in the following formula (2).

Z = [{X + (A−1) Y} / A] × {1 + α1 (T2-25)}
= [[X + (A-1) Y1 / {1 + α0 (T1-25)}] / A] × {1 + α1 (T2-25)} (2)
In the above formula (2), Z is a target value (ms / cm) of electric conductivity at T2 ° C. of a reagent in which a high concentration reagent and RO water are mixed and stirred, and Y1 is electric conductivity at T1 ° C. of RO water. Degree (ms / cm), T1 is the temperature (° C.) of the RO water, T 2 is the temperature of the reagent in which the high concentration reagent and the RO water are mixed and stirred (° C.), and α 0 is the electric conductivity of the RO water. The temperature coefficient with respect to 25 ° C., α1, represents the temperature coefficient with respect to 25 ° C. of the electrical conductivity of the reagent in which the high concentration reagent and the RO water are mixed and stirred. The temperature coefficients α0 and α1 differ depending on the type and concentration of the liquid, but 0.02 is simply used in JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard).

  The CPU 49a is configured to calculate the target value Z by the above equation (2). Therefore, the CPU 49a determines the desired dilution factor A (known), the detected value Y1 of the RO water electrical conductivity, the measured value T1 of the RO water temperature, the measured temperature value T2 of the mixed and stirred reagent, and the high concentration reagent. A target value is determined based on the electrical conductivity X (known).

  The communication interface 49d is configured to be able to transmit error information to the data processing unit 3 so that the user can check errors that have occurred in the reagent preparation device 4. The error information includes information for prompting replacement of the high concentration reagent tank 5, information notifying that the RO water is not supplied, information notifying the abnormality of the negative pressure source 61 and the positive pressure source 62, and the like. Based on the error information, an error notification is displayed on the display unit 32 of the data processing unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the I / O unit 49e receives signals from the float switches 100 to 108, the bubble sensors 400 and 401, the conductivity sensors 402 and 404, and the temperature sensors 403 and 405 via each sensor circuit. It is comprised so that. The I / O unit 49e is configured to output a signal to each drive circuit in order to control the drive of the electromagnetic valves 200 to 222, the high pressure pump 48d, and the pneumatic unit 6 via each drive circuit. ing.

  Next, the reagent preparation processing operation of the reagent preparing device 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The reagent preparation processing operation is started when the user instructs activation of the apparatus from the data processing apparatus 3, that is, when the reagent preparation apparatus 4 receives an activation signal from the data processing apparatus 3. When the reagent preparation processing operation is started, first, in step S1 of FIG. 15, the CPU 49a initializes the computer program stored in the ROM 49b. Next, in step S2, the CPU 49a determines whether or not the reagent preparing device 4 has been normally shut down at the end of the previous operation. Specifically, as will be described later, the determination is made based on a flag that is set to ON when the shutdown is normally performed. If it has been shut down normally, the process proceeds to step S6. If it has not been shut down normally, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, all the liquids in the chambers 42, 43, 44 and 46 other than the high concentration reagent chamber 41 and the supply chamber 47 are discarded. Specifically, the electromagnetic valve 205 is opened by the CPU 49a, and the RO water in the RO water chamber 42 is discarded. Moreover, the electromagnetic valve 221 is opened by the CPU 49a, and the mixed liquid in the stirring chamber 46 is discharged to the waste channel. Further, the CPU 49a opens the electromagnetic valves 211 and 217 to transfer the mixed solution in the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46 with negative pressure, and then discards the mixed solution from the stirring chamber 46 by the above operation. . Further, the mixed solution in the second dilution chamber 44 is also transferred to the stirring chamber 46 by negative pressure by opening the electromagnetic valves 212 and 217 by the CPU 49a.

  Thus, in step S3, all the liquid in the chambers 42, 43, 44 and 46 other than the high concentration reagent chamber 41 and the supply chamber 47 is discarded, so that the RO water that may have been retained for a long time is used as the reagent. It is possible to prevent the reagent from being used for preparation and the reagent having an unknown dilution factor from being prepared.

  The high concentration reagent in the high concentration reagent chamber 41 contains a preservative, and the quality does not deteriorate with a residence time of about one month. Therefore, it is necessary to discard the high concentration reagent in the high concentration reagent chamber 41. Absent. Further, as will be described later, since only the reagent diluted to a desired concentration is stored in the supply chamber 47 and the preservative contained in the high concentration reagent is mixed, the stored reagent is stored. There is no problem in quality, and there is no need to dispose of it.

  Thereafter, in step S4, the flow path, the RO water chamber 42, the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44), and the stirring chamber 46 are cleaned. Specifically, after the RO water newly produced by the RO water production unit 48 is supplied to the RO water chamber 42, the respective parts are controlled by the CPU 49 a, thereby passing the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46. RO water is transferred. Thereafter, the RO water in the stirring chamber 46 is discarded. In addition, while the RO water is being transferred from the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46, the newly prepared RO water is supplied to the second dilution chamber 44. Thereafter, the RO water is similarly transferred to the stirring chamber 46, and the RO water is discarded. Through the above-described series of operations, the inside of each of the flow path, the RO water chamber 42, the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44), and the stirring chamber 46 is cleaned with newly prepared RO water.

  Next, in step S5, the reagent is prepared in the stirring chamber 46 by the same operation as the operation for preparing the reagent of the desired concentration, and all the prepared reagent is discarded. As a result, in addition to the above-described washing with RO water, washing is performed with a reagent having a desired concentration, so that it is possible to prevent the reagent from being adjusted to a concentration other than the desired concentration.

  In step S6, the RO water preparation unit 48 performs the RO water preparation process. Next, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 17, the RO water production processing operation in step S6 of the reagent preparation processing operation shown in FIG. 15 will be described.

  First, in step S31 of FIG. 17, the CPU 49a opens the electromagnetic valve 222 shown in FIG. 6, and the tap water passes through the filter 48c. Next, in step S32, the high-pressure pump 48d is driven by the CPU 49a, and the water that has passed through the filter 48c permeates the RO membrane 48b with a high pressure. In step S33, based on the detection result of the float switch 108, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount of RO water is stored in the RO water storage tank 48a. When the RO water is less than the predetermined amount, the process returns to Step S32 and continues to supply the RO water to the RO water storage tank 48a. On the other hand, when the RO water reaches a predetermined amount, the electromagnetic valve 222 is closed and the driving of the high-pressure pump 48d is stopped in step S34, and the operation is ended.

  After the RO water production processing operation in step S6 in FIG. 15 is completed, RO water is supplied to the RO water chamber 42 in step S7. In step S8, the CPU 49a determines whether or not a predetermined amount of high concentration reagent is stored in the high concentration reagent chamber 41 based on the detection result of the float switch 100. If the predetermined amount of high concentration reagent is not stored, the high concentration reagent is replenished from the high concentration reagent tank 5 to the high concentration reagent chamber 41 in step S9. Specifically, the high-concentration reagent is supplied to the high-concentration reagent chamber 41 with negative pressure by opening the electromagnetic valves 200 and 201 with the electromagnetic valves 202 and 203 closed by the CPU 49a.

  When a predetermined amount of high concentration reagent is stored in the high concentration reagent chamber 41, the CPU 49a determines whether or not a predetermined amount of reagent is stored in the supply chamber 47 in step S10. That is, based on the detection result of the float switch 106, it is determined whether or not about 300 mL or more and about 600 mL or less of the reagent is stored in the supply chamber 47. If a predetermined amount of reagent is stored, the process proceeds to step S20 (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, if the predetermined amount of reagent is not stored, the electromagnetic valves 211 (212) and 217 are closed in Step S11, and then the electromagnetic valves 218 and 219 are opened to supply the reagent from the stirring chamber 46. It is supplied to the chamber 47. At this time, in step S12, the electrical conductivity C is measured by the conductivity sensor 402, and the temperature T2 of the reagent is measured by the temperature sensor 403. In step S13, the CPU 49a determines whether or not the electrical conductivity C is within a predetermined range. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the measured electrical conductivity C is within a predetermined range with respect to the target value Z of electrical conductivity calculated by the above formula (2) at a dilution factor of 25 times. The When the electrical conductivity C is not within the predetermined range, the electromagnetic valve 219 is closed and the electromagnetic valve 221 is opened at step S14, and the reagent having the electrical conductivity C not within the predetermined range passes through the waste channel. Discarded through. As a result, only the reagent diluted with high accuracy can be stored in the supply chamber 47.

  Next, when the float switch 105 detects that the reagent in the stirring chamber 46 is emptied by supplying or discarding the reagent from the stirring chamber 46 to the supply chamber 47, as shown in FIG. In step S15, the CPU 49a determines whether the chamber from which the liquid mixture has been discharged last time is the first dilution chamber 43 or the second dilution chamber 44. Note that the control unit 49 stores whether the chamber from which the mixed solution was discharged last time is the first dilution chamber 43 or the second dilution chamber 44, and the mixing is performed from the first dilution chamber 43 or the second dilution chamber 44. Each time the liquid is discharged, the CPU 49a updates the information.

  If it is determined in step S15 that the chamber from which the liquid mixture has been discharged last time is the second dilution chamber 44, the liquid mixture accommodated in the first dilution chamber 43 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46 in step S16. Is done. Specifically, the electromagnetic valves 211 and 217 are opened by the CPU 49a with the electromagnetic valves 212 and 218 being closed, and the mixed liquid in the first dilution chamber 43 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46 with a negative pressure. As a result, the total amount of about 300 mL of the mixed liquid accommodated in the first dilution chamber 43 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46. At this time, the supplied mixed liquid is stirred in the stirring chamber 46 by flowing along the inner wall of the stirring chamber 46 by a pipe 461 provided in the stirring chamber 46. In addition, when the reagent is continuously used by the measurement unit 2, when the process (supply operation) of step S16 is performed, a high concentration reagent and RO water to the second dilution chamber described later are performed. The supply operation (step S19) may be continued.

  When the entire amount of the liquid mixture accommodated in the first dilution chamber 43 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46, the high concentration reagent and the RO water are supplied to the empty first dilution chamber 43 in step S17. Specifically, based on the detection result of the float switch 103, the CPU 49a performs the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber 43 by the diaphragm pump 45a (45b). The details of the high concentration reagent and RO water supply operation will be described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the chamber from which the liquid mixture has been discharged last time is the first dilution chamber 43, the process proceeds to step S18, where the liquid mixture stored in the second dilution chamber 44 is mixed with the stirring chamber. 46. Specifically, the electromagnetic valves 212 and 217 are opened by the CPU 49a with the electromagnetic valves 211 and 218 closed, and the mixed solution in the second dilution chamber 44 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46 with negative pressure. As a result, the total amount of about 300 mL of the mixed solution stored in the second dilution chamber 44 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46. When the reagent is continuously used by the measuring unit 2, the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber are processed when the processing (supply operation) of Step S18 is performed. The supply operation (step S17) may be continued.

  When the entire amount of the liquid mixture accommodated in the second dilution chamber 44 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46, the high concentration reagent and the RO water are supplied to the empty second dilution chamber 44 in step S19. Specifically, based on the detection result of the float switch 104, the CPU 49a performs the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the second dilution chamber 44 by the diaphragm pump 45a (45b).

  Next, the high concentration reagent and RO water supply processing operation in steps S17 and S19 of the reagent preparation processing operation shown in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. The supply processing operation of the high concentration reagent and RO water in step S17 and the supply processing operation of the high concentration reagent and RO water in step S19 differ only in the supply destination of the high concentration reagent and RO water as described above. The process is substantially the same. Specifically, in step S17, the supply destination is the first dilution chamber 43, and in step S19, the supply destination is the second dilution chamber 44.

  First, as an initial state of the reagent preparation device 4 (a state immediately before the reagent preparation process), the flow paths 301 to 304 shown in FIG. 6 are substantially filled with RO water, and the flow path 300 is substantially Are filled with high concentration reagents. Although the flow path 300 and the flow path 301 are directly connected, the flow path 300 (300a) has a small inner diameter of about 1.8 mm with respect to the inner diameter of the flow path 301 of about 4.0 mm. The high concentration reagent in the channel 300 is difficult to be mixed with the RO water in the channel 301. Further, since the flow path 300a between the electromagnetic valve 203 and the flow path 301 is set to have a small inner diameter of about 1.8 mm and about 15 mm, the amount of high concentration reagent present in the flow path 300a is as follows. Very small amount.

  In step S41 of FIG. 18, about 12.0 mL (about 6.0 mL for each diaphragm pump) of RO water is sucked from the RO water chamber 42 by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b. Specifically, when the electromagnetic valves 213 (215) and 208 are opened by the CPU 49a, as shown in FIG. 12, negative pressure is supplied to the chamber 452f (see FIG. 9), and the film body 451 is attached to the inner wall. The part 452b is closely attached. Thereby, RO water flows into the chamber portion 453f through the flow path 302 as the volume of the chamber portion 453f is increased.

  Next, in Step S42, after the electromagnetic valves 213 (215) and 208 are closed, the electromagnetic valve 214 (216) and the electromagnetic valve 209 (Step S17) or the electromagnetic valve 210 (Step S19) are opened. As shown in FIG. 13, a positive pressure is supplied to the chamber 452f, and the film body 451 is brought into close contact with the inner wall 453b. Thereby, RO water is discharged from the chamber part 453f (see FIG. 12) as the volume of the chamber part 452f is increased. Thereby, in step S <b> 17, about 12.0 mL (about 6.0 mL for each diaphragm pump) of RO water is supplied to the first dilution chamber 43 through the channel 301 and the channel 303. On the other hand, in step S <b> 19, about 12.0 mL (about 6.0 mL for each diaphragm pump) of RO water is supplied to the second dilution chamber 44 through the channel 301 and the channel 304.

  Thereafter, in step S43, about 12.0 mL (about 6.0 mL for each diaphragm pump) of high concentration reagent is aspirated from the high concentration reagent chamber 41 by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b. Specifically, after the electromagnetic valves 214 (216) and 209 (210) are closed by the CPU 49a, the electromagnetic valves 202, 203, and 213 (215) are opened, as shown in FIG. Negative pressure is supplied to the portion 452f (see FIG. 13). Thereby, as the volume of the chamber portion 453f is increased, the high concentration reagent is sucked into the chamber portion 453f through the flow paths 300 and 301. Specifically, about 12.0 mL of the high concentration reagent that has flowed out of the high concentration reagent chamber 41 is mixed with the RO water remaining in the flow path 301, so that the RO water, the high concentration reagent, and The mixed liquid is sucked. In addition, the channel 301 at this time is filled with a mixed solution of RO water and a high concentration reagent. That is, in this state, about 12.0 mL of the high-concentration reagent that has flowed out of the high-concentration reagent chamber 41 exists in the region where the chamber portion 453f and the flow path 301 are combined. Although the high-concentration reagent is also present in the flow channel 300a, as described above, the amount of the high-concentration reagent present in the flow channel 300a is extremely small and can be substantially ignored. Further, at the time of aspiration of the high concentration reagent after the second reagent preparation processing operation, the high concentration reagent remaining in the flow channel 300a by the previous reagent preparation processing operation is pushed out to the flow channel 301 side. More precisely, about 12.0 mL of the high concentration reagent is present in the region where the flow paths 301 are combined.

  Next, in Step S44, after the electromagnetic valves 202, 203 and 213 (215) are closed, the electromagnetic valve 214 (216) and the electromagnetic valve 209 (Step S17) or the electromagnetic valve 210 (Step S19) are opened. Thus, as shown in FIG. 13, a positive pressure is supplied to the chamber 452f to increase the volume of the chamber 452f, and a mixture of RO water and high-concentration reagent from the chamber 453f (see FIG. 12). Is discharged. Thereby, in step S <b> 17, the RO water and the mixed solution of the high concentration reagent are supplied to the first dilution chamber 43 through the flow path 301 and the flow path 303. On the other hand, in step S <b> 19, a mixture of RO water and a high concentration reagent is supplied to the second dilution chamber 44 via the flow path 301 and the flow path 304. At this time, several mL of high-concentration reagent remains in a mixed state with RO water in the channel 301 and the channel 303 (step S17) or the channel 304 (step S19).

  In step S45, n = 1 is set by the CPU 49a. Here, n represents the number of times RO water is discharged by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b, and is defined as a real number starting from 1. Next, in Step S46, about 12.0 mL of RO water is sucked from the RO water chamber 42 by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b as in Step S41. And in step S47, RO water is discharged from the chamber part 453f of the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b similarly to said step S42. Thereby, in step S17, the high concentration reagent remaining in the flow path 301 and the flow path 303 is supplied to the first dilution chamber 43 together with the RO water. On the other hand, in step S19, the high concentration reagent remaining in the flow path 301 and the flow path 304 is supplied to the second dilution chamber 44 together with the RO water.

  Thereafter, in step S48, the CPU 49a determines whether n is larger than 22. If n is not greater than 22, in step S49, n = n + 1 is set, and the operations in steps S46 to S49 are repeated until n is greater than 22. That is, with respect to one suction and discharge operation of the high concentration reagent by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b, the operations of Step S46 to Step S49 are repeated until the RO water suction and discharge operations are performed 24 times. When n becomes larger than 22, the operation is terminated. Accordingly, the first dilution chamber 43 (step S17) or the second dilution chamber 44 (step S19) has about 12.0 mL × 24 times = about 288 mL of RO water and about 12.0 mL × 1 time = about 12 mL. About 288 mL + about 12 mL = about 300 mL of a mixed solution is supplied with a high concentration reagent. Since the RO water is aspirated and discharged 23 times after the high-concentration reagent is aspirated and discharged by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b, the flow path 301 and the flow path 303 (step S17) or the flow path 304 (step All of the high concentration reagent remaining in S19) is transferred to the first dilution chamber 43 or the second dilution chamber 44. As a result, only the RO water is present in the channel 301 and the channel 303 or 304. Thus, the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44 by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b is performed by a total of 25 suction and discharge operations. Note that the liquid suction and discharge operations in steps S41 to S44, S46, and S47 are performed by operating the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b simultaneously.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16, in step S20, the CPU 49a determines whether or not there is a shutdown instruction from the user. If there is no instruction, the process proceeds to step S6. Therefore, when there is no shutdown instruction in step S20, the processes from steps S6 to S20 are repeated.

  If there is a shutdown instruction, the above operation is continued until the reagent being prepared is finally supplied to the supply chamber 47 in step S21. Specifically, when there is no predetermined amount (about 300 mL or more and about 600 mL or less) of reagent in the supply chamber 47, the reagent preparation is continued by the operation of the above steps S11 to S19. When the operation is stopped, the liquid mixture diluted to a concentration different from the desired concentration remains in the flow path, the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44), and the stirring chamber 46. Therefore, by continuing the preparation operation in step S21, the reagent diluted to a concentration different from the desired concentration remains in the flow path, the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) and the stirring chamber 46. It is possible to prevent.

  In step S22, shutdown is executed. At this time, the RO water is discharged from the RO water chamber 42. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the RO water from staying in the RO water chamber 42 until the reagent preparation device 4 is started next time. Thereafter, in step S23, a flag indicating that the shutdown has been normally performed is set to ON, and the reagent preparation processing operation is terminated. The reagent preparation process shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is continuously executed by the CPU 49a while the reagent preparation apparatus 4 is operating. In parallel with this reagent preparation operation, the sample is measured by the measurement unit 2. In the measurement unit 2, as shown in FIG. 2, the electromagnetic valve 261 is opened with the electromagnetic valve 262 closed, and a negative pressure is supplied from the negative pressure source 71 to the measurement sample preparation unit 21. The reagent is continuously aspirated (supplied) from the four supply chambers 47.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, one specific operation example in the case of performing the reagent supply operation of the reagent preparation device 4 of the blood test apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this operation example, as shown in FIG. 19, the measurement by the measurement unit 2 is continuously performed, whereby the amount of reagent used by the measurement unit 2 (the amount by which the water level of the supply chamber 47 is lowered) is constant. And the case where it uses continuously is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 19, at the timing t0, the reagent in the supply chamber 47, the reagent in the stirring chamber 46, and the mixed solution in the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44 are filled with water. is there. That is, when the shutdown is normally performed in steps S21 to S23 in FIG. 16, the shutdown is performed after the reagent preparation operation is completed, and thus each chamber is normally full at the time of startup. In this state, measurement of blood by the measurement unit 2 is started, and as shown in FIG. 2, the reagent is aspirated (measurement unit 2) from the supply chamber 47 (see FIG. 6) of the reagent preparation device 4 as the diluted sample is generated. (Reagent supply to) is started. For this reason, when measurement by the measurement unit 2 is started at timing t0, the water level of the reagent in the supply chamber 47 gradually falls from full water (about 600 mL).

  Thereafter, when the reagent (water level) in the supply chamber 47 decreases (falls) to half (about 300 mL) at timing t1, the float part of the float switch 106 (see FIG. 6) reaches the lower limit position (L). Thus, the supply of the reagent from the stirring chamber 46 to the supply chamber 47 is started. That is, when the CPU 49a determines that a predetermined amount (about 300 mL) of reagent is not stored in the supply chamber 47 in step S10 of FIG. 15, supply of about 300 mL of reagent from the stirring chamber 46 to the supply chamber 47 Is started (step S11). Thereby, the water level of the supply chamber 47 rises from the timing t1, and the water level of the stirring chamber 46 falls. Thereafter, when the reagent in the agitation chamber 46 is emptied, the float part of the float switch 105 (see FIG. 6) reaches the lower limit (L), so that the supply of the reagent to the supply chamber 47 is completed. Detected at t2.

  At timing t <b> 2 when the stirring chamber 46 is emptied, supply of the reagent from the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46 is started. That is, the supply operation of the mixed solution from the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46 is started by the CPU 49a (step S16). As a result, the water level in the stirring chamber 46 rises from the timing t2, and the water level in the first dilution chamber 43 falls. At this time, the liquid mixture supplied to the stirring chamber 46 is stirred by being supplied to the stirring chamber 46. After that, when the reagent in the first dilution chamber 43 is empty, the float switch 103 (see FIG. 6) reaches the lower limit (L), and the supply of the reagent to the stirring chamber 46 is completed. Is detected at timing t3.

  At the timing t3 when the first dilution chamber 43 is emptied, the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber 43 by the diaphragm pumps (DP) 45a and 45b (the supply from DP at the timing t3 to t5) ”) Is started (step S17 in FIG. 16 is started). Thereby, the water level of the 1st dilution chamber 43 rises from timing t3. Further, at timing t3, the reagent in the supply chamber 47 is again reduced to a half amount (about 300 mL) and the float switch 106 reaches the lower limit position (L), so that the reagent is supplied from the stirring chamber 46 to the supply chamber 47. Is started. As a result, the water level in the supply chamber 47 rises and the water level in the stirring chamber 46 falls from timing t3. Thereafter, when the reagent in the stirring chamber 46 becomes empty, the float switch 105 reaches the lower limit (L), and it is detected at timing t4 that the supply of the reagent to the supply chamber 47 is completed.

  At timing t4 when the stirring chamber 46 becomes empty, the supply of the reagent from the second dilution chamber 44 to the stirring chamber 46 is started. That is, the supply operation of the mixed solution from the second dilution chamber 44 to the stirring chamber 46 is started by the CPU 49a (step S18). Thereby, the water level in the stirring chamber 46 rises from the timing t4, and the water level in the second dilution chamber 44 falls. In parallel, the water level of the first dilution chamber 43 continues to be increased by the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber 43 by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b. In the section I1 between the timings t4 and t5, while the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b perform the operation of supplying the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber 43, the second dilution chamber 44 and the stirring chamber are operated. Supply operation of the mixed liquid to 46 is performed. Thereafter, the supply operation of the high-concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber 43 is completed at timing t5, and the water level of the mixed solution in the first dilution chamber 43 becomes full (about 300 mL). When the reagent in the second dilution chamber 44 becomes empty, the float switch 104 reaches the lower limit (L), and it is detected at timing t5 that the supply of the reagent to the stirring chamber 46 is completed.

  At the timing t5 when the second dilution chamber 44 is emptied, the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the second dilution chamber 44 by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b ("supply from DP" at the timing t5 to t7) is started. (Step S19 in FIG. 16 is started). Thereby, the water level of the second dilution chamber 44 rises from the timing t5. Further, at timing t5, the reagent in the supply chamber 47 is again reduced to a half amount (about 300 mL) and the float switch 106 reaches the lower limit (L), so that the reagent is supplied from the stirring chamber 46 to the supply chamber 47. Be started. Thereby, from the timing t5, the water level of the supply chamber 47 rises and the water level of the stirring chamber 46 falls. Thereafter, when the reagent in the stirring chamber 46 becomes empty, the float switch 105 reaches the lower limit (L), and it is detected at timing t6 that the supply of the reagent to the supply chamber 47 is completed.

  At timing t6 when the stirring chamber 46 becomes empty, the supply of the reagent from the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46 is started again. That is, the supply operation of the mixed solution from the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46 is started by the CPU 49a (step S16). As a result, the water level in the stirring chamber 46 rises from the timing t6, and the water level in the first dilution chamber 43 falls. In parallel, the water level of the second dilution chamber 44 is continuously increased by the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the second dilution chamber 44 by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b. In the section I2 between the timings t6 and t7, while the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b are performing the operation of supplying the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the second dilution chamber 44, the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46 are operated. Supply operation of the mixed liquid to is performed. Thereafter, the supply operation of the high-concentration reagent and the RO water to the second dilution chamber 44 is completed at timing t7, and the water level of the mixed solution in the second dilution chamber 44 becomes full (about 300 mL). When the reagent in the first dilution chamber 43 becomes empty, the float switch 103 reaches the lower limit (L), and it is detected at timing t7 that the supply of the reagent to the stirring chamber 46 is completed.

  At the timing t7 when the first dilution chamber 43 is emptied, the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber 43 by the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b ("supply from DP" at the timing t7 to t9) starts. (Step S17 in FIG. 16 is started). Thereby, the water level of the 1st dilution chamber 43 rises from timing t7. Furthermore, at timing t7, the reagent in the supply chamber 47 is reduced to a half amount (about 300 mL) and the float switch 106 reaches the lower limit (L), so that supply of the reagent from the stirring chamber 46 to the supply chamber 47 is started. Is done. Thereby, from the timing t7, the water level in the supply chamber 47 rises and the water level in the stirring chamber 46 falls.

  Thereafter, the operations after the timing t8 are performed by repeating the operations from the timing t4 to the timing t8 until the measurement by the measuring unit 2 is completed. As described above, the high concentration reagent and RO water supply operation to the first dilution chamber 43 (timing t3 to t5, timing t7 to t9) and the high concentration reagent and RO water supply operation to the second dilution chamber 44 ( By alternately performing the timings t5 to t7), dilution of the high concentration reagent (supply of two liquids of RO water and high concentration reagent) is continuously performed without interruption. That is, in the first embodiment, the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the two dilution chambers (the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44), and the two dilution chambers (the first dilution chamber 43 and the first dilution chamber 43). 2) The liquid mixture supply operation from the dilution chamber 44) to the stirring chamber 46 is alternately performed, and the respective supply operations can be performed in parallel with each other (sections I1 and I2). It is possible to continuously supply the RO water without interruption.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b open the predetermined electromagnetic valve 217 and the like while supplying the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber 43. By supplying negative pressure from the negative pressure source 61, the operation of each part is controlled so that the supply operation to the stirring chamber 46 of the liquid mixture accommodated in the second dilution chamber 44 can be performed. While the high-concentration reagent and RO water supply operation to the first dilution chamber 43 is being performed, the mixed solution supply operation from the second dilution chamber 44 to the stirring chamber 46 may be performed in parallel (section I1). Therefore, even if the entire amount of the mixed solution stored in the second dilution chamber 44 is not supplied to the stirring chamber 46, the mixed solution is stored in the first dilution chamber 43 (reagents). Preparation) can be started. That is, when the entire amount of the mixed solution in the second dilution chamber 44 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46, the mixed solution can be stored in the first dilution chamber 43. In this way, the amount of the reagent (mixed solution) prepared in comparison with the conventional method is reduced by the amount of the mixed solution stored in the first dilution chamber 43 while the mixed solution in the second dilution chamber 44 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46. Can be increased.

  In the first embodiment, while the high-concentration reagent and the RO water are supplied to the second dilution chamber 44 by the CPU 49a, the mixed liquid stored in the first dilution chamber 43 is supplied to the stirring chamber 46. By controlling to perform the supply operation (section I2), the reagent (mixed liquid) is supplied in the first dilution chamber 43 while the prepared reagent (mixed liquid) is being supplied from the second dilution chamber 44 to the stirring chamber 46. In addition, the reagent (mixture) is prepared in the second dilution chamber 44 while the prepared reagent (mixture) is supplied from the first dilution chamber 43 to the stirring chamber 46 ( Section I2). Thereby, the quantity of the reagent prepared within the predetermined time can be further increased.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 49a alternately performs the high concentration reagent and RO water supply operation to the first dilution chamber 43 and the high concentration reagent and RO water supply operation to the second dilution chamber 44. By controlling so that the liquid mixture is supplied to the stirring chamber 46, the supply operation of the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber 43 or the second dilution chamber 44 is continued without interruption. Can be done.

  In the first embodiment, a bent pipe 461 is provided in the stirring chamber 46 so that the liquid mixture is stirred by being supplied to the stirring chamber 46. Compared with the case where a motor and a propeller are separately provided, the apparatus configuration can be simplified.

  In the first embodiment, the supply chamber 47 includes a maximum liquid volume (about 300 mL) of the mixed liquid stored in the first dilution chamber 43 and a maximum liquid volume (about 300 mL) of the mixed liquid stored in the second dilution chamber 44 ( The mixed liquid in which the reagent stored in the supply chamber 47 is stored in the first dilution chamber 43 (second dilution chamber 44) is configured to be able to store the total amount (about 600 mL) of the reagent (about 300 mL). When the total amount (maximum liquid amount of about 300 mL) is supplied to the measurement unit 2, the total amount of the mixed liquid stored in the first dilution chamber 43 or the second dilution chamber 44 can be supplied at a time. Thereby, compared with the case where a liquid mixture is supplied to the stirring chamber 46 in multiple times from the 1st dilution chamber 43 (2nd dilution chamber 44), the supply operation of a liquid mixture can be simplified.

  In the first embodiment, the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44 are configured to have substantially the same volume (for example, about 350 mL), so that the mixed solution has a desired concentration. In addition, the supply amount of the high concentration reagent and the supply amount of the RO water supplied to the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44 may be equalized in the first dilution chamber 43 and the second dilution chamber 44, respectively. it can. Accordingly, it is not necessary to change the supply amounts of the high concentration reagent and the RO water depending on the supply destination (the first dilution chamber 43 or the second dilution chamber 44) of the high concentration reagent and the RO water in order to obtain a predetermined concentration reagent. In addition, the operation of supplying the high concentration reagent and the RO water can be simplified.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a case where a reagent preparation device 600 provided with an RO water preparation unit 700 outside is used as a part of the blood analyzer 800 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 20, blood analyzer 800 includes measurement unit 2 having a function of measuring blood, data processing unit 3 that analyzes measurement data output from measurement unit 2 and obtains an analysis result, and a sample. And a reagent preparation device 600 that prepares a reagent used for this process.

  Here, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the reagent preparation device 600 uses the RO water produced by the RO water production unit 700 provided outside to obtain a high concentration reagent. The reagent used for blood analysis is prepared by diluting to a concentration.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the reagent preparing device 600 is provided with a touch panel type display unit 601. The CPU 49a of the reagent preparation device 600 is configured to receive instructions such as activation, shutdown, and various settings of the reagent preparation device 600 from the user via the touch panel display unit 601.

  The remaining structure of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the configuration of the reagent preparation apparatus 600 can be simplified by providing the RO water preparation unit 700 outside the reagent preparation apparatus 600 as described above.

  The remaining effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned first embodiment.

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

  For example, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the high concentration reagent is diluted 25 times has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the high concentration reagent is set to a magnification other than 25 times. For example, it may be diluted 20 times. In this case, the RO water is quantified once using the diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b, then the high concentration reagent is quantified once, and then the RO water is quantified 18 times to prepare a reagent with a dilution factor of 20 times. May be.

  In the first and second embodiments, the RO water as the dilution liquid is quantified once, then the high-concentration reagent is quantified once, and then the RO water is quantified 23 times to obtain a dilution factor of 25. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after quantifying the RO water twice, the high concentration reagent is quantified once, and then the RO water is quantified 22 times. A reagent with a dilution factor of 25 may be prepared.

  Moreover, although the example of the structure which provides the two diaphragm pumps 45a and 45b was shown in the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, this invention is not restricted to this, Even if it is the structure which provides one diaphragm pump. Alternatively, a configuration in which three or more diaphragm pumps are provided may be employed.

  Moreover, in the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, although the example of the structure which shares a diaphragm pump with both the supply of RO water and the supply of a high concentration reagent was shown, this invention is not limited to this, A plurality of A configuration may be adopted in which a diaphragm pump is provided and RO water and high concentration reagent are supplied using separate diaphragm pumps.

  Moreover, in the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, although the example of the structure which quantifies RO water and a high concentration reagent using a diaphragm pump was shown, this invention is not limited to this, It is one quantification operation | movement. As long as it is a quantifier capable of quantifying a predetermined amount of liquid, for example, a configuration in which RO water and a high concentration reagent are quantified using a syringe pump with a fixed piston stroke amount may be used.

  Moreover, in the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, although the reagent preparation apparatus installed separately from the measurement part was shown as an example of a reagent preparation apparatus, this invention is not limited to this, The modification of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a reagent preparation device provided in the measurement unit and functioning as a reagent preparation mechanism may be used. Examples of the measurement unit (device) having a reagent preparation mechanism include a blood cell counter, an immunoassay device, and a smear preparation device, which are particularly suitable for blood cell counters that use a large amount of dilution liquid. ing.

  Similarly, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, as an example of the sample processing system, a blood analyzer provided with a measurement unit and a reagent preparation device is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and measurement is performed. And a blood analyzer including a reagent preparation mechanism provided in the measurement unit. In the blood analyzer, each chamber of the reagent preparation device does not need to be provided in a single device. For example, a stirring chamber and two dilution chambers are provided in the device on the reagent preparation side and used for measurement. A supply chamber for waiting for the reagent may be provided in the apparatus on the measurement unit side. Further, both the stirring chamber and the supply chamber may be provided in the apparatus on the measurement unit side. Further, both the stirring chamber and the supply chamber may be omitted, and the measurement unit may suck the mixed solution directly from the dilution chamber. Alternatively, the high concentration reagent chamber may be omitted, and the high concentration reagent may be supplied from the high concentration reagent tank to the dilution chamber. Alternatively, the RO water chamber may be omitted, and a pure water purification device provided outside the reagent preparation device may be used. Pure water may be supplied to the dilution chamber.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the pneumatic unit 7 is provided in the measuring unit 2 and the measuring unit 2 sucks the reagent from the supply chamber 47 of the reagent supplying device 4 is shown. Not limited to this, without providing a pneumatic part for aspirating the reagent on the measuring unit side, for example, the reagent is supplied from the reagent preparing device side to the measuring unit using the pneumatic part (positive pressure source) of the reagent preparing device. The configuration may be (inflow).

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the mixed liquid is stirred in the stirring chamber. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mixed liquid is not limited to the first dilution chamber (first dilution chamber). (2 dilution chambers) may be agitated.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, a bent pipe is provided in the stirring chamber, and the liquid mixture transferred from the first dilution chamber (second dilution chamber) flows along the inner wall surface of the stirring chamber. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mixed solution may be stirred by a structure other than a bent pipe.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the liquid mixture is supplied to one stirring chamber from the first dilution chamber and the second dilution chamber has been described. Not limited to this, two stirring chambers corresponding to the first dilution chamber and the second dilution chamber may be provided.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the reagent preparing device supplies a stirring chamber for stirring the mixed solution supplied from the first dilution chamber (second dilution chamber) and a supply to the measurement unit. Although an example including a supply chamber for storing a waiting reagent has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and either the stirring chamber or the supply chamber is omitted, and both the stirring of the mixed solution and the waiting for the supply of the reagent are performed. The structure provided with one chamber which has these functions may be sufficient.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in which the reagent preparing device includes two dilution chambers has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reagent preparing device may include three or more dilution chambers. .

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the mixed solution in the second dilution chamber is used while the reagent preparing device performs the supply operation of supplying the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber. Is supplied to the stirring chamber, and while supplying the high-concentration reagent and RO water to the second dilution chamber, the mixed solution in the first dilution chamber is supplied to the stirring chamber. It is operating. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the supply operation of supplying the mixed solution in the second dilution chamber to the stirring chamber while the supply operation of supplying the high concentration reagent and the RO water to the first dilution chamber is performed. Although the supply operation for supplying the high-concentration reagent and the RO water to the second dilution chamber is performed, the supply operation for supplying the mixed solution in the first dilution chamber to the stirring chamber is not performed. Good.

1,800 Blood analyzer (specimen processing system)
2 Measurement unit 4,600 Reagent preparation device 6 Air pressure unit (pressure generation unit)
7 Pneumatic part (suction part)
41 High-concentration reagent chamber (first liquid container)
42 RO water chamber (second liquid container)
43 1st dilution chamber (1st liquid mixture accommodating part)
44 2nd dilution chamber (2nd liquid mixture accommodating part)
45a Diaphragm pump (first pump)
45b Diaphragm pump (second pump)
46 Stirring chamber (third mixed solution container)
47 Supply chamber (fourth liquid mixture container)
49 Control unit (supply control means)
200-222 Solenoid valve (supply switching unit)

Claims (21)

From said first liquid a first liquid to a supply configured to be capable reagent preparing device the reagent to the measurement section for measuring a specimen using the reagent prepared from the different second liquid,
A reagent storage section for storing a reagent to be supplied to the measurement section;
And mixing the second liquid with the first liquid, the first mixed-section for preparing a reagent to be supplied to the reagent reservoir,
And mixing the second liquid with the first liquid, and the second mixed-section for preparing a reagent to be supplied to the reagent reservoir,
Supplies the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-portion, the first the first liquid and the second to supply liquid and the second liquid to the second mixed-section The supply of the liquid is controlled , the reagent prepared in the first mixing unit is supplied to the reagent storage unit, and the reagent prepared in the second mixing unit is supplied to the reagent storage unit. Supply control means for controlling the supply of the reagent ,
When a shutdown instruction is received, the supply control unit is configured to supply the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit until a reagent being prepared in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit is supplied to the reagent storage unit. Reagent preparation device for continuing the preparation of the reagent in the section . The reagent reservoir is connected to the measurement unit,
The supply control means, after a predetermined amount of the reagent is manually prepared on the second mixed-section, a reagent that is manually prepared on the second mixed-section, of the reagent to be supplied to the reagent reservoir The reagent preparation device according to claim 1, which controls supply. It said supply control means supplies said while the first supplies the first liquid and the second liquid in the mixed-section, a reagent that is manually prepared on the second mixed-unit to the reagent reservoir The reagent preparation device according to claim 2, wherein the supply of the first liquid, the second liquid, and the reagent is controlled as described above. During the supply control means which supplies a predetermined amount after the reagent has been manually prepared in the first mixed-section, the first liquid and the second liquid to the second mixed-section, said first hands prepared reagent 1 mixed-section, so as to supply to said reagent reservoir, the first liquid, to control the supply of the second liquid, and the reagent, the reagent preparing device according to claim 3 . The supply control means, after supplying the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-section, the said first liquid and said second liquid to be supplied to the second mixed-section the The reagent preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which controls supply of one liquid and the second liquid. The supply control means includes a supply of the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-section, the first liquid and alternate supply and the said second liquid to the second mixed-section The reagent preparing device according to claim 1, wherein the reagent preparing device controls supply of the first liquid and the second liquid so as to be executed. The first mixing unit is configured to be able to store a mixed liquid of the first liquid and the second liquid, and the second mixing unit can store a mixed liquid of the first liquid and the second liquid. Composed of
Wherein the first mixed-portion and the second mixed-section, having substantially the same volume, the reagent preparing device according to any one of claims 1-6. Further example Bei the first liquid storage unit for storing the first liquid,
The supply controller is configured to selectively supply the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit to one of the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit. The reagent preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , which controls supply of the first liquid from the storage unit . A second liquid storage part for storing the second liquid;
The supply control means is configured to selectively supply the second liquid stored in the second liquid storage unit to one of the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit. The reagent preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which controls supply of the second liquid from the storage unit. Further example Bei stirring portion for stirring the reagent prepared in at least one of the previous SL first mixed-section and the second mixed-section,
The reagent preparing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit are connected to the reagent storage unit via the stirring unit . The agitation unit, by the reagent is supplied, supplied the reagent is configured to be agitated, the reagent preparing device according to claim 10. Before SL stirring unit, through the reagent reservoir is connected to the measuring unit, the reagent preparing device according to claim 10 or 11. The first mixing unit is configured to be able to store a mixed liquid of the first liquid and the second liquid, and the second mixing unit can store a mixed liquid of the first liquid and the second liquid. Composed of
The reagent reservoir includes a capacity and a maximum liquid amount of the mixed liquid to be stored in the first mixing section, the total amount or more reagents to the maximum liquid amount of the liquid mixture is stored in the second mixing section The reagent preparation device according to claim 12, which is configured as follows. A pressure generation unit that generates a pressure for transferring the first liquid and the second liquid; and a supply switching unit that switches a supply destination of the pressure generated by the pressure generation unit,
The reagent preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the supply control unit controls switching of a supply destination by the supply switching unit. Above using a first pump for supplying the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-portion using a pressure generated by the pressure generating unit, the pressure generated by the pressure generating unit further comprising a second pump for supplying the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-section, the reagent preparing device according to claim 14. The supply control means, said first pump and operates the second pump simultaneously so as to supply the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-part, by the supply switching unit The reagent preparation device according to claim 15 , which controls switching of a supply destination. The reagent preparation device comprises:
A discarding unit for discarding the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit;
A disposal control means,
When the reagent in the middle of preparation in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit is supplied to the reagent storing unit, the discard control unit stores the first liquid stored in the first liquid storing unit in the discarding unit. The reagent preparation device according to claim 8, wherein the liquid is discarded. The reagent preparing device according to claim 1, wherein the first liquid is water. The reagent preparing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the second liquid is a high concentration reagent containing a preservative. A specimen processing system including a measuring unit, a reagent preparing device for preparing the reagent, the to and the first liquid the first liquid to measure the sample using the reagent prepared from the different second liquid,
The reagent preparation device comprises:
A reagent storage section for storing a reagent to be supplied to the measurement section;
And mixing the second liquid with the first liquid, the first mixed-section for preparing a reagent to be supplied to the reagent reservoir,
And mixing the second liquid with the first liquid, and the second mixed-section for preparing a reagent to be supplied to the reagent reservoir,
Supplies the first liquid and the second liquid to the first mixed-portion, the first the first liquid and the second to supply liquid and the second liquid to the second mixed-section The supply of the liquid is controlled , the reagent prepared in the first mixing unit is supplied to the reagent storage unit, and the reagent prepared in the second mixing unit is supplied to the reagent storage unit. Supply control means for controlling the supply of the reagent ,
When a shutdown instruction is received, the supply control unit is configured to supply the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit until a reagent being prepared in the first mixing unit and the second mixing unit is supplied to the reagent storage unit. Specimen processing system that continues the preparation of reagents in the department . The reagent reservoir is connected to the measurement unit ,
Further comprising a stirring section for stirring the reagent prepared in at least one of the previous SL first mixed-section and the second mixed-section,
The first mixing unit and the second mixing unit are connected to the reagent storage unit via the stirring unit,
The sample processing system according to claim 20 , wherein the measurement unit includes a suction unit that sucks the reagent from the reagent storage unit .

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