JP5330313B2 - Biological sample analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biological sample analyzer which pretreates a specimen to be inputted to an automatic analyzer for analyzing a component concentration of a biological sample and is capable of achieving improvement in treatment capacity and cost reduction by reducing manual operation. <P>SOLUTION: The biological sample analyzer comprises: a laser light source 40 and a white light source 60 which irradiate a blood collection tube 101 with different types of light from different directions; image capturing means 70 for capturing an image of the blood collection tube 101 from a side surface simultaneously with application of the light from the laser light source 40 and the white light source 60; analysis means 80 for processing the image captured by the image capturing means 70 to obtain information on a layer in the blood collection tube 101; and control means 90 for controlling the laser light source 40, the white light source 60, and the image capturing means 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a biological sample analyzer for analyzing a biological sample such as blood collected in a container, and in particular, the component constituting the biological sample is represented by the respective remaining amount, color, component separation state, and the like. Automatic optimization of the visual physical state and automatic identification of the shape and color of containers, stoppers, and optimization of the processing flow to manage the analysis process consisting of various items and combinations of many samples It relates to technology that provides information to contribute.

  Conventionally, techniques for analyzing the concentration of a component using a biological sample have been provided. Then, a process (pre-processing) performed before putting a biological sample into the automatic analyzer and a pre-processing system for automatically transporting the specimen to the automatic analyzer have appeared, and the development continues. User operations in laboratories have also diversified, and there are operational methods that give meaning to the shape or color of blood collection tubes and stoppers, such as the classification of specimens that mark the shape of blood collection tubes and the classification of specimens that focus on the color of stoppers. I can see it.

  However, complete automation of pre-processing has not been realized, and there are still parts that require manual work by the operator. A typical example is a sample pick-up operation that is somewhat inappropriate for analysis and that should not be loaded into an automatic analyzer. For example, when a sample with a small amount of serum is analyzed with an automatic analyzer, the probe is supported by the separating agent during dispensing, causing an error. ) In many cases.

  In addition, in automated analyzers that use absorbance as the measurement principle, analysis of serum with hemolysis or turbidity is fatal to the accuracy of the results, but the work of checking these samples during pretreatment is still a manual. .

  It is a market demand to solve the above-mentioned problems. For example, as described in JP-A-11-37845 (Patent Document 1), JP-A-2001-165752 (Patent Document 2), etc. Techniques relating to automatic confirmation of liquid amount and color by installation and automatic detection of foreign matter have been invented.

  The invention has been improved from this invention, and at present, for example, Japanese Patent No. 4092312 (Patent Document 3), Japanese Patent No. 3778355 (Patent Document 4), and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-10453 (Patent Document 5). As described in the above, a technique that takes into consideration the actual operation status has also been invented.

  Also, for example, a technique for automatically identifying the shape of a test tube has been born, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-204360 (Patent Document 6), etc., in order to smooth the sample classification operation during operation. ing.

  These prior arts use visible light for imaging, perform image processing to acquire information, and analyze transmission profile using invisible band wavelengths such as infrared light and microwaves. Can be categorized as content to obtain information.

  By the way, one of the actual operation methods in the laboratory is the fact that a barcode label with important information such as patient ID, personal information, and parameters necessary for device operation is attached to the surface of the blood collection tube. is there. Depending on the type of blood collection tube and the size of the label, there are cases where the entire tube wall is covered, and it has been reported that it is frequently found in the laboratory.

In addition, a commercially available blood collection tube for normal use is often already attached with a label at the time of purchase. For convenience of operation, there are not a few cases in which the label is affixed several times on the label.
Certainly, some of the prior arts provide a technique that can cope with a labeled blood collection tube. For example, as described in Japanese Patent No. 3688657 (Patent Document 7) and Japanese Patent No. 3780229 (Patent Document 8), a surface without a label is searched, and the rotation surface is used to direct the surface to the imaging device. Such a solution is known.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-37845 JP 2001-165752 A Japanese Patent No. 4092312 Japanese Patent No. 3778355 JP 2006-10453 A JP 2009-204360 A Japanese Patent No. 3688657 Japanese Patent No. 3780229

  However, the scope directly handled by the prior art is limited to the area where the contents can be seen through the colorless and transparent tube wall, and there is no mention of the applicability to the situation where the label covers the entire tube wall. Absent.

  In addition, at the present time when a processing capacity of 800 samples per hour is required in the market, a design that incorporates a rotation operation every time is not a method that is suitable for practical use because of concerns about a delay in processing speed. Furthermore, many of the contents realized by the conventional technology are independent of each other, ie, liquid volume measurement, blood collection tube shape identification, and color determination, and an increase in cost is inevitable to implement all of them.

  With only a single light as described in the above-mentioned patent document, it is difficult to obtain an effective result particularly for an object whose entire surface is covered with a label because of light shielding by a label. In addition, the boundary of the layer may be inclined depending on the centrifugation conditions, but the conventional method cannot cope with it, and the accuracy of the measured liquid volume has a problem in terms of reliability. It was.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce manual work, achieve improvement in processing capacity and cost reduction in an apparatus that performs pretreatment of a sample to be input into an automatic analyzer that analyzes the concentration of a component of a biological sample. An object of the present invention is to provide a biological sample analyzer capable of performing the above.

  The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

  Of the inventions disclosed in the present application, the outline of typical ones will be briefly described as follows.

  That is, a typical outline is a biological sample analyzer for analyzing a biological sample stored in a container, and includes two or more irradiation means for irradiating different types of light to the container, and the irradiation means. Simultaneously with the light irradiation, an image pickup means for picking up an image of the container from the side surface, an analysis means for processing an image picked up by the image pickup means and acquiring information on a layer in the container, and a control means for controlling the irradiation means and the image pickup means It is equipped with.

  The effects obtained by typical ones of the inventions disclosed in the present application will be briefly described as follows.

  In other words, the effects obtained by typical ones can reduce the burden on workers and the risk of infection associated with the work by reducing the conventional manual work, and the volume of serum present in the blood collection tube As a result, it is possible to prioritize measurement items, and as a result, an improvement in the sample processing flow can be expected.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the biological sample analyzer which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the module arrange | positioned in the input module vicinity of the analyzer of the biological sample which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the container and biological sample of the analyzer of the biological sample which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the result of the edge emphasis process of the biological sample analyzer which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the improvement of the precision of the serum volume detection of the analyzer of the biological sample which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the data about the image obtained when a color camera is used for the imaging means of the analyzer of the biological sample which concerns on one embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

  The configuration of a biological sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a biological sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a biological sample (blood) collected from a patient is preprocessed and analyzed by an automatic analyzer. Show. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a unit arranged in the vicinity of the input module of the biological sample analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the biological sample analyzer includes a transport line 2, a loading module 3, a centrifuge module 4, an opening module 5, a labeler 6 such as a barcode, a dispensing module 7, a closing module 8, a classification module 9, and a storage. A pretreatment system 1 composed of a plurality of modules having the module 10 as a basic element, an analysis means 80 for controlling the whole pretreatment system 1 and a control part serving as a control means 90, and components of a biological sample connected to the front thereof. It comprises an automatic analyzer 11 for analysis. In the vicinity of the input module 3, a unit 20 that is a feature of the present embodiment is arranged.

  The input module 3 inputs the specimen into the biological sample analyzer, and the centrifuge module 4 centrifuges the input specimen. The plug opening module 5 opens the plug of the centrifuged sample, and the dispensing module 7 subdivides the centrifuged sample for analysis by the automatic analyzer 11 or the like. In the labeler 6, a barcode is attached to the subdivided container.

  The plugging module 8 plugs the sample, and the storage module 10 stores the plugged sample. The classification module 9 classifies the dispensed sample container.

  In FIG. 2, the unit 20 first needs a base 30 for connection to the pretreatment system 1. On this table 30, as a main element, a dedicated fixture 31 for fixing the blood collection tube 101 vertically, two irradiation means (40, 60), and an imaging means 70 are provided, and an image acquired by the imaging means 70 is displayed. The analyzing means 80 for analyzing, the two irradiating means (40, 60), and the control means 90 for controlling the imaging means 70 are connected.

  In the present embodiment, the laser light source 40 and the white light source 60 are used as the irradiation means (40, 60). The laser light source 40 includes a lens 41 for adjusting the irradiation area, and a condensing degree adjuster 42 for adjusting the condensing degree. As the wavelength, 630 nm laser light 44 having a value close to a typical color of blood is used. Actually, it can be carried out in any wavelength band, and as described later, a method of selectively using a plurality of wavelengths including wavelengths characteristic of the object to be measured may be used.

  Further, a moving means 50 is provided on the table 30, and the laser light source 40 is connected to the moving means 50 via a rod 51 so that it can move up and down. On the other hand, in addition to the light emitting portion 61, the white light source 60 includes an angle adjustment mechanism 62 that is an angle adjustment unit that adjusts the angle, a light amount adjustment switch 64 that is a light amount adjustment unit that adjusts the light amount, and an output wavelength. The filter 65 is provided as output wavelength adjusting means. Further, the white light source 60 is fixed to the moving means 50 via the rod 52.

  As for the imaging means 70, the sensor uses a CMOS. A CCD may also be used. The arrangement of the imaging means 70 is as shown in FIG. It is desirable that the distance, aperture, and focus are adjusted so that the entire blood collection tube can be seen. The imaging means 70 also includes a filter 71, an imaging lens 72, a diaphragm 73, a focusing adjustment screw 74, a focusing adjustment screw stopper 75, a diaphragm adjustment screw stopper 76, a diaphragm adjustment 77, and a magnification adjustment function. Yes.

  An analysis unit 80 that acquires and analyzes image data is connected to the tip of the imaging unit 70. The laser light source 40, the white light source 60, and the imaging unit 70 are controlled by a command based on an electrical signal from the control unit 90.

  Blood collection is performed using a blood collection tube 101 which is a dedicated container. There are various types of blood collection tubes 101, and each user uses them according to their respective purposes. A variety of shapes having different diameters (for example, 16 mm and 13 mm in diameter), different heights (for example, 75 mm and 100 mm), and having different plugs 102 are used in combination.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of the unit 20 of the biological sample analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail along a time series with blood sampling as a rule. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a container and a biological sample of a biological sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an edge emphasis of the biological sample analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the result of a process.

  First, patient blood (whole blood) is collected using the blood collection tube 101. The blood collection tube 101 is input to the pretreatment system 1 through the input module 3. Blood collection and injection are performed manually by the user, and subsequent operations are automatic operations performed by the pretreatment system 1.

  The blood collection tube 101 is conveyed to the centrifuge module 4 where the centrifuge is performed. The blood collection tube 101 contains a separation agent 112 in advance, and is separated into a clot 113 layer having a relatively large specific gravity and a serum 111 layer having a relatively small specific gravity and used for blood analysis by centrifugation. [FIG. 3A]. Depending on the analysis item, there may be blood collection without the separating agent 112 [FIG. 3 (b)].

  In operation, a barcode label 118 is attached to the blood collection tube 101. The bar code label 118 is printed with patient ID, measurement item, diagnosis item, personal information, parameter information, etc. [FIG. 3C]. Depending on the relationship between the diameter of the blood collection tube 101 and the size of the barcode label 118, only a part of the side surface of the blood collection tube 101 may leave the gap 120 and cover almost the entire surface [FIG. Is covered with the barcode label 118, and in some cases, it is overlaid on the label paper of the barcode label 118 that is pasted at the time of shipment. Now you can't check the inside.

  Then, the blood collection tube 101 is fixed to a dedicated fixture 31. In this state, the laser light source 40 and the white light source 60 are turned on. The laser beam 44 has a power that passes through the paper. For this reason, by irradiating the side surface of the blood collection tube 101 with the laser light 44, the contents of the blood collection tube can be seen even when the barcode label 118 is entirely covered [FIG. ]].

  Using this state, the blood collection tube 101 is irradiated with the white light source 60 obliquely from above. As described above, the point of utilizing the transmission of the laser light source 40 by the laser light 44 and the white light irradiation of the white light source 60 together is the technical point of the present embodiment.

  Further, in actual operation, there is a part where the gap 120 exists and the inside can be seen, or a part of which is affixed several times. For the former, since the light shielding by the bar code label 118 is reduced, the sensor of the imaging means 70 is saturated under the same conditions as the entire surface covering. On the other hand, in the latter case, light shielding by the bar code label 118 is large, and the amount of light received by the sensor of the imaging means 70 is insufficient under the same conditions as the entire surface covering. In order to cope with this, the white light source 60 is provided with a light amount adjustment switch 64 for adjusting the amount of light, and can be adjusted for each imaging.

  Specifically, the method is as follows. The imaging condition of the white light source 60 when optimum imaging is obtained with the barcode label 118 covered on the entire surface is set as the initial condition. First, the blood collection tube is irradiated with the laser light source 40 to perform first imaging, and the irradiation amount is grasped. Based on the light quantity obtained there, the light quantity of the white light source 60 is adjusted.

  As an adjustment method, for example, a method of setting the number of saturated pixels in an image to a predetermined value or less can be considered. When this is applied, the case where the label has a gap sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the blood collection tube will saturate the sensor of the imaging means 70 when irradiated under the initial conditions.

  On the other hand, for the case where the barcode label 118 is attached in an overlapping manner, the irradiation under the initial conditions has a small amount of light and effective imaging cannot be performed. In this way, a constant imaging result can be obtained regardless of the state of sticking to the barcode label 118.

  Note that not only the white light source 60 but also a method of adjusting the amount of laser light 44 may be used.

  Various information about the blood can be obtained from the image captured here. One is measurement of the amount of serum used in the automatic analyzer 11. For example, edge processing is performed on the acquired image. An example of the result is shown in an image 130 in FIG. In order from the top, first, the detection of the upper surface 132 of the label is successful. Next, the upper surface 133 of the serum can also be detected. Since the serum is a liquid, the meniscus 115 exists on the upper surface. Due to this presence, the surface of the serum is scattered, and as a result, it shines stronger than the vicinity. The layer that shines strongly under the serum 134 is the separating agent 136.

  The boundary surface 135 between the two is also relatively clear. Since the separating agent 136 transmits light well, it is detected by shining locally locally in the image. The lower layer is a clot 138. The blood clot 138 appears dark like this because the components are dark and difficult to transmit light. The interface 137 between the clot 138 and the separating agent 136 is also relatively clear.

  Thereby, it is possible to distinguish and recognize the three layers of serum 111, separating agent 112, and blood clot 113. The capacity of each layer can be calculated from the information on the area or height (thickness) and the width of the blood collection tube 101 (described later).

  In addition, since the position of the separating agent 112 can be specified, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the centrifugation is performed. For example, if the separating agent 112 exists at the bottom of the blood collection tube 101, it can be determined that the centrifugation has not been performed, and if it exists in the middle, the centrifugation has been completed. This not only reduces the work that has been performed visually, but also enables smooth operation by automatic determination.

  In addition, it can be confirmed from FIG. 4B that the edge 131 of the blood collection tube is also clearly extracted. From this, it becomes possible to identify the shape of the blood collection tube, calculate the size, determine the presence or absence of a stopper, and identify the shape of the stopper. Furthermore, with respect to an image before edge processing, barcode information can be identified by reading a printed portion, and when a color camera is used, determination of serum type, color determination of a blood collection tube stopper, and the like are also possible. .

  These determination results are sent from the analysis unit 80 to the main body of the preprocessing system 1 via the communication unit and the like, and are handled as information for optimizing the processing flow of the preprocessing system 1.

  Next, referring to FIG. 5, the improvement in the accuracy of the serum volume detection of the biological sample analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the improvement of the accuracy of the serum volume detection of the biological sample analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the actual specimen, as shown in FIG. 3A described above, the boundary surface 116 between the serum 111 and the separating agent 112 may not be completely perpendicular to the blood collection tube but may be inclined. In such a case, in order to measure the serum amount more accurately, it is necessary to handle the oblique part without ignoring it. This method is described.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of measurement. Consider the case where the blood collection tube 101 and the imaging means 70 are arranged at the position shown in FIG. When photographing with this arrangement, an image such as an image 306 is obtained for the separating agent 112. For each height of the image 306, the amount of light at the same height is averaged. When the average value is plotted on the vertical axis 307 and the height of the separating agent 112 is plotted on the horizontal axis 308, a graph 309 of the amount of light with respect to the height of the separating agent 112 is obtained.

Although the central portion has the same amount of light, the amount of light decreases at the end portion because the separating agent 112 appears obliquely. Under this phenomenon, one of the following methods is adopted in order to increase the accuracy of the volume measurement of serum 111.
(I) The middle point 303 of the section in which the light intensity is rising (rise start 301, rise end 302) is regarded as the serum upper surface.
(Ii) When the light amount data of the section in which the light amount is rising (rise start 301, rise end 302) is approximated by a linear function, and the slope is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the volume described in (i) can be accurately set. I don't want it. In this situation, in order to improve accuracy more than the method described in (i), the volume of the boundary portion is directly calculated using an approximate function.

  By the above method, the accuracy of the serum amount to be measured can be improved.

Next, another example in the calculation of the serum amount or the identification of the serum type of the biological sample analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a graph showing data about an image obtained when a color camera is used as the imaging means of the biological sample analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 and FIG. 6B are graphs showing the respective light amounts (= sqrt (R ² + G ² + B ² )) (204, 205) of the serum 111 and the R / G ratios of the separating agent 112 and the serum 111 ( 214, 215). Since clots do not transmit light, data cannot be obtained.

  6A, the horizontal axis indicates the pixel number 202, the vertical axis indicates the light quantity 203, and in FIG. 6B, the horizontal axis indicates the pixel number 212, and the vertical axis indicates R / G 213.

  As can be seen from the data shown in FIG. 6, the light quantity 204 of the separating agent 112 exceeds the serum light quantity 205. Each takes an average value. Using this, a certain reference value is prepared in advance, the light amount is calculated for each pixel of the obtained image, the light amount of this pixel is compared with the reference value, and whether this pixel corresponds to the separating agent 112 or serum It is judged whether it corresponds to 111, and a map showing the location of the separating agent 112 and serum 111 is constructed. By calculating the area of the constructed map, the amount of serum can be obtained.

  In addition, an R / G ratio is obtained for the serum 111 region obtained here. 215 in FIG. 6 (b) shows the R / G ratio of the hemolyzed serum 111. By comparing with the R / G ratio (214) of the separating agent 112 in this manner, It is possible to make a quantitative assessment of the color.

  Moreover, the color of serum varies depending on the type. Therefore, the directionality of the color of serum varies depending on the collected blood. It is also effective to use a plurality of wavelengths including wavelengths characteristic of the color object to be measured by utilizing this principle in reverse. This will be described in detail.

  There are types of serum that interfere with component analysis by the automatic analyzer 11. For example, hemolysis and jaundice. Identifying these is an important issue. It is known that there is a characteristic in directivity, absorbance, or color for the color to be irradiated depending on the type. For example, hemolysis often shines when irradiated with light with a long wavelength (red), but does not shine strongly with light with a short wavelength (blue, purple). On the other hand, jaundice tends to absorb light having a short wavelength. Using these characteristics, the serum type is specified.

  As a specific method, there is a method in which a plurality of laser light sources 40 having different wavelengths are installed and alternately irradiated to acquire data. For example, two wavelengths of 635 nm and 445 nm are prepared and irradiated alternately. When serum shines for both wavelengths of irradiation, it can be determined as normal serum, 635 nm only when irradiated, and 445 nm irradiation when not lysed, hemolysis when 445 nm absorption is large, jaundice.

  This method may be a method of adjusting the filter 65 provided in the white light source 60 as a similar method. Further, as a method of adjusting the image pickup means 70 side, a method of switching the filter 71 provided in the camera or the like of the image pickup means 70 may be used.

  After that, it is stored in the storage module 10 through opening in the opening module 5, dispensing in the dispensing module 7, and closing in the closing module 8. In the dispensing module 7, the necessary amount of serum for the automatic analyzer 11 is subdivided. It is the role of the classification module 9 to classify the subdivided sera for each automatic analyzer 11 to be charged, and the label label 6 is attached to the subdivided container with a label such as ID.

  Note that the function of the unit 20 of the present embodiment is a field in which variations tend to occur in the value of the result of liquid volume measurement / color determination. For this reason, a sample with a known amount and a known color is measured automatically and periodically, and it is possible to check whether the measurement result is correct and, if necessary, to correct the result based on the check result. Functions such as displaying results are also important.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator and the risk of infection accompanying the work by reducing the conventional manual work. In addition, by obtaining information on the volume of serum present in the blood collection tube, it is possible to prioritize measurement items, and as a result, an improvement in the sample processing flow can be expected.

  Conventionally, if the serum level is insufficient, the error display cannot be grasped until the dispensing operation is started after being put into the automatic analyzer. By enabling early detection of specimens, it is possible to avoid wasting time and improve processing capacity.

  In addition, since the accuracy of capacity measurement is improved, a more reliable system can be constructed. Furthermore, since it is possible to identify and exclude defective samples, it is possible to avoid problems occurring in the automatic analyzer, which can lead to cost reduction.

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The present invention relates to a biological sample analyzer for analyzing a biological sample such as blood collected in a container, and is typified by the remaining amount, color, component separation state, and the like for components constituting the biological sample. Such as systems and devices that have a processing flow to manage the analysis process consisting of a wide variety of items and combinations of many samples by automatically grasping the visible physical state and automatically identifying the shape and color of containers and stoppers Widely applicable to.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sample pretreatment system, 2 ... Conveyance line, 3 ... Loading module, 4 ... Centrifugal module, 5 ... Opening module, 6 ... Labeler, 7 ... Dispensing module, 8 ... Closing module, 9 ... Classification module, 10 ... storage module, 11 ... automatic analyzer, 20 ... unit, 30 ... stand, 31 ... dedicated fixture, 40 ... laser light source, 41 ... lens, 42 ... concentration adjuster, 44 ... laser light, (irradiation), DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Moving means, 51, 52 ... Stick, 60 ... White light source, 61 ... Light emission part, 62 ... Angle adjustment mechanism, 64 ... Light quantity adjustment switch, 65 ... Filter, 70 ... Imaging means, 71 ... Filter, 72 ... Imaging Lens 73 ... Aperture 74 ... Focus adjustment screw 75 ... Focus adjustment screw fixing 76 ... Fine adjustment screw fixing 77 ... Aperture adjustment 80 ... Analysis means 90 ... Control means 101 ... Adopting Tubing, 102 ... Plug, 111 ... Serum, 112 ... Separation agent, 113 ... Blood clot, 114 ... Upper surface of serum layer, 115 ... Meniscus, 116 ... Interface between serum and separation agent, 117 ... Separation agent / clot Boundary surface, 118 ... Barcode label, 119 ... Boundary surface between serum and blood clot, 120 ... Clearance, 130 ... Image after edge processing (outline of blood collection tube), 131 ... Edge of blood collection tube, 132 ... In edge processing Upper surface of detected label, 133... Upper surface of serum detected by edge processing, 134... Serum detected by edge processing, 135... Boundary surface (serum and separating agent) detected by edge processing, 136. 137... Boundary surface detected by edge processing (separation agent and blood clot) 138... Clot detected by edge processing.

Claims (13)

Of the layers composed of two or more types stored in one container, information on at least one layer is acquired, and based on the acquired information, the biological sample stored in the container and configuring the layer A biological sample analyzer for performing analysis,
Two or more irradiation means for irradiating the container with different types of light including white light and laser light ;
Simultaneously with the irradiation of light by the irradiation means, imaging means for imaging the container from the side surface
Analysis means for processing an image picked up by the image pickup means and obtaining information on the layer in the container;
Control means for controlling the irradiation means and the imaging means,
In the container, at least all or a part of the side surface of the region in which the layer is stored is covered with a label,
The laser beam is transmitted to the label by a first irradiation unit, the white light is irradiated to the inside of the container by a second irradiation unit,
The imaging means images the container from the side, confirms the visible properties of the contents in the container,
The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the first irradiation unit adjusts an irradiation area of the laser light to irradiate light to at least an area covered with the label . The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The first irradiation means includes light amount adjusting means for controlling the irradiation power,
The control unit irradiates the container with the irradiation unit different from the first irradiation unit, acquires light amount data from the imaging unit, and based on the acquired light amount data value Te, wherein the controlling the light amount adjusting means of the first illumination means, the analyzer of a biological sample, characterized in that to optimize the irradiation condition. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1,
The second irradiating means has a light amount adjusting means for controlling the irradiation power,
The control unit irradiates the container with the irradiation unit different from the second irradiation unit, acquires the light amount data from the imaging unit, and based on the acquired value of the light amount data And controlling the light amount adjusting means of the second irradiating means to optimize the irradiation conditions. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 3,
The second irradiating means includes an angle adjusting means for controlling an irradiation angle to the container, and an output wavelength adjusting means for controlling a wavelength of light to be irradiated.
The control unit irradiates the container with the irradiation unit different from the second irradiation unit, acquires the light amount data from the imaging unit, and based on the acquired value of the light amount data And controlling the angle adjusting means and the output wavelength adjusting means of the second irradiation means to optimize the irradiation conditions. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1 ,
A biological sample analyzer, wherein at least one of the irradiation means emits light in a line shape. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The biological sample analyzing apparatus characterized in that the analyzing means specifies at least one layer from the image, measures an area of the specified layer, and calculates a capacity of the layer from the measured area value. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The biological sample analyzing apparatus characterized in that the analyzing means extracts color information from an image acquired by the imaging means and specifies a color relating to at least one layer. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The layer housed in the container includes a layer of separating agent;
The analysis means specifies the position of the separating agent, and determines whether the centrifugation process has been performed or not based on information on the specified position. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 6,
The analysis means identifies the color of the image, identifies the layer based on the identified color information, calculates the height and width occupied by the identified layer, and at least based on the calculated value An apparatus for analyzing a biological sample, characterized in that the capacity of one layer is calculated. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 9, wherein
In the case where the boundary surface separating different layers has an oblique shape, the analyzing means sets the position of the boundary surface serving as a basis for the capacitance measurement of the layer as an average value of the highest position and the lowest position of the boundary. The biological sample analyzer characterized by the above-mentioned. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 10,
The analysis means sets a reference value and a correlation function in advance, and calculates the volume of the layer based on the correlation function when an angle formed by the boundary surface and the side surface of the container is equal to or larger than the reference value. A biological sample analyzer characterized by the above. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The analysis unit measures the layer having a known physical quantity at predetermined time intervals, and corrects the physical quantity obtained by the measurement to a known quantity. The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The light incident on the imaging means is a first wavelength band having directivity in a specific layer of the layers and a second wavelength band having no directivity in the specific layer,
The biological sample analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit specifies the layer from a difference between the image in the first wavelength band and the image in the second wavelength band incident on the imaging unit.