JP5785933B2 - Analysis device, quality confirmation device, and quality confirmation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer, a quality confirmation device, and a quality confirmation method.

  Conventionally, an analyzer (for example, refer to Patent Document 1) for analyzing a sample (specimen) such as urine or blood using an analysis test piece is known. In this type of analyzer, a plurality of test specimens for analysis are stored in a hopper-shaped or box-shaped test specimen container, and when performing an analysis process, the analytical test specimens are transferred to the test specimen using a transfer means. One by one is taken out from the accommodating part. The taken-out analytical test specimen is inserted into the sample container and immersed in the specimen, or the specimen is spotted on the analytical specimen using a spotting (dispensing) device. Used in After the sample is spotted and added to the analytical test piece in this way, for example, the color tone change of the analytical test piece is measured using an optical technique, and the concentration of a specific component is determined based on the measurement result. Is judged.

  Here, when the test specimen for analysis is exposed to a humid environment for a long period of time, the reagent applied to the reagent part (reagent pad) may change in quality, leading to a decrease in quality (deterioration). An open / close lid for defining the storage space from the external space, for example, so that the storage space for the analysis test strip in the test strip storage section has an atmosphere suitable for preventing deterioration (deterioration) of the quality of the analysis test strip. Or a desiccant may be installed in the storage space. However, even if such measures are taken, it is not easy to ensure sufficient sealing and airtightness of the accommodation space.

  For this reason, normally, a sealed storage container that can store analysis specimens in a sealed state is attached to the analyzer, and excess analysis specimens are stored in a sealed container each time an analysis process is completed. In many cases, the instruction of the content to be performed is described in the instruction manual of the analyzer. For example, a user (user) who observes the description in this instruction manual, if the test specimen for analysis remains in the test specimen container when the main power of the analyzer is turned off, Store excess in sealed containers. As a result, even if the operation stop period until the main power of the analyzer is turned on is long, the test specimen for analysis is not stored in the sealed storage container in the analyzer during the operation stop period. As long as it is stored, the test specimen for analysis does not deteriorate.

JP 2000-32270 A JP 2009-229232 A

  However, when the operation of the analyzer is stopped, it is usually up to the user to actually store the analytical test strip remaining in the test strip container in the sealed storage container. Therefore, it cannot be denied that there is a possibility that the test specimen for analysis is left (leaved) in the test specimen container during the operation stop period of the analyzer. Also, this type of analyzer usually does not monitor the timing and number of the test pieces for analysis put into the test piece container. From the above, when the analysis process is resumed by the analyzer, there is a possibility that a so-called deteriorated analysis test piece such as a quality drop may be used for the analysis process. As a result, there is a possibility that the analysis error of the sample is likely to occur or the reliability of the analysis result is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in an analyzer for analyzing a sample using an analytical test piece, allows the user to appropriately recognize the deterioration status of the analytical test piece used in the analysis process. The purpose is to provide a technology that can do this.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above-described problems.
That is, the present invention is an analyzer for analyzing a sample using an analysis test piece, a test piece storage part for storing the analysis test piece, and the analysis test piece in the test piece storage part Deterioration determination means for determining the deterioration status of the analytical test piece using the storage period of the analysis as a criterion, and notification means for informing the user of the deterioration status of the analytical test piece determined by the determination means It is an analysis device. According to this configuration, it is possible to determine the deterioration state according to the storage period of the analysis test piece and notify the user of the determination result. Therefore, it is possible to make the user appropriately recognize the deterioration state of the analysis test piece used for the analysis process.

  For example, the deterioration determination means in the present analysis apparatus may determine the deterioration state of the analysis test piece based on whether or not the storage period of the analysis test piece exceeds an allowable exposure period. This allowable exposure period is, for example, the longest period in which the test specimen for analysis can be maintained in the test specimen container in a state where the test specimen can be used without any problem in analysis accuracy. In this configuration, when the storage period of the analytical test piece exceeds the allowable exposure period, it is determined that the analytical test piece is deteriorated (for example, the quality is deteriorated), and the storage period is within the allowable exposure period. In this case, it can be determined that the test specimen for analysis has not deteriorated.

  In addition, the deterioration determining means includes a residual state determining unit that determines whether or not the analytical test piece remains in the test piece storage unit, and the residual test unit determines that the analytical test piece is the test piece. When it is determined that the sample remains in the storage unit, a period calculation unit that calculates the storage period of the analysis test piece, and the deterioration of the analysis test piece based on the storage period calculated by the period calculation unit And a determination unit that determines a situation. Further, the residual state determination unit may perform the above determination at each timing when the analyzer is activated, for example. This is because, when the test specimen for analysis remains in the test specimen container when the apparatus is activated, the possibility that the test specimen for analysis is exposed to the exposure environment for a long time and deteriorates increases.

  In addition, the period calculation unit includes a first accommodation period, which is an elapsed period from the time when the determination that the test piece accommodation unit has been emptied by the residual state determination unit to the time when the apparatus is activated, and the latest A second accommodation period that is an elapsed period from the time when the apparatus is stopped to the time when the apparatus is activated, and the determination unit performs the analysis based on at least one of the first accommodation period and the second accommodation period. You may comprise so that the deterioration condition of the test piece for an object may be discriminate | determined.

  For example, the determination unit may determine that the test specimen for analysis is normal when the first accommodation period is within an allowable exposure period. And the said discrimination | determination part discriminate | determines that this test piece for analysis is a 1st deterioration state, when only the 1st accommodation period exceeds the said allowable exposure period among the said 1st accommodation period and the said 2nd accommodation period. When the first storage period and the second storage period both exceed the permissible exposure period, it is determined that the test specimen for analysis is in the second deterioration state, and the second deterioration state is the second deterioration state. It may be determined that the degree of deterioration is larger than that of the one deterioration state.

  The apparatus further comprises an open / close lid provided in the test strip storage section for defining the analysis test strip storage space from an external space, and an open / closed state detecting means for detecting an open / closed state of the open / close lid. The deterioration determining means determines the deterioration state of the analytical test piece using the accommodation state of the analytical test piece based on the open / closed state of the open / close lid detected by the open / closed state detecting means as a determination criterion. May be. For example, when determining the deterioration state of the analytical test piece, the deterioration determining means may weight the deterioration degree of the analytical test piece based on the open / closed state of the open / close lid during the storage period. good.

  Here, the exposure environment to which the test specimen for analysis is exposed in the test specimen container greatly affects the degree of deterioration of the test specimen for analysis. That is, the higher the humidity in the test piece container during the period for storing the test specimen, the easier the test piece for analysis deteriorates, and the higher the temperature in the test piece container for the test period, the more easily the test piece for analysis deteriorates. I can say that. Therefore, the analysis apparatus according to the present invention may further include an exposure environment detection unit that detects at least one of humidity and temperature in the test strip container. The deterioration determining means determines the deterioration state of the analytical test piece based on whether the storage period of the analytical test piece exceeds the allowable exposure period, and the allowable exposure period is determined by detecting the exposure environment. It may be variably set according to the detection result by the means.

  For example, in the above configuration, when the exposure environment detection means detects the humidity in the test specimen container, the higher the detected humidity during the accommodation period, the higher the allowable exposure that becomes a criterion for determining the deterioration status of the test specimen for analysis. The period may be set as a shorter period. In addition, for example, when the exposure environment detection unit detects the temperature in the test piece container, the allowable exposure period may be set as a shorter period as the temperature detected in the accommodation period is higher. According to this, it is possible to accurately determine the deterioration state of the analytical test piece according to the difference in the exposure environment to which the analytical test piece is exposed, and to check its quality more accurately.

  Further, the present invention is an analyzer for analyzing a sample using an analytical test strip, the test strip housing portion for housing the analytical test strip, provided in the test strip housing portion, and the An open / close lid for demarcating the accommodation space for the test specimen for analysis from the external space, an open / close state detection means for detecting the open / close state of the open / close lid, and the open / close state of the open / close lid detected by the open / close state detection means A deterioration determining means for determining the deterioration status of the analytical test piece using the storage condition of the analysis test piece based on the determination criterion; and the deterioration status of the analytical test piece determined by the deterioration determining means to the user You may make it provide the alerting | reporting means to alert | report. In addition, the deterioration determining means may further determine the deterioration state of the analytical test piece by using the storage period of the analytical test piece in the test piece storage portion as a determination criterion.

  Further, the present invention may be a quality confirmation device for confirming the quality of an analysis test piece accommodated in the test piece accommodation portion of the analysis device. In addition, the present invention may be a method in which a computer or other device executes any one of the processes described above. The present invention may also be a program that causes a computer or other device to realize any of the functions described above. Further, the present invention may be a program in which such a program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  That is, the quality confirmation apparatus according to the present invention is a quality confirmation apparatus for confirming the quality of the analysis test piece accommodated in the test piece accommodation portion of the analysis apparatus that analyzes the sample using the analysis test piece. A deterioration determining means for determining a deterioration state of the analytical test piece using a storage period of the analytical test piece in the test piece storage portion as a determination criterion; and an analytical test piece determined by the deterioration determining means It is a quality confirmation apparatus provided with the alerting | reporting means which alert | reports to a user the degradation condition.

  Further, the quality confirmation method according to the present invention is a quality confirmation method for confirming the quality of the analytical test piece accommodated in the test piece accommodating portion of the analyzer for analyzing the sample using the analytical test piece. A test piece detection step in which a computer of the analysis device detects a remaining state of the test piece for analysis in the test piece storage section; and the test piece for analysis is the test piece storage section in the test piece detection step. When it is detected that the test specimen remains in the storage medium, a period calculation step for calculating a storage period of the analytical test piece, and a deterioration state of the analytical test piece based on the storage period calculated in the period calculation step And a notification step of notifying the user of the deterioration status of the analytical test piece determined in the determination step.

  Further, the quality confirmation program according to the present invention is a quality confirmation program for confirming the quality of the analysis test piece accommodated in the test piece accommodation portion of the analyzer that analyzes the sample using the analysis test piece. A test piece detecting step for detecting a remaining state of the test piece for analysis in the test piece containing portion in the computer of the analyzer, and the test piece containing the test piece in the test piece detecting step. When it is detected that the test specimen remains in the storage medium, a period calculation step for calculating a storage period of the analytical test piece, and a deterioration state of the analytical test piece based on the storage period calculated in the period calculation step And a notification step for notifying a user of the deterioration status of the test specimen for analysis determined in the determination step. It is.

  Further, the recording medium according to the present invention records a quality confirmation program for confirming the quality of the analytical test piece accommodated in the test piece accommodating portion of the analyzer that analyzes the sample using the analytical test piece. A computer-readable recording medium, wherein a test piece detection step for detecting a remaining state of the test piece for analysis in the test piece storage unit in the computer of the analyzer, and for the analysis in the test piece detection step When it is detected that the test piece remains in the test piece container, based on the period calculation step for calculating the storage period of the analysis test piece, and the storage period calculated in the period calculation step, A determination step for determining the deterioration status of the analytical test piece, and a report for informing the user of the deterioration status of the analytical test piece determined in the determination step. A step, which is a recording medium to execute.

  The means for solving the problems in the present invention can be combined as much as possible.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the analyzer which analyzes a sample using an analytical test piece, the technique which can make a user recognize the deterioration condition of the analytical test piece used for an analysis process appropriately is provided. be able to.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an analyzer in Example 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an analysis apparatus in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of an apparatus main body of the analyzer according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a test piece in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an analysis apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows a test piece quality confirmation control routine. It is a flowchart figure which shows a 2nd test piece quality confirmation control routine. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a test piece housing portion in Example 3. It is a flowchart figure which shows a 3rd test piece quality confirmation control routine. It is a flowchart figure which shows the 4th test piece quality confirmation control routine. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a test piece housing portion in Example 4.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as an example of the analyzer according to the present invention, a urine qualitative test is performed by analyzing a chemical component in urine (sample) using an analytical test piece (hereinafter simply referred to as “test piece”). A chemical analyzer for this purpose will be described. The urine qualitative test is a test for inspecting the amount of sugar or protein excreted in urine, the presence or absence of occult blood, etc. by measuring a color tone change due to a chemical reaction of a test piece, that is, a color reaction, with an optical device.

  However, the sample to be analyzed in this analyzer is not limited to urine, and for example, blood or other sample components may be analyzed. In the following drawings, parts that are the same as the parts described in the previous drawings are given the same numbers. In addition, the description of each embodiment of the analyzer according to the present invention described below includes a quality confirmation device, a quality confirmation apparatus method, a quality confirmation program, and the quality confirmation for confirming the quality of a test piece according to the present invention. This also serves to explain each embodiment of the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are intended to limit the technical scope of the invention to those unless otherwise specified. is not. In this embodiment, “sample” and “specimen” are used as synonymous terms.

<Example 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an analyzing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of the analysis apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the apparatus main body 11 of the analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment. The apparatus main body 11 is a housing (housing) that accommodates each element constituting the analyzer 1. As shown in these drawings, the analyzer 1 includes an apparatus main body 11, a test piece supply unit 12, a rack installation unit 13, a sample spotting device 14, a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) 15, and a memory 16. The photometer 17 is mainly provided. Further, the apparatus main body 11 is provided with a display panel 111, an operation switch group 112, and a printer 113.

  The CPU 15 is a central processing unit that controls the analyzer 1 by executing a computer program. The memory 16 has a function of storing computer programs executed by the CPU 15 and data processed by the CPU 15. The memory 16 is, for example, a volatile random access memory (RAM) or a nonvolatile read only memory (ROM). The ROM stores, for example, programs and parameters necessary for the functioning of the analyzer 1 and various calibration curve data. The RAM provides a work area to the CPU 15 and temporarily stores, for example, a part of an operating system (OS) program and application programs to be executed by the CPU 15. The CPU 15 executes various processes according to programs stored in the memory 16.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis apparatus 1 includes an interface 18 that connects the CPU 15 and various devices, a hard disk drive 19, and a recording medium drive device 20. The interface 18 may be a serial interface such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) or a parallel interface such as Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI). In addition, although CPU15 and each apparatus are connected with the interface 18, you may connect between CPU15 and each apparatus with a different interface. A plurality of interfaces 18 may be bridge-connected.

  The hard disk drive 19 stores a program loaded into the memory 16. The hard disk drive 19 stores data processed by the CPU 15. The recording medium driving device 20 is a driving device such as a Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), HD-DVD, or Blu-ray Disc. Further, the recording medium driving device 20 may be an input / output device for a card medium having a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. The medium driven by the recording medium driving device 20 stores, for example, a computer program installed in the hard disk drive 19 and input data.

  Here, the test piece 2 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. In the test piece 2, a plurality of reagent pads (reagent parts) 22 containing a reagent for reacting with a sample are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 21 on a strip-shaped substrate 21 shown in FIG. 4. It is a thing. The reagent pad 22 is subjected to spotting (also referred to as “addition”) of urine as a sample by the sample spotting device 14. In this embodiment, the test piece 2 corresponds to the analytical test piece in the present invention. In this figure, for convenience, seven reagent pads are arranged on the base material 21, but the number may be increased or decreased as appropriate.

  A photometric device 17 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is an optical system installed inside the apparatus main body 1 and optically measures the color reaction of the test piece 2 described above.

  The operation switch group 112 is various switches for the user (user) to operate the analyzer 1. For example, a power switch for switching on / off the main power of the analyzer 1, a sample analysis process (measurement process) A measurement start switch for starting, a print switch for causing the printer 113 to print the analysis result of the sample by the analyzer 1, and the like.

  The display panel 111 includes, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), a light emitting diode, and the like, and is controlled by the CPU 15 to display various information. Of the operation switch group 112, for example, when a measurement start switch is pressed by a user, for example, the above measurement items are measured on the sample, and an analysis result (inspection result) obtained based on the measurement result is displayed on the display panel 111. It is displayed. In addition, the display panel 111 can display data processed by the CPU 15 or data stored in the memory. When the above-described print switch is pressed, the sample analysis result is printed out by the printer 113, for example, on a recording sheet.

  The rack installation unit 13 is provided with the sample rack 131 shown in FIG. The sample rack 131 is a rack for standing and holding a plurality of sample containers 132 containing urine as a sample (represented by a symbol U in the figure).

  The sample spotting device 14 includes a nozzle 141 and a nozzle driving device 142 that drives the nozzle 141 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the apparatus main body 11. The nozzle driving device 142 can be constituted by, for example, an actuator or a circulation driving belt. When suctioning urine by the nozzle 141, the CPU 15 controls the nozzle driving device 142 to move the nozzle 141 to a position above the sample container 132 in which urine is stored, and then lowers the nozzle 141. Then, the CPU 15 drives a pump (not shown) to cause the nozzle 141 to suck urine in the sample container 132. Here, at the position P1 in the figure, the test piece 2 is supplied one by one by a test piece supply unit 12 described below.

  A predetermined amount of urine is spotted by the nozzle 141 on the reagent pad 22 of the test piece 2 set at the position P1. Such spotting operation is repeated by the number of reagent pads 22 set on the test paper 2, and the spotting process is completed. After the sample spotting process on the test piece 2 is completed, the nozzle 141 is cleaned using a cleaning liquid (for example, distilled water). Although a detailed description of the configuration for cleaning the nozzle 141 is omitted, a configuration similar to that conventionally known (for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.) can be used.

  The test strip supply unit 12 stores test strips 2 for use in sample analysis, and transfers (transports and supplies) the stored test strips 2 one by one to the above-described position P1. The test strip supply unit 12 includes a test strip storage unit 121 that stores a plurality of test strips 2, and a rotating drum 122 for taking out the test strips 2 one by one from the test strip storage unit 121. In addition, an opening / closing lid 1211 is provided in the upper opening of the test piece housing part 121. The opening / closing lid 1211 defines (divides) the accommodation space S1 of the test piece 2 in the test piece accommodation portion 121 with respect to the external space S2. In addition, a desiccant installation part (not shown) for installing a desiccant is provided in the test piece container 121 as necessary.

  The rotating drum 122 constituting the test piece supply unit 12 has a concave portion 1221 that allows only one test piece 2 to be fitted on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, the test piece 2 inserted into the recess 1221 by the rotation of the rotary drum 122 is discharged to the outside of the test piece storage unit 121 and then transferred to the position P1 by a transfer device (not shown). In the vicinity of the position P1, a test strip detection sensor 124 for detecting the test strip 2 transferred to the position P1 is provided. The test piece detection sensor 124 is electrically connected to the CPU 15 via the interface 18, and an output signal thereof is input to the CPU 15 as needed.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the analyzer 1 in the present embodiment. Each functional unit (31 to 38) illustrated in FIG. 5 can be realized by a computer including the CPU 15, the memory 16, and the like, a program executed on the computer, and the like. The test strip supply control unit 31 shown in FIG. 5 performs control related to the rotation operation of the rotary drum 122 and control related to a transfer device for transferring the test strip 2 to the position P1. In addition, the spotting device control unit 32 executes a nozzle driving unit 142 for transferring the nozzle 141, control related to spotting of the sample on the reagent pad 22 of the test piece 2, and the like.

  The photometric device 17 shown in FIG. 3 receives the reflected light when the reagent pad 22 of the test piece 2 on which the sample is spotted by the sample spotting device 14 is irradiated with light. This is an apparatus for obtaining information according to the degree of color development (color reaction). The photometric device 17 includes a light emitting unit 171 and a light receiving unit 172. The light emitting unit 171 can emit light having a specific peak wavelength, for example, and may be a light emitting diode (LED), a semiconductor laser, or the like. On the other hand, the light receiving unit 172 is for receiving light reflected from each reagent pad 22 on which a sample is spotted, and may be, for example, a photodiode. The photometric device control unit 33 shown in FIG. 5 executes control related to light irradiation from the light emitting unit 171 and reception of reflected light by the light receiving unit 172 in the photometric device 17.

  The measurement unit 34 acquires the light reception result in the light receiving unit 172. The measuring unit 34 then selects a specific component (measurement) such as hemoglobin, glucose, or protein contained in the urine as a sample based on the light reception result acquired from the photometric device 17 and the calibration curve data stored in the memory 16. The density of the item component is calculated. The measurement result of each measurement item component is displayed on the display panel 111 and printed out from the printer 113 as necessary.

  When the test piece 2 is exposed to a humid environment for a long period of time, the reagent applied to the reagent pad 22 may be deteriorated and the quality of the test piece 2 may be deteriorated (hereinafter also referred to as “deterioration”). There is. When the sample analysis process is performed using the test piece 2 thus deteriorated, an analysis error is likely to be caused, and the reliability of the analysis result may be lowered.

  The test piece container 121 of the analyzer 1 has an inner space (accommodation space) S1 of the test piece container 121 such that the upper opening is closed by the opening lid 1211 and the bottom opening is closed by the rotating drum 122. Has a certain degree of hermeticity (airtightness). Therefore, although the accommodation space S1 has an atmosphere in which the test piece 2 is less likely to deteriorate compared to the external space, the test piece is still used when the operation stop period during which the operation of the analyzer 1 is stopped extends for a long time. 2 is likely to occur. For this reason, the analyzer unit 1 is provided with a bottle unit 4 as shown in FIG.

  The bottle unit 4 is a sealed storage container that can store the test piece 2 in a sealed state. In the operation stop period in which the operation of the analyzer 1 is stopped, if the test piece 2 is left in the test piece storage unit 121, the test piece 2 described above may be deteriorated. Thus, the surplus test piece 2 is transferred from the test piece storage unit 121 to the bottle unit 4 by the user. Specifically, when the test piece 2 remains in the test piece storage unit 121 at the end of the analysis process of the day, an instruction on the content of storing the surplus test piece 2 in the bottle unit 4 is handled by the analyzer 1. It is described in the instructions.

  Therefore, as long as the user observes the instruction manual, when the analysis process by the analyzer 1 is completed (the power switch is pressed by the operation of the operation switch group 112 by the user, the main power supply of the analyzer 1 is switched off). The test piece 2 remaining in the test piece storage unit 121 at the time is stored in the bottle unit 4 by the user. For this reason, even when the operation stop period extends for a long time, the test piece 2 is not left in the test piece storage unit 121, so that it does not deteriorate. However, since it is left up to the user to actually transfer the surplus test piece 2 to the bottle unit 4 when the analyzer 1 is stopped, the test piece 2 is stored in the test piece storage unit 121 for a long time during the operation stop period. There is no denying the possibility of detention.

  Therefore, the analyzer 1 in this embodiment performs test piece quality confirmation control for confirming whether or not the test piece 2 subjected to the sample analysis process has deteriorated. In this test piece quality confirmation control, the deterioration state of the test piece 2 is determined using the storage period of the test piece 2 in the test piece storage unit 121 as a criterion for determination. Hereinafter, the test piece quality confirmation control will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the analysis apparatus 1 includes a residual state determination unit 35, a period calculation unit 36, a determination unit 37, and a notification unit 38 as functional units realized by a computer including the CPU 15 and the memory 16. Yes. Hereinafter, the processing content in the test piece quality confirmation control executed by the computer of the analyzer 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a test piece quality confirmation control routine executed by the computer of the analyzer 1. This control routine is stored in the memory 16, for example, when the analyzer 1 is started, that is, when the power of the analyzer 1 is switched from the off state to the on state by the user pressing the power switch. By executing a program (referred to as a “quality confirmation program”) by the CPU 15, each process in this flowchart is realized. That is, each functional unit of the analyzer 1 described in FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU 15 cooperating with a quality confirmation program stored in the memory 16.

  In step S101, the test strip supply controller 31 controls the rotation and transfer of the rotating drum 122 so that if the test strip 2 remains in the test strip storage unit 121, the test strip 2 is transferred to the position P1. Drive control of the device (not shown) is performed. Here, if the test piece 2 does not remain in the test piece storage portion 121 (if the storage space S1 of the test piece storage portion 121 is empty), the test piece 2 is not transferred to the position P1. . And if the test piece 2 remains in the test piece accommodating part 121, since the test piece 2 fits into the recessed part 1221 during at least several rotations of the rotating drum 122, the test piece 2 is transferred to the position P1. Is done.

  Next, in step S102 (residual state determination step), the residual state determination unit 35 acquires an output signal (detection signal) of the test piece detection sensor 124. Then, based on the acquired detection signal, it is determined whether or not the test piece 2 remains (residual) in the test piece storage unit 121. Specifically, for example, the detection signal from the test piece detection sensor 124 is acquired continuously and intermittently over a predetermined determination period (for example, the time required for the rotating drum 122 to rotate several times). When the acquired detection signal is a signal indicating that the test piece 2 is not detected from beginning to end (hereinafter, also referred to as “test piece non-detection signal”), the residual state determination unit 35 includes a test piece storage unit. It is determined that the test piece 2 does not remain in 121 (the test piece 2 in the test piece storage unit 121 is empty), and this routine is temporarily ended. In this case, the computer of the analysis apparatus 1 executes the analysis program (not shown) stored in the memory 16 by the CPU 15 as in the quality confirmation program.

  The analysis program is a program for measuring the color reaction of the test piece 2 with the photometric device 17 and analyzing a specific component contained in urine as a sample. When the analysis program is executed by the computer of the analysis apparatus 1, the CPU 15 causes the test piece supply control unit 31 and the spotting device 14 to transfer the test piece 2 accommodated in the test piece accommodation unit 121 to the position P1. The spot receiving device control unit 32 for spotting a sample on the test piece 2, the photometry device control unit 33 for executing control related to the photometry device 17, and the light reception result from the light receiving unit 172 of the photometry device 17 to obtain a specific component It functions as a measurement unit 34 that calculates and analyzes the concentration of the sample, and performs sample analysis processing.

  When the residual state determination unit 35 acquires an output signal indicating that the test piece 2 has been detected from the test piece detection sensor 124 (hereinafter, also referred to as “test piece residual signal”) in step S102, the test piece It determines with the test piece 2 remaining in the accommodating part 121, and the process of step S103 is performed.

  In step S103 (period calculation step), the period calculation unit 36 calculates a test piece accommodation period (hereinafter referred to as “test piece accommodation period”) ΔPoc. In this example, the elapsed period from the time when the analyzer 1 was most recently stopped (hereinafter referred to as “the most recent operation stop date”) to the time when the device is started again (hereinafter referred to as “the latest start date”) is a test piece. The housing period ΔPoc was calculated. In the analyzer 1, the time (date and time) when the user operates the power switch is recorded in, for example, the hard disk drive 19 of the analyzer 1. Therefore, the CPU 15 can grasp the latest operation stop date and time by reading from the hard disk drive 19 the latest time (date and time) when the power switch is switched from on to off. Similarly, by reading out the latest time (date and time) when the power switch is switched from off to on from the hard disk drive 19, it is possible to grasp the latest start date and time. The period from the most recent operation stop date to the most recent activation date can be calculated as the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc. When the process of this step is completed, the process of step S104 is executed.

  In step S104 (determination step), the determination unit 37 determines the deterioration state of the test piece 2 based on the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc calculated in step S103 (period calculation step). Here, the determination unit 37 determines the deterioration state of the test piece 2 based on whether or not the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca. This allowable exposure period ΔPoca is the longest period in which the test piece 2 can be maintained in a usable state without any problem in analysis accuracy in the accommodation space S1 of the test piece accommodation unit 121, and the test piece 2 is deteriorated. This is a determination reference value set for the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc for determining whether or not there is. An appropriate value (for example, about 3 to 5 days) as the allowable exposure period ΔPoca may be obtained in advance based on an empirical rule such as an experiment.

  In this step, the determination unit 37 determines whether or not the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca. And the discrimination | determination part 37 discriminate | determines the deterioration condition of the test piece 2 based on whether the test piece accommodation period (DELTA) Poc exceeds the allowable exposure period (DELTA) Poca. Specifically, when it is determined that the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, the determination unit 37 may have the test piece 2 deteriorated (or may have deteriorated). And the process of step S105 is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc is within the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, it is determined that the test piece 2 is normal (that is, the quality has not deteriorated). In this case, this routine is once ended, and the above-described analysis program is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis apparatus 1 includes a notification device 39. In step S105 (notification step), the notification unit 38 controls the notification device 39 to notify the user of the deterioration state of the test piece 2. For example, when the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, the notification unit 38 uses the test piece 2 that the reagent pad 22 of the test piece 2 has deteriorated and the quality has deteriorated. When the sample is analyzed, an error is generated in the measured value of each specific component, and information including the content that the reliability of the analysis result may be lowered is notified to the user. In addition, when the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc is within the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, the notification unit 38 may actively notify that the quality of the test piece 2 has not deteriorated, but in this way, the test piece 2 In a normal state, notification to the user and warning itself are not performed, and notification may be performed only when there is a high possibility that the test piece 2 is deteriorated. When the processing of this step is completed, this routine is temporarily ended, and the above-described analysis program is executed.

  As described above, according to the analyzer 1 in the present embodiment, when the test piece 2 remains in the test piece storage unit 121 at the time of activation, the deterioration state of the test piece 2 according to the test piece storage period ΔPoc. And the determination result is notified to the user. Therefore, it is possible to make the user appropriately recognize the deterioration state of the test piece 2 used for the analysis processing. In the present embodiment, the execution result of the test piece quality confirmation control can be stored in the hard disk drive 19. Thereby, it is possible to always collate the result of the analysis process of the sample by the analyzer 1 and the deterioration state of the test piece 2 subjected to the analysis process. In the present embodiment, the residual state determination unit 35, the period calculation unit 36, and the determination unit 37 constitute a deterioration determination unit in the present invention. Moreover, the alerting | reporting device 39 and the alerting | reporting part 38 which controls this alerting | reporting device 39 respond | corresponds to the alerting | reporting means in this invention.

  Moreover, the description regarding the embodiment of the analyzer 1 which has been described or will be described later is a quality check apparatus, a quality check apparatus, a quality check apparatus for checking the quality of the test piece 2 in the test piece storage unit 121 of the analyzer 1. It also serves as an explanation of each example of the confirmation program. Moreover, the quality confirmation program which makes the computer of the analyzer 1 perform each processing flow shown in FIG. 6 can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, the function can be provided by causing the computer to read and execute the recording medium quality confirmation program. Here, the computer-readable recording medium refers to a recording medium in which information such as data and programs is accumulated by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read from a computer. Examples of such a recording medium that can be removed from the computer include a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R / W, a DVD, a DAT, an 8 mm tape, and a memory card. Moreover, there are a hard disk, a ROM, etc. as a recording medium fixed to the computer.

<Example 2>
Next, a second example of the present embodiment will be described. The hardware configuration of the analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, since the content of the test piece quality confirmation control is different from that of the first embodiment, the difference will be mainly described. In the test piece quality confirmation control described in the present embodiment, the period calculation unit 36 calculates the accommodation periods of the test piece 2 accommodated in the test piece accommodation part 121 as two different periods.

  Specifically, in the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1, the determination that the test piece accommodation unit 121 is emptied by the residual state determination unit 35 (hereinafter, this determination is referred to as “test piece breakage determination”) is the latest. This is the elapsed period from the date when it was made (hereinafter referred to as “the most recent test piece cut date and time”) to the most recent activation date and time. The second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 is the test piece accommodation period described in the first embodiment, and is an elapsed period from the most recent operation stop date and time to the most recent activation date and time. Here, the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 is a period from the most recent test piece expiration date and time to the most recent activation date and time as described above. In this embodiment, the second test piece accommodation period is in the middle of the period. A case will be described as an example where there is a latest operation stop date and time corresponding to the start of the accommodation period ΔPoc2. Further, the final periods of the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 are both the latest activation date and time, and are common. That is, in the present embodiment, the case where the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 is included in the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and is shorter than the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 will be described. It is not limited to this aspect.

  The period calculation unit 36 calculates a first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and a second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2, respectively. Then, the determination unit 37 determines the deterioration state of the test piece 2 based on at least one of the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2. Hereinafter, a control example for determining the deterioration state of the test piece 2 based on both the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second test piece quality confirmation control routine executed by the computer of the analyzer 1. In this control routine, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is realized as a result of the CPU 15 executing a quality confirmation program stored in the memory 16 with the activation of the analyzer 1 as a trigger. In addition, about the step in which the process similar to FIG. 6 is performed, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting a common code | symbol.

  In step S201 (period calculation step), the period calculation unit 36 calculates a first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and a second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2. Each calculation method is as described above. When the process of this step is finished, the process of step S202 is executed.

  Steps S202 and S203 are determination steps executed by the determination unit 37. In this determination step, the determination unit 37 compares each of the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 with the allowable exposure period ΔPoca described above, and each accommodation period is the allowable exposure period. It is determined whether or not ΔPoca is exceeded. And the discrimination | determination part 37 discriminate | determines the deterioration condition of the test piece 2 based on both determination results. In the present embodiment, the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 is a period included in the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1, and is shorter than the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1. Therefore, if the first test strip accommodation period ΔPoc1 is within the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, the second test strip storage period ΔPoc2 is also within the allowable exposure period ΔPoca.

  Therefore, in step S202, the determination unit 37 determines whether or not the first test strip accommodation period ΔPoc1 exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca. If the determination unit 37 determines that the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, the determination unit 37 performs the process of step S203. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 is within the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, the determination unit 37 determines that the test piece 2 is normal. In this case, this routine is ended as it is, and the sample is subjected to the analysis process by executing the analysis program described in the first embodiment. When it is determined that the test piece 2 is normal in this step, the notification unit 38 may operate the notification device 39 to notify the user that the test piece 2 is normal.

  Next, in step S <b> 203, the determination unit 37 determines whether or not the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc <b> 2 exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca. First, the case where it is determined that the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 is within the allowable exposure period ΔPoca will be described. In this case, it means that only the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 of the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca. In this case, the determination unit 37 determines that the test piece 2 is in the first deterioration state, and executes the process of step S204. The first deterioration state will be described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S203 that the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 are the allowable exposure period. It means that ΔPoca is exceeded. In this case, the determination unit 37 determines that the test piece 2 is in the second deterioration state, and executes the process of step S205.

  The second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 is a period included in the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1, and is shorter than the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, both the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 (not only the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 but also the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2). The second deterioration state that is determined when the allowable exposure period ΔPoca is exceeded is relatively different from the first deterioration state that is determined when only the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca. It is determined that the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2 is large. For example, the second deterioration state can be regarded as a deterioration state of the test piece 2 to the extent that it is determined that an unacceptable analysis error may occur when the test piece 2 is used for the sample analysis process. Further, the first deterioration state can be regarded as a deterioration state that does not reach the second deterioration state.

  Here, when the determination unit 37 determines that the test piece 2 is in the first deterioration state in step S203, the notification unit 38 operates the alarm 39 in the subsequent step S204, and the test piece 2 is in the first deterioration state. Inform the user that there is. For example, the notification unit 38 causes the notification unit 39 to output a message such as “a test piece remained in the test piece storage unit when the analyzer was started” by voice, text, etc. Inform and warn. When the processing of this step is finished, this routine is once finished, and the analysis program described above is executed.

  If the determination unit 37 determines that the test piece 2 is in the second deterioration state in step S203, the notification unit 38 operates the alarm 39 in the subsequent step S205, and the test piece 2 is in the second deterioration state. To the user. For example, the notification unit 38 may notify the alarm unit 39 that “the test piece may be deteriorated”, “replace it with a test piece stored in the bottle unit”, or “a measurement error if this test piece is used. Is output by voice, text, etc., and the deterioration error of the test piece 2 is notified and warned to the user. When the processing of this step is finished, this routine is once finished, and the analysis program described above is executed.

  According to the test piece quality confirmation control described above, when the test piece 2 remains in the test piece storage unit 121 when the analyzer 1 is activated, the user can be notified of the deterioration status of the test piece 2. . At this time, since the notification content (for example, message content) can be changed according to the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2, the user can be made to recognize the deterioration state of the test piece 2 in more detail.

  However, in this embodiment, the deterioration state of the test piece 2 is determined based on both the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2, but based on either one of the accommodation periods. Thus, the deterioration state of the test piece 2 may be determined. Incidentally, the example in which the deterioration state is determined based only on the second test piece housing period ΔPoc2 has been described in the first embodiment. When determining the deterioration state based only on the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1, for example, when it is determined that the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, the notification unit 38 You may make it perform the residual warning of the test piece 2. FIG. Further, in this embodiment, the first test piece accommodation period ΔPoc1 and the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 are compared with the common allowable exposure period ΔPoca, but the tolerances are set as periods of different lengths. It is also possible to determine the deterioration state of the test piece 2 based on the comparison result with the exposure period.

<Example 3>
Next, a third example of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the test piece housing part 121 in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the test piece container 121 is provided with an open / close detection sensor 1212 that detects the open / close state of the open / close lid 1211. The open / close detection sensor 1212 includes, for example, a magnet attached to one of the open / close lid 1211 side and the test piece housing part 121 side, and a reed switch installed on the other side. The reed switch is a so-called magnetic sensor. In association with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing lid 1211, the reed switch is turned on / off by moving the magnet away from or approaching the reed switch. In this embodiment, the open / close detection sensor 1212 corresponds to the open / close state detection means in the present invention. In the analysis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, even when the user turns off the power switch, it is possible to continuously supply power to the open / close detection sensor 1212 with the power stored in a battery (not shown). About another structure, it is equivalent to the analyzer 1 demonstrated in Example 1. FIG.

  In the test piece quality confirmation control in the present embodiment, based on the open / close state of the open / close lid 1211 during the storage period in addition to the storage period of the test piece 2 stored in the test piece storage unit 121 (that is, the test piece storage period ΔPoc). Using the accommodation status of the test piece 2 as a criterion, the deterioration status of the test piece 2 is determined. When the opening / closing lid 1211 is opened, the airtightness in the accommodation space S1 of the test piece accommodation unit 121 is lowered as compared with the case where the opening / closing lid 1211 is closed. Therefore, when the open / close lid 1211 is opened during the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc, the test piece 2 is more easily deteriorated and the degree of deterioration is larger than when the open / close lid 1211 is closed and shielded. It is assumed that Therefore, in this embodiment, when the determination unit 37 determines the deterioration state of the test piece 2, the deterioration degree of the test piece 2 is weighted based on the open / close state of the open / close lid 1211 during the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a third test piece quality confirmation control routine executed by the computer of the analyzer 1. This control routine is also realized by the CPU 15 executing the quality confirmation program stored in the memory 16 when the analyzer 1 is started. In this flowchart, steps that are the same as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by common reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the process of step S103 ends, the process of step S301 is executed. In step S301, the determination unit 37 acquires the open / close state of the open / close lid 1211 based on the output signal of the open / close detection sensor 1212, and determines whether the open / close lid 1211 is open. If it is determined in this step that the open / close lid 1211 is in the open state, the process proceeds to step S302; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S302, the determination unit 37 determines whether or not the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the open-time allowable exposure period ΔPoca1. When it is determined that the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the open-time allowable exposure period ΔPoca1, the process proceeds to step S304, and the notification unit 38 controls the alarm 39 similarly to step S105 in FIG. Inform the user that 2 has deteriorated. On the other hand, when the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc is within the open-time allowable exposure period ΔPoca1, when the process of this step is completed, the present routine is temporarily terminated, and the execution of the analysis program is started.

  On the other hand, in step S303, the determination unit 37 determines whether or not the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the closed allowable exposure period ΔPoca2. If it is determined that the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the closing allowable exposure period ΔPoca2, the process proceeds to step S304. If not, this routine is temporarily terminated and the analysis program is executed.

  Here, both the allowable exposure period ΔPoca1 at the time of opening and the allowable exposure period ΔPoca2 at the time of closing are similar to the allowable exposure period ΔPoca with respect to the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc for determining whether or not the test piece 2 has deteriorated. This is the criterion value to be set. The allowable exposure period ΔPoca1 at the time of opening is set to a relatively short period compared to the allowable exposure period ΔPoca2 at the time of closing. Therefore, in step S302, it becomes easier to make an affirmative determination than in step S303. This is nothing other than weighting the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2 based on the open / closed state of the open / close lid 1211 when determining the deterioration state of the test piece 2. In this control, when the opening / closing lid 1211 is opened when the analyzer 1 is activated (that is, the most recent activation date and time), a test is performed so that the degree of deterioration is greater than when the analysis lid 1 is closed. The deterioration status of the piece 2 was determined. Thereby, according to the sealing degree of the test piece accommodating part 121, it becomes possible to grasp | ascertain the deterioration degree of the test piece 2 more accurately.

  It should be noted that when the processing of step S304 is performed, or when the negative determination is made in steps S302 and S304 and the routine is exited, the fact that the opening / closing lid 1211 is opened when the analyzer 1 is started is notified to the user. Anyway. For example, the notification unit 38 may cause the notification device 39 to output a message such as “the opening / closing lid was open at the time of activation” by voice, text, or the like.

(Modification 1)
Next, a first modification of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth test piece quality confirmation control routine executed by the computer of the analyzer 1. Here, the processing contents of steps different from those in FIG. 9 will be mainly described. This modification is similar to the control according to the third embodiment described above in that the deterioration state of the test piece 2 is determined in consideration of the open / close state of the open / close lid 1211 during the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc. The deterioration state of the test piece 2 is determined in consideration of the period during which 1211 is open.

  In this routine, when the process of step S103 is completed, the process of step S401 is executed. In step S <b> 401, the determination unit 37 acquires a history of the open / close state of the open / close lid 1211 during the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc (hereinafter referred to as “open / close history”). In this modification, the opening / closing state of the opening / closing lid 1211 detected by the opening / closing detection sensor 1212 at regular intervals is sequentially recorded in the hard disk drive 19 or the memory 16. The determination unit 37 can acquire and obtain the opening / closing history of the opening / closing lid 1211 during the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc by reading the data recorded in this way.

  Here, the ratio of the total period in which the open / close lid 1211 is in the open state (hereinafter referred to as “total open storage period”) in the entire test piece storage period ΔPoc is defined as the open storage ratio Rto. In step S402, the determination unit 37 calculates the open accommodation ratio Rto based on the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc and the opening / closing history of the open / close lid 1211 in the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc.

  In step S403, the determination unit 37 sets a variable allowable exposure period ΔPoca3 based on the open accommodation ratio Rto. The variable permissible exposure period ΔPoca3 is a determination reference value set for the test strip accommodation period ΔPoc for determining whether or not the test strip 2 is deteriorated, like the permissible exposure period ΔPoca. The variable allowable exposure period ΔPoca3 is variably set according to the open accommodation ratio Rto. For example, the variable allowable exposure period ΔPoca3 is set as a shorter period as the open accommodation ratio Rto is higher. This is because the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2 increases as the open accommodation ratio Rto increases.

  In step S404, the determination unit 37 determines whether or not the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the variable allowable exposure period ΔPoca3. Here, when it is determined that the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc exceeds the variable allowable exposure period ΔPoca3, the process proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the test strip accommodation period ΔPoc is within the variable permissible exposure period ΔPoca3, this routine is temporarily terminated and the above-described analysis program is executed. In step S405, the notification unit 38 controls the notification device 39 to notify the user that the test piece 2 has deteriorated. Thereafter, this routine is temporarily terminated, and the analysis program is also executed.

  As described above, according to the control according to the present modification, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the test piece 2 based on the length of the period in which the open / close lid 1211 is in the open state in the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc. Note that the deterioration state of the test piece 2 may be determined according to the length of the total open storage period instead of the open storage ratio Rto. In the above example, the deterioration state of the test piece 2 is determined based on the two factors of the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc and the open / close state of the open / close lid 1211. However, when the analyzer 1 is started, the test piece accommodation unit 121 is activated. When the remaining test piece 2 is detected, it may be determined whether or not the test piece 2 has deteriorated based only on the open / close state of the open / close lid 1211. For example, when it is detected that the test piece 2 remains in the test piece storage unit 121 when the analyzer 1 is activated, the determination unit 37 determines that the open storage ratio Rto is the specified ratio regardless of the length of the test piece storage period ΔPoc. If it exceeds, it may be determined that the test piece 2 has deteriorated, and the notification unit 38 may notify the user to that effect. At that time, it may be determined that the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2 is higher as the open accommodation ratio Rto is higher.

(Modification 2)
Next, a second modification will be described. Here, the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc described in the first embodiment (corresponding to the second test piece accommodation period ΔPoc2 in the second embodiment) is defined as an elapsed period from the latest operation stop date / time to the latest start date / time. ing. If the test piece 2 remains in the test piece storage unit 121 at the latest operation stop date and time, the user removes the test piece 2 from the test piece storage unit 121 if the user transfers the test piece 2 to the bottle unit 4. Therefore, it is assumed that the opening / closing lid 1211 is opened once in the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc.

  And when the test piece 2 remains in the test piece accommodating part 121 at the latest starting date and time, the following two patterns can be assumed. That is, the first pattern is a pattern in which the test piece 2 remaining at the latest operation stop date and time is left as it is in the test piece container 121 until the next activation. In the second pattern, the remaining test piece 2 at the latest operation stop date and time is collected at any timing of the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc, and a new test piece stored in the bottle unit 4 at the same time or after that is tested. This is a case where it is put into the piece housing part 121. In the second pattern, even if the elapsed period from the most recent operation stop date / time to the most recent activation date / time of the analyzer 1 test piece 2 exceeds the allowable exposure period ΔPoca, the actual accommodation period of the test piece 2 is equal to the allowable exposure period ΔPoca. It may not be exceeded.

  Therefore, in this modification, when the remaining of the test piece 2 in the test piece storage unit 121 is detected at the most recent activation date and time, the determination unit 37 performs the same process as steps S103 and S401 in FIG. The opening / closing history of the opening / closing lid 1211 during the one-side accommodation period ΔPoc is acquired. And the discrimination | determination part 37 discriminate | determined the deterioration condition of the test piece 2 by distinguishing between the 1st pattern mentioned above and the 2nd pattern based on the opening / closing log | history of this opening / closing lid | cover 1211. Specifically, of the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc, a period (hereinafter referred to as “individual open accommodation period”) ΔIv from when the open / close lid 1211 is once opened until it is closed again is calculated. Here, in the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc, the first pattern may be determined when the individual open accommodation period ΔIv does not exist, and may be determined as the second pattern when the individual open accommodation period ΔIv exists. In this modification, the second pattern is weighted so that the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2 is smaller than that of the first pattern, and the deterioration state of the test piece 2 is determined. You may do it. For example, in the case of the first pattern, the process of step S302 in FIG. 9 may be performed, and in the case of the second pattern, the process of step S303 in FIG. 9 may be performed.

  As a further modification, when the individual open accommodation period ΔIv exists in the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc, it may be determined whether the individual open accommodation period ΔIv is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value ΔIvs. Here, the time required for the user to collect the surplus test piece 2 from the test piece storage unit 121 at the time when the operation of the analyzer 1 is stopped and to insert a new test piece (that is, required to replace the test piece). The threshold ΔIvs is set as the longest period that can be regarded as (time). Then, the second pattern may be determined only when the individual open accommodation period ΔIv is within the threshold value ΔIvs. Incidentally, when the individual open accommodation period ΔIv exceeds the threshold value ΔIvs, since the accuracy of the replacement of the test piece 2 is low, weighting regarding the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2 may be prohibited, or as described above. You may make it handle similarly to a 1st pattern.

<Example 4>
Next, a fourth example of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the test piece storage unit 121 according to the fourth embodiment. The test specimen storage unit 121 is provided with a temperature / humidity detection sensor 1213 for measuring the humidity and temperature of the storage space S1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “temperature / humidity”). The temperature / humidity detection sensor 1213 includes a temperature sensor 1213A and a humidity sensor 1213B. The temperature sensor 1213A can be composed of, for example, a platinum resistance thermometer. This platinum resistance thermometer is well known and will not be described in detail. However, it is a type of resistance thermometer that utilizes the property that the electrical resistance of metal changes with temperature. It has good temperature characteristics and changes over time. This is a sensor using platinum (Pt) with a small amount as a temperature measuring element. However, the temperature sensor 1213A is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a temperature sensor employing a thermocouple type or other methods. Further, as the humidity sensor 1213B, for example, a capacitance type sensor may be used. In this embodiment, the temperature / humidity detection sensor 1213 corresponds to the exposure environment detection means in the present invention. In this embodiment, even after the user turns off the power switch, the power supply to the temperature / humidity detection sensor 1213 can be continuously performed by the power stored in the battery (not shown). Upon receiving this power supply, the temperature / humidity detection sensor 1213 measures the temperature / humidity of the accommodation space S1 at regular intervals even during the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc. Other hardware configurations are the same as those of the analyzer described in the first embodiment.

  Here, the exposure environment in which the test piece 2 in the test piece storage unit 121 is exposed to the test piece storage period ΔPoc affects the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the allowable exposure period is variably set according to the detection result by the temperature / humidity detection sensor 1213. The measurement results of the temperature / humidity detection sensor 1213 are sequentially stored in the hard disk drive 19 as temperature history data and humidity history data.

  Referring to the control flow shown in FIG. 6, in step S103 in FIG. 6, in addition to calculating the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc, the allowable exposure period ΔPoca is set based on each history data described above. . That is, the determination unit 37 reads temperature history data and humidity history data corresponding to the most recent operation stop date / time to the most recent start date / time (test piece accommodation period ΔPoc) from the hard disk drive 19, and the average temperature of the test piece accommodation unit 121 during the period Calculate the average humidity.

  As the test piece 2 is exposed to a high temperature and high humidity environment, the degree of deterioration becomes more prominent. Therefore, if the humidity environment of the test strip container 121 is the same, the higher the average temperature in the test strip storage period ΔPoc, the shorter the allowable exposure period ΔPoca is set. Moreover, if the temperature environment of the test piece accommodating part 121 is equivalent, the set value of the allowable exposure period ΔPoca is set to be shorter as the average humidity in the test piece accommodating period ΔPoc is higher. In this way, it is possible to accurately determine the deterioration state of the test piece 2 in accordance with the difference in the exposure environment to which the test piece 2 is exposed, and to check the quality with higher accuracy.

  In addition, although the analyzer 1 in a present Example is provided with the temperature sensor 1213A and the humidity sensor 1213B, you may make it provide only one of the temperature sensor 1213A and the humidity sensor 1213B. For example, when only the temperature sensor 1213A is provided, the allowable exposure period ΔPoca may be set as a shorter period as the average temperature of the test piece container 121 in the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc is higher. Further, when the analysis apparatus 1 includes only the humidity sensor 1213B, the allowable exposure period ΔPoca may be set as a shorter period as the average humidity of the test piece container 121 in the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc is higher.

  Further, instead of variably setting the allowable exposure period ΔPoca according to the exposure environment to which the test piece 2 is exposed to the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc, or in combination, the determination unit 37 weights the deterioration degree of the test piece 2, You may implement according to the said exposure environment. For example, the determination unit 37 may determine the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2 higher as the average temperature in the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc is higher as long as the humidity environment of the test piece accommodation unit 121 is the same. Similarly, the determination unit 37 may determine the degree of deterioration of the test piece 2 higher as the average humidity in the test piece accommodation period ΔPoc is higher as long as the temperature environment of the test piece accommodation unit 121 is the same. This also makes it possible to accurately determine the deterioration state of the test piece 2 in accordance with the exposure environment to which the test piece 2 is exposed, and to confirm the quality with higher accuracy. In the present embodiment, the average value of the temperature (humidity) of the test specimen container 121 is used as a representative value reflecting the exposure environment to which the test specimen 2 is exposed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A maximum value or median value of (humidity) may be adopted.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the analysis apparatus, the quality confirmation apparatus, the quality confirmation apparatus method, the quality confirmation program, and the like according to the present invention are not limited to these, and can include combinations thereof as much as possible. The above-described embodiment is an example for explaining the present invention, and various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Analytical apparatus 2 ... Test piece 11 ... Apparatus main-body part 12 ... Test piece supply part 14 ... Sample spotting apparatus 15 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Memory 17 ... Photometry apparatus 21 ... Base material 22 ... Reagent pad 31 ... Test piece supply control part 32 ... Spotting apparatus control part 33 ... Photometry apparatus control part 34 ... Measurement unit 35 ... Residual state determination unit 36 ... Period calculation unit 37 ... Determination unit 38 ... Notification unit 121 ... Test piece storage unit 122 ... Rotating drum 141 ... Nozzle 1211 ... Open / close lid 1212 ... Open / close detection sensor 1213 ... Temperature / humidity detection sensor

Claims (14)

An analyzer for analyzing a sample using an analytical test piece,
A test piece container for accommodating the test specimen for analysis;
Degradation determining means for determining the degradation status of the analytical test piece using the period of accommodation of the analytical test specimen in the test specimen accommodating section as a criterion.
Informing means for informing the user of the deterioration status of the test specimen for analysis determined by the deterioration determining means;
Bei to give a,
The deterioration determining means includes
A residual state determination unit for determining whether or not the analysis test piece remains in the test piece container;
When it is determined by the residual state determination unit that the analysis test piece remains in the test piece storage unit, a period calculation unit that calculates a storage period of the analysis test piece;
Based on the storage period calculated by the period calculation unit, a determination unit for determining the degradation status of the test specimen for analysis,
An analyzer. The deterioration determining means determines the deterioration state of the analysis test piece based on whether the storage period of the analysis test piece exceeds an allowable exposure period,
The analyzer according to claim 1. The period calculation unit includes a first storage period that is an elapsed period from the time when the test piece storage unit is empty by the residual state determination unit to the time when the apparatus is started, and the apparatus operation in the latest period. A second accommodation period, which is an elapsed period from the stop to the start of the device, is calculated,
The determination unit determines a deterioration state of the analysis test piece based on at least one of the first storage period and the second storage period.
The analyzer according to claim 1 or 2 . The discrimination unit
Determining that the test specimen for analysis is normal when the first containment period is within an allowable exposure period;
When only the first accommodation period of the first accommodation period and the second accommodation period exceeds the allowable exposure period, it is determined that the test specimen for analysis is in the first deterioration state,
When both the first storage period and the second storage period exceed the allowable exposure period, it is determined that the test specimen for analysis is in the second deterioration state,
It is determined that the second deterioration state has a higher degree of deterioration than the first deterioration state.
The analyzer according to claim 3 . An open / close lid provided in the test piece container and for defining a storage space for the analysis test piece from an external space;
An open / close state detection means for detecting an open / close state of the open / close lid;
Further comprising
The deterioration determining means determines the deterioration state of the analytical test piece using the analysis state of the analytical test piece based on the open / closed state of the open / close lid detected by the open / closed state detecting means as a criterion.
The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The deterioration determining means weights the deterioration degree of the analytical test piece based on the open / closed state of the open / close lid during the accommodation period when determining the deterioration state of the analytical test piece.
The analyzer according to claim 5 . Further comprising an exposure environment measuring means for measuring at least one of humidity and temperature in the test piece container,
The deterioration determining means determines the deterioration state of the analytical test piece based on whether the storage period of the analytical test piece exceeds an allowable exposure period,
The allowable exposure period is variably set according to the measurement result by the exposure environment measurement means.
The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . A quality confirmation apparatus for confirming the quality of the test specimen for analysis accommodated in the test specimen container of the analyzer for analyzing a sample using the test specimen for analysis,
Degradation determining means for determining the degradation status of the analytical test piece using the period of accommodation of the analytical test specimen in the test specimen accommodating section as a criterion.
Informing means for informing the user of the deterioration status of the test specimen for analysis determined by the deterioration determining means;
Equipped with a,
The deterioration determining means includes
A residual state determination unit for determining whether or not the analysis test piece remains in the test piece container;
When it is determined by the residual state determination unit that the analysis test piece remains in the test piece storage unit, a period calculation unit that calculates a storage period of the analysis test piece;
Based on the storage period calculated by the period calculation unit, a determination unit for determining the degradation status of the test specimen for analysis,
Having a quality confirmation device. The deterioration determining means determines the deterioration state of the analysis test piece based on whether the storage period of the analysis test piece exceeds an allowable exposure period,
The quality confirmation apparatus according to claim 8 . The period calculation unit includes a first storage period that is an elapsed period from the time when the determination that the test piece storage unit has been emptied by the residual state determination unit to the time when the analyzer is started, and the latest analysis. A second accommodation period, which is an elapsed period from when the apparatus is stopped to when the analyzer is started,
The determination unit determines a deterioration state of the analysis test piece based on at least one of the first storage period and the second storage period.
The quality confirmation apparatus of Claim 8 or 9 . The discrimination unit
Determining that the test specimen for analysis is normal when the first containment period is within an allowable exposure period;
When only the first accommodation period of the first accommodation period and the second accommodation period exceeds the allowable exposure period, it is determined that the test specimen for analysis is in the first deterioration state,
When both the first storage period and the second storage period exceed the allowable exposure period, it is determined that the test specimen for analysis is in the second deterioration state,
It is determined that the second deterioration state has a higher degree of deterioration than the first deterioration state.
The quality confirmation apparatus of Claim 10 . A quality confirmation method for confirming the quality of the test specimen for analysis accommodated in the test specimen container of the analyzer for analyzing the sample using the test specimen for analysis,
A computer of the analyzer;
A residual state determination step for determining whether or not the analytical test piece remains in the test piece container;
If it is detected in the residual state determination step that the analysis test piece remains in the test piece storage unit, a period calculation step for calculating a storage period of the analysis test piece;
A determination step of determining a deterioration status of the test specimen for analysis based on the storage period calculated in the period calculation step;
An informing step for informing the user of the deterioration status of the analytical test piece determined in the determining step;
Perform the quality confirmation method. A quality confirmation program for confirming the quality of the test specimen for analysis contained in the test specimen container of the analyzer for analyzing the sample using the test specimen for analysis,
In the computer of the analyzer,
A residual state determination step for determining whether or not the analytical test piece remains in the test piece container;
If it is determined in the residual state determination step that the analysis test piece remains in the test piece storage unit, a period calculation step for calculating a storage period of the analysis test piece;
A determination step of determining a deterioration status of the test specimen for analysis based on the storage period calculated in the period calculation step;
An informing step for informing the user of the deterioration status of the analytical test piece determined in the determining step;
A quality confirmation program that runs A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a quality confirmation program for confirming the quality of an analytical test piece accommodated in a test piece accommodating portion of an analyzer for analyzing a sample using the analytical test piece. ,
In the computer of the analyzer,
A residual state determination step for determining whether or not the analytical test piece remains in the test piece container;
If it is determined in the residual state determination step that the analysis test piece remains in the test piece storage unit, a period calculation step for calculating a storage period of the analysis test piece;
A determination step of determining a deterioration status of the test specimen for analysis based on the storage period calculated in the period calculation step;
An informing step for informing the user of the deterioration status of the analytical test piece determined in the determining step;
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the quality confirmation program which performs this.

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