JP6054642B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine.

  Automatic analyzers perform qualitative and quantitative analysis by adding and reacting with reagents that react specifically with specific components in biological samples such as blood and urine, and measuring the absorbance and luminescence of the reaction solution. Is.

  As such an automatic analyzer, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-256051) discloses a reagent container equipped with an identifier for identifying a reagent and a reagent container mounted with a plurality of the reagent containers. An automatic analyzer comprising: an installation mechanism; and an identifier identification mechanism for identifying the identifier of the reagent container placed on the reagent container placement mechanism, wherein at least the reagent container identified by the identifier identification mechanism An automatic analyzer having a reagent management mechanism that centrally manages reagent information including an expiration date regardless of whether or not the reagent information is mounted on the reagent container mounting mechanism is disclosed.

JP 2010-256051 A

  By the way, the number of reagent containers mounted on the automatic analyzer tends to increase, and it is possible to mount a reagent container including a spare reagent container in addition to the reagent container being used. If a spare reagent container can be installed, the operation of the automatic analyzer can be continued regardless of whether the reagent container has been replaced by an operator when the reagent runs out, thereby improving analysis efficiency. it can.

  However, the reagent used for the analysis of the automatic analyzer needs to be ready for use by opening a reagent container and performing a preparatory operation before use. Therefore, the analysis operation must be stopped during the reagent preparation operation, and there is a problem in usability such that the analysis schedule is changed. In addition, if the spare reagent container is opened at the time of injection and installed in a state where the reagent preparation operation is performed, the analysis operation can be stopped, but the reagent tends to deteriorate when exposed to the outside air. Until the reagent in the inside reagent container runs out, it is not desirable because only the deterioration proceeds without being used.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of improving the analysis efficiency while suppressing the deterioration of the reagent contained in the reagent container.

A reagent container holding unit for mounting a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents used for analyzing a sample, and a plurality of reagent containers provided in each of the plurality of reagent containers, for identifying the reagents stored in the plurality of reagent containers and containers the identifier reading mechanism identification information to acquire the recorded identifiers or et identification information for the reagent container held on the reagent holder, the sealing treatment applied to seal the reagent container and opening mechanism for executing opening process of opening in use of the reagent, the reagent container holder Symbol you store remaining reagent amount information before Symbol reagent container multiple in mounting the identification information in correspondence with portions憶部If, before the start of the analysis process for analyzing the analyte to obtain a reagent predicted consumption from the use history of the predetermined initial value or past reagent, in those該予 measuring consumption and before Kiki憶部forming a comparison of the stored reagent remaining amount Based on, it instructs the opening mechanism as has been unsealing held in the reagent container holder performs the opening processing on the reagent container is not running, can be used to analyze the reagent after opening process And a control unit that executes pre-use preparatory processing for bringing the system into a proper state .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve analysis efficiency while suppressing deterioration of a reagent stored in a reagent container.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which extracts and shows the reagent container disk which is a reagent container holding part with the periphery structure. It is a figure which extracts and shows a reagent container. It is a figure which extracts and shows the reagent container opening apparatus provided in the reagent container disk. It is a figure which shows the function of each part of the control apparatus 19 roughly. It is a figure which shows roughly the reagent usage log | history information table in which the reagent usage log | history information of the reagent container currently mounted in the loading reagent information storage part is memorize | stored. It is a figure which shows roughly the reagent ledger table in which the reagent usage history information of all the reagent containers with a track record of mounting on a reagent container disk is memorize | stored in a reagent information ledger memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows roughly the reagent residual amount information table in which the reagent residual amount information of all the reagent containers with the track record of mounting on a reagent container disk is memorize | stored in a reagent residual amount information storage part. It is a figure which shows the execution status confirmation screen before reagent use which displays the execution status of the reagent opening of the reagent container mounted in the reagent container disk, and pre-use preparatory operation. It is a processing flow which shows the flow of operation | movement at the time of starting of the automatic analyzer in this Embodiment.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an automatic analyzer 100 includes a sample container rack 2 in which a plurality of sample containers 1 for storing biological samples such as blood and urine (hereinafter referred to as samples) are stored, and a rack that carries the sample container rack 2. A transfer line 3 and a reagent container disk 5 (reagent container) which is a reagent container holding unit and contains a plurality of reagent containers 4 containing various reagents used for sample analysis and covered with a reagent disk cover 7 Holding part), a reagent container opening device 20 (see FIG. 4 below) provided on the reagent container disk 5 for opening the reagent container 4, and a plurality of reaction containers 8 for mixing the sample and the reagent are accommodated. An incubator disk 9 and a sump for dispensing a sample from the sample container 1 to the reaction container 8 of the incubator disk 9 by rotational drive, vertical drive and suction / discharge operation Through the dispensing nozzle 10 and the reagent disk cover opening 7 a provided in the reagent disk cover 7, the reagent is dispensed from the reagent container 4 to the reaction container 8 of the incubator disk 9 by rotational drive, vertical drive, and suction / discharge operation. The reagent dispensing nozzle 11 to be poured, the reaction vessel stirring mechanism 14 for stirring the reaction solution stored in the reaction vessel 8, and the reaction solution mixed in the reaction vessel 8 of the incubator disk 9 are sucked by rotation driving and vertical driving. Then, the nozzles 17a and 17b that are sent to the detection units 18a and 18b, the detection units 18a and 18b that perform detection processing on the reaction solution sucked and sent by the nozzles 17a and 17b and detect specific components, and the automatic analyzer 100 And a control device 19 for controlling the overall operation.

  The automatic analyzer 100 also includes a reaction container / sample dispensing tip storage unit 13 in which a plurality of unused reaction vessels 8 and sample dispensing tips 10a are accommodated, and a standby reaction for replacement / replenishment thereof. A container / sample dispensing tip storage unit 12, a disposal hole 15 for discarding the used sample dispensing tip 10a and the reaction vessel 8, and a conveyance mechanism for grasping and conveying the sample dispensing tip 10a and the reaction vessel 8. 16. The transport mechanism 16 is provided so as to be movable in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions (not shown), and the reaction container 8 stored in the reaction container / sample dispensing chip storage unit 13 is placed in the incubator disk 9. The used reaction container 8 is discarded into the disposal hole 15, or the unused sample dispensing tip 10a is transported to the tip mounting position 16a.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a reagent container disk that is a reagent container holding unit extracted together with its peripheral configuration, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a reagent container extracted. FIG. 4 is a view showing the reagent container opening device provided on the reagent container disk.

  Note that both the reagent container 4 before opening (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and the reagent container 4 after opening (see FIG. 4) are mounted on the reagent container disk 5, but in FIG. For the sake of simplicity, only the reagent container 4 after opening is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of reagent containers 4 are mounted on the reagent container disk 5, and reagent dispensing for dispensing the reagent from the reagent container 4 to the reaction container 8 of the incubator disk 9 is provided around the reagent container disk 5. A nozzle 11 and a reading device 5a that reads an individual identification mark 4d (in this embodiment, a barcode) provided on the reagent container 4 and sends the identification information to the control unit 19a of the control device 19 are provided. An RFID tag or the like may be used for the individual identification mark 4d of the reagent container 4. The identification information recorded on the individual identification mark 4d includes a reagent identification number (identification code) for identifying the reagent accommodated in the reagent container 4, a test item name corresponding to the accommodated reagent, an expiration date of the reagent, Includes lot number and sequence number.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, each reagent container 4 is composed of containers 4a to 4c that store a plurality of types (three in the present embodiment) of reagents, and one reagent container 4 (that is, 1 Each set of containers 4a-4c) contains a set of reagents necessary for the corresponding analysis item. Examples of the reagent accommodated in each of the containers 4a to 4c of the reagent container 4 include a luminescent label reagent including a luminescent label and a magnetic particle reagent including magnetic particles.

  In FIG. 4, the reagent container opening device 20 includes a base portion 20 d provided so as to be driven in the vertical direction by a driving device (not shown), and three reagent containers 4 provided corresponding to the three containers 4 a to 4 c of the reagent container 4. Opening hooks 20a to 20d are provided.

  In the reagent container 4 before opening, the openings of the containers 4a to 4c are sealed by lid members 40a to 40c, respectively. The lid members 40a to 40c are provided with projections 41a to 41c for hooking the opening hooks 20a to 20c of the reagent container opening device 20, respectively. Then, the base 20d of the reagent opening device 20 is arranged on the information of the reagent container 4 (unopened) mounted and fixed on the reagent container disk 5, and the opening hooks 20a to 20c are driven by a driving device (not shown) to project the protrusions. By hooking on 41a-41c and driving the base 20d upward in this state, the cover members 40a-40c are raised from the opening of the reagent container 4 to release the sealed state, and the reagent container 4 is opened.

  The control device 19 controls the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 as a whole. The control device 19 performs initial opening (described later) of the reagent container 4 based on a preset program or an instruction from the operator input by the input unit 19c or the like. Control the sample analysis process. Such a control device 19 includes an input unit 19c for inputting information and settings regarding samples and analysis items, and a control for performing operation control of the automatic analysis device 100 and processing of analysis results based on the input contents to the input unit 19c. A display unit 19b for displaying a setting input screen for analysis and analysis results, and a storage unit 19d for storing information regarding settings for analysis, samples and reagents, analysis results, and the like. Here, the initial opening means, for example, that the sealing process performed for sealing the reagent container at the time of factory shipment is opened when the reagent is used.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the function of each part of the control device 19.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the storage unit 19d includes an on-board reagent information storage unit 119h, a reagent information ledger storage unit 119i, and a reagent remaining amount information storage unit 119j.

  The loaded reagent information storage unit 119h is reagent information of a plurality of reagent containers 4 mounted on the reagent container disk 5 serving as a reagent container holding unit and reagents stored in each of them, and at least the usage time and consumption of the reagent This is a functional block for storing the reagent use history information including the above information in association with the identification information read by the reading device 5a from the individual identification mark 4d of the reagent container 4.

  The identification information of the reagent container 4 read by the reading device 5a is sent to the storage unit 19d via the control unit 19a and stored in the loaded reagent information storage unit 119h. Here, when the identification information corresponding to the identification information of the reagent container 4 and the reagent usage history information are stored in the reagent information ledger storage unit 119i described later, the information is read out as the reagent usage history information. It is stored in the loaded reagent information storage unit 119h. Thereafter, as the reagent contained in the reagent container 4 is used, reagent usage history information is added corresponding to the identification information. When the reagent container 4 mounted on the reagent container disk 5 is removed, the identification information and reagent usage history information related to the reagent container 4 are deleted from the mounted reagent information storage unit 119h. Further, the identification information and use history information stored in the reagent information register storage unit 119i are maintained until a specific condition is satisfied. Specific conditions include, for example, the passage of a preset period.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a reagent usage history information table in which reagent usage history information of the reagent container being loaded is stored in the loaded reagent information storage unit.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the reagent usage history information table includes reagent information 60, 61, 62 as reagent information 60, 61, 62 for each of the plurality of reagent containers 4 mounted on the reagent disk 5. 64, 65 and reagent usage history information 66, 67, 68 are stored correspondingly. The reagent information 60, 61, 62 of the plurality of reagent containers 4 is stored corresponding to the mounting position (not shown) of the reagent container 4 on the reagent container disk 5, respectively.

  The identification information 63, 64, 65 of each reagent container 4 includes a reagent identification number (identification code) for identification, an inspection item name corresponding to the stored reagent, a lot number, a sequence number, and the like. For example, as the reagent information 60 of the reagent container 4 mounted in the installation position (not shown) to which the position number 1 is assigned in advance in the reagent container disk 5, as the identification information 63, the inspection item: TSH, the identification code: 1, lot number: 101, sequence number: 120 are stored. Similarly, the reagent information 61 of the reagent container 4 mounted at the installation position (not shown) to which the position number 2 is assigned is, as the identification information 64, the inspection item: TT, the identification code: 50, and the lot number: 130. , Sequence number: 14 is stored. The reagent information 61 of the reagent container 4 mounted at the installation position (not shown) to which the position number 50 is assigned includes, as identification information 65, an inspection item: AB, an identification code: 320, a lot number: 130, Sequence number: 34 is stored.

  In addition, the usage history information of each reagent container 4 includes the usage date and usage time of each reagent, and the total consumption since the initial opening (described later) of the reagent container 4. For example, as the reagent information 60 of the reagent container 4 mounted at the installation position (not shown) to which the position number 1 is assigned in advance in the reagent container disk 5, the usage date of the first reagent is used as the usage history information 66. : (12/01/12), use time: (10:28:25), and cumulative consumption: 1 to 173rd reagent use date: (12/01/12), use time: (15 11:57) and the cumulative consumption up to 173 are stored. Note that the consumption is normalized by a preset one-time consumption, and is therefore synonymous with the number of uses. Similarly, as the reagent information 61 of the reagent container 4 mounted at the installation position (not shown) to which the position number 2 is assigned, the use history information 67 is used as the first use date of the reagent: (12 / 01/10), use time: (10:03:29), and cumulative consumption: 1 to 10th reagent use date: (12/01/12), use time: (15:00:09) ), And the total consumption amount: 10, including the date of use, the use time, and the total consumption amount (not shown) of the reagent in the last use. Further, as the reagent information 62 of the reagent container 4 mounted at the installation position (not shown) to which the position number 50 is assigned, as the use history information 68, the first reagent use date: (12/01 / 23), use time: (11:23:33), and cumulative consumption 1 to 299th reagent use date: (12/01/23), use time: (16:01:23), and Cumulative consumption: Up to 299 is stored.

  The reagent information register storage unit 119i reads the reagent usage history information of the reagents contained in all the reagent containers 4 that have been installed in the reagent container disk 5 that is the reagent container holding unit from the individual identification number label 4d of the reagent container 4. It is a functional block that is stored in association with the identification information read by the device 5a. Here, the reagent container 4 that has been mounted on the reagent container disk 5 includes both the reagent container 4 that has been mounted on the reagent container disk 5 in the past and the reagent container 4 that is mounted on the reagent container disk 5. Pointing.

  As described above, the identification information of the reagent container 4 read by the reading device 5a is sent to the storage unit 19d via the control unit 19a and stored in the on-board reagent information storage unit 119h. Here, when the identification information and the reagent usage history information corresponding to the identification information of the reagent container 4 are stored in the reagent information ledger storage unit 119i, the information is read and loaded as the reagent usage history information. It is stored in the reagent information storage unit 119h. Further, when the identification information corresponding to the identification information of the reagent container 4 and the reagent usage history information are not stored in the reagent information register storage unit 119i, the identification information of the reagent container 4 read by the reading device 5a is: It is also stored in the reagent information register storage unit 119i. Thereafter, reagent usage history information is added to both the loaded reagent information storage unit 119h and the reagent information register storage unit 119i in accordance with the identification information as the reagent contained in the reagent container 4 is used.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a reagent ledger table in which reagent usage history information of all reagent containers that have been installed in reagent container discs is stored in the reagent information ledger storage unit.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the usage history ledger table, the reagent container 4 and the reagent container 4 are stored as reagent information 60, 61, 70 for each of the reagent containers 4 that have been recorded on the reagent disk 5 that is the reagent container holding unit. Reagent identification information 63, 64, 71 and usage history information 66, 67, 72 are stored correspondingly.

  Each identification information 63, 64, 71 of the reagent information ledger storage unit 119i includes a reagent identification number (identification code), an inspection item name, a lot number, a sequence number, and the like, similar to the on-board reagent information storage unit 119h. ing. For example, as the reagent information 60 stored as the reagent usage history information to which the storage number 1 is assigned, the inspection item: TSH, the identification code: 1, the lot number: 101, and the sequence number: 120 are stored as the identification information 63. Has been. Similarly, the reagent information 61 stored as the reagent usage history information to which the storage number 2 is assigned stores the inspection item: TT, the identification code: 50, the lot number: 130, and the sequence number: 14 as the identification information 64. Has been. Reagent information 70 stored as reagent usage history information n (n: positive integer) assigned storage number n is as identification information 71, inspection item: CL, identification code: 500, lot number: 130. , Sequence number 34 is stored.

  In addition, the usage history information of each reagent container 4 includes the usage date and usage time of each reagent, and the total consumption since the initial opening (described later) of the reagent container 4. For example, as the reagent information 60, as the usage history information 66, the first reagent usage date: (12/01/12), the usage time: (10:28:25), and the cumulative consumption amount: 1 The date of use of the 173rd reagent: (12/01/12), use time: (15:11:57), and cumulative consumption amount: up to 173 are stored. As described above, the consumption amount is normalized by a preset consumption amount. Similarly, as reagent information 61, as usage history information 67, the first reagent usage date: (12/01/10), usage time: (10:03:29), and cumulative consumption: 1 From the 10th reagent usage date: (12/01/12), usage time: (15:00:09), and cumulative consumption: 10, including the last usage reagent usage date and usage time , And up to a cumulative consumption (not shown) are stored. As reagent information 70, as usage history information 72, the first reagent usage date: (12/01/23), usage time: (17:21:33), and cumulative consumption: 1 are stored. Has been.

  The reagent remaining amount information storage unit 119j is a functional block that stores the calculation result of the reagent remaining amount in the reagent remaining amount management unit 119c described later in association with the identification information.

  The identification information of the reagent container 4 read by the reading device 5a is sent to the storage unit 19d via the control unit 19a and is also stored in the reagent remaining amount information storage unit 119j. Thereafter, as the reagent contained in the reagent container 4 is used, the reagent remaining amount calculated by the reagent remaining amount management unit 119c is updated corresponding to the identification information.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a reagent remaining amount information table in which reagent remaining amount information of all the reagent containers that have been installed in the reagent container disk is stored in the reagent remaining amount information storage unit.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the reagent remaining amount information table includes reagent remaining amount information 90, 91, and 92 for each of the reagent containers 4 that have been recorded on the reagent disk 5 that is the reagent container holding unit. The container 4 and reagent identification information 63, 64, 71 and remaining amount information 93, 94, 95 are stored correspondingly.

  Each identification information 63, 64, 71 of the reagent remaining amount information storage unit 119j includes a reagent identification number (identification code), an inspection item name, a lot number, a sequence number, and the like, as in the reagent information register storage unit 119i. ing. For example, as the identification information 63 of the reagent remaining amount information 90 stored as the reagent remaining amount information to which the storage number 1 is assigned, the inspection item: TSH, identification code: 1, lot number: 101, sequence number: 120 are included. It is remembered. As described above, the consumption amount is normalized by a preset consumption amount. Similarly, as the identification information 64 of the reagent remaining amount information 91 stored as the reagent usage history information to which the storage number 2 is assigned, the inspection item: TT, the identification code: 50, the lot number: 130, the sequence number: 114 is stored. Further, as the identification information 71 of the reagent remaining amount information 92 stored as the reagent usage history information n (n: positive integer) assigned with the storage number n, the inspection item: CL, the identification code: 500, the lot number : 130 and sequence number: 34 are stored.

  Further, the remaining amount information 93, 94, 95 of each reagent container 4 stores the remaining amount of each reagent. For example, as the reagent remaining amount 93 of the reagent remaining amount information 90, the reagent remaining amount: 327 is stored as the final reagent remaining amount information. Similarly, reagent remaining amount: 341 is stored as final reagent remaining amount information as reagent remaining amount 94 of reagent remaining amount information 91. Further, as the reagent remaining amount 95 of the reagent remaining amount information 92, the reagent remaining amount: 499 is stored as final reagent remaining amount information.

  Returning to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 19a includes a reagent opening prediction request unit 119a, a reagent opening prediction unit 119b, a reagent remaining amount management unit 119c, a reagent opening / pre-use preparation process planning unit 119d, and a reagent opening / pre-use preparation process. A management unit 119e, a reagent opening / pre-use preparation process execution unit 119f, and an output unit 119g are provided.

  The reagent opening prediction requesting unit 119a is a functional block that determines an execution instruction for an opening determination process for determining whether or not initial opening (described later) can be performed on an unopened reagent container 4 mounted on the reagent container disk 5. In the automatic analyzer 100, when an operation preset by the reagent opening prediction request unit 119a (for example, a command from an operator or a specific operation such as power-on) is performed, the reagent opening prediction request unit 119a performs an opening determination process. Is instructed to the reagent opening prediction unit 119b. The opening determination process is performed before the analysis process is started by the automatic analyzer.

  The reagent opening prediction unit 119b is a functional block that performs an opening determination process for determining whether or not the initial opening of the unopened reagent container 4 mounted on the reagent container disk 5 is feasible. When the reagent opening prediction unit 119b is instructed to perform the opening determination process from the reagent opening prediction request unit 119a, the reagent opening prediction unit 119b acquires the use history information from the on-board reagent information storage unit 119i, and the use history thereof. Based on the information, a predicted value (predicted usage amount) of the reagent usage amount for a predetermined period is calculated, and the calculation result is compared with the reagent remaining amount. When the predicted usage exceeds the reagent remaining amount, the unsealing of the unopened reagent container 4 containing the same type of reagent as the reagent contained in the target reagent container 4 by the reagent container opening device 20 is planned. As described above, an instruction is given to the reagent opening / pre-use preparatory processing planning unit 119d described later. Various methods are conceivable for calculating the estimated usage amount of the reagent. For example, the total usage amount of each reagent on each day of the past week is used as the predicted usage amount. An initial value set at the time of shipment of the automatic analyzer can also be used.

  The reagent remaining amount management unit 119c uses the reagent stored in the loaded reagent information of the loaded reagent information storage unit 119h (and the reagent information ledger storage unit 119i) every time the reagent contained in the reagent container 4 is used. It is a functional block for calculating and managing the remaining amount of reagent based on the consumption amount of history. The calculated reagent remaining amount information is sent to the reagent opening prediction unit 119b and used for the calculation.

  The reagent unsealing / pre-use preparatory processing planning unit 119d is a functional block that creates an execution plan for the reagent unsealing and reagent pre-use preparatory operations. The reagent unsealing / pre-use preparatory processing planning unit 119d makes an execution plan for pre-use preparatory operations such as unsealing of the reagent container 4 and stirring in accordance with the unsealing instruction of the reagent container 4 from the reagent unsealing prediction unit 119b.

  The reagent opening / pre-use preparatory process management unit 119e is a functional block that manages the execution state of the reagent unpacking and pre-use preparatory operations for each reagent, and the reagent unsealing / pre-use preparatory process execution unit 119f It is a functional block that executes a pre-use preparatory operation, and the output unit 119g outputs and displays on the display unit 19b the execution status of the reagent unsealing and pre-use preparatory operation (see FIG. 9 below).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a reagent pre-use preparation execution status confirmation screen for displaying the execution status of the reagent opening of the reagent container mounted on the reagent container disk and the pre-use preparatory operation.

  In FIG. 9, the pre-use preparation execution status confirmation screen 80 includes an installation position 81, which is an installation position display field in the reagent container disk 5 of each reagent container 4 planned for pre-use preparation, and an inspection item display field. An inspection item 82, an execution status 83 which is an execution status display field of the entire pre-use preparation, an opening 84 which is an execution status display column of the initial opening as details of the execution status, and an execution status of the pre-use preparation A pre-use preparation 85 that is a display field and an OK button 86 that ends the confirmation and closes the screen are provided. In each column of the execution status 83, opening 84, and pre-use preparation 85, the execution status of each process is indicated by a symbol P indicating planning, a symbol R indicating execution, and a symbol C indicating completion. For example, the inspection item of the reagent container 4 mounted at the installation position 1 of the reagent disk 5 is TSH, and the symbol R indicates that preparation before using the reagent is being executed. Further, as the details of the execution status, it is displayed that the initial opening has been completed (indicated by the symbol C), and preparations before use are being performed (indicated by the symbol R). The same applies to the other reagent containers 4.

  Here, an example of the operation at the start of the automatic analysis process in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a processing flow showing a flow of operation at the start of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment.

  When the control unit 19a in the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment is instructed to start the automatic analyzer (for example, when the power is turned on), the control unit 19a is based on the predetermined calibration processing settings. Perform the calibration process. The calibration process settings include information such as whether or not to perform calibration at the start of the automatic analyzer and the items to be calibrated. If the calibration process is not set, the calibration process is performed. First, perform the following process (reagent opening / reagent preparation process).

  After performing (or not performing) the calibration process, the control unit 19a first acquires identification information from the individual identification mark 4d provided on the reagent container 4 mounted on the reagent container disk 5, as shown in FIG. (Step S10). Next, the corresponding reagent use history information is read from the loaded reagent information storage unit 119h based on the identification information (step S20). Next, the predicted consumption is calculated based on the read reagent usage history information (step S30). Next, reagent remaining amount information is read out from the reagent remaining amount information storage unit 119j (step S40). Then, the reagent remaining amount based on the reagent remaining amount information is compared with the predicted consumption amount to determine whether the reagent remaining amount is larger than the predicted consumption amount (step S50). If the determination result is YES, the process is performed. When finished, the process proceeds to the subsequent analysis process. If the determination result in step S50 is NO, initial opening of the unopened (unused) reagent container of the relevant reagent is executed (step S60), and pre-use preparation processing is executed (step S70). Thereafter, the process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the subsequent analysis process.

  The effect in this Embodiment comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated.

  In the prior art, the number of reagent containers mounted on the automatic analyzer tends to increase, and it is possible to mount a reagent container including a spare reagent container in addition to the reagent container being used. If a spare reagent container can be installed, the operation of the automatic analyzer can be continued regardless of whether the reagent container has been replaced by an operator when the reagent runs out, thereby improving analysis efficiency. it can. However, the reagent used for the analysis of the automatic analyzer needs to be ready for use after opening the reagent container and before use. Therefore, the analysis operation must be stopped during the reagent preparation operation, and there is a problem in usability such that the analysis schedule is changed. In addition, if the spare reagent container is opened at the time of injection and installed in a state where the reagent preparation operation is performed, the analysis operation can be stopped, but the reagent tends to deteriorate when exposed to the outside air. Until the reagent in the inner reagent container runs out, there is also a problem that only the deterioration proceeds without being used, which is undesirable.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the estimated consumption calculated based on the reagent usage history information stored in the loaded reagent information storage unit 119h and the reagent remaining amount stored in the reagent remaining amount information storage unit 119j. Since it is configured to determine whether or not to perform the initial opening before the start of the analysis process of the unopened reagent container held in the reagent container holding unit based on the comparison result, it is stored in the reagent container. Analysis efficiency can be improved while suppressing deterioration of the reagent.

1 Sample container 2 Sample container rack 3 Rack transport line 4 Reagent container 5 Reagent container disk (reagent container holding part)
7 Reagent disc cover 7a Reagent disc cover opening 8 Reaction vessel 9 Incubator disc 10 Sample dispensing nozzle 11 Reagent dispensing nozzle 12 Reaction vessel / sample dispensing tip storage 13 Reaction vessel / sample dispensing tip storage 15 Disposal hole 16 Chip mounting position 18a, 18b Detection unit 19 Control device 19a Control unit 19d Storage unit 20 Reagent container opening device (opening mechanism)
119a Reagent opening prediction request unit 119b Reagent opening prediction unit 119c Remaining reagent management unit 119d Reagent opening / pre-use preparation processing planning unit 119e Reagent opening / pre-use preparation processing management unit 119f Reagent opening / pre-use preparation processing execution unit 119g Output unit 119h On-board reagent information storage unit 119i Reagent information ledger storage unit 119j Reagent remaining amount information storage unit 100 Automatic analyzer

Claims (7)

A plurality of reagent containers containing reagents to be used for analyzing the sample, and a reagent container holding unit for mounting the reagent container before opening and the reagent container after opening ;
An identifier reading mechanism that is provided in each of the plurality of reagent containers and obtains identification information from an identifier in which identification information for identifying the plurality of reagent containers and reagents contained in the containers is recorded;
An unsealing mechanism for executing an unsealing process for unsealing the reagent container held on the reagent holding part when the reagent is used for the sealing process performed to seal the reagent container;
A storage unit for storing reagent remaining amount information of the plurality of reagent containers being mounted on the reagent container holding unit in association with the identification information;
Before starting the analysis process for analyzing the sample by dispensing and reacting the reagent in the opened reagent container mounted on the reagent container holding unit with respect to the reaction container in which the sample is dispensed , Based on the result of comparing the predicted consumption amount and the remaining amount of reagent in the opened reagent container stored in the storage unit, by obtaining a reagent predicted consumption amount from a predetermined initial value or a past usage history of the reagent, Instructs the opening mechanism to perform the opening process on the unopened reagent container held in the reagent container holding unit and has not been opened, and stirs the reagent in the reagent container after the opening process And a control unit that executes a pre-use preparatory process for making it ready for analysis. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The control unit is a reagent container in which the unsealing process held in the reagent holding unit is not executed when there is a reagent whose reagent remaining amount is lower than the predicted consumption amount, and the same type corresponding to the reagent. An automatic analyzer characterized by instructing the opening mechanism to execute an opening process on a reagent container containing the reagent. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The storage unit stores the reagent container loaded in the reagent container holding unit and the reagent usage history information of the reagent stored in the reagent container that has been installed in the reagent container holding unit in association with the identification information. An automatic analyzer comprising a reagent information ledger storage unit for performing the operation. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
The controller is configured to notify an operator when there is a reagent whose remaining amount of reagent is smaller than the predicted usage amount. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the controller acquires the predicted consumption based on a reagent usage amount in a specific period in the past. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, wherein
The said control part totals the usage-amount in each day of the week of the past one week, and acquires the said predicted consumption, The automatic analyzer characterized by the above-mentioned. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The automatic analysis apparatus characterized in that the opening process is to open an opening of a closed reagent container.

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