JP6178134B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performs temperature control using constant temperature water in order to keep a sample in a reaction container at a certain temperature, and in particular, conductivity of constant temperature water by a detection unit that detects a liquid level of constant temperature water. It relates to a technique for measuring the water level and managing the water level height and the constant temperature water conductivity.

  Automatic analyzers that can perform qualitative / quantitative analysis of analysis components in specimens in a short time with high accuracy are widely used mainly in laboratories and large hospitals that are required to analyze large quantities of specimens in a short time. .

  The principle of the automatic analyzer is that a sample to be measured and a reagent are mixed and a chemically reacted sample is subjected to absorbance measurement using a photometer using a diffraction grating. In order to improve the measurement accuracy by keeping the reaction conditions of the specimen and the reagent constant, the reaction container is generally provided with a structure that is immersed in constant temperature water maintained at a constant temperature.

  The constant temperature water in the reaction tank is circulated while being heated by a heater or the like in order to maintain a constant temperature (for example, around 37 ° C.). In JP2009-25174A (Patent Document 1), since water may be generated in water maintained at a constant temperature, water inside the automatic analyzer is acquired, and the acquired bacteria of the water are collected. Water quality is maintained by detecting the amount of bacteria contained in the culture and the acquired water to accelerate the growth.

  In addition, in the automatic analyzer described above, the water in the reaction tank may become dirty after 24 hours. Therefore, it is common to change the water in the reaction tank every time the automatic analyzer is turned on. Is.

  Therefore, even if the constant temperature water in the reaction tank is not dirty, the constant temperature water is replaced every time the power is turned on. For this reason, there are problems that wasteful consumption of water, time for water exchange, and quick operation are not possible. Therefore, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-318635 (Patent Document 2), the absorbance of constant temperature water in the gap between the reaction vessel and the reaction vessel is measured using a photometer to confirm the water quality. Originally, it is said that the amount of water used can be reduced because the water quality can be confirmed only with the components installed in the automatic analyzer and the water exchange time of the reaction tank becomes clear.

JP 2009-25174 A JP 09-318635 A

  As described above, a method for maintaining the water quality of constant temperature water in a reaction tank of an automatic analyzer has been proposed. These proposals have the following problems.

  In Patent Document 1, since water may be generated in water maintained at a constant temperature, the water inside the automatic analyzer is acquired, and the acquired water is cultured to accelerate miscellaneous growth and the acquired water. It is said that the water quality is maintained by detecting the amount of bacteria contained in the water, but the scale of the device is necessary to build a mechanism for accelerating the growth of miscellaneous bacteria in water and a system for detecting the amount of water bacteria. There is a problem that the cost of the additional mechanism / system is increased.

  Moreover, it takes time to cultivate the bacteria, and there is no real-time property. Furthermore, the countermeasure when a bacterium is detected is to perform a cleaning operation by a customer or a service person. In general, automatic analyzers use water and regularly recommend cleaning operations. This is because there is a possibility that the growth of bacteria may cause noro and the like to affect the data.

  Moreover, in patent document 2, the light absorbency measurement is performed for the light absorbency of the constant temperature water in the clearance gap between reaction containers using a photometer, and water quality confirmation is implemented. The measurement of the absorbance in the gap between the reaction vessels depends on the response time of the optical semiconductor element in the photometer and can only measure the distance within the response time.

  Therefore, it is difficult to measure in an automatic analyzer having a large processing capacity for an examination center or a large hospital that is required to analyze a large amount of specimens in a short time because the mounting density of reaction containers is high. Furthermore, if the reaction container has a high mounting density, there is a possibility that bubbles may adhere to the gap because the gap between the containers is narrow. In that case, a proper absorbance measurement cannot be performed.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to maintain constant temperature water at a predetermined level by measuring the conductivity of the constant temperature water with a water level electrode that detects the liquid level of the constant temperature water. It is to provide an automatic analyzer that can maintain the water quality in the reaction tank by monitoring the flow rate and setting it to a predetermined conductivity.

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

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

  That is, a typical outline is an automatic analyzer that measures the optical characteristics of a reaction solution obtained by mixing and stirring a sample and a reagent in a reaction vessel and reacting them. The reaction tank that stores the constant temperature water to keep the temperature inside, the water supply mechanism that replenishes the reaction tank with water, the conductivity of the constant temperature water in the reaction tank is measured, and the measured conductivity is preset Compared with normal electrical conductivity, it is detected that the water level of the constant temperature water has dropped from the preset water level, and when the water level of the constant temperature water has dropped, the water supply mechanism is controlled to supply water into the reaction tank. A water level detection control unit for replenishment, and the water level detection control unit detects an abnormality in the concentration of the conductive sample by comparing the measured conductivity with a normal conductivity set in advance.

  Further, the water level detection control unit replenishes the conductive sample in the reaction tank so that the concentration of the conductive sample becomes normal when the abnormality of the concentration of the conductive sample in the constant temperature water is detected.

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

  That is, the conductivity of the constant temperature water is monitored by a water level electrode that detects the liquid level in the reaction tank, the water quality is maintained so as to be within a certain predetermined conductivity range, and the number of times of reagent replenishment for maintaining the conductivity is set. By memorizing and prompting the operator to exchange water in the reaction tank, the running cost can be reduced, and wasteful waste liquid can also be reduced, leading to the contribution of eco activities to the environment.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the water level detection control part of the automatic analyzer which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the reaction tank water quality maintenance in the automatic analyzer which concerns on one embodiment of this invention.

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

<Configuration of automatic analyzer>
A configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a water level detection control unit of the automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

  In FIG. 1, an automatic analyzer includes an operation unit 1 that performs various operations of the automatic analyzer, a transport rack 3 that holds a sample container 2, a sample dispensing mechanism 4 that dispenses a sample in the sample container 2, and a reaction container 5. And a reagent cool box 8 for laying the reagent container 7. The reagent cool box 8 is provided with a lid opening 9 for dispensing the reagent in the reagent container 7.

  The automatic analyzer includes a reagent dispensing mechanism 10 for dispensing the reagent in the reagent container 7, a stirring mechanism 11 for stirring the sample and the reagent in the reaction container 5, a light source lamp, a diffraction grating, and a photodetector. A photometer 12, a cleaning mechanism 13 for cleaning the reaction vessel 5, and a water level electrode 14 installed in the reaction vessel 6.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, constant temperature water 15 for keeping the temperature in the reaction vessel 5 constant is stored in the reaction tank 6. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the water level electrode 14 is composed of two electrodes and is installed in the constant temperature water 15 in the reaction tank 6, and when the constant temperature water 15 becomes below a predetermined water level. The lower surface of the water level electrode 14 is fixed at a position away from the constant temperature water 15.

  Moreover, the water level electrode 14 is connected to the water level detection control unit 16, and the water level detection control unit 16 monitors that the constant temperature water 15 in the reaction tank 6 is at a predetermined water level. The mechanism 17 is controlled to supply constant temperature water and maintain a predetermined water level. The constant temperature water 15 in the reaction vessel 6 is maintained at a predetermined temperature in order to obtain a stable reaction process of the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel 5.

  In addition, the water level detection control unit 16 calculates the conductivity of the constant temperature water 15 based on the measurement results of the signal amplification circuit 18 and the signal amplification circuit 18 that measure the impedance between the electrodes of the water level electrode 14, and monitors the water level. The processing unit 19 is provided.

<Outline of analysis operation of automatic analyzer>
Next, the outline of the analysis operation of the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The automatic analyzer measures the optical characteristics of the reaction solution obtained by mixing and stirring the sample and the reagent in the reaction container and reacting them. The reagent container 7 installed in the reagent cooler 8 is prepared for operation. The reagent liquid level is detected by a reagent nozzle in the reagent dispensing mechanism 10 to check the remaining reagent amount.

  The reaction vessel 6 is filled with constant temperature water 15 to keep the sample in the reaction vessel 5 warm. The constant temperature water 15 is water obtained by heating a mixed solution of an alkaline detergent and pure water in the reagent cooler 8. The water level electrode 14 installed in the reaction tank 6 detects this constant temperature water.

  In a conventional automatic analyzer, constant temperature water must be replaced every time the automatic analyzer is started up. This is because water is exchanged in order to reduce adverse effects on the measurement data due to contamination of constant temperature water and contamination of the reaction tank 6.

  In the operation unit 1, the operator selects and requests a measurement item for the sample in the sample container 2 installed on the transport rack 3. The sample dispensing mechanism 4 sucks the sample in the sample container 2 after the transport rack 3 is carried into the sample suction position, and discharges it to the reaction container 5. The transport rack 3 is discharged from the sample suction position after discharging the sample for the requested measurement item to the reaction container 5.

  The reagent dispensing mechanism 10 sucks the reagent in the reagent container 7 of the requested measurement item and discharges it into the reaction container 5 from which the sample has been discharged. The stirring mechanism 11 mixes the sample discharged into the reaction vessel 5 and the reagent with a stirring rod. The absorbance of the mixed solution in which the sample and the reagent are mixed is measured by the photometer 12. The mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 5 for which the measurement of the absorbance has been completed is sucked by the cleaning mechanism 13 and the cleaning liquid is discharged into the reaction vessel 5 to perform cleaning.

<Monitoring of constant temperature water>
Next, monitoring of constant temperature water in the automatic analyzer according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The constant temperature water 15 in the reaction tank 6 is a mixed solution of pure water taken from customer equipment and an alkaline detergent discharged from the reagent dispensing mechanism 10, for example, and has a certain predetermined conductivity.

  The constant temperature water 15 in the reaction tank 6 has its conductivity measured by the water level electrode 14 and the water level detection control unit 16 and is monitored to be at a predetermined water level by measuring the conductivity. This is because the water level is lowered due to the evaporation of the constant temperature water 15 over time, and when the lower surface of the water level electrode 14 is not in contact with the constant temperature water 15, the conductivity cannot be measured, so the water level is detected to be lowered. it can.

  Moreover, since the pure water used for an automatic analyzer is not deaerated water, the constant temperature water 15 in the reaction tank 6 contains bubbles. For this reason, if the bubbles adhere to the wall of the reaction tank 6 or float in the reaction tank 6, the measurement data may be affected.

  Therefore, the constant temperature water 15 mixes an alkaline detergent such as a surfactant and pure water to reduce the adhesion of bubbles. Since the constant temperature water 15 in which the alkaline detergent and pure water are mixed is a conductive sample, the conductivity of the constant temperature water 15 varies depending on the concentration of the alkaline detergent.

  In the constant temperature water 15 in which the alkaline detergent and pure water are mixed, the range of conductivity when the alkaline detergent is set to a concentration that is not affected by bubbles is measured in advance, and this is set as the predetermined range of conductivity. doing. If the conductivity of the constant temperature water 15 is not within the predetermined conductivity range, there is a possibility of being affected by bubbles.

  Further, when the water level of the constant temperature water 15 is lowered from a predetermined water level, the conductivity cannot be measured or becomes extremely low, so that the constant temperature water does not fall within the predetermined conductivity range. By determining whether or not the conductivity of 15 falls within a predetermined conductivity range, both the monitoring of the water level of the constant temperature water 15 and the monitoring of the concentration of the alkaline detergent can be performed.

<Reaction tank water quality maintenance treatment>
Next, referring to FIG. 3, a process for maintaining the water quality in the reaction tank in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process of maintaining the water quality of the reaction tank in the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The pure water used in the automatic analyzer is not completely sterilized, and the installation environment of the automatic analyzer is not a strict room such as a clean room. Is contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, the processing unit 19 of the water level detection control unit 16 stores information (for example, A) of the number of times of replenishment of the alkaline detergent that replaces the constant temperature water 15.

  First, when the water level detection control unit 16 starts the process of maintaining the water quality of the reaction tank, the replenishment number n for managing the number of pure water and detergent replenishment is set to 0, and the detergent replenishment number a for managing the detergent replenishment number is set to 0. (Step S100). And the electrical conductivity is measured by the water level electrode 14 and the water level detection control part 16, and the liquid level measurement of the constant temperature water 15 is performed (step S101).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the conductivity measured in step S101 is within a predetermined conductivity range (step S102). If it is determined in step S102 that the conductivity is within a predetermined conductivity range, Since the water level of the constant temperature water 15 and the concentration of the alkaline detergent are normal, the replenishment number n is cleared to 0 (step S103), the process returns to step S101, the conductivity measurement is performed again in a certain cycle, and the reaction vessel 6 Maintain the water level inside.

  If it is determined in step S102 that it is not within the predetermined conductivity range, it is determined how many times the replenishment number n is set (step S104). In step S104, the replenishment number n is 0. If it is determined that the water level of the constant temperature water 15 is lowered due to evaporation over time, it is determined that the constant temperature water 15 is not immersed in the water level electrode 14, and a water supply pump / solenoid valve is used to raise the water level in the reaction tank 6. The water supply mechanism 17 constituted by the above is controlled to replenish pure water by a predetermined amount so that the pure water becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined water level (step S105).

  Then, the replenishment count n is set to n + 1 (step S106), the process returns to step S101, and the conductivity measurement is performed again in a certain cycle. If the water level of the constant temperature water 15 is lowered and the conductivity cannot be measured, the conductivity falls within a predetermined conductivity range by replenishment with pure water only in step S105. In step S103, the replenishment count n is cleared to 0, and the process returns to step S101. Conductivity is measured again at a certain cycle, and the water level in the reaction vessel 6 is maintained.

  However, if the concentration of the alkaline detergent decreases due to the replenishment of pure water in step S105 and does not enter the predetermined conductivity range, it is determined in step S102 that it is not in the predetermined conductivity range again. In this case, it is determined in step S104 that the replenishment count n is 1.

  If it is determined in step S104 that the replenishment number n is 1, it is determined whether the detergent replenishment number a is less than A stored in the processing unit 19 of the water level detection control unit 16 (step S107).

  When it is determined in step S107 that the detergent replenishment number a is less than A, the alkaline detergent is replenished so that the concentration of the alkaline detergent becomes a predetermined concentration (step S108), and the detergent replenishment number a is set to a + 1 ( In step S109), the replenishment count n is set to n + 1 (step S106), the process returns to step S101, and the conductivity measurement is performed again.

  The alkaline detergent is replenished, for example, by placing the alkaline detergent in one of the reagent containers 7 and dispensing the alkaline detergent into the reaction tank 6 by the reagent dispensing mechanism 10. The replenishment of the alkaline detergent is not limited to this, and can be replenished by the water supply mechanism 17. Any other configuration may be used as long as the alkaline detergent can be replenished in the reaction tank 6.

  Normally, the water level of the constant temperature water 15 is normal and the concentration of the alkaline detergent is also normal in this state, and the conductivity of the constant temperature water 15 falls within a predetermined conductivity range. In step S103, the replenishment number n is cleared to 0, the process returns to step S101, the conductivity measurement is performed again at a certain period, and the water level in the reaction vessel 6 is maintained. Plan.

  However, even if the alkaline detergent is replenished in step S108, if it does not fall within the predetermined conductivity range and the conductivity measurement is abnormal, it is determined again in step S102 that it is not within the predetermined conductivity range. In this case, it is determined in step S104 that the replenishment count n is 2.

  In this case, there is a possibility that the predetermined pure water is not replenished, or the alkaline detergent cannot discharge a predetermined amount. Therefore, since there is a possibility of hardware abnormality such as the reagent dispensing mechanism 10 or the water supply mechanism 17, an alarm is generated and a warning is issued to the operator (step S110).

  If it is determined in step S107 that the detergent replenishment count a is not less than A, the alkaline detergent replenishment count has reached the preset number of alkaline detergent replenishments for replacing the constant temperature water 15, and therefore the reaction tank 6 May be dirty or the constant temperature water 15 may be dirty, an alarm is generated, a warning is given to the operator (step S111), and the reaction tank 6 is instructed to be cleaned and replaced with water.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the water level electrode 14 for detecting the liquid level in the reaction tank 6 is disposed, and the conductivity when the water level electrode 14 and the liquid level are in contact is monitored, and a predetermined value is obtained. By maintaining the water quality so that it is within the conductivity range, storing the number of times the alkaline detergent is replenished to maintain the conductivity, and encouraging the operator to replace the water in the reaction tank 6, There is no need to replace the water in the reaction tank 6.

  As a result, running costs can be reduced, and wasteful liquid waste can be reduced, leading to contributions to environmental activities. In addition, since the conductivity of the water quality is monitored and maintained, the concentration of the alkaline detergent is maintained within a predetermined range, so that the influence of air bubbles adhering to the walls of the reaction vessel 6 and the reaction vessel 5 is reduced, and the data This leads to improved reliability.

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

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation part, 2 ... Sample container, 3 ... Transport rack, 4 ... Sample dispensing mechanism, 5 ... Reaction container, 6 ... Reaction tank, 7 ... Reagent container, 8 ... Reagent cooler, 9 ... Cover opening part, 10 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Reagent dispensing mechanism, 11 ... Agitation mechanism, 12 ... Photometer, 13 ... Washing mechanism, 14 ... Water level electrode, 15 ... Constant temperature water, 16 ... Water level detection control part, 17 ... Water supply mechanism, 18 ... Signal amplification circuit, 19 ... Processing unit.

Claims (4)

An automatic analyzer that measures the optical characteristics of a reaction solution obtained by mixing and stirring a sample and a reagent in a reaction vessel and reacting them,
A reaction vessel in which a conductive sample is mixed and storing constant temperature water for keeping the temperature in the reaction vessel constant;
A water supply mechanism for replenishing the reaction tank with water;
The conductivity of the constant temperature water in the reaction vessel is measured, and the measured conductivity is compared with a preset normal conductivity, and the water level of the constant temperature water is lowered from a preset water level. A water level detection control unit that detects and controls the water supply mechanism to replenish water in the reaction tank when the water level of the constant temperature water decreases;
With
The water level detection control unit, after replenishing the reaction vessel with water , compares the measured conductivity with a normal conductivity set in advance, detects a decrease in the concentration of the conductive sample , When a decrease in the concentration of the conductive sample in the constant temperature water is detected, the conductive sample is replenished in the reaction vessel so that the concentration of the conductive sample becomes normal, and the conductive sample is introduced into the reaction vessel. An automatic analyzer that manages the number of times of replenishment and issues a warning to the operator that the reaction tank needs to be cleaned and the constant temperature water needs to be replaced when the number of times of replenishment exceeds a preset number . The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 ,
A reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent into the reaction vessel;
The said water level detection control part is an automatic analyzer which replenishes the said electrically conductive sample in the said reaction tank by making the said electrically conductive sample dispense in the said reaction tank by the said reagent dispensing mechanism. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 ,
The water level detection control unit issues a warning to the operator that there is a possibility of a hardware abnormality when a decrease in the concentration of the conductive sample is detected even if the conductive sample is replenished in the reaction vessel. Automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,
Comprising a water level electrode installed in the reaction vessel,
The water level detection control unit is an automatic analyzer that measures the conductivity of the constant temperature water based on a signal from the water level electrode.

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