JP6521628B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to an automatic analyzer that analyzes components contained in a sample collected from a subject.

  The automatic analyzer is intended for biochemical test items, immunological test items and the like, and optically measures changes in color tone and turbidity caused by the reaction of the mixture of the sample and the reagent of each test item. By this measurement, analytical data represented by the concentration of each test item component contained in the sample, the activity of the enzyme, etc. is generated.

  The automatic analyzer analyzes items to be inspected which are set out of a plurality of inspection items for each sample. Each sample is housed in an elongated cylindrical sample container having an opening at the top. Patient information and items to be examined regarding each sample can be specified based on the information read from the recording medium attached to the sample container. Then, the sample dispensing probe sucks the sample in the sample container and discharges the sample into the reaction container. The sample dispensing probe aspirates the sample from the sample container, and may aspirate the sample from the sample cup placed on the sample container. The sample cup is shallower than the sample container and is used to analyze a smaller amount of sample than the sample contained in the sample container.

  However, since the sample cup does not have a space to which the recording medium is attached, the recording medium is attached to the sample container on which the sample cup is placed. Therefore, when separation from the sample container of a sample cup happens accidentally, the original sample container in which the sample cup was mounted may become unknown. In addition, misplacement may occur due to human error. As described above, when the sample cup is placed in the sample container different from the original sample container, the automatic analyzer can not distinguish the misplaced state, and the analysis result of the misplaced result is displayed. There is a risk that the output will be correct.

JP, 2013-68432, A Patent No. 4457091 gazette

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is the accidental separation or artificial error placement of a sample cup containing a sample and a container provided with a recording medium recording information on the sample contained in the sample cup. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic analyzer which prevents an analysis result from being mistaken and recorded due to a difference or the like.

  In order to achieve the above object, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an information reading unit for reading information from a recording medium attached to a sample container capable of containing a sample, and the recording medium A liquid level measurement unit for measuring the liquid level height of the sample contained in the sample cup placed in the sample container, and the liquid level height after dispensing of the sample contained in the sample cup A data storage unit that stores the data in association with the information recorded in the recording medium, and the liquid level height of the sample contained in the sample cup to be aspirated when the sample is aspirated from the sample cup An arithmetic unit that compares the liquid level height stored in the data storage unit in association with the information read by the information reading unit from the recording medium attached to the sample container on which the sample cup is placed And before As a result of comparison by the calculation unit, the difference between the liquid level height of the sample contained in the sample cup and the liquid level height stored in the data storage unit in association with the information read from the recording medium is a predetermined value. And means for notifying a warning when the tolerance is exceeded.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment. The perspective view which shows the structure of the analysis part which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the information reading unit according to the embodiment reads the recorded content of the recording medium. The figure which shows the structure of the dispensing probe which concerns on embodiment. The figure showing the mode of the liquid level measurement by the liquid level measurement part concerning an embodiment. The flowchart showing the operation | movement of the first time automatic analyzer which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart showing the operation | movement of an automatic analyzer at the time of performing a test | inspection which concerns on embodiment again.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described.

  The configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment will be described. In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment, the liquid level of the sample after the sample in the sample cup 17a placed in the sample container 17 is dispensed, and the dispensing is finished once. By comparing the liquid level of the sample at the time of suction when performing, it is possible to detect an abnormality such as mistaking of the sample cup 17a.

  Hereinafter, each part included in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment will be described, and then, an example of a method of measuring the liquid level of the sample at the time of sample suction by the sample dispensing probe 16 and the sample liquid level The method for determining the identity of a sample based on the comparison of

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment. The automatic analyzer 100 includes an operation unit 50 that receives an input from an operator, and a system control unit 60 that performs system control of the entire automatic analyzer 100 based on the input received by the operation unit 50. The system control unit 60 includes an analysis control unit 31 for controlling the drive unit 30, a data processing unit 35 for data processing, an output unit 40 for outputting an operation result, and a recording medium 17b attached to the sample container 17. It controls the information reading unit 51 that reads the recorded content. The drive unit 30 drives each analysis unit of the analysis unit 24.

  The analysis unit 24 measures the mixed solution formed by dispensing the sample and the reagent into the reaction container 3, and measures the concentration of a specific component of the sample. The analysis result of the analysis unit 24 is sent to the data processing unit 35 so that it can be stored and read out.

  The data sent from the data processing unit 35 can be printed out by the printing unit 41 of the output unit 40 or displayed by the display unit 42.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the analysis unit 24. As shown in FIG. The analysis unit 24 includes a sample container 17 for storing a sample, and a sample disk 5 for holding the sample container 17. In addition, a reagent container 6 containing the first reagent of one reagent system and two reagent systems which react with the components of the test item contained in the sample, and a reagent rack 1a rotatably holding the reagent container 6 There is.

  The reagent storage 1 cools the first reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a. The reagent container 7 accommodates a second reagent paired with the first reagent of the two reagent system. Further, the reagent rack 2a rotatably holds the reagent container 7, and the reagent storage 2 cools the second reagent in the reagent container 7 held by the reagent rack 2a. The reaction disk 4 rotatably holds a plurality of reaction vessels 3 arranged on the circumference.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the sample cup 17 a is placed on the sample container 17 to which the recording medium 17 b is attached and the information reading unit 51 reads the recording medium 17 b. The sample container 17 is an elongated cylindrical container having an opening at the top, and it is easy to attach a label on which a barcode is recorded so that the bar is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The sample cup 17 a is a container having a shallow bottom and smaller volume than the sample container 17, and has a shape that can be placed on the sample container 17. The sample cup 17a transfers and uses the sample in the sample container 17 when the number of samples in the sample container 17 decreases. The sample cup 17a is made of a material such as polystyrene or polypropylene. Generally, the sample cup 17a does not have a space for attaching a recording medium 17b such as a bar code, and thus information for specifying a sample in the sample cup 17a corresponds to the recording medium 17b attached to the sample container 17. It is recorded.

  Hereinafter, the recording medium 17b attached to the sample container 17 will be described as a seal in which a bar code is described, but an IC tag can also be applied to the recording medium 17b. If the recording medium 17b is a sticker on which a bar code is written, the information reading unit 51 is a bar code reader, but if the recording medium 17b is an IC tag, the information reading unit 51 is replaced with an IC tag reader. The information reading unit 51 transmits the read information to the data processing unit 35. Note that the recording medium 17b may be provided in the sample container 17 in a form not based on sticking, as long as the information reading unit 51 can read the recording content.

  The recording content of the recording medium 17 b is, for example, a sample ID. The sample ID is information unique to each sample, and when the information of the sample ID is transmitted to the data processing unit 35, the operation unit 36 calls the sample information stored in the data storage unit 37 based on the sample ID. . The sample information may be all or a plurality of some or any one of patient information (patient ID, name, gender, etc.), examination item, dispensing amount, and the like. When the test result is transmitted from the analysis unit 24 to the data processing unit 35, the test result is stored in association with the sample ID. In the above, only the sample ID is recorded on the recording medium 17b, and the sample information is output from the data storage unit 37. However, the sample information and the information on apparatus setting are directly recorded on the recording medium 17b. May be

  The information reading unit 51 reads the recorded content of the recording medium 17 b attached to the sample container 17 as shown in FIG. 3. The information reading unit 51 is disposed in the vicinity of the sample disk 5, for example, outside or inside of the sample disk 5, and faces the recording medium 17 b attached to the sample container 17 held by the sample disk 5. The recording content of the recording medium 17b is read by the information reading unit 51 by using the liquid of the sample contained in the sample cup 17a or the sample container 17 placed on the sample container 17 to which the recording medium 17b to be read is attached. The surface is brought into contact with the lower end of the sample dispensing probe 16.

  The sample dispensing probe 16 draws and dispenses the sample in the sample container 17 or the sample cup 17a held by the sample disc 5 into the reaction container 3 by the suction and discharge operations of the sample dispensing pump 16a. Do. In addition, the sample dispensing arm 10 holds the sample dispensing probe 16 so as to be able to rotate and move up and down. The sample detector 16 b detects contact and separation between the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 17 or the sample cup 17 a and the lower end of the sample dispensing probe 16. The cleaning unit 70 cleans the sample dispensing probe 16.

  Next, the sample dispensing pump 16a and the sample dispensing probe 16 in the analysis unit 24 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing the sample dispensing probe 16 for aspirating the sample at the aspiration position. The inside of the sample dispensing probe 16 is filled with, for example, a pressure transfer medium such as pure water, and the sample dispensing pump 16a and the tube 161 filled with the pressure transfer medium communicate with each other. Further, the upper end portion is held by the sample dispensing arm 10.

  At the time of suction of the sample in the sample container 17 or the sample cup 17a held by the sample disc 5, the suction position is lowered by a predetermined distance from the position where the sample detector 16b detects the contact of the lower end of the sample dispensing probe 16 with the sample. Then, the sample dispensing probe 16 is stopped. Here, the predetermined distance is a distance which is determined in consideration of the fact that the liquid level is lowered by the suction of the sample. After stopping at the suction position, the sample dispensing probe 16 sucks the sample by the suction drive of the sample dispensing pump 16a by the drive unit 30.

  In the sample detector 16b, a method for detecting a change in capacitance or resistance value when the lower end of the sample dispensing probe 16 contacts the liquid surface of the sample, or the pressure of the liquid in the dispensing probe It is possible to adopt a method of detecting

  The liquid level measurement unit 16c monitors the number of input pulses to the pulse motor and obtains the amount of movement of the sample dispensing probe 16 from the number of input pulses. FIG. 5 shows how the liquid level measurement unit 16c measures the liquid level when the sample is sucked from the sample cup 17a placed on the sample container 17. As shown in FIG. The sample dispensing probe 16 is supported by the sample dispensing arm 10. The sample dispensing arm 10 moves up and down using the motor 301 of the drive unit 30 as a drive source. The motor 301 is, for example, a pulse motor. The rotation angle of the pulse motor is proportional to the number of input pulses. The amount of movement of the sample dispensing probe 16 can be grasped by the liquid level measurement unit 16 c measuring the number of input pulses. Specifically, it is input to move from the upper stopping position of the dispensing position of the sample dispensing probe 16 to the contact point between the lower end of the sample dispensing probe 16 and the sample, which is detected by the sample detector 16b. The level height measuring unit 16c measures the number of input pulses. Although the start point of the input pulse number measurement is hereinafter referred to as the top dead center of the sample dispensing probe at the dispensing position, the sample dispensing probe 16 is mounted on the sample container 17 at a constant height or when moving horizontally. You may set the fixed height which the lower end part of the sample dispensing probe 16 is located above rather than the sample cup 17a arrange | positioned.

  The liquid level height after suction can be determined by calculating the liquid level reduction amount in addition to the movement amount of the sample dispensing probe 16 determined above. The liquid level reduction amount is obtained using the suction amount set for each sample and the shape information of the sample cup 17a. The shape information of the sample cup 17a is, for example, an inner diameter, and this information can be set in advance by storing it in the data storage unit 37 or by an operator's input from the operation unit 50.

  Information on the liquid level height of the sample obtained by measuring the movement amount of the sample dispensing probe 16 and the liquid level decrease amount by the liquid level height measurement unit 16 c is sent to the data processing unit 35. The liquid level height data is stored in the data storage unit 37 by the operation unit 36. The data stored in the data storage unit 37 can be read by the operation unit 36 as needed.

  Although the liquid level measurement unit 16c has been described above, the configuration of the liquid level measurement unit 16c and the method of measuring the liquid level are not limited to the above. Below, the modification concerning the composition of liquid level measurement part 16c, and the measuring method of liquid level height is shown.

<Modification 1>
In this modification, attention is focused on the timing at which the lower end portion of the sample dispensing probe 16 separates from the sample. The liquid level measurement unit 16c measures from when the lower end portion of the sample dispensing probe 16 detects separation of the sample after suction from the liquid level until when the sample dispensing probe stops at the top dead center. Monitor the number of input pulses. The distance from the liquid level of the sample after suction to the top dead center of the sample dispensing probe is calculated from the number of input pulses to determine the liquid level height.

<Modification 2>
In the present modification, the liquid level is detected using an electromagnetic wave such as an infrared ray, a laser, or an ultrasonic wave. The liquid level measurement unit 16c measures the distance between the liquid level measurement unit 16c and the liquid level measurement unit 16c from the time it takes to receive the electromagnetic wave reflected by the liquid surface by irradiating the electromagnetic wave from the liquid level measurement unit 16c. . The liquid level is determined based on the measured distance.

<Modification 3>
In the present modification, the liquid level is detected by photographing the liquid level of the sample using a camera. For example, a fixed point camera is provided at a position where the side surface of the sample cup 17a can be photographed, and the liquid level is obtained from the photographed image.

  The modified examples of the plurality of liquid level measurement methods described above can be applied also when dispensing the sample in the sample container 17 in a state in which the sample cup 17a is not placed on the top.

  The first reagent dispensing probe 14 sucks the first reagent in the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1 a by the suction and discharge operations of the first reagent dispensing pump 14 a, and the reaction container 3 in which the sample is discharged Dispensing into the inside. The first reagent dispensing arm 8 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 14 rotatably and vertically. In addition, the first reagent detector 14 b detects contact and separation between the liquid level of the first reagent in the reagent container 6 and the lower end of the first reagent dispensing probe 14. The cleaning unit 80 cleans the first reagent dispensing probe 14.

  The first stirrer 18 stirs the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent discharged into the reaction container 3. Note that instead of inserting and stirring the first stirrer 18 into the liquid mixture, stirring using ultrasonic vibration may be performed. The first stirring arm 20 holds the first stirring bar 18 so as to be able to rotate and move up and down. In addition, the cleaning tank 18 a cleans the first stirring element 18 every time the mixing liquid is stirred.

  The second reagent dispensing probe 15 aspirates and discharges the second reagent in the reagent container 7 held in the reagent rack 2a by the suction and discharge operations of the second reagent dispensing pump 15a, and the reaction in which the first reagent is discharged Dispensing into the container 3 is performed. The second reagent dispensing arm 9 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 15 rotatably and vertically. In addition, the second reagent detector 15 b detects contact and separation between the liquid level of the second reagent in the reagent container 7 and the lower end of the second reagent dispensing probe 15. The cleaning unit 90 cleans the second reagent dispensing probe 15.

  The second stirrer 19 stirs the mixture of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent in the reaction vessel 3. Instead of inserting and stirring the second stirrer 19 into the mixture, stirring using ultrasonic vibration may be performed. The second stirring arm 21 holds the second stirrer 19 so as to be able to rotate and move vertically. In addition, the cleaning tank 19a cleans the second stirrer 19 every time the stirring of the liquid mixture is completed. In addition, the cleaning nozzle 12 cleans the inside of the reaction container 3 whose measurement has been completed by the measurement unit 13.

  The measurement unit 13 emits light to the side surface of the reaction container, and detects the light transmitted through the mixed solution containing the sample in the reaction container 3 for each wavelength of the inspection item. The signal detected by the measurement unit 13 is transmitted to the data processing unit 35.

  Data processing unit 35 includes an operation unit 36 and a data storage unit 37. The calculation unit 36 processes the signal detected by the measurement unit 13 of the analysis unit 24 as absorbance. The absorbance is used to specify the concentration of a specific component of a sample from the relationship between the concentration of the component obtained in advance and the absorbance. The calculation unit 36 stores the concentration data of the specific component of the generated sample in the data storage unit 37.

  The data storage unit 37 includes a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. And store inspection item setting information of the sample.

  The output unit 40 includes a printing unit 41 that prints out the concentration of the specific component of the sample generated by the computing unit 36 and a display unit 42 that displays the output. Then, the printing unit 41 includes a printer and the like, and prints the data sent from the calculation unit 36 on printer paper or the like according to a preset format.

  The display unit 42 includes a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, and the like, and displays the concentration of a specific component of the sample generated by the calculation unit 36. In addition, an analysis parameter setting screen for setting the amount of the sample to be discharged into the reaction container 3, the amount of the first reagent, the amount of the second reagent, and the like, which are analysis parameters of each inspection item, is displayed. If a re-examination is required to re-examine an inspection item, a re-examination instruction is displayed.

  The operation unit 50 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a touch key panel, and can perform an input such as analysis parameter setting for each examination item.

  The system control unit 60 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage circuit, and stores, in the storage circuit, input information such as analysis parameters of each inspection item input from the operation unit 50 and information on inspection items set for the sample. After that, based on the input information, the analysis control unit 31, the data processing unit 35, the output unit 40, and the information reading unit 51 are integrated to control the entire system.

  The drive unit 30 includes a drive source for driving each analysis unit of the analysis unit 24 and a mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the drive source to each analysis unit. The drive source is, for example, a pulse motor. The drive unit 30 drives the sample disk 5 to move the sample container 17. Further, the reagent racks 1a and 2a are respectively driven to rotate the reagent containers 6 and 7, and the reaction disk 4 is driven to rotationally move the reaction container 3.

  The drive unit 30 rotationally and vertically drives the sample dispensing arm 10, the first reagent dispensing arm 8, the first stirring arm 20, the second reagent dispensing arm 9, and the second stirring arm 21, respectively. Then, the sample dispensing probe 16, the first reagent dispensing probe 14, the first stirrer 18, the second reagent dispensing probe 15 and the second stirrer 19 are moved.

  The driving unit 30 drives the sample dispensing pump 16 a to cause the sample dispensing probe 16 to aspirate and discharge the sample. Further, the first reagent dispensing pump 14 a is driven to cause the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to aspirate and discharge the first reagent. Furthermore, the second reagent dispensing pump 15a is driven to cause the second reagent dispensing probe 15 to aspirate and discharge the second reagent.

  The drive unit 30 drives each cleaning unit of the cleaning unit 70 to clean the sample dispensing probe 16. In addition, each cleaning unit of the cleaning unit 80 is driven to clean the first reagent dispensing probe 14. In addition, each cleaning unit of the cleaning unit 90 is driven to clean the second reagent dispensing probe 15. The analysis control unit 31 rotates the sample disk 5 to place the sample container 17 in which the sample cup 17a for containing the sample to be dispensed is placed or the sample container 17 for containing the sample to be dispensed on the dispensing position. Move and stop the sample disk 5. In addition, the sample dispensing probe 16 waiting on the cleaning unit 70 is moved in the horizontal direction (the direction of the sample disc 5) at the height of the top dead center, and the upper side of the opening of the sample container 17 located at the dispensing position. Stop at the upper stop position. Then, it is moved downward from the upper stop position, and the contact between the lower end of the sample dispensing probe 16 and the liquid surface of the sample in the sample container 17 or the sample cup 17a is detected by the sample detector 16b by a predetermined distance The sample is aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 16 at the lowered aspiration position. Here, the predetermined distance is a distance determined in consideration of the fact that the liquid surface of the sample is lowered by the suction of the sample by the sample dispensing probe 16. After the sample is aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 16 at the aspirating position, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved from the aspirating position to the upper stop position, and further horizontally moved toward the reaction disc 4 and held on the reaction disc 4 It stops in the upper stop position above the opening of the reaction container 3 being carried out. Then, the sample is dispensed from the sample dispensing probe 16 at a discharge position where the lower end of the sample dispensing probe 16 contacts the bottom surface of the reaction container 3 located at the dispensing position by moving downward from the upper stop position Let

  After the dispensing of the specific sample contained in the specific sample container 17 to the specific reaction container 3 or the dispensing of the same sample to a plurality of different reaction containers 3 is completed, the drive unit 30 Before starting the next sample dispensing, the cleaning unit 70 cleans the sample dispensing probe 16.

  In addition, the analysis control unit 31 moves the first reagent dispensing probe 14 in the horizontal direction (the direction of the reagent storage 1) at the height of the top dead center, above the opening of the reagent container 6 held in the reagent rack 1a. Stop at the upper stop position. Then, it is moved downward from the upper stop position, and predetermined time is detected from the time when the first reagent detector 14b detects the contact between the lower end of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 and the liquid level of the first reagent in the reagent container 6. The first reagent is aspirated by the first reagent dispensing probe 14 at the aspiration position lowered by a distance. Here, the predetermined distance is a distance determined in consideration of the fact that the liquid level of the first reagent is lowered by the suction of the first reagent by the first reagent dispensing probe 14. After the first reagent is aspirated by the first reagent dispensing probe 14 at the aspirating position, the first reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved from the aspirating position to the upper stop position, and further horizontally moved toward the reaction disc 4 The reaction disk 4 is positioned on the opening of the reaction container 3 and lowered to a predetermined position in the reaction container 3 to discharge the first reagent from the first reagent dispensing probe 14.

  After dispensing of the first reagent is completed, the washing unit 80 rinses the first reagent dispensing probe 14 before dispensing the next first reagent. Then, except for the case where the first reagent dispensed before the next first reagent is the affecting reagent, and the next first reagent is the affected reagent from the affecting reagent, the first The reagent dispensing probe 14 is moved to the first washing position of the washing unit 80, and washing is performed using the first washing solution. Also, if the first reagent dispensed before the next first reagent is the affecting reagent and the next first reagent is the reagent affected by the affecting reagent, the first reagent dispensing The probe 14 is moved to the second cleaning position of the cleaning unit 80, and cleaning is performed using the second cleaning solution.

  Furthermore, the analysis control unit 31 moves the second reagent dispensing probe 15 in the horizontal direction (the direction of the reagent storage 2) at the height of the top dead center, above the opening of the reagent container 7 held by the reagent rack 2a. Stop at the upper stop position. Then, it is moved downward from the upper stop position, and the contact between the lower end of the second reagent dispensing probe 15 and the liquid level of the second reagent in the reagent container 7 is detected by the second reagent detector 15b. Stop at the suction position lowered by the distance. Here, the predetermined distance is a distance determined in consideration of the fact that the liquid level of the second reagent is lowered by the aspiration of the second reagent by the second reagent dispensing probe 15. After the second reagent is aspirated by the second reagent dispensing probe 15 at the aspirating position, the second reagent dispensing probe 15 is moved from the aspirating position to the upper stop position, and further horizontally moved toward the reaction disc 4 The reaction disk 4 is positioned on the opening of the reaction container 3, lowered to a predetermined position in the reaction container 3, and the second reagent is discharged from the second reagent dispensing probe 15.

  After dispensing of the second reagent is completed, the second reagent dispensing probe 15 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 90 before dispensing of the next second reagent is performed. The second reagent dispensed before the next second reagent is the affecting reagent, and the second second reagent is the reagent affected by the affecting reagent, except for the second reagent. The reagent dispensing probe 15 is moved to the first washing position of the washing unit 90, and washing is performed using the first washing solution. Also, if the second reagent dispensed before the next second reagent is the affecting reagent, and the next second reagent is the reagent affected by the affecting reagent, the second reagent dispensing The probe 15 is moved to the second washing position, and washing is performed using the second washing solution.

  It is assumed that dispensing from the sample cup 17a is finished once, and dispensing from this sample cup is started again from 17a. For example, in the first examination of a sample, a reexamination in which the examination result is abnormal and the examination is performed again corresponds to this case. In addition, when two or more automatic analyzers are connected and operated, for example, it is assumed that two units are connected, and the dispensing is completed by the first automatic analyzer, and the dispensing by the second automatic analyzer is performed. It also applies if the is started.

  When the liquid level height of the sample after dispensing is acquired at the time of the first sample inspection, and the liquid level height at the time of dispensing is different from the data stored in the data storage unit 37 at the start of the next suction. Explain the flow to notify the warning. In addition, what is necessary is just to replace the first time with the last dispensing, when dispensing 3 times or more is repeated.

  First, the flow at the time of the first inspection will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  In S1, the operation unit 50 receives input of device setting information and sample information. The content to be input may be changed as appropriate according to the system of the environment in which the automatic analyzer 100 is installed.

  In S2, the system control unit 60 transmits the information accepted by the operation unit 50 in S1 to the data processing unit 35.

  At S3, the data storage unit 37 stores the data received by the data processing unit 35. At this time, the sample information is stored so as to be searchable by the sample ID.

  In S4, when the operation unit 50 receives an instruction to start an examination from the operator, the system control unit 60 gives instructions to the analysis control unit 31, the data processing unit 35, the output unit 40, the information reading unit 51, etc. To start.

  In S5, the system control unit 60 causes the drive unit 30 to drive the analysis unit 24 in response to an inspection start instruction from the operation unit 50. When the drive unit 30 moves the sample container 17 to a position where the information reading unit 51 can read the recording medium 17 b, the information reading unit 51 is recorded in the recording content of the recording medium 17 b attached to the sample container 17. Read the information

  In S6, the drive unit 30 drives the analysis unit 24 in order to read out the sample information based on the read information of the recording medium 17b and start the examination of the designated examination item. In the analysis unit 24, the sample container 17 on which the sample cup 17 a is placed is moved onto the dispensing position of the sample dispensing probe 16.

  At S7, the sample dispensing probe 16 is supported by the sample dispensing arm 10 and moved to the dispensing position. Before the sample dispensing probe starts suctioning, the liquid level measurement unit 16c measures the liquid level after suction of the sample in the sample cup 17a. The measured liquid level is sent to the data processing unit 35 and stored in the data storage unit 37 in association with the sample ID.

  At S8, the sample dispensing probe 16 discharges the sample into the reaction container 3. The first reagent dispensing probe 14 or the second reagent dispensing probe 15 dispenses the reagent to the sample discharged into the reaction container 3, and the first stirrer 18 or the second stirrer 19 stirs. After completion of the stirring, the measurement unit 13 measures the absorbance of the sample, and the calculation unit 36 generates concentration data of a specific component of the sample. The generated data is stored in the data storage unit 37, and the flow at the time of the first examination ends.

  Next, the flow in the case where the sample in the sample cup 17a is inspected again will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  In S9, the system control unit 60 drives the analysis unit 24 by the drive unit 30 in response to the inspection start instruction from the operation unit 50. When the drive unit 30 moves the sample container 17 to a position where the information reading unit 51 can read the recording medium 17 b, the information reading unit 51 reads the information recorded on the recording medium 17 b attached to the sample container 17. read.

  In S10, based on the information recorded in the recording medium 17b, for example, the sample ID, received by the data processing unit 35, the liquid level after the previous dispensing of the corresponding sample from the data storage unit 37 is The arithmetic unit 36 searches. The calculation unit 36 compares the liquid level height read out from the data storage unit 37 with the liquid level height of the sample to be suctioned, which is measured by the liquid level measurement unit 16 c.

  In S11, if the difference between the liquid level after the previous dispensing and the liquid level of the sample to be suctioned, which is stored in the data storage unit 37, is less than the allowable error, the process proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if the difference between the liquid level at the end of the previous dispensing and the liquid level of the sample to be aspirated now, which is stored in the data storage unit 37, exceeds the tolerance, the sample cup 17a is used. It is determined that a mistake has occurred, and a warning is displayed on the display unit 42 (S13). In place of the display, sound may be emitted.

  The tolerance is taken into consideration that, for example, when the sample dispensing probe 16 is pulled up after being aspirated, the sample adheres to the sample dispensing probe 16 and the sample slightly decreases compared to the liquid level measurement. Set. The value of the allowable error may be stored in the data storage unit 37 so as to be stored and read out, or the operation unit 50 may receive an input value from the operator.

  At S12, the sample dispensing probe 16 dispenses the sample into the reaction container 3. The first reagent dispensing probe 14 or the second reagent dispensing probe 15 dispenses the reagent to the sample dispensed into the reaction container 3, and the first stirring bar 18 or the second stirring bar 19 stirs. After the stirring, the measurement unit 13 measures the test data of the sample, and the operation unit 36 compares and analyzes the test data with the standard data. The analysis result is stored in the data storage unit 37.

  As described above, the automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment dispenses each sample obtained by measuring with the liquid level measurement unit 16c for measuring the liquid level height of the sample and the liquid level measurement unit 16c. It includes a data storage unit 37 that stores the subsequent liquid level height, and an operation unit 36 that compares the liquid level height. The liquid level height can be stored in the data storage unit 37 as one of the sample information, and the liquid level height is read out as needed by the calculation unit 36. The stored information on the liquid level is compared with the liquid level position of the sample container 17 to be aspirated when the sample is dispensed once and dispensed again. This makes it possible to identify a mistake when the sample cup is placed on a sample container different from the original sample container.

  Since the sample cup 17a does not have a space to which the recording medium is attached, the recording medium is attached to the sample container on which the sample cup is placed. For this reason, even if the recorded content read from the recording medium 17b attached to the sample container 17 is certainly information related to the sample to be dispensed, the sample cup 17a placed on the sample container 17 is It may not be the sample of the sample pointed to by the recorded contents. Even when such an event occurs, the liquid level at the end of the previous sample dispensing is associated with the sample information and recorded in the data storage unit 37, so when dispensing and dispensing again It is possible to issue a warning if the liquid level is different compared to the liquid level of the sample to be aspirated.

  According to the automatic analyzer according to at least one embodiment described above, accidental sample cup detachment or artificiality is obtained by comparing the liquid level height at the end of the previous sample dispensing with the liquid level height of the second time. It is possible to prevent the analysis result from being mistaken and recorded due to misplacement due to an error or the like. Even when the sample is stored in a sample container in which the sample cup is not placed and inspected, the level height at the end of the previous sample dispensing is compared with the level height of the second time, and it is an artifact. It is possible to obtain the same effect of preventing the confusion of various sample containers.

  While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and the gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1 reagent storage 1a, 2a reagent rack 2 reagent storage 3 reaction container 4 reaction disk 5 sample disk 6, 7 reagent container 8 first reagent dispensing arm 9 second reagent dispensing arm 10 sample dispensing arm 12 washing nozzle 13 measurement part 14 first reagent dispensing probe 14a first reagent dispensing pump 14b first reagent detector 15 second reagent dispensing probe 15a second reagent dispensing pump 15b second reagent detector 16 sample dispensing probe 16a sample dispensing pump 16b sample detector 16c liquid level measurement unit 17 sample container 17a sample cup 17b recording medium 18 first stirrer 18a washing tank 19 second stirrer 19a washing tank 20 first stirring arm 21 second stirring arm 24 analysis unit 30 Drive unit 31 Analysis control unit 35 Data processing unit 36 Calculation unit 37 Data storage unit 40 Output unit 41 Printing unit 42 Display unit 5 0 Operation Unit 51 Information Reading Unit 60 System Control Unit 70 Cleaning Unit 80 Cleaning Unit 90 Cleaning Unit 100 Automatic Analysis Device 161 Tube 301 Motor 301

Claims (6)

In an automatic analyzer which performs dispensing to aspirate a sample and a reagent and discharge it to a reaction vessel, and measures a mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel,
An information reading unit for reading information from a recording medium attached to a sample container capable of containing the sample;
A liquid level measurement unit configured to measure a liquid level of a sample contained in a sample cup placed in a sample container to which the recording medium is attached;
A data storage unit that stores the liquid level height after dispensing of the sample contained in the sample cup in association with the information recorded in the recording medium;
When aspirating a sample from the sample cup, the information from the liquid level of the sample contained in the sample cup to be aspirated and the recording medium attached to the sample container on which the sample cup is placed An arithmetic unit that compares the liquid level height stored in the data storage unit in association with the information read by the reader;
As a result of comparison by the calculation unit, the difference between the liquid level height of the sample contained in the sample cup and the liquid level height stored in the data storage unit in association with the information read from the recording medium is predetermined. Means for notifying a warning if the tolerance of
Automatic analyzer equipped with. The liquid level measurement unit
The liquid level after dispensing of the sample contained in the sample cup,
The amount of movement from the upper stopping position of the dispensing position of the sample dispensing probe until the lower end of the sample dispensing probe contacts the liquid surface,
The amount of liquid surface descent of the sample determined based on the aspiration amount of the sample dispensing probe,
Find using
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The liquid level measurement unit
The liquid level after dispensing of the sample contained in the sample cup,
Determined using the amount of movement of the sample dispensing probe from the point when the lower end of the sample dispensing probe is lifted from the liquid surface after the sample dispensing probe has finished suctioning to the upper stop position of the dispensing position of the sample dispensing probe.
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The liquid level measurement unit
The liquid level after dispensing of the sample contained in the sample cup,
An electromagnetic wave is applied to the liquid surface of the sample from the liquid level measurement unit, and the distance from the liquid level measurement unit to the liquid surface of the sample is determined from the time taken for the electromagnetic wave to be reflected and received. Ask,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. The liquid level measurement unit
The liquid level after dispensing of the sample contained in the sample cup,
Obtained based on the image of the liquid surface of the sample taken using a camera,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1. If there is an abnormal item whose result is abnormal in the inspection result after the first inspection of the sample,
Means for instructing re-examination of the sample having an abnormal item,
The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.