JPH0584864U - Automatic analyzer with residual liquid detection function - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Objective] The automatic analyzer is provided with a function of detecting the remaining amount of a used liquid such as a reagent, a diluting liquid, or a washing liquid, thereby preventing waste of a sample, a reagent and the like. [Structure] The weight data m of only the reagent container 12, the total weight data M of the reagent container 12 and the reagents inside the container are input to the arithmetic processing unit 21 of the automatic analyzer 10, and the remaining amount Q of the reagent in the reagent container 12 is M-m is calculated, and the reagent amount D necessary for sample processing for the set sample is calculated.
And D) are compared to determine whether the sample can be processed.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer having a function of detecting the remaining amount of a used liquid (reagent, diluent, cleaning liquid, etc.).

[0002]

[Prior Art]

 Liquids such as reagents and cleaning liquids are used in the automatic analyzer. If these liquids are exhausted during the measurement, not only the measurement cannot be continued, but also the measurement result cannot be obtained for the sample during the measurement or reaction process. Normally, a spare tank is provided inside the analyzer so that even if the liquid in the external tank is exhausted, the effect will not immediately occur. Some automatic analyzers take a long time (several tens of minutes or more) from sampling a sample to obtaining a measurement result. For example, there are cases where the reaction step between the sample and the reagent requires time, and the reaction solution measurement step requires time. The antigen-antibody reaction is one example. If it takes a long time to process one sample, the process steps for multiple samples are overlapped to improve the processing capacity.

[0003]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 In the case of such overlap processing, if the liquid runs out on the way, the equipment will stop. Attempting to replenish with new liquid during stoppage will cause bubbles and cause measurement errors. Also, for those that require the reaction step to be performed under certain conditions, the reaction time will change, so correct results cannot be obtained. In particular, in the case of a device relating to immunity, the reaction process is performed under severe conditions where various conditions are constant. For this reason, if the liquid runs out during the operation, all the samples in the processing step are wasted, and the sample must be restarted from the beginning, which causes an increase in running cost and time loss. In the past, the operator checked the remaining amount of the liquid such as the reagent before starting the measurement, and replaced the reagent that was predicted to run out during the process with a new one. Of course, it may be possible to replenish the liquid during the measurement, but there was the problem that air bubbles were generated and measurement errors occurred. However, confirmation of the remaining amount of liquid is troublesome, and there is a problem in that the confirmation is forgotten or the misconception is caused. The present invention detects the remaining amount of the liquid such as the reagent installed in the automatic analyzer, and when the liquid is expected to run out, it does not start the processing of a new sample and wastes the sample and the reagent. It is an object to provide a lost automatic analyzer. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer which does not need to stop the measurement by automatically switching to another reagent container when the reagent container becomes low. It is in.

[0004]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 In order to achieve the above object, an automatic analyzer having a residual liquid amount detecting function of the present invention is a reagent container 12 provided in the automatic analyzer 10, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. And a weight sensor 16 for mounting the reagent container 12 and measuring the weight of the reagent container, the storage device 20 storing weight data m of the reagent container 12 itself, and a weight sensor 16. 16. A residual quantity calculating means 22 for obtaining a residual quantity Q = M−m in the reagent container 12 from the weight data M output from 16 and the weight data m of the reagent container 12, and a setting means for setting a measurement item for each sample. 24, a necessary amount calculation unit 26 for obtaining a required reagent amount D for the sample set in the setting unit 24, a reagent remaining amount Q obtained by the remaining amount calculation unit 22 and a reagent required by the required amount calculation unit 26 Compare with quantity D, A determination unit 28 for management of propriety, a display unit 30 for displaying whether the sample processing based on the determination result W of the determination means 28, and comprising the. The reagent container 12 is provided outside or inside the automatic analyzer 10. Further, the remaining amount calculation means 22, the required amount calculation means 26, and the determination means 28 are configured by one arithmetic processing device 21, and the functions of the remaining amount calculation means 22, the required amount calculation means 26, and the determination means 28 are realized. It is also possible to make the calculation processing be performed by one arithmetic processing unit 21.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, another apparatus of the present invention is, for example, a main reagent container 12 a and a sub reagent which are connected to an automatic analyzer 50 via a valve V. An automatic analyzer including a container 12b and a weight sensor 16 on which the main reagent container 12a is placed and which measures the weight of the reagent container, and stores weight data ma of the main reagent container 12a itself. A storage unit 20; a residual amount calculation unit 22 for obtaining a residual amount Qa = Ma-ma in the main reagent container 12a from the weight data Ma output from the weight sensor 16 and the weight data ma of the reagent container 12a; Setting means 24 for setting measurement items for each, a necessary amount calculating means 26 for obtaining a necessary reagent amount D for the sample set in the setting means 24, and a reagent remaining amount obtained by the remaining amount calculating means 22. Qa is compared with the required reagent amount D determined by the required amount calculating means 26 to determine whether the sample processing is possible or not, and display means for displaying the possibility of the sample processing based on the determination result W of the determination means 52. In the determination means 52, the reagent from the main reagent container 12a is used when there is a reagent residual liquid amount Qa, and when there is no reagent residual liquid amount Qa, a sub It is characterized in that the valve V is switched and controlled so that the reagent from the reagent container 12b is used. Further, the remaining amount calculation means 22, the required amount calculation means 26, and the determination means 52 are configured by one arithmetic processing device, and the functions of the remaining amount calculation means 22, the required amount calculation means 26, and the determination means 52 are It is also possible to make it exhibit in one arithmetic processing unit.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, another apparatus of the present invention is, for example, a main reagent container 12 a and a sub reagent which are connected to an automatic analyzer 54 through a valve V. An automatic analyzer equipped with a container 12b and weight sensors 16a, 16b on which the respective reagent containers 12a, 12b are placed and which measure the weight of the reagent containers, wherein the weight data ma, mb of the reagent containers 12a, 12b themselves. Remaining amount calculating means for obtaining the remaining amount Qa = Ma-ma in the reagent container 12a from the storage means 20 storing therein, the weight data Ma output from the weight sensor 16a and the weight data ma of the reagent container 12a. 22a, the weight data Mb output from the weight sensor 16b, and the weight data mb of the reagent container 12b to obtain the remaining amount Qb = Mb-mb in the reagent container 12b. Computation means 22b, setting means 24 for setting measurement items for each sample, necessary amount calculating means 26 for obtaining the required reagent amount D for the sample set in the setting means 24, and remaining amount calculating means 22a, 22b The determined reagent remaining amounts Qa and Qb are compared with the required reagent amount D determined by the required amount calculation means 26 to determine whether the sample can be processed, and a determination means 58, and a determination result W of the determination means 58. Display means 30 for displaying the possibility of processing, and, in the determination means 58, when there is no residual liquid amount Qa or Qb of one reagent container 12a or 12b, the reagent from the other reagent container 12b or 12a It is characterized in that the valve V is controlled to be switched so as to use. Further, the remaining amount calculating means 22a, 22b, the necessary amount calculating means 26 and the judging means 58 are constituted by one arithmetic processing unit, and the remaining amount calculating means 22a, 22b, the necessary amount calculating means 26 and the judging means 58 are constituted. It is also possible to use it in one arithmetic processing unit. When the weight of the main reagent container 12a itself is the same as the weight of the sub reagent container 12b itself, the weight data is ma = mb, so one weight data m may be used.

[0007]

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the weight data m of only the reagent container 12 and the total weight data M of the reagent container 12 and the reagents inside the container are input to the arithmetic processing unit 21 of the automatic analyzer 10, By obtaining the reagent remaining amount Q = M-m in 12 and the reagent amount D necessary for sample processing for the sample set in the setting means 24, the judging means 28 compares both (Q and D). , It is determined whether or not the sample can be processed.

[0008]

【Example】

 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the shapes of the constituent devices and the relative arrangements of the constituent devices described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto, but are merely explanatory examples. Nothing more. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention and is a schematic external view of a sample analyzer. Specifically, the sample analyzer is, for example, an immunoaggregation measuring device that measures a trace amount of protein in human serum by the CIA method (Counting Immunoassay). A plurality of reagents are used in the immunoaggregation measuring apparatus. For example, latex reagents for external diagnosis, buffer solutions, sheath solutions, and washing solutions are used. Of these, the latex reagent and the buffer solution are temperature-controlled and contained in the analyzer. Sheath liquid and cleaning liquid that do not require temperature control are placed outside the analyzer. Of course, it may be arranged in the analyzer. Although a plurality of external reagents may be connected to the analyzer, one reagent is representatively shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the residual liquid amount detection device 11 provided in the automatic analysis device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, a reagent container 12 containing a reagent is connected to an analyzer 10 by a tube 14 and placed on a weight sensor 16. The total weight data M of the reagent container 12 and the reagent inside the container is sent from the weight sensor 16 to the analysis device 10. On the other hand, in FIG. 2, the weight data m of only the container of the reagent container 12 is stored in the storage means 20. The setting means 24 sets measurement items for each sample. The arithmetic processing unit 21 of the automatic analyzer 10 receives the information, finds the reagent remaining amount Q = M-m in the reagent container 12, and finds the reagent amount D necessary for the sample processing for the set sample. By comparing the two, it is determined whether or not the sample can be processed. Then, the remaining amount of the reagent is displayed on the display means 30 and an alarm of the liquid shortage is issued. Judgment can be performed before the start of measurement, and if it is judged that the liquid runs out, the treatment of the sample can be prevented from starting.

The arithmetic processing unit 21 includes, for example, a remaining amount calculating means 22, a necessary amount calculating means 26, and a determining means 28. The remaining amount calculation means 22 has a function of calculating the remaining amount Q = M −m in the reagent container 12 from the weight data M output from the weight sensor 16 and the weight data m of only the reagent container 12, and the required amount. The calculating means 26 has a function of calculating the required reagent amount D for the sample set in the setting means 24, and the judging means 28 is a reagent remaining amount Q calculated by the remaining amount calculating means 22 and the necessary amount calculating means. It has a function of comparing with the required reagent amount D calculated in step 26 to determine whether or not sample processing is possible.

Table 1 is a diagram for explaining the setting means 24 and shows a screen of the display unit of the analyzer 10 in the item setting mode. Measurement items can be specified for each sample in this item setting mode.

[0012]

[Table 1]

In Table 1, AFP, CEA, FRN, CA19-9 are item names. Rack No. Indicates the expropriation position of the sample. In this embodiment, five samples are stored in one rack. Item designation is rack No. , While inputting the sample number, enter the measurement item designation mark "*" in the field of the item to be measured. Input is by the input key. Leave blank for items that do not require measurement. “Remaining reagent: 9 tests” displayed below the designation column indicates that the remaining 9 tests can be measured. The number of tests is the number of measurement items. In the case of Table 1, the number of * is 23 tests in total. If the reagent consumption amount per item is K for all items, the measurable number of tests can be calculated from T = Q / K from the total reagent weight M, the reagent container weight m, the remaining reagent amount Q (= M-m). .. Rack No. In the column, the marked “E” mark is an urgent sample mark indicating that it is an urgent sample. Specimens with the urgent specimen mark must be measured first. That is, the rack No. Samples 3-1 and 3-2 (urgent sample group) have higher priority than samples in other racks (normal sample group). Although the same urgent sample has the same priority, the sample with a smaller sample number has a higher priority here. Therefore, in Table 1, the priority is the rack number. Then, 3-1, 3-2, 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2- The order is 5. As described above, after the necessary items are set, it is determined whether or not sample processing is possible.

Table 2 shows the screen of the display unit after the determination as to whether or not the sample processing is possible.

[0015]

[Table 2]

The item in which the “*” mark is changed to the “◯” mark in the item designation column indicates that the item can be measured in view of the remaining amount of the reagent. That is, it is a measurable mark. When the test number Ti is calculated for each sample i from the one with the highest priority, T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 = 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 7 is required for sample numbers 1001, 1002, 0001, 0002. Up to 0003, T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5 = 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 10 is required. From T1 + ... + T4 (= 7) <T (= 9) <T1 + ... + T5 (= 10), the samples i = 1 to 4, that is, the sample numbers 1001, 1002, 0001, 0002 can be measured. In some cases, the total number of tests in the urgent sample group: Te and the total number of tests in the normal sample group: Tu are calculated, and if Te <T <Tu, only the urgent sample group is measured and the normal measurement is performed. It is possible that the group is not measured. Of course, if Te and Tu <T, both groups should be measured. Since there is a correlation between the number of tests and the amount of reagent as described above, it may be rephrased as follows. When the required reagent amount Di is calculated for each sample i in descending order of priority, sample numbers 1001, 1002, 0001, and 0002 require D1 + D2 + D3 + D4. Up to 0003, D1 + D2 + D3 + D4 + D5 are required. From D 1 + ... + D4 <Q <D1 + ... + D5, the sample numbers i = 1 to 4, that is, 1001, 1002, 0001, 0002 can be measured. In some cases, the total reagent requirement of the emergency sample group: De and the total reagent requirement of the normal sample group: Du are calculated. If De <Q <Du, only the emergency sample group is measured, and the normal measurement group is measured. It is also possible not to measure. Of course, if De and Du <Q, both groups should be measured.

By summarizing the above, the cases can be classified as follows. (1) The reagent required amount data Di is obtained for each set sample i, the product sum ΣDi is calculated in order from the sample with the highest priority order, and the samples p satisfying ΣDi <Q are measured. (2) Samples are set by dividing them into a plurality of groups j having different priorities, the reagent necessary amount data Di is obtained for each sample i, and they are summed with products ΣDi in descending order of priority, and Σ Di <Q When sample processing is possible up to the sample group r that satisfies the condition. (3) When the required reagent data Di is set for each set sample i and the total amount DT satisfies DT <Q, sample processing is allowed. In addition, based on these determination results, a message such as "insufficient amount of reagent" or "emergency samples 1001-1002 and normal samples 0001-0002 will be measured at the start" can be displayed. When the measurement is started, the measurement results are sequentially displayed on the display. By the way, reagent containers having different capacities may be used. If the size of the container is different, the weight data m of the container itself is different. In that case, it is necessary to use the weight data m corresponding to the size of the reagent container to determine the residual liquid amount. If the weight data of a plurality of reagent containers expected to be used is stored in the storage means 20 and the type of the reagent container is set by the setting means 24, the weight data corresponding to the container is selected. This is preferable because it can be used. Further, the weight data m may be written in the storage means 20 directly from the setting means 24. It is also possible to determine the type of reagent container from the difference in the total weight M of reagent containers without setting the type of container in the setting means 24.

So far, the case where one reagent container is used for one type of reagent has been described. As described above, when the residual liquid amount of the reagent is insufficient, the liquid shortage can be detected in advance. However, until the shortage of reagents is resolved, the analyzer remains stopped and measurement is stopped.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in addition to the main (main) reagent container 12a, a sub (auxiliary and subordinate) reagent container 12b is added, and the reagent remaining in the main reagent container 12a is left. When the liquid amount Qa becomes zero and cannot be used, the valve V is switched by the control signal from the determination means 52 of the residual liquid amount detection device 51 to use the reagent in the sub reagent container 12b. This eliminates the need to stop the measurement even when the amount of the main reagent container is low. That is, the reagent from the sub reagent container 12b can be used even while the main reagent container 12a is being replaced with a new container. When the main reagent container is replaced, the residual reagent amount becomes sufficient, so the valve V is switched back to the original state and the reagent from the main reagent container 12a is used. The valve V has a state in which the tube 14a and the tube 15 are passed through and a state in which the tube 14b and the tube 15 are passed through.

FIG. 5 shows an apparatus in which a sub-weight sensor 16b for measuring the weight of the sub reagent container 12b is further added to the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the residual liquid amount detection device 56 in FIG. The weight of the main reagent container 12a and the weight of the sub reagent container 12b are the same. That is, the same weight data m is used. FIG. 7 is a flow chart. The residual liquid amount calculation means 22a and 22b calculate Qa = Ma-m and Qb = Mb-m. The determination means 58 has a function of determining whether or not the sample processing is possible and switching the valve V from the reagent residual liquid amount Qa of the main reagent container 12a, the reagent residual liquid amount Qb of the sub reagent container 12b, and the reagent required amount D. Have. In addition, the weight data ma and mb of each reagent container itself are stored in the storage means 20 corresponding to the reagent containers 12a and 12b, and Qa = Ma-ma and Qb = Mb are respectively calculated by the residual liquid amount calculation means 22a and 22b. -Mb can be calculated.

Next, the processing will be described with reference to FIG. Now, consider a case where the main reagent container 12a is used as an example and the residual liquid amount Qa is decreasing. First, the total reagent remaining amount (Qa + Qb) is compared with the required reagent amount D, and when the total amount (Qa + Qb) is smaller, an alarm is issued. At this time, measurement is not possible.

When the total amount (Qa + Qb) is larger than the required reagent amount D, measurement is possible. Next, it is determined whether or not the residual liquid amount Qx of the currently used container (here, the residual liquid amount Qa of the main reagent container) has become zero. If the main reagent container 12a is not empty, the measurement is performed without switching the valve. If the main reagent container 12a becomes empty, an alarm is issued and the valve V is switched. That is, the sub reagent container 12b is used. Examples of alarms include "insufficient reagents" and "please reduce measurement items".

[0023]

[Effect of the device]

 Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. (1) Since the weight of the reagent is measured and the weight is compared with the necessary amount of the reagent calculated from the set measurement items of the sample, the sample processing is controlled, so that the process of the process is completed. Will not run out of liquid. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the waste of the sample, the reagent, and the like, and the need for retesting is eliminated. (2) The sample processing can be performed for each sample or each sample group, which is efficient. (3) In the apparatus according to claims 3 to 6, when the amount of the liquid in the main reagent container becomes low, the sub reagent container is automatically switched, so that it is not necessary to stop the measurement.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing an embodiment of an automatic analyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a residual liquid amount detection device provided in the automatic analyzer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing another embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a residual liquid amount detection device provided in the device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view showing still another embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention.

6 is a block diagram showing an example of a residual liquid amount detection device provided in the device shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the device shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Automatic Analysis Device 50 Automatic Analysis Device 54 Automatic Analysis Device 11 Remaining Liquid Volume Detection Device 51 Remaining Liquid Volume Detection Device 56 Remaining Liquid Volume Detection Device 12 Reagent Container 12a Reagent Container 12b Reagent Container 16 Weight Sensor 16a Weight Sensor 16b Weight Sensor 20 Memory Means 21 Arithmetic processing device 22 Remaining amount calculating means 22a Remaining amount calculating means 22b Remaining amount calculating means 24 Setting means 26 Necessary amount calculating means 28 Judging means 52 Judging means 58 Judging means 30 Display means V Valve m Weight data of container itself M Weight Weight data from sensor Q Remaining amount of reagent D Required amount of reagent W Judgment result

Claims (6)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. An automatic analyzer equipped with a reagent container (12) provided in the automatic analyzer (10) and a weight sensor (16) for mounting the reagent container (12) and measuring the weight of the reagent container. A storage means (20) for storing the weight data (m) of the reagent container (12) itself, the weight data (M) output from the weight sensor (16) and the reagent container (12). A remaining amount calculation means (22) for obtaining the remaining amount (Q) = M-m in the reagent container (12) from the weight data (m), a setting means (24) for setting a measurement item for each sample, and a setting Necessary amount calculating means (26) for obtaining the required reagent amount (D) for the sample set in the means (24), reagent remaining amount (Q) and necessary amount calculating means (determined by the remaining amount calculating means (22) ( 26) Compare the required amount of reagent (D) obtained in And a display unit (30) for displaying the possibility of sample processing based on the determination result (W) of the determination unit (28). Automatic analyzer equipped with. 2. The balance according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount calculating means (22), the necessary amount calculating means (26) and the judging means (28) are constituted by one arithmetic processing unit (21). An automatic analyzer equipped with a liquid volume detection function. 3. A main reagent container (12a) and a main reagent container (12a) and a sub reagent container (12b) connected to an automatic analyzer (50) through a valve (V).
Weight sensor (16) for mounting and measuring the weight of the reagent container
An automatic analyzer equipped with, and the weight data (ma) of the main reagent container (12a) itself.
The weight data (Ma) output from the weight sensor (16) and the storage means (20) storing
And the weight data (ma) of the reagent container (12a), the remaining amount (Qa) in the main reagent container (12a) = Ma-
Remaining amount calculating means (22) for obtaining the ma, setting means (24) for setting the measurement item for each sample, and necessary amount calculating means for obtaining the reagent necessary amount (D) for the sample set in the setting means (24) (26), the reagent remaining amount (Qa) obtained by the remaining amount calculating means (22), and the reagent required amount (D) obtained by the necessary amount calculating means (26)
And a display unit (30) for displaying whether the sample processing is possible or not based on the determination result (W) of the determination unit (52). In the judging means (52), the reagent from the main reagent container (12a) is used when there is a reagent residual liquid amount (Qa), and temporarily when there is no reagent residual liquid amount (Qa). An automatic analyzer having a residual liquid amount detection function, characterized in that a valve (V) is switched and controlled so that a reagent from a reagent container (12b) is used. 4. The residual liquid amount detection according to claim 3, wherein the remaining amount calculating means (22), the necessary amount calculating means (26) and the judging means (52) are constituted by one arithmetic processing unit. Automatic analyzer with functions. 5. A main reagent container (12a) and a sub reagent container (12b) connected to an automatic analyzer (54) through a valve (V), and each reagent container (12a), (1).
An automatic analyzer including weight sensors (16a) and (16b) for mounting the respective 2b) and measuring the weight of the reagent container, wherein the weight data (m) of the reagent containers (12a) and (12b) themselves is provided.
a) and (mb) are stored in the storage means (20), and the weight data (M) output from the weight sensor (16a).
a) and the weight data (ma) of the reagent container (12a), the remaining amount (Qa) in the reagent container (12a) = Ma-ma.
And the weight data (M) output from the weight sensor (16b) for calculating the remaining amount calculating means (22a)
b) and the weight data (mb) of the reagent container (12b), the remaining amount (Qb) in the reagent container (12b) = Mb-mb
A remaining amount calculating means (22b) for obtaining the required amount, a setting means (24) for setting a measurement item for each sample, and a necessary amount calculating means (for determining a required reagent amount (D) for the sample set in the setting means (24) ( 26), comparing the reagent remaining amounts (Qa), (Qb) obtained by the remaining amount calculating means (22a), (22b) with the reagent necessary amount (D) obtained by the necessary amount calculating means (26). The determination means (58) for determining whether or not the sample processing is possible, and the display means (30) for displaying whether or not the sample processing is possible based on the determination result (W) of the determination means (58). 58), one of the reagent containers (12a) or (12b) has a residual liquid amount (Qa) or (Q
If there is no b), use the reagent from the other reagent container (12b) or (12a), valve (V).
An automatic analyzer equipped with a residual liquid amount detection function, which is characterized in that switching control is performed. 6. A remaining amount calculating means (22a), (22b),
6. An automatic analyzer having a residual liquid amount detecting function according to claim 5, wherein the required amount calculating means (26) and the judging means (58) are constituted by one arithmetic processing device.