JPH06102278A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow efficient analysis even of a specimen for which a bar code reader failed to read out bar code information. CONSTITUTION:A screen for setting identifying conditions of bar code information is displayed on a CRT 118. Identifying conditions are then set on a keyboard 121 and stored in a memory 122. A rack 102 holding specimens is moved on a reaction line through a rack transfer unit 123. If a bar code reader 125 fails to read out bar code information from the specimen in the way of transfer, identifying conditions of bar code information are read out from the memory 122 and information required for deciding conditions is attained therefrom and then the bar code information of specimen is identified according to the identifying conditions.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for analyzing components of a sample specimen based on bar code information, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer for simultaneously analyzing many kinds of sample specimens.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the great automation of clinical biochemical tests in recent years, biochemical automatic analyzers have also made great progress toward higher functionality and higher performance, in addition to high-speed processing, multi-item analysis, etc. Simultaneous analysis of multiple types of sample specimens has become possible.

In recent biochemical analysis, in order to analyze a large number of sample specimens at the same time, a bar code label in which information for identifying each sample specimen is described as a bar code is attached to a sample container holding each sample specimen. The sample is identified by reading the barcode information with a barcode identification device and the analysis of each sample is performed in real time based on the analysis conditions for each barcode information registered in advance. It is starting to take the method of executing.

In the sample analysis based on the bar code information, in the conventional automatic analyzer, the sample for which the bar code identification device fails to read the bar code is repeatedly analyzed until it is normally read. I was starting over.

[0005]

In the above prior art, no consideration is given to the case where the barcode identification device fails to read the barcode information. Therefore, for sample specimens that have failed to read the barcode, repeat the analysis many times or remove the barcode label attached to the sample container until the barcode information is read normally. After re-making, it has to be re-attached to the sample container and then read again to the barcode identification device, which is very troublesome. Also, there was no certainty that the barcode information could be identified with this.

An object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of analysis work by making it possible to reliably identify barcode information even for sample specimens for which barcode information reading has failed. is there.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the conditions for identifying the barcode information assigned to the sample specimen for which the reading of the barcode information has failed are externally input / output. A screen to be set by the device is provided, and the bar code identification condition set on the screen is stored in the storage device. Then, the barcode information of the sample specimen is read again into the barcode identification device, and if the reading is not performed normally at this time, the preset barcode information identification conditions are read from the storage device,
Based on this, the barcode information of the sample specimen is identified and the analysis is executed.

[0008]

In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, the identification condition of the bar code information set by the external input / output device is
If the barcode information stored in the storage device and assigned to each sample specimen is not normally read by the barcode identification device, the barcode information identification conditions are read from the storage device to the computer controlling the device, and Identify the barcode information of the sample specimen according to the identification conditions,
In order to perform the analysis, for sample specimens that could not be read by the barcode identification device due to defective barcode labels, etc., immediately perform the analysis without the trouble of recreating and replacing the barcode label. Therefore, simultaneous analysis of a large amount of sample specimens can be efficiently performed.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the principle of the automatic analyzer. In FIG. 1, 109 is a reaction disk, and a plurality of reaction vessels 106 are installed on the concentric circumference. The reaction disk 109 is kept at a predetermined temperature by a heat retaining tank 126 connected to the constant temperature tank 108. Reference numeral 112A is a reagent disk, and a plurality of reagent bottles 112 containing various reagents are installed on the concentric circumference thereof. Around the reaction disk 109, the sample dispensing probe 105, the stirring device 113, the cleaning device 119, and the light source 11
Four multi-wavelength photometers 115 are arranged respectively. A reagent dispensing probe 110 is arranged between the reaction disc 109 and the reagent disc 112A. Also, on the circumference of rotation of the sample dispensing probe 105 and the reaction disk 10
A rack transfer device 123 is installed along the tangential direction of the rack identification device 9, and the rack identification device 1 is installed along the transfer line.
24 and a barcode identification device 125 are arranged.
And all of these mechanism operations are performed by the interface 1
It is controlled by the computer 103 via 04.

A plurality of sample containers 101 containing a sample are set in a sample specimen rack 102 (in this embodiment,
5). As the installation position information of each of the plurality of sample containers 101 installed on the sample sample rack 102 on the sample sample rack 102, the sample containers 101 are sequentially installed from the head in the traveling direction of the sample sample rack 102 along the transport line. Assign a position number to the installed position. (In this embodiment, since five sample containers 101 are installed in one sample sample rack 102, the position numbers are:
Positions 1 to 5 are assigned to each sample specimen rack 102. ) Sample sample rack 102
Are carried on the carrying line by the rack carrying device 123. The sample sample rack 102 includes the sample sample rack 1
02 Each rack number is assigned to each,
The rack number is first read by the rack identification device 124 while being transported on the transport line. After that, subsequently, the barcode identification device 125 reads the barcode written on the barcode label attached to each sample container 101 to identify the barcode information assigned to each sample specimen. After that, the sample sample rack 102 moves to a position where the first sample container 101 held on the sample sample rack 102 comes to a position directly below the sample dispensing probe 105. All the information read by the rack identification device 124 and the bar code identification device 125 is sent to the computer 103 via the interface 104. Sample dispensing probe 105
Is to dispense a predetermined amount of the sample contained in the sample container 101 into the reaction container 106. When the dispensing for one sample container 101 is completed, the sample sample rack 102 is moved so that the next sample container 101 is located directly below the sample dispensing probe 105. The sample container 10 to be dispensed
When 1 is changed, next, the number of the sample container 101 is counted, and the count value is registered as the sample number of the sample contained in the sample container 101. The reaction container 106 into which the sample has been dispensed rotates and moves on the reaction disk 109 by the rotation operation of the reaction disk 109. In the meantime, to the sample in the reaction container 106, the reagent dispensing probe 110 dispenses the reagent in the reagent bottle 112, the stirring device 113 stirs the reaction solution, and the light source 114 and the multi-wavelength photometer 115 measure the absorbance. After that, the cleaning device 119 cleans the reaction container 106 for which the analysis is completed. The measured absorbance signal enters the computer 103 via the A / D converter 116 and the interface 104. This absorbance signal is converted into concentration data of the component to be measured in the sample based on the calibration curve created from the absorbance signal of the standard sample solution measured in advance by the analytical method designated for each analysis item. The density-converted data is sent to the CRT via the interface 104.
The image is displayed on the screen 118 or is printed out from the printer 117 and stored in the storage device 122.

Next, the conditions for identifying the bar code information assigned to the sample specimen according to the present invention are set,
If the barcode information is not normally read by the barcode identification device, a method of identifying the barcode information of the sample specimen based on the preset barcode information identification condition and performing the analysis will be described. .

FIG. 2 is a processing flow chart showing a processing method for realizing the present invention. This processing flow chart shows a procedure for surely identifying a certain sample specimen when the barcode information assigned to the sample specimen cannot be read by the barcode identifying device 125. There is. First, the bar code information identification condition setting screen display 201 is performed via the CRT 118, and the bar code information identification condition setting 202 is performed via the keyboard 121.
I do. The set conditions are stored in the storage device 122 via the interface 104. After that, the sample container 101 containing the sample sample for which the previous barcode information reading has failed is installed in the sample sample rack 102 according to the set barcode information identification condition, and the sample container 10
The transport 203 of 1 is performed. The sample container 101 moving on the transport line by the rack transport device 123 is read again 204 by the barcode identification device 125 to read the barcode information assigned to the sample specimen.
Is done. Thereafter, the determination 205 of whether or not the barcode information is normally read is performed, and when the barcode information is normally read, according to the read barcode information, the sample sample is read. Analysis 209 is performed. However, if the reading of the barcode information by the barcode identifying device 125 fails again, the preset barcode information identifying condition 206 is read from the storage device 122. After that, the information necessary for determining the read barcode information identification condition is fetched 207. Then, by comparing the read bar code information identification condition with the information taken in as necessary for the condition determination,
Identification of barcode information assigned to the sample specimen 2
Perform 08. By doing so, the barcode information can be accurately identified even with respect to the sample specimen for which the barcode information cannot be normally read by the barcode identification device 125, and after the identification of the barcode information, the above-mentioned identification is performed. The analysis 209 is performed on the sample specimen according to the barcode information.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the bar code information identification condition setting screen according to the present invention. First, the bar code information assigned to the sample specimen whose bar code information cannot be normally read by the bar code identification device 125 is set in the input field 301. Then, subsequently, the rack number of the sample sample rack 102 in which the sample container 101 containing the sample sample is installed, and the sample sample rack 102.
A position number indicating the installation position of the sample container 101 above is set in the input fields 302 and 303. Then, the above setting is performed for all the sample specimens for which the barcode identification device 125 failed to read the barcode information. All the barcode information identification conditions set here are stored in the storage device 122 via the interface 104. In addition, the identification condition set above is displayed in the display column 3
04 is displayed as a confirmation list. After the above setting is completed, each sample container 101 containing the sample specimen for which the reading of the bar code information is defective is placed at a predetermined position on a predetermined sample specimen rack 102 according to the set conditions. Then, these sample sample racks 102 are collectively set at the rack transport start position of the rack transport device 123, and a series of analysis operations is started. The sample sample racks 102 are sequentially transported one by one on the transport line, and first, the rack identification device 124 reads the rack number assigned to the sample sample racks, and the rack number is stored in the storage device 122 via the interface 104. Is stored. Next, next is the bar code identification device 125.
The bar code information assigned to each sample is read out. Here, if the barcode information is read normally, analysis of the sample specimen continues according to the read barcode information, but if the barcode information reading fails At this point, the computer 103 stores the preset barcode information identification condition in the storage device 12.
I will start reading from 2. Then the computer 103
Is the rack number of the sample sample rack 102 in which the sample sample is installed and the position number indicating the installation position of the sample sample on the sample sample rack 102, as the information necessary for the condition determination according to the read identification condition. Recognizing that it is necessary, the position number on the sample sample rack 102 where the sample sample is installed is read from the position where the barcode information is read by the barcode identification device 125, and the sample sample is installed from the storage device 122. The rack numbers of the sample specimen racks that have been stored are loaded. Then, the bar code information is read by the bar code identifying device 125 by determining the bar code information identifying condition read from the storage device 122 based on the loaded rack number and position number information. Identify the barcode information of the sample that failed. In this way, even for sample specimens for which reading of barcode information has failed, the barcode information is sequentially identified by the determination based on the barcode information identification conditions, and analysis is performed for each sample specimen. .

According to this embodiment, even if the reading of the bar code information by the bar code identifying device 125 fails once, the bar code is surely set by setting other conditions for identifying the bar code information. Since the information can be identified, even if a large number of sample specimens that fail to read the barcode are dealt with promptly, it is possible to improve the analysis work efficiency by using the barcode.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an analysis method in which bar code information identification conditions are set from the beginning before the sample specimen is analyzed. According to this, when the reading of the first barcode information fails,
Since the barcode information can be accurately identified immediately by the determination based on the barcode information identification condition, the work of setting the barcode information identification condition and then re-analyzing it once after collecting it from the transportation line is unnecessary. Work efficiency is further improved.

Further, as another embodiment of the present invention,
The barcode information identification condition is set even for the sample specimen contained in the sample container 101 to which the barcode label in which the barcode information is originally attached is not attached, and the sample specimen is set in accordance with the setting condition and analyzed. There is a way to do it. According to this, in the sample specimen, the reading of the barcode information by the barcode identifying device 125 always fails, but by the determination based on the barcode information identifying conditions,
The analysis is performed as the sample specimen to which the barcode information set in the barcode information identification condition is assigned. That is, even if the bar code label in which the bar code information is written is not attached to the sample container 101 containing the sample sample, the bar code information identification condition is set and the analysis is started according to the set condition. It is possible to perform sample analysis as a sample specimen to which the barcode information of is assigned.

[0018]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By setting the bar code information identification conditions via an external input / output device, the bar code information assigned to each sample sample will be bar coded due to a defective bar code label or a defective sample container set in the sample rack. Even if it is not read normally by the code identification device,
The bar code information of the sample sample is identified according to the set bar code information identification conditions, and the analysis is performed. Such as re-analyzing, peeling off the bar code label attached to the sample container, recreating the bar code label, re-attaching it to the sample container, and then reloading it into the bar code identification device again. Is unnecessary, and the analysis work efficiency can be improved by using the barcode.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to assign arbitrary bar code information to a sample specimen contained in a sample container to which a bar code label is not attached and analyze it. Even if additional analysis of the sample specimen occurs, it is not necessary to additionally create a new barcode label, and it is expected that the efficiency of analysis preparation work during additional analysis by using the barcode will be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a processing flow chart.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a setting screen for barcode information identification conditions.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ... Sample container, 102 ... Sample sample rack, 103 ...
Computer, 104 ... Interface, 118 ... C
RT, 121 ... Keyboard, 122 ... Storage device, 123
... rack transport device, 124 ... rack identification device, 125 ...
Bar code identification device.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Iwao Suzuki 832 Nagakubo, Horiguchi, Katsuta City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An analysis unit for analyzing the concentrations of various components in a liquid sample, a rack transport mechanism for transporting a rack holding a container containing the liquid sample specimen along a reaction line, and a container for containing the liquid sample specimen. A bar code identification device that reads bar code information attached to a container, a data processing unit that registers analysis parameters and analysis items for each bar code information and manages measurement data, and inputs and outputs the various data. An automatic input / output device, a storage device for storing the various data, an analysis unit, a rack transport mechanism, a bar code identification device, a data processing unit, an external input / output device, and a control unit for controlling the storage device. In the analyzer, even for sample specimens whose barcode information could not be read normally by the barcode identification device, without recreating the barcode label, Recognize code information accurately, an automatic analyzer, characterized in that it comprises means making it possible to perform without hindrance analysis. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
There is a screen for setting the information for identifying the bar code information of the sample specimen for which the barcode reading has failed, and the analysis for the sample sample for which the barcode reading has failed is performed according to the identification information set on the screen. An automatic analyzer characterized by being carried out. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
An automatic analyzer characterized in that it has means for making it possible to arbitrarily assign barcode information even to a sample sample to which a barcode label is not attached and to perform analysis.