JPH06207943A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an automatic analyzer capable of effectively carrying out automatic re-examination, while quickly collecting a sample rack the re- examination of which is dispersed with. CONSTITUTION:The title analyzer comprises a sample supplying part 3, a carrier line 6 capable of carrying a sample rack 2 from a fixed conveyance start position 31, a reaction part 4 for carrying out a fixed examination to the sample, a feedback line 71 capable of returning to an outlet position 72 the sample rack the suction of which has been finished, a taking-out part 74 capable of taking out a sample rack the re-examination of which is dispensed with, a waiting part 73 capable of having to be waited for a sample rack which can have the necessity of re-examination, and a moving mechanism 76 capable of moving the sample rack among the supplying part 3, the start position 31, the outlet position 72, the taking-out part 74 and the waiting part 73. The moving mechanism 76 can preferentially move to the start position 31 the rack which is instructed to reexamine, among sample racks in standby in the waiting part 73.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer,
In particular, it relates to an automatic analyzer that performs automatic retesting.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An automatic analyzer is an apparatus capable of automatically performing a predetermined test such as GOT or GPT on a sample such as serum. Usually, a sample container containing a sample is stored in a sample rack. However, this sample rack can be transported to a predetermined place using a transport line.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a conventional automatic analyzer. In FIG. 6 (a), a transport line 6 capable of transporting a sample rack 2 containing a sample container 1 to a predetermined position. It is provided.

In order to perform an inspection using the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 6 (a), first, the sample rack 2 installed on the sample supply section 3 is placed on the transfer line 6, and then the sample which has come to a predetermined sampling position is sampled. The sample 1 is sucked from the container 1 by using the sampling arm 10, and the sucked sample is discharged to the reaction container 9 on the reaction line 7. Then, at the next sampling position, the sample is similarly reacted by using the sampling arm 11. Then, the sample rack 2 after the dispensing is carried out to the carry-out section 5.

In the automatic analyzer shown in FIG. 6 (b), a return line 6a is provided in addition to the transfer line 6.

In order to carry out an inspection using this automatic analyzer, the sample rack 2 which has been dispensed is placed on the direction changing belt line 12, and then the direction changing belt line 12 is used.
Is moved along the rail 13, the direction change belt line 12 is reversed, the sample rack 2 is placed on the return line 6a, and then the sample rack 2 is conveyed in the reverse direction along the return line 6a, and then the direction change belt line 14 is moved. Finally, the direction change belt line 14 is moved along the rail 15 to carry out the sample rack 2 to the carry-out section 5.

Some conventional automatic analyzers are provided with a temporary standby space for temporarily holding a sample rack for which dispensing has been completed, in addition to a transfer line and a return line.

[0008]

Here, for example, when the sample is from a seriously ill patient, the measured value as a test result may exceed the measurable range. In such a case, the measurement is redone, That is, reexamination is necessary.

However, in the automatic analyzer of FIG. 6 (a) provided with only the transfer line, the sample rack is transferred in only one direction and cannot be circulated. Therefore, the sample rack is returned to its original position and automatically re-examined. Is impossible.

Further, in the automatic analyzer of FIG. 6 (b) provided with the return line, the direction change belt line 14 having the sample rack is driven from the return line 6a to the conveying line 6 and then the conveying direction is reversed. The sample rack 2 can be automatically retested by returning the sample rack 2 to the entrance of the transfer line 6, but a large number of sample racks that are not retested are on the return line 6a. Even if an instruction to re-examine is issued, at that stage, it is still on the return line 6a and it often takes time to return to the original position.

That is, rapid re-inspection is hindered for sample racks that require re-inspection, and it is possible to promptly recover sample racks that do not require re-inspection, such as calibration racks and control racks, or sample racks to be sent to other analyzers. There was a drawback that I could not.

Further, since all the racks must be placed on the return line, it is necessary to lengthen the return line or operate the automatic analyzer at a processing speed commensurate with the conveying capacity of the return line. However, the latter method has a drawback that the processing speed of the apparatus is lowered.

In an automatic analyzer provided with a space for temporarily holding a sample rack, a rack that needs re-inspection is placed in standby and a rack that does not need re-inspection is placed on the return line. It can be collected quickly, but racks that need re-inspection can be put in the waiting space in order, so even if a re-inspection instruction is given to a rack in the middle, it not only has the inconvenience of waiting until the turn comes. However, there is also a drawback in that the standby space leads to an increase in the size of the device.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic analyzer capable of efficiently performing automatic reinspection while rapidly collecting a sample rack that does not require reinspection. To aim.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is, as described in claim 1, provided with a sample supply section capable of mounting a sample rack and a sample supply section. A predetermined amount of sample is aspirated from the transfer line that can transfer the sample rack from the predetermined transfer start position and the sample container that is stored in the sample rack that has been transferred to the predetermined suction position. Reactor that performs inspection, return line that can return sample rack after suction to exit position, carry-out section that can carry out sample rack that does not require re-inspection, and sample that may require re-inspection In an automatic analyzer equipped with a standby unit that can stand by for a rack, the sample rack, the sample supply unit, the transport start position, the exit position, the A moving mechanism that is movable between at least any two of the sending unit and the waiting unit is provided, and the moving mechanism gives priority to a sample rack waiting for the waiting unit for which a reinspection instruction is issued. It is designed to be moved to the transport start position.

[0016]

According to the automatic analyzer of the present invention, first, the sample rack is transported from a predetermined transport start position.

Next, when the sample rack is transported to a predetermined suction position, the sample is sucked from the sample container accommodated in the sample rack using a sampling arm or the like, and a predetermined inspection is performed on the sucked sample. To do.

Next, the sample rack whose suction has been completed is
Use the return line to return to the exit position.

Next, among the sample racks from the return line, the sample racks that are not re-inspected are carried out to the carry-out section by the moving mechanism, while the sample racks for which re-inspection is instructed are moved to the carrying start position by the moving mechanism. return. For sample racks that have not been instructed to be re-examined or carried out, the moving mechanism moves them to the standby unit. The sample rack returned to the transport start position is re-inspected by the same procedure as described above, and the sample rack moved to the standby unit is on standby until a re-inspection or unloading instruction is issued.

Next, among the sample racks on standby, those for which re-inspection is instructed are given priority over the other sample racks on standby, returned to the transport start position by the moving mechanism, re-inspected, and unloaded. If the instruction is given, it is carried out to the carry-out section by the moving mechanism.

[0021]

Embodiments of the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that parts that are substantially the same as those of the conventional technique are given the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the automatic analyzer of this embodiment.

As can be seen from the figure, in the automatic analyzer of the present embodiment, the sample supply section 3 on which the sample rack 2 can be installed, and the sample rack 2 supplied from the sample supply section 3 have a predetermined transport start position 31. Transfer line 6 that can be transferred from the sample rack 2 to the predetermined suction position
A reaction part 4 for sucking a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 1 housed in the sample container and performing a predetermined test on the sucked sample.

The reaction unit 4 sucks a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 1 accommodated in the sample rack 2 transported by the transport line 6 by the sampling arms 10 and 11, and the sucked sample is reacted by the reaction line 7, It discharges to the reaction cell 9 arranged in 8.

The automatic analyzer of this embodiment further includes a return line 71 capable of returning the sucked sample rack 2 whose direction is changed by the belt line 36 to the outlet position 72, and the sample rack 2 which does not require reinspection. Unloading section 74 that can be unloaded
And sample rack 2 that may need re-inspection
And a standby unit 73 capable of making the standby.

When the standby unit 73 takes 6 seconds for each sampling operation, 10 minutes for inspection, and 5 sample containers are stored in the sample rack, 20 sample racks are provided. It suffices to secure a capacity that can stand by.

In practice, one sample container is sampled more than once, so the required capacity may be shorter.

The automatic analyzer of the present embodiment further includes a sample rack 2, a sample supply section 3, a transport start position 31,
A moving mechanism 76 that can move between the exit position 72, the carry-out section 74, and the standby section 73 is provided.

FIG. 2 shows the moving mechanism 76 in an elevation view. As shown in the figure, the moving mechanism 76 includes a robot hand 78 as a holding mechanism capable of holding the sample rack 2, a rotating mechanism 79 capable of rotating the sample rack 2 held by the robot hand 78, and a sample rack holding the sample rack 2. An elevating mechanism 80 capable of elevating and lowering 2 and a horizontal moving mechanism 81, 82 capable of horizontally moving the held sample rack 2 at a predetermined height.

The moving mechanism 76 moves the sample rack 2 installed on the sample supply section 3 to the transport start position 31 and reads the bar code attached to the sample rack 2 which has come to the exit position 72 with the bar code reader 53. , The sample rack 2 is moved from the exit position 72 to the transport start position 31 or the unloading section 74 according to the read content, that is, the re-inspection or the unloading instruction for each sample rack, and the standby section 7 if no instruction is issued yet.
It is designed to be moved to 3.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view showing the sample rack 2 accommodating the sample container 1. Bar code labels 41 and 42 are attached to the sample container 1 and the sample rack 2, respectively.

The moving mechanism 76 is further configured to preferentially move, to the transport start position 31, one of the sample racks on standby in the standby unit 73 for which a reinspection instruction has been issued.

Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer of this embodiment will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.

First, the transport mechanism 76 is used to move the sample rack 2 mounted on the sample supply section 3 to the transport start position 31.
(Step 101).

Here, in the sample supply section 3, in addition to a general sample rack containing a sample container containing a normal sample, a control rack and a calibration rack are installed.

The control rack contains a sample container containing a sample of known concentration for accuracy control, and the calibration rack contains a sample of known concentration for preparing a calibration curve. I put it in.

Next, the bar code reader 39 provided in the vicinity of the transport start position 31 reads the bar codes 41 and 42 attached to the sample container 1 and the sample rack 2 and sends them to a controller (not shown).

Next, based on the read contents, each sample container 1
The inspection item requested by the control device is specified by the control device, and the specified inspection item information is sent to the reaction unit 4.

Next, the sample rack 2 is carried on the carrying line 6 (step 102).

Next, when the sample rack 2 is conveyed to a predetermined suction position, the sample is sucked from the sample container 1 accommodated in the sample rack 2 using the sampling arms 10 and 11, and the sucked sample is reacted. By discharging to the reaction cells 9 of the lines 7 and 8, a predetermined inspection according to the above-mentioned inspection item information is performed (step 10).
3).

The time required for the inspection varies depending on the number of inspection items, but is usually several minutes to 10 minutes. When a re-examination is required for the predetermined inspection performed in the reaction section 4, the ID numbers of the sample container 1 and the sample rack 2 to be re-examined are sent to the control device and stored therein.

Next, the sample rack 2 for which suction has been completed is placed on the belt line 36, and in this state, the sample rack 2 is moved along the rail 37 to the entrance of the return line 71, where the direction is changed and the sample rack 2 is moved to the return line 71. (Step 104).

Next, the sample rack 2 is connected to the return line 71.
After returning to the exit position 72, the bar code 42 attached to the sample rack 2 is read by the bar code reader 53 (step 105).

Next, based on the read contents, the sample rack 2
The ID number is identified, and this ID number is collated with the ID number for which re-examination or a delivery instruction has been issued.

When the sample rack 2 is instructed to be carried out, the moving mechanism 76 is used to move the sample rack 2 from the exit position 72 to the carry-out section 74 (step 106).
If the re-inspection instruction is issued to the sample rack 2, the sample rack 2 is moved to the transport start position 31 using the moving mechanism 76 (step 107). The sample rack 2 returned to the transport start position 31 is reinspected by the same procedure as described above (steps 102 to 105).

When the sample rack 2 is not inspected again or is not instructed to be carried out, the moving mechanism 76 is used to move the sample rack 2 from the exit position 72 to the standby portion 73 and wait until the instruction is issued (step 108).

When a re-inspection instruction is given to a predetermined sample rack among the waiting sample racks, the sample rack for which the re-inspection instruction is issued using the moving mechanism 76 is given priority over the other sample racks from the standby section 73. It moves to the transport start position 31 (step 111). The sample rack 2 returned to the transport start position 31 is reinspected by the same procedure as described above (steps 102 to 105).

When the unloading instruction is given to a predetermined sample rack among the waiting sample racks, the moving mechanism 76 is used to unload the sample rack 2 for which the unloading instruction is given to the unloading section 74 (step 110).

Although not shown in the flow chart, when it is desired to urgently inspect a predetermined sample, the urgent sample rack is placed in the stat section 65 (FIG. 1) and moved to the transport start position 31, and the above-mentioned procedure is performed. The test may be performed in the same procedure as for the general sample.

As described above, the automatic analyzer of the present embodiment is provided with the standby portion for holding the sample rack, and the sample rack for which a reinspection instruction is issued can be preferentially moved from the standby portion to the transport start position. Since a moving mechanism is provided, it is possible to quickly send a general sample rack that needs retesting to retesting, thus shortening the waiting time for retesting and shortening the test time, or rushing to another analyzer. It can be turned.

Further, since it is not necessary to provide the return line with the standby function, the automatic analyzer can be operated at a high processing speed.

Therefore, general sample racks, calibration racks, control racks, etc., which do not require retesting, can be quickly moved to the unloading section and collected, thus deteriorating the calibration sample or the control sample over time. Can be avoided and the samples can be repeated or reused.

At this time, if the transport timing (time interval or sample interval) of the control rack or the like is set in the control device in advance and the moving mechanism is driven and controlled by the control device in accordance with this timing, the control rack is desired. It is possible to move from the standby section to the transport start position at the timing of.

Therefore, the quality of quality control can be improved, and the labor of the operator can be significantly reduced.

Further, since the bar code reader is arranged at the exit position of the return line and the sample rack is configured to be movable from the exit position to the transport start position by the moving mechanism, when the sample rack comes to the exit position of the return line. When the re-inspection instruction has already been issued, it is possible to promptly move to the transport start position without passing through the standby unit.

Therefore, a rack that originally has a small number of inspection items, a rack that has been set to end analysis earlier in advance, or a rack whose analysis can be discontinued by observing the reaction curve is promptly re-inspected.

Therefore, for example, analysis of an urgent sample and re-examination (when instructed) can be performed quickly, and thus the examination of the urgent sample can be completed preferentially.

[0058]

As described above, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention comprises a sample supply unit capable of arranging a sample rack,
A predetermined amount of sample is sucked and sucked from a transport line that can transport the sample rack supplied from the sample supply unit from a predetermined transport start position and a sample container housed in the sample rack that has been transported to a predetermined suction position. Reactor that performs a predetermined test on the sample, a return line that can return the sample rack after suction to the exit position, a carry-out section that can carry out the sample rack that does not require retest, and a retest is required In an automatic analyzer equipped with a standby unit that can stand by for a sample rack that may become a sample rack, the sample rack is set to one of the sample supply unit, the transport start position, the outlet position, the unloading unit, and the standby unit. A moving mechanism that can move between at least any two of the two is provided, and the moving mechanism re-examines the sample rack waiting in the waiting section. Since what instruction comes to be moved to the transport start position preferentially, while rapidly recovered retest is unnecessary sample rack, it is possible to perform automatic retest efficiently.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an automatic analyzer according to this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of sample containers and sample racks containing them.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 Same as above.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a conventional automatic analyzer, in which (a) is provided with only a transfer line and (b) is further provided with a return line.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 sample container 2 sample rack 3 sample supply part 4 reaction part 6 transfer line 31 transfer start position 39 bar code reader 72 outlet position 73 standby part 74 carry out part 76 moving mechanism 36 belt line 41, 42 bar code 53 bar code reader

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A sample supply unit capable of erection of a sample rack, a transfer line capable of transferring the sample rack supplied from the sample supply unit from a predetermined transfer start position, and a sample rack transferred to a predetermined suction position. A reaction part that sucks a predetermined amount of sample from the stored sample container and performs a predetermined test on the sucked sample, a return line that can return the sample rack after suction to the outlet position, and a retest In an automatic analyzer equipped with a carry-out section that can carry out unnecessary sample racks and a standby section that can stand by for sample racks that may require re-inspection, A moving mechanism that is movable between at least any two of a start position, the exit position, the carry-out section, and the standby section, The automatic analysis device is characterized in that the moving mechanism is configured to preferentially move, to the transport start position, a sample rack that has been instructed to re-examine among the sample racks waiting in the standby section. 2. The moving mechanism includes a holding mechanism capable of holding a sample rack, an elevating mechanism capable of ascending and descending the held sample rack, and a horizontal movement capable of horizontally moving the held sample rack at a predetermined height. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism.