JPH0921805A - Blood examining device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly and automatically examine a large number of samples of a specimen without enlarging the device by arranging an auxiliary transportation conveyor for carrying a reaction vessel to the neighborhood of a washing means, in parallel with a main transportation conveyor. SOLUTION: A first auxiliary transportation conveyor 86 for transporting a module plate 63 in which a reaction vessel (well) is housed to the neighborhood of a washing unit 72 in a prescribed time interval, is juxtaposed to a main transportation conveyor 59. Further, a second auxiliary transportation conveyor 91 transports the module plate 63 to the neighborhood of a washing unit 75 in a prescribed time interval. Therefore, the reaction time in which erythrocytes react with the substance fixed to the inside surface of the well can be secured by the first auxiliary transportation conveyor 86. At the same time, the reacted time in which irregularity antibodies of a sample react with erythrocytes can be secured. Thus, even though the length of the main transportation conveyor 59 is not lengthened more than it is necessary, all the process from the injection process of erythrocyte-included liquid up to the injection process of granular reagent can be automatically carried out on the main transportation conveyor 59.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a blood test apparatus applied when testing blood for transfusion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, there are various test items for blood transfusion, and among them, irregular antibodies (mainly IgG
The test of class antibody) is an essential test item for preventing transfusion side effects such as hemolysis. Conventionally, a test method called an indirect antiglobulin method or an indirect Coombs method has been used for the inspection of this irregular antibody.
Since the indirect antiglobulin method uses centrifugal force to wash erythrocytes that specifically bind to irregular antibodies, all steps including determination were manually performed.

The Coombs test is also called an anti-globulin test and is generally called an irregular antibody other than a regular antibody such as ABO type among anti-blood group antibodies in the serum or plasma of a subject. It is one of the methods to detect mainly IgG class antibody. Specifically, Rh anti-E,
Anti-D, anti-C, anti-e, anti-c, Duffy anti-Fya, anti-Fyb, Kidd anti-Jka, anti-Jkb, etc. are detected. These are often produced by transfusion or pregnancy, but transfusion of blood containing these antibodies may cause transfusion side effects such as hemolysis in recipients, depending on the specificity of the antibody. is there.
In particular, anti-D has a strong action, and omission of detection of anti-D antibody in blood for transfusion leads to a serious accident.

There are various methods for detecting irregular antibodies, but many antibodies can be detected only by the Coombs test, and among them, there are many antibodies that are clinically important because of side effects of blood transfusion. Therefore, the Coombs test is an essential test item in blood transfusion tests. However, the Coombs test is a manual method that relies entirely on human hands, and places a considerable burden on the inspector who conducts a blood transfusion test in which a large number of samples must be tested in a short time. This is because the conventional Coombs test requires centrifugation to wash red blood cells, making automation difficult.

Therefore, in order to automate the inspection, the mixed passive agglutination method (MPHA method: Mixed Passive Hemo-aggliti)
nation) has been devised a method for testing irregular antibodies. This test method involves injecting a red blood cell-containing liquid into a reaction vessel such as a test tube or a microplate, and binding the red blood cell to a substance immobilized on the inner surface of the reaction vessel (for example, wheat malt lectin, concanavalin A, polyethyleneimine, etc.). After that, inject serum sample sample into the reaction vessel,
Furthermore, it is a method to test the irregular antibody in serum by adding a granular reagent consisting of animal red blood cells such as sheep into the reaction container, and determine the presence or absence of irregular antibody based on the following principle. There is.

That is, when the irregular antibody does not exist in the serum, the granular reagent charged into the reaction vessel spontaneously settles in the liquid, slides down the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and aggregates at the center of the bottom surface of the reaction vessel. On the other hand, when the irregular antibody is present in the serum, the granular reagent binds to the irregular antibody bound to the red blood cells by an immunological reaction and is uniformly distributed on the entire bottom surface of the reaction container. Therefore, the distribution state of the granular reagent that spontaneously settled on the bottom surface of the reaction container is imaged by an image pickup means such as a CCD camera, and the image obtained by the image pickup means is displayed on a display device, whereby the serum contains irregular antibodies. Can be determined.

On the other hand, in order to shorten the inspection time due to the agglutination reaction, magnetic particles are used as a particulate reagent to be introduced into the reaction vessel, and the magnetic particles are settled at the bottom of the reaction vessel by a magnetic force to be contained in the sample. A method has been devised in which the antigen or antibody contained in the above is detected in a short time with high sensitivity (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-124464).

[0008]

By applying such a test method to the irregular antibody test of blood for transfusion,
It is possible to automatically test a large number of specimens in a short time. However, if an attempt is made to perform the process of injecting a liquid containing red blood cells to the process of injecting granular reagents on one transport line, red blood cells will react. It takes about 10 minutes to react with the substance immobilized on the inner surface of the container, and about 30 minutes to react the irregular antibody in the serum with red blood cells. For this reason, if the transport line of the reaction vessel is designed in consideration of these reaction times, there is a problem that the length of the transport line becomes long and the apparatus becomes large.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a blood test apparatus capable of automatically testing a large number of specimen samples in a short time without increasing the size of the apparatus. It is what

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems] As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is a main transportation for transporting a reaction container having an inner surface immobilized with a substance which specifically binds to an antigenic substance. Conveyor, sample sample injecting means disposed on the main transfer conveyor for injecting a sample sample into the reaction container, cleaning means disposed on the main transfer conveyor for cleaning the inner surface of the reaction container, and the main transfer Reagent injecting means for injecting a reagent containing magnetic particles into the reaction container which is disposed on the conveyor and washed by the cleaning means, and the magnetic particles disposed in the vicinity of the end portion of the main conveyor are the reaction vessels of the reaction container. Magnetic particle settling means for settling to the bottom by magnetic force, imaging means for picking up the magnetic particles settling at the bottom of the reaction vessel, and the reaction volume arranged in parallel with the main conveyor. A sub-conveyor for transferring a predetermined time to the vicinity of the cleaning means, a first reaction container transfer means for transferring the reaction container from the main transfer conveyor to the sub-transport conveyor, and the sub-transfer A second transfer of the reaction container, which has been transported to the vicinity of the cleaning means by a conveyor, from the sub-transporting conveyor to the main transporting conveyor.
And a reaction container transfer means of.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the main conveyor has an endless belt and a plurality of carrier holders mounted on the upper surface of the endless belt with a space therebetween. Is characterized in that the carrier is held slidably in the width direction of the endless belt.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a conveyor for sequentially conveying at least one reaction container at a predetermined pitch, and a specimen sample injecting means arranged on the conveyor for injecting a specimen sample into the reaction container, Reagent injecting means arranged on the transfer conveyor for injecting a reagent containing magnetic particles into the reaction container, and magnetic particles settling on the bottom of the reaction container by magnetic force to be placed near the end of the transfer conveyor. In order to set a plurality of reaction vessels on the magnet for settling the magnetic particles, and the reaction vessel placed near the terminal end on the conveyor to replace the reaction vessels on the magnetic particle settling means at a predetermined pitch. It is characterized by comprising a reaction container transfer means.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, 51 is a test tube as a sample container, and 52 is a plurality of tubes (for example, 10 tubes).
Is a test tube rack that holds the test tube rack vertically, and 53 is a test tube rack transfer conveyor that transfers the test tube rack 52 in the direction of arrow A. The test tube rack 52 is provided at the beginning of the test tube rack transfer conveyor 53. Test tube rack conveyor 5
3 is provided with a test tube rack supply mechanism 54.

As shown in FIG. 2, the test tube rack supply mechanism 54 has an endless belt 54a that conveys the test tube rack 52 in the direction of the arrow. 52 is configured to be supplied to the test tube rack transport conveyor 53.

An escape unit 55 for holding the test tube rack 52 in a stationary state while the endless belt 54a is being driven is disposed in the middle portion of the test tube rack conveyer 53. As shown in FIG. 3, the escape unit 55 includes a pair of locking members 55a, 5a.
5b, and these locking members 55a and 55b are configured to be engaged with the recesses 52a formed in the test tube rack 52 to hold the test tube rack 52 in a stationary state.

Further, the test tube rack transfer conveyor 53
A bar code reader 56 is provided in the middle part of
The barcode information of the identification label attached to the test tube 51 is read by the barcode reader 56. A test tube rack recovery mechanism 57 for recovering the test tube rack 52 is provided at the end of the test tube rack transport conveyor 53. This test tube rack recovery mechanism 5
As shown in FIG. 4, 7 has a test tube rack pushing member 57a that moves back and forth in the direction of the arrow. The test tube rack pushing member 57a is used to move the test tube rack 52 to the side of the test tube rack transport conveyor 53. Test tube rack 5 pushed out to
2 is configured to be collected.

A module plate 63 as a reaction container is provided on the side of the test tube rack conveyor belt 53 with an arrow A.
The main conveyors 59 are arranged in parallel in the direction of arrow B, which is the opposite direction to the above, for carrying a predetermined pitch at intervals of 2 minutes, for example. As shown in FIG. 5, the main conveyor 59 includes an endless conveyor belt 60 and a plurality of carrier holders 61 arranged on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 60 at regular intervals. A carrier 62 is held by the carrier holder 61 slidably only in the width direction of the conveyor belt 60. The main conveyor 59 is precisely driven at regular intervals (for example, 2 minutes) via the Geneva mechanism.

The module plate 63 is made of a transparent plastic material (eg polystyrene). Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the module plate 63 is a lightweight (for example, 3 g) integrated concave container in which a plurality of (for example, eight) wells 64 are formed.

Each well 6 of the module plate 63
4 has a bottom surface formed in a U shape or a V shape,
A substance that binds to red blood cells (for example, wheat malt lectin, concanavalin A, polyethyleneimine, etc.) is immobilized on its inner surface.

The carrier 62 is precisely formed of a metal material so as to have a constant shape and size, and a holding groove for holding the module plate 63 is formed on the upper surface of the carrier 62. Where carrier 6
First, the module 2 has an appropriate weight (for example, 2.5 g or more per cm ³ and preferably 4. g / cm ³⁾ for preventing the module plate 63 from shaking or falling due to the vibration of the conveyor belt 60.
5 g or more, more preferably 7.5 g or more), and secondly, having appropriate thermal conductivity for heating the module plate 63 into which the sample is injected with a heater, Third, the module plate 6 due to static electricity
In order to prevent the deterioration of reactivity in 3, it is desired that the conductive material has appropriate conductivity, but the second and third conditions are not essential. A metal material satisfying such conditions is
Alloys such as copper, silver, aluminum, iron, zinc, etc. that are appropriately combined with other metal materials so as to add wear resistance and corrosion resistance, and to complement each other's metal characteristics (for example, brass etc.) ) Is preferably used.

A module plate supply mechanism 65 for supplying the module plate 63 onto the main transfer conveyor 59 is provided at the starting end of the main transfer conveyor 59.
As shown in FIG. 5, the module plate supply mechanism 65 includes an elevating table 66 that moves up and down, and a plurality of module plate storage cases 67 are vertically stacked on the upper surface of the elevating table 66. Have been placed. These module plate storage cases 67 have a box-shaped structure with an open top, and each case 67 stores a plurality of module plates 63.

Further, the module plate supply mechanism 6
5, the module plate take-out arms 68a and 68b are provided, as shown in FIG.
The module plate 63 is taken out from the module plate storage case 67 by a and 68b, and the main transfer conveyor 59
It is designed to be placed on top. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the module plate storage case 67 accommodates a large number of module plates 63 in parallel and densely, but the module plate extraction arms 68a and 68b facilitate the grasping of the module plates 63. Both ends in the longitudinal direction are formed so as to project from the side surface of the plate storage case 67. In addition, each of the storage cases 67 can be stacked on top of each other and has a protrusion and a groove corresponding thereto so as to be slidable in a certain direction.

Further, the module plate supply mechanism 6
As shown in FIG. 5, 5 includes a slide mechanism 69 that slides the module plate storage case 67 in the arrow direction. The slide mechanism 69 causes the module plate storage case 67 with an empty module plate 63 to move to the stocker section 70. It is configured to move. In this way, a large number of module plates 63 can be efficiently supplied in a small space one by one to the main transport conveyor 59 as a dispensing line.

Above the main transfer conveyor 59, a red blood cell-containing liquid injection unit 7 serving as red blood cell-containing liquid injection means is provided.
1, a cleaning unit 72 as a first cleaning means, a diluted solution injection unit 73 as a diluted solution injection means, a sample sample injection unit 74 as a sample sample injection means, a cleaning unit 75 as a second cleaning means, and a reagent injection The reagent injection unit 76 as means is the module plate 6
3 are arranged along the transport direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the red blood cell-containing liquid injection unit 71 includes a unit main body 71a and a dispensing nozzle 71b projecting from the lower surface of the unit main body 71a. The red blood cell-containing liquid stored in the container 77 (see FIG. 1) by moving in the arrow X direction and the arrow Z direction in the figure is injected into each well 64 of the module plate 63.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning unit 72 has a plurality of cleaning liquid ejection nozzles 72a, and the inner surface of the well 64 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid ejected from these cleaning liquid ejection nozzles 72a. There is. The cleaning unit 72 includes a plurality of suction nozzles 72b, as shown in FIG.
The cleaning liquid in the well 43 is sucked by b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the diluted solution injection unit 73 comprises a unit body 73a and a dispensing nozzle 73b projecting from the lower surface of the unit body 73a. It is configured such that the diluted solution stored in the container 78 (see FIG. 1) by moving in the middle arrow X direction and the arrow Z direction is injected into each well 64 of the module plate 63.

As shown in FIG. 8, the specimen / sample injection unit 74 includes a unit body 74a and a dispensing nozzle 74b projecting from the lower surface of the unit body 74a. Serum as a specimen sample stored in the test tube 51 by moving it in the middle arrow X direction and the arrow Z direction is provided in each well 64 of the module plate 63.
Configured to inject into.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning unit 75 has a plurality of cleaning liquid ejection nozzles 75a, and the inner surface of the well 64 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid ejected from these cleaning liquid ejection nozzles 75a. There is. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, this cleaning unit 75 is provided with a plurality of suction nozzles 75b, and these suction nozzles 75 are provided.
The cleaning liquid in the well 64 is aspirated by b.

As shown in FIG. 9, the reagent injection unit 76 includes a unit main body 76a and a unit main body 76a.
a dispensing nozzle 76b protruding from the lower surface of a, and moving the unit main body 76a in the arrow X direction and the arrow Z direction in the drawing to make a module of the reagent contained in the container 79 (see FIG. 1). It is configured to fill each well 64 of the plate 63.

In the vicinity of the end of the main conveyor 59, magnetic particle settling plates 81a and 81b are provided as magnetic particle settling means for settling the magnetic particles contained in the reagent on the bottom surface of the well 64. These magnetic particle sedimentation plates 81a and 81b are, as shown in FIG.
The module plate 63 is arranged in the width direction of the main conveyor 59.
Has a plurality of (for example, eight) permanent magnets 82 arranged at a predetermined interval so as to correspond to each well 64 of the well 64, and the magnetic particles contained in the reagent are transferred to the bottom surface of the well 64 by these permanent magnets 821. It is configured to cause magnetic precipitation in the part.

A CCD camera 83 as an image pickup means for picking up the magnetic particles settled on the bottom surface of the well 64 is provided near the end of the main conveyor 59, and below the CCD camera 83. A transport mechanism 84 that transports the module plate 63 is provided at the position.

The CCD camera 83 is connected to an image processing device (not shown) as a judging means, and the image signal from the CCD camera 83 is processed by this image processing device to detect irregular antibodies in serum. Whether or not it is included is determined, and the determination result is displayed on a display unit (not shown) such as a printer or a screen.

As shown in FIG. 10, the carrying mechanism 84 includes a carrying table 84a and a motor 84b for driving the carrying table 84a in the direction of arrow X in the figure via a feed screw mechanism. The table 84a has
A lighting fixture (not shown) for illuminating the module plate 63 from below is attached.

The magnetic particle sedimentation plate 81a,
Above the 81b, the main conveyor 63 is arranged at regular intervals.
The first transfer operation of lifting the module plate 63 conveyed near the end of each of them from the main transfer conveyor 59 at every pitch and alternately replacing them on the two rows of magnetic particle sedimentation plates 81a and 81b, and the magnetic particle sedimentation plate 81.
Second replacement work for alternately replacing the module plates 63 placed on the a and 81b for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) on the transport table 84a in the order in which they were replaced in the first replacement work. A module plate remounting mechanism 85 (see FIG. 10) for performing the above is provided. The module plate replacement mechanism 85 is controlled by a control unit (not shown), and has an arm similar to that shown in FIG.

A first sub-transport conveyor 86 for transporting the module plate 63 to the vicinity of the cleaning unit 72 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) is arranged in parallel beside the main transport conveyor 59. Has been done. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first sub-transport conveyor 86 includes an endless belt 87.
7 is driven by a plurality of pulleys to convey the module plate 63 to the vicinity of the cleaning unit 72 for a predetermined time. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first sub-transport conveyor 86 has a plurality of plate-shaped projections 88 on the upper surface of the endless belt 87, and the carrier is provided between these plate-shaped projections 88. 6
The module plate 63 is prevented from being displaced by allowing 2 to slide with almost no space.

In the vicinity of the starting end portion of the first sub-transport conveyor 86, the module plate 63 in which the red blood cell-containing liquid is injected is transferred from the main transport conveyor 59 to the first sub-transport conveyor 8
6 is provided with a module plate transfer mechanism 89 as a first reaction container transfer means. As shown in FIG. 6, the module plate transfer mechanism 89 includes a piston rod 89b having a pulling member 89a at its tip, and the piston rod 89b is formed by an air cylinder 89c so that the width of the first sub-transport conveyor 86 can be reduced. It is configured to be moved back and forth in the direction to transfer the module plate 63 together with the carrier 62 from the main transfer conveyor 59 to the first sub transfer conveyor 86.

In the vicinity of the end portion of the first sub-transport conveyor 86, the second reaction for transferring the module plate 63 transported near the cleaning unit 72 from the first sub-transport conveyor 86 to the main transport conveyor 59. A module plate transfer mechanism 90 as container transfer means is provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the module plate transfer mechanism 90 includes a piston rod 90b having an extruding member 90a at the tip thereof. The piston rod 90b is formed by an air cylinder 90c in the width direction of the first sub-transport conveyor 86. Drive the module plate 63 to the carrier 6
It is configured to transfer from the first sub-transport conveyor 86 to the main transport conveyor 59 together with 2.

Further, the module plate 63 is transported to the side of the main transport conveyor 59 to the vicinity of the cleaning unit 75 for a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes).
The sub-transport conveyors 91 are arranged in parallel. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second sub-transport conveyor 91 is provided with an endless belt 92. The endless belt 92 is driven by a plurality of pulleys to drive the module plate 63 of the cleaning unit 75. It is configured to be transported to the vicinity in a predetermined time. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second sub-transport conveyor 91 has a plurality of plate-like projections 93 on the upper surface of the endless belt 92, and these plate-like projections 93 form a module plate. The positional deviation of 63 is prevented in the same manner as the first sub-transport conveyor 86.

In the vicinity of the starting end portion of the second sub-transport conveyor 91, the module plate 63 in which the specimen sample is injected.
A module plate transfer mechanism 94 is provided as third reaction container transfer means for transferring from the main transfer conveyor 59 to the second sub transfer conveyor 91. As shown in FIG. 8, this module plate transfer mechanism 94 is equipped with a piston rod 94b having a pulling member 94a at its tip, and this piston rod 94b is attached to the air cylinder 94.
It is configured such that the module plate 63 is moved together with the carrier 62 from the main transport conveyor 59 to the second sub transport conveyor 91 by moving forward and backward in the width direction of the second sub transport conveyor 91 by c.

In the vicinity of the end portion of the second sub-transport conveyor 91, the fourth reaction in which the module plate 63 transported near the cleaning unit 75 is transferred from the second sub-transport conveyor 91 to the main transport conveyor 59. A module plate transfer mechanism 95 as container transfer means is provided. As shown in FIG. 9, the module plate transfer mechanism 95 includes a piston rod 95b having a push-out member 95a at the tip thereof. The piston rod 95b is formed by an air cylinder 95c in the width direction of the second sub-transport conveyor 91. Drive the module plate 63 to the carrier 6
The second sub-transport conveyor 91 and the main sub-transport conveyor 59 are transferred together with No. 2.

The second sub-transport conveyor 91 is covered with a heat insulating cover (not shown), and 20 to 37 serum as a sample specimen dispensed into the well 64 of the module plate 63 is covered in the heat insulating cover. A heating means (for example, a warm air heater, an electric heating plate, etc.) for heating to an appropriate reaction temperature (for example, 37 ° C.) of 0 ° C. is provided.

In the blood test apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the module plate 63 is placed on the main conveyor 59 from the module plate storage case 67 by the module plate take-out arms 68a and 68b. Are sequentially conveyed under the red blood cell-containing liquid injection unit 71 at intervals of, for example, 2 minutes, and the red blood cell-containing liquid injection unit 71 injects the red blood cell-containing liquid into each well 64. Then, the module plate 63 in which the red blood cell-containing liquid is injected into each well 64 is transferred from the main transfer conveyor 59 to the first sub transfer conveyor 86 together with the carrier 62 by the operation of the module plate transfer mechanism 89, and for example, 10 minutes. Cleaning unit 72
Is transported to the vicinity of.

The module plate 63 transported to the vicinity of the cleaning unit 72 by the first sub-transport conveyor 86.
Is transferred from the first sub-transport conveyor 86 to the main transport conveyor 59 together with the carrier 62 by operating the module plate transfer mechanism 90. Then, the module plate 63 transferred from the first sub-transport conveyor 86 to the main transport conveyor 59 is transported by the main transport conveyor 59 directly below the cleaning unit 72.

In the module plate 63 conveyed right below the cleaning unit 72, excess red blood cells are removed by the cleaning unit 72 and impurities other than red blood cells are cleaned and removed, and then the diluted solution injection unit 73 by the main transfer conveyor 59. It is transported right under. Then, the module plate 6 conveyed immediately below the diluted solution injection unit 73
After the diluted solution is injected into each well 64, the sample No. 3 is conveyed by the main conveyance conveyor 59 to a position right below the specimen sample injection unit 74.

The module plate 63 conveyed right below the sample / sample injection unit 74 is injected from the main conveyor 59 by the module plate transfer mechanism 93 after the sample (serum) is injected into each well 64. Two
Transfer to the sub-transport conveyor 91 together with the carrier 62.
The module plate 63 transferred from the main transport conveyor 59 to the second sub-transport conveyor 91 has, for example, 3
It takes 0 minutes to be transported to the vicinity of the cleaning unit 75.

The module plate 63 conveyed near the cleaning unit 75 by the second sub-conveyor 91.
Is operated by the module plate transfer mechanism 94 from the second sub-transport conveyor 91 to the main transport conveyor 59.
Transfer to the carrier 62. Then, the module plate 63 transferred from the second sub-transport conveyor 91 to the main transport conveyor 59 is transported by the main transport conveyor 59 to just below the cleaning unit 75.

The module plate 63 conveyed immediately below the washing unit 75 has the excess specimen sample removed by the washing unit 75 and impurities other than the irregular antibody washed off, and then the reagent is conveyed by the main conveyor 59. It is conveyed directly below the injection unit 76. Then, the module plate 6 conveyed directly below the reagent injection unit 76
In No. 3, a reagent containing magnetic particles is injected into each well 64, and then the main conveyer 59 conveys the reagent to the vicinity of the magnetic particle sedimentation plates 81a and 81b.

The module plates 63 transported to the vicinity of the magnetic particle sedimentation plates 81a and 81b are alternately placed on the magnetic particle sedimentation plates 81a and 81b by the module plate replacement mechanism 85. As a result, the magnetic particles in the reagent injected into each well 64 of the module plate 63 are magnetically settled on the bottom of the well 64 by the magnetic force of the magnetic particle settling plates 81a and 81b.

The magnetic particle sedimentation plates 81a, 81
After a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has passed, the module plate 63 placed on b is placed on the transport table 84a by the module plate remounting mechanism 85,
CCD camera 8 provided above the transport table 84a
3 is imaged.

As described above, in the blood test apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the module plate 63 and the first sub-transport conveyor 86 that transports the module plate 63 to the vicinity of the cleaning unit 72 for a predetermined time are provided. Since the second sub-transport conveyor 91, which transports a predetermined time in the vicinity of the washing unit 75, is provided in parallel with the main transport conveyor 59, red blood cells react with the substance immobilized on the inner surface of the well 64. The reaction time (about 10 minutes) can be secured by the first sub-transport conveyor 86, and the reaction time (about 30 minutes) for reacting the irregular antibody of the sample with the red blood cells can be secured by the second sub-transport conveyor 91. Can be secured at.

Therefore, even if the length of the main transport conveyor 59 is not unnecessarily lengthened, the steps from the step of injecting the red blood cell-containing liquid to the step of injecting the granular reagent can be automatically performed on the main transport conveyor 59. It is possible to automatically test a large number of specimen samples in a short time without increasing the size of the sample.

Further, the module plate 6 transferred to the end of the main transfer conveyor 59 through the cleaning unit 75.
3 is the magnetic particle sedimentation plate 81 at a predetermined pitch (for example, 2 minutes) by the module plate replacement mechanism 85.
The module plates 63, which are alternately placed on the a and 81b and are placed on the magnetic particle sedimentation plates 81a and 81b for a predetermined magnetic sedimentation time (for example, 3 minutes), are sequentially placed on the transport table 84a.

As described above, in the blood test apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, even when the transport pitch of the main transport conveyor 59 is faster than the magnetic settling time, a plurality of rows of magnetic settling plates 81a and 81b are vacant. Since the clogging of the conveyance is eliminated by replacing the subsequent module plate 63, the conveyance system does not need to be longer than necessary.
It can be tested continuously with the desired magnetic settling time.

In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic particle settling plate has two rows, but the number of magnetic particle settling plates is set to 1 depending on the magnetic settling time and the transfer pitch from the main conveyor 59.
The number of rows may be three or more. Further, if necessary, it is possible to perform an intermediate remounting operation in which the module plate 63 that has completed the predetermined magnetic precipitation is temporarily put on standby before the image pickup by the CCD camera 83.

Further, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the conveyer is used as the conveyer for conveying the module plate 63 as the reaction container, but a rotary conveyer system may be used as shown in FIG. . That is, in the supply mechanism 65 of the module plate 63 in the above-described embodiment, the reagent rotor is substituted in FIG. 12, and the other rotor is the first transfer means (main transfer conveyor 5).
9), second transfer means (first sub-transfer conveyor 86),
It also serves as the third transfer means (second sub-transfer conveyor 91) and performs the incubation during the transfer of the rotor.

Further, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-124464, in a system for forming agglomeration of magnetic particles without binding any antigen substance to the reaction vessel, the red blood cell-containing liquid of the above-mentioned embodiment is used. Since the injection, washing, and incubation are unnecessary, the above operation may be performed without operating the injection unit 71, the washing units 72 and 75, the conveyors 86 and 91, and the module plate transfer mechanisms 89 and 90.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 19. FIG. 13 schematically shows the procedure of the analysis method in the analyzer of the present invention. In addition, a case where a reagent container having a U-shaped bottom is used is shown. At position A, the sample dilution liquid DS is quantitatively dispensed into the reagent container 1 by a dispenser 2-1 shown as a microsyringe. Next, at the position B, the sample (serum or plasma) S is quantitatively dispensed into the sample dilution liquid in the reagent container 1 by the dispenser 2-2 shown as a microsyringe.

Next, the mixed solution of the sample diluting liquid and the sample in the reagent container 1 is aspirated and discharged several times by the dispenser 2-2 to be agitated to obtain a substantially uniform mixed state. Next, the mixture solution thus obtained in the reagent container 1 is heated by the warmer 4 at the position C in order to keep the temperature suitable for the antigen-antibody reaction for a certain time. Next, at position D, after the reaction has proceeded sufficiently, the mixed liquid in the reagent container 1 is removed by the cleaning device 3, and then the cleaning liquid is repeatedly dispensed and suctioned to perform cleaning.

Next, at position E, the magnetic particle reagent suspension MPR is quantitatively dispensed into the reagent container 1 by a dispenser 2-3 shown as a microsyringe. Next, at the position F, the magnet 5 is arranged immediately below the bottom surface of the reagent container 1 and left standing for a certain period of time to attract and settle the magnetic particle reagent 9 with the magnet. Next, the magnet 5 is removed, and the developing means 6 such as a CCD camera measures the distribution pattern of the magnetic particle reagent 9 inside from above the reagent container 1 at the position G and converts it into an electric signal. Based on the obtained signal, it is determined whether the distribution pattern of the magnetic particle reagent 9 is positive or negative.
Here, reference numeral 7 indicates a positive image, and reference numeral 8 indicates a negative image.

Further, in FIG. 14, the present invention in the case of using a reaction container in which a substance that binds cells having an antigen substance that specifically binds to an antibody to be measured is immobilized on the inner wall surface is used as the reagent container. The procedure of the analysis method by the analyzer of FIG.

At position A, the cell suspension RBC is transferred to the reagent container 1 by the dispenser 2-1 shown as a microsyringe.
Is dispensed in a fixed amount. In order to bind the cells to the cell-binding substance that has been immobilized on the inner wall of the reagent container in advance, the cells are allowed to stand at position B for a certain period of time, and the cells are gravity-precipitated. Next, at position C, excess cells that have not bound are washed with the washing device 3-1 after removing the cell suspension, and then repeatedly dispensing and aspirating the washing solution. Next, at the position D, the sample dilution liquid DS is quantitatively dispensed into the reagent container 1 by the dispenser 2-2 shown as a microsyringe.

Next, at the position E, the sample (serum or plasma) S is quantitatively dispensed to the sample diluting liquid in the reagent container 1 by the annotation 2-3 shown as a microsyringe. Next, the mixed solution of the sample diluting liquid and the sample in the reagent container 1 is aspirated and discharged several times according to Note 2-3 to stir the mixture so that a substantially uniform mixed state is obtained. Next, the mixture thus obtained in the reagent container 1 is heated by the warmer 4 at the position F in order to maintain the temperature suitable for the antigen-antibody reaction for a certain time. Next, at the position G, after the reaction has proceeded sufficiently, the mixed liquid in the reagent container 1 is removed by the cleaning device 3-2, and then the cleaning liquid is repeatedly dispensed and suctioned for cleaning.

Next, at the position H, the magnetic particle reagent suspension MPR is quantitatively dispensed into the reagent container 1 by the dispenser 2-4 shown as a microsyringe. Next, at position I, the magnet 5 is arranged immediately below the bottom surface of the reagent container 1 and left standing for a certain period of time to attract and settle the magnetic particle reagent 9 by magnetic force. Next, the magnet 5 is removed, and the distribution pattern of the magnetic particle reagent 9 inside the reagent container 1 is measured at the position J from above the reagent container 1 by the image pickup means 6 such as a CCD camera and converted into an electric signal. Based on the obtained signal, it is determined whether the distribution pattern of the magnetic particle reagent 9 is positive or negative. Here, reference numeral 7 indicates a positive image, and reference numeral 8 indicates a negative image. The reagent container 1 for which imaging has been completed is disposed of in a recovery box (not shown).

In the present invention, the reagent container 1 mounted on the analyzer is the cell having an antibody or an antigen or an antibody which specifically binds to the antigen or an antigen which specifically binds to the antibody to be measured on the inner wall. A reaction container in which a substance that binds to is immobilized. Although the shape is arbitrary, a test tube or a well of a microtiter plate having a U-shaped or V-shaped bottom surface is preferable.

The temperature of the warmer 4 used in the present invention is 30
〜40 ° C. Suitable temperature is around 37 ° C. The washing device 3 (or 3-1, 3-2) used in the present invention may be of any type, but the cleaning solution is dispensed into the reagent container after suctioning the solution in the reagent container from the nozzle with a negative pressure, and then suctioning. A type in which the discharging operation is repeatedly performed is preferable.

The magnet 5 used for magnetic precipitation in the present invention may have a magnetic flux sufficient to attract the magnetic particle reagent 9, and both permanent magnets and electromagnets can be used. Further, the size and shape of the magnet are arbitrary, and it is sufficient that they are sufficient to attract the magnetic particle reagent 9 in the reagent container 1.

The magnetic particle sedimentation pattern reading apparatus 10 used in the present invention can be used as long as it can be optically read and converted into an electric signal. It is more preferable that the CCD camera can read the intensity of the transmitted light two-dimensionally and convert it into an electric signal.

A little explanation will be given on the analyzer for serological syphilis test (STS). There are various test methods for the syphilis test, but the RPR method and TPHA method are mainly used. The RPR method is a method using a cardiolipin antigen extracted from bovine heart. This is not a syphilis antigen directly, but syphilis can be tested by using this as an antigen to detect an antibody in serum. TPHA
Although the method uses a syphilis antigen, the method for culturing syphilis pathogens has many drawbacks and is therefore an expensive reagent. Currently, the syphilis test is an essential item in blood transfusion tests, and in Japan, the RPR method and the TPHA method are used together.

Although the RPR method has a slightly higher number of false positive reactions than the TPHA method, it has a high detection rate of the initial infection, and the RPR method tends to be adopted in the blood transfusion test from the viewpoint of preventing oversight of the detection of positive samples. There is. However, the RPR method is a manual method that relies entirely on humans, and in a blood transfusion test in which a large amount of specimens must be tested in a short time, the TPHA method, which can be easily automated, may be adopted in some cases. Where R
If STS by a method similar to the PR method is automated, T
The PHA method can be switched to the RPR method, and safer blood for transfusion can be supplied. For this purpose, this example is to automate the MPHA method using magnetic particles using a cardiolipin antigen, as in the RPR method.

FIG. 15 is a plan view diagrammatically showing the structure of an example of an analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 16 to 18 are perspective views showing a part of the analyzer shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the reagent container is a U16 module type microplate manufactured by Tank Co., Ltd., on which a cardiolipin antigen is immobilized as an antigen substance.

Incidentally, the storage state and detailed structure of each component in the actual device may be the same as in the first embodiment. For example, a known technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-16875. May be used as a reference.

In the analyzer 101 of this embodiment, the container 1 is placed on the belt conveyor 21 and is intermittently moved at a predetermined pitch. It is assumed that the transfer pitch and speed of the conveyor 21 are appropriately set according to the analysis item, the layout inside the apparatus, and the like. The material and thickness of the conveyor 21 are not particularly limited as long as they have no residual magnetism and a sufficient magnetic force acts. Further, it is assumed that the conveyor 21 is provided with means or member (not shown) for appropriately positioning the container 1 at a predetermined position.

Further, by forming holes in the conveyor portion corresponding to the range in which the container 1 is positioned, to bring the magnets sufficiently close to each other, the action of the magnets can be brought more directly, thereby forming a pattern. Can be controlled more easily, and efficient magnetic force operation can be performed.

The reagent containers 1 stocked at the position A are successively sent out and transferred to the position B. Next, at the position B, the sample diluting liquid nozzle 22 dispenses the sample diluting liquid solution from the sample diluting liquid container 23 into the reagent container 1 by the microsyringes 2-1 and 2-2. After dispensing into 16 wells, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position C. During this time, the sample container rack 25 holding the sample container 24 containing the sample is transferred to the dispensing position J. Next, at the position C, the sample nozzles 25-1 and 25-2 are driven by the microsyringes 2-3 and 2-4.
5-2 quantitatively dispenses a sample (serum or plasma) from the sample container 24 to the reagent container 1.

After dispensing, the sample diluent and the sample contained in the reagent container 1 are repeatedly sucked and discharged several times by the sample nozzles 25-1 and 25-2 by the microsyringes 2-3 and 2-4. The solution is thoroughly stirred and mixed. Each time one dispensing operation is performed, the sample nozzles 25-1 and 25-2 in the nozzle cleaning tank 27 discharge purified water to clean the inside of the nozzle, and at the same time, the purified water in the cleaning tank 27 cleans the outside of the nozzle. To wash.

After the sample dispensing to all the wells is completed, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position D. Next, at the position D, the reagent container 1 is allowed to stand at 37 ° C. for 10 minutes by the warmer 4 so that the antibody contained in the sample is bound to the antigen bound to the inner wall of the reagent container 1.

After 10 minutes, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position E. Next, at the position E, the cleaning nozzle 28 is inserted into the reagent container 1, and the contents of the reagent container are sucked and removed by the pump 29-1 and discharged to the waste liquid tank 30. afterwards,
From the cleaning liquid tank 31 to the cleaning liquid 32 by the pump 29-2
After being dispensed into the reagent container 1, the contents of the reagent container are sucked and removed by the pump 29-1 and discharged into the waste liquid tank 30. The above operation is repeated 6 times to wash the inside of the reagent container.

After washing, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position F.
Next, at position F, the microsyringes 2-5, 2-6
Accordingly, the magnetic particle reagent nozzle 33 causes the magnetic particle reagent container 3 to move.
From 4, the magnetic particle reagent 9 is dispensed into the reagent container 1 in a fixed amount. After completion of dispensing to all wells, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position G.
Next, at position G, a magnet is placed below the bottom surface of the reagent container 1 and left standing for 3 minutes to attract the magnetic particles by magnetic force,
Allow to settle to form a settling pattern of magnetic particles.

After 3 minutes have passed, the magnet is moved downward from the reagent container 1 and then moved to the position H. Then at position H,
The sedimentation pattern of the magnetic particles formed on the bottom surface of the reagent container is read by the CCD camera 6 and converted into an electric signal.

Although not shown in the figure, the electric signal of the sedimentation pattern thus obtained is processed by a computer to determine whether it is positive or negative. After reading,
The reagent container 1 is transferred to the position I. Then at position I,
The reagent containers 1 whose reading has been completed are sequentially discharged and stocked so that they can be visually observed later.

The steps from the dispensing of the magnetic particle reagent to the determination will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of FIG. 19 is the same as the configuration of FIG. 15 except that the belt drive unit 35 and the magnet lifting device 36 are connected to a control unit 37 for controlling the entire device.

As the elevating device 36, various general devices can be adopted. The elevating device 36 may have a predetermined top dead center in advance, and may have a structure that can be changed to a plurality of different heights of top dead center as needed. The lifting speed is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the pattern formation by the magnetic particles.

The magnetic particle reagent nozzle 33 dispenses a fixed amount of the magnetic particle reagent into the reagent container 1 transferred to the position F. After dispensing to all the wells, transfer the reagent container 1 to the belt conveyor 21.
To position G. Before the transfer, the magnet table 38 is in the lower position. After being moved to the position G, the magnet 38 on which the magnet 5 is placed is raised by the elevating device 36, is placed below the bottom surface of the reagent container 1, and is left standing for 3 minutes. After the lapse of 3 minutes, the magnet table 38 is lowered by the lifting device 36, and then the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position H. CCD after being transferred to position H
The sedimentation pattern of the magnetic particles formed on the bottom surface of the reagent container is read by the camera 6.

As the sample diluent, one specified by the reagent is used.
In the device of the present invention, there is no limitation on the sample diluting liquid. Specimen nozzles 2-1 and 2- in this embodiment
2 simultaneously performs the dispensing operation, and as a result, dispenses two samples at a time. At this time, since the sample container rack 1 dispenses into the reagent container 1 of the U16 module type plate, the sample container rack 25 has a pitch between sample containers (17.5 mm).
Is provided with a mechanism for automatically adjusting the distance between the sample nozzles 2-1 and 2-2 to the well pitch (9 mm) of the reagent container 3.

As the cleaning liquid, one specified by the reagent is used. In the apparatus of the present invention, there is no limitation regarding the cleaning liquid.
Note that, in the present embodiment as well, as in the case of the first embodiment, the rotation system of FIG. 12 may be adopted.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 is a plan view diagrammatically showing the structure of an example of the analyzer of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a part of the analyzer shown in FIG. 20. In this embodiment, the reagent container to be loaded is a U16 module type microplate manufactured by Nunc Co., in which wheat malt lectin (WGA) is immobilized. The reagent containers 1 stocked at the position A are sequentially sent out and transferred to the position B. Next, at the position B, the red blood cell nozzle 41 dispenses the red blood cell reagent from the red blood cell reagent container 42 into the reagent container 1 by the microsyringes 2-1 and 2-2. After the completion of dispensing to all wells, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position C.

Next, at the position C, the reagent container 1 is allowed to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes, and the red blood cells are gravity-precipitated to bind the red blood cells to the bottom surface of the container. After 10 minutes, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position D. Next, at position D, the washing nozzle 28-1 is inserted into the reagent container 1 and the pump 9-1
Suction and remove the contents of the reagent container by
Discharge to -1. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid 32 is dispensed from the cleaning liquid tank 31-1 to the reagent container 1 by the pump 9-2, and then the content of the reagent container is sucked and removed by the pump 9-1 and discharged to the waste liquid tank 30-1. The above operation is repeated three times to wash the inside of the reagent container.

After cleaning, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position E.
Next, at position E, microsyringes 2-3, 2-4
Thus, the sample diluent nozzle 43 dispenses the sample diluent from the sample diluent container 44 into the reagent container 1 in a fixed amount. After dispensing, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position F. During this time, the sample container rack 25 holding the sample container 24 containing the sample is transferred to the dispensing position M.

Next, at the position F, the microsyringe 2
The sample nozzles 26-1 and 26-2 quantitatively dispense the sample (serum or plasma) from the sample container 24 to the reagent container 1 by -5 and 2-6. After dispensing, the sample diluent and the sample mixture contained in the reagent container 1 are mixed with the microsyringe 2-5,
The sample nozzles 26-2 and 26-2 are repeatedly sucked and discharged several times by the 2-6 to sufficiently stir and mix the mixed liquid. Each time one dispensing operation is performed, the sample nozzles 26-1 and 26-2 in the nozzle cleaning tank 27 discharge purified water to clean the inside of the nozzle, and at the same time clean the outside of the nozzle with the purified water in the cleaning tank. To do.

After the sample dispensing to all the wells is completed, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position G. Next, at position G, the reagent container 1 is allowed to stand at 37 ° C. for 10 minutes by the warmer 4 so that the irregular antibody contained in the sample is combined with the antigen on the surface of the red blood cells bound to the inner wall of the reagent container 1. To combine.

After 10 minutes, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position H. Next, at the position H, the reagent container is washed 6 times by the washing nozzle 28-2 and the pumps 29-3 and 29-4 in the same manner as at the position D. After cleaning, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position I. Next, at the position I, the magnetic particle reagent nozzle 33 dispenses the magnetic particle reagent from the magnetic particle reagent container 34 into the reagent container 1 by the microsyringes 2-7 and 2-8. After completion of dispensing to all wells, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position J. Next, at position J, a magnet is placed below the bottom surface of the reagent container 1 and allowed to stand for 3 minutes to attract and settle the magnetic particles by magnetic force to form a state pattern of the magnetic particles.

After 3 minutes, the magnet is moved downward from the reagent container 1 and then transferred to the position K. Then at position K,
The sedimentation pattern of the magnetic particles formed on the bottom surface of the reagent container is read by the CCD camera 6 and converted into an electric signal. Although not shown, the electric signal of the sedimentation pattern thus obtained is processed by a computer to determine whether it is positive or negative. After reading, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position L. Next, at the position L, the reagent containers 1 whose reading has been completed are sequentially discharged and stocked so that they can be visually observed later.

FIG. 24 shows a judgment process. In the present embodiment, the determination process is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, so the description of the determination process is omitted here. In this embodiment, the analysis device 102 can be roughly divided into two blocks. That is, from the step of dispensing the red blood cell reagent into the reagent container, allowing the red blood cells to bind to the bottom surface of the container by standing, removing the excess red blood cells, and the step of removing and washing the reagent preparation section, and then dispensing the sample diluent. This is a sample reaction part that takes charge of the steps of forming a distribution pattern of magnetic particles, photoelectrically reading, and determining. These two blocks are configured so that they can operate independently. There are the following three reasons why the independent operation is necessary.

In carrying out the Coombs test analyzer, a reagent preparation step of binding a red blood cell reagent to a reagent container before analysis is necessary. Therefore, as the first point of the above reason, it is necessary to prepare the reagent in advance and bring it into a standby state before loading the sample so that the analysis can be started immediately when the sample is loaded into the analyzer 102.
That is, first, only the reagent preparing section operates to prepare the reagent prior to the sample reacting section, and stands by. Next, at the time when the sample is loaded, the sample reaction unit operates to start the analysis.
At this time, the reagent preparation section operates in conjunction with the sample reaction section to sequentially supply the prepared reagent containers to the sample reaction section. By performing such an operation, it becomes possible to quickly analyze when the sample is carried in.

As a second point, when the loading of the sample into the analyzer 102 is suspended during the analysis, for the reagent container into which the sample has already been dispensed, the sample reaction section is operated and the subsequent steps are performed. Then, the analysis is continued, but the reagent preparation section needs to suspend its operation and wait until the sample is loaded.

The third point is that the analyzer 10 of this embodiment is used.
When 2 is used for analysis of measurement items other than the Coombs test (RPR test, virus antibody test, etc.), the reagent preparation step of binding red blood cells to the reagent container is not necessary, and in some cases, the antigen substance is not formed on the inner surface of the container. Since an analysis principle that does not combine etc. can be executed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 12446/1990).
No. 4), the reagent container must be supplied from the position A and then passed through the reagent preparing section to be supplied to the sample reaction.

The red blood cell reagent used in the first and third embodiments is a suspension of human O-type red blood cells whose antigenicity is known, as in the conventional Coombs test. For this, a commercially available red blood cell reagent (such as Ortho Selectgen) or blood with an anticoagulant added is centrifuged, and the precipitated red blood cell components are thoroughly washed with physiological saline and used. Use the one diluted to a suitable concentration. In the device of the present invention, there is no limitation regarding the red blood cell reagent. If, instead of human O type erythrocytes, other blood cells such as platelets and leukocytes of known antigenicity are combined as an antigen substance in the reaction container or reagent container, AB
The present invention can be applied to various blood groups other than the C-type irregular antibody.

As the sample diluting solution, one specified by the reagent is used.
In the device 102 of the present invention, there is no limitation regarding the sample diluting liquid. Sample nozzle 26 in the present embodiment
1 and 26-2 simultaneously perform the dispensing operation, and as a result, dispense two samples at a time. At this time, since the sample container rack 25 dispenses into the reagent container 1 of the U16 module type plate, the sample container pitch of the sample container rack 25 (1
7.5 mm) to well pitch of reagent container 1 (9 m
m), a mechanism for automatically adjusting the distance between the sample nozzles 26-1 and 26-2 is provided.

As the cleaning liquid, the one specified by the reagent is used. In the apparatus of the present invention, there is no limitation regarding the cleaning liquid.
In the second embodiment described above, magnetic particles are magnetically attracted and settled at position G in FIG. 15 for 3 minutes, but in the present embodiment, this step is performed twice in time. I will disclose an example. The configuration other than the following description is similar to that of the second embodiment. In FIG. 25, a magnet is applied to the lower part of the bottom surface of the reaction vessel 1 transferred to the position G and left standing for 2 minutes to attract and settle the magnetic particles by magnetic force. Next, the magnet is moved downward from the reagent container 1 and then transferred to the position H.
Next, the magnet is again applied to the bottom of the bottom of the reaction container 1 and left standing for 2 minutes. After that, the magnet is moved away from the reagent container 31 below, and then the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position I.

The steps from the dispensing of the magnetic particle reagent to the determination will be described with reference to FIG. Reagent container 1 transferred to position F
Then, the magnetic particle reagent nozzle 33 dispenses a fixed amount of the magnetic particle reagent. After dispensing to all wells, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position G by the belt conveyor 21. Before the transfer, the magnet table 38 is in the lower position. After being moved to the position G, the magnet table 38 on which the magnet 5 is placed is raised by the elevating device 36 to be positioned below the bottom surface of the reagent container 1 and left to stand for 2 minutes.

After the lapse of 2 minutes, the magnet table 38 is moved up and down by the lifting device 36.
Then, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position H. After being transferred to the position H, the magnet table 3 on which the magnet 5 is placed
8 is lifted by the elevating device 36, placed under the bottom surface of the reagent container 1 and left standing for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, magnet stand 38
Is lowered by the lifting device 36, and then the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position I. After being transferred to the position I, the CCD camera 6 reads the sedimentation pattern of the magnetic particles formed on the bottom surface of the reagent container.

The reagent used in this embodiment requires magnetic precipitation for 3 minutes in order to form a distribution pattern of magnetic particles. However, due to the characteristics of the reagent, even if this time is extended, almost no assay result is obtained. It has been confirmed that there is no effect. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the magnetic precipitation is performed for a total of 4 minutes, but almost the same assay result as that obtained by performing the magnetic precipitation for 3 minutes in the second embodiment is obtained. Further, in this way, the magnetic sedimentation is temporally divided into two portions every two minutes, and the following advantages are brought about.

The analyzer 103 according to the present invention is devised in various places in order to increase the inspection processing capacity per unit time in order to support a blood transfusion inspection which requires high-speed analysis. One of them is this embodiment. When forming a distribution pattern of magnetic particles, magnetic precipitation is usually performed for 3 minutes. Here, in Example 1 and this Example, the U16 module manufactured by Nunc Co. was used as the reagent container.

In the second embodiment, magnetic sedimentation is performed for 3 minutes to form a pattern of 16 specimens each time. Therefore, the sample processing rate per unit time is regulated to 16 samples in 3 minutes, and 320 samples can be processed in 1 hour. However, this speed is still insufficient. By carrying out the magnetic precipitation once twice for 2 minutes as in the present embodiment, one module reagent container (16
It is possible to process 16 samples in 2 minutes and 480 samples in 1 hour by advancing one step (for sample).

That is, the time required for one step defines the sample processing rate of the entire analyzer, and in order to shorten the time per step, as in this embodiment, the magnetic precipitation step is performed in plural steps. It is an effective means to divide into.

In the analyzer 101 shown in the second embodiment, the magnetic particle reagent is dispensed in a fixed amount into the reagent container 1 at the position F in FIG. Then, at position G, a magnet was placed below the bottom surface of the reagent container 1 and allowed to stand for 3 minutes to attract and settle the magnetic particles with a magnetic force to form a sedimentation pattern of the magnetic particles.

In this embodiment, while a magnet is applied to the lower side of the bottom surface of the reaction vessel 1 transferred to the position F in FIG.
Magnetic particle reagent nozzle 3 by microsyringe 2-5
3 completes quantitative dispensing of the magnetic particle reagent from the magnetic particle reagent container 34 into the reagent container 1 within 2 minutes. After applying a magnet, it is left to stand for 2 minutes to attract and settle the magnetic particles by magnetic force. Next, the magnet is moved downward from the reagent container 1 and then transferred to the position G.

Next, the magnet is again applied to the bottom of the bottom of the reaction vessel 1 and left standing for 2 minutes. At 3 minutes after the quantitative dispensing of the magnetic particle reagent into the first well at position F,
At the position G, the CCD camera 6 reads the sedimentation pattern of magnetic particles formed on the bottom surface of the first well of the reagent container 1 and converts it into an electric signal.

Next, the sedimentation pattern formed on the bottom surface of the second well is read when 3 minutes have passed after the magnetic particle reagent was dispensed into the second well. Similarly, the sedimentation pattern is read to the last well (16th) 3 minutes after the magnetic particle reagent is dispensed for each well. The operation of reading the sedimentation pattern of the last well is completed within 2 minutes after the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position G. Next, the magnet is moved downward from the reagent container 1 and then transferred to the position H.

The steps from the dispensing of the magnetic particle reagent to the determination will be described with reference to FIG. The magnet table 38 on which the magnet 5 is placed is moved up by the elevating device 36 to the reagent container 1 transferred to the position F after the above-described processing steps A to E, and is hit below the bottom surface of the reagent container 1. While the magnet 5 is in contact with the reagent container 1, the magnetic particle reagent nozzle 33 dispenses a fixed amount of the magnetic particle reagent into all wells within 2 minutes. After the magnet 5 is applied to the reagent container 1 and left standing for 2 minutes, the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position G by the belt conveyor 21. Before the transfer, the magnet table 38 is in the lower position.

After being moved to the position G, the magnet table 38 on which the magnet 5 is placed is raised by the elevating device 36 to be positioned below the bottom surface of the reagent container 1 and left to stand for 2 minutes. At the position G, 3 minutes have elapsed since the quantitative dispensing of the magnetic particle reagent to the first well, and at the position G, the CCD camera 6 settles down the magnetic particles formed on the bottom surface of the first well of the reagent container 1. The pattern is read and converted into an electric signal.

Next, the sedimentation pattern formed on the bottom surface of the second well is read when 3 minutes have elapsed since the magnetic particle reagent was dispensed into the second well. Similarly, the sedimentation pattern is read to the last well (16th) 3 minutes after the magnetic particle reagent is dispensed in each well. The operation of reading the sedimentation pattern of the last well is completed within 2 minutes after the reagent container 1 is transferred to the position G. Two minutes after the transfer to the position G, the magnet table 38 is lowered by the elevating device 36, and then the reagent container 1 is transferred to the next position. Note that the above steps are all controlled by the controller 37.

In the second embodiment and this embodiment, one magnetic particle dispensing nozzle 33 is provided in the reagent container as a means for dispensing the magnetic particle reagent 9 into a U16 module manufactured by Nunc.
You are using Therefore, unless a sophisticated dispensing design such as using a plurality of dispensing nozzles at the same time is adopted, there is a time difference in dispensing the magnetic particle reagent between the first well and the last well in one module. This time difference affects the formation of sedimentation patterns of magnetic particles formed after the assay and can sometimes cause poor co-reproducibility.

However, with the configuration of this embodiment, the magnetic particle reagent is dispensed, magnetic sedimentation is performed to form a sedimentation pattern, and the time until the pattern is read is 3 times.
By keeping the value constant for a minute, there is no time difference in pattern formation between wells, and deterioration of simultaneous reproducibility can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, the magnetic precipitation and the particle reagent dispensing are carried out as one process, and it is possible to adopt a configuration in which one process is less than that in the second embodiment. This can contribute to shortening the analysis time and downsizing the analyzer.

FIG. 29 shows an example in which an electromagnet is used instead of a permanent magnet. In FIG. 29, a main part of a configuration for forming a positive / negative pattern is schematically shown. That is, an appropriate number of electromagnets A to D are substantially in contact with the back side of the conveyor so that a required stop time can be obtained according to the analysis item and the transfer speed of the belt conveyor 21. The switching unit 41 is for controlling ON / OFF of the electromagnets 5A to 5D to obtain a selective magnetic force action, and the switching unit 41 and the conveyor driving unit 35 control the control unit 37 for controlling the entire apparatus.
The magnetic field is configured to be applied at the above-mentioned timing by connecting to the. In this example, since the elevating device is not essential, space is saved, the device can be downsized, and the operability is excellent in that it can be executed only by electrical control including magnetic force.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above.
A configuration not shown in the above-described first to third embodiments,
For example, the image processing device, the display means, the control means, etc. are provided in
Nos. 16875 and EP 0583626A3 may be used.

[0119]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blood test apparatus capable of automatically testing a large number of specimen samples in a short time without increasing the size of the apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a blood test apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a part of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a part of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a module plate.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a modified example of the blood test apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the procedure of an analysis method performed by the analysis device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure of another analysis method performed by the analysis device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an analyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a part of an analyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a part of an analyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a part of an analyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a part of an analyzer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an analyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a part of an analyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a part of an analyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a part of an analyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a part of an analyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an analyzer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a part of an analyzer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an analyzer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a part of an analyzer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a part of an analyzer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

51 ... Test tube, 52 ... Test tube rack, 53 ... Test tube rack transport conveyor, 59 ... Main transport conveyor, 60 ... Endless belt, 61 ... Carrier holder, 62 ... Carrier,
63 ... Module plate, 64 ... Well, 71 ... Red blood cell-containing liquid injection unit, 72 ... Washing unit, 73 ...
Dilution solution injection unit, 74 ... Specimen sample injection unit,
75 ... Washing unit, 76 ... Reagent injection unit, 81
a, 81b ... Magnetic particle sedimentation plate, 83 ... CCD camera, 86 ... First sub-transport conveyor, 89 ... Module plate transfer mechanism, 90 ... Module plate transfer mechanism, 91 ... Second sub-transport conveyor, 92 ... Module plate transfer mechanism, 93 ... Module plate transfer mechanism.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A main transport conveyor for transporting a reaction container having an inner surface immobilized with a substance that specifically binds to an antigenic substance, and a sample which is disposed on the main transport conveyor and injects a sample sample into the reaction container. Sample injection means, cleaning means arranged on the main transfer conveyor for cleaning the inner surface of the reaction container, and magnetic particles contained in the reaction container arranged on the main transfer conveyor and cleaned by the cleaning means. Reagent injecting means for injecting a reagent, magnetic particle settling means arranged near the end of the main conveyor for magnetically settling the magnetic particles on the bottom of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic settling on the bottom of the reaction vessel An image pickup means for picking up an image of particles, a sub-transport conveyor arranged in parallel with the main transport conveyor for transporting the reaction container to the vicinity of the cleaning means for a predetermined time, First reaction container transfer means for transferring the reaction container from the main transfer conveyor to the sub-transfer conveyor, and the reaction container transferred near the cleaning means by the sub-transfer conveyor from the sub-transfer conveyor to the main A blood test apparatus comprising: a second reaction container transfer means for transferring to a transport conveyor. 2. The main conveyor comprises an endless belt and a plurality of carrier holders mounted on the upper surface of the endless belt at intervals, and the carrier holder has the endless belts. The blood test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blood test apparatus is held so as to be slidable in the width direction of the belt. 3. A transport conveyor for sequentially transporting at least one reaction container at a predetermined pitch, a sample sample injecting unit disposed on the transport conveyor for injecting a sample sample into the reaction container, and a transport conveyor on the transport conveyor. A reagent injecting means disposed to inject a reagent containing magnetic particles into the reaction container, and a plurality of reactions for magnetically precipitating the magnetic particles to the bottom of the reaction container disposed near the end of the conveyor. Magnetic particle settling means capable of placing a container on a magnet, and reaction container replacement means arranged in the vicinity of the terminal end portion on the conveyor for replacing the reaction vessel on the magnetic particle settling means at a predetermined pitch. A blood test apparatus comprising: