JPH1010134A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the automatic analyzer suitable for operation, wherein the remaining amount of the reagent in a reagent container can be detected during the process of the reagent consumption even when a dispensing method is adopted for the reagent. SOLUTION: A sample is dispensed into a reaction container 2 by a sample dispensing mechanism 1. At the same time, the reagent in a reagent container 9 is dispensed through a reagent sucking tube 10, and both react each other. Reaction liquid is measured by a spectrophotometer 6, and the analyzing items in the sample are analyzed. A reference liquid-level detector 14 detecs the reference liquid level. From this time point, the count-down for subtracting the consumed amount of the reagent is started. Thus, the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent consumption process in the reagent container 9 is found. When the reagent consumption progesses and the reagent level reaches a certain level, an air sucking detector 13 sucks the air. Thus, the fact that the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container 9 is slight is found.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer suitable for effectively managing the remaining amount of a reagent in a reagent container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an automatic analyzer, it is extremely important to control the remaining amount of a reagent in a reagent container since it is strictly necessary to avoid the occurrence of a defective analysis result due to a lack of reagent. For this reason, in the automatic analyzer using the pipetting method for dispensing the reagent, special measures are taken for managing the remaining amount of the reagent. For example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 47744/1994, when the movable probe (nozzle) moves down and enters the reagent in the reagent container, the movement is detected and the downward movement of the movable probe is stopped. Then, the reagent is aspirated through the movable probe, and the stop position of the movable probe, the bottom position of the reagent container (bottom position of the reagent) and the cross-sectional area of the reagent container are used as bases in the reagent container. We are looking for the remaining amount of reagent.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-4576 discloses a similar technique.

On the other hand, in an automatic analyzer using a dispensing method for dispensing a reagent, there is no movable probe as in the pipetting method, and thus, it is difficult to control the remaining amount of the reagent at present. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-10958
In the publication, an electrode is provided at the tip of a reagent suction tube immersed in a reagent container (bottle), and when the liquid level of the reagent which is sucked and reduced at every analysis reaches the electrode position, electrical conduction is established. Is detected, the fact that the remaining amount of the reagent has become small is displayed, and the number of analyzes that can be performed with the remaining reagent is executed.

[0004]

However, in the case of an automatic analyzer employing a dispensing method for dispensing such a reagent, when the amount of the reagent decreases and the so-called reagent exhaustion is approaching, it is detected. And it is difficult to know the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container as the reagent is consumed, as in an automatic analyzer that employs a pipetting method for dispensing the reagent. .

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer suitable for making it possible to know the remaining amount of a reagent in a reagent container in the process of consuming a reagent even when a dispensing method is adopted for reagent dispensing. It is to provide a device.

[0006]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the object, a plurality of reagent containers are arranged at predetermined positions,
In an automatic analyzer that dispenses a reagent in the reagent container into a reaction container and reacts with the sample therein, measures the reaction result, and analyzes an analysis item in the sample, the reagent solution in the reagent container Means provided for each of the plurality of reagent containers, for detecting whether the surface height is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference liquid surface height or lower than the predetermined reference liquid surface height, and a reagent liquid surface height in the reagent container When is lower than the reference liquid level, to determine the amount of reagent used in the reagent container corresponding to between the two levels, the amount of reagent in the reagent container when it is below, The reagent amount in the reagent container when the reagent liquid level in the reagent container is the reference liquid level is calculated as the initial reagent amount by subtracting the used reagent amount from the initial reagent amount and displayed. And means for performing the following.

[0007]

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

FIG. 1 shows an automatic analyzer for multi-item analysis according to one embodiment of the present invention. This adopts a dispensing method for reagent dispensing.

A required amount of a sample to be analyzed is dispensed into a reaction vessel, ie, a reaction cell 2 in a constant temperature bath maintained at a constant temperature by a sample dispensing mechanism 1 in accordance with an analysis item. The reaction cell 2 rotates intermittently in an analysis cycle (for example, a cycle of 6 seconds). The reaction cell 2 into which the sample has been dispensed moves to the reagent dispensing position by this intermittent rotation, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 4 to which the reagent discharge tube 3 is attached adds a reagent of a reagent amount according to each analysis item. Thereafter, the stirring by the stirring mechanism 5 and the measurement of the absorbance by the spectrophotometer 6 are performed to obtain desired analysis data.

The reagent discharge tube 3 attached to the reagent dispensing mechanism 4 is connected to a reagent switching valve 8 of a reagent storage 7 for storing and storing the reagent, and the reagent switching valve 8 is connected to the reagent container 9. The flow path of the immersed reagent suction tube 10 and the flow path of the reagent syringe 11 for dispensing a fixed amount of the reagent is switched to a desired reagent channel, and the flow path of the multiple valve 12 to be connected is switched. An air suction detector 13 for detecting that the reagent suction tube 10 has sucked air from the reagent container 9 is attached to a flow path between the reagent suction tube 10 and the reagent switching valve 8. Further, a reference liquid level detector 14 for detecting a constant amount of reagent according to each reagent container is attached to the container opening of the reagent container 9. The air suction detector 13 and the reference liquid level detector 14 of each reagent container manage the analysis operation of the analyzer and are transmitted via the interface 16 to the main CPU 15 which performs various controls such as reagent management. Further, there are provided an operation unit 17 for an operator to input an analysis item request or the like for each sample, a display unit 18 for displaying reagent management information and the like, and a printer 19 for outputting data.

With the above arrangement, the initial amount of the reagent in the reagent container which is sufficiently filled with the reagent and reaches the reference liquid level detector 14 is determined by the reference liquid level detector 14 attached to each reagent container 9. Is detected by the main C
It is transmitted to PU15. From this signal, the main CPU 15
Determines that the liquid level exists at least to the set height in each reagent container 9, displays the reagent amount calculated by the cross-sectional area and the mounting height of the detector on the display unit 18, and stores it in the device storage unit 20. I do.

Also, the reagent is consumed by the analysis, and the reference liquid level detector 14 is cut off during the analysis, so that the main CPU 15 determines that the reagent has reached the set height of the reference liquid level detector 14. Judgment is made, and it is judged that the reagent amount has reached the amount determined by the detector height and the sectional area of the reagent container 9. In accordance with this, the main CPU 15 counts down the amount of reagent consumed by the subsequent analysis operation or preparation operation, subtracts the consumed amount from the calculated amount of reagent, and displays it on the display unit 18. The unit of the displayed reagent amount is the test count number, μ, which is calculated based on the reagent consumption of the analysis parameter set by the item.
It may be any of l, ml, cc, dl, l, cm ³ , and the percentage of the internal volume of the reagent container 9. The check of the amount of the reagent in each reagent container 9 is performed at least once in each of the above-described analysis cycles, or the reagent is aspirated at the timing when the reagent syringe 11 in which the reagent is actually consumed operates. It may be performed only for the reagent channel to be used. Further, as a check logic of this detector, even if it is detected once that the signal has been cut off, the liquid level is determined to be lowered only when the signal is cut off in the next or a plurality of checks. If a signal is input again at the next check or the like, there is a possibility that the liquid level is in an unstable area, and therefore, a function to reset the liquid level is provided.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the reference liquid level detector 14.

In this embodiment, two electrodes 22 are attached to the lid 21 of the reagent container 9, and the reagent suction tube 10 penetrates the reagent container lid 21 and is immersed in the reagent. Since the amount of the reagent to be charged and the liquid level differ depending on the shape of the reagent container 9 and the like, the electrode 22 is inserted and fixed in a rubber bushing 23 so that the height of the electrode 22 can be arbitrarily changed. The structure is such that the bushing 23 is attached to the reagent container lid 21. This also prevents the evaporation of the reagent. Further, the current flowing between the electrodes for detecting the conduction of the electrodes 22 is an alternating current. Thereby, the electrolytic corrosion of the electrode 22 can be minimized.

The automatic analyzer has a function of measuring and judging the amount of reagent in each reagent channel without actually performing an analysis operation. A check function is provided, and the operator starts the operation of confirming the amount of the reagent from the operation unit 17 for inputting each operation instruction when the preparation work such as addition or replacement of the missing reagent is completed. . Thus, before starting the analysis, the state of the detectors of all the reagent channels is checked, whereby it is confirmed whether or not each reagent container 9 contains a sufficient reagent. At this time, if the reagent amount has already been counted, the operator checks the remaining reagent amount based on the count number displayed on the display unit 18 and determines whether or not it is necessary to add a reagent. And measures such as reagent addition.

The air suction detector 13 can detect only when air is sucked by being present in the above-mentioned flow path. In this way, in the case of a setting mistake or the like in which the operator only partially immerses the suction tube 10 in the reagent in the reagent container 9, erroneous determination based on only the countdown is avoided, and air is sucked even when the reagent actually remains. This can be correctly detected for an accident. In such a case, by judging the start of the countdown of the reagent by the reference liquid level detector 14 and the amount of the remaining reagent, the reagent is not exhausted, and the reagent suction tube 10 is not set correctly. Can be determined.

In the display of the countdown of the remaining reagent amount performed by the reference liquid level detector 14, the display is divided into a caution level, a warning level, and the like according to the remaining count number. For example, the remaining count is 2
Up to 00 samples are set to the normal state and displayed in blue. The operator is prompted to prepare reagents by turning yellow from 199 samples to 50 samples. Furthermore, when the number of samples is equal to or less than 49 samples, a function of displaying a red color and issuing an alarm, warning that there is a danger of performing air suction if the analysis is proceeded as it is, and requesting a determination to stop the analysis or the like is provided. I have. Accordingly, the operator can accurately grasp the state of the apparatus and can appropriately perform a treatment to be performed.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the air suction detector 13.

An optical light emitting element 24 and a light receiving element 2 for receiving light emitted from the element and converting the light into an electric signal at a position crossing the flow path.
5 is arranged. Furthermore, by making the flow path through which the optical axis of this detector passes into a prism shape as shown in the figure,
The light from the light emitting element 24 can reach the light receiving element 25 when the inside is a reagent by being incident on the slope of the flow path. On the other hand, when the inside is air, the incident light is refracted due to the relationship between the angle of incidence of the slope and the refractive index of the inside air, and cannot reach the light receiving element 25.
This makes it possible to detect that the reagent suction tube 10 has sucked air.

In this embodiment, since the detachable nipple 26 is used for connecting the detector, even if the detector needs to be replaced due to deterioration of the detector, it can be easily replaced.
The check of the air suction detection is performed at least once in each of the above-described analysis cycles, or at the timing when the reagent syringe 11 for actually sucking the reagent is operated, for the reagent channel for sucking the reagent. Only the implementation may be performed. Further, as the check logic of this detector, even if it is detected once that the signal has been cut off, the air is determined to be sucked only when the signal is cut off in the next or a plurality of checks. If a signal is input again at the next check, etc., there is a possibility that the detector output may be reduced due to the state of the internal reagent or the detector may be in an unstable state. I have.

When the main CPU 15 receives this air suction detection signal, the main CPU 1
In 5, the subsequent analysis of this item is stopped, and the state automatically shifts to an input prevention state so that the input of the analysis request of this item on the operation unit 17 is not accepted. This input prevention state is continued until a measure such as addition of a reagent is performed by the operator and at least the air suction detector 13 is released from the air suction detection state.

According to this embodiment, the liquid level at the reference position of the reagent in the reagent container 9 is detected, and the countdown of the remaining amount of the reagent is started. The operator can accurately grasp the reagent amount by automatically re-measuring the reagent amount increased by the replenishment and reflecting it on the remaining count number on the display unit 18. In addition, since the display is divided according to the numerical value of the remaining count number, it is possible to easily separate the reagent having a small remaining amount on the display unit 18. Further, since the detection of the exhaustion of the reagent due to the suction of the air is performed, there is no erroneous detection caused by contact with the wall surface of the reagent container as in the case of the electrode system, so that high reliability can be obtained. In this way, even if there is a mistake in setting the reagent suction tube 10, it is possible to detect the suction of air without being influenced by the mistake, and to determine the mistake in setting and the lack of reagent due to normal suction of the reagent. Is possible. Further, the dead volume can be reduced to the limit as compared with the method in which the electrodes are provided in the reagent container.

By combining the detection of the reference liquid level of these reagents and the detection of air suction, reagent management can be performed accurately and automatically.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of another fixing method of the reference liquid level detector 14 shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the component 27 for fixing the electrode is divided from the lid 21. This prevents the wiring 28 of the electrode 22 from being twisted due to the rotation of the lid 21 when it is desired to securely attach the lid 21 to the reagent container 9. The reagent suction tube 10 is rotatable with respect to the component 21 serving as a lid, and is not twisted because it serves as a shaft.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the reference liquid level detector 14.

In this embodiment, an embodiment utilizing the capacitance between the reagent in the reagent container 9 and the reagent container fixing part 29 will be described. The electrode 22 connected to an electric circuit that detects a change in capacitance due to contact with the reagent in the reagent container 9 is connected to the lid 21 of the reagent container in the same manner as the electrode 22 shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. It is fixed to. According to this, the number of electrodes may be one, and the function is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows still another embodiment of the reference liquid level detector.

In this embodiment, an optical detecting means is used. As shown in the figure, depending on whether the tip of the detector is in contact with the reagent (upper liquid surface 29) or separated from the reagent and the tip becomes air (lower liquid surface 30), the light from the light emitting element 24 causes the detector tip to emit light. A signal generated depending on whether or not the refractive index on the inclined surface changes and reaches the light receiving element 25 is detected. In particular, in the present embodiment, since no current flows through the reagent, there is no deterioration of the reagent and no corrosion of the electrodes.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the air suction detector.

In this embodiment, it is detected whether or not the inside of the pipe has been replaced with air by electrical conduction between the electrodes 22. A part of a section from the suction tube 10 to the flow path of the switching valve 8 is formed of a conductor, which is used as the electrode 22 and the other electrode is provided inside the reagent container. In particular, in this embodiment, the ground side of the electrode 22 of the upper limit liquid level detector 14 is shared, and the total number of electrodes is three. Usually, the inside of the tube is filled with the reagent due to the suction of the reagent, and the two electrodes are brought into conduction. On the other hand, when the air is sucked, the conduction is cut off, and the air suction is detected.
In this case, the detector can be configured relatively inexpensively.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a screen for displaying the remaining amount of the reagent.

In this figure, each item reagent, its reagent container size and the amount of remaining reagent are displayed as a remaining test count.

The item containing the reference liquid level detector of the reagent is displayed as “500 ≧ test” as an example. Here, the numerical value “500” is a value obtained by dividing the reagent remaining amount by the reagent consumption amount of the analysis parameter determined by the analysis item. Also, “≧”
Only the numerical values not accompanied by indicate the reagents and items whose reagents have been consumed by the analysis so far with the upper limit liquid level detector turned off.

Items that have passed the remaining 100 tests are displayed as "68 test". In addition, items that have passed 50 tests are displayed as "15 test".

On this screen, by inputting "the number of remaining tests" as the search content and further inputting an arbitrary numerical value, these displays can be rearranged as shown in FIG. This eliminates the need for the operator to switch screens to search for other items, and allows the operator to examine items that require reagent preparation at one time, such as by hard-copying the rearranged screens.

The item for which the air suction is detected is displayed as "Empty", so that the item cannot be input on an item request screen that exists separately from this screen. Thus, it is possible to prevent an analysis request for this item due to an erroneous operation by the operator.

According to the embodiment described above, even when the dispensing method is used for dispensing a reagent, the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container in the process of consuming the reagent can be known. In addition to improving the performance and function of the above, it is possible to properly and appropriately prompt the operator to take measures such as reagent replacement and addition. Further, since the dead volume of the reagent can be reduced to the utmost, the economic efficiency is also improved.

[0039]

According to the present invention, even when a dispensing method is used for dispensing a reagent, it is suitable for making it possible to know the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container in the process of consuming the reagent. An automatic analyzer is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analyzer showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a reference liquid level detector in the apparatus of FIG.

3A and 3B show an embodiment of an air suction detector in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 3A is a perspective view and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a detection portion.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the electrode fixing for reference liquid level detection according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the reference liquid level detector according to the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show still another embodiment of the reference liquid level detector based on the present invention, wherein FIG. 6A is a perspective view and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a detection portion.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the air suction detector according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reagent management screen used with the apparatus of FIG.

9 is a diagram showing a search and rearrangement example screen of the reagent management screen of FIG. 8 used with the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... sample dispensing mechanism, 2 ... reaction container (cell), 3 ... reagent discharge tube, 4 ... reagent dispensing mechanism, 5 ... stirring mechanism, 6 ... spectrophotometer, 7 ... reagent storage, 8 ... reagent switching valve, 9 ... reagent container, 10 ... reagent suction tube, 11 ... reagent syringe, 1
2 ... multiple valve, 13 ... air suction detector, 14 ... reference liquid level detector, 15 ... main CPU, 16 ... interface,
17 ... operation unit, 18 ... display unit, 19 ... printer, 20 ...
Storage unit, 21: Reagent container lid, 22: Electrode, 23: Bushing, 24: Light emitting element, 25: Light receiving element, 26: Nipple, 27: Electrode holding part, 28: Wiring, 29: Upper liquid level, 30: Lower Side liquid level.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kazumitsu Kawase, 882-Momo, Oaza-shi, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki, Japan Inside the Measurement Instruments Division of Hitachi, Ltd. Measuring Instruments Division

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of reagent containers are arranged at predetermined positions, reagents in the reagent containers are dispensed into a reaction container and reacted with a sample therein, and the reaction result is measured to measure the reaction result. In an automatic analyzer for analyzing an analysis item, the plurality of reagent containers detect whether a reagent liquid level in the reagent container is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference liquid level or lower. Means provided for each, and when the reagent liquid level in the reagent container is lower than the reference liquid level, determine the amount of reagent used in the reagent container corresponding to between the two levels. Along with, the reagent amount in the reagent container when it is below, the reagent amount in the reagent container when the reagent liquid level in the reagent container is the reference liquid level as the initial reagent amount It is calculated by subtracting the used reagent amount from this initial reagent amount and displayed. Automatic analyzer characterized in that it comprises a means. 2. The calculating and displaying means detects the calculating and displaying by the detecting means that the reagent liquid level in the reagent container has begun to fall from the reference liquid level by use of the reagent. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the automatic analyzer is started from the time when the automatic analysis is performed. 3. A reagent suction tube provided for each of the plurality of reagent containers, which is inserted into the reagent container so as to aspirate the reagent in the reagent container and dispense the reagent into the reaction container.
Means for detecting and displaying that the reagent liquid level in the reagent container has fallen to a limit height level at which reagent suction by the tube cannot be substantially performed; and 3. An automatic analysis method according to claim 1, further comprising means for automatically stopping analysis of an analysis item which has been performed by using the reagent when the height has dropped to the limit height level. apparatus. 4. The means for detecting whether the reagent liquid level in the reagent container is equal to or higher than the reference liquid level includes an electrode provided in the reagent container, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrode is electrically connected to the electrode when the reagent comes into contact with the electrode, so that the reagent liquid level is the reference liquid level. Automatic analyzer. 5. The means for detecting whether a reagent liquid level in the reagent container is equal to or higher than the reference liquid level includes an electrode provided in the reagent container, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reagent liquid level is set to the reference liquid level by changing a capacitance on an electric circuit when the reagent comes into contact with the electrode. Automatic analyzer described. 6. An optical liquid surface provided in said reagent container for detecting whether a reagent liquid level in said reagent container is equal to or higher than said reference liquid level. An optical level detector based on a difference in refractive index between the reagent and air in contact with the reagent, the reagent level being greater than or equal to the reference level. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the automatic analyzer is configured to detect whether the temperature is lower than that. 7. The means for detecting and displaying that the reagent liquid level in the reagent container has fallen to a limit height level at which reagent suction by the tube cannot be performed substantially is performed. And an optical detector provided in a reagent suction flow path from the reagent container to the reaction container, wherein the optical detector detects the reagent based on an optical change caused by replacement of the reagent flowing therethrough with air. 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the reagent liquid level in the container detects that the suction of the reagent by the tube has dropped to the limit height level. 8. The means for detecting and indicating that the reagent liquid level in the reagent container has dropped to a limit height level at which reagent suction by the tube cannot be performed substantially is performed. And an electrode provided in a reagent suction flow path from the reagent container to the reaction container, and the reagent in contact with the electrode is replaced with air, so that an electric signal is cut off and the level of the reagent liquid in the reagent container increases. 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus detects that the suction of the reagent by the tube has dropped to the limit height level. 9. A reagent discharging tube for discharging a reagent in the reagent container from the tip of the reagent suction tube inserted into the reagent container to the reaction container, the reagent discharging tube and the reagent A switching valve for switching between a suction tube and a suction tube for detecting that the reagent liquid level in the reagent container has fallen to a limit height level at which reagent suction by the tube cannot be substantially performed. 9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein a detection unit of the display means is provided in a flow path between the reagent suction tube and the switching valve. 10. An item of an operation section operated by an operator when the liquid level of the reagent drops to the limit height level so that analysis of an analysis item which has been performed using the reagent cannot be performed thereafter. A warning is displayed on the screen displaying the request, and the analysis request for the analysis item is automatically made until the preparation for analysis is completed by adding a new reagent for the analysis item or replacing it with a new reagent. 7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein input is prevented so as not to be possible. 11. A screen for displaying the remaining amount of reagents on the screen, wherein a reagent channel can be searched or the display can be rearranged according to the remaining count number or the remaining amount of reagents. Item 6. The automatic analyzer according to any one of Items 1 to 3.