JPS5861447A - Laser type quantitatively determining apparatus of reaction product of antigen and antibody - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automate the measurement by feeding automatically a sample liquid to a sample measuring room and discharging said liquid from said room in the apparatus determining quantitiatively the concentration of antigen substance such as blood plasma protein or medicines in blood, etc., by measuring the concentration of reaction products of an antigen and antibody by the intensity of scattering light due to a laser beam. CONSTITUTION:A laser beam source for making a laser beam incident to a sample liquid in a cell 2 in a sample measuring room 3 and a scattering light intensity detection means for receiving the scattering light from the sample liquid in the cell 2, are incorporated in a measuring apparatus main body 1. An automatic feeding and discharging apparatus 4 is constituted by a rack 5 housing a prescribed number of the cell 2 in a matrix state existing before and behind and left and right, a moving means 7 for moving a rack table 6 to forward and backward directions, a lifting means 9 for going up and down vertically a hanger 8 hanging the cell 2 and a horizontally moving means 10 for moving the hanger 8 to a transverse direction. Further, a control part 4A incorporating a control system for controlling automatic feeding and discharging is provided in the rear of the table 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for quantifying the concentration of a source substance such as plasma protein or blood drug by measuring the concentration of a source antibody reaction product by the intensity of scattered light by a laser beam, and particularly relates to a device for quantifying the concentration of a source substance such as plasma protein or blood drug. This invention relates to a device that automates measurement by automatically supplying and discharging a sample liquid to the sample measurement chamber of the main body of the measurement device.

In recent years, along with the development of compact laser light sources, research on the scattering phenomenon of laser light by microparticles has progressed, and as a result, a laser set antigen-antibody reaction is used to detect the concentration of antigen-antibody reaction products caused by plasma proteins, blood drugs, etc. A product quantitative device has now been put into practical use. In such a device, for example, if a sub-solution immunoprecipitation reaction occurs in which a plasma protein as an antigen source binds to its corresponding antibody to produce a source antibody reaction product, the reaction product is produced by light scattering. Therefore, since the laser light scattering intensity of the reaction product is proportional to the plasma protein concentration in the antibody excess region, the plasma protein concentration can be measured. In addition, in the case of drugs, when combined with the corresponding antibody, a Togen antibody reaction product is produced that is non-sedimentable and does not show light scattering. Since the reaction product is sedimentary and exhibits light scattering,
If a drug coexists in the latter reaction system, the drug and polyhapten will compete with the antibody, blocking the immunoprecipitation reaction.
Moreover, since the ratio is proportional to the coexisting drug concentration, the drug concentration can be determined by the scattering intensity of the laser light.

By the way, in the laser complete antigen-antibody reaction product quantification device as described above, a sample liquid is introduced into a sample measurement chamber between a laser light source that generates laser light and a light receiving detection section that receives scattered light and detects its intensity. However, it also needs to be discharged after measurement. However, in the conventional laser set antigen-antibody reaction product quantification device, it is necessary to manually introduce and discharge the sample liquid into the sample measurement chamber, which requires considerable labor and time for measurement work. That was the reality.

By the way, in general, as a method for automating the supply and discharge of sample liquid to and from the measurement chamber, the sample liquid is poured into the sample measurement chamber from an external sample container via the suction pipe, and after measurement, it is transferred to the sample container via the discharge pipe. So-called flow-type systems are known that allow for return or disposal. However, with this method, the sample measurement chamber and pipes become contaminated with sample liquid after each measurement, so in order to perform accurate measurements, it is necessary to clean them after each measurement. It becomes complicated, the equipment becomes complicated, and the cost becomes high.
Moreover, even after cleaning as described above, contamination gradually accumulates, and especially when measuring the intensity of scattered light, there is a problem that the window of the sample measurement chamber becomes dirty and the measurement accuracy of the scattered light intensity decreases. The flow type is not suitable for measuring a large number of samples one after another when applied to a laser-based antigen-antibody reaction product determination device. In addition, in other analytical devices other than the laser set antigen-antibody reaction product quantification device, such as an absorption spectrometer, a large number of cells containing sample liquids are arranged in a rack, and each cell is An apparatus is known in which the samples are sequentially introduced into a sample measurement chamber. However, it is difficult to apply this type of device to a laser set antigen-antibody reaction product quantification device for the following reasons. In other words, in the laser antigen-antibody reaction product quantification device, the immunoprecipitation reaction has sufficiently progressed after a certain period of time (usually 30 or 60 minutes) has passed after mixing the antigen, antibody, and diluent (buffer). After that, the laser light scattering intensity of the sample liquid is measured.
In this case, in order to accurately quantify the reaction product concentration, it is desirable to measure the laser light scattering intensity of the sample liquid immediately after mixing, in a state where the precipitation reaction has not yet proceeded, as a blank value. However, with the above-mentioned rack movement method, it is difficult to perform blank measurements immediately after mixing the rounded sample liquid that is moved to the sample measurement chamber with the rack, and it is also difficult to perform blank measurements and main measurements after a certain period of time (after reaction).
In order to perform multiple measurements on the same sample solution, the rack type requires an extremely large-scale apparatus, resulting in high costs.

In addition, in a laser complete antibody reaction product quantification device that detects scattered light, unlike in the case of absorption measurement, it is necessary to block external light as much as possible in order to accurately measure scattered light. In the above-mentioned rack movement method, it is extremely difficult to isolate only the cell to be measured from the others, and this poses a problem of complicating the apparatus. Furthermore, in a laser complete antibody reaction product quantification device that detects scattered light, in addition to measuring the scattered light on the opposite side to the laser light incident on the cell, it also measures the scattered light at 90° to the direction of incidence. It also measures light. That is, if the angle of the detection direction with respect to the incident light differs, different information can be obtained accordingly. For example, if scattered light in two directions is measured simultaneously, a scattered light intensity distribution pattern can be obtained. However, in the above-mentioned rack movement method, since the cells are moved horizontally in a fixed direction along with the rack, it is difficult to detect scattered light in two directions that are approximately perpendicular to each other in the horizontal plane, and therefore the information obtained is difficult. There is also a problem in that it is limited.

This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances.Is it possible to easily supply and drain a sample liquid cell for sample measurement in an apparatus for quantifying antibody reaction products using laser light scattering? The purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can be automated with an inexpensive configuration, thereby automating the quantification of a togen antibody reaction product, and which is capable of accurately measuring without causing the above-mentioned problems. It is something.

That is, in this invention, a laser light source and a scattered light intensity detection means are provided in a measuring device main body in which a sample measuring chamber with an open top surface is formed, and a cell containing a sample liquid is inserted into the sample measuring chamber from above. A laser set that quantifies the concentration of the Togen antibody reaction product by directing laser light into the sample solution in the cell and detecting the intensity of scattered light by the Togen antibody reaction product in the cell. The quantitative device includes a rack for accommodating a plurality of cells, a rack table configured to allow the rack to be placed in a removable manner and placed on either side of the measuring device body, and a rack table for hoisting the cells. The apparatus includes a nozzle, a nozzle lifting means for raising and lowering the hanger, and a nozzle horizontal moving means for horizontally moving the nozzle between a position above the rack and a sample measurement chamber. It is characterized by: With this configuration, cells containing sample liquid are lifted up one by one and automatically lifted.
It can be transferred from the rack to the sample measurement room and from the sample measurement room to the rack, so it is possible to automate the quantification of the Togen antibody reaction product by the laser light scattering intensity without causing the above-mentioned problems. It can be done.

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

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which the upper end of a sample measurement chamber 3 that accommodates a cell 2 (described later) is opened on the front upper surface of the measuring device main body l, and the inside of the measuring device main body l is opened. includes a laser light source (not shown) for making laser light incident on the sample liquid in the cell 2 in the sample measurement chamber 3, and a laser light source (not shown) for receiving the scattered light from the sample liquid in the cell 2 and detecting the intensity of the scattered light. A scattered light intensity detecting means (not shown) and a processing means for processing a signal of the scattered light intensity detected by the detecting means are built-in. The specific structure inside the measuring device main body 1 may be the same as the known one, for example, the one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-94245, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

Note that a CRT display device IA is placed on the top surface of the measuring device main body 1 for displaying measured data, a calibration curve, etc. to be described later.

A sample liquid cell automatic supply/discharge device 4, which is a feature of the present invention, for supplying/discharging the cells 2 to/from the sample measurement chamber 3 is arranged at a position side by side with the measuring device main body 10. This automatic supply/discharge device 4 basically has a predetermined number of cells 2, for example 6 cells.
A rack 5 capable of accommodating 0 cells 2 in a matrix in the front, rear, left, and right directions; a rack table 6 on which the rack 5 is removably mounted and movable in the front and rear directions; A rack table moving means 7 for moving in the front-back direction, and a hanger for lifting a cell 2 in the rack 5 or the sample measurement chamber 3 and transferring the cell 2 between the rack 5 and the sample measurement chamber 3. 8, a hanger elevating means 9 for vertically elevating the hanger 8, and a hanger elevating means 9 for moving the hanger 8 in the lateral direction (left-right direction), that is, in the direction 1α intersecting with the movement direction of the rack 5 and the vertical direction. Hanger horizontal movement means 10
It is said to be composed of. In addition, behind the rack table 6, a control section 4A containing a control system to be described later for controlling automatic supply/discharge is arranged.

The cell 2 is made of a transparent material such as a transparent resin.
As shown in the figure, it is made in the shape of a bottomed cylinder with a rectangular horizontal cross section, and protrusions 2 a and 2 a' that protrude in the horizontal direction are integrally formed on the upper ends of the outer wall surfaces on both the front and rear sides. . On the other hand, the rack 5#i has a plurality of (for example, 10) accommodating sections 5a each for accommodating the cells 2 separately.
are formed at intervals along a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction (two directions) in which the rack table 6 is movable, that is, a direction parallel to the horizontal movement direction (X direction) of the hanger 8, and A plurality of rows (for example, 6 rows) of the portions 5a are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction, that is, the moving direction (two directions) of the rack table 6, so that a large number of IJ hook-shaped storage portions 5a are formed as a whole. is formed. Note that, as shown in detail in FIG.
, 2 a' is located above the opening end (upper surface) of the accommodating part, that is, a predetermined interval G exists between the lower surface of the protrusions 2 a and 2 a' and the opening end of the accommodating part. The cell 2 is constructed as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the rack 5 is removably placed at a fixed position on the rack table 6. As shown in FIG. 2, rows 213 and 13' are provided on the surface of the rack table 60, and these rollers 13 and 13' are connected to rails 15 and 15' provided on the board 14 along the front and back direction. This allows the rack table 6 to move back and forth.

The rack moving means 7 includes, for example, racks provided at front and rear positions on the board 14.
The frame is an endless ring-shaped wire 7b passed over and this wire 7
The vehicle is configured to include a Nockles motor 7c connected to one of the pulleys 7' in order to move the motor.

For example, as shown in the figure, the hanger horizontal moving means 10 includes boots IJ-J at both left and right ends of a horizontal guide rail 10a that guides and supports the hanger 8 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction.
ob, 10b' are provided and the pulleys 10b, 1
An endless annular wire 10c may be wound between the two pulleys 10b and 0b', and a drive shaft of a pulse motor 10d may be connected to one of the pulleys 10b. Further, the hanger elevating means 9 is
Pulleys 9b, 9 are provided at both upper and lower ends of the vertical guide rail 9a, which guides and supports the vertical guide rail 9a as it moves up and down the horizontal guide rail log.
An endless annular wire 9C may be wound around the goo IJ-9b, 9b', and the drive shaft of the Nockles motor 9d may be connected to one of the pulleys 9b'.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the knife 8 is guided by the vertical guide rail 9a by the rotation of the pulse motor 9d and moves up and down (in the Y direction) together with the horizontal guide rail 10a, and by the rotation of the pulse motor 10d
01 to move in the lateral direction (X direction).

On the other hand, the above-mentioned No. 8 is basically shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, a pair of parallel vertical side walls 8a.

The upper ends of 8a' are integrally connected by a connecting part 8b to form a substantially portal shape, and the side wall 8
a, 8 A horizontal protrusion 8 on the inner surface of the lower end of a'
e, 8c' and its protruding portions 8c, 8
The structure may be such that the protrusions 2 m and 2 a' of the cell 2 are hooked onto c'. However, in this case, the side wall 8a
, 8 a' in the horizontal movement direction of 8 (X direction)
along the vertical plane parallel to the inner space (side wall 8a).

88') are left open to the left and right in the horizontal movement direction of the hanger 8. Also, the side wall 8a of the no-nger 8.

The distance W between the inner surfaces of 8a' is the front and rear protrusions 2a of the cell 2.

2 Set larger than the distance between the tips of a', and the distance W between the tips of the protrusions 8c and 8c' of the hanger 8.
' is set to a value that is smaller than the end openings of the protrusions 2 a and 2 a' of the cell 2 and larger than the thickness of the main body of the cell 20 in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(A),...
, 8 Move the Noonga 8 horizontally (in the X direction) from the side of the cell 2 toward the cell 2 with the top surface of the cell 2 located slightly below the bottom surface of the projections 2a and 2a' of the cell 2,
As shown in FIG. 7(B), the protruding piece 2 a at the upper end of the cell 2
, 2a' When the hanger 80 is located between the side walls 8a, 8a', the horizontal movement is stopped and the hanger 8 is raised as shown in FIG. 7(C), the protrusion 2a of the cell 2,
2. Projection part 8c on the inner surface of the lower end of Jl(ga)・nger 8,
8c', and the cell 2 is lifted upward. In this case, as shown in the figure, the protruding portion 8 c of 7 and 8 is
, 8c' has a protruding piece 2 a of the cell 2 on the upper surface of the central part.
, 2 a', so that when the hanger 8 is raised, the projecting pieces 2 a, 2 m' of the cell 2 will fit into the grooves 8 d, 8 d'. Since the cell 2 is fitted in, it is possible to prevent the cell 2 from sliding down, and as shown in the figure, the groove 8d in particular.

If the end faces 8e and 8e' of the cell 8d' are formed into a smooth arc shape, the cell 2 can be correctly lifted at the center of the hanger 8 even if the cell 2 and the hanger 8 are slightly misaligned. can.

Note that the configuration of the part where the hanger 8 is suspended from the horizontal guide rail 10a is arbitrary, but for example, as shown in FIG. A row 223 is provided so that the horizontally running piece 23 can run smoothly in the horizontal direction within the horizontal guide rail 10a, and the wire 10c is engaged with the horizontally running piece 23, and the horizontally running piece 23 is caused to run smoothly in the horizontal direction. The hanger 8 may be configured to hang down via the connecting rod 24.

In addition, the hanger 8 more reliably prevents the lifted cell 2 from falling, and also serves as a light-shielding upper cover during measurement of the sample measurement chamber 3 in the measuring device main body 1. A configuration including a presser plate 20 may also be used. This cell holding plate 20 has the side j118 m,
Both ends 20a in the left and right direction are arranged horizontally between 8 a'.

20a' is made to protrude from the main body of the hanger 8, and the lower surfaces of both ends 20a and 20g' are formed into a smooth arc shape, and the width in the front and back direction is the same as the protruding strips 8c and 8c of the hanger 8. ' The configuration is set smaller than the spacing between the tips of '. And this cell presser plate 2
0 is supported so as to be movable up and down relative to the main body of the hanger 8, and is always urged downward by a spring 21. When using the hanger 8 having such a cell holding plate 20, as shown in FIGS. If the hanger 8 is horizontally moved from the side of the cell 2 toward the cell 2 with the upper surfaces of the portions 8 c and 8 c' located slightly downward, the tip of the cell presser plate 20 will be attached to the upper end of the cell 2. 20a is in contact with the cell holding plate 2.
0 is lifted upwards, then 8g10 figure (Q, (2
), the upper end of the cell 2 is connected to the side wall 8 of the hanger 8.
If the cell 8 is raised while positioned between the cell presser plate 20 and the cell presser plate 20, the cell 2 is relatively pressed downward, so that the protrusions 2a and 2a of the seven-piece 2 are
'i' Smoothly 7/8 gatehouse B a, 8 d'
B d, 8 d'
“The force of falling out of; prevented.

In addition, since the cell holding plate 20 covers the top surface of the cell 2, when the cell 2 is housed in the sample #1 fixed chamber 3 and measured, as will be described later, external light is incident from the top surface of the cell 2. This allows for more accurate measurement of laser light scattering intensity.

Note that the crab and horizontal guide are not particularly shown in Figure 1.

The rail 10a is equipped with a position sensor sx0, such as a photoelectric detector, a microswitch, a proximity switch, etc., for detecting a specific horizontal position of the nozzle 8. sx8°SXi installed, and horizontal guide rail l for vertical guide° rail 9C.
A position sensor 8Y0 similar to the above for detecting a specific position of Qa, that is, a specific position in the vertical direction of the finger 8
．． Furthermore, a position sensor SZ0.8Ywt is provided on the board 14 for detecting a specific position of the rack table 6.
SZ, d (provided. The specific positions of these position sensors will be explained later as the force t shown in FIG. 11).

Furthermore, a mixing diluter (not shown) is usually provided on the side of the sample liquid cell automatic supply/discharge device 4 as described above. This mixing diluter is mainly used to mix specimens for assay or standard specimens containing poxogen with their corresponding antibodies, dilute them with a diluent to create a sample solution, and inject the sample solution into cell 2. Although the specific configuration is arbitrary, for example, as in the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 56-47368, which was previously proposed by the present inventors, each liquid is supplied to a piston-cylinder type suction and discharge device. It is preferable to use a mixing/diluting machine that sucks a set amount of each and then discharges it into the cell 2, so that mixing, diluting, and injection into the cell 2 can be performed quickly and accurately. This mixing diluter is equipped with an internal timer to measure the elapsed time from the preparation time of each sample solution, and also measures the number of mixing/dilution operations, that is, the number of sample solution preparations (sample solution is stored). It is desirable to provide a counter for counting the number of cells 20 created. Furthermore, the mixing diluter is provided with a repetition timer so that the mixing/diluting operation, that is, the sample liquid preparation operation can be repeated at fixed time intervals, for example, 30 second intervals, and the mixing and diluting machine is provided with a repetition timer so as to be able to repeat the mixing and diluting operation, that is, the sample liquid preparation operation, at fixed time intervals, for example, at intervals of 30 seconds. Numerical input means such as a digital switch is provided to set the number of accommodated cells 2 to be created, and the mixing/dilution operation, that is, the operation of creating sample liquid storage cells, is automatically performed at the time interval by the set number. It is desirable to configure Further, in this case, it is desirable that the time interval is also adjustable from the outside.

Next, the control system of the device as described above will be explained. However, in the following explanation, the horizontal movement direction (lateral direction) of the hanger 8 is the X direction, the vertical movement direction of the hanger 8 is the Y direction, and the horizontal movement direction (back and forth direction) of the rack table 6 is 2.
direction.

FIG. 11 shows a control system for controlling the movement of the hanger 8 in the X direction. The microcomputer CPU operates each of the automatic supply/discharge devices 4 according to a specified mode as described later, and according to signals from a diluter or a dispenser for preparing a sample liquid as described later and from the measuring device main body 1. It is for outputting a signal for controlling movement in the direction, and only the X-direction movement control output section 30 and the X-direction movement control input section 31 are shown here. Of course, this microcomputer CPU also has the function of controlling the measuring device main body 1 using signals from the automatic supply/discharge device #t4 itself. The X-direction movement control output unit 30 outputs a movement direction command signal Sd for instructing whether to move the hanger 8 in the left or right direction in the X direction, and a start command signal for starting the movement of the hanger 8 in the X direction. Sir, movement amount data D for specifying the movement amount in the X direction,
A counter load signal ae for causing the counter 32 to latch the movement amount data D is output. The movement amount data D is expressed as parallel data of pulses corresponding to the distance to move the knife 8 in the X direction and the number of drive pulses of the motor 10d;
In this control system, first, a counter load signal St3 is output, and the movement amount data D is latched in the color/receiver 32. Next, when the start command signal Sir is output, the slip 70 knob 33 is preset by that signal, and the output of the slip flop 33 opens the slip 34, which causes the clock oscillator 3 for driving the pulse motor to open.
The clock pulse from 5 is used for pulse motor control lCa6
is input to the clock input terminal CK of the memory 1 drive circuit W&37, the pulse motor 10d starts rotating, and the hanger 8 starts moving in the X direction. Note that the rotation direction of the pulse motor 10d, that is, the direction in which the hanger 8 moves, is determined by applying the movement direction command signal ad to one input terminal of the pulse motor control rc36. On the other hand, the clock pulse from the pulse motor driving clock oscillator 35 is transmitted to the subtraction input terminal D of the counter 32.
N is input, and the numerical value of the counter 32 is sequentially subtracted.

If the value of the counter 32 exceeds zero, that is, if the number of clock pulses exceeds the number initially set in the counter 32, a signal is output from the borrow terminal BW of the counter 32, and the signal is passed through the OR gate 38 to the flip-flop. 33, and as a result, the flip-flop 33 no longer outputs a signal to open the gate 34, the gate 34 closes, and the clock pulse is applied to the pulse motor 11! It no longer applies to the I@ IC 36, the pulse motor 10d stops rotating, and the hanger 8 stops moving in the X direction. Also, as described later, the hanger 8
The movement in the X direction stops. As will be described later, the position of the hanger 8 in the X direction is determined by position sensors such as charging detectors, micro switches, proximity switches, etc.
It is also possible to stop the movement of the hanger 8 when the position sensors sxo, sx, , s are detected.
The position detection signal of x is sent to the microcomputer CPU
The direction movement control input section 31 reads the signal, the output section 30 outputs the stop command signal Sip, and the signal Stp is sent to the flip-flop clear input terminal CL via the OR gate 38.
In addition, the rotation of the pulse motor '10d is stopped in the same manner as described above.

Although Figure 11 shows the X-direction movement control system for the hanger 8, the Y-direction movement control system for the hanger 8 and the two-direction movement control system for the rack table 6 also use a common microcomputer CPU. It goes without saying that the configuration can be similar to that shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the X-direction movement control output section 30 and the pulse motor control IC 3 in FIG.
The signal processing performed by the circuit such as the counter 32 between the microcomputer 6 and the microcomputer 6 may be performed within the microcomputer CPU. In this case, the microcomputer CPU sends a signal that commands the direction of movement to the pulse motor control IC3.
Serial data corresponding to the number of clock pulses corresponding to the distance to be moved may be directly input from the microcomputer CPU to the clock input terminal CK of the pulse motor control IC 36. Further, in order to stop the movement of the hanger 8 using the position sensor, the signal from the position sensor may be read into the microcombi processor CPU and the serial data output may be stopped.

The preparation operation and basic operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be explained with reference to FIG. 12.

In Figure 12, the X axis at i is the X direction (lateral direction) of the hanger 8.
movement position, Y axis is the Y direction (vertical direction) of No. 8
The Z-axis indicates the movement position of the rack table 6 in two directions (back and forth directions). Further, the Ω point in FIG. 12, that is, the (Xo + Yo) position for the Noonga 8 and the zo position for the rack table 6 indicate the movement preparation position. This movement preparation position O corresponds to a state in which the 7S ring 8 is located above the right side of the rack 5 when viewed from the front in FIG. 1, and the rack table 6 is located closest to the front side.

In order to detect that the non-gar 8 and the rack table 6 are located at this movement preparation position, the non-gar 8
X. Position sensor s that detects the position and Y0 position, respectively
A position sensor S20 such as a photoelectric detector for detecting the xo, sy, and zo positions of the rack table 6 is provided. - Manno Nga 8 - P melon i.e. (Xs
+Yo) position indicates a standby position.

This standby position is an upper position midway between the sample measurement chamber 3 and the rack 5 of the measuring device main body 1, and the position sensor SX detects the position on the X-axis corresponding to this position.

is provided. Furthermore, Q about No Nga 8,
The point (xt t Yo) indicates the left end position on the X-axis, that is, the position above the center of the sample measurement chamber 3 of the measurement apparatus main body 1. In addition, the Y8 position on the Y axis for the hanger 8, that is, the 97th point, is the lowest position of the hanger 8,
That is, the front and rear side walls 8 a and 8 a' of the hanger 8
The upper surface of the protrusions 8c, 8c' on the inner surface side of the protrusions 2 on the front and rear of the cell 2 accommodated in the rack 5 or the sample measurement chamber 3
a, 2 corresponds to the Y-axis direction position of the hanger 8 located slightly below the lower surface of g'. Furthermore, the z-coordination amount on the two axes for the rack table 6, that is, the Qz point, is the position where the rack table 6 is the most retracted, that is, when the hanger 8 is in the vertical plane passing through the center of each cell 2 in the front row in the rack 5. Corresponds to the state in which it is located. Position sensors sx, sya, SZ are provided for detecting the terminal positions Px, P□vPt of these axes at positions X, y, , z on each axis.

In FIG. 11, if the hanger 8 and the rack table 6 are not located at the movement preparation position 0 when the device is powered on, that is, the hanger 8 is (xo,
yo) or if the rack table 6 is not located at the 2° point, first remove the hanger 8.
and/or bring the rack table 6 to the movement preparation position. In this case, the hanger 8 is first moved in the Y-axis direction to reach the yo point, and then moved in the X-axis direction to point X. bring it to a point. In this case, each pulse motor 10d.

9d and 7c are position sensors sxo, syo, szo
Rotate until it generates a detection signal.

Once the move ready position @0 is reached in this way, the hanger 8 is moved to the left in the X-axis direction, and the standby position P point (X
, t Yo). At this time, the rack table 6 is at the closest position 2 degrees, so the rack 5 is placed on the rack table 6 in that state. However, at this time, whether cells 2 containing sample liquids are arranged in the rack 5 or not depends on the measurement mode, as will be described later. Rack 5
After placing 6 racks on the rack table 6, use the start command.
Move backward to reach the zR position. That is, the center of the cell 2 in the front row of the rack 5 or the cell accommodating portion 5a is positioned within the XY vertical plane along which the hanger 8 moves. As described above, the hanger 8 moves to point P (xB, y
o) After the rack table 8 is located at the 22nd point, that is, after it is in a standby state, the operation according to each measurement mode is started.

Next, the basic operations common to each measurement mode are as follows:
I will explain it in parts.

(b) When picking up the cell 2 housed in the sample measurement chamber 3 of the measuring device main body 1 from the state where the empty hanger is located at the above-mentioned standby position P and transferring it to the standby position P, first Distance of 8 to the left on the X axis! , move by 1 and move hanger 8 to position X, slightly to the right of point X5! to be located. Subsequently, the hanger 8 is moved downward on the Y axis by a distance 1y1. In other words, the hanger 8 is (xr r Yy
t) bring it to a point.

In this state, the hanger 8 is in the state shown in FIG. 7(4) or FIG. 10 with respect to the cell 2 in the sample measurement chamber 3. Next, move the hanger 8 to the left on the X axis by a distance J)12 (
Xa, Yl). In this state, the hanger 8 is attached to the cell 2 in the sample measurement chamber 3 as shown in FIG.
The state shown in Figure (C) is reached. After that, move the hanger 8 upward on the Y axis to lift the cell 2 from the sample measurement chamber 3 and bring it to the (Xt, YO) point, and then move it further to the right on the X axis to suspend the cell 2. The hanger 8 is in the standby position P.
(XII, Yo) point is reached.

(b) No Nga 8 at the time position P (X8.Yo)
The cell 2 is suspended from the cell 2, and from this state the cell 2 is transferred to the sample measurement chamber 3, and after measurement, it is returned to the standby position P (Xs + Y
o ), first move No. 8 to the left of the X axis.
(Axl + Rtx2) and move (x, , y
o) point, then distance down the Y axis! , 1, the hanger 8 reaches the point (Xz, Yt), and the cell 2 is accommodated in the sample measurement chamber 3. After measuring in that state, move it upward on the Y axis in the same way as in (a) above (
If it reaches the Xg e YO) point and then moves to the right on the X axis, it returns to the standby position P (Xs * Yo).

(C) In each row in the rack 5, when at least the n-th and subsequent storage sections 5a from the left are empty, the cell 2 is suspended from the standby position 1iiP. When storing in the n-th storage section 5a. In this case, first move No. 8 to standby position P (X8.
Distance (45+(n-1)Ap) from Yo) to the right of the X axis
move only. However, the distance -ex3 is the distance in the X direction from the standby position to the center position of the leftmost accommodating part 5a in the rack 5 (or the center position of the cell accommodated in that accommodating part) -6° is the distance in the rack 5 In each case, calculate the distance in the X direction between the centers of the housing sections (or cells) that are adjacent in the X direction. Next, move the hanger 8 downward in the Y-axis direction,
lower only. In this way, the cell 2 suspended from the hanger 8 is accommodated in the n-th accommodating section from the left. This state is the same as the state shown in FIG. 7(B) or FIG. 1θ(C). Next, if the hanger 8 is moved to the right in the X-axis direction, the hanger 8 will be removed from the cell 2, so the distance is sufficient to remove the hanger 8 from the cell 2 (usually the same distance as the distance kp for ease of control). ), move the hanger 8 to the right, raise the hanger 8 upward on the Y axis to the yo position, and then move it to the left on the X axis, the empty hanger 8
is on standby #P (x8. Yo)K returns. Regarding the two-axis directions regarding the rack table 6, when storing the cell 2 in the first row of the rack 5, it is sufficient to use the zF position, and in the case of the m-th row from the second row onwards, If the distance between the centers of the housing portions 5a in each row in the two axial directions is e, then the above zt
Move the rack table 5 forward from the position (m-1')
Good, you just have to move it in advance. However, normally, the cells 2 are stored in order from the first row in front, so when the storage of a certain row is completed, the rack table 5 is moved forward by the distance, and then the cells 2 are stored in the next row. All you have to do is start. The rack table 5 is moved with the lower end of the hanger 8 at least above the upper surface of the cell 2.

) of each storage section 5a in a certain row in the rack 5,
When the n-th storage section from the left is empty and the cell 2 is stored in at least the (r++1)-th storage section 5m (however, if the (n+1)-th storage section is empty in one column) (excluding the case where there is no part 51, so if there are 10 cells in one column, n is 1 to 9), another cell 2 is placed in the standby position.
When the cell 2 is returned to the n-th storage section 5a from the suspended state, and then the cell 2 in the (n+1)th storage section is transferred from the rack 5 to the standby position.

In this case, first move the hanger 8 from the standby position P (xs t Yo ) to the right of the X axis by a distance (13x
3+(n')Ap). Subsequently, the hanger 8 is lowered in the Y-axis direction by a distance l3y1.

s<tttt-x Cell 2 hanging from hanger 8
is accommodated in the nth accommodation * 5 a K. Next, move hanger 8 a distance to the right in the X-axis direction! If we move only p,
As the hanger 8 is removed from the cell 2, the (n+
The cell 2 in the t)-th storage section is in a state in which it can be lifted (FIG. 7(B) or FIG. 10 (shape M of Q).

Subsequently, when the hanger 8 is raised upward on the Y axis, the new cell 2 is lifted up. After the Y-axis coordinate has been rotated nine times, the new cell 2 is moved to the left on the X-axis to point xs, and the new cell 2 reaches the standby position. Regarding the position of the rack table 6 in two directions, as in the case above, for the first row, it is the 8th position, and for the mth row after the 1jth row on the second evening, it is the front from the 2nd position. Carve the rack table 5 at a distance (m-1). All you have to do is move it in advance. However, in this case), normally after returning the cell 2 to the rightmost storage section 5M of each column, a new cell 2 is subsequently lifted from the leftmost storage section 5a of the next column. In this operation process, the rack table 5 moves the distance! , is forced to move.

(e) When the rightmost storage section 5a of a certain row in the rack 5 is empty and the cell 2 is stored in at least the leftmost storage section 5a of the row adjacent to it, the standby position This cell 2 is suspended from another cell 2.
is returned to the rightmost storage section 5a, and then a new cell 2 in the leftmost storage section 5J of the next row is transferred from the rack 5 to the standby position.

In this case, if one row is 10, the hanger 8 is moved from the standby position P (X8.Yo) to the right of the X axis by a distance (,6x).

+9-ep) only le! dJ, then lower the Y-axis direction by a distance of 8y1, place the cell 2 in the rightmost storage section 5m, and then move the hanger 8 to the right of the X-axis until the cell 2 is removed! Move only a, then hanger 8
is moved upward on the Y axis to a position where its lower surface is at least above the upper surface of each cell 2 in the rack 5, and in that state, the rack table 6 is moved in the fm direction by the distance iq,
At the same time or after that, move the hanger 8 a distance (
After moving by 107p + nx5), the hanger 8 is lowered to the Y upper position. At this time, the hanger 8 is a distance to the left of the leftmost cell 2 in the next row! , will be located far away. Therefore, after this, move hanger 8 to
The cell 2 can be lifted by moving it by a distance m-s to the right of the axis and then moving it upward. After the Y-axis direction position reaches Yo, the cell 2 can be brought to the standby position P by moving it to the left on the X-axis.

(f) When the cells 2 accommodated in the left end accommodating section of each row in the rack 5 are transferred to the standby position P. In this case, the hanger 8 is first moved from the standby position P to the right of the X axis by a distance of 8x4. This distance 884 is such that the right side of the hanger 8 is located to the left of the left side of the leftmost cell 2. From this position, move the hanger 8 down the Y axis by a distance of 1
If the hanger 8 is lowered and then moved to the right on the X axis (until the distance from Xs becomes 8x3), the hanger 8 will move toward the leftmost cell 2 in FIG. 7(B) or FIG. 10. (
The state shown in Q is reached. Therefore, by raising the hanger 8 from this position and moving it further to the left on the X axis, the leftmost cell 2 can be brought to the standby position P.

In the above explanation, each movement in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and 2-axis direction is controlled by the number of drive pulses of the pulse motor in the direction away from the X11 position, Y8 position, and zg position as starting points. , Conversely, the direction approaching each position is usually controlled by detection by each position detector. To each of the above, mxs.

Position detectors sx are also installed at terminals in the direction away from Yt and zt,
, sy, , and szo are installed, but if these detectors are supposed to reach their positions by controlling their movement based on the number of pulses, if each detector does not operate, it is determined that there is an error. be able to.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13, a pair of hangers 8 (or a short distance in the direction of movement of the detected part 4o of the keratukuchi fluoro) for each position sensor (representatively shown as SXt) are separated by m. It is desirable to have a configuration in which detection points 40a and 40a' are provided. That is, for example, if the movement is to be stopped by detection of the position sensor, the pulse motor is decelerated at the first detection point 40a', the pulse motor is stopped at the next detection point 40a',
On the other hand, in the case of starting movement from the position of the detection sensor, the pulse motor is started at low speed at first, and the next detection sensor 7) 4
0a' can be increased to normal speed, and by doing so, stopping and movement can be made smoother.

Furthermore, the automatic supply/discharge device 4 may not be integrated with the main body 1 of the measuring device, but may be sold separately from the main body 1 as a separate device (of course electrically connected). In that case, the position of the sample measurement chamber 3, etc. of the measuring device main body 1 and the movement position of the hanger 8, etc. according to the program installed in the automatic supply/discharge device 4 may not match accurately, and each movement means It is also expected that the wire may become loose and the programmed movement position will gradually become misaligned with the main body 1 side. Therefore, offset it to the left and right of the X8 position, above the Yv position, and in front of the zl position.
(parallel movement amount) is set, and it is desirable to be configured so that these offsets (t) can be adjusted from the outside using a digital switch or the like. In other words, by setting a manually adjustable travel amount (offset lid) in addition to the programmed travel amount, you can easily adjust the cherry blossom drive plate to A without having to go through the trouble of changing the programmed travel amount. It is desirable to configure the system so that it can be adjusted.

Next, each measurement mode when measuring using the apparatus of the present invention will be explained.

As measurement modes, there are a first mode and a second mode as basic ones, a no-blank mode as a slightly exceptional mode, and a LALLS mode as a more unique mode. These modes can be specified and switched arbitrarily by the operator as needed, and these modes can be used to determine whether or not to use a calibration curve, whether to perform blank measurements, or whether to perform blank measurements when performing blank measurements. Laws are different. That is, in the laser complete antibody reaction product measurement device, the intensity of scattered light of the Togen antibody reaction product (immune reaction product) in the sample liquid in the cell 2 by the laser beam is directly measured. In order to know the concentration of the antigen-antibody reaction product and, ultimately, the source concentration of the sample, it is necessary to measure the scattered light intensity of a standard sample whose concentration is known in advance, and then draw a calibration curve to correlate the scattered light intensity with the concentration. It is necessary to convert the scattered light intensity into concentration by referencing the scattered light intensity value obtained by measuring a specimen sample with the calibration curve. Such a conversion processing function is normally provided in the measuring device main body 1. However, when testing the measurement accuracy of the apparatus itself, there are cases where it is not necessary or necessary to convert the scattered light intensity into concentration. In such a case, the above-mentioned Lars mode is specified. In this mode, a calibration curve is not created using a standard sample, and even if a calibration curve has been created in advance, it is not used, and the scattered light is The intensity value is directly output or displayed in L without converting it to density. In each mode other than the 2 Luss mode (first mode, second mode, and no-blank mode), the scattered light intensity of the specimen sample is converted into concentration using the calibration curve created with the standard sample and output or displayed. . However, in each mode that uses these calibration curves, multiple calibration curves (usually r
Normally, a calibration curve is created by measuring 6 or 12 standard samples (this case is hereinafter referred to as the "immediate calibration curve creation method"); Instead of creating a calibration curve by measuring a standard sample, the concentration of the specimen sample may be converted using a calibration curve that has been previously created and stored in the device. This latter method will be referred to as a prior calibration curve use method. This method of using a preliminary calibration curve can be carried out in particularly stable cases, that is, when it is expected that there will be little variation in measured values, or when the sample itself is stable, and in that case, it can save the effort of preparing and measuring standard samples. I can do it.

On the other hand, in order to accurately quantify the Togen antibody reaction product,
It is necessary to exclude the influence of factors other than light scattering caused by the Togen antibody reaction product, and therefore blank measurements are usually performed. That is, as in the first mode described in detail later, the specimen sample is measured before the reaction progresses, or as in the second mode, a blank measurement sample prepared separately from the main measurement sample is left for the same reaction time as the main measurement sample. However, in cases where the blank value is expected to be negligibly small, or when the blank value is known, or when rough measurements are acceptable, use the blank measurement as described above. A certain period of time after diluting and mixing the sample (
In some cases, it may be acceptable to perform only the main measurement after the reaction time) has elapsed. The mode in which blank measurements are not performed is the above-mentioned no-blank mode. Also, as is clear from the above explanation, the first mode and the second mode both use a calibration curve and perform blank measurements. However, the difference between the two lies in the blank measurement method. That is, in the first mode, a blank measurement is performed on a sample solution in which an antigen and an antibody are mixed and diluted with a diluent immediately after the mixed dilution, that is, before the reaction proceeds, and after a certain reaction time has elapsed (usually 30 or 60 minutes). Perform the main measurement on the same sample solution at the same time, and use the difference between the blank measurement and the main measurement as the true value. On the other hand, depending on the type of togen substance or the sample containing it, it may be considerably denatured over time when diluted with a diluting solution, and in this case, the true blank value at the time of this measurement is the starting point of the reaction. This may differ considerably from the previous blank value, and as a result, it may not be possible to perform truly accurate ashiyari. The second mode is applied in such a case. In other words, in this @2 mode, a sample solution for the main measurement is prepared by mixing and diluting the antigen and antibody, and a blank sample solution for the main measurement is prepared by diluting the antigen without mixing the antibody. The test sample solution is measured when a certain reaction time has elapsed after its mixed dilution, and the blank test sample solution is also measured after its dilution and when the same reaction time has elapsed, and the difference between the two measured values is calculated as the true value. This is a measured value. In the following description, the blank measurement method in the first mode will be referred to as normal blank measurement, and the blank measurement in the second mode will be referred to as separate blank chamber measurement.

In the case of the above-mentioned Lars mode, blank measurement may or may not be performed, and even if it is performed, it may be performed by the above-mentioned normal blank measurement or by measurement in a separate blank room. Also the first
In both mode and second mode, it is necessary to perform a blank measurement in the same manner as when measuring a specimen sample when creating a calibration curve, that is, when measuring a standard sample.

The characteristics of each mode as described above are summarized in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Note that in addition to the above-mentioned mode classification, there is also a constant interval mode. In this mode, the sample solution is mixed and diluted at regular time intervals, and the measurements in each of the above modes (including blank measurements) are performed at regular time intervals. It will also be explained inside.

Next, specific operations in each mode as described above will be explained in order from the most general mode, the first mode. In the following description of the operation of each mode, it is assumed that the hanger 8 and the rack table 6 have already undergone preparatory operations to reach the timing positions. In other words, hanger 8 is empty and point P (x
, , yo), and the rack table 6 is located at the position FiZ.

(,) First Mode In the first mode, an empty rack 5 is prepared on the rack table 6 in advance. Then, using the aforementioned mixing diluter (not shown), mix the sample containing Togen with the corresponding antibody and dilute it with a diluent to prepare a sample solution.
Then, the sample liquid is injected into the cell 2. In addition, in this mixing diluter, the elapsed time from the time of mixing and dilution and injection, that is, the time of creation of each sample liquid, is measured, and the number of sample liquid cells created is counted and memorized. Sample liquid cell 2 created as described above
Immediately after its creation, it is placed in the sample measurement chamber 3 of the measurement device main body 1.
Insert into. When this insertion is detected by a detection means (not shown) provided in the sample liquid measurement chamber 3, the detection signal, that is, the cell set signal, moves the hanger 8 to the timing position P (X
s + Yo ) to the position of the cell 2 in the sample measurement chamber 3 as explained in the basic operation (a) above, and the state as shown in FIG. 7(B) or FIG. 10(C) is reached. Become. When the hanger 8 reaches such a position, a signal indicating this, for example, a signal output from the counter when the number of pulses for moving the hanger 8 reaches a set value, or a detection by the position sensors SXv, SYt. Measurement of scattered light intensity using a laser beam in the measuring device main body 1 is started by an AND signal or a detection signal from another detection means (not shown) provided directly at the position of the sample measurement chamber 3. Note that this measurement corresponds to the above-mentioned blank measurement (normal blank measurement). If the hanger 8 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is used here, the cell 2 will be stabilized because the upper surface of the cell 2 will be pressed by the cell presser plate 20, and the cell 2 will be stabilized by the cell presser plate 20. Deterioration of measurement accuracy due to external light entering the cell 2 is prevented as much as possible. When the blank measurement is completed in this way, the hanger 8 starts moving again in response to a measurement end signal from the measuring device main body 1. That is, by the second half of the basic operation (a), the cell 2 is lifted from the sample measurement chamber 3 and reaches the timing position p (x, , yo). Then, passing through this period position P, the basic operation (
c) Accordingly, the cell 2 is housed in the empty housing part 5a of the second rack 5, and the hanger 8 is moved to the timing position P (x8.Yo) again.
Return to In other words, since the first cell 2 corresponds to the case where n = 1 in the basic operation f, that cell 2
is stored in the first storage section 5m from the left in the first row of the rack 5. Next, the second cell 2 is mixed with a mixing diluter.
When a diluted sample solution is injected into the cell 2 and the cell 2 is inserted into the sample measurement chamber 3, a blank measurement is automatically performed in the same manner as described above, and after the measurement is completed, the cell 2 is placed in the first row of the rack 5. It is accommodated in the second accommodating section 51. Thereafter, blank measurements are sequentially performed for each sample liquid in the same manner, and the sample liquids are stored in the storage section 51 of the rack 5 one after another. In this embodiment, since 10 cells 2 are accommodated in one row of the rack 5, after the 10nth cell 2 (where n=1 to 5) is accommodated, the rack table 6 moves forward a distance! After moving by 9, the next column can accept a new cell 2. In this way, a predetermined number (however, in the example, a maximum of 60
When the cells 2 for which blank measurements have been completed are stored in the rack 5, they are ready for actual measurement. If the time measuring means in the mixing diluter detects that the sample liquid in the first cell 2 has passed a predetermined reaction time (usually 30 minutes or 60 minutes) from the mixing dilution time, the signal The main measurement starts. In other words, the time position P (X
, , Yo) in the above basic movement (
) to lift up the cell 2 in the leftmost storage section 5a of the first row of the two-piece hook 5 and move it to the timing position P (Xs * Y
o), and then the cell 2 of f is inserted into the sample measurement chamber 3 by the first half of the basic operation (b). Then, as in the case of the blank measurement described above, the main measurement is started by the cell set signal, and the second half of the basic operation in (b) above is started by the measurement end signal, and the cell 2 whose main measurement has been completed is restarted. Time position p(x,.

Return to yo). Continuing with the basic operation described above, the cell 2 returns to its original position in the rack 5, that is, the leftmost position in the first row, and then returns to the leftmost position in the storage section 5a in the first row. The cell 2 is lifted up to the standby position p (
xg, yo). If the mixing diluter detects that the elapsed time from the sample preparation time has reached the reaction time for the sample liquid in the second cell 2, the second cell 2 is suspended based on that signal. The lowered No. 4 is transferred from the standby position p (x8. yo) to the sample measurement chamber 3 in the same manner as in the case of the first cell in the basic operation (b), and fl! The main measurement of the sample liquid in the J2nd cell is performed. Thereafter, the main measurements are sequentially performed for each cell 2 in the first row in the rack 5 in the same manner. Then, when the main measurement of the cell 2 at the right end of the first row is completed and that cell 2 returns from the sample measurement chamber 3 to the standby position P, the cell 2 is moved to the first position of the rack 5 by (e) of the basic operation. At the same time, the cells 2 at the left end of the next second row are lifted up and transferred to the standby position P. In this way, the main measurement of the cells in each column is performed once every time.

Note that in this first mode, a calibration curve is used. Therefore, in the case of the advance calibration curve method, the first cell may contain the sample to be measured, but in the case of the immediate calibration curve creation method, the first 6 cells or 12 cells are standard cells. Store the sample. In addition, in the case of this last-minute calibration curve creation method, it is desirable to generate an audio alarm signal such as an alarm buzzer for a certain period of time after the measurement of the standard sample is completed, so that the calibration curve can be created (see Figure 1). CRT
(displayed on the display device) can be easily learned by the operator, and the created calibration curve can be confirmed. In other words, it is possible to check whether it is close to a known calibration curve for the Togen antibody reaction of interest. In addition, if it deviates from the known calibration curve, it is only necessary to measure the standard sample again at the point that deviates from the known calibration curve.

In the above description of the first mode, it is assumed that the reaction time is measured from the mixing dilution time, that is, the sample liquid preparation time, in the mixing diluter, but in some cases, a cell may be inserted into the sample measurement chamber 3 for blank measurement. It is also possible to measure the time from the specified time. That is, in this case, time measurement may be started using the aforementioned cell set signal, and the main measurement for that cell may be performed when the reaction time determined by the clock has elapsed. In this case as well, the reaction time is normally measured for each cell.

(b) Second mode When implementing the second mode, the same specimen (antigen)
For this purpose, a blank sample solution for measurement, which is simply diluted without mixing antibodies, and a sample solution for main measurement, which is diluted by mixing antibodies, are prepared using a mixing diluter. Therefore, for example, if the number of specimens is 20, the number of cells for the specimen is 40, excluding the standard sample. In this case, it is also necessary to use a calibration curve prepared in a separate blank room. Therefore, in the case of the last-minute calibration curve preparation method, for example, if the number of standard samples is 6, 6 cells of the standard sample solution for the main measurement and Six cells of standard sample solution for blank measurement will be used. Here, if the total number of cells is 60 or less, they can be accommodated in one rack. Therefore, cells for blank measurement and samples for main measurement can be accommodated in the same rack. On the other hand, if the total number of cells exceeds 60, cells for blank measurement sample liquid and cells for main measurement sample liquid are accommodated in separate racks.

First, we will explain the case where cells for blank measurement sample liquid and cells for main measurement sample liquid are housed in the same rack as described above. Create as many cells as needed, each cell 2
are placed in the pots in order from the first position of the rack 5 (the left end of the first row).

Next, prepare the same number of main measurement sample solutions in the same order as the corresponding blank measurement sample solutions using a mixing diluter.
The cells 2 are loaded in order from the position next to the last blank measurement sample liquid cell in the rack 5. In the mixer #i, the elapsed time from the time of preparation of each sample liquid is measured, and the number of samples prepared, ie, fl: the number of cells formed, is counted.

After the preparation of all the sample solutions is completed and all the cells 2 are placed in the rack 5, the rack 5 is placed before the elapsed time from the preparation time of the sample solution of the first cell passes the preset reaction time. Place it on the rack table 6. Each time the elapsed time for the sample liquid in each cell 2 reaches the reaction time, that cell 2 is transferred to the sample measurement chamber 3 for measurement, and the next cell 2 is placed on standby at a standby position. The operations of the hanger 8, each cell 2, and the rack table 6 at this time are the same as in the main measurement in the first mode. However, in the second mode, since the first half of the cell contains a sample liquid for blank measurement, blank measurement is inevitably performed, and the second half of the cell is used for main measurement. If the total number of samples is 2N, then the nth (where n≦N) blank measurement sample solution corresponds to the (n+N)th main measurement sample, so the measured values of both correspond to each other. The difference provides the true measurement for the analyte. The value of N is the measured value of the number of sample liquid preparations (2N) in the mixing diluter.
It is obtained by dividing by .

On the other hand, when storing cells for blank measurement sample liquid and cells for main measurement sample liquid in separate racks, first prepare the required number of blank measurement sample liquids using a mixing diluter, and place each cell 2 in the first Next, prepare the main measurement sample solution using a mixing diluter in the same order as the corresponding blank measurement sample solution, and place each cell in the first rack of the second rack. Fill the pots in order starting from the 2nd position. Then, first place the first rack on the rack table 6,
Measure in the same manner as above each time the reaction time of each cell elapses,
Next, the rack on the rack table 6 is replaced with a second rack and the same measurement is performed. In this case, since the blank measurement sample liquid of the n-th cell in the first rack corresponds to the main measurement sample of the n-th cell in the second rack, the true measurement is determined by the difference between the measured values of the two. value is obtained.

In the above explanation of the second mode, the reaction time is managed by starting time measurement from each time each sample solution is prepared using the mixing diluter, but in some cases, the regular interval mode described above may be used. It may also be applied to the second mode. That is, each sample liquid is prepared one by one using a mixing diluter at preset time intervals, for example, at intervals of 30 seconds, and is stored in the rack 5. Then, when all the sample liquids have been prepared and the elapsed time from the first sample liquid preparation time approaches the preset reaction time, the rack 5 is placed on the rack table 6, and the first sample liquid preparation time is reached. Measurement at the time interval is started when the elapsed time reaches the reaction time.

In such a system, each time the elapsed time of each sample liquid reaches the reaction time, the automatic supply/discharge device 4 is activated from the mixing diluter.
There is no need to input signals to.

In other words, if the time interval in the mixing diluter and the measurement time interval are set to be the same, it is only necessary to provide a timer to measure the elapsed time of the first sample solution in either one, and therefore the mixing diluter It is possible to use a device that is electrically disconnected from the automatic supply/discharge device. In other words,
Since the sample can be prepared using a warming diluter that is different from the mixing diluter attached to the quantification device of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the effect of increasing the utilization efficiency of the equipment.

(Q No Blank Mode In this mode, blank measurements are not performed at all. Therefore, a predetermined number of sample liquids are sequentially prepared using a mixing diluter, and each cell is sequentially stored in a rack.

Then, the sample solution of the first cell is placed on the rack table 6 before the elapsed time after preparation reaches the reaction time, and each time the elapsed time of the sample solution of each cell reaches the reaction time, the first mode is set. Measure in the same manner as this measurement. In this case, the reaction time may be managed by measuring the elapsed time from the preparation time of each sample solution in the mixing diluter and outputting a signal each time the reaction time is reached, as in the case of the first mode. Normally, it is desirable to apply the constant interval mode described above.
.

(b) Lars mode This mode is characterized only by the use of a calibration curve, and the above-mentioned φ deviation mode can also be applied as a measurement operation.

As is clear from the above description, the apparatus of the present invention accommodates a sample solution in which the Togen antibody reaction product is quantified by the intensity of scattered laser light in a cell, and lifts the cell from a rack to open the top surface of the sample. It is designed to be inserted into the measurement chamber, which makes it extremely easy to automate the measurement, which is not only a labor-saving effect, but also allows the cell containing the sample liquid to be isolated in the sample measurement chamber. Therefore, there is less risk of measurement accuracy decreasing due to the influence of other light.
In addition, since the scattered light intensity can be detected in two directions approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane with respect to the cell, the information obtained by measurement is enriched, making it easier to quantify using laser light scattered light intensity measurement. It exhibits excellent effects, and furthermore, since cells are transferred between the rack and the sample measurement chamber one by one, various effects such as a simple and low-cost device can be obtained.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a laser complete antibody reaction product quantification device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cell used in the device of the present invention. A perspective view showing an example; FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing an example of a rack and a rack rack used in the device of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional front view showing an example of the nozzle used in the device of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a side view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 5, and FIGS. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing stepwise the relative positional relationship between the hanger and the cell during movement of the nozzle; FIG. Figure 9 is a side view of the hanger shown in Figure 8, and Figures 10 (A) to 0) are schematic diagrams showing stepwise the relative positional relationship between the hanger and the cell during movement of the hanger shown in Figure 8. 11 is a wiring diagram showing an example of the control system in the X-axis direction used in the device of the present invention,
tJl, FIG. 12 is a coordinate diagram for explaining the movement of the engine and the rack table, and FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example of a detected part for the position sensor used in the apparatus of the present invention. l...-1 constant device main body, 2... cell, 2m, 2;'
... Projection piece, 3 ... Sample measurement chamber, 5 ... Rack, 6
... Rack table, 7... Rack table moving means, 8... No-nger, 8 a, 8 a'...
Side wall, gc, 8c"... protruding portion, 9... hanger elevating means, 10... horizontal moving means. Applicant: Nippon Bunko Kogyo Co., Ltd. Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Agent Patent attorney Yutaka 1) Takeshi Kusai 1■ -7?zFigure'7+o'+p ■) (su) 0 Procedure Amendment (Method) 1985 579f, Sea 25th, Commissioner of the Patent Office Haruki Shimada 1, Indication of the case 1988 Patent Application No. 160556 No. 2, Title of the invention: Laser set Togen antibody reaction product quantification device 3, Relationship with the person making the amendment Patent applicant address: 5, 2967 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Representative: JASCO Corporation Person: Nao Miyazaki (and one other person) 4. Agent address: 3-4-18 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 1982
February 23, 2015 (shipment date) 6. Documents, specifications and drawings certifying the power of attorney subject to amendment 7. Contents of amendment (1) Power of attorney shall be attached as attached. (2) Attach a copy of the specification and drawings (with no changes in content) as attached. (3) Figure 12 of the drawings is supplemented as shown in the attached sheet. Figure 2 2 Figure 3 Figure 1O (D)

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A laser light source and a scattered light intensity detection means are provided in the measuring device main body in which a sample measurement chamber with an open top surface is formed, and a cell containing a sample liquid is inserted from above into the sample measurement chamber to generate a laser beam. A set of antigen-antibody lasers that makes light enter a sample liquid in a cell and detects the intensity of scattered light caused by an antigen-antibody reaction product in the sample liquid in the cell to fix the concentration of the antigen-antibody reaction product. A reaction product quantitative device includes: a rack for accommodating a plurality of cells; a rack table configured to allow the rack to be removably placed thereon and disposed on a side of the measuring device main body; A hanger for hoisting the cell, a hanger lifting means for raising and lowering the hanger, and horizontal movement of the hanger between a position above the rack and a position above the sample cavity 1] fixed chamber. 1. A laser set antigen-antibody reaction product quantification device, characterized in that it has a hanger horizontal movement means for quantification of antigen-antibody reaction products. (2) A plurality of accommodating sections for accommodating a plurality of cells separately are formed in the rack in a matrix shape along two orthogonal directions in the horizontal direction, and the accommodating sections are moved in the front and rear directions on the rack table. 2. The laser antigen-antibody reaction product quantification device according to claim 1, further comprising rack moving means for moving the rack. (3) The cell has a structure in which protrusions are formed on the upper ends of both its front and rear surfaces, while the hanger has an opening-shaped cross section and protrusions that protrude inward at the lower ends of the inner surfaces of both side walls. 2. The laser set antigen-antibody reaction product quantification device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion of the cell is configured to be engaged with the upper surface of the protrusion of the hanger. . (4) The orientation of the hanger is determined such that both side wall portions of the hanger are parallel to the moving direction by the hanger horizontal moving means. Device.