JPS6080734A - Automatic analytical apparatus for liquid sample - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prompt analytical procedure by providing a means for separating centrifugally suspended matters by rotating centrifugally vessels for a liquid sample, a sucking pipe for the liquid sample, a means for transferring the sample introduced into a passage for the liquid, and a washing device for the external wall of the sucking pipe. CONSTITUTION:A feeding port 11 and a sucking port 12 of a sample are provided to above a centrifuge 1 and a lid 13 is opened or closed by actuating a rotary solenoid 14. Further, a test tube holder 15 is attached to a rotor 2 freely swingably so as to facilitate insertion of liquid sample vessels 17, and the holder is swung with an angle of 45 deg. when centrifugal precipitation is executad with a rotor 2. The sample is transferred to an analytical section 24 with an arm 23 installed with a sucking nozzle 21 in the sample introducing device 20, and a washing section for circulating washing liquid from a washing water tank 32 with a pump 31 is also provided. By this constitution, analysis of samples for such as emergency inspection is performed automatically and smoothly to obtain analytical result quickly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Application of the Invention] The present invention relates to an automatic liquid sample analyzer, and particularly to an automatic analyzer suitable for rapid determination of a sample liquid in a hospital.

[Background of the invention]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Clinical automatic analyzers have developed significantly as they have been adopted for clinical tests in hospitals, and a large number of devices are now being used in actual operations. At present, most of these automatic chemical analyzers are used for so-called routine testing, in which specimens are collected in a testing room and processed all at once. With the development of test automation, there has recently been an emphasis on the provision of emergency testing equipment, such as immediate testing of emergency patients, and there has been a demand for automated equipment that can process specimens quickly and easily. is increasing. Furthermore, the demand for such testing equipment is important not only for emergency testing but also for streamlining diagnosis; for example, in outpatient wards,
There is also a growing demand for devices that can be used directly by doctors to perform tests immediately during examinations.

The conditions for equipment for such urgent inspections are (1-in.
The time required for analysis from collecting books to obtaining analysis results is short.
(1) It needs to be a simple device (within 5 to 10 minutes is required) and (2) a simple device that can be operated by a doctor or nurse without the need for a technician so that it can be used even at night. In particular, for biochemical components and stratiform components, the sample is centrifuged and analyzed in the form of serum, which requires a considerable amount of time for preprocessing, which is a major factor hindering the speed of testing. It has become. In general, the analysis results are currently available the next day or the day after.

[Purpose of the invention]

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic liquid sample analyzer that does not require transfer of sample liquid after pretreatment and can quickly obtain analysis results.

[Summary of the invention]

The present invention provides a centrifugal separation means for centrifugally rotating the sample when a container containing a liquid sample is loaded into a rotor to separate floating matter, and then positioning the container at the suction position; The method described above can be achieved by comprising a sample suction tube for sucking up a liquid sample, a means for sending at least a part of the same-sized sample from this sample into the flow path to an analysis section, and a cleaning section for cleaning the outer wall of the sample suction tube. It is designed to achieve the following objectives.

[Embodiments of the invention]

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a centrifugal separator is installed as a sampler in an analyzer, and an automatic system in which the centrifuge and the analysis section are integrated is configured. In this case, all you need to do is load the sample into the centrifugation device as whole blood in a blood collection container such as a vacuum blood collection tube. This is an analysis system that automatically and quickly executes analysis and data processing processes.

In terms of hardware, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a sample insertion port for loading sample containers one by one into a centrifugal rotor;
It has a sample suction port for sucking up the sample with a nozzle and introducing it into the analyzer, and after centrifuging the sample loaded from the sample insertion port at high speed rotation, the rotor is rotated at low speed.
-C has a sampler as a sampler, which has a sample pretreatment section that has the function of stopping the sample container at the position of the sample suction port. There is also a sample introduction device that sucks up a portion of the sample from a container stopped at the sample suction port and introduces it into the analyzer, an analyzer that analyzes the target component of the introduced sample, and the operation of each of these devices. It has a control section and a data processing section. The sample loaded from the sample insertion port is automatically analyzed according to a preset program through a series of analysis steps from centrifugation to sample introduction, analysis, and data processing.

Such a desirable embodiment is devised in the following points (1) to (7).

(1) The centrifugation section has a completely sealed black box structure, with a sample insertion port that opens when a sample container containing a whole blood sample is loaded into the rotor, and an analysis section that stores the centrifuged sample. A sample suction port is provided that is opened when introducing the sample into the sample and allows the suction tube to enter and exit.

(2) The rotor of the centrifugal separator rotates at high speed. After the sample is centrifuged, it rotates intermittently in a step feeder to move the container containing the separated sample to the sample suction port. Equipped with a function to stop at a certain position.

(3) The sample container holder of the centrifugal rotor has a swing angle of 45 mm to speed up centrifugation during high-speed rotation.
It is configured so that it can be rotated at an angle of 100°, and when stopped, it is held vertically for convenient suction of the sample.

(4) The sample insertion port and sample suction port are equipped with lids that open and close automatically, and when the sample insertion port lid opens, the sample container holder on the rotor rises, making loading and unloading of sample containers easy.

(5) A sample introduction device is provided for sucking up the sample from the sample suction port and introducing it into the analyzer.
It has also been made possible to sample control solutions used for performance checks.

(6) A test tube detection device is installed to prevent malfunctions when loading and drawing up samples, and the liquid volume is used to check whether there is enough sample volume for analysis when introducing the sample into the analyzer. A detection device was installed.

(7) To simplify the operation, when analyzing a whole surface sample one by one, simply insert the sample container into the sample insertion port and press the start switch, and the subsequent analysis steps will be executed completely automatically. Moreover, the program was designed to complete the entire process in 5 to 110 minutes.

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

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of a sample pretreatment section that also serves as a sunglass. The centrifugal separator 1 has a closed structure. 2 is a rotor, and 3 is a drive motor for rotating the rotor at high speed during centrifugation. 4 is a pulse motor, rotary
By operating the lever mechanism 6 operated by the solenoid 5, the roller 7 is pressed against the gear 8, and the rotor 2 is
A desired test tube 17 can be stopped at a predetermined position by step-feeding the test tube 17 at a low speed. 9 is a rotating disk for detecting the position, and 10 is a photocoupler.

A sample insertion port 11 and a sample suction port 12 are provided above the centrifuge 1 . Reference numeral 13 denotes an opening/closing lid which is opened and closed by the operation of a rotary solenoid 14. In this example, the sample insertion port and the sample suction port are opened and closed at the same time using one mechanism.
It is designed to open when rotor 2 is stopped. 15 is a test tube holder attached to the rotor 2 so as to be swingable; when the lid 13 is open, the test tube holder positioned in the insertion opening 11 is pushed up by the push-up rod 16;
The structure is such that the sample container 17 can be easily inserted. 18
1 is a motor for moving the push-up rod 16 up and down, and 19 is a detector for confirming that the sample container has been inserted into the holder. With the container holder 15 lowered, the sample container 17
Shine a light on the side of the container and detect the reflected light to confirm that the container is inserted.

When the rotor 2 rotates at high speed and performs centrifugation m, the sample container holder 15 has its shoulder 15a on the slope 2a of the rotor.
As shown in Figure 2, the horizontal position is restricted by 4.
Swing to an angle of 56 and perform centrifugation. This is effective for performing centrifugation in a short period of time, and instead of swinging the container horizontally as is commonly done, it can be inserted into a septic tank that is rotated at a 45° angle to suck out the cleaning solution. while moving the sample to the position of the introduction pulp 29.

(4) Switch the pulp and perform the introduction.

After introducing the sample, the flow path system closes the valve 26 and opens the valve 27 to discharge the excess liquid filled in the syringe into the waste liquid tank 33, and switches the pulp again to prepare for the next sample suction. The syringe pump 25 opens the valve 28 and closes the valves 26 and 27 to suck up the wash water from the wash water tank 32 at a time when the sample is not yet introduced, and then closes the valve 28 and opens the valve 26 to suck up the wash water. It also has the function of backwashing the sample introduction channel by causing the flow to flow back to the nozzle via the sample introduction pulp 29.

Reference numeral 34 denotes a sample loading holder provided for a standard solution used for calibrating analysis values and a control solution used for quality control, into which three sample tubes 35 can be inserted. In this example,
For calibration, a total of 3 bottles, 2 types of composite standard solutions and 1 blank liquid for blank calibration, are used, and up to 3 bottles of control solution can be used for quality control. This can also be done by installing the sample and inputting execution commands and necessary conditions (once input, it is not necessary to input them every time) using the CRT and operation panel of the device. In this case, instead of inserting the nozzle 21 into the centrifuge, the sample is introduced by sequentially sucking up the standard solution and control solution into the sample loading holder 34.

The analysis results analyzed by the analyzer are calculated by the computer 38 via the logarithmic amplifier 36 interface 37.
The data is processed into data necessary for inspection and displayed on the CRT 39, as well as printed on the printer 40. Computer 38 also controls the operational functions of the entire apparatus, from preprocessing to analysis. Reference numeral 41 uses the operation panel to perform analysis operations and set conditions through dialogue with Ali, CR, and Ta2.

Due to the purpose of use of the device, the analyzer 24 of this embodiment requires a device capable of simultaneous multi-item analysis, usually about 8 items, and either a discrete method or a flow method is possible. To simplify the explanation, as an example, Fig. 1~
An example of analyzing two items in one flow method will be explained with reference to FIG. The analyzer is comprised of an analysis channel system for performing reactions and measurements, a reagent introduction channel system for introducing reagents into the analysis channel, and a sample introduction system for introducing a sample. The main flow path for analysis sucks distilled water from a distilled water tank 43 using a main pump 42, and uses it as a kisser flow through a pressure gauge 44, a resistance flow path 45 for stabilizing the flow, and a reagent introducing pulp 46.
It flows into the reaction coil 47 via the photometer 48.
The liquid enters the flow cell 49 and flows out to the waste liquid tank 33.

The reaction coil 47 is maintained at a constant temperature (37C) in order to mix the sample and reagent and cause a color reaction.

The reagent introduction flow path is for pumping reagents from reagent bottles 50.51 into pumps 52.
53, the reagent is introduced into the reagent introduction tube 54 provided in the reagent introduction pulp 46. In the illustrated state, a reagent 50 has been introduced, but by switching the Mpulbu 46, a reagent 51 can also be introduced. The reagent introduction tube 54 flows through the sample introduction pulp 29 from which it receives the sample sandwiched in the flow of reagents. The sample introduction channel is the same as the introduction method described above, and the supernatant sample centrifuged in the centrifuge 1 is introduced into the sample introduction pulp 29 by the pump 25.

The introduced sample is weighed to a certain amount necessary for analysis by the measuring tube 55b, and the reagent 50 is introduced in advance. The measuring tube passage 55a of the reagent introduction tube 54 is replaced with the measuring tube passage 55a, and the reagent is introduced into the reagent introduction channel.

At this time, the reagent filled in the passage 55a moves to the passage 56. This portion is flushed out by pump 5717C so that it is available for the next analysis.

Next, the reagent introduction pulp 46 is switched and the reagent in the reagent introduction tube 54 is connected to the analysis main flow path with the sample in the measuring tube 55 sandwiched therebetween. The reagent and sample are transported in a circular flow and enter the reaction coil 47 while being mixed, where a coloring reaction proceeds, enter the flow cell 49, and are measured by a photometer 481C. The photometer uses a method in which multiple detectors are arranged according to the imaging position of the spectrum dispersed by a diffraction grating so that multiple wavelengths can be measured simultaneously, and photometric calculation processing using multiple wavelengths is also possible if necessary. It is. When the sample and reagent for the first type of analysis are introduced and the reagent and sample reach the reaction coil 47, the reagent introduction pulp 46 and the sample introduction pulp 29 are switched, and the second type of reagent 51 is introduced. By introducing the sample into the tube 54 and simultaneously feeding the subsequent sample in the sample introduction channel into the measuring tube 55, the second type of analysis can be subsequently started. In this way, two types of serial analysis are performed.

FIG. 5 shows the operation sequence of the sample pretreatment section in this embodiment. First, the lid of centrifuge 1 is opened and container holder 15 is opened.
When the operator inserts the sample container 17 into the holder, loads the sample into the centrifuge, and turns on the start switch, a series of programs is executed.

That is, when the sample container descends and enters the centrifugal rotor 2,
The lid 13 is closed and centrifugation is performed. The appropriate rotation speed of the rotor 2 during centrifugation is 4000 r to 6000 r.

Currently, in general centrifugal separators, it takes a very long time to increase the speed from when the rotor 2 is started until it reaches the specified rotation speed, and to decelerate from the time separation is completed until the rotor is stopped. In the apparatus of this embodiment, the drive motor 3 is functionally designed to shorten this time, and plasma separation can be completed in about 1 minute and 30 seconds, including the time required for acceleration and deceleration. Next, a low-speed step feed function using the pulse motor 4, rotary solenoid 5, etc. is activated to rotate the sample container to the sample suction port 12 and stop it, and in parallel, the suction nozzle moves to the position of the cleaning tank 30. The sample is transferred to the sample container and introduced into the analyzer.

The time required from loading the sample to finishing sucking the sample and returning the sample container to the insertion position is approximately 1 minute and 45 seconds.
Pretreatment starts 2 minutes after the start of the sample, after removing the used sample and before inserting the sample container for the next sample.

The time required to analyze the sample introduced into the analyzer varies depending on the type of analyzer, but in the case of the example explained in Figure 4, it takes 2 minutes for the first type of sample introduction, and in the case of serial processing of the two types, it takes 2 minutes for the second type of sample introduction. Since it can be completed in 1 minute, the second type of analysis can be done in about 3 minutes, and the total analysis time including preprocessing can be completed in about 5 minutes.

Furthermore, in order to perform multiple types of analysis within the same time period, it is possible to increase the number of channels in the analyzer and process multiple types of analysis simultaneously.

The above explanation of the operation mainly focused on the case where samples for urgent testing are brought in one by one for measurement.
In the embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to load a plurality of specimens into a centrifuge at the same time, perform plasma separation at the same time, and then perform continuous automatic analysis processing. In this case, perform the following steps.

(1) After loading the AI sample container into the sample insertion port, press the rotor feed key provided on the operation panel to lower the sample container, rotate the rotor, and receive the A2 container into the sample container holder. rises. When centrifugation is performed using two samples in this holder, the containers are positioned diagonally to the sample container in flat 1 so that the rotation is balanced. Soup: 2) 7fl
When the L2 sample container is inserted and the feed key is further pressed, the sample container descends, the rotor rotates, and the holder that receives the A3 sample container rises.

The holder for flat plate 3 is located next to the holder for flat plate 1, and this centrifuge is designed so that one unbalance is always allowed.

3) Continue to press the feed key and insert sample containers one after another.When the required number of containers have been inserted, press the start key to close the lid and start pretreatment. In this embodiment, there are 12 centrifuge rotors, so the maximum number of specimens that can be loaded is 12.

] 4) Centrifugation is performed simultaneously on multiple loaded specimens, and after separation, while rotating the rotor, the sample containers are sequentially stopped at the sample suction position starting from 41, and the samples are introduced for continuous analysis. The interval at which samples are sequentially sucked depends on the processing capacity of the analyzer. In the analyzer shown in FIG. 4, the interval is 1 minute for the first event, and the interval is 2 minutes for the second event.

In this way, the embodiments of the present invention have the above-mentioned special advantages; for example, a patient's blood sample can be loaded in the same vacuum blood collection tube used for blood collection, and the analysis operation is simple and does not require a technician. Since it can be handled by even an inexperienced person and analysis results can be obtained quickly, it is suitable as a chemical testing device for emergency testing or for testing during medical examinations directly used by doctors.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, there is no need to manually transfer the sample from the pretreatment device to the analysis device, and the sample analysis processing operation is performed smoothly, which is extremely useful for analyzing samples that require emergency testing.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the function of the preprocessing section in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the high speed rotation state of the rotor in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a flow path system of one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of one embodiment. l...Centrifuge, 2...Rotor, 11...Sample insertion port, 12...Sample suction port, 13...Open/close lid,
15... Container holder, 16... Push-up bar, 17
...Sample container, 21...Nozzle, 24...Analysis section, 29...Sample introduction valve, 30...Washing tank, 46
...Reagent-introduced pulp, 4th notebook S (2)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. When a container containing a liquid sample is loaded into the rotor, centrifugal separation means centrifugally rotates the sample to separate floating matter and then positions the container at the suction position; A liquid sample automatic comprising a sample suction tube for sucking up a liquid sample, a means for sending at least a part of the sample introduced from the sample tube into a flow path to an analysis section, and a cleaning section for cleaning the outer wall of the sample suction tube. Analyzer