WO2010090138A1 - Autoanalyzer and rack transfer method - Google Patents

Autoanalyzer and rack transfer method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010090138A1
WO2010090138A1 PCT/JP2010/051244 JP2010051244W WO2010090138A1 WO 2010090138 A1 WO2010090138 A1 WO 2010090138A1 JP 2010051244 W JP2010051244 W JP 2010051244W WO 2010090138 A1 WO2010090138 A1 WO 2010090138A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rack
analysis
unit
sample
information
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PCT/JP2010/051244
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
晃昌 金子
賢二 菅野
Original Assignee
ベックマン コールター インコーポレイテッド
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Publication of WO2010090138A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010090138A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
    • G01N35/026—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations having blocks or racks of reaction cells or cuvettes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
    • G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
    • G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and a rack transport method capable of adjusting the analysis order of racks on which a plurality of sample containers before analysis are mounted.
  • the automatic analyzer that analyzes the components of a sample by reacting the sample with a reagent
  • the sample contained in the sample container is dispensed into a predetermined reaction container, and the reagent corresponding to the test item is stored in the reaction container.
  • the automatic analyzer is provided with a rack transport mechanism for transporting a rack in which a plurality of sample containers are mounted together.
  • An analyzer is disclosed that is transported to a device and positioned so that the positioning device can be tested by a diagnostic module (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
  • a diagnostic module see, for example, Patent Document 3
  • two analysis modules a biochemical analysis unit and an immune analysis unit, are provided, a distribution unit that distributes the transport to the immune analysis unit and the biochemical analysis unit according to the analysis items of the samples contained in the rack, and a rack standby
  • An analysis device including a unit is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 4).
  • the sample racks are analyzed in the order of acceptance, so the analysis item of the specimen contained in the sample rack is either analysis module. If the rack is biased, the other analysis module enters a standby state, and the analysis efficiency of the entire apparatus is significantly reduced.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above, and changes the analysis order of racks based on information such as rack information, sample information, analysis items and the like of racks waiting for analysis placed in the rack buffer unit.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that improves the operation status of the entire apparatus and improves the analysis efficiency.
  • an automatic analyzer of the present invention is an automatic analyzer that includes at least one analysis module that optically analyzes a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent.
  • a rack setting unit for setting a rack capable of holding a plurality of sample containers for storing samples
  • a rack recovery unit for mounting a rack for holding sample containers that have been analyzed
  • a rack buffer unit for temporarily placing and storing the rack
  • a rack transfer unit for moving the rack between the rack set unit, the rack recovery unit, the rack buffer unit, and the sample suction unit, and the rack transfer unit.
  • a reading device that reads rack information and sample information from the rack and / or the sample container to be transferred, and a rack buffer unit
  • a rack information storage unit for adding position information to the rack information and sample information of all racks to be stored, and the rack information and sample information stored in the rack information storage unit.
  • a determination unit for determining an analysis order of all the racks to be analyzed, and the racks to transfer the racks placed on the rack buffer unit to the sample dispensing position of the analysis module in the analysis order determined by the determination unit
  • a transfer control unit for controlling the transfer unit.
  • the racks are distinguished on the basis of the analysis priority, the reader determines the rack priority, and the determining unit determines the determined priority.
  • the analysis order is determined based on this.
  • the priority order of the racks is determined by the color of the rack, magnetic information attached to the rack, and the physical shape of the rack.
  • the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the determination unit determines an analysis order based on a sample type.
  • the automatic analyzer includes two or more analysis modules for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent in the above invention, and the rack transfer unit includes a plurality of rack transfer units.
  • a transport lane is provided, and the determination unit determines an analysis order of the racks and a transport lane of the racks to be transferred.
  • the automatic analyzer of the present invention includes a different analysis module for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent in the above invention, and extracts analysis item information
  • the rack information storage unit includes a calculation unit that integrates the dispensing time for each analysis module for each rack based on the analysis item information, and the rack information storage unit includes the analysis item information for each sample and the dispensing time for each analysis module calculated by the calculation unit.
  • the determination unit determines the rack dispensing order based on the rack analysis module unit dispensing time stored in the rack information storage unit.
  • the rack buffer unit also places and holds a waiting rack for which reexamination necessity is undecided, and the determination unit holds the unanalyzed sample container.
  • the analysis order is determined for all racks including the rack and the rack holding the sample container requiring retesting.
  • the automatic analyzer further includes a retest rack buffer unit for placing and storing a waiting rack for which reexamination necessity is undecided in the above invention, and the determination unit holds the unanalyzed sample container.
  • One analysis order is determined for all racks including the rack and the rack holding the sample container requiring retesting.
  • the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer of the present invention is set in the rack set unit in the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent.
  • Rack information storage step for adding and storing position information to rack information and sample information of all racks placed on the rack, and the rack buffer unit based on the rack information and sample information stored in the rack information storage step
  • the rack is mounted, characterized in that it comprises a second conveying step of conveying the sample dispensing position of the analysis module in the analysis order of the determining step is determined by the rack transport unit.
  • the racks are distinguished based on the analysis priority, and the reading step determines the rack priority, and the determined priority And determining the analysis order in the determination step.
  • the priority order of the racks is determined by the color of the rack, the magnetic information attached to the rack, and the physical shape of the rack. It is characterized by that.
  • the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the analysis order is determined based on the sample type.
  • the rack transport method for an automatic analyzer includes two or more analysis modules for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent in the above invention.
  • the transfer unit includes a plurality of transfer lanes, and the determining step determines an analysis order of the racks and a transfer lane of the racks to be transferred.
  • the rack transport method for an automatic analyzer includes two or more different analysis modules for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent in the above invention, An extraction step of extracting analysis item information of a specimen from a computer or a storage unit; and a calculation step of integrating dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack based on the analysis item information, wherein the rack information storage step includes the analysis The item information and the dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack calculated in the calculation step are stored, and the determination step is based on the dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack stored in the rack information storage step. The analysis order of racks is determined.
  • the rack buffer unit also mounts and stores a rack that is waiting without re-examination after dispensing is completed, and the determination step includes The analysis order is determined for all racks including the rack that holds unanalyzed sample containers and the rack that holds sample containers that require retesting.
  • the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer includes a retest rack buffer unit for placing and storing a rack that is waiting for retesting after the completion of dispensing, and the determination step includes: One analysis order is determined for all racks including the rack that holds unanalyzed sample containers and the rack that holds sample containers that require retesting.
  • an unanalyzed rack placed in the rack buffer unit is referred to the rack information, sample information, and analysis item information.
  • the analysis order can be easily changed, and particularly in an analyzer equipped with a plurality of analysis modules, the analysis efficiency can be greatly improved.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of rack transport by the rack transport mechanism.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the rack buffer unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information stored in the rack information storage unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the analysis order determination in FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of information when the dispensing order is determined by the determination unit based on the rack information of FIG. FIG.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart of rack transport by the rack transport mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a rack buffer unit according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the sample information according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for determining the analysis order in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart of rack transport by the rack transport mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a rack buffer unit according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the blue rack group dispensing order determined based on the sample information (dispensing time in each module).
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the order of dispensing white rack groups determined based on sample information (dispensing time in each module).
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information including a rack dispensing order determined based on sample information (dispensing time in each module).
  • an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking an automatic analyzer that analyzes a liquid specimen such as blood as a sample.
  • the drawings referred to in the following description are schematic. When the same object is shown in different drawings, the dimensions, scales, and the like may be different. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment.
  • the automatic analyzer 1 dispenses a sample and a reagent to be analyzed into a reaction vessel 5 respectively, and a measurement mechanism 40 that optically measures a reaction that occurs in the dispensed reaction vessel 5.
  • the rack transport mechanism 60 that transports the rack 9 holding the sample container 9 a to the measurement mechanism 40, and the overall automatic analyzer 1 including the measurement mechanism 40 and the rack transport mechanism 60 are controlled, and the measurement results in the measurement mechanism 40 are displayed.
  • a control mechanism 50 for performing analysis The automatic analyzer 1 automatically performs biochemical, immunological or genetic analysis of a plurality of specimens by cooperation of these mechanisms.
  • the measurement mechanism 40 includes a reagent storage 2, a reaction table 4, a reagent dispensing device 6, a photometric device 11, a cleaning mechanism 12, a stirring device 13, and a sample dispensing device 20.
  • the reagent container 2 includes a plurality of reagent containers 2 a that store reagents in the circumferential direction, and is rotated by driving means (not shown) to transport the reagent containers 2 a in the circumferential direction.
  • Each of the plurality of reagent containers 2a is filled with a reagent corresponding to the inspection item, and an information recording medium (not shown) on which information such as the type, lot, and expiration date of the stored reagent is recorded is attached to the outer surface.
  • a reading device (not shown) that reads the reagent information recorded on the information recording medium attached to the reagent container 2a and outputs the reagent information to the outer periphery of the reagent container 2 is installed.
  • An openable / closable lid (not shown) is provided above the reagent cabinet 2 in order to suppress evaporation and denaturation of the reagent, and a thermostat bath (not shown) for reagent cooling is provided below the reagent cabinet 2. ) Is provided.
  • the reagent dispensing device 6 includes an arm 6a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through the base end of the reagent dispensing device 6 as a central axis.
  • a probe for aspirating and discharging the specimen is attached to the tip of the arm 6a.
  • the reagent dispensing device 6 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an unillustrated intake / exhaust syringe or piezoelectric element.
  • the reagent dispensing device 6 sucks the reagent from the reagent container 2a transferred to the predetermined position on the reagent storage 2 described above by the probe, rotates the arm 6a clockwise in the figure, and puts the reagent in the reaction container 5. Dispense and dispense.
  • a cleaning tank 6c for cleaning the probe with cleaning water is installed on the probe trajectory.
  • the reaction table 4 includes a plurality of reaction vessels 5 arranged in the circumferential direction, and is indicated by an arrow by a drive means (not shown) different from the drive means for driving the reagent storage 2.
  • the reaction vessel 5 is moved in the circumferential direction by being rotated in the direction.
  • An openable / closable lid (not shown) is provided above the reaction table 4, and a thermostat (not shown) for heating to a temperature that promotes the reaction between the specimen and the reagent is provided below the reaction table 4.
  • the reaction vessel 5 is an optically transparent material that transmits 80% or more of the light contained in the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) emitted from the photometric device 11, such as glass containing heat-resistant glass, cyclic olefin, polystyrene, etc. It is a container called a cuvette formed into a square cylinder shape.
  • the photometric device 11 is an optical system for analyzing an analysis light (340 to 800 nm) transmitted through a liquid sample in a reaction vessel 5 in which a reagent and a sample have reacted, and includes a light source, a spectroscopic unit, and a light receiving unit. ing.
  • the analysis light emitted from the light source passes through the liquid sample in the reaction vessel 5 and is received by a light receiving unit provided at a position facing the spectroscopic unit.
  • the cleaning device 12 performs cleaning by sucking and discharging the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 5 that has been measured by the photometry device 11 by using a nozzle, and injecting and sucking a cleaning solution such as detergent or cleaning water. Although the washed reaction vessel 5 is reused, the reaction vessel 5 may be discarded after completion of one measurement depending on the contents of inspection.
  • the stirrer 13 stirs the dispensed specimen and reagent with a stir bar to homogenize the reaction.
  • the specimen dispensing apparatus 20 includes an arm 20a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through the base end of the specimen.
  • a probe for aspirating and discharging the specimen is attached to the tip of the arm 20a.
  • the sample dispensing apparatus 20 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an intake / exhaust syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown).
  • the sample dispensing apparatus 20 sucks a sample from a sample container 9a transferred to a dispensing position by a rack transport mechanism 60, which will be described later, with a probe, and rotates the arm 20a counterclockwise in the figure to bring the reaction container 5 into the reaction container 5. Dispensing the sample.
  • a cleaning tank 20c for cleaning the probe with cleaning water is installed on the probe trajectory.
  • the rack transport mechanism 60 includes an emergency sample rack set unit 61, a rack set unit 62, a rack collection unit 63, a rack transfer unit 65, a reading device 66, a sample suction unit 67, and a rack buffer unit 68. .
  • the rack 9 that holds a plurality of sample containers 9a for analysis is placed on the rack set unit 62.
  • the user can place the rack 9 to be analyzed on the rack set unit 62 at any time, and the rack set unit 62 may be a unit on which a rack tray that holds a plurality of racks 9 is placed. May be.
  • the rack 9 is replenished with the rack tray, all the racks 9 held in the rack tray are transferred to the rack buffer unit 68, and after the rack tray is emptied, the rack 9 is replaced with a rack tray that accommodates the rack 9. Refill rack 9. Even when the rack tray is used, the analysis is not interrupted because the unanalyzed rack 9 is placed in the rack buffer unit 68.
  • the rack buffer unit 68 temporarily stores the unanalyzed rack 9 placed on the rack set unit 62.
  • the information recording medium which recorded the sample information affixed on the sample container 9a is read.
  • the information recording medium a bar code is usually used, but a two-dimensional code or an ID chip can also be used.
  • the reading device 66 includes a color sensor that determines the color of the colored rack 9 and also determines the color of the rack 9 in addition to the rack information and the sample information.
  • the rack 9 is colored red (emergency sample), blue (rapid sample), white (normal sample), etc., depending on the urgency of acquiring the analysis result of the sample held by the rack 9.
  • the rack 9 holding the urgent sample is usually set in the urgent sample rack setting unit 61, and the sample aspirating unit 67 is transported from the urgent sample rack setting unit 61 to the sample aspirating unit 67 by the rack transfer unit 65 as soon as the sample aspirating unit 67 is empty, and analysis is performed. Is called.
  • the rapid sample is for distinguishing a sample from a visit patient from an inpatient (ordinary sample) in a hospital, for example, and in order to quickly obtain the analysis result of the sample from the visit patient, It is possible to prioritize by changing the color.
  • the rack collection unit 63 stores the rack 9 that has been analyzed.
  • the rack 9 after the completion of the sample aspiration in the sample aspiration unit 67 is transported to the rack collection unit 63 by the rack transfer unit 65 only when the analysis is completed after the sample is dispensed and there is no error in the analysis result.
  • the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer unit 68 instead of the rack recovery unit 63 and waits until the analysis result is output from the rack buffer unit 68.
  • the user can carry out the rack 9 conveyed to the rack collection unit 63 at any time.
  • the rack transfer unit 65 includes a pull-in unit (not shown) that draws the rack 9 to be transferred to the rack transfer unit 65 side, and an extrusion unit (not shown) that pushes the rack from the rack transfer unit 65 side to the transfer destination. After moving to the position of the rack 9 to be moved, the rack 9 is pulled into the rack transfer unit 65 by a pull-in unit (not shown), and the rack information and sample information of the rack 9 are read by the reader 66 provided in the rack transfer unit 65. . The rack information and sample information read by the reading device 66 are stored together with the placement position on the rack buffer unit 68 by the rack information storage unit 22 to be described later. The rack transfer unit 65 also transfers the rack that holds the emergency sample placed on the emergency sample rack set unit 61 to the sample suction unit 67.
  • the control mechanism 50 includes a control unit 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, an analysis unit 18, a storage unit 19, and a rack control unit 21.
  • the control unit 15 is connected to each unit included in the measurement mechanism 40, the rack transport mechanism 60, and the control mechanism 50.
  • a microcomputer or the like is used as the control unit 15.
  • the control unit 15 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on the information.
  • the control unit 15 controls the operation of each unit of the automatic analyzer 1, and based on the information read from the information recording medium, the automatic analyzer is configured to stop the analysis work when the expiration date of the reagent is out of the installation range. Control 1 or issue a warning to the operator.
  • the input unit 16 is configured by using a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and acquires various information necessary for analyzing the sample, instruction information for the analysis operation, and the like from the outside.
  • the output unit 17 is configured using a printer, a communication mechanism, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the sample to notify the user.
  • the analysis unit 18 calculates absorbance and the like based on the measurement result acquired from the photometric device 11 and performs component analysis of the specimen.
  • the storage unit 19 is configured using a hard disk that magnetically stores information and a memory that loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk and electrically stores them when the automatic analyzer 1 executes the process. Various information including the analysis result of the specimen is stored.
  • the storage unit 19 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card.
  • the rack control unit 21 controls the transfer of the rack 9 by the rack transfer unit 65.
  • the rack control unit 21 includes a rack information storage unit 22, a determination unit 23, and a transfer control unit 24.
  • the rack information storage unit 22 stores the rack information and sample information read by the reading device 66 together with the placement position on the rack buffer unit 68 of the rack 9.
  • the rack information includes information on the rack color and the sample type to be accommodated.
  • the sample information includes sample container information and sample ID.
  • the determination unit 23 determines the analysis order based on the rack information and the sample information.
  • the transfer control unit 24 controls the rack transfer unit 65 to move the rack 9 from the rack set unit 62 to the rack buffer unit 68, from the rack buffer unit 68 to the sample suction unit 67, and from the sample suction unit 67 to the rack buffer unit. 68 to the rack recovery unit 63 from the rack buffer unit 68. Further, the transfer control unit 24 controls the rack 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 to be transferred to the sample suction unit 67 in the analysis order determined by the determination unit 23.
  • the sample held in the rack 9 transferred to the sample suction unit 67 by the rack transfer unit 65 with respect to the plurality of reaction containers 5 sequentially transferred in a row.
  • the specimen in the container 9a is dispensed by the specimen dispensing apparatus 20, the reagent dispensing apparatus 6 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 2a, and the photometric apparatus 11 reacts the specimen and the reagent.
  • the spectral intensity measurement is performed, and the analysis unit 18 analyzes the measurement result, so that the component analysis of the specimen is automatically performed. Further, after the measurement by the photometric device 11 is completed by the cleaning mechanism 12, the reaction container 5 is cleaned while being transported, so that a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of rack transport by the rack transport mechanism 60.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the rack buffer unit 68 according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information stored in the rack information storage unit 22.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the analysis order determination in FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information including a dispensing order determined based on the rack information of FIG.
  • the rack 9 holding the sample container 9a containing the sample to be analyzed is set in the rack setting unit 62 (step S101).
  • the rack 9 that accommodates the emergency sample is set in the emergency sample rack setting unit 61.
  • the transfer control unit 24 determines whether or not the rack 9 is set in the emergency sample rack setting unit 61 (step S102). When the rack 9 is not set in the emergency sample rack setting unit 61 (No in step S102), the transfer control unit 24 extracts the number of racks 9 placed in the rack buffer unit 68 from the rack information storage unit 22. It is determined whether or not the number is less than the set number (step S103).
  • step S104 When the number of racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 is equal to or less than the set number (Yes in step S103), the rack 9 of the rack set unit 62 is transferred to the rack transfer unit 65 under the control of the transfer control unit 24. Move (step S104).
  • the reading device 66 reads the rack information and the sample information from the rack 9 drawn for transfer into the rack transfer unit 65 and the information storage medium attached to the sample container 9a held by the rack 9 (step S105). After acquiring the rack information and the sample information, the transfer control unit 24 controls the rack transfer unit 65 to transfer the rack 9 to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S106).
  • the transfer control unit 24 acquires the information from the host computer together with the analysis item information of the sample when the sample type and sample container information stored from the information storage medium attached to the rack 9 and the sample container 9a cannot be acquired. To do.
  • the rack information storage unit 22 stores the acquired rack information and sample information together with the placed position information (step S107).
  • the transfer control unit 24 determines whether or not the rack 9 is present in the rack set unit 62 (step S108). When the rack 9 is present in the rack set unit 62 (step S108, Yes), step S102 and subsequent steps are repeated.
  • the transfer control unit 24 determines whether the rack 9 containing the emergency sample can be transferred to the sample suction unit 67. It is determined whether or not the sample aspirating unit 67 has the rack 9 (step S113). If the sample aspirating unit 67 has the rack 9 (step S113, Yes), the sample aspirating unit is made to wait until it is empty. If the sample aspirating unit 67 does not have the rack 9 (step S113, No), the transfer control unit 24 Under the control, the rack 9 accommodating the urgent sample is moved to the rack transfer unit 65 (step S114).
  • the emergency sample is stored.
  • the rack 9 to be moved is transferred to the sample suction unit 67 by the rack transfer unit 65 (step S116), and the sample in the sample container 9a is dispensed by the sample dispensing device 20 (step S117).
  • the transfer control unit 24 confirms whether or not the dispensing of all the analysis items of the urgent sample has been completed (step S118), and when the dispensing of all the analysis items of the urgent sample has been completed (step S118, Yes),
  • the rack transfer unit 65 transports the rack 9 to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S119), and waits until an analysis result is obtained.
  • step S118 the dispensing is continued for all the samples.
  • the rack transport unit 21 transports the rack 9 to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S119)
  • the rack transport unit 21 confirms whether or not the analysis is completed for the waiting rack 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 (step S120). If it has been completed (step S120, Yes), it is determined whether reexamination is necessary (step S121). If re-examination is necessary (step S121, Yes), the analysis order is determined again in step S110, and step S111 and subsequent steps are repeated.
  • the rack 9 determined not to be reinspected is moved to the rack collection unit 63 by controlling the rack transfer unit 65 (Step S122). If no rack has been analyzed in the rack buffer unit 68 (step S120, No), the process is repeated from step S111 in order to continue dispensing in the analysis order determined in the previous step S110.
  • Step S110 When the number of racks 9 placed in the rack buffer unit 68 reaches the set number by repeating Step S102 to Step S108 (No in Step S103), rack information and sample information stored in the rack information storage unit 22 Based on the above, the dispensing order of the racks 9 is determined (step S110).
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the rack buffer unit 68 according to the first embodiment.
  • the rack buffer unit 68 can place a plurality of racks 9, and the placement locations of the racks 9 are, for example, P1, P2,.
  • the timing for determining the analysis order of the racks 9 is set when the number of racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 reaches a predetermined value.
  • the predetermined value is set to 10
  • the dispensing order is determined.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information stored in the rack information storage unit 22.
  • the rack information 501 includes a rack reception position, rack number, rack color, sample type, initial inspection (unanalyzed), or re-inspection for the rack 9 currently placed in the rack buffer unit 68. Necessity or the like is stored. For example, in the rack information 501, a rack 9 having a rack number 1001, a rack color of white, and a sample type of blood for the first test (unanalyzed) is placed at the rack reception position P1. The rack colors white, blue, and red are for distinguishing normal specimens (hospital patients), rapid specimens (visit patients), and emergency specimens. The urgent sample is usually placed in the urgent sample rack set unit 61.
  • the rack buffer is placed on the rack set unit 62. Since the analysis order is determined by the unit 68, it is possible to carry out analysis by moving up the analysis order. Examples of the sample type include blood, urine, and the like, but when the specimen dispensing apparatus 20 employs a probe that continuously dispenses, such as a metal probe, the sample type is changed for the purpose of preventing carryover. Each time it is controlled to perform special cleaning in addition to normal cleaning. Therefore, by controlling so that the same sample type is continuously analyzed, the number of special cleaning operations can be reduced, whereby the total analysis time can be shortened and the cost for cleaning can be suppressed.
  • the blank (-) in the re-inspection indicates the unanalyzed rack 9, the rack 9 that needs to be re-analyzed, and the standby that indicates the rack 9 waiting for the analysis result. Assume that the rack 9 determined to be re-inspected is preferentially analyzed.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart for determining the analysis order in FIG.
  • the determination unit 23 first classifies racks by rack color based on the rack information table 501 stored in the rack information storage unit 22 (step S201).
  • the rack colors are analyzed in the order of red ⁇ blue ⁇ white, and the racks of each color are classified. Thereafter, in the rack group of each color, re-inspection and unanalyzed racks are classified (step S202), and finally classification by sample type is performed (step S203), and the determination unit 23 determines the analysis order (step S202).
  • FIG. 6 is a configuration example of information when the dispensing order is determined by the determination unit 23 based on the rack information 501 of FIG. As shown in FIG.
  • the red rack (rack number 3001) at the rack receiving position P10 is in the analysis order 1, and then the order of the blue rack group (receiving positions P6, P7, P9) is determined.
  • the rack at the receiving position P9 (rack number 1017) is waiting for reinspection and is not incorporated into the analysis until it is determined whether reinspection is necessary.
  • the blue racks at the reception positions P6 and P7 are unanalyzed racks whose sample type is blood and have no superiority or inferiority, and the analysis order is reception order (P6 is 2, P7 is 3).
  • the order of the white rack group (reception positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P8) is the rack at the reception position P5 (rack number 1009) that requires re-inspection, and the reception position waiting for re-inspection.
  • the order is determined by the receiving positions P1, P2, P3, and P8 excluding the rack of P4 (rack number 1007).
  • the analysis order is determined by the sample type, the immediately preceding sample type (rack number 1009) of the analysis order 4 is blood, and since special cleaning is omitted, the blood sample rack is preferentially analyzed.
  • the racks of the sample type blood are the reception positions P1, P3, and P8. Analysis is performed in the order of reception (P1 is 5, P3 is 6, P8 is 7), and finally the rack of the reception position P2 where the sample type is urine ( The rack number 1003) is analyzed.
  • the dispensing order determination process shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and although each determination item (rack color, unanalyzed or re-inspected, sample type) does not change, the priority order can be changed according to the usage status of the user. .
  • a rack 9 loaded with standard samples for calibration, accuracy control, etc. is also mounted on the rack buffer unit 68. However, like the rack 9 waiting for re-inspection, the rack buffer unit 68 is placed on standby and required. In this case, it is possible to transfer the sample to the sample aspirating unit 67 with priority.
  • the transfer control unit 24 After determining the analysis order as described above (step S110), in order to transport the rack 9 to the sample suction unit 67 from the earlier analysis order, the transfer control unit 24 sets the rack 9 to the sample suction unit 67. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S111). When the sample aspirating unit 67 does not have the rack 9 (No at Step S111), the transfer control unit 24 moves the rack 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 to the sample aspirating unit in the analysis order determined by the determining unit 23. Control to transfer. Under the control of the transfer control unit 24, the rack 9 in the analysis order 1 of the rack information 502 is transferred to the sample aspirating unit 67 by the rack transfer unit 65 (step S112), and the sample dispensing is performed by the sample dispensing device 20. (Step S117). If the sample aspirating unit 67 has the rack 9 (step S111, Yes), it waits until the rack of the sample aspirating unit 67 is transported.
  • step S118 the transfer control unit 24 confirms whether dispensing of all the samples accommodated in the rack 9 has been completed. If yes (step S118, Yes), the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S119), and waits until an analysis result is obtained. If not completed (No at step S118), the dispensing is continued for all the samples. After the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S119), it is confirmed whether the analysis is completed for the rack 9 on standby placed on the rack buffer unit 68 (step S120). (Step S120, Yes), it is determined whether reexamination is necessary (Step S121).
  • step S121, Yes If re-inspection is necessary (step S121, Yes), step S110 and subsequent steps are repeated again. If re-inspection is not necessary (step S121, No), the rack 9 that has determined that re-inspection is unnecessary is stored in the rack recovery unit. After moving to 63 (step S122), step S102 and subsequent steps are repeated. If there is no analysis-completed rack 9 in the rack buffer unit 68 (step S120, No), the process is repeated from step S111 in order to continue dispensing in the analysis order determined in the previous step S110.
  • Step S109 if there is a rack 9 in the rack buffer unit 68 (step S109, Yes), the analysis order determination process of step S110 is performed on the rack 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68, Analysis is performed in the determined order (steps S111 to S122 are repeated). If there is no rack 9 in the rack buffer unit 68 (No at Step S109), the analysis is completed.
  • the rack 9 having a low priority is continuously placed in the rack buffer unit 68.
  • the racks 9 that have been limited and have exceeded the time limit may be preferentially analyzed regardless of the analysis order.
  • an automatic analyzer 1A in which the rack transport mechanism 60A includes a retest rack buffer unit 69 is illustrated (see FIG. 7).
  • the waiting time of the analysis result of the rack 9 becomes long, the number of the waiting racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 increases, and the number of unanalyzed racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 is small.
  • the standby time for the analysis result is increased by installing the retest rack buffer unit 69 as in the automatic analyzer 1A shown in FIG.
  • the number of unanalyzed racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 can be set to a predetermined value or more, it is possible to maintain the effect of improving the analysis efficiency by changing the analysis order.
  • the rack 9 is classified based on the analysis priority of the rack 9 according to the color of the rack 9, but the priority is magnetically determined by the location of the magnet attached to the bottom of the rack 9.
  • the priority order may be optically determined by making a hole in the rack 9 and sorting by the position (physical shape) of the hole.
  • the second embodiment relates to a rack transport method in a multifunction machine to which different analysis modules are connected.
  • an automatic analyzer having different analysis modules, when an analysis item of a sample stored in the rack 9 is biased in one of the analysis modules (for example, a rack for performing analysis using only one analysis module follows, and then the other If there is a rack in which analysis is performed using only the analysis module of FIG. 2), the analysis is delayed in each analysis module, and the analysis efficiency may be reduced.
  • the automatic analyzer 1B according to the second embodiment can determine the analysis order from the analysis item information of each rack 9 so that the operation status of each analysis module is the same. Adjustments can be made to reduce processing time.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1B according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • the automatic analyzer 1B is a multifunction machine in which the biochemical analysis module 41 and the immunological analysis module 42 are connected, but this is merely an example.
  • the biochemical analysis module 41 is substantially the same as the measurement mechanism 40 of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment, except that the reagent storages 2 and 3, the reagent dispensing devices 6 and 7, and the cleaning tanks 6 c and 7 c are each two. The configuration is provided.
  • the immunological analysis module 42 includes an immune reaction table 31, a BF table 32, reagent tables 33 and 34, reagent dispensing devices 35 and 36, an enzyme reaction table 37, a photometric device 38, and a sample dispensing device 39. And reaction vessel transfer sections 55 and 56, washing tanks 35c and 36c, and a chip loading unit 57.
  • the reagent tables 33 and 34 each store a plurality of reagent containers, and each reagent container is a reagent used for analysis of immunological analysis items, and is specific to the antigen or antibody in the sample to be analyzed.
  • a substrate solution containing a reagent containing magnetic particles solid-phased with a reaction substance to be bound, a labeling substance (for example, an enzyme) that specifically binds to an antigen or antibody bound to the magnetic particle, and a substrate that emits light by an enzymatic reaction with the labeling substance Is housed.
  • the immune reaction table 31 has a reaction line for reacting the specimen with a predetermined reagent in the reaction vessel 5a, and includes an outer peripheral line for the first reaction between the specimen and the magnetic particle reagent, and the specimen and the labeling reagent. It has two reaction lines, an inner peripheral line for the second reaction. Each reaction line is formed with a plurality of reaction container accommodating portions for accommodating the reaction containers 5a.
  • the immune reaction table 31 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 with a vertical line passing through the center of the immune reaction table 31 as a rotation axis, and is a reaction container housed in a reaction container housing portion (not shown) of the immune reaction table 31. 5a is transferred to the specimen discharge position C or the like at a predetermined timing.
  • the BF table 32 performs a BF cleaning process for performing a BF (bound-free) separation that separates unreacted substances in the specimen or reagent by sucking and discharging a predetermined cleaning liquid.
  • the BF table 32 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 with a vertical line passing through the center of the BF table 32 as a rotation axis, and transfers the reaction vessel 5a disposed on the BF table 32 to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing.
  • the BF table 32 includes a magnetism collecting mechanism that collects magnetic particles necessary for BF separation, a BF washing unit having a BF washing probe that performs BF separation by discharging and sucking BF liquid into the reaction vessel, and magnetism collecting. And a stirring mechanism for dispersing the magnetic particles.
  • the enzyme reaction table 37 is a reaction line for performing an enzyme reaction process in which the substrate in the substrate solution injected into the reaction vessel 5a can emit light.
  • the enzyme reaction table 37 is formed with a reaction container housing portion for housing the reaction container 5a in the circumferential direction.
  • the enzyme reaction table 37 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 with a vertical line passing through the center of the enzyme reaction table 37 as a rotation axis, and the reaction vessel 5a disposed on the enzyme reaction table 37 is moved to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing. Transport to.
  • the reaction container transfer parts 55 and 56 freely move up and down in the vertical direction and rotate around the vertical line passing through the base end part of the reaction container transfer parts 55 and 56 as a predetermined timing for the reaction container 5a containing the specimen and a predetermined reagent.
  • an immune reaction table 31, a BF table 32, an enzyme reaction table 37, a photometric device 38, an arm for transferring to a predetermined position of a reaction container supply unit and a reaction container disposal unit (not shown) are provided.
  • the sample dispensing device 39 dispenses the sample in the sample container 9a transported to the sample suction position A or B by the rack transport mechanism 60B to the reaction container 5a transported to the sample discharge position C on the immune reaction table 31. To do.
  • the sample dispensing device 39 has a disposable tip for aspirating and discharging a sample attached to the tip of the probe, and freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. .
  • the sample dispensing device 39 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an intake / exhaust syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown).
  • the chip loading unit 57 has a chip case in which a plurality of chips are aligned, and a disposable chip is supplied from this case.
  • This disposable chip is a disposable sample chip that is attached to the tip of the probe of the sample dispensing device 39 and is exchanged for each sample dispensing in order to prevent carryover during measurement of immunological analysis items. Further, at the chip mounting position G of the chip loading unit 57, in addition to mounting the disposable chip, the disposable chip is removed and a disposal box for used disposable chips is provided.
  • the rack transport mechanism 60B has the same configuration as the rack transport mechanism 60 of the first embodiment, except that the transport lanes 69a, 69b, and 69c are provided.
  • the rack transfer unit 65 controls the rack 9 from the rack set unit 62 to the rack buffer unit 68, from the rack buffer unit 68 to the transfer lane 69a or 69b, and from the transfer lane 69c to the rack buffer unit under the control of the transfer control unit 24B. 68 to the rack recovery unit 63 from the rack buffer unit 68.
  • the rack 9 transferred to the transfer lane 69a by the rack transfer unit 65 is transferred on the transfer lane 69a by a transfer mechanism (not shown), and is aspirated by the sample dispensing device 20 of the biochemical analysis module 41 at the sample aspiration position E. Is discharged into the reaction vessel 5 on the reaction table 4. Further, the sample transported on the transport lane 69 a by a transport mechanism (not shown) and sucked by the sample dispensing device 39 of the immunological analysis module 42 at the sample suction position B is discharged to the reaction container 5 a on the immune reaction table 31. .
  • the rack 9 is pushed out from the transfer lane 69a to the transfer lane 69c by an unillustrated push-out mechanism, and is transported on the transfer lane 69c by the unillustrated transfer mechanism to transfer the rack. It is transferred to the rack buffer unit 68 by the unit 65.
  • the rack 9 may be first transported to the sample suction position B according to the operating status of each analysis module. In addition, some racks 9 perform analysis using only one of the analysis modules. In such a case, the rack 9 is transported to one of the sample aspirating positions, and after dispensing, the rack is moved by an unillustrated push-out mechanism. 9 is pushed out to the transport lane 69 c and transported on the transport lane 69 c by a transport mechanism (not shown), and then the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer unit 68 by the rack transport unit 65.
  • the rack 9 different from the rack 9 transferred to the transfer lane 69b by the rack transfer unit 65 is transferred on the transfer lane 69b by a transfer mechanism (not shown), and the biochemical analysis module 41 at the sample suction position D.
  • the sample aspirated by the sample dispensing apparatus 20 is discharged into the reaction container 5 on the reaction table 4. Further, the sample transported on the transport lane 69b by a transport mechanism (not shown) and sucked by the sample dispensing device 39 of the immunological analysis module 42 at the sample suction position A is discharged to the reaction container 5a on the immune reaction table 31. .
  • the rack 9 is pushed out from the transfer lane 69b to the transfer lane 69c by the push-out mechanism (not shown), and is transferred on the transfer lane 69c by the transfer mechanism (not shown).
  • the rack is transferred to the rack buffer unit 68 by the rack transfer unit 65.
  • the rack 9 may be first transported to the sample suction position A according to the operating status of each analysis module. In addition, some racks 9 perform analysis using only one of the analysis modules. In such a case, the rack 9 is transported to one of the sample aspirating positions, and after dispensing, the rack is moved by an unillustrated push-out mechanism. 9 is pushed out to the transport lane 69 c and transported on the transport lane 69 c by a transport mechanism (not shown), and the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer section 68 by the rack transport section 65.
  • the control mechanism 50B is different from the control mechanism 50 of the first embodiment in that the rack control unit 21B includes the calculation unit 25. Based on the analysis item information extracted from the host or the like, the calculation unit 25 accumulates the dispensing time for each analysis module for each rack 9.
  • the rack information storage unit 22B stores analysis item information and the dispensing time for each analysis module calculated by the calculation unit 25 in addition to rack information, sample information, and rack position information.
  • the determining unit 23B determines the rack dispensing order based on the rack color and the dispensing time of each rack 9 stored in the rack information storage unit 22B in units of analysis modules.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart of rack transport by the rack transport mechanism 60B.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the rack buffer unit 68 according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of sample information.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for determining the analysis order in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the dispensing order for the blue rack group determined based on the sample information (dispensing time in each module).
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the rack buffer unit 68 according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of sample information.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for determining the analysis order in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the dispensing order for the white rack group determined based on the sample information (dispensing time in each module).
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information including a rack dispensing order determined based on sample information (dispensing time in each module).
  • the rack transport according to the second embodiment is performed until the rack information and the sample information are read by the reading device 66 when transported from the rack set section 62 to the rack buffer section 68 by the rack transport section 65 (see FIG. 9, step S305).
  • the host computer (not shown) connected to the storage unit 19 of the automatic analyzer 1B or the automatic analyzer 1B based on the read sample information is the same as the rack transport in the first embodiment.
  • the calculation unit 25 integrates the dispensing time for each analysis module for each rack 9 based on the extracted analysis item information (step S307).
  • the rack 9 from which the rack information and the sample information are read is transferred to the rack buffer unit 68 by the rack transfer unit 65 under the control of the transfer control unit 24B (step S308).
  • the rack information storage unit 22B stores the dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack 9 calculated by the calculation unit 25, along with the rack information, sample information, analysis item information, and position information (step S309).
  • the rack information read by the reading device 66 is stored in the rack information storage unit 22B as a rack information table 503 as shown in FIG. Is remembered.
  • the reading device 66 also reads the sample information of the sample container 9a accommodated in the rack 9, and the sample information is stored in the rack information storage unit 22B as a sample information table 504 as shown in FIG. 12 together with the extracted analysis item information. Is done.
  • the sample information table 504 is configured for each rack, and stores, for example, a rack number, a sample container position, a sample number, and an analysis item.
  • the specimen information table 504 also stores the biochemical dispensing time and the immune dispensing time calculated by the calculation unit 25.
  • the biochemical dispensing time and the immune dispensing time are calculated by calculating the number of biochemical items and the number of immune items based on the analysis items, and integrating the dispensing time required for one dispensing in each analysis module.
  • the specimen information table 504 also stores the total time of the biochemical dispensing time and the immune dispensing time of the specimen stored in the rack (rack number 1101).
  • steps S302 to S310 are repeated until the number of racks in the rack buffer unit 68 reaches the set number (step S303, Yes).
  • the determining unit 23B determines the analysis order of the racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 (Step S312). As shown in FIG. 13, in determining the analysis order of the racks 9 by the determination unit 23B, racks are first classified by rack color based on the rack information stored in the rack information storage unit 22B (step S401). The rack colors are analyzed in the order of red ⁇ blue ⁇ white, and the racks of each color are classified.
  • the racks 9 are ranked based on the dispensing time of each rack 9 in units of analysis modules (step S402), and the analysis order is determined (step S403).
  • the analysis order may be determined according to whether it is a re-inspection rack or an unanalyzed rack as in the first embodiment, or the analysis order may be changed depending on the sample type.
  • the rack information storage unit 22B includes the rack information.
  • the rack information table 505 and 506 are stored as rack information tables 505 and 506 to which biochemical dispensing time and immune dispensing time (total) are added.
  • the rack information table 505 of the blue rack group is for three racks except for the rack number 1117 waiting for reexamination, and is ranked according to the length of biochemical dispensing time and immune dispensing time.
  • the operation time of each analysis module can be made the same, so the dispensing time in each analysis module is long, or Change the analysis order to dispense alternately from the shortest.
  • the biochemical dispensing time is in the order of rack numbers 1111 (500 seconds), 1113 (400 seconds), 1119 (100 seconds), and the length of immune dispensing time is rack numbers 1119 (400 seconds), 1113. Since (40 seconds) and 1111 (0 seconds), the analysis is performed alternately from the modules having the dispensing length rank of 1.
  • the analysis order is rack numbers 1111, 1119, 1113.
  • the time for transporting and dispensing the rack number 1111 as the analysis order 1 to the biochemical analysis module is 500 seconds, and the time for transporting the rack number 1119 of the dispensing order 2 to the immunoassay module and dispensing is approximately 400 seconds. It becomes the same time, and each analysis module is in the same operating condition.
  • the rack information table 506 of the white rack group is for five racks except for the rack number 1109 waiting for re-examination. Like the blue rack group, the rack information table 506 is ranked according to the length of the biochemical dispensing time and the immune dispensing time. Is done. Ranking from the longest biochemical dispensing time, the rack numbers are 1101 (400 seconds), 1103 (350 seconds), 1107 (200 seconds), 1105 (150 seconds), 1115 (80 seconds). From longest time, rack numbers 1115 (400 seconds), 1105 (360 seconds), 1107 (300 seconds), 1103 (200 seconds), 1101 (180 seconds).
  • the order of analysis of the white rack group is from that of biochemical dispensing time length rank 1 to immune dispensing time length rank 1, biochemical rank 2, so that the operating status of each analysis module is comparable.
  • the analysis order is alternately performed with the immunity order 2...
  • the analysis order is rack number 1101 (analysis order 1), 1115 (analysis order 2), 1103 (analysis order 3), 1105 (analysis order 4), 1107 ( The order of analysis is 5).
  • FIG. 16 shows a rack information table 507 to which the dispensing order and transport lanes of all racks 9 determined by the determination unit 23B are added. Since the blue rack group is given priority and the white rack group is analyzed thereafter, rack numbers 1111 (analysis order 1), 1119 (analysis order 2), 1113 (analysis order 3), 1101 (analysis order 4), 1115 (analysis order 5), 1103 (analysis order 6), 1105 (analysis order 7), and 1107 (analysis order 8).
  • the transportation lane has an odd number 69a in dispensing order and an even number 69b (or vice versa).
  • the racks 9 in which the analysis order is determined are all unanalyzed racks 9 and the dispensing time in each analysis module is relatively long, so that the racks 9 are alternately transported in the transport lanes 69a and 69b. However, in re-inspection racks, dispensing may be completed in a short time. In such a case, the determination unit 23B also selects the transport lane so as to determine the analysis order so that the operation statuses of the analysis modules are approximately the same.
  • the analysis order shown in the rack information table 507 is a sequential dispensing order in which the analysis order of the blue rack group and the analysis order of the white rack group are kept as they are. The order may be determined.
  • step S313 and subsequent steps are performed in order to perform dispensing in the determined analysis order.
  • Step S313 and subsequent steps are the same as step S111 and subsequent steps in the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the automatic analyzer and the rack transport method of the present invention are useful in an automatic analyzer that wants to change the order of analysis according to the sample, and in particular, an efficient analysis with an automatic analyzer having a plurality of analysis modules. Suitable for doing.

Abstract

Provided is an autoanalyzer (1) which can enhance analysis efficiency by changing the order of analysis of racks on the basis of the rack information or the like relating to a rack (9) placed on a rack buffer (68) before analysis thereof. The autoanalyzer (1) is provided with the rack buffer (68) which temporarily mounts and stores the rack (9) to be transferred to a measuring mechanism (40), wherein a reader (66) provided above a rack transfer section (65) reads out the rack information and specimen information from information storage media attached to the rack (9) and a specimen container (9a), the information is stored in a rack information storage section (22) together with the positional information, a determination section (23) determines the order of analysis based on the information, and a transfer control section (24) controls the rack (9) to be transferred to a specimen suction section (67) in the order of analysis.

Description

自動分析装置およびラック搬送方法Automatic analyzer and rack transport method
　本発明は、分析前の複数の検体容器を搭載したラックの分析順を調整しうる自動分析装置ならびにラック搬送方法に関する。 The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and a rack transport method capable of adjusting the analysis order of racks on which a plurality of sample containers before analysis are mounted.
　検体と試薬とを反応させることによって検体の成分の分析を行う自動分析装置では、検体容器に収容されている検体を所定の反応容器へ分注し、その反応容器内で検査項目に応じた試薬と混合し、反応を生じさせている。このような検体の分注を迅速に行うため、自動分析装置には、複数の検体容器をまとめて搭載したラックを搬送するラック搬送機構が設けられている。 In an automatic analyzer that analyzes the components of a sample by reacting the sample with a reagent, the sample contained in the sample container is dispensed into a predetermined reaction container, and the reagent corresponding to the test item is stored in the reaction container. To cause a reaction. In order to quickly dispense such samples, the automatic analyzer is provided with a rack transport mechanism for transporting a rack in which a plurality of sample containers are mounted together.
　近年、分析結果が測定可能範囲を超える等の異常値を示した場合に、同一検体について再検査を行なうために、分注が終了後分析結果の待機用のラック待機部を設けて、再検査が必要な場合に該ラック待機部からラックを分析モジュールまで搬送する自動分析装置が開示されている（例えば、特許文献１および２を参照）。同様に、ラックをセットする荷載ラック部とラックの位置決め装置とラックを搬送する搬送装置とを備え、入力データと複数の試料処理の優先順位とに基づき、搬送装置によりラックを荷載ラック部から位置決め装置に搬送し、位置決め装置が診断モジュールで試験可能なように位置決めする分析装置が開示されている（例えば、特許文献３を参照）。さらに、生化学分析部と免疫分析部の２つの分析モジュールを備え、ラックに収容される検体の分析項目に応じて免疫分析部と生化学分析部とへの搬送を振り分ける振り分け部と、ラック待機部とを備えた分析装置が開示されている（例えば、特許文献４を参照）。 In recent years, when the analysis results show abnormal values such as exceeding the measurable range, in order to retest the same sample, a rack standby unit for waiting for the analysis results after dispensing is provided and retested An automatic analyzer that transports a rack from the rack standby section to an analysis module when a rack is required is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Similarly, a loading rack unit for setting the rack, a rack positioning device, and a transporting device for transporting the rack are provided, and the rack is positioned from the loading rack unit by the transporting device based on input data and a plurality of sample processing priorities. An analyzer is disclosed that is transported to a device and positioned so that the positioning device can be tested by a diagnostic module (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In addition, two analysis modules, a biochemical analysis unit and an immune analysis unit, are provided, a distribution unit that distributes the transport to the immune analysis unit and the biochemical analysis unit according to the analysis items of the samples contained in the rack, and a rack standby An analysis device including a unit is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 4).
特開平６－２０７９４３号公報JP-A-6-207943 特開２００４－２８５８８号公報JP 2004-28588 A 特表２００４－５２５３７６号公報JP-T-2004-525376 特開２００６－３８８８１号公報JP 2006-38881 A
　ところで、特許文献１および２に開示される分析装置では、分注済みのラックについて、再検査または搬出指示が出ていないラックをラック待機部に載置することができるので、分析終了し再検査指示が出されたラックについては即時に再分析可能であるが、これから分析を行うラックの分析順序を制御することはできず、緊急検体を除いて受け入れ順に分析が行われることになる。このため、緊急検体以外で早期に分析結果を知りたい検体がある場合には対応することができない。また、生化学分析、免疫学分析等、異なる分析モジュールを備える複合機においては、受付順にサンプルラックの分析を行うことになるため、サンプルラックに収容される検体の分析項目がどちらかの分析モジュールに偏っているラックが続く場合、他方の分析モジュールは待機状態となり、装置全体の分析効率が著しく低下してしまう。 By the way, in the analyzers disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since racks for which re-inspection or unloading instructions have not been issued can be placed on the rack standby unit for the dispensed racks, the analysis is completed and re-inspection is performed. Although the rack for which an instruction has been issued can be immediately reanalyzed, the analysis order of racks to be analyzed from now on cannot be controlled, and analysis will be performed in the order of acceptance except for urgent samples. For this reason, when there is a sample other than the urgent sample and the analysis result is desired to be known at an early stage, it cannot be dealt with. In addition, in a multi-function machine equipped with different analysis modules such as biochemical analysis and immunological analysis, the sample racks are analyzed in the order of acceptance, so the analysis item of the specimen contained in the sample rack is either analysis module. If the rack is biased, the other analysis module enters a standby state, and the analysis efficiency of the entire apparatus is significantly reduced.
　また、特許文献３に開示される装置では、これから分注が行なわれるラックや、分注後の再検査要否未定で待機中のラックがすべて荷載ラック部に保管され、荷載ラック部に載置されるラックに対してプログラムされた優先順位に基づき分析順を決定する。したがって、複数の分析モジュールを備えた装置での稼動効率は優れるものの、ラックの搬入・搬出はすべて荷載ラック部で行なわれるため、誤ったラックの抜き取り防止のためにすべてのラックの分析が終了するまで荷載ラック部にアクセスできず、装置へのラックの搬入・搬出時は分析が中断されるという問題を有する。 Further, in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3, all racks to be dispensed and racks that are waiting without re-inspection after dispensing are stored in the loading rack section and placed on the loading rack section. The order of analysis is determined based on the priority programmed for the rack being played. Therefore, although the operation efficiency of the apparatus equipped with a plurality of analysis modules is excellent, all loading and unloading of racks is performed in the loading rack section, and therefore analysis of all racks is completed to prevent erroneous rack removal. The loading rack portion cannot be accessed until the rack is loaded into or unloaded from the apparatus.
　さらに、特許文献４に開示される装置では、搬送先を振り分け、搬送予定の分析モジュールにおいて分注待ちとなる場合にはラック待機部に搬送することにより搬送レーンの渋滞を回避できるものの、未分析のラックの分析項目を考慮してラックの分析順を変更することはできないため、装置全体の分析効率を向上することはできない。 Furthermore, in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 4, although it is possible to avoid the traffic congestion in the transport lane by sorting the transport destination and transporting to the rack standby unit when waiting for dispensing in the analysis module scheduled to be transported, Since the analysis order of racks cannot be changed in consideration of the analysis items of the racks, the analysis efficiency of the entire apparatus cannot be improved.
　本発明は、上記に鑑みてなされたものであって、ラックバッファー部に載置された分析待ちのラックのラック情報、検体情報、分析項目等の情報に基づき、ラックの分析順を変更して装置全体の稼働状況を改善し、分析効率を向上する自動分析装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above, and changes the analysis order of racks based on information such as rack information, sample information, analysis items and the like of racks waiting for analysis placed in the rack buffer unit. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that improves the operation status of the entire apparatus and improves the analysis efficiency.
　上述した課題を解決し、目的を達成するために、本発明の自動分析装置は、検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析する分析モジュールを少なくとも１以上備える自動分析装置において、検体を収容する検体容器を複数保持しうるラックをセットするラックセット部と、分析が終了した検体容器を保持するラックを載置するラック回収部と、分析モジュールに移送前のラックを一時的に載置保管するラックバッファー部と、前記ラックセット部、前記ラック回収部、前記ラックバッファー部および検体吸引部間を移動してラックを搬送するラック移送部と、前記ラック移送部により移送される前記ラックおよび／または前記検体容器からラック情報と検体情報とを読み取る読取装置と、前記ラックバッファー部に載置されるすべてのラックのラック情報および検体情報に位置情報を付加して記憶するラック情報記憶部と、前記ラック情報記憶部に記憶されたラック情報および検体情報に基づき、前記ラックバッファー部に載置されるすべてのラックの分析順を決定する決定部と、前記ラックバッファー部に載置される前記ラックを、前記決定部が決定した分析順に前記分析モジュールの検体分注位置へ移送するよう前記ラック移送部を制御する移送制御部と、を備えることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an automatic analyzer of the present invention is an automatic analyzer that includes at least one analysis module that optically analyzes a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent. In the analyzer, a rack setting unit for setting a rack capable of holding a plurality of sample containers for storing samples, a rack recovery unit for mounting a rack for holding sample containers that have been analyzed, and a rack before being transferred to the analysis module A rack buffer unit for temporarily placing and storing the rack, a rack transfer unit for moving the rack between the rack set unit, the rack recovery unit, the rack buffer unit, and the sample suction unit, and the rack transfer unit. A reading device that reads rack information and sample information from the rack and / or the sample container to be transferred, and a rack buffer unit A rack information storage unit for adding position information to the rack information and sample information of all racks to be stored, and the rack information and sample information stored in the rack information storage unit. A determination unit for determining an analysis order of all the racks to be analyzed, and the racks to transfer the racks placed on the rack buffer unit to the sample dispensing position of the analysis module in the analysis order determined by the determination unit A transfer control unit for controlling the transfer unit.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置は、上記発明において、前記ラックは分析の優先順位に基づき区別され、前記読取装置は前記ラックの優先順位を判別し、前記決定部は、該判別した優先順位に基づき分析順を決定することを特徴とする。 In the automatic analyzer of the present invention, in the above invention, the racks are distinguished on the basis of the analysis priority, the reader determines the rack priority, and the determining unit determines the determined priority. The analysis order is determined based on this.
　前記ラックの優先順位は、前記ラックの色、前記ラックに貼付された磁気情報、前記ラックの物理的形状により判別されることを特徴とする。 The priority order of the racks is determined by the color of the rack, magnetic information attached to the rack, and the physical shape of the rack.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置は、上記発明において、前記決定部は、サンプル種類に基づき分析順を決定することを特徴とする。 In addition, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the determination unit determines an analysis order based on a sample type.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置は、上記発明において、検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析するための分析モジュールを２以上備え、前記ラック移送部は複数の搬送レーンを備え、前記決定部は前記ラックの分析順および移送する前記ラックの搬送レーンを決定することを特徴とする。 The automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes two or more analysis modules for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent in the above invention, and the rack transfer unit includes a plurality of rack transfer units. A transport lane is provided, and the determination unit determines an analysis order of the racks and a transport lane of the racks to be transferred.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置は、上記発明において、検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析するための異なる分析モジュールを備え、分析項目情報を抽出し、該分析項目情報に基づきラック毎に分析モジュール単位の分注時間を積算する算出部を備え、前記ラック情報記憶部は各検体の分析項目情報および前記算出部により算出された分析モジュール単位の分注時間を記憶し、前記決定部は、前記ラック情報記憶部が記憶する前記ラックの分析モジュール単位の分注時間に基づき、前記ラックの分注順を決定することを特徴とする。 Further, the automatic analyzer of the present invention includes a different analysis module for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent in the above invention, and extracts analysis item information, The rack information storage unit includes a calculation unit that integrates the dispensing time for each analysis module for each rack based on the analysis item information, and the rack information storage unit includes the analysis item information for each sample and the dispensing time for each analysis module calculated by the calculation unit. The determination unit determines the rack dispensing order based on the rack analysis module unit dispensing time stored in the rack information storage unit.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置は、上記発明において、前記ラックバッファー部は、再検査要否未定で待機中のラックも載置保管し、前記決定部は、未分析の検体容器を保持する前記ラックと、再検査を要する検体容器を保持する前記ラックとを含むすべてのラックについて分析順を決定することを特徴とする。 Further, in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the rack buffer unit also places and holds a waiting rack for which reexamination necessity is undecided, and the determination unit holds the unanalyzed sample container. The analysis order is determined for all racks including the rack and the rack holding the sample container requiring retesting.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置は、上記発明において、再検査要否未定で待機中のラックを載置保管する再検ラックバッファー部を備え、前記決定部は、未分析の検体容器を保持する前記ラックと、再検査を要する検体容器を保持する前記ラックとを含むすべてのラックについて１の分析順を決定することを特徴とする。 The automatic analyzer according to the present invention further includes a retest rack buffer unit for placing and storing a waiting rack for which reexamination necessity is undecided in the above invention, and the determination unit holds the unanalyzed sample container. One analysis order is determined for all racks including the rack and the rack holding the sample container requiring retesting.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法は、検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析する自動分析装置におけるラック搬送方法において、ラックセット部にセットされた分析前のラックをラック移送部によりラックバッファー部に搬送する第１搬送ステップと、第１搬送ステップでの搬送時に搬送する前記ラックのラック情報と検体情報とを読み取る読み取りステップと、前記ラックバッファー部に載置されるすべてのラックのラック情報および検体情報に位置情報を付加して記憶するラック情報記憶ステップと、前記ラック情報記憶ステップで記憶されたラック情報および検体情報に基づき前記ラックバッファー部に載置されるすべてのラックの分析順を決定する決定ステップと、前記ラックバッファー部に載置される前記ラックを、ラック移送部により前記決定ステップが決定した分析順に分析モジュールの検体分注位置に搬送する第２搬送ステップと、を含むことを特徴とする。 Further, the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer of the present invention is set in the rack set unit in the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent. A first transport step for transporting a rack before analysis to a rack buffer unit by a rack transport unit; a reading step for reading rack information and sample information of the rack transported during transport in the first transport step; and the rack buffer unit Rack information storage step for adding and storing position information to rack information and sample information of all racks placed on the rack, and the rack buffer unit based on the rack information and sample information stored in the rack information storage step A determination step for determining the analysis order of all the racks to be mounted, and the rack buffer unit; The rack is mounted, characterized in that it comprises a second conveying step of conveying the sample dispensing position of the analysis module in the analysis order of the determining step is determined by the rack transport unit.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法は、上記の発明において、前記ラックは分析の優先順位に基づき区別され、前記読み取りステップは前記ラックの優先順位を判別して、該判別した優先順位に基づき前記決定ステップで分析順を決定することを特徴とする。 Further, in the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the racks are distinguished based on the analysis priority, and the reading step determines the rack priority, and the determined priority And determining the analysis order in the determination step.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法は、上記の発明において、前記ラックの優先順位は、前記ラックの色、前記ラックに貼付された磁気情報、前記ラックの物理的形状により判別されることを特徴とする。 Further, in the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer of the present invention, in the above invention, the priority order of the racks is determined by the color of the rack, the magnetic information attached to the rack, and the physical shape of the rack. It is characterized by that.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法は、上記の発明において、サンプル種類に基づき分析順を決定することを特徴とする。 Also, the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the analysis order is determined based on the sample type.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法は、上記の発明において、検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析するための分析モジュールを２以上備え、前記ラック移送部は複数の搬送レーンを備え、前記決定ステップは前記ラックの分析順および移送する前記ラックの搬送レーンを決定することを特徴とする。 In addition, the rack transport method for an automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes two or more analysis modules for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent in the above invention. The transfer unit includes a plurality of transfer lanes, and the determining step determines an analysis order of the racks and a transfer lane of the racks to be transferred.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法は、上記の発明において、検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析するための異なる分析モジュールを２以上備え、ホストコンピューターまたは記憶部から検体の分析項目情報を抽出する抽出ステップと、前記分析項目情報に基づきラック毎に分析モジュール単位の分注時間を積算する算出ステップとを含み、前記ラック情報記憶ステップは前記分析項目情報および前記算出ステップにより算出したラック毎の分析モジュール単位の分注時間を記憶し、前記決定ステップは、前記ラック情報記憶ステップが記憶するラック毎の分析モジュール単位の分注時間に基づき、前記ラックの分析順を決定することを特徴とする。 Further, the rack transport method for an automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes two or more different analysis modules for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent in the above invention, An extraction step of extracting analysis item information of a specimen from a computer or a storage unit; and a calculation step of integrating dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack based on the analysis item information, wherein the rack information storage step includes the analysis The item information and the dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack calculated in the calculation step are stored, and the determination step is based on the dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack stored in the rack information storage step. The analysis order of racks is determined.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法は、上記の発明において、前記ラックバッファー部は、分注終了後の再検査要否未定で待機中のラックも載置保管し、前記決定ステップは、未分析の検体容器を保持する前記ラックと、再検査を要する検体容器を保持する前記ラックとを含むすべてのラックについて分析順を決定することを特徴とする。 Further, in the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the rack buffer unit also mounts and stores a rack that is waiting without re-examination after dispensing is completed, and the determination step includes The analysis order is determined for all racks including the rack that holds unanalyzed sample containers and the rack that holds sample containers that require retesting.
　また、本発明の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法は、上記の発明において、分注終了後で再検査要否未定で待機中のラックを載置保管する再検ラックバッファー部を備え、前記決定ステップは、未分析の検体容器を保持する前記ラックと、再検査を要する検体容器を保持する前記ラックとを含むすべてのラックについて１の分析順を決定することを特徴とする。 Further, the rack transport method of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention includes a retest rack buffer unit for placing and storing a rack that is waiting for retesting after the completion of dispensing, and the determination step includes: One analysis order is determined for all racks including the rack that holds unanalyzed sample containers and the rack that holds sample containers that require retesting.
　本発明の自動分析装置ならびにラック搬送方法では、ラックバッファー部に載置される未分析のラックについて、ユーザーの指定する優先順位に基づき、ラック情報、検体情報、および分析項目情報を参照してラックの分析順を容易に変更でき、特に複数の分析モジュールを搭載する分析装置においては、分析効率を大幅に改善できるという効果を奏する。 According to the automatic analyzer and the rack transport method of the present invention, with reference to rack information, sample information, and analysis item information, an unanalyzed rack placed in the rack buffer unit is referred to the rack information, sample information, and analysis item information. The analysis order can be easily changed, and particularly in an analyzer equipped with a plurality of analysis modules, the analysis efficiency can be greatly improved.
図１は、本発明の実施の形態１に係る自動分析装置の構成を模式的に示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図２は、ラック搬送機構によるラック搬送のフローチャートである。FIG. 2 is a flowchart of rack transport by the rack transport mechanism. 図３は、本発明の実施の形態１にかかるラックバッファー部の構成を示す模式図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the rack buffer unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図４は、本発明の実施の形態１にかかるラック情報記憶部が記憶するラック情報と位置情報の構成例を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information stored in the rack information storage unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図５は、図３の分析順決定のフローチャートを示す図である。FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the analysis order determination in FIG. 図６は、図４のラック情報に基づき決定部により分注順が決定された場合の情報の構成例を示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of information when the dispensing order is determined by the determination unit based on the rack information of FIG. 図７は、本発明の実施の形態１の変形例１に係る自動分析装置の構成を模式的に示す図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. 図８は、本発明の実施の形態２に係る自動分析装置の構成を模式的に示す図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 図９は、本発明の実施の形態２に係るラック搬送機構によるラック搬送のフローチャートである。FIG. 9 is a flowchart of rack transport by the rack transport mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 図１０は、実施の形態２にかかるラックバッファー部の構成を示す模式図である。FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a rack buffer unit according to the second embodiment. 図１１は、実施の形態２にかかるラック情報と位置情報の構成例を示す図である。FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information according to the second embodiment. 図１２は、実施の形態２にかかる検体情報の構成例を示す図である。FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the sample information according to the second embodiment. 図１３は、図９の分析順決定のフローチャートを示す図である。FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for determining the analysis order in FIG. 9. 図１４は、検体情報（各モジュールでの分注時間）に基づき決定された青色ラック群の分注順の構成例を示す図である。FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the blue rack group dispensing order determined based on the sample information (dispensing time in each module). 図１５は、検体情報（各モジュールでの分注時間）に基づき決定された白色ラック群の分注順の構成例を示す図である。FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the order of dispensing white rack groups determined based on sample information (dispensing time in each module). 図１６は、検体情報（各モジュールでの分注時間）に基づき決定されたラックの分注順を含むラック情報の構成例を示す図である。FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information including a rack dispensing order determined based on sample information (dispensing time in each module).
　以下、添付した図面を参照して、この発明の実施の形態にかかる自動分析装置について、血液などの液体検体をサンプルとして分析する自動分析装置を例に説明する。以下の説明で参照する図面は模式的なものであって、同じ物体を異なる図面で示す場合には、寸法や縮尺等が異なる場合もある。なお、この実施の形態によりこの発明が限定されるものではない。また、図面の記載において、同一部分には同一の符号を付している。 Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking an automatic analyzer that analyzes a liquid specimen such as blood as a sample. The drawings referred to in the following description are schematic. When the same object is shown in different drawings, the dimensions, scales, and the like may be different. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
（実施の形態１）
　図１は、実施の形態１にかかる自動分析装置１の構成を示す模式図である。図１に示すように、自動分析装置１は、分析対象である検体および試薬を反応容器５にそれぞれ分注し、分注した反応容器５内で生じる反応を光学的に測定する測定機構４０と、検体容器９ａを保持するラック９を測定機構４０に搬送するラック搬送機構６０と、測定機構４０とラック搬送機構６０とを含む自動分析装置１全体の制御を行うとともに測定機構４０における測定結果の分析を行う制御機構５０とを備える。自動分析装置１は、これらの機構が連携することによって複数の検体の生化学的、免疫学的あるいは遺伝学的な分析を自動的に行う。 (Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 dispenses a sample and a reagent to be analyzed into a reaction vessel 5 respectively, and a measurement mechanism 40 that optically measures a reaction that occurs in the dispensed reaction vessel 5. The rack transport mechanism 60 that transports the rack 9 holding the sample container 9 a to the measurement mechanism 40, and the overall automatic analyzer 1 including the measurement mechanism 40 and the rack transport mechanism 60 are controlled, and the measurement results in the measurement mechanism 40 are displayed. And a control mechanism 50 for performing analysis. The automatic analyzer 1 automatically performs biochemical, immunological or genetic analysis of a plurality of specimens by cooperation of these mechanisms.
　測定機構４０は、試薬庫２と、反応テーブル４と、試薬分注装置６と、測光装置１１と、洗浄機構１２と、攪拌装置１３と、検体分注装置２０とを備えている。 The measurement mechanism 40 includes a reagent storage 2, a reaction table 4, a reagent dispensing device 6, a photometric device 11, a cleaning mechanism 12, a stirring device 13, and a sample dispensing device 20.
　試薬庫２は、図１に示すように、試薬を収容する試薬容器２ａが周方向に複数配置され、駆動手段（図示せず）により回転されて試薬容器２ａを周方向に搬送する。複数の試薬容器２ａは、それぞれ検査項目に応じた試薬が満たされ、外面には収容した試薬の種類、ロット及び有効期限等の情報を記録した情報記録媒体（図示せず）が貼付されている。ここで、試薬庫２の外周には、試薬容器２ａに貼付した情報記録媒体に記録された試薬情報を読み取り、制御部へ出力する読取装置（図示せず）が設置されている。試薬庫２の上方には、試薬の蒸発や変性を抑制するため、開閉自在な蓋（図示せず）が設けられており、試薬庫２の下方には試薬冷却用の恒温槽（図示せず）が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the reagent container 2 includes a plurality of reagent containers 2 a that store reagents in the circumferential direction, and is rotated by driving means (not shown) to transport the reagent containers 2 a in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of reagent containers 2a is filled with a reagent corresponding to the inspection item, and an information recording medium (not shown) on which information such as the type, lot, and expiration date of the stored reagent is recorded is attached to the outer surface. . Here, a reading device (not shown) that reads the reagent information recorded on the information recording medium attached to the reagent container 2a and outputs the reagent information to the outer periphery of the reagent container 2 is installed. An openable / closable lid (not shown) is provided above the reagent cabinet 2 in order to suppress evaporation and denaturation of the reagent, and a thermostat bath (not shown) for reagent cooling is provided below the reagent cabinet 2. ) Is provided.
　試薬分注装置６は、鉛直方向への昇降および自身の基端部を通過する鉛直線を中心軸とする回転を自在に行なうアーム６ａを備える。このアーム６ａの先端部には、検体の吸引および吐出を行なうプローブが取り付けられている。試薬分注装置６は、図示しない吸排シリンジまたは圧電素子を用いた吸排機構を備える。試薬分注装置６は、上述した試薬庫２上の所定位置に移送された試薬容器２ａの中からプローブによって試薬を吸引し、アーム６ａを図中時計回りに旋回させ、反応容器５に試薬を吐出して分注を行なう。また、プローブの回動軌跡上には、洗浄水によってプローブを洗浄する洗浄槽６ｃが設置される。 The reagent dispensing device 6 includes an arm 6a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through the base end of the reagent dispensing device 6 as a central axis. A probe for aspirating and discharging the specimen is attached to the tip of the arm 6a. The reagent dispensing device 6 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an unillustrated intake / exhaust syringe or piezoelectric element. The reagent dispensing device 6 sucks the reagent from the reagent container 2a transferred to the predetermined position on the reagent storage 2 described above by the probe, rotates the arm 6a clockwise in the figure, and puts the reagent in the reaction container 5. Dispense and dispense. A cleaning tank 6c for cleaning the probe with cleaning water is installed on the probe trajectory.
　反応テーブル４は、図１に示すように、複数の反応容器５が周方向に沿って配列されており、試薬庫２を駆動する駆動手段とは異なる駆動手段（図示せず）によって矢印で示す方向に回転されて反応容器５を周方向に移動させる。反応テーブル４の上方には開閉自在な蓋（図示せず）が、下方には検体と試薬の反応を促進させる温度に加温するための恒温槽（図示せず）がそれぞれ設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the reaction table 4 includes a plurality of reaction vessels 5 arranged in the circumferential direction, and is indicated by an arrow by a drive means (not shown) different from the drive means for driving the reagent storage 2. The reaction vessel 5 is moved in the circumferential direction by being rotated in the direction. An openable / closable lid (not shown) is provided above the reaction table 4, and a thermostat (not shown) for heating to a temperature that promotes the reaction between the specimen and the reagent is provided below the reaction table 4.
　反応容器５は、測光装置１１から出射された分析光（３４０～８００ｎｍ）に含まれる光の８０％以上を透過する光学的に透明な素材、例えば、耐熱ガラスを含むガラス、環状オレフィンやポリスチレン等によって四角筒状に成形されたキュベットと呼ばれる容器である。 The reaction vessel 5 is an optically transparent material that transmits 80% or more of the light contained in the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) emitted from the photometric device 11, such as glass containing heat-resistant glass, cyclic olefin, polystyrene, etc. It is a container called a cuvette formed into a square cylinder shape.
　測光装置１１は、試薬と検体とが反応した反応容器５内の液体試料に分析光（３４０～８００ｎｍ）を透過させて分析するための光学系であり、光源、分光部及び受光部を有している。光源から出射された分析光は、反応容器５内の液体試料を透過し、分光部と対向する位置に設けた受光部によって受光される。 The photometric device 11 is an optical system for analyzing an analysis light (340 to 800 nm) transmitted through a liquid sample in a reaction vessel 5 in which a reagent and a sample have reacted, and includes a light source, a spectroscopic unit, and a light receiving unit. ing. The analysis light emitted from the light source passes through the liquid sample in the reaction vessel 5 and is received by a light receiving unit provided at a position facing the spectroscopic unit.
　洗浄装置１２は、ノズルによって測光装置１１による測定が終了した反応容器５内の反応液を吸引して排出するとともに、洗剤や洗浄水等の洗浄液を注入および吸引することで洗浄を行なう。この洗浄した反応容器５は再利用されるが、検査内容によっては１回の測定終了後に反応容器５を廃棄してもよい。 The cleaning device 12 performs cleaning by sucking and discharging the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 5 that has been measured by the photometry device 11 by using a nozzle, and injecting and sucking a cleaning solution such as detergent or cleaning water. Although the washed reaction vessel 5 is reused, the reaction vessel 5 may be discarded after completion of one measurement depending on the contents of inspection.
　攪拌装置１３は、分注された検体と試薬とを攪拌棒によって攪拌し、反応を均一化させる。 The stirrer 13 stirs the dispensed specimen and reagent with a stir bar to homogenize the reaction.
　検体分注装置２０は、鉛直方向への昇降および自身の基端部を通過する鉛直線を中心軸とする回転を自在に行なうアーム２０ａを備える。このアーム２０ａの先端部には、検体の吸引および吐出を行なうプローブが取り付けられている。検体分注装置２０は、図示しない吸排シリンジまたは圧電素子を用いた吸排機構を備える。検体分注装置２０は、後述するラック搬送機構６０により分注位置に移送された検体容器９ａの中からプローブによって検体を吸引し、アーム２０ａを図中反時計回りに旋回させ、反応容器５に検体を吐出して分注を行なう。また、プローブの回動軌跡上には、洗浄水によってプローブを洗浄する洗浄槽２０ｃが設置される。 The specimen dispensing apparatus 20 includes an arm 20a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through the base end of the specimen. A probe for aspirating and discharging the specimen is attached to the tip of the arm 20a. The sample dispensing apparatus 20 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an intake / exhaust syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown). The sample dispensing apparatus 20 sucks a sample from a sample container 9a transferred to a dispensing position by a rack transport mechanism 60, which will be described later, with a probe, and rotates the arm 20a counterclockwise in the figure to bring the reaction container 5 into the reaction container 5. Dispensing the sample. A cleaning tank 20c for cleaning the probe with cleaning water is installed on the probe trajectory.
　ラック搬送機構６０は、緊急検体ラックセット部６１と、ラックセット部６２と、ラック回収部６３と、ラック移送部６５と、読取装置６６と、検体吸引部６７と、ラックバッファー部６８とを備える。 The rack transport mechanism 60 includes an emergency sample rack set unit 61, a rack set unit 62, a rack collection unit 63, a rack transfer unit 65, a reading device 66, a sample suction unit 67, and a rack buffer unit 68. .
　ラックセット部６２には、分析を行う検体容器９ａを複数保持するラック９を載置する。ユーザーは分析を行うラック９を随時ラックセット部６２に載置することが可能であり、ラックセット部６２は、複数のラック９を保持するラックトレイを載置するものでもよく、キャタピラ方式であってもよい。ラックトレイによってラック９を補充する場合は、ラックトレイに保持されるラック９がすべてラックバッファー部６８に移送され、ラックトレイが空になった後、ラック９を収容するラックトレイと交換することによりラック９を補充する。ラックトレイを使用する場合でも、ラックバッファー部６８に未分析のラック９が載置されているので、分析が中断することはない。 The rack 9 that holds a plurality of sample containers 9a for analysis is placed on the rack set unit 62. The user can place the rack 9 to be analyzed on the rack set unit 62 at any time, and the rack set unit 62 may be a unit on which a rack tray that holds a plurality of racks 9 is placed. May be. When the rack 9 is replenished with the rack tray, all the racks 9 held in the rack tray are transferred to the rack buffer unit 68, and after the rack tray is emptied, the rack 9 is replaced with a rack tray that accommodates the rack 9. Refill rack 9. Even when the rack tray is used, the analysis is not interrupted because the unanalyzed rack 9 is placed in the rack buffer unit 68.
　ラックバッファー部６８は、ラックセット部６２に載置された未分析のラック９を一時的に保管する。ラックバッファー部６８に載置される未分析のラック９は、ラック移送部６５によりラックセット部６２から移送される際、読取装置６６により、ラック９に貼付されるラック情報を記録した情報記録媒体と、検体容器９ａに貼付される検体情報を記録した情報記録媒体とを読み込む。情報記録媒体としては、通常バーコードが使用されるが、二次元コードやＩＤチップなどの使用も可能である。さらに読取装置６６は、着色されたラック９の色を判別するカラーセンサを備え、ラック情報および検体情報に加え、ラック９の色も判別する。ラック９は、ラック９が保持する検体の分析結果取得の緊急度により、赤（緊急検体）、青（迅速検体）、白（通常検体）等に着色されている。緊急検体を保持するラック９は、通常緊急検体ラックセット部６１にセットされ、検体吸引部６７が空き次第緊急検体ラックセット部６１からラック移送部６５により検体吸引部６７に搬送され、分析が行われる。迅速検体は、例えば、病院などにおいて、来院患者からの検体を入院患者（通常検体）と区別するためのものであり、来院患者からの検体の分析結果を迅速に入手するために、ラック９の色を変えて優先順位付けを行なうことが可能である。 The rack buffer unit 68 temporarily stores the unanalyzed rack 9 placed on the rack set unit 62. An information recording medium in which the unanalyzed rack 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 is recorded with rack information to be attached to the rack 9 by the reading device 66 when the rack transfer unit 65 transfers the rack 9 from the rack set unit 62. And the information recording medium which recorded the sample information affixed on the sample container 9a is read. As the information recording medium, a bar code is usually used, but a two-dimensional code or an ID chip can also be used. Furthermore, the reading device 66 includes a color sensor that determines the color of the colored rack 9 and also determines the color of the rack 9 in addition to the rack information and the sample information. The rack 9 is colored red (emergency sample), blue (rapid sample), white (normal sample), etc., depending on the urgency of acquiring the analysis result of the sample held by the rack 9. The rack 9 holding the urgent sample is usually set in the urgent sample rack setting unit 61, and the sample aspirating unit 67 is transported from the urgent sample rack setting unit 61 to the sample aspirating unit 67 by the rack transfer unit 65 as soon as the sample aspirating unit 67 is empty, and analysis is performed. Is called. The rapid sample is for distinguishing a sample from a visit patient from an inpatient (ordinary sample) in a hospital, for example, and in order to quickly obtain the analysis result of the sample from the visit patient, It is possible to prioritize by changing the color.
　ラック回収部６３は、分析が終了したラック９を保管する。検体吸引部６７での検体吸引終了後のラック９は、検体分注後に分析が終了し、分析結果にエラーがない場合にのみラック移送部６５によりラック回収部６３に搬送される。分析結果が出ていない場合は、ラック９は、ラック回収部６３でなく、ラックバッファー部６８に搬送され、ラックバッファー部６８で分析結果が出るまで待機する。ユーザーは、ラック回収部６３に搬送されたラック９を随時搬出することができる。 The rack collection unit 63 stores the rack 9 that has been analyzed. The rack 9 after the completion of the sample aspiration in the sample aspiration unit 67 is transported to the rack collection unit 63 by the rack transfer unit 65 only when the analysis is completed after the sample is dispensed and there is no error in the analysis result. When the analysis result is not output, the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer unit 68 instead of the rack recovery unit 63 and waits until the analysis result is output from the rack buffer unit 68. The user can carry out the rack 9 conveyed to the rack collection unit 63 at any time.
　ラック移送部６５は、移送するラック９をラック移送部６５側へ引き込む引き込み部（図示せず）と、ラック移送部６５側から移送先にラックを押し出す押し出し部（図示せず）を備え、搬送するラック９の位置まで移動後、引き込み部（図示せず）によりラック９をラック移送部６５に引き込み、前記ラック移送部６５に備えられる読取装置６６によりラック９のラック情報と検体情報とを読み込む。読取装置６６により読み込んだラック情報と検体情報は、後述するラック情報記憶部２２によりラックバッファー部６８上の載置位置とともに記憶される。また、ラック移送部６５は、緊急検体ラックセット部６１に載置される緊急検体を保持するラックの検体吸引部６７への移送も行なう。 The rack transfer unit 65 includes a pull-in unit (not shown) that draws the rack 9 to be transferred to the rack transfer unit 65 side, and an extrusion unit (not shown) that pushes the rack from the rack transfer unit 65 side to the transfer destination. After moving to the position of the rack 9 to be moved, the rack 9 is pulled into the rack transfer unit 65 by a pull-in unit (not shown), and the rack information and sample information of the rack 9 are read by the reader 66 provided in the rack transfer unit 65. . The rack information and sample information read by the reading device 66 are stored together with the placement position on the rack buffer unit 68 by the rack information storage unit 22 to be described later. The rack transfer unit 65 also transfers the rack that holds the emergency sample placed on the emergency sample rack set unit 61 to the sample suction unit 67.
　つぎに、制御機構５０について説明する。制御機構５０は、制御部１５と、入力部１６と、出力部１７と、分析部１８と、記憶部１９と、ラック制御部２１とを備える。制御部１５は、測定機構４０、ラック搬送機構６０および制御機構５０が備える各部と接続される。これら各部の作動を制御するため、制御部１５には、マイクロコンピュータ等が使用される。制御部１５は、これらの各構成部位に入出力される情報について所定の入出力制御を行い、かつ、この情報に対して所定の情報処理を行う。制御部１５は、自動分析装置１の各部の作動を制御すると共に、情報記録媒体から読み取った情報に基づき、試薬の有効期限等が設置範囲外の場合、分析作業を停止するように自動分析装置１を制御し、或いはオペレータに警告を発する。 Next, the control mechanism 50 will be described. The control mechanism 50 includes a control unit 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, an analysis unit 18, a storage unit 19, and a rack control unit 21. The control unit 15 is connected to each unit included in the measurement mechanism 40, the rack transport mechanism 60, and the control mechanism 50. In order to control the operation of these units, a microcomputer or the like is used as the control unit 15. The control unit 15 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on the information. The control unit 15 controls the operation of each unit of the automatic analyzer 1, and based on the information read from the information recording medium, the automatic analyzer is configured to stop the analysis work when the expiration date of the reagent is out of the installation range. Control 1 or issue a warning to the operator.
　入力部１６は、キーボード、マウス等を用いて構成され、検体の分析に必要な諸情報や分析動作の指示情報等を外部から取得する。出力部１７は、プリンタ、通信機構等を用いて構成され、検体の分析結果を含む諸情報を出力し、ユーザーに報知する。分析部１８は、測光装置１１から取得した測定結果に基づいて吸光度等を演算し、検体の成分分析等を行う。記憶部１９は、情報を磁気的に記憶するハードディスクと、自動分析装置１が処理を実行する際にその処理にかかわる各種プログラムをハードディスクからロードして電気的に記憶するメモリとを用いて構成され、検体の分析結果等を含む諸情報を記憶する。記憶部１９は、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭ、ＤＶＤ－ＲＯＭ、ＰＣカード等の記憶媒体に記憶された情報を読み取ることができる補助記憶装置を備えてもよい。 The input unit 16 is configured by using a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and acquires various information necessary for analyzing the sample, instruction information for the analysis operation, and the like from the outside. The output unit 17 is configured using a printer, a communication mechanism, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the sample to notify the user. The analysis unit 18 calculates absorbance and the like based on the measurement result acquired from the photometric device 11 and performs component analysis of the specimen. The storage unit 19 is configured using a hard disk that magnetically stores information and a memory that loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk and electrically stores them when the automatic analyzer 1 executes the process. Various information including the analysis result of the specimen is stored. The storage unit 19 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card.
　ラック制御部２１は、ラック移送部６５によるラック９の移送を制御する。ラック制御部２１は、ラック情報記憶部２２と、決定部２３と、移送制御部２４とを備える。ラック情報記憶部２２は、読取装置６６により読み取られたラック情報と検体情報とを、ラック９のラックバッファー部６８上の載置位置とともに記憶する。ラック情報には、ラックＩＤの他、ラック色、収容するサンプル種の情報が含まれる。検体情報には、検体容器情報、検体ＩＤが含まれる。決定部２３は、前記ラック情報および前記検体情報に基づき分析順を決定する。移送制御部２４は、ラック移送部６５を制御することにより、ラック９を、ラックセット部６２からラックバッファー部６８へ、ラックバッファー部６８から検体吸引部６７へ、検体吸引部６７からラックバッファー部６８へ、ラックバッファー部６８からラック回収部６３へ移送する。さらに、移送制御部２４は、決定部２３が決定した分析順に、ラックバッファー部６８に載置されるラック９を検体吸引部６７へ移送するよう制御する。 The rack control unit 21 controls the transfer of the rack 9 by the rack transfer unit 65. The rack control unit 21 includes a rack information storage unit 22, a determination unit 23, and a transfer control unit 24. The rack information storage unit 22 stores the rack information and sample information read by the reading device 66 together with the placement position on the rack buffer unit 68 of the rack 9. In addition to the rack ID, the rack information includes information on the rack color and the sample type to be accommodated. The sample information includes sample container information and sample ID. The determination unit 23 determines the analysis order based on the rack information and the sample information. The transfer control unit 24 controls the rack transfer unit 65 to move the rack 9 from the rack set unit 62 to the rack buffer unit 68, from the rack buffer unit 68 to the sample suction unit 67, and from the sample suction unit 67 to the rack buffer unit. 68 to the rack recovery unit 63 from the rack buffer unit 68. Further, the transfer control unit 24 controls the rack 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 to be transferred to the sample suction unit 67 in the analysis order determined by the determination unit 23.
　以上のように構成された自動分析装置１では、列をなして順次搬送される複数の反応容器５に対して、ラック移送部６５により検体吸引部６７に移送されたラック９に保持される検体容器９ａ中の検体を検体分注装置２０により分注し、試薬分注装置６が試薬容器２ａ中の試薬を分注して、測光装置１１が検体と試薬とを反応させた状態の試料の分光強度測定を行い、この測定結果を分析部１８が分析することで、検体の成分分析等が自動的に行われる。また、洗浄機構１２が測光装置１１による測定が終了した後に反応容器５を搬送させながら洗浄することで、一連の分析動作が連続して繰り返し行われる。 In the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above, the sample held in the rack 9 transferred to the sample suction unit 67 by the rack transfer unit 65 with respect to the plurality of reaction containers 5 sequentially transferred in a row. The specimen in the container 9a is dispensed by the specimen dispensing apparatus 20, the reagent dispensing apparatus 6 dispenses the reagent in the reagent container 2a, and the photometric apparatus 11 reacts the specimen and the reagent. The spectral intensity measurement is performed, and the analysis unit 18 analyzes the measurement result, so that the component analysis of the specimen is automatically performed. Further, after the measurement by the photometric device 11 is completed by the cleaning mechanism 12, the reaction container 5 is cleaned while being transported, so that a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.
　つぎに、実施の形態１にかかる自動分析装置１のラック搬送機構６０によるラック搬送について、図２～図６を参照して詳細に説明する。図２は、ラック搬送機構６０によるラック搬送のフローチャートである。図３は、実施の形態１にかかるラックバッファー部６８の構成を示す模式図である。図４は、ラック情報記憶部２２が記憶するラック情報と位置情報の構成例を示す図である。図５は、図３の分析順決定のフローチャートを示す図である。図６は、図４のラック情報に基づき決定された分注順を含むラック情報の構成例を示す図である。 Next, rack transport by the rack transport mechanism 60 of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of rack transport by the rack transport mechanism 60. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the rack buffer unit 68 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information stored in the rack information storage unit 22. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the analysis order determination in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information including a dispensing order determined based on the rack information of FIG.
　まず、分析を行う検体が収容された検体容器９ａを保持するラック９を、ラックセット部６２にセットする（ステップＳ１０１）。緊急検体を収容するラック９は、緊急検体ラックセット部６１にセットされる。ラック９のセット後、移送制御部２４は、緊急検体ラックセット部６１にラック９がセットされているか否かを判断する（ステップＳ１０２）。緊急検体ラックセット部６１にラック９がセットされていない場合は（ステップＳ１０２、Ｎｏ）、移送制御部２４はラックバッファー部６８に載置されるラック９の数をラック情報記憶部２２から抽出し、設定数以下であるか否か判断する（ステップＳ１０３）。ラックバッファー部６８に載置されるラック９の数が設定数以下である場合（ステップＳ１０３、Ｙｅｓ）、移送制御部２４の制御のもと、ラックセット部６２のラック９をラック移送部６５に移動させる（ステップＳ１０４）。ラック移送部６５内に移送のために引き込まれたラック９およびラック９が保持する検体容器９ａにそれぞれ貼付される情報記憶媒体から、読取装置６６はラック情報および検体情報を読み取る（ステップＳ１０５）。ラック情報および検体情報の取得の後、移送制御部２４は、ラック移送部６５を制御してラック９をラックバッファー部６８に移送する（ステップＳ１０６）。なお、移送制御部２４は、ラック９および検体容器９ａにそれぞれ貼付される情報記憶媒体から収容するサンプル種や検体容器情報が取得できない場合は、検体の分析項目情報と共にホストコンピューターから該情報を取得する。ラック情報記憶部２２は、取得したラック情報および検体情報を載置された位置情報とともに記憶する（ステップＳ１０７）。移送制御部２４は、ラックセット部６２にラック９が有るか否か判断し（ステップＳ１０８）、ラックセット部６２にラック９が有る場合には（ステップＳ１０８、Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ１０２以降を繰り返す。 First, the rack 9 holding the sample container 9a containing the sample to be analyzed is set in the rack setting unit 62 (step S101). The rack 9 that accommodates the emergency sample is set in the emergency sample rack setting unit 61. After setting the rack 9, the transfer control unit 24 determines whether or not the rack 9 is set in the emergency sample rack setting unit 61 (step S102). When the rack 9 is not set in the emergency sample rack setting unit 61 (No in step S102), the transfer control unit 24 extracts the number of racks 9 placed in the rack buffer unit 68 from the rack information storage unit 22. It is determined whether or not the number is less than the set number (step S103). When the number of racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 is equal to or less than the set number (Yes in step S103), the rack 9 of the rack set unit 62 is transferred to the rack transfer unit 65 under the control of the transfer control unit 24. Move (step S104). The reading device 66 reads the rack information and the sample information from the rack 9 drawn for transfer into the rack transfer unit 65 and the information storage medium attached to the sample container 9a held by the rack 9 (step S105). After acquiring the rack information and the sample information, the transfer control unit 24 controls the rack transfer unit 65 to transfer the rack 9 to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S106). The transfer control unit 24 acquires the information from the host computer together with the analysis item information of the sample when the sample type and sample container information stored from the information storage medium attached to the rack 9 and the sample container 9a cannot be acquired. To do. The rack information storage unit 22 stores the acquired rack information and sample information together with the placed position information (step S107). The transfer control unit 24 determines whether or not the rack 9 is present in the rack set unit 62 (step S108). When the rack 9 is present in the rack set unit 62 (step S108, Yes), step S102 and subsequent steps are repeated.
　緊急検体ラックセット部６１にラック９がセットされている場合は（ステップＳ１０２、Ｙｅｓ）、移送制御部２４は、緊急検体を収容するラック９を検体吸引部６７に移送可能か判断するために、検体吸引部６７にラック９があるか否かを判断する（ステップＳ１１３）。検体吸引部６７にラック９がある場合は（ステップＳ１１３、Ｙｅｓ）、検体吸引部が空くまで待機させ、検体吸引部６７にラック９がない場合は（ステップＳ１１３、Ｎｏ）、移送制御部２４の制御のもと、緊急検体を収容するラック９をラック移送部６５へ移動する（ステップＳ１１４）。ラック移送部６５内に引き込まれた緊急検体を収容するラック９および検体容器９ａに貼付された情報記憶媒体から、読取装置６６によりラック情報および検体情報を読み取り後（ステップＳ１１５）、緊急検体を収容するラック９をラック移送部６５により検体吸引部６７に移送して（ステップＳ１１６）、検体分注装置２０により検体容器９ａ中の検体を分注する（ステップＳ１１７）。移送制御部２４は、緊急検体の分析項目について分注がすべて終了したか確認し（ステップＳ１１８）、緊急検体のすべて分析項目の分注が終了している場合には（ステップＳ１１８、Ｙｅｓ）、ラック移送部６５によりラック９をラックバッファー部６８に搬送し（ステップＳ１１９）、分析結果が出るまで待機させる。終了していない場合には（ステップＳ１１８、Ｎｏ）、すべての検体について分注を続行する。ラック搬送部２１は、ラック９をラックバッファー部６８に搬送後（ステップＳ１１９）、ラックバッファー部６８に載置される待機中のラック９について分析が終了したか否か確認し（ステップＳ１２０）、終了している場合には（ステップＳ１２０、Ｙｅｓ）、再検査が必要か判断する（ステップＳ１２１）。再検査が必要な場合には（ステップＳ１２１、Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ１１０で再度分析順を決定し、ステップＳ１１１以降を繰り返す。再検査が不要な場合には（ステップＳ１２１、Ｎｏ）、再検査不要と判断されたラック９をラック移送部６５を制御してラック回収部６３に移動させる（ステップＳ１２２）。また、ラックバッファー部６８に分析終了済みのラックがない場合には（ステップＳ１２０、Ｎｏ）、前回ステップＳ１１０で決めた分析順に分注を続行するために、ステップＳ１１１から繰り返す。 When the rack 9 is set in the emergency sample rack setting unit 61 (step S102, Yes), the transfer control unit 24 determines whether the rack 9 containing the emergency sample can be transferred to the sample suction unit 67. It is determined whether or not the sample aspirating unit 67 has the rack 9 (step S113). If the sample aspirating unit 67 has the rack 9 (step S113, Yes), the sample aspirating unit is made to wait until it is empty. If the sample aspirating unit 67 does not have the rack 9 (step S113, No), the transfer control unit 24 Under the control, the rack 9 accommodating the urgent sample is moved to the rack transfer unit 65 (step S114). After reading rack information and sample information from the information storage medium affixed to the rack 9 and sample container 9a for storing the emergency sample drawn into the rack transfer unit 65 (step S115), the emergency sample is stored. The rack 9 to be moved is transferred to the sample suction unit 67 by the rack transfer unit 65 (step S116), and the sample in the sample container 9a is dispensed by the sample dispensing device 20 (step S117). The transfer control unit 24 confirms whether or not the dispensing of all the analysis items of the urgent sample has been completed (step S118), and when the dispensing of all the analysis items of the urgent sample has been completed (step S118, Yes), The rack transfer unit 65 transports the rack 9 to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S119), and waits until an analysis result is obtained. If not completed (No at step S118), the dispensing is continued for all the samples. After the rack transport unit 21 transports the rack 9 to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S119), the rack transport unit 21 confirms whether or not the analysis is completed for the waiting rack 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 (step S120). If it has been completed (step S120, Yes), it is determined whether reexamination is necessary (step S121). If re-examination is necessary (step S121, Yes), the analysis order is determined again in step S110, and step S111 and subsequent steps are repeated. When the reinspection is unnecessary (No at Step S121), the rack 9 determined not to be reinspected is moved to the rack collection unit 63 by controlling the rack transfer unit 65 (Step S122). If no rack has been analyzed in the rack buffer unit 68 (step S120, No), the process is repeated from step S111 in order to continue dispensing in the analysis order determined in the previous step S110.
　ステップＳ１０２～ステップＳ１０８の繰り返しにより、ラックバッファー部６８に載置されるラック９の数が設定数になった場合（ステップＳ１０３、Ｎｏ）、ラック情報記憶部２２に記憶されるラック情報および検体情報に基づきラック９の分注順を決定する（ステップＳ１１０）。 When the number of racks 9 placed in the rack buffer unit 68 reaches the set number by repeating Step S102 to Step S108 (No in Step S103), rack information and sample information stored in the rack information storage unit 22 Based on the above, the dispensing order of the racks 9 is determined (step S110).
　ラックの分析順の決定方法につき、図３～図６を参照して説明する。図３は、実施の形態１にかかるラックバッファー部６８の構成を示す模式図である。図３に示すように、ラックバッファー部６８は複数のラック９を載置可能であり、ラック９の載置場所を、例えばＰ１、Ｐ２・・・と位置づけしている。ラック９の分析順を決定するタイミングは、ラックバッファー部６８に載置されるラック９の数が所定値となったときと設定する。実施の形態１では所定値を１０とし、ラックバッファー部６８にラック９が１０台載置された後分注順を決定するものとする。図４は、ラック情報記憶部２２が記憶するラック情報と位置情報の構成例を示す図である。図４に示すように、ラック情報５０１には、現在ラックバッファー部６８に載置されているラック９について、ラック受付位置、ラック番号、ラック色、サンプル種、初検（未分析）または再検査の要否等が記憶される。例えば、ラック情報５０１では、ラック受付位置Ｐ１には、ラック番号１００１、ラック色は白、サンプル種は血液の初検（未分析）のラック９が載置されている。ラック色の白、青、赤は、通常検体（入院患者）、迅速検体（来院患者）、緊急検体を区分するためのものである。緊急検体は、通常、緊急検体ラックセット部６１に載置されるが、緊急検体ラックセット部６１にすでにラック９がセットされている場合などは、ラックセット部６２に載置してもラックバッファー部６８で分析順を決定するので、分析順を繰り上げて分析を行うことが可能となる。サンプル種は、血液、尿等が例示されるが、検体分注装置２０が金属プローブ等の連続的に分注を行なうプローブを採用する場合には、キャリーオーバー防止を目的としてサンプル種が変更するたびに通常洗浄に加えて特別洗浄を行なうよう制御される。したがって、同じサンプル種を連続して分析するよう制御することで、特別洗浄回数を低減することができ、これによりトータルの分析時間を短縮し、洗浄にかかるコストも抑制することができる。再検査の空欄（－）は、未分析のラック９を示し、要は再分析が必要なラック９を、待機は分析結果待ちのラック９を示す。再検査が必要と判断されたラック９は優先的に分析を行うものとする。 The method for determining the rack analysis order will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the rack buffer unit 68 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the rack buffer unit 68 can place a plurality of racks 9, and the placement locations of the racks 9 are, for example, P1, P2,. The timing for determining the analysis order of the racks 9 is set when the number of racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 reaches a predetermined value. In the first embodiment, the predetermined value is set to 10, and after 10 racks 9 are placed in the rack buffer unit 68, the dispensing order is determined. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information stored in the rack information storage unit 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the rack information 501 includes a rack reception position, rack number, rack color, sample type, initial inspection (unanalyzed), or re-inspection for the rack 9 currently placed in the rack buffer unit 68. Necessity or the like is stored. For example, in the rack information 501, a rack 9 having a rack number 1001, a rack color of white, and a sample type of blood for the first test (unanalyzed) is placed at the rack reception position P1. The rack colors white, blue, and red are for distinguishing normal specimens (hospital patients), rapid specimens (visit patients), and emergency specimens. The urgent sample is usually placed in the urgent sample rack set unit 61. However, when the rack 9 has already been set in the urgent sample rack set unit 61, the rack buffer is placed on the rack set unit 62. Since the analysis order is determined by the unit 68, it is possible to carry out analysis by moving up the analysis order. Examples of the sample type include blood, urine, and the like, but when the specimen dispensing apparatus 20 employs a probe that continuously dispenses, such as a metal probe, the sample type is changed for the purpose of preventing carryover. Each time it is controlled to perform special cleaning in addition to normal cleaning. Therefore, by controlling so that the same sample type is continuously analyzed, the number of special cleaning operations can be reduced, whereby the total analysis time can be shortened and the cost for cleaning can be suppressed. The blank (-) in the re-inspection indicates the unanalyzed rack 9, the rack 9 that needs to be re-analyzed, and the standby that indicates the rack 9 waiting for the analysis result. Assume that the rack 9 determined to be re-inspected is preferentially analyzed.
　図５は、図３の分析順決定のフローチャートを示す図である。図５に示すように、決定部２３は、ラック情報記憶部２２に記憶されるラック情報テーブル５０１に基づき、まずラック色でラックを分類する（ステップＳ２０１）。ラック色は、赤→青→白の順に分析を行うものとし、各色のラックを分類する。その後、各色のラック群の中で、再検査と未分析のラックを分類し（ステップＳ２０２）、最後にサンプル種での分類を行ない（ステップＳ２０３）、決定部２３が分析順を決定する（ステップＳ２０４）。図６は、図４のラック情報５０１に基づき決定部２３により分注順が決定された場合の情報の構成例である。図６に示すように、まず、ラック受付位置Ｐ１０の赤色ラック（ラック番号３００１）が分析順１となり、次に青色ラック群（受付位置Ｐ６、Ｐ７、Ｐ９）の順番を決定する。受付位置Ｐ９のラック（ラック番号１０１７）は、再検査待機中であるので再検査の要否がわかるまで分析には組み込まれない。受付位置Ｐ６、Ｐ７の青色ラックは、サンプル種が血液の未分析ラックであり、優劣がなく、分析順は受付順（Ｐ６が２、Ｐ７が３）となる。白色ラック群（受付位置Ｐ１、Ｐ２、Ｐ３、Ｐ４、Ｐ５、Ｐ８）の順番は、再検査が必要な受付位置Ｐ５のラック（ラック番号１００９）が分析順４となり、再検査待機中の受付位置Ｐ４のラック（ラック番号１００７）を除いた受付位置Ｐ１、Ｐ２、Ｐ３、Ｐ８で順番を決定する。さらに、サンプル種で分析順を決定するが、直前の分析順４のサンプル種（ラック番号１００９）が血液であり、特別洗浄を省略するため、血液サンプルのラックを優先して分析する。サンプル種が血液のラックは受付位置Ｐ１、Ｐ３、Ｐ８であり、受付順に分析を行い（Ｐ１が５、Ｐ３が６、Ｐ８が７）、最後にサンプル種が尿である受付位置Ｐ２のラック（ラック番号１００３）の分析となる。 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart for determining the analysis order in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the determination unit 23 first classifies racks by rack color based on the rack information table 501 stored in the rack information storage unit 22 (step S201). The rack colors are analyzed in the order of red → blue → white, and the racks of each color are classified. Thereafter, in the rack group of each color, re-inspection and unanalyzed racks are classified (step S202), and finally classification by sample type is performed (step S203), and the determination unit 23 determines the analysis order (step S202). S204). FIG. 6 is a configuration example of information when the dispensing order is determined by the determination unit 23 based on the rack information 501 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, first, the red rack (rack number 3001) at the rack receiving position P10 is in the analysis order 1, and then the order of the blue rack group (receiving positions P6, P7, P9) is determined. The rack at the receiving position P9 (rack number 1017) is waiting for reinspection and is not incorporated into the analysis until it is determined whether reinspection is necessary. The blue racks at the reception positions P6 and P7 are unanalyzed racks whose sample type is blood and have no superiority or inferiority, and the analysis order is reception order (P6 is 2, P7 is 3). The order of the white rack group (reception positions P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P8) is the rack at the reception position P5 (rack number 1009) that requires re-inspection, and the reception position waiting for re-inspection. The order is determined by the receiving positions P1, P2, P3, and P8 excluding the rack of P4 (rack number 1007). Further, although the analysis order is determined by the sample type, the immediately preceding sample type (rack number 1009) of the analysis order 4 is blood, and since special cleaning is omitted, the blood sample rack is preferentially analyzed. The racks of the sample type blood are the reception positions P1, P3, and P8. Analysis is performed in the order of reception (P1 is 5, P3 is 6, P8 is 7), and finally the rack of the reception position P2 where the sample type is urine ( The rack number 1003) is analyzed.
　図５に示す分注順決定処理はあくまで例示であり、各判断項目（ラック色、未分析か再検査、サンプル種）は変わらないものの、優先順位はユーザーの使用状況により変更しうるものである。また、ラックバッファー部６８には、校正、精度管理等の標準サンプルを搭載したラック９も載置されるが、再検査待ちのラック９と同様に、ラックバッファー部６８に待機させて、必要な場合に優先順位をあげて検体吸引部６７に移送することが可能である。 The dispensing order determination process shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and although each determination item (rack color, unanalyzed or re-inspected, sample type) does not change, the priority order can be changed according to the usage status of the user. . In addition, a rack 9 loaded with standard samples for calibration, accuracy control, etc. is also mounted on the rack buffer unit 68. However, like the rack 9 waiting for re-inspection, the rack buffer unit 68 is placed on standby and required. In this case, it is possible to transfer the sample to the sample aspirating unit 67 with priority.
　上記のようにして、分析順を決定した後（ステップＳ１１０）、分析順の早いものから検体吸引部６７にラック９を搬送するために、移送制御部２４は、検体吸引部６７にラック９があるか否か確認する（ステップＳ１１１）。検体吸引部６７にラック９がない場合には（ステップＳ１１１、Ｎｏ）、移送制御部２４は、決定部２３が決定した分析順に、ラックバッファー部６８に載置されるラック９を検体吸引部へ移送するよう制御する。移送制御部２４の制御のもと、ラック情報５０２の分析順１のラック９がラック移送部６５により検体吸引部６７に移送され（ステップＳ１１２）、検体分注装置２０により検体分注が行なわれる（ステップＳ１１７）。検体吸引部６７にラック９がある場合には（ステップＳ１１１、Ｙｅｓ）、検体吸引部６７のラックが搬送されるまで待機する。 After determining the analysis order as described above (step S110), in order to transport the rack 9 to the sample suction unit 67 from the earlier analysis order, the transfer control unit 24 sets the rack 9 to the sample suction unit 67. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S111). When the sample aspirating unit 67 does not have the rack 9 (No at Step S111), the transfer control unit 24 moves the rack 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 to the sample aspirating unit in the analysis order determined by the determining unit 23. Control to transfer. Under the control of the transfer control unit 24, the rack 9 in the analysis order 1 of the rack information 502 is transferred to the sample aspirating unit 67 by the rack transfer unit 65 (step S112), and the sample dispensing is performed by the sample dispensing device 20. (Step S117). If the sample aspirating unit 67 has the rack 9 (step S111, Yes), it waits until the rack of the sample aspirating unit 67 is transported.
　検体分注後（ステップＳ１１７）、上述した緊急検体の場合と同様に、移送制御部２４はラック９に収容されるすべての検体の分注が終了したか確認し（ステップＳ１１８）、終了している場合には（ステップＳ１１８、Ｙｅｓ）、ラック９をラックバッファー部６８に搬送し（ステップＳ１１９）、分析結果が出るまで待機させる。終了していない場合には（ステップＳ１１８、Ｎｏ）、すべての検体について分注を続行する。ラック９のラックバッファー部６８への搬送後（ステップＳ１１９）、ラックバッファー部６８に載置される待機中のラック９について分析が終了したか否か確認し（ステップＳ１２０）、終了している場合には（ステップＳ１２０、Ｙｅｓ）、再検査が必要か判断する（ステップＳ１２１）。再検査が必要な場合には（ステップＳ１２１、Ｙｅｓ）、再度ステップＳ１１０以降を繰り返し、再検査が不要な場合には（ステップＳ１２１、Ｎｏ）、再検査不要と判断されたラック９をラック回収部６３に移動後（ステップＳ１２２）、ステップＳ１０２以降を繰り返す。また、ラックバッファー部６８に分析終了済みのラック９がない場合には（ステップＳ１２０、Ｎｏ）、前回ステップＳ１１０で決めた分析順に分注を続行するために、ステップＳ１１１から繰り返す。 After sample dispensing (step S117), as in the case of the emergency sample described above, the transfer control unit 24 confirms whether dispensing of all the samples accommodated in the rack 9 has been completed (step S118). If yes (step S118, Yes), the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S119), and waits until an analysis result is obtained. If not completed (No at step S118), the dispensing is continued for all the samples. After the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer unit 68 (step S119), it is confirmed whether the analysis is completed for the rack 9 on standby placed on the rack buffer unit 68 (step S120). (Step S120, Yes), it is determined whether reexamination is necessary (Step S121). If re-inspection is necessary (step S121, Yes), step S110 and subsequent steps are repeated again. If re-inspection is not necessary (step S121, No), the rack 9 that has determined that re-inspection is unnecessary is stored in the rack recovery unit. After moving to 63 (step S122), step S102 and subsequent steps are repeated. If there is no analysis-completed rack 9 in the rack buffer unit 68 (step S120, No), the process is repeated from step S111 in order to continue dispensing in the analysis order determined in the previous step S110.
　一方、ステップＳ１０２～ステップＳ１０７の繰り返しによりラックセット部６２にセットされたラック９がすべてラックバッファー部６８へ搬送された場合は（ステップＳ１０８、Ｎｏ）、ラックバッファー部６８にラック９があるか否か確認し（ステップＳ１０９）、ラックバッファー部６８にラック９がある場合には（ステップＳ１０９、Ｙｅｓ）、ラックバッファー部６８に載置されるラック９について、ステップＳ１１０の分析順決定処理を行い、決定した順番に分析を行う（ステップＳ１１１～Ｓ１２２を繰り返す）。ラックバッファー部６８にラック９がない場合には（ステップＳ１０９、Ｎｏ）、分析の終了となる。 On the other hand, when all the racks 9 set in the rack setting unit 62 are transferred to the rack buffer unit 68 by repeating Step S102 to Step S107 (No in Step S108), whether or not the rack 9 is in the rack buffer unit 68. (Step S109), if there is a rack 9 in the rack buffer unit 68 (step S109, Yes), the analysis order determination process of step S110 is performed on the rack 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68, Analysis is performed in the determined order (steps S111 to S122 are repeated). If there is no rack 9 in the rack buffer unit 68 (No at Step S109), the analysis is completed.
　上記のフローでは、ラックバッファー部６８のラック９の入れ替えのたびに分析順を決定するので、優先順位が高くないラック９はいつまでもラックバッファー部６８に載置され続けるため、載置される時間の制限を定めて制限時間を超えたラック９は分析順にかかわらず、優先的に分析を行うこととしてもよい。 In the above flow, since the order of analysis is determined each time the rack 9 of the rack buffer unit 68 is replaced, the rack 9 having a low priority is continuously placed in the rack buffer unit 68. The racks 9 that have been limited and have exceeded the time limit may be preferentially analyzed regardless of the analysis order.
　さらに、実施の形態１の変形例として、ラック搬送機構６０Ａが再検ラックバッファー部６９を備える自動分析装置１Ａが例示される（図７参照）。ラック９の分析結果の待機時間が長くなる場合は、ラックバッファー部６８に載置される待機中のラック９が増加してしまい、ラックバッファー部６８に載置される未分析のラック９が少なくなる場合がある。かかる場合には、分析順変更による分析効率向上効果が低下してしまうため、図７に示す自動分析装置１Ａのように再検ラックバッファー部６９を設置することにより、分析結果の待機時間が長くなる場合でも、ラックバッファー部６８に載置される未分析ラック９の数を一定以上にできるため、分析順変更による分析効率向上の効果を維持することが可能になる。 Furthermore, as a modification of the first embodiment, an automatic analyzer 1A in which the rack transport mechanism 60A includes a retest rack buffer unit 69 is illustrated (see FIG. 7). When the waiting time of the analysis result of the rack 9 becomes long, the number of the waiting racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 increases, and the number of unanalyzed racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 is small. There is a case. In such a case, since the analysis efficiency improvement effect due to the change in the analysis order is reduced, the standby time for the analysis result is increased by installing the retest rack buffer unit 69 as in the automatic analyzer 1A shown in FIG. Even in this case, since the number of unanalyzed racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 can be set to a predetermined value or more, it is possible to maintain the effect of improving the analysis efficiency by changing the analysis order.
　また、実施の形態１は、ラック９の分析の優先順位に基づく区分付けを、ラック９の色で行なっているが、ラック９の底面に貼付されたマグネットの配置箇所により磁気的に優先順位を判別したり、ラック９に穴を開けて、当該穴の位置（物理的形状）で区分付けをして光学的に優先順位を判別してもよい。 In the first embodiment, the rack 9 is classified based on the analysis priority of the rack 9 according to the color of the rack 9, but the priority is magnetically determined by the location of the magnet attached to the bottom of the rack 9. Alternatively, the priority order may be optically determined by making a hole in the rack 9 and sorting by the position (physical shape) of the hole.
（実施の形態２）
　実施の形態２は異なる分析モジュールが接続された複合機におけるラック搬送方法にかかるものである。異なる分析モジュールを備える自動分析装置では、ラック９に収容される検体の分析項目がいずれかの分析モジュールに偏りがある場合（例えば、一方の分析モジュールのみでの分析を行うラックが続き、その後他方の分析モジュールのみで分析を行うラックが続くような場合）には、各分析モジュールで分析が滞り分析効率が低下してしまうおそれがある。実施の形態２にかかる自動分析装置１Ｂは、各ラック９の分析項目情報から各分析モジュールの稼働状況を同程度とするように分析順を決定することができるので、各分析モジュールの稼働状況を調整して処理時間を短縮することができる。 (Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment relates to a rack transport method in a multifunction machine to which different analysis modules are connected. In an automatic analyzer having different analysis modules, when an analysis item of a sample stored in the rack 9 is biased in one of the analysis modules (for example, a rack for performing analysis using only one analysis module follows, and then the other If there is a rack in which analysis is performed using only the analysis module of FIG. 2), the analysis is delayed in each analysis module, and the analysis efficiency may be reduced. The automatic analyzer 1B according to the second embodiment can determine the analysis order from the analysis item information of each rack 9 so that the operation status of each analysis module is the same. Adjustments can be made to reduce processing time.
　図８は、本発明の実施の形態２に係る自動分析装置１Ｂの構成を模式的に示す図である。自動分析装置１Ｂは、生化学分析モジュール４１と免疫学分析モジュール４２が接続された複合機であるが、これはあくまで例示である。生化学分析モジュール４１は、試薬庫２、３、試薬分注装置６、７、および洗浄槽６ｃ、７ｃを各２有する以外は、実施の形態１にかかる自動分析装置の測定機構４０とほぼ同様の構成を備える。 FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1B according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The automatic analyzer 1B is a multifunction machine in which the biochemical analysis module 41 and the immunological analysis module 42 are connected, but this is merely an example. The biochemical analysis module 41 is substantially the same as the measurement mechanism 40 of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment, except that the reagent storages 2 and 3, the reagent dispensing devices 6 and 7, and the cleaning tanks 6 c and 7 c are each two. The configuration is provided.
　免疫学分析モジュール４２は、免疫反応テーブル３１と、ＢＦテーブル３２と、試薬テーブル３３および３４と、試薬分注装置３５および３６と、酵素反応テーブル３７と、測光装置３８と、検体分注装置３９と、反応容器移送部５５および５６と、洗浄槽３５ｃおよび３６ｃと、チップ装填ユニット５７とを備えている。 The immunological analysis module 42 includes an immune reaction table 31, a BF table 32, reagent tables 33 and 34, reagent dispensing devices 35 and 36, an enzyme reaction table 37, a photometric device 38, and a sample dispensing device 39. And reaction vessel transfer sections 55 and 56, washing tanks 35c and 36c, and a chip loading unit 57.
　免疫学分析モジュールの各構成要素は、生化学分析モジュールと共通するものが多いので、以下、免疫学分析モジュールに特徴的な構成について説明する。 Since each component of the immunological analysis module has many in common with the biochemical analysis module, the characteristic configuration of the immunological analysis module will be described below.
　試薬テーブル３３および３４は、試薬容器を複数収納し、各試薬容器には、免疫学的分析項目の分析に使用される試薬であって、分析対象である検体内の抗原または抗体と特異的に結合する反応物質を固相した磁性粒子を含む試薬や、磁性粒子と結合した抗原または抗体と特異的に結合する標識物質（たとえば酵素）、標識物質との酵素反応によって発光する基質を含む基質液が収容されている。 The reagent tables 33 and 34 each store a plurality of reagent containers, and each reagent container is a reagent used for analysis of immunological analysis items, and is specific to the antigen or antibody in the sample to be analyzed. A substrate solution containing a reagent containing magnetic particles solid-phased with a reaction substance to be bound, a labeling substance (for example, an enzyme) that specifically binds to an antigen or antibody bound to the magnetic particle, and a substrate that emits light by an enzymatic reaction with the labeling substance Is housed.
　免疫反応テーブル３１は、反応容器５ａ内で検体と所定の試薬とを反応させるための反応ラインを有し、検体と磁性粒子試薬との第一反応用の外周ラインと、検体と標識試薬との第二反応用の内周ラインの２つの反応ラインを有する。各反応ラインには、反応容器５ａを収容する反応容器収容部が複数形成される。免疫反応テーブル３１は、免疫反応テーブル３１の中心を通る鉛直線を回転軸として図８の矢印の方向に回動自在であり、免疫反応テーブル３１の図示しない反応容器収容部に収容された反応容器５ａを所定タイミングで検体吐出位置Ｃ等に移送する。 The immune reaction table 31 has a reaction line for reacting the specimen with a predetermined reagent in the reaction vessel 5a, and includes an outer peripheral line for the first reaction between the specimen and the magnetic particle reagent, and the specimen and the labeling reagent. It has two reaction lines, an inner peripheral line for the second reaction. Each reaction line is formed with a plurality of reaction container accommodating portions for accommodating the reaction containers 5a. The immune reaction table 31 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 with a vertical line passing through the center of the immune reaction table 31 as a rotation axis, and is a reaction container housed in a reaction container housing portion (not shown) of the immune reaction table 31. 5a is transferred to the specimen discharge position C or the like at a predetermined timing.
　ＢＦテーブル３２は、所定の洗浄液を吸引吐出して検体または試薬における未反応物質を分離するＢＦ（ｂｏｕｎｄ－ｆｒｅｅ）分離を実施するＢＦ洗浄処理を行なう。ＢＦテーブル３２は、ＢＦテーブル３２の中心を通る鉛直線を回転軸として図８の矢印の方向に回動自在であり、ＢＦテーブル３２に配置された反応容器５ａを所定タイミングで所定位置に移送する。ＢＦテーブル３２は、ＢＦ分離に必要な磁性粒子を集磁する集磁機構と、ＢＦ液を反応容器内に吐出・吸引してＢＦ分離を実施するＢＦ洗浄プローブを有するＢＦ洗浄部と、集磁された磁性粒子を分散させる攪拌機構とを有する。 The BF table 32 performs a BF cleaning process for performing a BF (bound-free) separation that separates unreacted substances in the specimen or reagent by sucking and discharging a predetermined cleaning liquid. The BF table 32 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 with a vertical line passing through the center of the BF table 32 as a rotation axis, and transfers the reaction vessel 5a disposed on the BF table 32 to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing. . The BF table 32 includes a magnetism collecting mechanism that collects magnetic particles necessary for BF separation, a BF washing unit having a BF washing probe that performs BF separation by discharging and sucking BF liquid into the reaction vessel, and magnetism collecting. And a stirring mechanism for dispersing the magnetic particles.
　酵素反応テーブル３７は、反応容器５ａ内に注入された基質液内の基質が発光可能となる酵素反応処理を行なうための反応ラインである。酵素反応テーブル３７には、周方向に反応容器５ａを収容する反応容器収容部が形成される。酵素反応テーブル３７は、酵素反応テーブル３７の中心を通る鉛直線を回転軸として図８の矢印の方向に回動自在であり、酵素反応テーブル３７に配置された反応容器５ａを所定タイミングで所定位置に移送する。 The enzyme reaction table 37 is a reaction line for performing an enzyme reaction process in which the substrate in the substrate solution injected into the reaction vessel 5a can emit light. The enzyme reaction table 37 is formed with a reaction container housing portion for housing the reaction container 5a in the circumferential direction. The enzyme reaction table 37 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 with a vertical line passing through the center of the enzyme reaction table 37 as a rotation axis, and the reaction vessel 5a disposed on the enzyme reaction table 37 is moved to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing. Transport to.
　反応容器移送部５５および５６は、鉛直方向への昇降および自身の基端部を通過する鉛直線を中心軸とする回転を自在に行ない、検体および所定の試薬を収容した反応容器５ａを所定タイミングで、免疫反応テーブル３１、ＢＦテーブル３２、酵素反応テーブル３７、測光装置３８、図示しない反応容器供給部および反応容器廃棄部の所定位置に移送するアームを備える。 The reaction container transfer parts 55 and 56 freely move up and down in the vertical direction and rotate around the vertical line passing through the base end part of the reaction container transfer parts 55 and 56 as a predetermined timing for the reaction container 5a containing the specimen and a predetermined reagent. Thus, an immune reaction table 31, a BF table 32, an enzyme reaction table 37, a photometric device 38, an arm for transferring to a predetermined position of a reaction container supply unit and a reaction container disposal unit (not shown) are provided.
　検体分注装置３９は、ラック搬送機構６０Ｂにより検体吸引位置ＡまたはＢに搬送された検体容器９ａ内の検体を、免疫反応テーブル３１上の検体吐出位置Ｃに搬送された反応容器５ａに分注する。検体分注装置３９は、検体の吸引および吐出を行なうディスポーザブルチップがプローブ先端部に取り付けられ、鉛直方向への昇降および自身の基端部を通過する鉛直線を中心軸とする回転を自在に行なう。検体分注装置３９は、図示しない吸排シリンジまたは圧電素子を用いた吸排機構を備える。チップ装填ユニット５７は、複数のチップを整列したチップケースを設置しており、このケースからディスポーザブルチップが供給される。このディスポーザブルチップは、免疫学分析項目測定時のキャリーオーバー防止のため、検体分注装置３９のプローブ先端部に装着され、検体分注ごとに交換される使い捨てのサンプルチップである。また、チップ装填ユニット５７のチップ装着位置Ｇにおいて、ディスポーザブルチップの装着のほか、ディスポーザブルチップの脱着を行い、使用済みのディスポーザブルチップの廃棄ボックスを有している。 The sample dispensing device 39 dispenses the sample in the sample container 9a transported to the sample suction position A or B by the rack transport mechanism 60B to the reaction container 5a transported to the sample discharge position C on the immune reaction table 31. To do. The sample dispensing device 39 has a disposable tip for aspirating and discharging a sample attached to the tip of the probe, and freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. . The sample dispensing device 39 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an intake / exhaust syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown). The chip loading unit 57 has a chip case in which a plurality of chips are aligned, and a disposable chip is supplied from this case. This disposable chip is a disposable sample chip that is attached to the tip of the probe of the sample dispensing device 39 and is exchanged for each sample dispensing in order to prevent carryover during measurement of immunological analysis items. Further, at the chip mounting position G of the chip loading unit 57, in addition to mounting the disposable chip, the disposable chip is removed and a disposal box for used disposable chips is provided.
　ラック搬送機構６０Ｂは、搬送レーン６９ａ、６９ｂ、６９ｃを備える点を除き、実施の形態１のラック搬送機構６０と同様の構成を有する。ラック移送部６５は、移送制御部２４Ｂの制御のもと、ラック９を、ラックセット部６２からラックバッファー部６８へ、ラックバッファー部６８から搬送レーン６９ａまたは６９ｂへ、搬送レーン６９ｃからラックバッファー部６８へ、ラックバッファー部６８からラック回収部６３へ移送する。ラック移送部６５により搬送レーン６９ａに移送されたラック９は、図示しない搬送機構によって搬送レーン６９ａ上を搬送され、検体吸引位置Ｅで生化学分析モジュール４１の検体分注装置２０により吸引された検体は、反応テーブル４上の反応容器５に吐出される。さらに図示しない搬送機構によって搬送レーン６９ａ上を搬送され、検体吸引位置Ｂで免疫学分析モジュール４２の検体分注装置３９により吸引された検体は、免疫反応テーブル３１上の反応容器５ａに吐出される。ラック９に収容されるすべての検体分注が終了した後、図示しない押し出し機構によりラック９は搬送レーン６９ａから搬送レーン６９ｃに押し出され、図示しない搬送機構によって搬送レーン６９ｃ上を搬送され、ラック移送部６５によりラックバッファー部６８に移送される。ラック９は、各分析モジュールの稼働状況に応じて、検体吸引位置Ｂに先に搬送されてもよい。また、ラック９によってはいずれか一方の分析モジュールのみでしか分析を行わないものもあるため、かかる場合にはいずれか一方の検体吸引位置に搬送し、分注終了後、図示しない押し出し機構によりラック９は搬送レーン６９ｃに押し出され、図示しない搬送機構によって搬送レーン６９ｃ上を搬送された後、ラック９はラック移送部６５によりラックバッファー部６８に移送されることになる。 The rack transport mechanism 60B has the same configuration as the rack transport mechanism 60 of the first embodiment, except that the transport lanes 69a, 69b, and 69c are provided. The rack transfer unit 65 controls the rack 9 from the rack set unit 62 to the rack buffer unit 68, from the rack buffer unit 68 to the transfer lane 69a or 69b, and from the transfer lane 69c to the rack buffer unit under the control of the transfer control unit 24B. 68 to the rack recovery unit 63 from the rack buffer unit 68. The rack 9 transferred to the transfer lane 69a by the rack transfer unit 65 is transferred on the transfer lane 69a by a transfer mechanism (not shown), and is aspirated by the sample dispensing device 20 of the biochemical analysis module 41 at the sample aspiration position E. Is discharged into the reaction vessel 5 on the reaction table 4. Further, the sample transported on the transport lane 69 a by a transport mechanism (not shown) and sucked by the sample dispensing device 39 of the immunological analysis module 42 at the sample suction position B is discharged to the reaction container 5 a on the immune reaction table 31. . After the dispensing of all the samples stored in the rack 9 is completed, the rack 9 is pushed out from the transfer lane 69a to the transfer lane 69c by an unillustrated push-out mechanism, and is transported on the transfer lane 69c by the unillustrated transfer mechanism to transfer the rack. It is transferred to the rack buffer unit 68 by the unit 65. The rack 9 may be first transported to the sample suction position B according to the operating status of each analysis module. In addition, some racks 9 perform analysis using only one of the analysis modules. In such a case, the rack 9 is transported to one of the sample aspirating positions, and after dispensing, the rack is moved by an unillustrated push-out mechanism. 9 is pushed out to the transport lane 69 c and transported on the transport lane 69 c by a transport mechanism (not shown), and then the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer unit 68 by the rack transport unit 65.
　また、ラック移送部６５により搬送レーン６９ｂに移送された、上記したラック９とは別のラック９は、図示しない搬送機構によって搬送レーン６９ｂ上を搬送され、検体吸引位置Ｄで生化学分析モジュール４１の検体分注装置２０により吸引された検体は、反応テーブル４上の反応容器５に吐出される。さらに図示しない搬送機構によって搬送レーン６９ｂ上を搬送され、検体吸引位置Ａで免疫学分析モジュール４２の検体分注装置３９により吸引された検体は、免疫反応テーブル３１上の反応容器５ａに吐出される。ラック９に収容されるすべての検体分注が終了した後、図示しない押し出し機構によりラック９は搬送レーン６９ｂから搬送レーン６９ｃに押し出され、図示しない搬送機構によって搬送レーン６９ｃ上を搬送された後、ラック移送部６５によりラックバッファー部６８に移送される。ラック９は、各分析モジュールの稼働状況に応じて、検体吸引位置Ａに先に搬送されてもよい。また、ラック９によってはいずれか一方の分析モジュールのみでしか分析を行わないものもあるため、かかる場合にはいずれか一方の検体吸引位置に搬送し、分注終了後、図示しない押し出し機構によりラック９は搬送レーン６９ｃに押し出され、図示しない搬送機構によって搬送レーン６９ｃ上を搬送され、ラック９はラック移送部６５によりラックバッファー部６８に移送されることになる。 Further, the rack 9 different from the rack 9 transferred to the transfer lane 69b by the rack transfer unit 65 is transferred on the transfer lane 69b by a transfer mechanism (not shown), and the biochemical analysis module 41 at the sample suction position D. The sample aspirated by the sample dispensing apparatus 20 is discharged into the reaction container 5 on the reaction table 4. Further, the sample transported on the transport lane 69b by a transport mechanism (not shown) and sucked by the sample dispensing device 39 of the immunological analysis module 42 at the sample suction position A is discharged to the reaction container 5a on the immune reaction table 31. . After the dispensing of all the specimens stored in the rack 9 is completed, the rack 9 is pushed out from the transfer lane 69b to the transfer lane 69c by the push-out mechanism (not shown), and is transferred on the transfer lane 69c by the transfer mechanism (not shown). The rack is transferred to the rack buffer unit 68 by the rack transfer unit 65. The rack 9 may be first transported to the sample suction position A according to the operating status of each analysis module. In addition, some racks 9 perform analysis using only one of the analysis modules. In such a case, the rack 9 is transported to one of the sample aspirating positions, and after dispensing, the rack is moved by an unillustrated push-out mechanism. 9 is pushed out to the transport lane 69 c and transported on the transport lane 69 c by a transport mechanism (not shown), and the rack 9 is transported to the rack buffer section 68 by the rack transport section 65.
　制御機構５０Ｂは、ラック制御部２１Ｂが算出部２５を備える点で実施の形態１の制御機構５０と異なる。算出部２５は、ホスト等から抽出した分析項目情報に基づき、ラック９毎に分析モジュール単位の分注時間を積算する。ラック情報記憶部２２Ｂは、ラック情報、検体情報およびラックの位置情報に加え、分析項目情報および算出部２５が算出した分析モジュール単位の分注時間を記憶する。決定部２３Ｂは、ラック色およびラック情報記憶部２２Ｂが記憶する各ラック９の分析モジュール単位の分注時間に基づきラックの分注順を決定する。 The control mechanism 50B is different from the control mechanism 50 of the first embodiment in that the rack control unit 21B includes the calculation unit 25. Based on the analysis item information extracted from the host or the like, the calculation unit 25 accumulates the dispensing time for each analysis module for each rack 9. The rack information storage unit 22B stores analysis item information and the dispensing time for each analysis module calculated by the calculation unit 25 in addition to rack information, sample information, and rack position information. The determining unit 23B determines the rack dispensing order based on the rack color and the dispensing time of each rack 9 stored in the rack information storage unit 22B in units of analysis modules.
　つぎに、実施の形態２にかかる自動分析装置１Ｂのラック搬送機構６０Ｂによるラック搬送について、図９～図１５を参照して詳細に説明する。図９は、ラック搬送機構６０Ｂによるラック搬送のフローチャートである。図１０は、実施の形態２にかかるラックバッファー部６８の構成を示す模式図である。図１１は、ラック情報と位置情報の構成例を示す図である。図１２は、検体情報の構成例を示す図である。図１３は、図９の分析順決定のフローチャートを示す図である。図１４は、検体情報（各モジュールでの分注時間）に基づき決定された青色ラック群についての分注順の構成例を示す図である。図１５は、検体情報（各モジュールでの分注時間）に基づき決定された白色ラック群についての分注順の構成例を示す図である。図１６は、検体情報（各モジュールでの分注時間）に基づき決定されたラックの分注順を含むラック情報の構成例を示す図である。 Next, rack transport by the rack transport mechanism 60B of the automatic analyzer 1B according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of rack transport by the rack transport mechanism 60B. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the rack buffer unit 68 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information and position information. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of sample information. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for determining the analysis order in FIG. 9. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the dispensing order for the blue rack group determined based on the sample information (dispensing time in each module). FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the dispensing order for the white rack group determined based on the sample information (dispensing time in each module). FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of rack information including a rack dispensing order determined based on sample information (dispensing time in each module).
　実施の形態２にかかるラック搬送は、ラックセット部６２からラック移送部６５によりラックバッファー部６８に搬送する際、読取装置６６でラック情報および検体情報を読み取るまでは（図９参照、ステップＳ３０５）、実施の形態１のラック搬送と同様であり、その後、読み取った検体情報に基づき、分析項目情報を自動分析装置１Ｂの記憶部１９または自動分析装置１Ｂと接続されるホストコンピューター（図示せず）から抽出する（ステップＳ３０６）。算出部２５は、抽出した分析項目情報に基づきラック９毎に分析モジュール単位の分注時間を積算する（ステップＳ３０７）。ラック情報および検体情報が読み取られたラック９は、移送制御部２４Ｂの制御のもと、ラック移送部６５によりラックバッファー部６８に移送される（ステップＳ３０８）。ラック情報記憶部２２Ｂは、ラック情報、検体情報、分析項目情報および位置情報と共に、算出部２５が算出したラック９毎の分析モジュール単位の分注時間を記憶する（ステップＳ３０９）。たとえば、ラックバッファー部６８に図１０に示すようにラック９が載置されている場合、読取装置６６で読み取られたラック情報は、図１１に示すようなラック情報テーブル５０３としてラック情報記憶部２２Ｂに記憶される。さらに読取装置６６は、ラック９に収容される検体容器９ａの検体情報も読取り、該検体情報は抽出した分析項目情報とともに、図１２に示すような検体情報テーブル５０４としてラック情報記憶部２２Ｂに記憶される。検体情報テーブル５０４はラック毎に構成され、たとえば、ラック番号、検体容器位置、検体番号、分析項目が記憶される。また、検体情報テーブル５０４には、算出部２５が算出した生化学分注時間および免疫分注時間も記憶される。生化学分注時間と免疫分注時間は、前記分析項目に基づき生化学項目数と免疫項目数を算出し、各分析モジュールで１回の分注に要する分注時間を積算することにより算出される。さらに、検体情報テーブル５０４には、ラック（ラック番号１１０１）に収容される検体の生化学分注時間および免疫分注時間の合計時間も記憶される。 The rack transport according to the second embodiment is performed until the rack information and the sample information are read by the reading device 66 when transported from the rack set section 62 to the rack buffer section 68 by the rack transport section 65 (see FIG. 9, step S305). The host computer (not shown) connected to the storage unit 19 of the automatic analyzer 1B or the automatic analyzer 1B based on the read sample information is the same as the rack transport in the first embodiment. (Step S306). The calculation unit 25 integrates the dispensing time for each analysis module for each rack 9 based on the extracted analysis item information (step S307). The rack 9 from which the rack information and the sample information are read is transferred to the rack buffer unit 68 by the rack transfer unit 65 under the control of the transfer control unit 24B (step S308). The rack information storage unit 22B stores the dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack 9 calculated by the calculation unit 25, along with the rack information, sample information, analysis item information, and position information (step S309). For example, when the rack 9 is placed in the rack buffer unit 68 as shown in FIG. 10, the rack information read by the reading device 66 is stored in the rack information storage unit 22B as a rack information table 503 as shown in FIG. Is remembered. Further, the reading device 66 also reads the sample information of the sample container 9a accommodated in the rack 9, and the sample information is stored in the rack information storage unit 22B as a sample information table 504 as shown in FIG. 12 together with the extracted analysis item information. Is done. The sample information table 504 is configured for each rack, and stores, for example, a rack number, a sample container position, a sample number, and an analysis item. The specimen information table 504 also stores the biochemical dispensing time and the immune dispensing time calculated by the calculation unit 25. The biochemical dispensing time and the immune dispensing time are calculated by calculating the number of biochemical items and the number of immune items based on the analysis items, and integrating the dispensing time required for one dispensing in each analysis module. . Further, the specimen information table 504 also stores the total time of the biochemical dispensing time and the immune dispensing time of the specimen stored in the rack (rack number 1101).
　その後、ラックバッファー部６８のラック数が設定数になるまで（ステップＳ３０３、Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ３０２～ステップＳ３１０が繰り返される。ラックバッファー部６８のラック数が設定数となった後（ステップＳ３０３、Ｎｏ）、ラックバッファー部６８に載置されるラック９の分析順が決定部２３Ｂにより決定される（ステップＳ３１２）。図１３に示すように、決定部２３Ｂによるラック９の分析順決定は、ラック情報記憶部２２Ｂに記憶されるラック情報に基づき、まずラック色でラックを分類する（ステップＳ４０１）。ラック色は、赤→青→白の順に分析を行うものとし、各色のラックを分類する。その後、各ラック９の分析モジュール単位の分注時間に基づきラック９を順位付けし（ステップＳ４０２）、分析順を決定する（ステップＳ４０３）。分析順の決定は、上記以外に、実施の形態１のように再検査ラックか未分析ラックかにより優先順位をつけたり、サンプル種類で分析順を入れ替えてもよい。 Thereafter, steps S302 to S310 are repeated until the number of racks in the rack buffer unit 68 reaches the set number (step S303, Yes). After the number of racks in the rack buffer unit 68 reaches the set number (No at Step S303), the determining unit 23B determines the analysis order of the racks 9 placed on the rack buffer unit 68 (Step S312). As shown in FIG. 13, in determining the analysis order of the racks 9 by the determination unit 23B, racks are first classified by rack color based on the rack information stored in the rack information storage unit 22B (step S401). The rack colors are analyzed in the order of red → blue → white, and the racks of each color are classified. Thereafter, the racks 9 are ranked based on the dispensing time of each rack 9 in units of analysis modules (step S402), and the analysis order is determined (step S403). In addition to the above, the analysis order may be determined according to whether it is a re-inspection rack or an unanalyzed rack as in the first embodiment, or the analysis order may be changed depending on the sample type.
　図１４および１５は、図１２に示す検体情報テーブル５０４等に基づき各ラック群について決定部２３Ｂが決定したラックの分注順の構成例を示す図である。算出部２５が算出した各ラック９に収容される検体の生化学分注時間および免疫分注時間の合計時間に基づき分析順を決定部２３Ｂが決定するために、ラック情報記憶部２２Ｂは、ラック情報に生化学分注時間および免疫分注時間（合計）を付加したラック情報テーブル５０５、５０６として記憶する。青色ラック群のラック情報テーブル５０５は、再検査待機中のラック番号１１１７を除き３ラック分であり、生化学分注時間および免疫分注時間の長さに応じて順位付けがされる。各分析モジュールでの分注時間が同程度のものを同時に分注することにより、各分析モジュールの稼働時間を同程度にすることができるので、各分析モジュールでの分注時間が長いもの、あるいは短いものから交互に分注するように分析順を変更する。生化学分注時間の長さでは、ラック番号１１１１（５００秒）、１１１３（４００秒）、１１１９（１００秒）という順番となり、免疫分注時間の長さでは、ラック番号１１１９（４００秒）、１１１３（４０秒）、１１１１（０秒）となるから、各モジュールの分注長さ順位１のものから交互に分析する。分析順はラック番号１１１１、１１１９、１１１３の順となる。ラック番号１１１１を分析順１として生化学分析モジュールに搬送し分注する時間は５００秒であり、分注順２のラック番号１１１９を免疫分析モジュールに搬送し分注する時間である４００秒とほぼ同じ時間となり、各分析モジュールは同程度の稼動状況となる。 14 and 15 are diagrams showing a configuration example of the rack dispensing order determined by the determination unit 23B for each rack group based on the sample information table 504 shown in FIG. In order for the determination unit 23B to determine the analysis order based on the total time of the biochemical dispensing time and the immune dispensing time of the sample stored in each rack 9 calculated by the calculation unit 25, the rack information storage unit 22B includes the rack information. Are stored as rack information tables 505 and 506 to which biochemical dispensing time and immune dispensing time (total) are added. The rack information table 505 of the blue rack group is for three racks except for the rack number 1117 waiting for reexamination, and is ranked according to the length of biochemical dispensing time and immune dispensing time. By dispensing the same dispensing time in each analysis module at the same time, the operation time of each analysis module can be made the same, so the dispensing time in each analysis module is long, or Change the analysis order to dispense alternately from the shortest. The biochemical dispensing time is in the order of rack numbers 1111 (500 seconds), 1113 (400 seconds), 1119 (100 seconds), and the length of immune dispensing time is rack numbers 1119 (400 seconds), 1113. Since (40 seconds) and 1111 (0 seconds), the analysis is performed alternately from the modules having the dispensing length rank of 1. The analysis order is rack numbers 1111, 1119, 1113. The time for transporting and dispensing the rack number 1111 as the analysis order 1 to the biochemical analysis module is 500 seconds, and the time for transporting the rack number 1119 of the dispensing order 2 to the immunoassay module and dispensing is approximately 400 seconds. It becomes the same time, and each analysis module is in the same operating condition.
　白色ラック群のラック情報テーブル５０６は、再検査待機中のラック番号１１０９を除き５ラック分であり、青色ラック群と同様に、生化学分注時間および免疫分注時間の長さに応じて順位付けがされる。生化学分注時間の長いものから順位付けすると、ラック番号１１０１（４００秒）、１１０３（３５０秒）、１１０７（２００秒）、１１０５（１５０秒）、１１１５（８０秒）という順番となり、免疫分注時間の長いものからでは、ラック番号１１１５（４００秒）、１１０５（３６０秒）、１１０７（３００秒）、１１０３（２００秒）、１１０１（１８０秒）となる。白色ラック群の分析順は、各分析モジュールの稼動状況が同程度となるように、生化学分注時間の長さ順位１のものから、免疫分注時間の長さ順位１、生化学順位２、免疫順位２・・・と交互に分析を行うようにし、分析順はラック番号１１０１（分析順１）、１１１５（分析順２）、１１０３（分析順３）、１１０５（分析順４）、１１０７（分析順５）となる。 The rack information table 506 of the white rack group is for five racks except for the rack number 1109 waiting for re-examination. Like the blue rack group, the rack information table 506 is ranked according to the length of the biochemical dispensing time and the immune dispensing time. Is done. Ranking from the longest biochemical dispensing time, the rack numbers are 1101 (400 seconds), 1103 (350 seconds), 1107 (200 seconds), 1105 (150 seconds), 1115 (80 seconds). From longest time, rack numbers 1115 (400 seconds), 1105 (360 seconds), 1107 (300 seconds), 1103 (200 seconds), 1101 (180 seconds). The order of analysis of the white rack group is from that of biochemical dispensing time length rank 1 to immune dispensing time length rank 1, biochemical rank 2, so that the operating status of each analysis module is comparable. The analysis order is alternately performed with the immunity order 2... The analysis order is rack number 1101 (analysis order 1), 1115 (analysis order 2), 1103 (analysis order 3), 1105 (analysis order 4), 1107 ( The order of analysis is 5).
　図１６に、決定部２３Ｂが決定したすべてのラック９の分注順と搬送レーンを付加したラック情報テーブル５０７を示す。分析順は、青色ラック群が優先されその後白色ラック群が分析されるため、ラック番号１１１１（分析順１）、１１１９（分析順２）、１１１３（分析順３）、１１０１（分析順４）、１１１５（分析順５）、１１０３（分析順６）、１１０５（分析順７）、１１０７（分析順８）となる。搬送レーンは、分注順の奇数が６９ａ、偶数が６９ｂ（逆でもよい）となる。分析順が定められたラック９はすべて未分析のラック９であり、各分析モジュールでの分注時間も比較的長いものであるため、各ラック９を交互に搬送レーン６９ａ、６９ｂで搬送しているが、再検査ラックなどでは短時間で分注が終わる場合がある。かかる場合は、決定部２３Ｂは各分析モジュールの稼動状況が同程度となるよう搬送レーンも選択して分析順を決定する。なお、ラック情報テーブル５０７に示した分析順は、青色ラック群の分析順と白色ラック群の分析順をそのまま連続した分注順としているが、各ラック群の分析切り替えの状況を考慮して分析順を決定してもよい。 FIG. 16 shows a rack information table 507 to which the dispensing order and transport lanes of all racks 9 determined by the determination unit 23B are added. Since the blue rack group is given priority and the white rack group is analyzed thereafter, rack numbers 1111 (analysis order 1), 1119 (analysis order 2), 1113 (analysis order 3), 1101 (analysis order 4), 1115 (analysis order 5), 1103 (analysis order 6), 1105 (analysis order 7), and 1107 (analysis order 8). The transportation lane has an odd number 69a in dispensing order and an even number 69b (or vice versa). The racks 9 in which the analysis order is determined are all unanalyzed racks 9 and the dispensing time in each analysis module is relatively long, so that the racks 9 are alternately transported in the transport lanes 69a and 69b. However, in re-inspection racks, dispensing may be completed in a short time. In such a case, the determination unit 23B also selects the transport lane so as to determine the analysis order so that the operation statuses of the analysis modules are approximately the same. Note that the analysis order shown in the rack information table 507 is a sequential dispensing order in which the analysis order of the blue rack group and the analysis order of the white rack group are kept as they are. The order may be determined.
　決定部２３Ｂによる分析順の決定後（ステップＳ３１２）、決定した分析順に分注を行うために、ステップＳ３１３以降が行なわれる。ステップＳ３１３以降は、ステップ番号は異なるが、実施の形態１の図２に示すフローチャートのステップＳ１１１以降と同様である。 After determining the analysis order by the determination unit 23B (step S312), step S313 and subsequent steps are performed in order to perform dispensing in the determined analysis order. Step S313 and subsequent steps are the same as step S111 and subsequent steps in the flowchart shown in FIG.
　以上のように、本発明の自動分析装置およびラック搬送方法は、検体に応じて分析の順番を変更したい自動分析装置において有用であり、特に複数の分析モジュールを有する自動分析装置で効率的に分析を行う場合に適している。 As described above, the automatic analyzer and the rack transport method of the present invention are useful in an automatic analyzer that wants to change the order of analysis according to the sample, and in particular, an efficient analysis with an automatic analyzer having a plurality of analysis modules. Suitable for doing.
　１、１Ａ、１Ｂ　　自動分析装置
　２、３　　　　　　試薬庫
　２ａ、３ａ　　　　試薬容器
　４　　　　　　　　反応テーブル
　５　　　　　　　　反応容器
　６、７　　　　　　試薬分注装置
　６ａ、７ａ、２０ａ　アーム
　６ｃ、７ｃ、２０ｃ　洗浄槽
　９　　　　　　　　ラック
　９ａ　　　　　　　検体容器
　１１　　　　　　　測光装置
　１２　　　　　　　洗浄機構
　１３　　　　　　　攪拌装置
　１５　　　　　　　制御部
　１６　　　　　　　入力部
　１７　　　　　　　出力部
　１８　　　　　　　分析部
　１９　　　　　　　記憶部
　２０　　　　　　　検体分注装置
　２１、２１Ｂ　　　ラック制御部
　２２、２２Ｂ　　　ラック情報記憶部
　２３、２３Ｂ　　　決定部
　２４、２４Ｂ　　　移送制御部
　２５　　　　　　　算出部
　３１　　　　　　　免疫反応テーブル
　３２　　　　　　　ＢＦテーブル
　３３、３４　　　　試薬テーブル
　３５、３６　　　　試薬分注装置
　３５ｃ、３６ｃ　　洗浄槽
　３７　　　　　　　酵素反応テーブル
　３８　　　　　　　測光装置
　３９　　　　　　　検体分注装置
　４０　　　　　　　測定機構
　４１　　　　　　　生化学分析モジュール
　４２　　　　　　　免疫学分析モジュール
　５０、５０Ｂ　　　制御機構
　５５、５６　　　　反応容器移送部
　５７　　　　　　　チップ装填ユニット
　６０、６０Ａ、６０Ｂ　ラック搬送機構
　６１　　　　　　　緊急検体ラックセット部
　６２　　　　　　　ラックセット部
　６３　　　　　　　ラック回収部
　６５　　　　　　　ラック移送部
　６６　　　　　　　読取装置
　６７　　　　　　　検体吸引部
　６８　　　　　　　ラックバッファー部
　６９　　　　　　　再検ラックバッファー部
　５０１、５０２、５０３、５０５、５０６、５０７　ラック情報テーブル
　５０４　　　　　　検体情報テーブル DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B Automatic analyzer 2, 3 Reagent storage 2a, 3a Reagent container 4 Reaction table 5 Reaction container 6, 7 Reagent dispensing apparatus 6a, 7a, 20a Arm 6c, 7c, 20c Washing tank 9 Rack 9a Sample container 11 Photometric device 12 Cleaning mechanism 13 Stirring device 15 Control unit 16 Input unit 17 Output unit 18 Analysis unit 19 Storage unit 20 Sample dispensing device 21, 21B Rack control unit 22, 22B Rack information storage unit 23, 23B Determination unit 24, 24B Transfer Control unit 25 Calculation unit 31 Immune reaction table 32 BF table 33, 34 Reagent table 35, 36 Reagent dispensing device 35c, 36c Washing tank 37 Enzyme reaction table 38 Photometric device 39 Sample dispensing device 40 Measurement mechanism 41 Biochemical analysis module 42 Immunology analysis module 50, 50B Control mechanism 55, 56 Reaction container transfer part 57 Chip loading unit 60, 60A, 60B Rack transport mechanism 61 Emergency sample rack set part 62 Rack set part 63 Rack recovery part 65 Rack transfer unit 66 Reading device 67 Sample suction unit 68 Rack buffer unit 69 Retest rack buffer unit 501, 502, 503, 505, 506, 507 Rack information table 504 Sample information table

Claims (16)

  1. 　検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析する分析モジュールを少なくとも１以上備える自動分析装置において、
    　検体を収容する検体容器を複数保持しうるラックをセットするラックセット部と、
    　分析が終了した検体容器を保持するラックを載置するラック回収部と、
    　分析モジュールに移送前のラックを一時的に載置保管するラックバッファー部と、
    　前記ラックセット部、前記ラック回収部、前記ラックバッファー部および検体吸引部間を移動してラックを搬送するラック移送部と、
    　前記ラック移送部により移送される前記ラックおよび／または前記検体容器からラック情報と検体情報とを読み取る読取装置と、
    　前記ラックバッファー部に載置されるすべてのラックのラック情報および検体情報に位置情報を付加して記憶するラック情報記憶部と、
    　前記ラック情報記憶部に記憶されたラック情報および検体情報に基づき前記ラックバッファー部に載置されるすべてのラックの分析順を決定する決定部と、
    　前記ラックバッファー部に載置される前記ラックを、前記決定部が決定した分析順に前記検体吸引部に移送するよう前記ラック移送部を制御する移送制御部と、
    　を備えることを特徴とする自動分析装置。     In an automatic analyzer comprising at least one analysis module for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent,
    A rack setting unit for setting a rack capable of holding a plurality of sample containers for storing samples;
    A rack recovery unit for placing a rack for holding a sample container that has been analyzed;
    A rack buffer section for temporarily placing and storing the rack before transfer to the analysis module;
    A rack transfer unit that moves between the rack set unit, the rack recovery unit, the rack buffer unit, and the sample aspirating unit to convey the rack;
    A reading device that reads rack information and sample information from the rack and / or the sample container transferred by the rack transfer unit;
    A rack information storage unit that stores position information in addition to rack information and sample information of all racks placed in the rack buffer unit;
    A determination unit that determines the analysis order of all racks placed in the rack buffer unit based on rack information and sample information stored in the rack information storage unit;
    A transfer control unit for controlling the rack transfer unit to transfer the rack placed on the rack buffer unit to the sample suction unit in the analysis order determined by the determination unit;
    An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising.
  2. 　前記ラックは分析の優先順位に基づき区別され、
    　前記読取装置は前記ラックの優先順位を判別し、
    　前記決定部は、該判別した優先順位に基づき分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の自動分析装置。     The racks are distinguished based on analysis priority,
    The reader determines the priority of the racks;
    The automatic analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines an analysis order based on the determined priority order.
  3. 　前記ラックの優先順位は、前記ラックの色、前記ラックに貼付された磁気情報、前記ラックの物理的形状により判別されることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の自動分析装置。 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the priority order of the racks is determined by a color of the rack, magnetic information attached to the rack, and a physical shape of the rack.
  4. 　前記決定部は、サンプル種類に基づき分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項１～３のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置。 4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines an analysis order based on a sample type.
  5. 　検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析するための分析モジュールを２以上備え、
    　前記ラック移送部は複数の搬送レーンを備え、
    　前記決定部は前記ラックの分析順および移送する前記ラックの搬送レーンを決定することを特徴とする請求項１～４のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置。     Two or more analysis modules for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent,
    The rack transfer unit includes a plurality of transfer lanes,
    The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines an analysis order of the racks and a transport lane of the racks to be transferred.
  6. 　検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析するための異なる分析モジュールを備え、
    　分析項目情報を抽出し、該分析項目情報に基づきラック毎に分析モジュール単位の分注時間を積算する算出部を備え、
    　前記ラック情報記憶部は各検体の分析項目情報および前記算出部により算出された分析モジュール単位の分注時間を記憶し、
    　前記決定部は、前記ラック情報記憶部が記憶する各ラックの分析モジュール単位の分注時間に基づき、前記ラックの分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項１～５のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置。     Different analysis modules for optically analyzing liquid specimens containing reactants that have reacted with specimens and reagents,
    It includes a calculation unit that extracts analysis item information and integrates dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack based on the analysis item information.
    The rack information storage unit stores the analysis item information of each sample and the dispensing time of each analysis module calculated by the calculation unit,
    6. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the analysis order of the racks based on a dispensing time of each rack analysis module stored in the rack information storage unit. The automatic analyzer described.
  7. 　前記ラックバッファー部は、再検査要否未定で待機中のラックも載置保管し、
    　前記決定部は、未分析の検体容器を保持する前記ラックと、再検査を要する検体容器を保持する前記ラックとを含むすべての前記ラックについて分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項１～６のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置。     The rack buffer unit also places and stores racks that are on standby without re-examination required,
    The determination unit determines an analysis order for all the racks including the rack that holds an unanalyzed sample container and the rack that holds a sample container that needs to be retested. 6. The automatic analyzer according to any one of 6 above.
  8. 　再検査要否未定で待機中のラックを載置保管する再検ラックバッファー部を備え、
    　前記決定部は、未分析の検体容器を保持する前記ラックと、再検査を要する検体容器を保持する前記ラックとを含むすべての前記ラックについて１の分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項１～６のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置。     A re-inspection rack buffer is provided to store and store racks that are waiting for re-inspection undecided,
    The determination unit determines one analysis order for all the racks including the rack that holds an unanalyzed sample container and the rack that holds a sample container that needs to be retested. The automatic analyzer according to any one of 1 to 6.
  9. 　検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析する自動分析装置におけるラック搬送方法において、
    　ラックセット部にセットされた分析前のラックをラック移送部によりラックバッファー部に搬送する第１搬送ステップと、
    　第１搬送ステップでの搬送時に搬送する前記ラックのラック情報および検体情報を読み取る読み取りステップと、
    　前記ラックバッファー部に載置されるすべてのラックのラック情報および検体情報に位置情報を付加して記憶するラック情報記憶ステップと、
    　前記ラック情報記憶ステップで記憶されたラック情報および検体情報に基づき前記ラックバッファー部に載置されるすべてのラックの分析順を決定する決定ステップと、
    　前記ラックバッファー部に載置される前記ラックを、前記ラック移送部により前記決定ステップが決定した分析順に検体吸引部に搬送する第２搬送ステップと、
    　を含むことを特徴とする自動分析装置のラック搬送方法。     In a rack transport method in an automatic analyzer that optically analyzes a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent,
    A first transporting step of transporting a rack before analysis set in the rack set unit to a rack buffer unit by a rack transport unit;
    A reading step of reading rack information and sample information of the rack that is transported during transport in the first transport step;
    A rack information storage step of adding and storing position information to rack information and sample information of all racks placed in the rack buffer unit;
    A determination step for determining an analysis order of all racks placed in the rack buffer unit based on rack information and sample information stored in the rack information storage step;
    A second transporting step of transporting the rack placed on the rack buffer unit to the sample aspirating unit in the analysis order determined by the determining step by the rack transporting unit;
    A rack transport method for an automatic analyzer characterized by comprising:
  10. 　前記ラックは分析の優先順位に基づき区別され、
    　前記読み取りステップは前記ラックの優先順位を判別し、
    　前記決定ステップは、該判別した優先順位に基づき分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項９に記載の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法。     The racks are distinguished based on analysis priority,
    The reading step determines the priority order of the racks,
    10. The rack transport method for an automatic analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the determining step determines an analysis order based on the determined priority order.
  11. 　前記ラックの優先順位は、前記ラックの色、前記ラックに貼付された磁気情報、前記ラックの物理的形状により判別されることを特徴とする請求項１０に記載の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法。 11. The rack transport method of an automatic analyzer according to claim 10, wherein the priority order of the racks is determined based on a color of the rack, magnetic information attached to the rack, and a physical shape of the rack.
  12. 　前記決定ステップは、サンプル種類に基づき分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項９～１１のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法。 12. The rack transport method for an automatic analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the determination step determines an analysis order based on a sample type.
  13. 　検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析するための分析モジュールを２以上備え、
    　前記ラック移送部は複数の搬送レーンを備え、
    　前記決定ステップは前記ラックの分析順および移送する前記ラックの搬送レーンを決定することを特徴とする請求項９～１２のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法。     Two or more analysis modules for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent,
    The rack transfer unit includes a plurality of transfer lanes,
    13. The rack transport method for an automatic analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the determination step determines a rack analysis order and a transport lane for the rack to be transferred.
  14. 　検体と試薬とを反応させた反応物を含む液体検体を光学的に分析するための異なる分析モジュールを２以上備え、
    　ホストコンピューターまたは記憶部から検体の分析項目情報を抽出する抽出ステップと、
    　前記分析項目情報に基づきラック毎に分析モジュール単位の分注時間を積算する算出ステップと、
    　を含み、
    　前記ラック情報記憶ステップは前記分析項目情報および前記算出部により算出された分析モジュール単位の分注時間を記憶し、
    　前記決定ステップは、前記ラック情報記憶ステップで記憶されたラック毎の分析モジュール単位の分注時間に基づき、前記ラックの分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項１０～１３のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法。     Two or more different analysis modules for optically analyzing a liquid sample containing a reaction product obtained by reacting a sample and a reagent,
    An extraction step of extracting the analysis item information of the sample from the host computer or the storage unit;
    A calculation step of integrating dispensing time in units of analysis modules for each rack based on the analysis item information;
    Including
    The rack information storage step stores the analysis item information and the dispensing time calculated in units of analysis modules by the calculation unit,
    14. The determination step according to claim 10, wherein the determination step determines the analysis order of the racks based on the dispensing time of each analysis module for each rack stored in the rack information storage step. A rack transport method for the automatic analyzer described in 1.
  15. 　前記ラックバッファー部は、分注終了後の再検査要否未定で待機中のラックも載置保管し、
    　前記決定ステップは、未分析の検体容器を保持する前記ラックと、再検査を要する検体容器を保持する前記ラックとを含むすべてのラックについて分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項１０～１４のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法。     The rack buffer unit also places and stores racks that are waiting without re-examination after dispensing is completed,
    The determination step determines an analysis order for all racks including the rack that holds an unanalyzed sample container and the rack that holds a sample container that needs to be retested. The rack transport method for an automatic analyzer according to any one of the above.
  16. 　分注終了後の再検査要否未定で待機中のラックを載置保管する再検ラックバッファー部を備え、
    　前記決定ステップは、未分析の検体容器を保持する前記ラックと、再検査を要する検体容器を保持する前記ラックとを含むすべてのラックについて１の分析順を決定することを特徴とする請求項１０～１４のいずれか一つに記載の自動分析装置のラック搬送方法。     A re-inspection rack buffer is provided to store and store racks that are waiting without re-inspection after dispensing.
    11. The determination step determines one analysis order for all racks including the rack holding an unanalyzed sample container and the rack holding a sample container requiring retesting. 15. The rack transport method for an automatic analyzer according to any one of 1 to 14.
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