Control method of genital tract secretion analyzer liquid path system

Abstract

The invention discloses a control method for a liquid path system of a genital tract secretion analyzer. The control method comprises the following steps: 1, confirming the pure water amount of a water feeding unit, the reagent amount in a first container and the waste liquid amount of a waste liquid unit; then filling a water feeding unit and a reagent, and quantitatively adding a sample diluent into the sample by utilizing a reagent filling unit to obtain a diluted sample; the sample filling unit is used for taking a TIP head and quantitatively sucking and diluting a sample into a board card and a reaction container for several times; quantitatively filling a reaction reagent into the board card by using a reagent filling unit, and carrying out dry chemical detection; a reagent filling unit is used for quantitatively filling staining fluid into the reaction container, and the staining fluid is dropwise added to a slide for morphological detection after staining. The sample filling unit adopts a sample pump for direct filling, and the reagent filling unit adopts positive pressure filling, so that only one TIP head is needed in the detection process of each sample, on one hand, the TIP head material consumption is remarkably reduced, on the other hand, the action logic of sample pretreatment is simplified, and the detection efficiency of an instrument is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid circuits in reproductive tract secretion analyzers, and in particular to a control method for a liquid circuit system of a reproductive tract secretion analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Reproductive tract secretion testing is an important means of assessing the health of the reproductive system, mainly used for diagnosing reproductive tract infections and assessing the state of the reproductive tract microecology. Traditional testing methods are mostly manual, resulting in low efficiency. In recent years, with the rapid development of in vitro diagnostic equipment, various reproductive tract secretion analyzers integrating sample pretreatment have appeared on the market. Among them, the fluid circuit system is the core component of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer. However, the fluid circuit systems of existing reproductive tract secretion analyzers are generally quite complex. For example, CN108362865A discloses a method and fluid circuit system for testing secretions. This fluid circuit system has more than fifty pipelines and dozens of valves. The entire system is very complex and requires multiple TIP head removal and removal operations, resulting in many action logic and coordination points during operation, a high failure rate, and low instrument detection efficiency. In addition, due to the complexity of the system, the system cost is high. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention proposes a control method for the fluid circuit system of a reproductive tract secretion analyzer.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention discloses a control method for a fluid system of a reproductive tract secretion analyzer. The fluid system includes a water supply unit, a sample dispensing unit, a reagent dispensing unit, and a waste liquid unit. The sample dispensing unit includes a suction device and a sample pump connected via tubing. The reagent dispensing unit includes multiple first containers, a pressurization unit, and a dispensing unit. Each dispensing unit includes a reagent needle connected to each first container via a reagent dispensing tubing. Each reagent dispensing tubing is equipped with a first valve. The inlet end of the reagent dispensing tubing extends to the bottom of the first container or connects to a quick-connect cannula inside the first container. The pressurization unit includes a gas source and a pressure equalization chamber connected sequentially by pipelines. The pressure equalization chamber is connected to at least two pressurization branches, which are primary branches and / or secondary branches. Each first container is connected to the pressure equalization chamber through at least two of the pressurization branches. A first pressure monitoring device is installed in the pressure equalization chamber, and a pressure reducing valve and a second pressure monitoring device are installed on each pressurization branch. The control method includes the following steps: The first step is to confirm the amount of pure water in the water supply unit, the amount of reagent in the first container, and the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid unit. If the purified water and / or reagent is insufficient, then add purified water and / or reagent; if the amount of waste liquid is excessive, then treat the waste liquid. The second step is to start the water supply unit and complete the water supply unit filling process; The third step is to start the gas source, monitor the pressure using the first and second pressure monitoring devices, and adjust the pressure of each pressurization branch to the preset range through the pressure reducing valve; wherein, the gas source pressurizes the first container through the pressurization branch, causing the reagent to flow out from the reagent needle, thus completing the reagent filling of the dispensing unit; The fourth step is to start the gas source after the water supply unit and the filling unit have been filled, open the pressurization branch corresponding to the sample diluent, and add the sample diluent quantitatively to the sample to obtain the diluted sample. The sample dispensing unit uses a TIP tip to quantitatively aspirate diluted samples in multiple batches and add them to the plate and reaction container respectively; the reagent dispensing unit quantitatively dispenses reaction reagents into the plate for dry chemical detection; the reagent dispensing unit quantitatively dispenses staining solution into the reaction container, and after staining, it is dropped onto a glass slide for morphological detection.

[0005] The beneficial effects are: the sample dispensing unit of the present invention uses a sample pump for direct dispensing, and the reagent dispensing unit uses positive pressure dispensing, so that only one TIP head is needed in the detection process of each sample. On the one hand, the amount of TIP head consumables is significantly reduced, and on the other hand, the action logic of sample pretreatment is simplified, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the instrument.

[0006] The positive pressure dispensing of the reagent dispensing unit in this invention is as follows: pressurized gas (such as air, inert gas, preferably air) is introduced into the first container to pressurize the reagents (such as reaction reagents, staining solutions, and sample diluents) inside the first container, thereby realizing the filling and automatic dispensing of the dispensing unit. The entire system only requires a stable pressurized gas source (which can be a compressed gas tank or a pump) as the dispensing power. The reagent dispensing unit is simple, low in cost, and has little impact on the size of the instrument, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the instrument. In addition, the dispensing is done after filling, the dispensing logic is simple, and the dispensing efficiency is high. While meeting the actual dispensing accuracy, it can also meet the high-speed reagent dispensing requirements of high-throughput instruments. Furthermore, the first container in this invention is a closed container, which can reduce the evaporation of reagents and avoid ineffective waste.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the fluid circuit system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer further includes a first cleaning tank and a second cleaning tank. The water supply unit includes a second container for holding purified water and a first pump. The inlet of the first pump is connected to the second container, and the outlet of the first pump is divided into two paths. The first branch is connected to the first cleaning tank, and the second branch is connected to the second cleaning tank. A second valve is provided on the first branch, and a third valve is provided on the second branch. The advantages are: the water supply unit of the present invention can inject purified water into both cleaning tanks, and the pipeline is simple.

[0008] Preferably, the sample dispensing unit includes a connected aspirator and a sample pump; the water supply unit further includes a second pump, the inlet of which is connected to the second container, and the outlet of the second pump is divided into two paths: the first path is connected to the second container via an overflow valve, and the second path is connected to the sample pump. A fourth valve is provided between the sample pump and the second pump. The beneficial effect is that this invention utilizes an overflow valve to regulate the flushing flow rate of the sample dispensing unit.

[0009] More preferably, a third pressure monitoring device is installed on the pipeline between the aspiration component and the sample pump. In actual installation, the sample pump is preferably a plunger pump, which can reciprocate to realize sample aspiration and dispensing. The third pressure monitoring device is used to monitor the pipeline pressure between the aspiration component and the sample pump, and can determine whether there is dry pumping or blockage between the aspiration component and the sample pump based on the pressure, so as to ensure accurate sample dispensing.

[0010] Preferably, the waste liquid unit includes a third container, to which both the first and second cleaning tanks are connected. In this preferred embodiment, gravity drainage can be utilized.

[0011] Preferably, a first waste liquid pump is provided between the third container and the first cleaning tank, and a second waste liquid pump is provided between the third container and the second cleaning tank. In this invention, rapid discharge of waste liquid can be achieved by combining gravity and waste liquid pumps, or waste liquid pumps can be used directly for waste discharge.

[0012] Preferably, the first, second, and third containers are all equipped with liquid level monitoring devices for monitoring liquid volume. These devices are liquid level sensors, weight sensors, laser sensors, or float switches. In actual operation, liquid level sensors or weight sensors are preferred.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The sample dispensing unit of this invention uses a sample pump for direct dispensing, and the reagent dispensing unit uses positive pressure dispensing, so that only one TIP head is needed in the detection process of each sample. On the one hand, the amount of TIP head consumables is significantly reduced, and on the other hand, the action logic of sample pretreatment is simplified, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the instrument.

[0014] The reagent dispensing method of the present invention adopts positive pressure dispensing, which pressurizes the reagents (such as reaction reagents, staining solutions and sample diluents) in the first container by introducing pressurized gas into the first container, thereby realizing the filling and automatic dispensing of the dispensing unit. The entire system only requires a stable pressurized gas source (which can be a compressed gas tank or a pump) as the dispensing power. The reagent dispensing unit is simple, low in cost, and has little impact on the size of the instrument, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the instrument and saves TIP heads. Furthermore, this invention employs a post-filling method with a simple filling logic and high filling efficiency, meeting both practical filling accuracy requirements and the high-speed reagent filling needs of high-throughput instruments. Moreover, the first container in this invention is a sealed container, which reduces reagent evaporation and avoids ineffective waste. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid circuit system of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reagent dispensing unit described in this invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water supply unit and sample injection unit described in this invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of the waste liquid unit described in this invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the process of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes are given. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0021] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0022] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] This invention proposes a control method for the fluid circuit system of a reproductive tract secretion analyzer, and the specific piping of the fluid circuit system used in the reproductive tract secretion analyzer is as follows: (Combined with...) Figure 1-3It is known that the fluid system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer includes a water supply unit, a sample dispensing unit, a reagent dispensing unit, and a waste liquid unit. The reagent dispensing unit includes three first containers 101 (or more), a pressurization unit, and a dispensing unit. The three first containers 101 are used to hold sample diluent, staining solution, and reaction reagent, respectively. The dispensing unit includes a reagent needle 102 that is connected to each first container 101 in a one-to-one manner through a reagent dispensing line. Each reagent dispensing line is equipped with a first valve F1. The inlet end of each reagent dispensing line is connected to a quick-connect tube in the first container 101. The connection is simple and convenient, and it is convenient to replace or replenish reagents. The pressurization unit includes an air source 103 and a pressure equalization chamber 104 connected in sequence by pipelines. The air source 103 is a pressurized and stable air source. In actual installation, the stable air source 103 can be a cylinder containing compressed air or an air pump with a filter at the inlet. Figure 1 The gas source 103 is indicated by an air pump. The equalization chamber 104 is connected to two pressurization branches. One pressurization branch is a primary branch 105, which is connected to one of the first containers 101 (such as sample diluent). The other pressurization branch is a secondary branch 106, which is connected to two other first containers 101 (containing staining solution and reaction reagent, respectively). A pressure reducing valve 109 and a second pressure monitoring device 108 (preferably a pressure sensor) are installed on the main lines of the primary branch 105 and the secondary branch 106. A first pressure monitoring device 107 (preferably a pressure sensor) is installed in the equalization chamber 104. The signal output terminals of the first pressure monitoring device 107 and the second pressure monitoring device 108 are connected to the signal input terminal of the control system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer. The pressure of the equalization chamber 104 and each branch can be monitored in real time. The pressure reducing valve 109 is used to adjust the pressure of the branch to ensure that the pressurization pressure is within the preset range and to avoid the pressure being too high or too low, which would affect the sample addition accuracy.

[0024] In practical operation, this invention pressurizes the reagents (such as reaction reagents, staining solutions, and sample diluents) in the first container 101 by introducing pressurized gas into the first container 101, thereby realizing the filling and automatic filling of the filling unit. The entire system only requires a stable pressurized gas source 103 as the filling power. The reagent filling unit is simple, low in cost, and has little impact on the size of the instrument, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the instrument. In addition, this invention uses filling followed by filling, which has a simple filling logic and high filling efficiency, and can meet the needs of high-throughput instruments for high-speed reagent filling. The first container 101 is a closed container, which can reduce the volatilization of reagents and avoid ineffective waste.

[0025] In other embodiments of the present invention, the pressurization unit may also employ multiple primary branches 105.

[0026] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3 As can be seen, the liquid circuit system of the present invention further includes a first cleaning tank 201 and a second cleaning tank 202. The water supply unit includes a second container 203 for holding purified water and a first pump 204. The inlet of the first pump 204 is connected to the second container 203, and the outlet of the first pump 204 is divided into two paths. The first branch is connected to the first cleaning tank 201, and the second branch is connected to the second cleaning tank 202. A second valve F2 is installed on the first branch, and a third valve F3 is installed on the second branch. In actual operation, the first pump 204 can provide water supply power, enabling water supply to not only any one cleaning tank but also both cleaning tanks to be supplied simultaneously.

[0027] Combination Figure 1 As can be seen, the sample dispensing unit includes a suction component 301 (in this embodiment, it is an adapter + TIP head) and a sample pump 302 connected by a pipeline. The sample pump 302 is a plunger pump, and the reciprocating motion of the plunger pump can realize suction and discharge, thereby realizing sample dispensing. A third pressure monitoring component 303 (preferably a pressure sensor) is provided between the suction component 301 and the sample pump 302. The signal output terminal of the third pressure monitoring component 303 is connected to the signal input terminal of the instrument control system, which can monitor the pressure signal between the suction component 301 and the sample pump 302 in real time and transmit it to the control system. The blockage can be judged according to the pressure value. When the pressure exceeds the set value, it indicates that dry suction or blockage has occurred, avoiding inaccurate sample dispensing due to dry suction or blockage and improving the accuracy of sample dispensing.

[0028] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3 As can be seen, the water supply unit of the present invention also includes a second pump 205. The inlet of the second pump 205 is connected to the second container 203, and the outlet of the second pump 205 is divided into two paths. The first path is connected to the second container 203 via an overflow valve 206, and the second path is connected to the sample pump 302. A fourth valve F4 is provided between the sample pump 302 and the second pump 205. The overflow valve 206 has a flow regulation function to ensure that the flushing flow rate and velocity of the second path can meet the cleaning requirements of the sample pump 302 and the suction component 301.

[0029] Combination Figure 1 It is known that the waste liquid unit includes a third container 401, and the first cleaning tank 201 and the second cleaning tank 202 are both connected to the third container 401. When space permits, the height of the first cleaning tank 201 and the second cleaning tank 202 is higher than that of the third container 401, utilizing gravity to achieve automatic discharge of waste liquid, thus meeting the requirement of simultaneous cleaning and drainage of the needles. In addition, a fifth valve F5 is installed between the first cleaning tank 201 and the third container 401, and a sixth valve F6 is installed between the second cleaning tank 202 and the third container 401 to meet the soaking requirements of the reagent needles.

[0030] Combination Figure 4 It is known that a first waste liquid pump 402 is installed between the third container 401 and the first cleaning tank 201, and a second waste liquid pump 403 is installed between the third container 401 and the second cleaning tank 202. In actual operation, gravity and the waste liquid pumps can be used to achieve rapid drainage of each cleaning tank. In addition, since the waste liquid pumps can provide gravity for drainage, rapid drainage can still be achieved when the installation space of the instrument cannot meet the height difference installation requirements.

[0031] In actual installation, liquid level detection devices (such as liquid level sensors) for monitoring liquid level information can be installed in each of the first container 101, the second container 203, and the third container 401. The liquid level sensors monitor the liquid level and promptly report to the control system when the purified water or reagent is insufficient. The alarm module of the control system will then sound an alarm to remind the staff to replenish the liquid in time. When the liquid level in the third container 401 reaches the set high value, the staff will be reminded to dispose of the waste liquid in time.

[0032] Of course, a weight sensor can also be installed under each container to monitor the weight in real time. When the weight is lower than the set value (such as the first container 101 and the second container 203) or exceeds the set value (such as the third container 401), the staff will be reminded to replenish or clean up the waste liquid in time to ensure the normal operation of the instrument.

[0033] The present invention combines a water supply unit, a sample dispensing unit, a reagent dispensing unit, and a waste liquid unit, which greatly simplifies the pipeline structure while achieving sample pretreatment. The pipeline is simple, the cost is low, and the execution logic is simple, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the instrument. The sample dispensing unit adopts an adapter + TIP head, and only one TIP head is needed for a single test. This not only avoids the risk of sample contamination, but also greatly reduces the amount of consumables used and simplifies the logical operation, thereby greatly improving the detection speed of the analyzer.

[0034] Combination Figure 5 As can be seen, the control method described in this invention includes the following steps: The first step is to check the liquid volume in the first container 101, the liquid volume in the second container 203, and the waste liquid volume in the third container 401. If the liquid volume in the first container 101 and / or the second container 203 is insufficient, replenish the reagents and / or purified water in time to meet the actual testing needs; if there is too much waste liquid in the third container 401, deal with it in time. The second step is the filling of the water supply unit: start the first waste liquid pump 402 and the second waste liquid pump 403 to prepare for the filling of the water supply unit; then start the first pump 204 and the second pump 205, open the second valve F2, the third valve F3 and the fourth valve F4, and the water supply unit will automatically fill with water to complete the filling of purified water. During this process, the flow rate of the sample dispensing unit is adjusted by adjusting the opening of the overflow valve 206 until the pressure monitored by the third pressure monitoring device 303 is within the preset range; The third step is the filling of the reagent filling unit: start the gas source 103 (in this embodiment, it is an air pump), adjust the pressure reducing valve 109 according to the real-time pressure monitored by the first pressure monitoring device 107 and the second pressure monitoring device 108, so that the pressure of each pressurization branch is within the required range, and the gas source 103 pressurizes the first container through the pressurization branch. Open the first valve F1 to allow the reagent in the first container to be pressurized and enter the reagent line and reagent needle 102, so that part of the reagent flows out from the reagent needle 102 to expel the gas in the filling line and reduce the influence of air bubbles; then close the first valve F1 and the gas source 103 to complete the reagent filling of the reagent filling unit. Step 4, Sample Processing: Start the gas source 103, open the first valve F1 corresponding to the sample diluent, pressurized air enters the first container 101 corresponding to the sample diluent, quantitatively add the sample diluent to the sample tube, then close the gas source 103 and the first valve F1 to ensure the sample diluent and sample are mixed evenly; the sample dispensing unit takes the TIP head, aspirates the diluted sample, and adds the diluted sample to the plate and reaction container respectively; Start the gas source 103 and the first valve F1 corresponding to the reaction reagent to quantitatively add the reaction reagent into the plate. After adding the reagent, close the gas source 103 and the first valve F1 to proceed with dry chemical detection. Start the gas source 103 and the first valve F1 corresponding to the staining solution to quantitatively add the staining solution into the reaction container. After staining, drop the solution onto the glass slide for morphological detection. After the test is completed, regarding the gas source 103, open one or more first valves F1 to release the pressure of the reagent dispensing unit, close the first waste liquid pump 402 and the second waste liquid pump 403, start the first pump 204, open the second valve F2 and the third valve F3 to fill the first cleaning tank 201 and the second cleaning tank 202 with purified water, then close the first pump 204, the second valve F2, and the third valve F3, and immerse the reagent needles 102 in purified water to avoid adsorption or crystallization.

[0035] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for the fluid circuit system of a reproductive tract secretion analyzer, characterized in that: The fluid system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer includes a water supply unit, a sample dispensing unit, a reagent dispensing unit, and a waste liquid unit. The sample dispensing unit includes a suction device and a sample pump connected by tubing. The reagent dispensing unit includes multiple first containers, a pressurization unit, and a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit includes a reagent needle connected to each first container via a reagent dispensing tubing. Each reagent dispensing tubing is equipped with a first valve. The inlet end of the reagent dispensing tubing extends to the bottom of the first container or connects to a quick-connect cannula inside the first container. The pressurization unit includes a gas source and a pressure equalization chamber connected sequentially by pipelines. The pressure equalization chamber is connected to at least two pressurization branches, which are primary branches and / or secondary branches. Each first container is connected to the pressure equalization chamber through at least two of the pressurization branches. A first pressure monitoring device is installed in the pressure equalization chamber, and a pressure reducing valve and a second pressure monitoring device are installed on each pressurization branch. The control method includes the following steps: The first step is to confirm the amount of pure water in the water supply unit, the amount of reagent in the first container, and the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid unit. If the purified water and / or reagent is insufficient, then add purified water and / or reagent; if the amount of waste liquid is excessive, then treat the waste liquid. The second step is to start the water supply unit and complete the water supply unit filling process; The third step is to start the gas source, monitor the pressure using the first and second pressure monitoring devices, and adjust the pressure of each pressurization branch to the preset range through the pressure reducing valve; wherein, the gas source pressurizes the first container through the pressurization branch, causing the reagent to flow out from the reagent needle, thus completing the reagent filling of the dispensing unit; The fourth step is to start the gas source after the water supply unit and the filling unit have been filled, open the pressurization branch corresponding to the sample diluent, and add the sample diluent quantitatively to the sample to obtain the diluted sample. The sample dispensing unit uses a TIP tip to quantitatively aspirate diluted samples in multiple batches and add them to the plate and reaction container respectively; the reagent dispensing unit quantitatively dispenses reaction reagents into the plate for dry chemical detection; the reagent dispensing unit quantitatively dispenses staining solution into the reaction container, and after staining, it is dropped onto a glass slide for morphological detection.

2. The control method for the fluid circuit system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first cleaning tank and a second cleaning tank. The water supply unit includes a second container for holding purified water and a first pump. The inlet of the first pump is connected to the second container. The outlet of the first pump is divided into two paths. The first branch is connected to the first cleaning tank and the second branch is connected to the second cleaning tank. A second valve is provided on the first branch and a third valve is provided on the second branch.

3. The control method for the fluid circuit system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water supply unit also includes a second pump. The inlet of the second pump is connected to the second container, and the outlet of the second pump is divided into two paths. The first path is connected to the second container via an overflow valve, and the second path is connected to the sample pump. A fourth valve is provided between the sample pump and the second pump.

4. The control method for the fluid circuit system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that: A third pressure monitoring device is installed on the pipeline between the liquid suction device and the sample pump.

5. The control method for the fluid circuit system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The waste liquid unit includes a third container, and the first and second cleaning tanks are both connected to the third container via pipelines.

6. The control method for the fluid circuit system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first waste liquid pump is provided between the third container and the first cleaning tank, and a second waste liquid pump is provided between the third container and the second cleaning tank.

7. The control method for the fluid circuit system of the reproductive tract secretion analyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first container, the second container, and the third container are all equipped with liquid level monitoring devices for monitoring the liquid volume. The liquid level monitoring devices are liquid level sensors, weight sensors, laser sensors, or float switches.

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