Automated analyzer and sample dispensing method

The automated analyzer addresses inaccurate dispensing by using capacitance-based liquid level detection to adjust thresholds, ensuring accurate dispensing of specimens and reagents based on actual container fill levels.

JP7880433B2Active Publication Date: 2026-06-25HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024554314
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-10-31
Filing Date
2023-09-27
Publication Date
2026-06-25
Estimated Expiration
2043-09-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing liquid level detection mechanisms in automatic analyzers assume the specimen is filled to the maximum capacity, leading to deviations in threshold voltage calculations when the specimen is not fully filled, affecting accurate dispensing.

Method used

An automated analyzer with a liquid level detection device that uses capacitance-based detection, adjusting the threshold value based on the actual liquid level in the container, and includes a dispensing control unit to stop the probe at the correct liquid level, ensuring accurate dispensing regardless of the sample amount.

Benefits of technology

Enables precise and stable dispensing of specimens and reagents by adapting the threshold value to the actual liquid level, minimizing errors due to varying container fill levels.

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Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to perform dispensing in an accurate and stable manner, regardless of the amount of sample contained in a sample container at a stage of being loaded into an automatic analysis device. This automatic analysis device has: a liquid surface height detection device 13 for detecting the liquid surface height of a sample contained in a sample container 11a; a dispensing device 21 for dispensing the sample by means of a dispensing probe 42; a liquid surface sensing unit 50 that outputs, on the basis of a change in capacitance between the dispensing probe and the sample contained in the sample container, a liquid surface sensing signal indicating that the dispensing probe has come into contact with the sample; and a dispensing control unit 44 for controlling the operation of the dispensing device. The liquid surface sensing unit is provided with a liquid surface sensing circuit that outputs a voltage that changes according to the capacitance between the dispensing probe and the sample contained in the sample container, and performs a comparison between the voltage outputted by the liquid surface sensing circuit and a threshold to generate a liquid surface sensing signal for stopping descent of the dispensing probe, the threshold being set on the basis of at least the liquid surface height of the sample detected by the liquid surface height detection device.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

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