Sample analysis device and sample analysis method

Abstract

The present invention provides a sample analysis device and a sample analysis method, which can allow a pipette to penetrate a stopper installed at an opening of a sample container and aspirate a sample from the sample container by a simple structure, regardless of which of two paths a sample container is transported. The sample analysis device comprises: a pipette that penetrates a stopper installed at an opening of a sample container to aspirate a sample in the sample container, a rack transport that transports a sample rack on which a sample container is placed along a transport path and positions the sample container placed on the sample rack at an aspiration position, a sample transfer unit that sets a sample container different from the sample container transported by the rack transport unit and transfers the set sample container to the aspiration position, a measuring unit that measures the sample aspirated by the pipette, and an analyzing unit that analyzes the measurement result of the measuring unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sample analysis device and a sample analysis method. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a sample analyzer in which a measurement sample prepared by adding a reagent to a plasma sample is irradiated with light, and optical measurement and analysis of the plasma sample is performed using a coagulation method, a synthetic matrix method, an immunoturbidimetric method, and an agglutination method.

[0003] like Fig.12 As shown, in this sample analysis device, normal continuous measurement and emergency measurement are performed. When performing normal continuous measurement, the sample rack 510 on which the sample container 520 is placed is transported inward along the rack placement area 501 and sent to the right end of the transport area 502. The sample rack 510 located at the right end of the transport area 502 is transported to the left along the transport area 502. After the sample container 520 is located at the sample aspiration position 531, the sample stored in the sample container 520 is aspirated by the sample dispensing unit 541. On the other hand, when performing emergency measurement, the sample container 520 to be subjected to emergency measurement is placed in the sample holder 552 located at the right end position of the transport path 551. Then, the sample holder 552 is transported to the left. After the sample container 520 placed in the sample holder 552 is located at the aspiration position 553, the sample stored in the sample container 520 is aspirated by the sample dispensing unit 541.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-179919. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the above sample analyzer, two paths for transporting sample containers are provided for aspirating samples. It is desired that in such a sample analyzer, no matter which path is used to transport the sample container, the aspirating unit can aspirate the sample from the sample container by a simple structure through the stopper installed in the opening of the sample container.

[0009] Technical means to solve technical problems

[0010] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a sample analysis device. The sample analysis device 30 of this aspect includes: an aspirating unit 411 that penetrates a stopper 210 installed in an opening 221 of a sample container 20 to aspirate a sample in the sample container 20; a rack transport unit 42 that transports a sample rack 10 on which the sample container 20 is placed along a transport path 42a so that the sample container 20 placed in the sample rack 10 is located at an aspirating position 301 of the aspirating unit 411; a sample transfer unit 310 that sets a sample container 20 different from the sample container 20 transported by the rack transport unit 42 and transfers the set sample container 20 to the aspirating position 301 provided in the transport path 42a; a measuring unit 32 that measures the sample aspirated from the sample container 20 located at the aspirating position 301 by the aspirating unit 411; and an analyzing unit 33 that analyzes the sample based on the measurement result of the measuring unit 32.

[0011] According to the sample analysis device involved in this aspect, both the sample container transported by the rack transport unit and the sample container transported by the sample transfer unit, that is, the sample containers transported through two paths are located at the same aspiration position. And the sample is aspirated at the aspiration position using a common aspiration unit that can penetrate the stopper. In this way, according to the sample analysis device involved in this aspect, no matter which of the two paths the sample container is transported through, the aspiration unit can penetrate the stopper installed in the opening of the sample container through a simple structure to aspirate the sample from the sample container.

[0012] The sample analyzer 30 of this embodiment may be configured as follows: the pressing member 334 is provided above the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301. In this way, when the aspiration unit that has penetrated the stopper is pulled out of the sample container, the sample container can be prevented from moving upward with the movement of the aspiration unit and being pulled out of the sample rack or the sample transfer unit.

[0013] In this case, the sample analyzer 30 according to this embodiment may include a cleaning unit 335 provided on the pressing member 334 to clean the outer side of the aspirating unit 411. This can remove the sample adhering to the outer side of the aspirating unit, thereby preventing contamination of the sample.

[0014] The following structure may be adopted: In the sample analysis device 30 according to the present embodiment, the sample transfer unit 310 includes: a placement member 311 for placing the sample container 20, and a rotation drive unit 313 for rotating the placement member 311 in a horizontal direction to transfer the sample container 20 to the aspiration position 301. In this way, the sample transfer unit can smoothly transfer the sample container set in the sample transfer unit from the outside of the transport path to the aspiration position in the transport path.

[0015] In this case, the sample transfer unit 310 may be configured as follows: the sample transfer unit 310 includes a rotation axis 312 for rotating the placement member 311, and the placement member 311 is located on the opposite side of the transport path 42a relative to the rotation axis 312. In this way, the placement member can be smoothly switched between the state in which the placement member is at the aspiration position and the state in which the placement member is not at the aspiration position according to the rotation position of the placement member.

[0016] In the sample analyzer 30 according to this embodiment, the shape of the mounting member 311 in a plan view may include an arc centered on the rotation axis 312. In this way, the plane area required for the rotation of the mounting member can be reduced.

[0017] The sample analyzer 30 of this embodiment may have a plurality of container receiving portions 311a for receiving the sample containers 20 formed on the receiving member 311. Thus, the operator can continuously analyze the plurality of samples by the sample transfer unit by placing the plurality of sample containers on the container receiving portions.

[0018] The sample analyzer 30 according to the present embodiment may be configured such that the sample transfer unit 310 includes a detection unit 314 that detects that the sample container 20 is set on the setting member 311 .

[0019] At this time, the sample transfer unit 310 may be configured to transfer the sample container 20 placed on the placement member 311 to the aspiration position 301 based on the detection unit 314 detecting that the sample container 20 is placed on the placement member 311. In this way, the sample analysis by the sample transfer unit can be smoothly started by placing the sample container on the placement member.

[0020] The sample analyzer 30 according to this embodiment may be configured to include a cover 350 that covers the sample transfer unit 310. This can prevent an operator from accidentally touching the sample transfer unit in operation.

[0021] At this time, the sample analyzer 30 according to the present embodiment includes a locking mechanism 370 for locking the cover 350. This can prevent the operator from accidentally opening the cover and touching the sample transfer unit in operation.

[0022] The sample analyzer 30 of this embodiment may include a cover 350 having a transparent member 351 that can see through the position of the sample container 20 placed in the sample transfer unit 310. In this way, the operator can visually determine whether the sample container is placed in the sample transfer unit.

[0023] The sample analyzer 30 of this embodiment may be configured as follows: The sample analyzer 30 includes a notification unit 360 indicating that the sample transfer unit 310 is in operation. The notification unit is, for example, an indicator, a liquid crystal panel, etc. In this way, the operator can refer to the notification unit to determine whether the sample transfer unit is in operation.

[0024] The following configuration may be adopted: In the sample analyzer 30 according to the present embodiment, the aspirating portion 411 is a nozzle having a sharp tip 411 a . In this way, the aspirating portion can easily penetrate the stopper of the sample container.

[0025] The structure may be as follows: in the sample analysis device 30 involved in this form, the rack transport unit 42 transports the sample rack 10 on which the sample container 20 containing the normal sample is placed along the transport path 42a, so that the sample container 20 placed on the sample rack 10 is located at the aspiration position 301, and the sample container 20 containing the priority sample that needs to be analyzed before the normal sample is set in the sample transfer unit 310, and the sample transfer unit 310 transfers the set sample container 20 to the aspiration position 301.

[0026] The sample analyzer 30 of this embodiment may be configured as follows: when analyzing a priority sample, the sample rack 10 located at the aspiration position 301 is retracted from the aspiration position 301 by the rack transport unit 42, and then the priority sample is transferred to the aspiration position 301 by the sample transfer unit 310. In this way, the priority sample can be aspirated before the normal sample is aspirated.

[0027] The sample analyzer 30 according to this embodiment may include a reader 333 that reads sample information from the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301. In this way, one reader can read sample information from each sample container located at the aspiration position via different paths.

[0028] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a sample analysis method. In the sample analysis method according to this aspect, when a sample container 20 containing a normal sample is transported along a transport path 42a and located at an aspiration position 301 of an aspiration unit 411, and a sample container 20 containing a priority sample to be analyzed prior to the normal sample is set in a sample analyzer, the sample container 20 containing the normal sample is withdrawn from the aspiration position 301, the sample container 20 containing the priority sample is transferred to the aspiration position 301, the priority sample in the sample container 20 is aspirated by the aspiration unit 411 through the stopper 210 installed in the opening 221 of the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301, the priority sample aspirated from the sample container 20 is measured, and the priority sample is analyzed based on the obtained measurement result.

[0029] The sample analysis method according to this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, the priority sample can be aspirated before the normal sample is aspirated.

[0030] The third aspect of the present invention relates to a sample analysis device. The sample analysis device 30 of this aspect comprises: an aspirating unit 411 for aspirating a sample in a sample container 20; a rack transport unit 42 for transporting a sample rack 10 on which a sample container 20 is placed along a transport path 42a so that the sample container 20 placed in the sample rack 10 is located at an aspirating position 301 of the aspirating unit 411; and a sample transfer unit 310 including a placement member 311 for placing a sample container 20 different from the sample container 20 transported by the rack transport unit 42, and a rotation drive unit 313 for rotating the placement member 311 in a horizontal direction to transfer the sample container 20 placed by the placement member 311 to the aspirating position 301. ; a measuring unit 32, which measures the sample aspirated from the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301 by the aspiration unit 411; and an analyzing unit 33, which analyzes the sample based on the measurement result of the measuring unit 32; wherein the transfer path for transferring the sample container by the rack transport unit 42 and the transfer path for transferring the sample container 20 by the rotational drive unit 313 intersect at the aspiration position 301, the placing component 311 sets the sample container 20 at a position different from the transport path 42a, and the rotational drive unit 313 transfers the sample container 20 set on the placing component 311 to the aspiration position 301 from a position different from the transport path 42a.

[0031] The sample analysis device according to this embodiment can suppress the complexity of the device and can place the sample container at the same aspiration position through two different transfer paths, and use a common aspiration unit to aspirate the sample at the same aspiration position. Therefore, even when a pipetting unit that can penetrate the stopper of the sample container is used as the common aspiration unit, the complexity of the device can be suppressed.

[0032] Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, regardless of which of the two paths is used to transport the sample container, the aspirating unit can aspirate the sample from the sample container by passing through the stopper attached to the opening of the sample container with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the general structure of the sample analyzer according to the first embodiment; Figure 1 This is a top view of the transport unit and the measuring unit according to the first embodiment when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis;

[0034] Figure 2 (a) is a schematic diagram of the position of the sample rack and the position of the placement member of the sample transfer unit when a normal sample is aspirated from a sample container placed on the sample rack according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 (b) is a schematic diagram of the position of the sample rack and the position of the placement member of the sample transfer unit when the priority sample is aspirated from the sample container placed on the sample transfer unit according to the first embodiment;

[0035] Figure 3 (a) is a perspective view of the structure of the sample holder involved in embodiment 1; Figure 3 (b) is a perspective view of the structure of the sample container involved in Embodiment 1;

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the structure of the transport unit involved in Embodiment 1;

[0037] Figure 5 (a) is a perspective view of the structure of the sample transfer unit involved in embodiment 1; Figure 5 (b) is a perspective view of the structure of the cover, locking mechanism, and detection unit involved in embodiment 1;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the transport control of the priority sample and the normal sample by the transport unit involved in the first embodiment;

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the structure of the transport unit and the measuring unit according to the first embodiment when viewed from above;

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the structure of the sample dispensing unit, the pressing member and the cleaning unit involved in the first embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of the structure of the sample analysis device involved in the first embodiment;

[0042] Fig.10 This is a top view of the transport unit near the suction position according to the second embodiment when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis;

[0043] Fig.11 (a) is a top view of the transport unit near the suction position according to the third embodiment when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis;

[0044] Fig.11 (b) is a top view of the transport unit near the suction position according to the fourth embodiment when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis;

[0045] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure involved in the related art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] <Implementation method 1>

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the sample analyzer 30 includes a transport unit 31 and a measuring unit 32. The transport unit 31 transports the sample rack 10 to transport the sample container 20 placed on the sample rack 10 to the aspiration position 301 where the measuring unit 32 aspirates the sample. In addition, the transport unit 31 drives the sample transfer unit 310 to transport the sample container 20 placed on the placement member 311 of the sample transfer unit 310 to the aspiration position 301. The overall structure of the transport unit 31 will be described later. Figure 4 The structure of the sample analyzer 30 and the measuring unit 32 will be described later. Figures 7 to 9 Provide explanation.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the XYZ axes are orthogonal to each other, and the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction correspond to the direction parallel to the horizontal plane. The positive direction of the X-axis corresponds to the left, the positive direction of the Y-axis corresponds to the back, and the positive direction of the Z-axis corresponds to the vertical bottom. Figure 1 Set the same way.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the transport unit 31 includes a rack transport unit 42 and a sample transfer unit 310 .

[0050] The rack transport unit 42 transports the sample rack 10 fed to the negative end of the rack transport unit 42 along the transport path 42a in the X-axis direction so that the sample container 20 placed in the sample rack 10 is located at the aspiration position 301. The sample rack 10 includes a plurality of container placement portions 110. The container placement portion 110 is a hole formed downward from the upper side of the sample rack 10. The sample container 20 contains a sample inside, and the upper end of the sample container 20 is sealed by a stopper 210. The operator places the sample container 20 containing a normal sample that does not need to be analyzed first on the sample rack 10, and places the sample rack 10 on the transport unit 31. Then, the operator starts the measurement and analysis of the sample in the sample container 20 placed in the sample rack 10. Hereinafter, the normal sample that does not need to be analyzed first is referred to as a "normal sample".

[0051] The sample transfer unit 310 includes a placement member 311 and a rotation axis 312. The placement member 311 rotates with the rotation axis 312 extending in the Z-axis direction as the rotation center. The placement member 311 includes a container placement portion 311a. The container placement portion 311a is a hole that can place the sample container 20 in a state where the sample container 20 is upright in the Z-axis direction. The sample transfer unit 310 causes the sample container 20 placed in the container placement portion 311a to be located at the aspiration position 301 by rotating the placement member 311 around the rotation axis 312. The operator places the sample container 20 containing the sample that needs to be analyzed in priority to the normal sample on the placement member 311, and starts the measurement and analysis of the sample in the sample container 20 placed in the placement member 311. Hereinafter, the sample that needs to be analyzed in priority to the normal sample is referred to as a "priority sample". The priority sample includes a sample that needs to be analyzed urgently.

[0052] Thus, the sample container 20 storing the priority sample is set in the sample transfer unit 310, and the sample transfer unit 310 transfers the set sample container 20 to the aspiration position 301. In other words, the sample transfer unit 310 receives a sample container 20 different from the sample container 20 transported by the rack transport unit 42, and transfers the received sample container 20 to the aspiration position 301.

[0053] The measuring section 32 includes a sample dispensing section 410. The sample dispensing section 410 includes an aspiration section 411, an arm 412, and a mechanism section 413. The aspiration section 411 is provided at the front end of the arm 412. The aspiration section 411 is composed of a nozzle. The front end of the aspiration section 411 is sharp enough to penetrate the plug 210 of the sample container 20. The mechanism section 413 rotates the arm 412 in the circumferential direction and moves it in the up-down direction. Thus, the aspiration section 411 can move in the circumferential direction and in the up-down direction. The sample dispensing section 410 allows the aspiration section 411 to descend from the upper side relative to the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301 to penetrate the plug 210 of the sample container 20. Then, the sample dispensing section 410 aspirates the sample from the sample container 20 through the aspiration section 411.

[0054] The measuring unit 32 measures the sample aspirated from the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301 by the aspiration unit 411, and sends the measurement result of the sample to the analyzing unit 33. The analyzing unit 33 analyzes the sample based on the measurement result of the measuring unit 32.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the rack transport unit 42 transports the sample container 20 placed on the sample rack 10, that is, the sample container 20 containing the normal sample, along the transport path 42a and positions it at the aspiration position 301 of the aspiration unit 411. Then, the aspiration unit 411 descends from just above the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301 and penetrates the stopper 210 to aspirate the normal sample from the sample container 20. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the sample transfer unit 310 rotates the sample container 20 placed on the placing member 311, that is, the sample container 20 containing the priority sample, in the horizontal direction around the rotation axis 312 through the placing member 311, so that it is located at the aspiration position 301. Then, the aspiration unit 411 descends from just above the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301 and penetrates the stopper 210 thereby to aspirate the priority sample from the sample container 20.

[0056] In this way, both the sample container 20 transported by the rack transport unit 42 and the sample container 20 transferred by the sample transfer unit 310, that is, the sample containers 20 transported by the two paths are located at the same aspiration position 301. Then, the sample is aspirated at the aspiration position 301 using the common aspiration unit 411 that can penetrate the plug 210. In this way, according to the first embodiment, regardless of which of the two paths the sample container 20 is transported, the aspiration unit 411 can penetrate the plug 210 attached to the opening of the sample container 20 to aspirate the sample from the sample container 20 with a simple structure. More specifically, the aspiration unit 411 can penetrate the plug 210 to aspirate the normal sample from the sample container 20 containing the normal sample transported by the rack transport unit 42, and the priority sample can be aspirated from the sample container 20 containing the priority sample transferred by the sample transfer unit 310.

[0057] The placement member 311 is located on one side of the rotation axis 312 (the opposite side of the conveying path 42a with respect to the rotation axis 312), that is, Figure 1 In the state shown, the Y-axis negative side of the rotating shaft 312. Thus, according to the rotation position of the placement member 311, it is possible to smoothly switch Figure 2 (b) shows the state of the placement member 311 at the aspiration position 301 and Figure 2 (a) shows a state where the mounting member 311 is not at the aspiration position 301.

[0058] In the top view, the placement member 311 is in the shape of an arc integrated with a circle centered on the rotation axis 312. In other words, the shape of the placement member 311 in the top view includes an arc centered on the rotation axis 312. Thus, in the top view, the plane area required for the rotation of the placement member 311 can be reduced.

[0059] The pipetting unit 411 is a nozzle with a sharp tip, so that the pipetting unit 411 can easily penetrate the plug 210 of the sample container 20 .

[0060] Next, refer to Figure 3 (a)~ Figure 5 In (b) of the accompanying drawings, the detailed structures of the sample rack 10, the sample container 20 and the transport unit 31 are described.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the sample rack 10 has a substantially rectangular shape, and the width in the X-axis direction is longer than the width in the Y-axis direction. The container placement portion 110 places the sample container 20 in a state where the sample container 20 is upright in the Z-axis direction. If the sample rack 10 has a plurality of container placement portions 110, a plurality of samples can be transported to the measuring portion 32 by transporting one sample rack 10. The number of container placement portions 110 in the sample rack 10 is not limited to six, and may be another number.

[0062] An identification member 101 is attached to the positive side of the Y axis of the sample rack 10. The identification member 101 is a barcode label on which a barcode indicating rack information is printed. The rack information is information that can identify the sample rack 10 individually.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown in (b) in FIG. 1 , the sample container 20 includes an identification member 201, a plug 210, a main body 220, and a cover 230. The main body 220 is a blood collection tube made of light-transmitting glass or synthetic resin, which contains the sample. An opening 221 is formed at the upper end of the main body 220. The plug 210 is made of elastic synthetic resin or the like. The plug 210 seals the opening 221 at the upper end of the main body 220 containing the sample. The cover 230 is made of plastic and covers the plug 210 mounted on the main body 220 from the upper side. A hole 231 is formed in the center of the cover 230 to pass through from top to bottom. The aspiration portion 411 of the measuring portion 32 passes through the plug 210 in the Z-axis direction through the hole 231.

[0064] The identification member 201 is attached to the side surface of the main body 220. The identification member 201 is a barcode label on which a barcode indicating sample information is printed. The sample information is information that can identify the sample individually.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the transport unit 31 includes a rack storage unit 41 , a rack transport unit 42 , a rack collection unit 43 , a sample transfer unit 310 , a protection member 340 , a cover 350 , and a notification unit 360 .

[0066] The sample rack 10 is placed in the rack storage section 41. The sample rack 10 placed in the rack storage section 41 is supported by the bottom surface 41a of the rack storage section 41. The feeding member 41b of the rack storage section 41 is a claw-shaped member provided at the end of the rack storage section 41 on the positive side of the X axis and the end of the rack storage section 41 on the negative side of the X axis. The feeding member 41b can move in the Y axis direction. The feeding member 41b pushes the side surface of the sample rack 10 on the negative side of the Y axis in the positive direction of the Y axis, thereby sending the sample rack 10 placed in the rack storage section 41 from the rack storage section 41 to the transport path 42a of the rack transport section 42.

[0067] The rack transport unit 42 includes two conveyor belts 320 , a motor 331 , a motor 332 , a reading unit 333 , a pressing member 334 , a cleaning unit 335 , and a pushing member 336 . The transport path 42 a of the rack transport unit 42 is formed by the upper side surfaces of the two conveyor belts 320 .

[0068] The two conveyor belts 320 extend in parallel to each other in the X-axis direction, and are connected to pulleys at the ends on the positive side and negative side of the X-axis. The motor 331 rotates the pulley connected to the conveyor belt 320 on the positive side of the Y-axis to drive the conveyor belt 320 on the positive side of the Y-axis. The motor 332 rotates the pulley connected to the conveyor belt 320 on the negative side of the Y-axis to drive the conveyor belt 320 on the negative side of the Y-axis. The two conveyor belts 320 each have a protrusion 321 protruding in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The conveyor belts 320 are driven in a state where the protrusion 321 is engaged with the notch provided on the lower side of the sample rack 10, thereby enabling the sample rack 10 to be transported in the X-axis direction along the transport path 42a.

[0069] The reading unit 333 is a barcode reader. The reading unit 333 reads barcodes from the identification member 101 of the sample rack 10 transported in the rack transport unit 42 and the identification member 201 of the sample container 20 placed in the sample rack 10. The reading unit 333 is supported by a driving unit (not shown) and can move in the X-axis direction. It moves in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis positive side of the transport path 42a to read barcodes from the identification members 101 and 201. In addition, the reading unit 333 moves to the Y-axis positive side of the aspiration position 301 to read the barcode from the identification member 201 of the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301.

[0070] Thus, the reader 333 reads the sample information by reading the barcode from the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301. Thus, the sample information can be read by one reader 333 from both the sample container 20 storing the normal sample and the sample container 20 storing the priority sample located at the aspiration position 301 via different paths.

[0071] The reading unit 333 may also be an antenna for reading RFID. In this case, the identification member 101 attached to the sample rack 10 and the identification member 201 attached to the sample container 20 are RFID tags.

[0072] The pressing member 334 is provided above the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301. The cleaning unit 335 is provided on the lower side of the pressing member 334 above the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301. The cleaning unit 335 cleans the outer side of the aspiration unit 411 pulled out of the sample container 20. The pressing member 334 and the cleaning unit 335 will be described later. Figure 8 Provide explanation.

[0073] The sample rack 10 is transported in the X-axis direction so that the placed sample containers 20 are sequentially located at the aspiration position 301. After the aspiration of all the sample containers 20 is completed, the sample rack 10 is located at the end of the X-axis positive side of the transport path 42a. Then, the push-out member 336 pushes the side surface of the sample rack 10 on the Y-axis positive side in the Y-axis negative direction and transports it to the bottom surface 43a of the rack recovery unit 43. Thus, the sample rack 10 is recovered to the rack recovery unit 43.

[0074] The protection member 340 covers the rack transport unit 42 on the negative side of the Y axis near the center position of the rack transport unit 42 in the X axis direction. The protection member 340 is provided with an opening 341 at a position on the negative side of the Y axis of the aspiration position 301. The sample transfer unit 310 is provided inside the opening 341. The cover 350 is provided at the opening 341 and covers the sample transfer unit 310. In more detail, the cover 350 can switch the inside of the opening 341 between a state open to the outside and a state shielded from the outside. By providing the cover 350, it is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally touching the sample transfer unit 310 in operation.

[0075] The notification unit 360 is composed of an indicator provided on the outer side of the protection member 340. The notification unit 360 indicates that the sample transfer unit 310 is in operation. Specifically, the notification unit 360 is in a flashing state when the sample transfer unit 310 is in operation, and is in a lighted state when the sample transfer unit 310 is not in operation. Thus, the operator can refer to the notification unit 360 to determine whether the sample transfer unit 310 is in operation.

[0076] The notification unit 360 is not limited to an indicator, but may be formed of a liquid crystal panel, etc. When the notification unit 360 is formed of a liquid crystal panel, when the sample transfer unit 310 is in operation, a message such as "the sample transfer unit transferring the priority sample is in operation" is displayed on the notification unit 360.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown in (a) of FIG. 8 , the sample transfer unit 310 includes a mounting member 311 , a rotation shaft 312 , a rotation drive unit 313 , and a detection unit 314 .

[0078] The container receiving portion 311a extending in the Z-axis direction is formed in the receiving member 311. The receiving member 311 is fixed to the rotating shaft 312 extending in the Z-axis direction. An opening 311b is formed on the side of the container receiving portion 311a opposite to the rotating shaft 312.

[0079] The rotation drive unit 313 includes a pulley 313a, a pulley 313b, a conveyor belt 313c, and a motor 313d. The pulley 313a is connected to the lower end of the rotation shaft 312. The conveyor belt 313c is mounted on the pulleys 313a and 313b. The pulley 313b is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 313d. The motor 313d is driven, thereby rotating the rotation shaft 312 through the conveyor belt 313c. As a result, the placement member 311 rotates around the rotation shaft 312, so that the sample container 20 placed on the container placement portion 311a of the placement member 311 is located at the aspiration position 301.

[0080] The rotation drive unit 313 rotates the mounting member 311 around the rotation axis 312 , so that the sample transfer unit 310 can smoothly transfer the sample container 20 placed on the mounting member 311 from the outside of the transport path 42 a to the aspiration position 301 in the transport path 42 a .

[0081] The detection unit 314 is a reflection type sensor, which is fixed in the conveying unit 31. Figure 5 As shown in (a) in FIG. 1 , when the container receiving portion 311 a of the receiving member 311 is located on the negative side of the Y axis, the detecting portion 314 detects that the sample container 20 is received in the container receiving portion 311 a through the opening 311 b .

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown in (b) of FIG. 3 , the cover 350 includes a transparent member 351, a hole 352, a flange portion 353, a hole 354, and a shielding member 355. The transport unit 31 includes a locking mechanism 370 and a detection unit 380 near the cover 350.

[0083] The transparent member 351 is provided on the front side surface of the cover 350, that is, the surface on the negative side of the Y axis. The transparent member 351 is provided on the front side surface of the cover 350 so as to be able to see through the position of the sample container 20 provided in the sample transfer unit 310. Thus, even when the cover 350 is closed, the operator can visually determine whether the sample container 20 is provided in the sample transfer unit 310.

[0084] A hole 352 is provided on each of the two surfaces of the cover 350 that are parallel to the Y-Z plane. The two holes 352 are opposite to each other in the X-axis direction. The two holes 352 pass through a rotation axis (not shown) in the transport section 31, whereby the cover 350 can rotate around the X-axis. The cover 350 rotates around the X-axis, whereby the sample transfer section 310 disposed inside the cover 350 can switch between a state open to the outside and a state shielded from the outside. The eaves 353 are provided near the upper end of the cover 350. The operator can hold the eaves 353 and move it along the Figure 5 The thick arrow in (b) moves to change the open or closed state of the cover 350.

[0085] The shaft 371 of the locking mechanism 370 is attached to and removed from the hole 354. The locking mechanism 370 includes the shaft 371 and the cylinder portion 372. The cylinder portion 372 is driven, whereby the shaft 371 moves in the X-axis direction. The shaft 371 is inserted into the hole 354, whereby the cover 350 becomes non-rotatable around the X-axis, and the cover 350 is locked. The shaft 371 is pulled out of the hole 354, whereby the cover 350 becomes rotatable around the X-axis. When the sample transfer unit 310 is in operation, the cover 350 is locked. The locking mechanism 370 can prevent the operator from mistakenly opening the cover 350 and touching the sample transfer unit 310 in operation.

[0086] The shielding member 355 is provided on the side surface of the cover 350 on the negative side of the X axis. The detection unit 380 is a through-beam type sensor, and includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Figure 5 As shown in (b) in FIG. 3 , when the cover 350 is closed, the shielding member 355 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the detection portion 380. When the cover 350 is rotated about the X-axis, the shielding member 355 is deviated from between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the detection portion 380. In this way, the detection portion 380 can detect the open or closed state of the cover 350.

[0087] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the transport control of the transport unit 31 for the priority samples and the normal samples. Figure 6 The transport control is performed by the control unit 32a of the measuring unit 32 described later. The transport control may be performed by the control unit 33a of the analyzing unit 33 described later, or may be performed by another external device different from the sample analyzer 30. In addition, if the transport unit 31 is provided with a control unit, the transport control may be performed by the control unit of the transport unit 31.

[0088] In step S11, the control unit 32a determines whether the sample container 20 containing the un-aspirated priority sample is placed in the container placement unit 311a of the sample transfer unit 310 and whether the cover 350 is closed. The control unit 32a determines whether the sample container 20 is placed in the container placement unit 311a based on the output signal of the detection unit 314, and determines whether the cover 350 is closed based on the output signal of the detection unit 380. Before placing the sample container 20 in the sample transfer unit 310, the operator sets the measurement command of the priority sample in advance through the input unit 33d of the analysis unit 33 described later.

[0089] After the sample container 20 storing the un-aspirated priority sample is placed in the sample transfer unit 310 and the cover 350 is closed, the control unit 32a determines whether there is a sample rack 10 being processed at the aspiration position 301 in step S12. The state in which the sample rack 10 is being processed at the aspiration position 301 refers to a state in which a part of the sample rack 10 overlaps with the lower part of the aspiration position 301 and there are sample containers 20 that are not aspirated left in the sample rack 10. If there is a sample rack 10 being processed at the aspiration position 301, the control unit 32a drives the rack transport unit 42 to move the sample rack 10 in the negative direction of the X axis, thereby retracting the sample rack 10 from the aspiration position 301 in step S13. If there is no sample rack 10 being processed at the aspiration position 301, the process of step S13 is skipped.

[0090] In step S14, the control unit 32a drives the sample transfer unit 310 to rotate the placement member 311 around the rotation axis 312, and transfers the sample container 20 containing the priority sample to the aspiration position 301. In step S15, the control unit 32a causes the reading unit 333 to be located behind the aspiration position 301, and reads the barcode from the identification member 201 of the sample container 20 containing the priority sample located at the aspiration position 301. In step S16, the control unit 32a drives the sample dispensing unit 410, and aspirates the priority sample from the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301 through the aspiration unit 411.

[0091] Then, the control unit 32a allows the placement member 311 to rotate around the rotation axis 312, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the placement member 311 is located at a position for setting the sample container 20 . Figure 4 The position of the placement member 311 shown is the position when the sample container 20 is set in the sample transfer unit 310. The operator opens the cover 350 and takes out the sample container 20 that has completed the aspiration from the placement member 311. After the aspiration of the priority sample is completed, the sample rack 10 that has been temporarily retreated is transported to the aspiration position 301 again in step S18 described later, and the normal sample is aspirated from the sample container 20 placed on the sample rack 10.

[0092] In step S11, if it is determined that the priority sample is not placed or the cover 350 is not closed, in step S17, the control unit 32a determines whether there is a normal sample to be analyzed. The state in which the normal sample to be analyzed is the state in which the sample rack 10 is placed in the rack storage unit 41, and the state in which the sample container 20 that has not been aspirated is in the sample rack 10 of the rack transport unit 42. If there is no normal sample to be analyzed, the process returns to step S11. If there is a normal sample to be analyzed, in step S18, the control unit 32a drives the rack storage unit 41 and the rack transport unit 42 to transport the sample rack 10, and transports the sample container 20 containing the normal sample placed in the sample rack 10 to the aspiration position 301.

[0093] After that, the control unit 32a performs the processing of steps S15 and S16 in the same manner as in the case of the priority sample. That is, in step S15, the control unit 32a causes the reading unit 333 to be located behind the aspiration position 301, and reads the barcode from the identification member 201 of the sample container 20 storing the normal sample located at the aspiration position 301. In step S16, the control unit 32a drives the sample dispensing unit 410, and aspirates the normal sample from the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301 through the aspiration unit 411.

[0094] After the processing is completed, the process starts again from step S11 and repeats Figure 6 of delivery control.

[0095] As described above, based on the detection of the sample container 20 set on the set member 311 by the detection unit 314, the sample container 20 set on the set member 311 is transported to the aspiration position 301. Thus, by placing the sample container 20 containing the priority sample on the set member 311, the analysis of the priority sample can be smoothly started.

[0096] When analyzing the priority sample, the sample rack 10 located at the aspiration position 301 is temporarily retracted from the aspiration position 301 by the rack transport unit 42, and then the priority sample is transferred to the aspiration position 301 by the sample transfer unit 310. Thus, the priority sample can be aspirated before the normal sample is aspirated.

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, the measurement unit 32 is disposed behind the transport unit 31. The measurement unit 32 performs measurements related to blood coagulation tests. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the sample contained in the sample container 20 is plasma.

[0098] In addition, the liquid contained as a sample in the sample container 20 is not limited to plasma. That is, the sample contained in the sample container 20 is not limited to plasma, and may be whole blood, serum, urine, lymph, body cavity fluid, etc. For example, when the measurement unit 32 performs a blood cell test on the sample, the sample may be whole blood. For example, when the measurement unit 32 performs a blood coagulation test, an immunological test, or a biochemical test on the sample, the sample may be plasma. For example, when the measurement unit 32 performs an immunological test or a biochemical test on the sample, the sample may be serum.

[0099] The measurement section 32 includes a sample dispensing section 410 , a reaction container stage 420 , a heating stage 430 , a reagent stage 440 , reagent dispensing sections 450 and 460 , a transfer section 470 , a detection section 480 , and a sample dispensing section 490 .

[0100] The sample dispensing unit 410 lowers the pipetting unit 411 from the upper side relative to the sample container 20 located at the pipetting position 301 to make it pass through the stopper 210. Then, the sample dispensing unit 410 aspirates the sample from the sample container 20 through the pipetting unit 411, and discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction container 422 placed in the placement hole 421 of the reaction container stage 420.

[0101] The sample dispensing section 490 is provided with a pipetting section 491, an arm 492, and a mechanism section 493 in the same manner as the sample dispensing section 410. The pipetting section 491 is provided at the front end of the arm 492. The pipetting section 491 is composed of a suction nozzle. The sample dispensing section 490 is used to aspirate a small amount of sample from the sample container 20 opened by the opening 221, so the front end of the pipetting section 411 is flat. The mechanism section 493 allows the arm 492 to rotate in the circumferential direction and move in the vertical direction. Thus, the pipetting section 491 can move in the circumferential direction and in the vertical direction.

[0102] The sample dispensing unit 490 lowers the pipetting unit 491 from the upper side relative to the sample container 20 located at the pipetting position 302 on the transport path 42a of the rack transport unit 42 and inserts the pipetting unit 491 into the sample container 20. Then, the sample dispensing unit 490 pipettes the sample from the sample container 20 through the pipetting unit 491 and discharges the pipetted sample into the reaction container 422 mounted on the mounting hole 421 of the reaction container stage 420.

[0103] The reaction container table 420 has a ring shape in a top view and is disposed outside the reagent table 440. The reaction container table 420 can rotate in a circumferential direction. The reaction container table 420 has a plurality of placement holes 421 for placing reaction containers 422.

[0104] The heating stage 430 includes a plurality of receiving holes 431 for receiving the reaction container 422 and a transfer unit 432 for transferring the reaction container 422. The heating stage 430 has a circular outline in a plan view and is rotatable in a circumferential direction. The heating stage 430 heats the reaction container 422 placed in the receiving holes 431 to 37°C.

[0105] After the sample is discharged into the reaction container 422 placed on the reaction container stage 420, the reaction container stage 420 rotates and transfers the reaction container 422 containing the sample to the vicinity of the heating stage 430. Then, the transfer unit 432 of the heating stage 430 clamps the reaction container 422 and places it in the placement hole 431 of the heating stage 430.

[0106] The reagent table 440 can be provided with a plurality of reagent containers 441 containing reagents used for blood coagulation test related measurements. The reagent table 440 can rotate in a circumferential direction. The reagent table 440 is provided with a plurality of reagent containers 441 containing reagents used for measurements of measurement items.

[0107] The reagent dispensing section 450 includes a suction nozzle 451 and a mechanism section 452. The mechanism section 452 allows the suction nozzle 451 to move horizontally in a manner that crosses the reagent table 440, and allows the suction nozzle 451 to move vertically. Similarly, the reagent dispensing section 460 includes a suction nozzle 461 and a mechanism section 462. The mechanism section 462 allows the suction nozzle 461 to move horizontally in a manner that crosses the reagent table 440, and allows the suction nozzle 461 to move vertically. The reagent dispensing sections 450 and 460 are provided on the lower side of the upper side surface of the housing of the measuring section 32.

[0108] The reagent dispensing parts 450 and 460 dispense reagents into the reaction container 422 heated on the heating stage 430. When dispensing reagents, the transfer part 432 or the transfer part 470 takes out the reaction container 422 from the placement hole 431 of the heating stage 430 and places it at a certain position near the heating stage 430. Then, the reagent dispensing parts 450 and 460 aspirate the reagent from the reagent container 441 through the suction nozzles 451 and 461 and discharge the aspirated reagent into the reaction container 422. Thus, the reagent is mixed with the sample to prepare a measurement sample. After that, the transfer part 470 places the reaction container 422 in the placement hole 481 of the detection part 480.

[0109] The measuring principle of the detection unit 480 is, for example, a coagulation method, a synthetic matrix method, an immunoturbidimetric method, an agglutination method, etc. The detection unit 480 includes a plurality of placement holes 481. The detection unit 480 irradiates light to the reaction container 422 placed in the placement hole 481, receives light transmitted through the measurement sample, and outputs a signal corresponding to the received light intensity. The control unit 32a of the measurement unit 32 stores the signal output from the detection unit 480 as a measurement result, and sends the measurement result to the analysis unit 33.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, the sample dispensing unit 410 includes an aspirating unit 411, an arm 412, and a mechanism unit 413. The mechanism unit 413 includes a shaft 413a, a guide member 413b, and driving units 413c and 413d. Figure 8 In addition to the sample dispensing unit 410, the sample container 20 at the aspiration position 301, the sample rack 10 on which the sample container 20 is placed, the pressing member 334 and the cleaning unit 335 provided just above the aspiration position 301 are also shown. The aspiration unit 411 is a nozzle having a sharp tip 411a on the positive side of the Z axis.

[0111] The driving unit 413c moves the shaft 413a in the Z-axis direction. The driving unit 413d rotates the shaft 413a with the Z-axis as the rotation center. The driving units 413c and 413d are composed of stepping motors. The shaft 413a supports the arm 412. The suction unit 411 is arranged at the end of the arm 412 facing downward. The guide member 413b can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the shaft 413a, and is arranged relative to the shaft 413a so that the position in the Z-axis direction remains unchanged. A hole that passes through in the up-down direction is formed at the front end of the guide member 413b, and the suction unit 411 passes through the hole at the front end of the guide member 413b.

[0112] The pressing member 334 is fixed to the transporting part 31. The pressing member 334 is formed with a hole 334a that passes through the pressing member 334 in the vertical direction. The cleaning part 335 is provided on the lower side of the pressing member 334. The cleaning part 335 is formed with a hole 335a that passes through the cleaning part 335 in the vertical direction. In addition, two flow paths (not shown) extending in the horizontal direction are formed in the hole 335a. When the aspirating part 411 is pulled out from the sample container 20, the cleaning part 335 allows the cleaning liquid to flow to one of the flow paths connected to the hole 335a in the horizontal direction, and allows the cleaning liquid to be discharged from the other flow path. As a result, the outer side surface of the aspirating part 411 passing through the hole 335a is cleaned, so that contamination of the sample can be prevented.

[0113] The pressing member 334 is provided above the sample container 20 located at the aspiration position 301. Thus, when the aspiration unit 411 that has penetrated the stopper 210 is to be pulled out of the sample container 20, even if the sample container 20 moves upward with the movement of the aspiration unit 411, the upper end of the sample container 20 can be pressed by the pressing member 334 through the washing unit 335. Thus, the sample container 20 can be prevented from moving upward with the movement of the aspiration unit 411 and being pulled out of the sample rack 10 or the sample transfer unit 310.

[0114] like Fig. 9 As shown, the sample analyzer 30 includes a transport unit 31 , a measuring unit 32 , and an analyzing unit 33 .

[0115] The measuring unit 32 includes a control unit 32a, a storage unit 32b, Figure 7 ,8 The control unit 32a is, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 32b is, for example, a ROM, a RAM, or a hard disk. The control unit 32a controls each unit in the measurement unit 32 and the transport unit 31 according to the program and data stored in the storage unit 32b. The control unit 32a aspirates the sample supplied by the transport unit 31 to perform blood coagulation test related measurements on the sample, and sends the measurement results to the analysis unit 33.

[0116] The analysis unit 33 includes a control unit 33a, a storage unit 33b, a display unit 33c, and an input unit 33d. The control unit 33a is, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 33b is, for example, a ROM, a RAM, or a hard disk. The control unit 33a controls each unit in the analysis unit 33 and the measurement unit 32 according to the program and data stored in the storage unit 33b. The display unit 33c is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The input unit 33d is, for example, a mouse or a keyboard. The display unit 33c and the input unit 33d may also be formed as one body by a touch screen display or the like.

[0117] The control unit 33a performs blood coagulation test related analysis on the sample based on the measurement results received from the measurement unit 32. Specifically, the control unit 33a analyzes measurement items such as PT, APTT, Fbg, exogenous coagulation factors, intrinsic coagulation factors, coagulation factor XIII, HpT, TTO, FDP, D-dimer, PIC, FM, ATIII, Plg, APL, PC, VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, ADP, collagen, and adrenaline.

[0118] <Implementation method 2>

[0119] like Fig.10 As shown, in Embodiment 2, the sample transfer section 310 is also provided at the aspiration position 302 where the sample dispensing section 490 of the measuring section 32 aspirates the sample from the transport path 42a, similarly to the aspiration position 301. Thus, compared with Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the protection member 340 extends toward the negative side of the X-axis to protect the aspiration position 302, and a cover 350 is also provided at the negative side of the Y-axis of the aspiration position 301. In addition, in Embodiment 2, the pressing member 334 also extends in the X-axis direction above the aspiration positions 301 and 302. Then, a cleaning section 335 is provided on the lower side of the pressing member 334 just above the aspiration position 302.

[0120] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a sample dispensing unit 410 is arranged at the position of the sample dispensing unit 490, instead of the sample dispensing unit 490. That is, the measuring unit 32 of the second embodiment includes two sample dispensing units 410 each including a pipetting unit 411 with a sharp tip 411a. Thus, the sample dispensing unit 410 on the negative side of the X axis can make the pipetting unit 411 penetrate the stopper 210 relative to the sample container 20 located at the pipetting position 302, and aspirate the sample from the sample container 20. The other structures of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0121] In Embodiment 2, at the aspiration position 302, samples can be aspirated from the sample container 20 storing the normal sample and the sample container 20 storing the priority sample through the stopper 210, similarly to the aspiration position 301. Therefore, a plurality of priority samples can be analyzed quickly. In Embodiment 2, the reading unit 333 can also be moved to the positions of the aspiration positions 301 and 302 in the X-axis direction. Thus, the barcodes can be read from both the sample container 20 storing the normal sample and the sample container 20 storing the priority sample by one reading unit 333 at the aspiration positions 301 and 302.

[0122] <Implementation method 3>

[0123] like Fig.11 As shown in (a) in the figure, in the third embodiment, three container receiving parts 311a are provided in the receiving member 311 of the sample transfer part 310. The three container receiving parts 311a are arranged on the circumference of the circle centered on the rotation axis 312. The other structures of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0124] In this way, if a plurality of container receiving portions 311a are formed on the receiving member 311, the operator can continuously analyze a plurality of priority samples by placing a plurality of sample containers 20 containing priority samples on the receiving member 311. The number of container receiving portions 311a provided on the receiving member 311 is not limited to three, and may be other numbers.

[0125] <Implementation method 4>

[0126] like Fig.11 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , in Embodiment 4, the placement member 311 of the sample transfer unit 310 is elliptical in a plan view. The other structures of Embodiment 4 are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

[0127] According to Embodiment 4, the shape of the mounting member 311 in a plan view is a convex shape including a curve centered on the rotation axis 312. Thus, similarly to Embodiment 1, the plane area required for the rotation of the mounting member 311 can be reduced.

[0128] Number Description

[0129] 10 Sample rack

[0130] 20 Sample Containers

[0131] 30 Sample analysis device

[0132] 32 Measurement Department

[0133] 33 Analysis Department

[0134] 42 Transport Department

[0135] 42a Delivery route

[0136] 210 Plug

[0137] 221 Opening

[0138] 301, 302 Pipetting position

[0139] 310 Sample transfer unit

[0140] 311 Placement of components

[0141] 311a Container placement

[0142] 312 Rotation axis

[0143] 313 Rotation drive unit

[0144] 314 Inspection Department

[0145] 333 Reading Department

[0146] 334 Pressing member

[0147] 335 Cleaning Department

[0148] 350 Cover

[0149] 351 Transparent Components

[0150] 360 Notification Department

[0151] 370 Locking mechanism

[0152] 411 Pipetting unit

[0153] 411a frontend

Claims

1. A sample analysis device, characterized in that: have: a pipetting unit for penetrating a stopper installed at an opening of a sample container to pipette a sample in the sample container, a rack transporting unit that transports a sample rack on which a sample container is placed along a transporting path, and positions the sample container at an aspirating position of the aspirating unit while the sample container is placed on the sample rack; a sample transfer unit disposed at a position adjacent to the aspiration position outside the transport path, the sample transfer unit including a container placement unit for an operator to place a sample container different from the sample container transported by the rack transport unit, the container placement unit being moved in a direction different from a transport direction of the sample rack by the rack transport unit to transfer the sample container disposed outside the transport path to the aspiration position disposed on the transport path, a measuring unit that measures the sample aspirated by the aspirating unit from the sample container located at the aspirating position, an analyzing unit that analyzes the sample based on the measurement result of the measuring unit, A control unit, wherein the control unit performs the following steps: When a sample container other than the sample container transported by the rack transport unit is disposed on the container placement unit, the rack transport unit is caused to retract the sample rack along the transport path from the aspiration position to the upstream of the rack transport unit, and the sample transport unit is caused to move the sample container disposed on the container placement unit to the aspiration position. The aspirating unit aspirates the sample in the sample container placed on the sample rack transported by the rack transport unit or the sample in the sample container transported by the sample transport unit at the aspirating position, After the aspirating section aspirates the sample in the sample container placed in the container placement section, the sample transfer section returns the container placement section to an original position outside the transport path so that the operator can take out the sample container from the container placement section.

2. The sample analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressing member is provided above the sample container located at the aspiration position.

3. The sample analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A cleaning portion is provided on the pressing member and cleans the outer side surface of the aspirating portion.

4. The sample analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample transfer unit includes a placement member on which the sample container is placed, and a rotation drive unit that rotates the placement member in a horizontal direction to transfer the sample container to the aspiration position.

5. The sample analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sample transfer unit includes a rotation axis for rotating the mounting member. The placement member is located on an opposite side of the transport path with respect to the rotation axis.

6. The sample analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shape of the placement component in a top view includes an arc centered on the rotation axis.

7. The sample analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The placement component is formed with a plurality of container placement portions for placing the sample containers.

8. The sample analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sample transfer unit includes a detection unit that detects that the sample container is set on the setting member.

9. The sample analysis device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The sample transporting section transports the sample container mounted on the mounting member to the aspiration position based on the detection by the detecting section that the sample container is mounted on the mounting member.

10. The sample analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cover is provided to cover the sample transfer unit.

11. The sample analysis device according to claim 10, characterized in that: A locking mechanism for locking the cover is provided.

12. The sample analysis device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The cover includes a transparent member capable of seeing through the position of the sample container provided in the sample transfer unit.

13. The sample analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: A notification unit is provided to indicate that the sample transfer unit is in operation.

14. The sample analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The pipetting portion is a suction nozzle with a pointed front end.

15. The sample analysis device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: A reading unit is provided for reading sample information from the sample container located at the aspiration position.

16. A sample analysis method comprising the following steps: When a sample container containing a normal sample is transported along the transport path and is located at the aspiration position of the aspiration unit, and a sample container containing a priority sample that needs to be analyzed prior to the normal sample is set in the sample analyzer by the operator, the sample container containing the normal sample is retreated from the aspiration position to the upstream of the transport path, and a container placement portion of the sample transfer unit disposed outside the transport path and adjacent to the aspiration position is moved to transfer the sample container containing the priority sample disposed outside the transport path to the aspiration position in a direction different from the transport direction in which the sample container containing the normal sample is placed. The aspiration position is provided on the transport path for transporting the sample container containing the normal sample, and the sample in the sample container containing the normal sample or the sample container containing the priority sample is aspirated at the aspiration position. When the sample container containing the priority sample is transferred to the aspiration position, the aspiration unit penetrates the stopper installed in the opening of the sample container located at the aspiration position to aspirate the priority sample in the sample container. After aspirating the sample in the sample container containing the priority sample located at the aspiration position, the container placement unit is returned to the original position outside the transport path, and the operator takes out the sample container from the container placement unit returned to the original position. performing a measurement on the priority sample aspirated from the sample container, The priority samples are analyzed based on the obtained assay results.

17. A sample analysis device comprising: A pipetting unit for pipetting the sample in the sample container; a rack transporting unit, which transports the sample rack with the sample containers placed thereon along a transporting path, so that the sample containers placed on the sample rack are located at the aspirating position of the aspirating unit; a sample transfer unit including: a placement member for placing a sample container different from the sample container transferred by the rack transfer unit, and a rotation drive unit for rotating the placement member in a horizontal direction to transfer the sample container placed by the placement member to the aspiration position; a measuring section that measures the sample aspirated from the sample container located at the aspirating position by the aspirating section; an analyzing unit that analyzes the sample based on the measurement result of the measuring unit; Control Department; in, The placing member arranges the sample container at a position different from the transport path; The control unit performs the following steps: when the sample transfer unit is provided with a sample container other than the sample container transported by the rack transport unit, the rack transport unit retreats the sample rack along the transport path from the aspiration position to the upstream of the rack transport unit, and the rotation drive unit transfers the sample container set on the placement member to the aspiration position from a position different from the transport path; A transport path for transporting sample containers by the rack transport unit and a transport path for transporting sample containers by rotational driving of the rotational drive unit intersect at the aspiration position provided on the transport path; The control unit executes a step of causing the aspirating unit to aspirate the sample in the sample container transported by the rack transport unit or the sample transport unit at the aspirating position.

Images