Automated analysis device

Abstract

An object of the present application is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of further reducing carryover between samples. Thus, the automatic analyzer of the present application includes a first dispensing section that dispenses a sample related to a first analysis item group having a high possibility of carryover; a second dispensing section that dispenses a sample related to a second analysis item group having a low possibility of carryover; an input section that accepts input of analysis information related to a plurality of analysis items of the sample; a classification section that classifies the analysis information into the first analysis item group and the second analysis item group; and a determination section that determines a dispensing order in units of samples for the first analysis item group and determines a dispensing order in units of analysis items for the second analysis item group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated analysis device. Background Technology

[0002] The automated analysis device incorporates the following technology: In order to reduce the impact of sample carryover (hereinafter referred to as residue) in the analysis of samples, the same sample is classified into biochemical and immunological categories, and the analysis is first performed from the biochemical analysis items (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-025587 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] According to the aforementioned patent documents, since the dispensing order is determined only on a per-sample basis, there is a problem that the residue between samples is not sufficiently reduced.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an automated analysis device that can further reduce residues between samples.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] An automatic analysis apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first dispensing unit that dispenses samples related to a first analytical item group with a high probability of residue; a second dispensing unit that dispenses samples related to a second analytical item group with a low probability of residue; an input unit that receives input of analytical information related to multiple analytical items of the samples; a classification unit that classifies the analytical information into a first analytical item group and a second analytical item group; and a decision unit that determines the dispensing order for the first analytical item group on a sample-by-sample basis and determines the dispensing order for the second analytical item group on an analytical item-by-analytical basis.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, an automated analysis device can be provided that can further reduce residues between samples. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This indicates the overall structure of the automatic analysis device.

[0014] Figure 2 This indicates the relationship between the device cycle and the dispensing cycle.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart that determines the order of betting.

[0016] Figure 4A Table 1 is shown.

[0017] Figure 4B Table 2 is shown.

[0018] Figure 5A This indicates the situation where the analysis is distributed according to the commissioned analysis.

[0019] Figure 5B This indicates that all samples were dispensed in descending order of reaction time.

[0020] Figure 6A It is used to explain and Figure 5A The timing diagram of the corresponding embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6B It is used to explain and Figure 5B The timing diagram of the corresponding embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7A This indicates the dispensing sequence equivalent to S304 in Example 1.

[0023] Figure 7B This is a timing diagram equivalent to S304 in Example 1.

[0024] Figure 8A This indicates the dispensing sequence equivalent to S305 in Example 1.

[0025] Figure 8B This is a timing diagram equivalent to S305 in Example 1.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of Example 2.

[0027] Figure 10A Table 5 is shown.

[0028] Figure 10B This indicates the analysis sequence of Example 2.

[0029] Figure 11 This is the timing diagram for Example 2.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the betting order in Example 3.

[0031] Figure 13A Table 8 is shown.

[0032] Figure 13B Table 9 is an example.

[0033] Figure 14A This indicates an example where the analysis order was rearranged only for the second analysis project group.

[0034] Figure 14B This example illustrates how the order of the first analysis item group was rearranged based on the analysis time of one specimen. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 This describes the overall structure of the automated analysis device. The automated analysis device 100 is a composite automated analysis device that analyzes multiple analytical groups (biochemistry, immunology) using a single unit. To minimize the device's size, it is configured so that multiple analytical groups share a predetermined structure.

[0036] The automatic analysis device 100 includes: a constant temperature chamber 1, a reaction vessel 2, a common tray for holding reagents and samples 3, a reagent container 4, a sample container 5, a first dispensing section 8 for dispensing biochemical samples and reagents using a first nozzle, a second dispensing section 9 for dispensing immunological samples and reagents using a second nozzle, a first pump 10 capable of rotating / moving up and down the first dispensing section 8, a second pump capable of rotating / moving up and down the second dispensing section 9, a first cleaning tank 12 for cleaning the first nozzle, a second cleaning tank 13 for cleaning the second nozzle, a reagent stirring unit 14, and a spectrophotometer 1. 5. Flow cell and other detection section 16. Pipe tips used for dispensing immunoassay liquid 17. Transport section for transporting pipette tips 17 and reaction container 2 18. Tray for pipette tips 17 19. Tray for reaction container 2 20. Waste box for storing used pipette tips 17 and reaction container 2 21. Installation position of pipette tips 17 22. Waste position of pipette tips 17 23. Waste liquid tank for storing used liquid 24. Water supply tank for biochemical assay 25. Water supply tank for immunoassay 26. Cleaning solution container for storing cleaning solution 27. and control device 30 for various controls of automatic analysis device 100.

[0037] A constant temperature chamber 1 holds a reaction vessel 2, which is used to hold a mixture of the sample and reagents, on its circumference. The reaction vessel 2 is kept at a constant temperature to promote the reaction of the mixture. The constant temperature chamber 1 is controlled to rotate in one cycle, driven by a motor or similar mechanism, a distance equivalent to the predetermined number of reaction vessels 2.

[0038] Regarding reaction vessel 2, a vessel of the same specifications is used in all reactions and is disposable. Regarding the placement of reaction vessel 2, for example, odd-numbered positions are used for biochemical analysis, and even-numbered positions are used for immunoassay, arranged alternately on the circumference.

[0039] The shared tray 3 has multiple reagent containers 4 and sample containers 5 arranged on its circumference. Here, an example is shown where the reagent containers 4 are arranged on the inner circumference of the sample containers 5, but the sample containers 5 can also be arranged on the inner circumference of the reagent containers 4, or they can be arranged without distinguishing between the inner and outer circumferences.

[0040] The first dispensing section 8 dispenses reagents and samples from reagent containers 4 and sample containers 5 into reaction container 2 while tracing an arc around its rotation axis. The track of the first dispensing section 8 includes a sample aspiration position 7-1 on the common tray 3, a reagent aspiration position 6-1, a first dispensing position on the incubator 1, a second dispensing position, and a first cleaning tank 12. Meanwhile, the second dispensing section 9 also dispenses reagents and samples from reagent containers 4 and sample containers 5 into reaction container 2 while tracing an arc around its rotation axis. The track of the second dispensing section 9 includes a sample aspiration position 7-2 on the common tray 3, a reagent aspiration position 6-2, a third dispensing position on the incubator 1, a fourth dispensing position, and a second cleaning tank 13. Furthermore, in the case of immunoassay, precise measurement is required, and it is necessary to prevent sample residue; therefore, the second dispensing section 9 uses a pipette tip 17 for dispensing. Thus, an installation position 22 and a disposal position 23 also exist on the track of the second dispensing section 9. On the other hand, in the case of biochemical analysis, the precision required for immunoassay is not required. Therefore, the first dispensing section 8 does not use the pipette tip 17. Instead, the first cleaning tank 12 is used to clean the first nozzle for dispensing each time.

[0041] The first dispensing section 8 and the second dispensing section 9 are configured such that the tracks of the first nozzle and the second nozzle, and their respective mechanisms, do not physically interfere with each other. After aspirating the sample and reagent, the first dispensing section 8 and the second dispensing section 9 mix the sample and reagent within the reaction vessel 2 by agitating them through suction discharge. For samples used in either biochemical or immunological analyses, both the first dispensing section 8 and the second dispensing section 9 access the sample.

[0042] In biochemical analysis, a spectrophotometer 15 is used, which is arranged around the thermostat 1. The spectrophotometer 15 has a light source and detector (not shown) to disperse and detect the transmitted light obtained by irradiating the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel 2, thereby determining the absorbance of the reaction liquid.

[0043] The detection unit 16 is used in an immunoassay. The reaction solution, which has been accelerated by the incubator 1, is delivered to the detection unit 16, and analysis is performed by electrochemiluminescence or chemiluminescence, etc. Reagents, labeled substances, and the structure and properties of the detection area suitable for each analysis are selected, and the amount of light emitted from the luminescent reaction of the labeled substance is measured by a detector (e.g., a photomultiplier tube).

[0044] The transport unit 18 transports the reaction vessel 2, whose absorbance has been measured in the constant temperature chamber 1, to the waste container 21 for disposal. Additionally, the transport unit 18 transports the reaction vessel 2 containing the reaction solution that has been facilitated by the constant temperature chamber 1 to the detection unit 16. Finally, the transport unit 18 transports the reaction vessel 2, after analysis by the detection unit 16, to the waste container 21 for disposal.

[0045] The control unit 30 is connected to various mechanisms of the automatic analysis device 100 (the diagram of this connection is omitted), and includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input unit 33, and a display unit 34. The control unit 31 controls the parallel dispensing of the first dispensing unit 8 and the second dispensing unit 9, as well as the rotation drive of the constant temperature chamber 1, the rotation of the common disc 3, the nozzle drive, and the sample suction / discharge, etc. The storage unit 32 stores programs and various data, such as those for the classification unit 35 and the decision unit 36 ​​(described later). The input unit 33 receives instructions from the user. The display unit (monitor) 34 displays the results obtained based on the analysis results to the user. The input unit 33 and the display unit 34 can be integrated as a user interface. The control unit 31 implements the embodiments described later by reading and executing programs for the classification unit 35, the decision unit 36, etc., from the storage unit 32. Alternatively, the classification unit 35 and the decision unit 36 ​​can also be implemented in hardware.

[0046] Figure 2 This illustrates the relationship between the apparatus cycle and the dispensing cycle. In this embodiment, the apparatus cycle is set to 10 seconds, and one biochemical cycle is considered two apparatus cycles. In the first half of these two cycles, the first reagent and the sample are dispensed / stirred into reaction vessel 2 (biochemical first dispensing / stirring). In the second half of the cycle, the second reagent is dispensed / stirred into reaction vessel 2 (biochemical second dispensing / stirring). Additionally, in the second half of the cycle, reaction vessel 2 is either placed into or removed from the incubator 1.

[0047] One cycle of immunization is defined as six cycles of the apparatus cycle. In the first cycle, the immunization reaction vessel 2 is placed in the incubator 1, and removed in the third cycle. The first dispensing is performed in the fourth cycle, and the second dispensing is performed in the sixth cycle. The time for the first dispensing is from the first cycle to the fourth cycle, while the period from the first to the third cycle is used for tip installation and reagent / sample aspiration. During this time, since the first dispensing unit 8 for biochemistry also aspirates reagents and samples, and the shared tray 3 contains both biochemistry and immunization reagents, the timing of the aspiration actions of the first dispensing unit 8 and the second dispensing unit 9 is controlled to prevent overlap.

[0048] Figure 2 The △ marker indicates the timing of sample dispensing. When both biochemical and immunological analyses are performed on the same sample, the first nozzle for biochemistry and the second nozzle for immunology both access the same sample container. However, since the △ markers are not repeated in biochemical and immunological analyses, the first and second nozzles will not interfere with each other.

[0049] In Patent Document 1, the same sample is categorized into biochemical and immunological analyses, with biochemical analyses being dispensed first, compared to immunological analyses. The nozzle is cleaned each time an analysis is dispensed, so when multiple biochemical analyses are present, the nozzle is cleaned accordingly before proceeding to immunological dispensing. This results in minimal retention of pre-samples, reducing residues that could cause analytical errors. However, while this effect is achieved when multiple biochemical analyses are present for a given sample, it is problematic when there is only one biochemical analysis (few) or only immunological analyses. Immediately after pre-sample dispensing, immunological dispensing is performed using the same nozzle, increasing the likelihood of residue buildup. Furthermore, since Patent Document 1 uses the same sample dispensing unit for both biochemical and immunological dispensing, it should be noted that the premise of Patent Document 1 differs from this automated analytical apparatus, which uses separate biochemical and immunological sample dispensing units.

[0050] Furthermore, in WO2017 / 138285, dispensing is initiated from analytical items with long reaction times in order to shorten analysis time. However, when analyzing all samples, it is possible that after dispensing a sample (pre-sample), a different sample (post-sample) may be dispensed frequently when measuring all samples. Moreover, pre-samples adhering to the first nozzle are easily mixed with post-samples, potentially resulting in residues. Especially in the case of automated analyzers that share reagents and samples via a shared disk 3, reagents and samples cannot be added until the analysis of all samples is completed. Therefore, when the analysis is delayed, the addition of reagents and samples for the next analysis is also delayed, reducing analytical efficiency.

[0051] Therefore, the following describes an automated analysis device that can further reduce residues, particularly an embodiment of such an automated analysis device that uses different sample dispensing units for each different analysis item, thereby achieving both reduced residues between samples and shorter analysis time. Furthermore, the following also describes a program as part of the control unit, which means that the control unit 31 reads and executes the program from the storage unit 32.

[0052] (Example 1)

[0053] Figure 3 This is a flowchart that determines the order of analysis. The flowchart shows the process after the user has registered the parameters required for analysis in the storage unit 32 via the input unit 33, set the sample and reagents, and performed the analysis start instruction (pressing the analysis start button).

[0054] First, the control unit 31 acquires information (hereinafter referred to as analysis information) necessary for analyzing the object components contained in the sample. More specifically, it acquires... Figure 4A The table shown corresponds to the types of specimens and the analytical items for those specimens (hereinafter referred to as Table 1) (S301). Table 1 and Figure 4B The table shown (hereinafter referred to as Table 2) is associated with each analytical item and its corresponding reaction time. The content of Table 1 is the content input by the user via input unit 33. The content of Table 2 is the content stored in advance in storage unit 32.

[0055] The sample container 5 is affixed with a tag (e.g., barcode, QR code, RFID, etc.) that stores the analytical items for the sample. A reader (not shown) reads the analytical items from the tag and sends them to the control unit 30. The control unit 31 compares the analytical items with the parameters registered by the user and generates Table 1 based on the matching analytical items.

[0056] Next, the classification unit 35 classifies the analytical information into a first analytical item group and a second analytical item group. That is, Table 1 is divided according to each analytical item group (S302). In the case of biochemical analysis, since the nozzle directly contacts the reagent or sample, the possibility of residue is high. On the other hand, in the case of immunoassay, since the nozzle is equipped with the pipette tip 17 for dispensing, the possibility of residue is low. Thus, Table 1 is divided into the first analytical item group (biochemical) and the second analytical item group (immunoassay) as the analytical item group with the high possibility of residue. In this way, a table containing only the first analytical item group (hereinafter referred to as Table 3) and a table containing only the second analytical item group (hereinafter referred to as Table 4) are generated.

[0057] Next, the decision unit 36 ​​determines the dispensing order for the first analysis item group on a per-sample basis, and for the second analysis item group on a per-analytical item basis. More specifically, the decision unit 36 ​​determines whether Table 4 contains priority items (described later) (S303). If no priority items are included, the dispensing order in Table 3 is not rearranged, and the dispensing order in Table 4 is rearranged in descending order of reaction time (S304). On the other hand, if priority items are included, the decision unit 36 ​​places the priority item at the beginning of Table 4, places the samples in Table 3 that have the same priority item at the end, and rearranges the dispensing order in Table 4 in descending order of reaction time for general items (described later) (S305). If no samples in Table 3 have the same priority item, the dispensing order is not rearranged. In addition, in Table 4, when there are multiple priority items, the betting order is rearranged in order of reaction time from longest to shortest among the priority items, and after the priority items, the betting order is rearranged in order of reaction time from longest to shortest among the general items.

[0058] Following S304 or S305, the control unit 31 begins the sorting of samples related to the specimens of the client being analyzed, according to the determined sorting order.

[0059] Here, priority items (also known as IF items) are a type of immunization item that requires particularly precise analysis even within the immunization process. General items refer to standard immunization items (analytical items requiring standard precision in immunization). In other words, priority items have a higher priority than general items.

[0060] For example, when the first nozzle visits sample container A, impurities adhering to the first nozzle may enter sample container A. Subsequently, when the second nozzle visits sample container A, the second nozzle may attract these impurities. The first nozzle is cleaned with each dispensing, so this problem is minor for general items, but for priority items, even minor effects need to be considered. Therefore, the control unit 31 controls the dispensing of priority items so that there are no residual effects initially.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, suppose there are multiple priority items, and the second nozzle needs to access sample container A first, followed by sample container B. If only the initial dispensing of the priority items is controlled, the sequence would be: second nozzle accesses sample container A → first nozzle accesses sample container A → first nozzle accesses sample container B → second nozzle accesses sample container B. Consequently, impurities adhering to the first nozzle that accessed sample container A would mix into sample container B, and then the second nozzle's access to sample container B would affect the priority items. Therefore, the control unit 31 controls the dispensing so that, in the biochemical analysis, the final dispensing is of the same sample as the one with the priority items.

[0062] Figure 4 shows the analysis information. Figure 4A Table 1 is shown. Figure 4B Table 2 is shown below. Hereinafter, samples will be labeled S (Sample), biochemical analyses will be labeled CC (Clinical Chemistry), and immunoassays will be labeled IA (Immunoassay). Numbers will be added next to the letters according to the number of samples, such as S1, S2…, CC1, CC2…, IA1, IA2… Examples of CC include AST, GLU, CREJ, HDL-C, etc., and examples of IA include hCGSTAT, CEA, TSH, Folate, etc. This example illustrates the performance of biochemical and immunoassays on a total of five samples.

[0063] Figure 5 shows the order of annotations for illustrating the topics in the embodiments. Figure 5A This indicates the situation where betting is done according to the analysis commission. Figure 5B This illustrates the distribution of all samples in descending order of reaction time. Additionally, Figure 6 is a timing diagram used to illustrate the issues addressed in the embodiment. Figure 6A and Figure 5A correspond, Figure 6B and Figure 5B Correspondingly, the processing start time in the timeline is set to the time at which the initial discharge to reaction vessel 2 was performed. Here, an example is shown where biochemical and immunochemical discharges begin simultaneously, but these discharge start times can be staggered. Furthermore, in the biochemical case, analysis ends simply by placing reaction vessel 2 in incubator 1, but in the immunochemical case, analysis is performed after moving reaction vessel 2 from incubator 1 to detection unit 16. That is, it is noted that in the biochemical case, analysis ends at the time recorded in the timeline, whereas in the immunochemical case, the time recorded in the timeline represents the time for promoting the reaction on incubator 1, and analysis does not end at that time.

[0064] In this example, the analysis is performed in descending order of reaction time. Figure 6B Compared to simply assigning points according to the order of the analysis commission. Figure 6A In comparison, the analysis takes 4 minutes less. However, if we focus on... Figure 6B The sample collection revealed that the injection of a particular sample was alternating with the injection of different samples. Repeated injections in this manner increase the likelihood of residue buildup.

[0065] Figure 7 illustrates the process equivalent to S304 in Example 1. Figure 7A Indicates the order of betting. Figure 7B This represents a timeline diagram. Typically, analysis requests are made for each specimen as shown in Table 1; therefore, unless the aliquot order is rearranged, they are arranged per specimen. That is, in biochemistry, aliquoting is performed according to the analysis request, allowing for concentrated aliquoting of similar specimens and reducing the possibility of residue. On the other hand, in immunoassay, the impact of residue can be disregarded; therefore, the aliquoting order can be determined on a per-analytical basis, regardless of the specimen type. Furthermore, in immunoassay, aliquoting is performed in descending order of reaction time, thereby shortening the analysis time.

[0066] The number of times the sample is transferred from one specimen to other specimens is analyzed. Figure 5A The middle is 3 times, in Figure 5B The number of times was 8. Additionally, the analysis time was... Figure 5A The middle of the game was 58 minutes. Figure 5B The average analysis time is 54 minutes. That is, if samples are dispensed in the order they were requested, the possibility of residue decreases, but the analysis time increases. However, if all samples are dispensed in descending order of reaction time, the analysis time can be shortened, but the possibility of residue increases.

[0067] On the other hand, in the case of Example 1, the number of aliquots from one sample to other samples is 3, and the analysis time is 54 minutes. That is, compared with the case where aliquots are simply performed in order of reaction time from longest to shortest, the number of aliquots from one sample to other samples can be reduced by 5, and compared with the case where aliquots are performed only in the order of commission, the analysis time can be reduced by 4 minutes.

[0068] Figure 8 illustrates the process equivalent to S305 in Example 1. Figure 8A Indicates the order of betting. Figure 8B Represents a timing diagram. In Figure 8A In Figure 7B Priority items (recorded as HP (High Priority)) were added before “S5 IA3 54 minutes”. Here, the response times for these priority items are 27 minutes and 18 minutes, and as a whole, they are not part of the order of response times from longest to shortest. Therefore, the analysis time is 56 minutes, which is longer than the previous time. Figure 7B The 54-minute length ( Figure 8B However, in priority projects, allocation is done in descending order of reaction time, thus having a minimal impact on the overall reaction time. Additionally, in Figure 8A In Table 3, S1 is listed last. Other examples of priority items include HBsAgII, HBsAgquantII, TG, and HIVcombiPT.

[0069] Thus, in Example 1, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in residues and a shorter analysis time, and even immunization can reduce the residues of priority items.

[0070] (Example 2)

[0071] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process when an emergency sample is detected. The flowchart shows the flow after the user registers the analysis item for the emergency sample in the storage unit 32 via the input unit 33 and issues an emergency sample analysis start instruction (presses the emergency sample analysis start button). Essentially, in the case of an automated analysis device that shares reagents and samples via the shared disk 3, additional reagents and samples cannot be added until the analysis of all samples is completed. However, in an emergency, it may be necessary to stop the automated analysis device and insert the emergency sample into the already determined dispensing sequence.

[0072] First, control unit 31 stops new sample dispensing (S901), and... Figure 3 Similarly obtained Figure 10A The table related to the analysis request for emergency samples shown (hereinafter referred to as Table 5) (S902) is divided by the classification unit 35 into a table where the analysis item group is only the first analysis item group (hereinafter referred to as Table 6) and a table where the analysis item group is only the second analysis item group (hereinafter referred to as Table 7) (S903). Then, the decision unit 36 ​​does not rearrange the sorting order for Table 6, but rearranges the sorting order for Table 7 according to the reaction time from longest to shortest (S904).

[0073] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether the dispensing of reagents and samples has been completed (S905). Here, it determines whether there are reagents and samples being dispensed. If they are, the process is repeated; if not, the shared tray 3 is stopped, and the emergency sample setting process begins (S906). Then, when the setting of emergency samples to the shared tray 3 is completed, the control unit 31 begins dispensing related to emergency samples according to the determined dispensing sequence.

[0074] Figure 10 shows the analysis information when an emergency specimen is collected. Figure 10A Table 5 shows the correspondence between the types of emergency specimens and the analytical items. Figure 10B This indicates the analysis sequence of Example 2. Additionally, Figure 11 Is with Figure 10B The corresponding timing diagram.

[0075] This indicates a situation where three samples were inserted as emergency samples two minutes after the analysis began. For example, if the emergency sample analysis button was pressed while analyzing No. 5 in Table 3 and No. 2 in Table 4, emergency samples No. 6 to 10 would be inserted between No. 5 and No. 6 in Table 3, and emergency samples No. 3 to 5 would be inserted between No. 2 and No. 3 in Table 4. Figure 11 As shown, even in the event of an emergency sample collection, it is possible to balance the reduction of residues and the shortening of analysis time.

[0076] Additionally, if the emergency sample analysis button is pressed while No. 4 in Table 3 is being analyzed, the emergency sample can be prioritized and analyzed immediately after the analysis of No. 4 is completed. Alternatively, from the perspective of preventing residues, the emergency sample can be inserted after the analysis of No. 5 is completed.

[0077] (Example 3)

[0078] In Examples 1 and 2, the case where the first analytical item group was biochemistry and the second analytical item group was immunology was described. Here, as... Figure 7B As shown, due to the significant difference in reaction times between biochemical and immunochemical assays, the reaction time of immunochemical assays includes that of biochemical assays, thus eliminating the need to reorder the biochemical assays. However, if the analytical groups are not limited to biochemical and immunochemical assays, and the reaction time difference between the first analytical group (high probability of residue) and the second analytical group (low probability of residue) is small, even for the first analytical group, the analysis time can be further shortened by rearranging the dispensing order within the same sample.

[0079] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the betting order in Example 3.

[0080] Control Unit 31 obtained Figure 13A The table shown (hereinafter referred to as Table 8) (S1201). Table 8 and Figure 13B The table shown (hereinafter referred to as Table 9) is associated. Next, the classification unit 35 divides Table 8 according to each analysis item group (S1202). That is, it generates a table (hereinafter referred to as Table 10) where the analysis item group is only the first analysis item group and a table (hereinafter referred to as Table 11) where the analysis item group is only the second analysis item group.

[0081] Next, the decision unit 36 ​​determines whether Table 8 contains priority items (S1203). If no priority items are found, Table 10 is reordered according to the order of specimen analysis time (described later) from longest to shortest (S1204), and Table 11 is reordered according to the order of reaction time from longest to shortest (S1205). Furthermore, as a result of the reordering, if there are multiple specimens with the same length of analysis time, they are set as the order of commissioned analysis.

[0082] Here, the analysis time for one sample refers to the time from the start of the initial analysis item to the end of the final analysis item in the analysis of only one sample. For example, suppose sample S1 has two analysis items in the first analysis item group, with analysis times of 7 minutes and 10 minutes respectively. Also suppose sample S2 has three analysis items in the first analysis item group, with each of the three analysis items having an analysis time of 10 minutes. Furthermore, suppose there is a 20-second deviation in the start time of each analysis item. In this case, in S1, the 10-minute analysis item starts first, and the 7-minute analysis item starts 20 seconds later, but the total analysis time for S1 is 10 minutes. On the other hand, in S2, since the total analysis time for all analysis items is 10 minutes, if the start times are staggered by 20 seconds, the analysis time for S2 is 10 minutes and 40 seconds. That is, if we compare the analysis times for one sample in S1 and S2, S2 is longer. Therefore, in the first analysis project group, the sample S2, which has a longer analysis time, can be analyzed before S1.

[0083] Figure 14 is a timing diagram of Example 3. Figure 14A This indicates an example where only the second analysis team rearranged the analysis order. Figure 14B This example illustrates how the order of analysis in the first analytical group was rearranged based on the analysis time of a single sample. Here, the analytical items in the first analytical group are denoted as X, and the analytical items in the second analytical group as Y. Numbers are added next to the letters according to the number of categories, such as X1, X2…, Y1, Y2… In this way, by adjusting the order of analysis in the first analytical group, both residual loss and overall analysis time can be reduced.

[0084] According to the above embodiments, the automated analysis apparatus includes a first dispensing unit for dispensing samples related to a first analytical item group with a high probability of residue, and a second dispensing unit for dispensing samples related to a second analytical item group with a low probability of residue. In this automated analysis apparatus, the dispensing order is determined on a sample-by-sample basis for the first analytical item group, and on an analytical item-by-analytical basis for the second analytical item group. Therefore, compared to the prior art which determines the dispensing order only on a sample-by-sample basis, residue can be reliably reduced. Furthermore, regarding the second analytical item group, if the dispensing order is determined according to the order of reaction times from longest to shortest, both residue reduction and overall analysis time reduction can be achieved.

[0085] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0086] 100…Automatic analysis device, 1…Incubator, 2…Reaction vessel, 3…Common tray, 4…Reagent container, 5…Specimen container, 6…Reagent aspiration position, 7…Specimen aspiration position, 8…First dispensing section, 9…Second dispensing section, 10…First pump, 11…Second pump, 12…First cleaning tank, 13…Second cleaning tank, 14…Reagent stirring section, 15…Spectrophotometer, 16…Detection section, 17…Pipette tip, 18…Transportation section, 19, 20…Tray, 21…Waste bin, 22…Pipette tip installation position, 23…Pipette tip disposal position, 24…Waste liquid tank, 25, 26…Water supply tank, 27…Cleaning solution container, 30…Control device.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that, have: The first dispensing section dispenses samples and reagents related to the first analytical project group, which has a high probability of residue. The second dispensing section dispenses samples and reagents related to the second analytical item group, which has a low probability of residue. The input section accepts analytical information related to multiple analytical items from multiple samples. The classification department classifies the analytical information into the first analytical item group and the second analytical item group; The decision-making department determines the dispensing order for the first analysis project group on a per-sample basis. Within the first analysis project group, the dispensing order is set as a sequence from longest to shortest sample analysis time. For the second analysis project group, the dispensing order is determined on a per-analysis-item basis. as well as A shared tray, which together holds reagent containers for storing reagents and specimen containers for storing specimens, wherein... The first dispensing section is used to dispense reagents and samples from the reagent containers and sample containers disposed on the common tray to the reaction vessel, and The second dispensing section is used to dispense reagents and samples from the reagent container and the sample container disposed on the common tray to the reaction container.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the second analysis item group does not contain priority items with higher priority than general items requiring normal accuracy, the decision unit sets the order of annotation of the analysis items contained in the first analysis item group to the order of annotation recorded in the analysis information.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the priority item is not included in the second analysis item group, the decision unit rearranges the order of the analysis items included in the second analysis item group according to the reaction time from longest to shortest.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the second analysis item group contains a priority item with a higher priority than a general item requiring typical accuracy, the decision unit places the injection order of the priority item at the beginning of the second analysis item group and places the injection order of the specimen in the first analysis item group that is the same as the specimen containing the priority item at the end of the first analysis item group.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the second analysis project group includes multiple priority projects, the decision unit sets the betting order of the multiple priority projects in order of reaction time from longest to shortest. After the multiple priority projects, the betting order of the general projects is set in order of reaction time from longest to shortest.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the input unit receives information related to an emergency specimen, the decision unit determines the sorting order so that the analysis of the emergency specimen begins after the analysis of the specimen currently being analyzed has been completed.

7. The automatic analysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first analytical project group refers to the analytical project group related to biochemistry. The second analytical project group refers to the analytical project group related to immunity.

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