Automated analysis device

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide an automatic analysis device in which an operator can easily recognize a kind of processing and a kind of individual, and missetting is less likely to occur. To this end, the present invention includes a container holding body holding a sample container, a reading section reading an identification area formed on the container holding body, and a control section processing based on information read by the reading section, the control section recognizing a kind of processing according to a kind of color marked in the identification area, and recognizing a kind of individual in the sample container according to a marking method of the color in the identification area.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an automatic analysis device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a hospital or an examination facility, a sample such as blood or urine provided by a patient or the like is analyzed by an automatic analysis device for clinical examination. In addition to this, samples handled by the automatic analysis device include a calibration sample for plotting a calibration curve, a precision management sample, an emergency processing sample, a recheck sample, a cleaning sample for maintenance, and the like.

[0003] As described above, since there are various kinds of samples in the automatic analysis device, it is necessary to switch the operation of the automatic analysis device according to the attribute of the sample. Therefore, a method in which an operator can easily recognize the attribute of the sample when switching the operation of the automatic analysis device to prevent a misoperation is being studied. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes an automatic analysis device as follows: "a color mark for identifying the sample category is attached to the sample container, a unit for recognizing the color of the mark is provided in the automatic sample supply device, and a control device is given a function of selecting any one of a normal analysis, a sensitivity test, and a calibration curve plotting according to the recognized color" (column of technical means for solving technical problem).

[0004] Another method is to add a color label to a sample container holder that holds the sample container to recognize the attribute of the sample instead of the sample container. Further, as a method of identifying the individual of the sample, there is a method of sticking a bar code to the sample container or installing an RFID to the sample container holder.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-290558 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] As in Patent Literature 1 or the like, by marking a color to the sample container or the sample container holder, although it is possible to recognize the kind of processing that should be provided for the sample, it is not possible to recognize the individual of the sample. Further, the method using a bar code or an RFID, although it is possible to perform individual recognition by using a reading device, it is still difficult for an operator to recognize.

[0010] An object of the present application is to provide an automatic analysis device in which an operator can easily recognize from the kind of processing to the kind of individual, and missetting is not easily made.

[0011] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0012] To solve the above problems, the present application includes: a container holding body that holds a sample container, a reading section that reads an identification region formed in the container holding body, and a control section that processes information read by the reading section, the control section identifying a kind of processing according to a kind of color marked in the identification region and identifying a kind of individual in the sample container according to a marking method of color in the identification region.

[0013] Effects of Invention

[0014] The present application provides an automatic analysis device that identifies a kind of individual from a kind of processing, and that can be easily recognized even by an operator and is less likely to be mis-set. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing main parts of an automatic analysis device.

[0016] Figure 2 is a view showing an outline of the overall structure of the automatic analysis device in Example 1.

[0017] Figure 3 is a view showing an example of a display method of the identification region of the sample container holding body in Example 1.

[0018] Figure 4 is a table showing a definition example of the identification region in Example 1.

[0019] Figure 5 is a view showing an outline of the overall structure of the automatic analysis device in Example 2.

[0020] Figure 6 is a view showing an example of a display method of the identification region of the sample container holding body in Example 2.

[0021] Figure 7 is a table showing a definition example of the identification region in Example 2.

[0022] Figure 8 is a view showing an example of identifying a kind of individual by a combination of the number of thin lines and the number of thick lines.

[0023] Figure 9 is a view showing an example of a display method of the identification region of the sample container holding body in Example 3.

[0024] Figure 10 is a table showing a definition example of the identification region in Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail based on the drawings.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] The following describes Figures 1 to 4 Example 1 of the present application. Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing main parts of the automatic analysis device 1 of the present embodiment. Further, Figure 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall structure of the automatic analysis device 1 of the present embodiment.

[0028] The automatic analysis device 1 of the present embodiment is composed of a biochemical analysis module 101, a sample container loading and housing module 102, a control section 6, and an operation section 115. The operation section 115 has a display unit such as a monitor and an input / output unit such as a keyboard, and is configured to be able to operate the automatic analysis device 1.

[0029] Further, the sample container holder 2 of the present embodiment holds only one sample container 4, and the cross section in the horizontal direction is substantially circular. Further, the sample container holder 2 is composed of a sample container holding region 22 formed in the upper portion and an identification region 3 formed in the lower portion. Also, the identification region 3 has a first colored portion 31 occupying a major range and a second colored portion 32 corresponding to a remaining range. In addition, the sample container holding region 22 and the identification region 3 are integrally configured.

[0030] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an identification method of the sample container holder 2 involved in the present embodiment.

[0031] First, according to the kind of the color of the identification color 1 (first color) marked on the first colored portion 31, the attribute of the sample, i.e., the kind of the process, can be identified. For example, in the case where the identification color 1 is "black", it is known that the attribute is "calibration sample", and the sample in the sample container 4 held by the sample container holder 2 is a sample used in a calibration process for plotting a calibration curve.

[0032] Next, according to the kind of the color of the identification color 2 (second color) marked on the second colored portion 32, which analysis item can be identified. For example, in the case where the identification color 2 is "white", it is known that the analysis item is "Group 1".

[0033] Further, in the present embodiment, according to the color marking method of the identification color 2, the sample can be further identified, i.e., the kind of the individual can be identified. For example, as Figure 3 shown in FIG. 6, in the case where the number of lines of the identification color 2 is "one", it is known that the kind of the individual is "No. 1", and in the case where the number of lines of the identification color 2 is "two", it is known that the kind of the individual is "No. 2".

[0034] Here, in the case where the identification color 1 and the identification color 2 are the same color, the color marking method of the identification color 2 will not be able to be identified, and thus a color different from the identification color 1 and the identification color 2 needs to be used. Further, in the present embodiment, since the line is drawn along the entire circumference of the sample container holder 2, the line can be identified regardless of which position of the outer circumferential surface of the sample container holder 2 is stopped against the operator or the reading section 5.

[0035] According to the present embodiment, by effectively utilizing the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the sample container holder 2, it is possible to display the identification information of the sample. Further, even with the identification region 3 of which the height dimension is limited, it is possible to display the identification information of a plurality of levels with a small number of colors by effective color matching. Therefore, not only the reading section 5, but also the operator can identify a large amount of information from the kind of processing to the kind of individual.

[0036] Next, the processing using the automatic analysis device 1 in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where a calibration sample is used to draw a calibration curve for calculating the concentration of a sample will be described. Further, here, a case where one (No. 1) calibration sample is required for the analysis item (Group 1) as a calibration target will be described. In addition, in the case of drawing a calibration curve, a plurality of calibration samples are often required for the analysis item as a target, and in the case where three calibration samples are required, No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 of the analysis item group as a target are used.

[0037] First, the calibration sample of which the concentration is set is dispensed into the sample container 4. Then, the operator inputs, through the operation section 115, that the identification color 1 indicating the attribute is "black", the identification color 2 indicating the analysis item is "white", the number of lines of the identification color 2 indicating the kind of individual is one, and the known concentration of the calibration sample as a target.

[0038] After that, the calibration sample as a target is set by the operator on the sample container holder 2 corresponding to the input from the operation section 115, that is, the sample container holder 2 of which the identification region 3 having the first colored portion 31 is "black", the color of the line of the second colored portion 32 is "white", and the number of lines is "one".

[0039] The calibration sample set on the sample container holder 2 is set in the sample container holder loading section 111 provided in the sample container loading and housing module 102 of the automatic analysis device 1. Then, the identification information marked in the identification region 3 of the sample container holder 2 is read by the reading section 5 provided in the sample container loading and housing module 102 in the conveyance route. In the reading section 5, for example, a linear image sensor capable of one-dimensionally reading color information is used, but it is not limited thereto. The acquired identification information is transmitted to the control section 6.

[0040] In the control section 6, it is identified that the identification color 1 is "black", the identification color 2 is "white", and the number of lines of the identification color 2 is "one". Then, according to the identification result that the identification color 1 is "black", the control section 6 selects the process of drawing the calibration curve after analysis as the type of the process. Further, according to the identification result that the identification color 2 is "white" and the number of lines is "one", the control section 6 sets the analysis item of the calibration sample held in the sample container holder 2 to "group 1", the type of the individual to "No. 1", and executes the process related to the drawing of the calibration curve.

[0041] After the reading section 5 reads the identification information, the sample container holder 2 is conveyed to the sample container conveying section 113 of the biochemical analysis module 101 through the sample container conveying section 113 of the sample container loading and housing module 102, and further to the sample container conveying section 114 for dispensing in the biochemical analysis module 101. The calibration sample conveyed to the sample container conveying section 114 for dispensing is sucked from the sample container 4 by the sample dispensing mechanism 103 in the biochemical analysis module 101. Thereafter, the sample dispensing probe of the sample dispensing mechanism 103 moves to the reaction container held on the reaction container holding and rotating mechanism 106 in the biochemical analysis module 101, and sprays the calibration sample into the reaction container. After the sample is sprayed, the 1st reagent dispensing mechanism 109 and the 2nd reagent dispensing mechanism 110 in the biochemical analysis module 101 move in the reagent probe cleaning tank, and clean the inner and outer walls of the reagent probe with deionized water.

[0042] On the other hand, the reagent container holding and rotating mechanism 107 in the biochemical analysis module 101 also rotates to a prescribed position so as to suck the reagent corresponding to the calibration sample as the object according to the analysis item identified by the control section 6. Then, after the sample dispensing mechanism 103 sprays the sample into the reaction container, the 1st reagent dispensing mechanism 109 performs the dispensing action of the 1st reagent. The 1st reagent probe moves to the position of the reagent cartridge provided on the reagent container holding and rotating mechanism 107, and stops descending when the tip of the 1st reagent probe enters the reagent bottle, and sucks a prescribed amount of the reagent. Next, the 1st reagent probe moves to the position of the reaction container and sprays the prescribed amount of the reagent. Thereafter, the 1st reagent probe moves to the cleaning position of the 1st reagent probe, and cleans the inner and outer walls of the 1st reagent probe.

[0043] After the 1st reagent is dispensed, the reaction container provided on the reaction container holding and rotating mechanism 106 rotates and moves to the stirring position, and the calibration sample and the reagent are mixed by the stirring mechanism 108 in the biochemical analysis module 101. After the stirring, the photometry of the reaction solution is started by the photometer 105. The photometry is performed when the reaction container passes through the light path during the rotation of the reaction container holding and rotating mechanism 106. Also, in the case where the 2nd reagent is required, the photometry is performed after the stirring by the stirring mechanism 108 when the dispensing is performed at a prescribed timing by the 2nd reagent dispensing mechanism 110.

[0044] At the end of the photometry, the absorbance of the specified measurement point and the known concentration input in advance by the operation section 115 are used to draw a calibration curve. The reaction solution after the measurement is sucked up by the nozzle of the reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 104 in the biochemical analysis module 101 and discharged to the waste tank in the automatic analysis device 1. Next, a cleaning solution is injected into the empty reaction vessel and the next cleaning process is performed. After the cleaning, a water blank measurement is performed and the reaction vessel is used for the next analysis.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] The following uses Figures 5 to 8 Example 2 of the present application is described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall structure of the automatic analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0047] As Figure 5 shown, the automatic analysis device 1 of the present embodiment is composed of a sample pretreatment / post-treatment system 250, an immunoassay module 201, a control section 6, and an operation section 115. The immunoassay module 201 is connected to the sample pretreatment / post-treatment system 250 via a sample vessel transfer connection unit 256. In addition, the operation section 115 is configured to include a display unit such as a monitor and an input / output unit such as a keyboard, and is capable of performing operations of the immunoassay module 201 and the sample pretreatment / post-treatment system 250.

[0048] In addition, the sample vessel holder 2 of the present embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, the identification region 3 is a separate component, and thus only the identification region 3 can be replaced.

[0049] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an identification method of the sample vessel holder 2 related to the present embodiment. The calibration sample as the object in the present embodiment is described taking the case where the analysis item is "Group 5" and the kinds of individuals are "No. 1" to "No. 6" as an example.

[0050] In the identification region 3 of the sample vessel holder 2 corresponding to "No. 1" of "Group 5" of the "calibration sample", the identification color 1 is "black", the identification color 2 is "sea blue", and the line of the identification color 2 is "one thin line and zero thick lines". Similarly, in the identification region 3 corresponding to "No. 5" of "Group 5" of the "calibration sample", the identification color 1 is "black", the identification color 2 is "sea blue", and the line of the identification color 2 is "five thin lines and zero thick lines". In addition, in the identification region 3 corresponding to "No. 6" of "Group 5" of the "calibration sample", the identification color 1 is "black", the identification color 2 is "sea blue", and the line of the identification color 2 is "one thin line and one thick line". In addition, Figure 8 a method of identifying No. 1 to No. 10 by the combination of the number of thin lines and the number of thick lines is shown.

[0051] Next, the processing using the automatic analysis device 1 in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where six calibration samples are used to draw a calibration curve for sample concentration calculation for an analysis item will be described as an example.

[0052] First, six calibration samples of known concentrations are provided to the operator of the automatic analysis device 1 in a state where they are dispensed into the sample containers 4. Thereafter, the operator inputs the identification color 1 as "black", the identification color 2 as "sea blue", the number of lines of the identification color 2 as "one thin line and zero thick lines", and the known concentration for the "calibration sample" of the analysis item, for example, "group 5" and the individual kind "No. 1", through the operation section 115. Then, for the "No. 2" to "No. 6" calibration samples, the operator inputs the identification information and the known concentration through the operation section 115.

[0053] Thereafter, the calibration samples as the objects are each set up by the operator on the sample container holder 2 having the identification area corresponding to the identification information input from the operation section 115. For example, the "calibration sample" of "group 5" and the individual kind "No. 1" is set up on the sample container holder 2 having the identification color 1 as "black", the identification color 2 as "sea blue", and the number of lines of the identification color 2 as "one thin line and zero thick lines".

[0054] The calibration sample set up on the sample container holder 2 is set in the sample container holder loading section 255 provided in the sample pre-treatment / post-treatment system 250 of the automatic analysis device 1. Then, the identification information marked in the identification area 3 of the sample container holder 2 is read by the reading section 5 provided in the sample container loading and housing module 251 in the conveyance route. The acquired identification information is sent to the control section 6.

[0055] In the control section 6, it is identified that the identification color 1 is "black", the identification color 2 is "sea blue", and the number of lines of the identification color 2 is "one thin line and zero thick lines". Then, according to the identification result that the identification color 1 is "black", the control section 6 selects the processing of drawing a calibration curve after analysis as the kind of processing. Further, according to the identification result that the identification color 2 is "sea blue" and the number of lines of the identification color 2 is "one thin line and zero thick lines", the control section 6 sets the analysis item of the calibration sample held in the sample container holder 2 as "group 5" and the individual kind as "No. 1", and executes the processing related to drawing a calibration curve.

[0056] After the reading section 5 reads the identification information, the sample container holder 2 is temporarily transferred to a sample container cold storage and storage module 252 in the sample pretreatment / post-treatment system 250 via a sample container transfer section 113 of a sample container loading and housing module 251 in the sample pretreatment / post-treatment system 250, and is cold stored. Then, at a predetermined calibration timing, or a calibration timing required by an operator's request from the operation section 115, or the like, the sample container holder 2 is transferred from the sample container cold storage and storage module 252 to a sample container opening / closing module 253 in the sample pretreatment / post-treatment system 250 by the sample container transfer section 113. The sample container opening / closing module 253 performs opening of the sample container 4. After that, the sample container holder 2 is sent to the sample container transfer section 113 of the immune analysis module 201 by the sample container transfer section 113 in the sample pretreatment / post-treatment system 250 and a sample container transfer connection unit 256. Then, the sample container holder 2 is transferred from the sample container transfer section 113 to the dispensing sample container transfer section 114 in the immune analysis module 201.

[0057] When analyzing the calibration sample as an object, first, the reaction container transfer mechanism 210 in the immune analysis module 201 transfers the reaction container to the reaction container holding and rotating mechanism 202 in the immune analysis module 201.

[0058] Next, the reaction container holding and rotating mechanism 202 is rotated to a reagent dispensing position, and the reagent dispensing mechanism 204 in the immune analysis module 201 is moved to a reagent suction position, and a first reagent is sucked from a reagent container installed on a reagent container holding and rotating mechanism 205 in the immune analysis module 201. After the first reagent is sucked, the reagent dispensing mechanism 204 cleans the front end of the reagent probe.

[0059] The sample dispensing mechanism 203 in the immune analysis module 201 moves to a sample suction position set in the dispensing sample container transfer section 114 in the immune analysis module 201 after a disposable suction head is installed, and sucks the sample. After the sample is sucked, the sample dispensing mechanism 203 moves to a dispensing position, and ejects the sample into the reaction container in which the reagent has been dispensed. After the sample is ejected, the sample dispensing mechanism 203 moves to a suction head disposal position, and disposes the disposable suction head.

[0060] After a predetermined time required for the reaction elapses, a second reagent is ejected into the reaction container by the same operation. After that, a transfer mechanism not shown transfers the reaction container to a stirring mechanism 211 in the immune analysis module 201, and the sample and the reagent in the reaction container are stirred by the stirring mechanism 211. After that, the transfer mechanism transfers the reaction container back to the original position of the reaction container holding and rotating mechanism 202 in the immune analysis module 201.

[0061] After further elapsing the time required for the reaction, the tip of the first suction mechanism 206 or the second suction mechanism 207 suctions in the order of the buffer solution, the reaction solution, and the buffer solution. The buffer solution and the reaction solution are delivered together to a flow cell in the first light detection unit 208 or the second light detection unit 209 through a pipe, and the reaction substance coupled to the magnetic particles is captured on the electrode by a magnet. After capturing the reaction substance, the reaction substance is caused to perform a luminescence reaction by applying a voltage, and the amount of luminescence is measured by a photo-multiplier in the first light detection unit 208 or the second light detection unit 209. Based on the amount of luminescence, a calibration curve is drawn using the known concentration input in advance from the operation section 115. The sample container holding body 2 after the measurement is delivered from the sample container delivery section 113 to the sample container opening / closing module 253. The sample container opening / closing module 253 performs closing of the sample container 4. The sample container holding body 2 holding the sample container 4 with the lid closed is delivered to the sample container cold storage storage module 252 and is cold stored until the next use for calibration.

[0062] Embodiment 3

[0063] The following describes Figure 9 and Figure 10 Embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0064] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the sample container holding body 2 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the identification area 3 of the sample container holding body 2 includes an uncolored base portion 33 and a colored colored portion 34. That is, unlike Embodiments 1 and 2, the present embodiment has one colored portion, and even if the identification color is one color (i.e., a single color), it is possible to identify not only the kind of treatment but also the kind of individual.

[0065] Here, the base portion 33 is actually the color of the base material forming the sample container holding body 2, and does not mean colorless. Therefore, for the remaining portion of the identification area 3 other than the base portion 33, i.e., the colored portion 34, it is necessary to use a color different from the color of the base material of the sample container holding body 2 so that the operator can visually distinguish.

[0066] Figure 10 is a view showing the identification method of the sample container holding body 2 according to the present embodiment.

[0067] First, based on the kind of color of the colored portion 34, it is possible to identify the attribute of the sample, i.e., the kind of treatment. For example, in the case where the color of the colored portion 34 is "black", it is known that the attribute is "calibration sample".

[0068] Next, in the present embodiment, which analysis item is recognized according to the kind of the line of the colored portion 34. For example, in the case where the kind of the line of the colored portion 34 is "a solid line", it is known that the analysis item is "Group 1".

[0069] Further, in the present embodiment, the kind of the individual is recognized according to the number of the line of the colored portion 34. For example, in the case where the number of the line of the colored portion 34 is "one", it is known that the kind of the individual is "No. 1".

[0070] According to the present embodiment, since the color colored on the recognition area 3 is only one color, it has an advantage that the sample container holder 2 can be provided inexpensively. Further, in the present embodiment, although the method of making the kind of the line different is explained as the marking method of the color, the kind of the pattern and the symbol can be made different.

[0071] In addition, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are included. For example, in Embodiment 1, the recognition area 3 is constituted by the first colored portion occupying the main range and the second colored portion corresponding to the remaining range, but the position of the colored portion is not limited thereto. That is, it can be constituted so as to divide the recognition area 3 into an upper area and a lower area, and to mark the recognition color 1 to a part of the base of the upper area and to mark the recognition color 2 to a part of the base of the lower area.

[0072] For example, the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3 are detailed explanations for facilitating the understanding of the present application, and are not limited to having all the structures explained. Further, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, and the structure of another embodiment can be additionally added to the structure of a certain embodiment. Further, to a part of the structure of each embodiment, addition, deletion, and replacement of other structures can be made.

[0073] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0074] 1 Automatic analysis device

[0075] 2 Sample container holder

[0076] 22 Sample container holding area

[0077] 3 Recognition area

[0078] 31 First colored portion

[0079] 32 Second colored portion

[0080] 4 Sample container

[0081] 5 Reading section

[0082] 6 Control section

[0083] 101 biochemical analysis module

[0084] 102 sample container loading and storage module

[0085] 103 sample dispensing mechanism

[0086] 104 reaction container cleaning mechanism

[0087] 105 photometer

[0088] 106 reaction container holding and rotating mechanism

[0089] 107 reagent container holding and rotating mechanism

[0090] 108 stirring mechanism

[0091] 109 first reagent dispensing mechanism

[0092] 110 second reagent dispensing mechanism

[0093] 111 sample container holding body loading section

[0094] 112 sample container holding body storage section

[0095] 113 sample container transfer section

[0096] 114 dispensing sample container transfer section

[0097] 115 operation section

[0098] 201 immune analysis module

[0099] 202 reaction container holding and rotating mechanism

[0100] 203 sample dispensing mechanism

[0101] 204 reagent dispensing mechanism

[0102] 205 reagent container holding and rotating mechanism

[0103] 206 first suction mechanism

[0104] 207 second suction mechanism

[0105] 208 first light detecting unit

[0106] 209 second light detecting unit

[0107] 210 reaction container transfer mechanism

[0108] 211 stirring mechanism

[0109] 250 sample pretreatment / post-treatment system

[0110] 251 sample container loading module

[0111] 252 sample container refrigerated storage module

[0112] 253 sample container opening / closing module

[0113] 254 sample container holder storage section

[0114] 255 sample container holder loading section

[0115] 256 sample container transfer connection unit

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized by comprising: Comprising: a container holding body that holds a sample container; a reading section that reads an identification region formed on the container holding body; and a control section that processes based on information read by the reading section, the horizontal cross section of the container holding body is circular, and holds only one sample container, has a container holding region formed on the upper portion and the identification region formed on the lower portion, and the container holding region and the identification region are integrally configured, there are a first color and a second color in the identification region, wherein the first color is marked on a base portion, the second color is marked on 5 or less lines on the entire circumference of the remaining portion, and the first color and the second color are different colors, the control section identifies the kind of processing according to the kind of the first color, identifies the analysis item according to the kind of the second color, and identifies the kind of individual in the sample container according to the number of lines of the second color.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein the identification region is detachable with respect to the container holding body.

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