Sample analyzer and method for maintaining a sample analyzer

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a sample analyzer and a maintenance method of the sample analyzer, which are used for meeting the requirement of sample testing as soon as possible when the sample analyzer performs a maintenance process. The maintenance method of the sample analyzer in the embodiment of the present application comprises the following steps: controlling the sample analyzer to perform a first maintenance process to maintain a to-be-maintained component; acquiring a sample testing instruction; controlling the sample analyzer to stop performing the first maintenance process and to perform mechanical reset; and controlling the sample analyzer to simultaneously perform a second maintenance process and a sample testing process, so that the sample analyzer maintains the to-be-maintained component and simultaneously performs sample testing on a sample.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biochemical analysis and detection technology, and in particular to a sample analyzer and a method for maintaining the sample analyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Sample analysis equipment is a type of analytical instrument with high sensitivity and specificity, such as fully automated immunoassay analyzers. They are easy to operate and are often used in clinical laboratories to detect various analytical indicators in blood, urine or other body fluids.

[0003] Emergency situations frequently occur in clinical practice, requiring the acquisition of various analytical indicators from patient samples within a short period of time. Therefore, the testing time for emergency procedures is of great concern.

[0004] When a user performs an emergency test, the instrument is typically idle, stopped due to a malfunction, undergoing testing, or in automatic maintenance. If the user needs to perform an emergency sample test just as the instrument starts its routine maintenance automatic program, the length of the routine maintenance process will directly affect the time required for the emergency sample test. At this point, the user has two options:

[0005] 1. Stop the maintenance process, put the instrument into a stopped state, and perform an instrument reset to put the instrument into idle state. At this time, additional testing can be performed. However, this sacrifices the maintenance process, and the user must wait at least 6 minutes before they can apply for testing.

[0006] 2. Wait for the current maintenance process to complete before the user can add tests. The user will have to wait about 50 minutes before they can apply for a test.

[0007] Neither of the two options mentioned above can meet the user's need for immediate testing of samples. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention provides a sample analyzer and a maintenance method for the sample analyzer, which meets the requirement of immediate sample testing during the maintenance process of the sample analyzer.

[0009] The first aspect of this application provides a sample analyzer, including:

[0010] A reaction vessel loading mechanism is used to supply and transport reaction vessels to a predetermined location.

[0011] Sample unit, used to hold samples;

[0012] The sample dispensing mechanism is used to draw up samples and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the sample application position;

[0013] The reagent unit is used to hold the reagents;

[0014] The reagent dispensing mechanism is used to draw up reagents and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the reagent addition position;

[0015] The reaction disk is arranged in a disc shape and has multiple placement positions for placing reaction cups. The reaction disk can rotate and drive the reaction cups in the placement positions to rotate, which is used to manage the reaction cups and incubate the reaction liquid in the reaction cups within the reaction disk.

[0016] The mixing mechanism is used to mix the reaction liquid that needs to be mixed in the reaction vessel;

[0017] The measuring unit is used to measure the reaction solution to be tested;

[0018] The magnetic separation unit is used for magnetic separation and cleaning of the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel;

[0019] A gripping and transferring mechanism is used to grip the reaction cup and to move the reaction cup among at least the reaction cup loading mechanism, the reaction tray, the mixing mechanism and the magnetic separation unit;

[0020] The waste liquid suction unit is used to suction the reaction liquid from the reaction cup after the test is completed.

[0021] The controller is used to switch the sample analyzer from the first maintenance mode to the second maintenance mode if a sample test command is detected when the sample analyzer is performing the first maintenance procedure.

[0022] If the sample analyzer is in the first maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to execute the first maintenance process;

[0023] If the sample analyzer is in the second maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to perform the second maintenance procedure and simultaneously perform the sample testing procedure.

[0024] Preferably, the second maintenance process, compared to the first maintenance process, includes at least additional control commands for the waste liquid suction unit and the reagent unit.

[0025] Preferably, the waste liquid suction unit includes at least a waste liquid suction needle and a waste liquid pump, and the reagent unit includes a reagent tray;

[0026] The control commands for the waste liquid suction unit specifically include: controlling the waste liquid suction needle and waste liquid pump to suction the reaction liquid after the test is completed from the reaction cup;

[0027] The control instructions for the reagent unit specifically include: controlling the reagent disk to mix the magnetic bead reagent.

[0028] Preferably, the second maintenance process includes multiple maintenance cycles, and the sample testing process includes one testing cycle;

[0029] When the sample analyzer is in the second maintenance mode, the controller controls the test cycle and at least one maintenance cycle to be performed simultaneously.

[0030] Preferably, the maintenance cycle is divided into multiple target time periods, and one or more maintenance sub-actions are executed within each target time period; the test cycle is divided into multiple target time periods, and one or more test sub-actions are executed within each target time period.

[0031] The controller controls the test cycle and at least one maintenance cycle to occur simultaneously, including:

[0032] The controller controls the sample analyzer to simultaneously execute a test sub-action and a maintenance sub-action for at least one maintenance cycle within at least one target time period.

[0033] Preferably, the maintenance sub-actions within the maintenance cycle are the same as the test sub-actions within the test cycle.

[0034] Preferably, in the second maintenance mode, one or more blank cycles are set between the plurality of maintenance cycles to insert the sample testing process.

[0035] Preferably, one or more blank cycles are provided between every two maintenance cycles to insert the sample testing process.

[0036] Preferably, the second maintenance process includes multiple maintenance sub-actions executed sequentially, and the sample testing process includes multiple test sub-actions executed sequentially.

[0037] When the sample analyzer is in the second maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to simultaneously perform at least one maintenance sub-action and at least one test sub-action.

[0038] Preferably, before executing the second maintenance mode, the controller is further configured to:

[0039] The system prompts the user to perform pre-test preparations for the test reagents.

[0040] And / or,

[0041] It sends a prompt to the user to prepare for the maintenance of the equipment.

[0042] Preferably, before executing the second maintenance mode, the controller is further configured to:

[0043] The system prompts the user to place the device containing the enhanced cleaning solution into the reagent unit.

[0044] Preferably, before executing the second maintenance mode, the controller is further configured to:

[0045] The actuators in the maintenance process and the sample testing process are controlled to perform mechanical resets.

[0046] A second aspect of this application provides a method for maintaining a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0047] The control sample analyzer executes the first maintenance procedure to maintain the components to be maintained;

[0048] Get sample test instructions;

[0049] The sample analyzer is controlled to stop executing the first maintenance procedure and undergo a mechanical reset.

[0050] The sample analyzer is controlled to simultaneously execute the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure, so that the sample analyzer performs maintenance on the component to be maintained while simultaneously testing the sample.

[0051] Preferably, the second maintenance process, compared to the first maintenance process, includes at least additional control commands for the waste liquid suction unit and the reagent unit.

[0052] Preferably, the waste liquid suction unit includes at least a waste liquid suction needle and a waste liquid pump, and the reagent unit includes a reagent tray;

[0053] The control commands for the waste liquid suction unit specifically include: controlling the waste liquid suction needle and waste liquid pump to suction the reaction liquid after the test is completed from the reaction cup;

[0054] The control instructions for the reagent unit specifically include: controlling the reagent disk to mix the magnetic bead reagent.

[0055] Preferably, the second maintenance process includes multiple maintenance cycles, and the sample testing process includes one testing cycle;

[0056] Controlling the sample analyzer to simultaneously execute the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure includes:

[0057] The sample analyzer is controlled to simultaneously execute the test cycle and at least one of the maintenance cycles.

[0058] Preferably, the maintenance cycle is divided into multiple target time periods, and one or more maintenance sub-actions are executed within each target time period; the test cycle is divided into multiple target time periods, and one or more test sub-actions are executed within each target time period.

[0059] Controlling the sample analyzer to simultaneously execute the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure includes:

[0060] The sample analyzer is controlled to simultaneously execute a test sub-action and a maintenance sub-action for at least one maintenance cycle within at least one target time period.

[0061] Preferably, the maintenance sub-actions within the maintenance cycle are the same as the test sub-actions within the test cycle.

[0062] Preferably, one or more blank cycles are provided between the plurality of maintenance cycles to insert the sample testing process.

[0063] Preferably, one or more blank cycles are provided between every two maintenance cycles to insert the sample testing process.

[0064] Preferably, the second maintenance process includes multiple maintenance sub-actions executed sequentially, and the sample testing process includes multiple test sub-actions executed sequentially.

[0065] Controlling the sample analyzer to simultaneously execute the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure includes:

[0066] The sample analyzer is controlled to simultaneously execute at least one maintenance sub-action and at least one test sub-action.

[0067] Preferably, before executing the second maintenance process, the process further includes:

[0068] The system prompts the user to perform pre-test preparations for the test reagents.

[0069] And / or,

[0070] It sends a prompt to the user to prepare for the maintenance of the equipment.

[0071] Preferably, before executing the second maintenance process, the process further includes:

[0072] The system prompts the user to place the device containing the enhanced cleaning solution into the reagent unit.

[0073] Preferably, before executing the second maintenance process, the process further includes:

[0074] The actuators in the maintenance process and the sample testing process are controlled to perform mechanical resets.

[0075] A third aspect of this application provides a method for maintaining a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0076] The sample analyzer is controlled to execute a first maintenance procedure to maintain the component to be maintained. The first maintenance procedure includes:

[0077] Step 1: Control the reaction cup loading mechanism, reaction disk, magnetic separation unit and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer to perform mechanical reset;

[0078] Step 2: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to grip the reaction cup and place it in the preset hole of the reaction plate;

[0079] Step 3: Control the reaction disk to position the preset hole to the rear operation position so that the gripping and transferring mechanism can place the reaction cup into the magnetic separation disk of the magnetic separation unit;

[0080] Step 4: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to transport the reaction cup to below the first injection needle of the magnetic separation disk, and control the first injection needle to inject a preset amount of cleaning solution into the reaction cup;

[0081] Step 5: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to transport the injected reaction cup to below the first aspiration needle, and start magnetic separation aspiration to complete the cleaning of the first aspiration needle;

[0082] Step 6: Transport the reaction cup sequentially to the area below the remaining injection needles and aspiration needles in the magnetic separation plate to complete the cleaning of the remaining aspiration needles;

[0083] Step 7: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to position the reaction cup to the rear operation position, so that the gripping and transferring mechanism discards the reaction cup;

[0084] If the sample analyzer detects a sample testing command after executing the action command in step 5 of the first maintenance process, it controls the reaction cup loading mechanism, sample unit, sample dispensing mechanism, reagent unit, reagent dispensing mechanism, reaction disk, mixing mechanism, measuring unit, magnetic separation unit, waste liquid suction unit, and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer to perform mechanical reset. After the mechanical reset is completed, the sample analyzer is controlled to execute the second maintenance process. During the mechanical reset of the magnetic separation unit, the magnetic separation disk is controlled to move to position the reaction cup to the rear operation position, so that the gripping and transferring mechanism discards the reaction cup.

[0085] The second maintenance process includes:

[0086] Step 1: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to grip a reaction cup from the reaction cup loading mechanism and place it at the sample dispensing position of the reaction tray;

[0087] Step 2: After the sample dispensing mechanism draws a sample from the sample unit, it discharges the drawn sample into the reaction cup at the sample application position;

[0088] Step 3: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to transport the sampled reaction cup to the reagent dosing position on the reaction tray;

[0089] Step 4: Mix the reagents in the reagent unit, and control the reagent dispensing mechanism to draw the reagents from the reagent unit and discharge them into the reaction cup in the reagent addition position;

[0090] Step 5: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to transport the reaction cup with added reagents to the mixing mechanism for mixing;

[0091] Step 6: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the reaction cup in the mixing mechanism to the rear operating position of the reaction tray for incubation;

[0092] Step 7: After incubation, control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the reaction cup of the post-operation position to the magnetic separation unit for magnetic separation and cleaning;

[0093] Step 8: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the magnetically separated and cleaned reaction cup to the measuring unit for measurement;

[0094] Step 9: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to transport the measured reaction cup to the waste liquid suction position in the reaction tray, so that the waste liquid suction unit can suck up the reaction liquid after the test in the reaction cup;

[0095] Step 10: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the reaction cup at the waste liquid level to the rear operation position, so that the gripping and transferring mechanism discards the reaction cup from the rear operation position.

[0096] A fourth aspect of this application provides a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0097] A reaction vessel loading mechanism is used to supply and transport reaction vessels to a predetermined location.

[0098] Sample unit, used to hold samples;

[0099] The sample dispensing mechanism is used to draw up samples and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the sample application position;

[0100] The reagent unit is used to hold the reagents;

[0101] The reagent dispensing mechanism is used to draw up reagents and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the reagent addition position;

[0102] The reaction disk is arranged in a disc shape and has multiple placement positions for placing reaction cups. The reaction disk can rotate and drive the reaction cups in the placement positions to rotate, which is used to manage the reaction cups and incubate the reaction liquid in the reaction cups within the reaction disk.

[0103] The mixing mechanism is used to mix the reaction liquid that needs to be mixed in the reaction vessel;

[0104] The measuring unit is used to measure the reaction solution to be tested;

[0105] The magnetic separation unit is used for magnetic separation and cleaning of the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel;

[0106] A gripping and transferring mechanism is used to grip reaction cups and to move reaction cups between at least the reaction cup loading mechanism, the reaction tray, the mixing mechanism, and the magnetic separation unit.

[0107] The waste liquid suction unit is used to suction the reaction liquid from the reaction cup after the test is completed.

[0108] The controller is used to control the sample analyzer to perform the maintenance process on the component to be maintained and the sample test process on the sample to be tested.

[0109] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0110] In this embodiment, if the sample analyzer detects a sample testing command while executing a maintenance process, the controller controls the sample analyzer to switch from a first maintenance mode to a second maintenance mode. Specifically, if the sample analyzer is in the first maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to execute the maintenance process; if the sample analyzer is in the second maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to execute the sample testing process simultaneously with the maintenance process. Because the second maintenance mode in this embodiment allows the maintenance process and the sample testing process to be executed synchronously, it meets the requirement that the sample analyzer can perform sample testing as needed while executing the maintenance process. Attached Figure Description

[0111] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analyzer in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of the controller before the sample analyzer executes the second maintenance mode in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the maintenance method for the sample analyzer in this application.

[0114] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the maintenance method for the sample analyzer in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0115] This invention provides a sample analyzer and a maintenance method for the sample analyzer, which meets the requirement of immediate sample testing during the maintenance process of the sample analyzer.

[0116] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0117] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0118] Before detailing this application, the structure of the sample analyzer will be described first. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the sample analyzer includes a reaction cup loading mechanism 1, a sample unit 2, a sample dispensing mechanism 3, a reagent unit 4, a reagent dispensing mechanism 5, a reaction plate 6, a mixing mechanism 7, a measuring unit 8, a magnetic separation unit 9, a gripping and transferring mechanism 10, a waste liquid suction unit 11, and a controller 12.

[0119] The following is a detailed explanation:

[0120] The reaction cup loading mechanism 1 is used to supply and transport reaction cups to the dispensing position. In one embodiment, the dispensing position is used for a gripping and transferring mechanism to dispatch the reaction cups to the sample dispensing position.

[0121] Sample unit 2 is used to carry samples. In some embodiments, sample unit 2 may include a sample delivery module (DM) and a front-end track. Sample unit 2 may also be a sample tray, which includes multiple sample positions for placing sample tubes. By rotating its tray structure, the sample can be moved to the corresponding position, such as the position for sample dispensing mechanism 3 to pick up the sample. Sample dispensing mechanism 3 is used to pick up the sample and dispense it into the reaction cup to be added. For example, sample dispensing mechanism 3 may include a sample needle, which moves in two or three dimensions in space through a two-dimensional or three-dimensional driving mechanism, so that the sample needle can move to pick up the sample carried by sample unit 2, move to the reaction cup to be added, and dispense the sample into the reaction cup.

[0122] Reagent unit 4 is used to hold reagents. In one embodiment, reagent unit 4 can be a reagent tray, which is arranged in a disc shape and has multiple positions for holding reagent containers. Reagent unit 4 can rotate and drive the reagent containers it holds to rotate, so as to rotate the reagent containers to a specific position, such as the position where the reagent dispensing mechanism 5 picks up the reagent. The number of reagent units 4 can be one or more. Reagent dispensing mechanism 5 is used to pick up the reagent and discharge it into the reaction cup to which the reagent is to be added. In one embodiment, reagent dispensing mechanism 5 can include a reagent needle, which moves in two or three dimensions in space through a two-dimensional or three-dimensional driving mechanism, so that the reagent needle can move to pick up the reagent carried by reagent unit 4, move to the reaction cup to which the reagent is to be added, and discharge the reagent into the reaction cup.

[0123] The mixing mechanism 7 is used to mix the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel that needs to be mixed. There can be one or more mixing mechanisms 7.

[0124] The reaction dish 6 has at least one placement position for placing a reaction cup and incubating the reaction liquid in the reaction cup. For example, the reaction dish 6 can be arranged in a disc-shaped structure with one or more placement positions for placing reaction cups. The reaction dish can rotate and drive the reaction cups in its placement positions to rotate, for distributing the reaction cups and incubating the reaction liquid in the reaction cups within the reaction dish.

[0125] The measuring unit 8 is used to detect and analyze the reaction cup containing the mixture of sample and reagent to obtain test data. In some embodiments, the measuring unit 8 may include an incubation device and a photometric component. The incubation device has at least one placement position for placing the reaction cup and incubating the reaction liquid in the reaction cup. For example, the incubation device can be a reaction disk, which is arranged in a disk-shaped structure and has one or more placement positions for placing the reaction cup. The reaction disk can rotate and drive the reaction cup in its placement position to rotate, for distributing the reaction cup and the reaction liquid in the reaction cup within the reaction disk. The photometric component is used to perform photometric measurements on the incubated reaction liquid to obtain the sample's reaction data. For example, the photometric component detects the luminescence intensity of the reaction liquid to be tested and calculates the concentration of the analyte in the sample through a calibration curve.

[0126] The magnetic separation unit 9 is used to perform magnetic separation and cleaning of the reaction liquid in the reaction cup. In one embodiment, the magnetic separation unit includes a magnetic separation disk with a disk-shaped structure. The magnetic separation disk has one or more independent or simultaneous moving tracks. Each track includes multiple placement positions for placing the reaction cup. The magnetic separation disk can rotate and drive the reaction cup in its placement position to rotate, which is used to dispatch the reaction cup to the liquid injection position and liquid suction position within the magnetic separation disk to complete the magnetic separation and cleaning.

[0127] The grabbing and transferring mechanism 10 is used to coordinate with each unit to complete the scheduling of the reaction cup.

[0128] The waste liquid suction unit 11 is used to suction the reaction liquid from the reaction cup after the test is completed.

[0129] The controller 12 includes at least a processing component, a communication interface, a memory, and an I / O interface. The processing component, communication interface, memory, and I / O interface communicate via a bus. The processing component can be a CPU, GPU, or other chip with computing capabilities. The communication interface can be any known communication protocol. The communication interface communicates with the outside world via a network. The controller 12 can transmit data with any device connected through the network via the communication interface using a specific communication protocol.

[0130] based on Figure 1 The sample analyzer described below is a detailed description of the sample analyzer in the embodiments of this application. One embodiment of the sample analyzer in this application includes:

[0131] A reaction vessel loading mechanism is used to supply and transport reaction vessels to a predetermined location.

[0132] Sample unit, used to hold samples;

[0133] The sample dispensing mechanism is used to draw up samples and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the sample application position;

[0134] The reagent unit is used to hold the reagents;

[0135] The reagent dispensing mechanism is used to draw up reagents and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the reagent addition position;

[0136] The reaction disk is arranged in a disc shape and has multiple placement positions for placing reaction cups. The reaction disk can rotate and drive the reaction cups in the placement positions to rotate, which is used to manage the reaction cups and incubate the reaction liquid in the reaction cups within the reaction disk.

[0137] The mixing mechanism is used to mix the reaction liquid that needs to be mixed in the reaction vessel;

[0138] The measuring unit is used to measure the reaction solution to be tested;

[0139] The magnetic separation unit is used for magnetic separation and cleaning of the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel;

[0140] A gripping and transferring mechanism is used to grip the reaction cup and to move the reaction cup among at least the reaction cup loading mechanism, the reaction tray, the mixing mechanism and the magnetic separation unit;

[0141] The waste liquid suction unit is used to suction the reaction liquid from the reaction cup after the test is completed.

[0142] The controller is used to switch the sample analyzer from the first maintenance mode to the second maintenance mode if a sample test command is detected when the sample analyzer is performing the first maintenance procedure.

[0143] If the sample analyzer is in the first maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to execute the first maintenance process;

[0144] If the sample analyzer is in the second maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to perform the second maintenance procedure and simultaneously perform the sample testing procedure.

[0145] The control flow in the controller is described in detail below:

[0146] The first maintenance process in the first maintenance mode of this application embodiment refers to the daily maintenance process. The daily maintenance process in this application embodiment includes the cleaning process of the magnetic separation disk, or the daily soaking and cleaning process of the sample needle, reagent needle or magnetic separation liquid aspiration needle.

[0147] Specifically, for ease of understanding, the cleaning process for the magnetic separation disc, as well as the daily soaking and cleaning process for sample needles, reagent needles, and magnetic separation aspiration needles, are described in detail below:

[0148] The cleaning process for the magnetic separation disk includes:

[0149] Step 1: Control the reaction cup loading mechanism, reaction disk, magnetic separation unit, and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer to perform mechanical reset;

[0150] Step 2: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to grip the reaction cup and place it in the preset hole position on the reaction plate;

[0151] Step 3: Control the reaction plate to position the preset hole position to the rear operation position so that the gripping and transfer mechanism can place the reaction cup into the magnetic separation plate of the magnetic separation unit;

[0152] Step 4: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to transport the reaction cup to below the first injection needle of the magnetic separation disk, and control the first injection needle to inject a preset amount of cleaning solution into the reaction cup;

[0153] Step 5: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to transport the injected reaction cup to the bottom of the first aspiration needle, and start the magnetic separation aspiration to complete the cleaning of the first aspiration needle;

[0154] Step 6: Transport the reaction cup sequentially to the bottom of the remaining injection needle and the remaining aspiration needle in the magnetic separation plate to complete the cleaning of the remaining aspiration needle;

[0155] Step 7: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to position the reaction cup to the rear operation position so that the gripping and transfer mechanism can discard the reaction cup.

[0156] Furthermore, the routine soaking and cleaning procedure for sample needles or reagent needles includes:

[0157] Step 1: Control the reaction cup loading mechanism, reaction tray, sample dispensing mechanism (sample needle), reagent dispensing mechanism (reagent needle), and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer to perform mechanical reset;

[0158] Step 2: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to grip the reaction cup and place it at the sample loading position on the reaction tray;

[0159] Step 3: Control the sample dispensing mechanism to draw 20 μL of enhanced cleaning solution from the enhanced cleaning position and add it to the reaction cup at the sample dispensing position. Then control the sample dispensing mechanism to move the sample dispensing mechanism to the cleaning tank for cleaning.

[0160] Step 4: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to grip the reaction cup at the sample loading position to the outer ring of the reaction disk;

[0161] Step 5: Control the reagent dispensing mechanism (reagent needle) to draw 15ul of cleaning solution from the reaction cup on the outer ring of the reaction plate, control the reagent dispensing mechanism (reagent needle) to return to the cleaning tank, stop moving (do not clean), and wait for 3 minutes;

[0162] Step 6: Control the sample dispensing mechanism to draw 20 μL of enhanced cleaning solution from the enhanced cleaning station (sample needle), return it to the cleaning tank, stop moving (do not clean) and wait for 3 minutes.

[0163] Furthermore, the routine soaking and cleaning process for magnetic separation aspiration needles includes:

[0164] Step 1: Control the reaction cup loading mechanism, reaction disk, magnetic separation unit, and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer to perform mechanical reset;

[0165] Step 2: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to grip the reaction cup and place it in the preset hole position on the reaction plate;

[0166] Step 3: Control the reaction plate to position the preset hole position to the rear operation position so that the gripping and transfer mechanism can place the reaction cup into the magnetic separation plate of the magnetic separation unit;

[0167] Step 4: Control the magnetic separation motion to transport the reaction cup to below the first injection needle of the magnetic separation plate, and control the first injection needle to inject a preset amount of cleaning solution into the reaction cup;

[0168] Step 5: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to transport the injected reaction cup to below the first suction needle, control the suction needle to move to the bottom of the injected reaction cup, turn on the waste liquid pump connected to the first suction needle, and suction liquid for N seconds;

[0169] Step 6: Wait 3 minutes, then control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to position the reaction cup after liquid absorption to the magnetic separation disk operation position so that the gripping and transfer mechanism can transfer the reaction cup after liquid absorption to the reaction disk;

[0170] Step 7: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to discard the reaction cup after liquid aspiration.

[0171] Unlike the first maintenance mode, the second maintenance mode in this application embodiment includes both the second maintenance process and the sample testing process. That is, in the second maintenance mode, the second maintenance process and the sample testing process are executed simultaneously.

[0172] It should be noted that the second maintenance process in the second maintenance mode is also used to perform routine maintenance, such as cleaning the magnetic separation disk, or routine soaking and cleaning of sample needles, reagent needles, or magnetic separation aspiration needles. However, the timing action instructions in the second maintenance process are not the same as those in the first maintenance process. The timing action instructions here refer to the action instructions executed at different times.

[0173] Because the first maintenance mode only executes the first maintenance procedure, while the second maintenance mode executes not only the second maintenance procedure but also the sample testing procedure, the sample analyzer's maintenance procedure and sample testing procedure can be executed simultaneously in the second maintenance mode. This allows the controller to switch from the first maintenance mode to the second maintenance mode when it detects a sample testing command, thus meeting the requirement of testing samples as soon as they arrive.

[0174] Furthermore, in the second maintenance mode, the second maintenance process and the sample testing process can be executed simultaneously because, in the second maintenance mode, the execution components of the second maintenance process and the sample testing process use the same components in the sample analyzer at different times (i.e., they do not use the same components in the sample analyzer at the same time). For example, when the execution component in the second maintenance process uses a sample needle, the execution component in the sample testing process cannot use a sample needle, or it uses a sample needle different from that in the second maintenance process, thereby ensuring that there is no conflict between the second maintenance process and the sample testing process.

[0175] Based on the control flow in the above embodiments, the second maintenance process and sample testing process in the second maintenance mode are described in detail below:

[0176] In one embodiment, the application scenario where the second maintenance process and the sample testing process are executed simultaneously is as follows:

[0177] The second maintenance process includes multiple maintenance cycles, while the sample testing process includes one testing cycle. In the second maintenance mode, the second maintenance process and the sample testing process can be executed simultaneously: one testing cycle and at least one maintenance cycle can be performed at the same time.

[0178] Specifically, the maintenance cycle is divided into multiple target time periods based on its cycle length, and one or more maintenance sub-actions are executed in each target time period. Similarly, the testing cycle is divided into multiple target time periods based on its cycle length, and one or more test sub-actions are executed in each target time period.

[0179] In the second maintenance mode, the simultaneous execution of the second maintenance process and the sample testing process can also be: the sample analyzer simultaneously executes the test sub-action and the maintenance sub-action of at least one maintenance cycle within at least one target time period.

[0180] Furthermore, to facilitate control over the second maintenance process and the sample testing process, the maintenance sub-actions in the maintenance cycle can be set to be the same as the test sub-actions in the testing cycle.

[0181] Because the maintenance sub-actions in the second maintenance process are the same as the testing sub-actions in the sample testing process, while the maintenance sub-actions in the first maintenance process are different from those in the second maintenance process. In particular, the second maintenance process has at least more control instructions for the waste liquid aspiration unit and the reagent unit compared to the first maintenance process.

[0182] Specifically, the waste liquid aspiration unit includes a waste liquid aspiration needle and a waste liquid pump, and the reagent unit includes a reagent tray. The control instructions for the reagent unit specifically include: controlling the reagent tray to mix the magnetic bead reagent, while the control instructions for the waste liquid aspiration unit specifically include: controlling the waste liquid aspiration needle and the waste liquid pump to aspirate the reaction liquid from the reaction cup after the test is completed.

[0183] It should be noted that the control instructions for the waste liquid aspiration unit and the reagent unit mentioned above are merely illustrative examples of the differences between the first maintenance process and the second maintenance process, and are not limitations. Furthermore, the difference between the first maintenance process and the second maintenance process is essentially the difference between the first maintenance process and the sample testing process.

[0184] When the first maintenance process is the cleaning process of the magnetic separation disk, the difference between the first maintenance process and the sample testing process is the difference between the cleaning process of magnetic separation and the sample testing process.

[0185] When the first maintenance procedure is the routine soaking and cleaning procedure for sample needles, reagent needles, or magnetic separation aspiration needles, the difference between the first maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure is the difference between the routine soaking and cleaning procedure for sample needles, reagent needles, or magnetic separation aspiration needles and the sample testing procedure.

[0186] For ease of understanding, Table 1 provides a breakdown diagram of the sub-actions in the second maintenance process and the sub-actions in the sample test process.

[0187] Table 1

[0188]

[0189]

[0190]

[0191]

[0192] As shown in Table 1, the sample testing process is divided into 11 target time periods within its testing cycle. In each target time period, one or more test sub-actions are executed. The second maintenance process is also divided into 11 target time periods within its maintenance cycle. In each target time period, one or more maintenance sub-actions are executed. In order to achieve synchronous control of the sample testing process and the second maintenance process and improve the convenience of control, the test sub-actions and maintenance sub-actions are set to be the same actions in this embodiment.

[0193] It should be noted that test sub-actions and maintenance sub-actions are user-defined. For example, within a sample testing period, a test sub-action executed within time segment T1 can be considered a single test sub-action, or multiple test sub-actions can be considered executed within time segment T1. In other words, sub-actions can be defined from multiple dimensions. If a sub-action is defined as an action executed within a time segment, then all test sub-actions within time segment T1 are considered a single test sub-action. If the executing entity is used as the criterion for dividing sub-actions, then multiple sub-actions within time segment T1 are executed by different entities, and therefore all test sub-actions within time segment T1 are considered multiple test sub-actions.

[0194] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the second maintenance mode, the simultaneous execution of the sample testing process and the second maintenance process essentially means that the execution components of the second maintenance process and the sample testing process use the same components in the sample analyzer in a time-sharing manner. However, in order to facilitate the simultaneous execution of the sample testing process and the second maintenance process, the sub-actions in the second maintenance process are set to be the same as those in the sample testing process. In actual applications, the sub-actions in the second maintenance process can also be different from those in the sample testing process, as long as the time-sharing use of the same components in the sample analyzer can be achieved. No specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0195] Therefore, when the second maintenance process includes multiple cycles, the maintenance sub-actions in each cycle can be exactly the same, completely different, or partially the same, as long as the execution components of the second maintenance process and the execution components of the sample testing process can use the same components in the sample analyzer in a time-sharing manner.

[0196] Furthermore, the first maintenance process in the first maintenance mode also includes a routine soaking and cleaning process for the sample needle, reagent needle, or magnetic separation aspiration needle. Since the routine soaking and cleaning process typically requires 3 minutes of soaking, and the sample needle's aspiration time in the sample testing process is generally 1.0 second, according to the equivalence principle, it can be considered that the sample needle has been soaked for 1.0 second. Simultaneously, according to experimental verification, 100 cycles of aspiration and dissipation of enhanced cleaning fluid by the sample needle are equivalent to 3 minutes of internal cleaning. Therefore, to achieve the effect of routine soaking and cleaning, the sample needle only needs to perform 100 cycles of aspiration and dissipation. In each sample testing process, the sample needle needs to aspirate and dissipate the sample once. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sub-actions in the second maintenance process can be set to be the same as those in the sample testing process. The sample needle and reagent needle in the second maintenance process are used to aspirate and dissipate the enhanced cleaning fluid, while the sample needle and reagent needle in the sample testing process are used to aspirate and dissipate the sample and reagent, respectively.

[0197] For ease of understanding, Table 2 provides a breakdown diagram of the sub-actions of the routine soaking and cleaning second maintenance process and the sample testing process:

[0198] Table 2

[0199]

[0200]

[0201]

[0202]

[0203] It should be noted that in order to achieve the same cleaning effect as routine soaking and cleaning, the second maintenance process in Table 2 needs to be performed for 100 cycles. However, for ease of understanding, only the second maintenance process for 2 cycles is given in Table 2 for illustration.

[0204] Furthermore, in order to perform sample testing procedures at any time during the routine soaking and cleaning of reagent needles, sample needles, and magnetic separation aspiration needles, embodiments of this application can also set one or more blank cycles between multiple maintenance cycles to insert sample testing procedures. In addition, to increase the convenience of inserting sample testing procedures, one or more blank cycles can be set between every two maintenance cycles, so that when the sample analyzer detects a sample testing command, it can insert the sample testing procedure at any time within the blank cycle, thereby achieving the convenience of executing sample testing procedures.

[0205] The above section described the second maintenance process and sample testing process in the second maintenance mode in detail from the perspective that the second maintenance process includes multiple cycles. The following section will continue to describe the second maintenance process and sample testing process in the second maintenance mode:

[0206] In one embodiment, the application scenario of the second maintenance mode is as follows:

[0207] The second maintenance process in the second maintenance mode includes multiple maintenance sub-actions executed sequentially, and the sample testing process includes multiple test sub-actions executed sequentially. When the sample analyzer is in the second maintenance mode, in order to enable the sample testing process and the second maintenance process to be executed simultaneously, the controller only needs to control the sample analyzer to execute at least one test sub-action and at least one maintenance sub-action simultaneously, thus enabling the simultaneous execution of the sample testing process and the second maintenance process.

[0208] Furthermore, before the sample analyzer executes the second maintenance mode, the controller also needs to perform the following procedures, please refer to [link to details]. Figure 2 :

[0209] 201. Control the mechanical reset of the actuators in the second maintenance process and the sample testing process;

[0210] To ensure the proper execution of the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure, it is easy to understand that before executing the second maintenance mode, it is necessary to control the execution components in the second maintenance procedure and the execution components in the sample testing procedure to perform mechanical reset.

[0211] Specifically, the mechanical reset of the reaction cup loading mechanism, sample unit, sample dispensing mechanism, reagent unit, reagent dispensing mechanism, reaction plate, mixing mechanism, measuring unit, magnetic separation unit, waste liquid suction unit, and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer is controlled.

[0212] 202. Issue a message prompting the user to perform pre-test preparation for the test reagents, and / or issue a message prompting the user to perform pre-maintenance preparation for the maintenance equipment;

[0213] If the second maintenance procedure is the cleaning procedure for the magnetic separation disk, or the routine soaking and cleaning procedure for the sample needle, reagent needle, or magnetic separation needle, in order to ensure that the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure are executed normally at the same time, it is necessary to issue a prompt to the user to perform pre-test preparation for the test reagent, and / or issue a prompt to the user to perform pre-maintenance preparation for the maintenance equipment.

[0214] Specifically, pre-test preparation information includes, but is not limited to, mixing test reagents; pre-maintenance preparation information for maintenance equipment includes, but is not limited to, establishing a vacuum environment for the magnetic separation needle to be cleaned.

[0215] 203. Issue a message to the user prompting them to place the device carrying the enhanced cleaning solution into the reagent unit.

[0216] Specifically, since the sample needle, reagent needle, or magnetic separation needle needs to be cleaned with enhanced cleaning solution during the routine soaking and cleaning process, it is also necessary to prompt the user to place the device carrying the enhanced cleaning solution in the reagent unit so that the sample needle, reagent needle, or magnetic separation needle can draw the enhanced cleaning solution.

[0217] In this embodiment of the application, the actions that need to be performed before executing the second maintenance mode are described in detail, thereby ensuring that the second maintenance process and the sample testing process in the second maintenance mode can be executed simultaneously.

[0218] based on Figure 1 The sample analyzer described above will now be described in another embodiment, which includes:

[0219] A reaction vessel loading mechanism is used to supply and transport reaction vessels to a predetermined location.

[0220] Sample unit, used to hold samples;

[0221] The sample dispensing mechanism is used to draw up samples and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the sample application position;

[0222] The reagent unit is used to hold the reagents;

[0223] The reagent dispensing mechanism is used to draw up reagents and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the reagent addition position;

[0224] The reaction disk is arranged in a disc shape and has multiple placement positions for placing reaction cups. The reaction disk can rotate and drive the reaction cups in the placement positions to rotate, which is used to manage the reaction cups and incubate the reaction liquid in the reaction cups within the reaction disk.

[0225] The mixing mechanism is used to mix the reaction liquid that needs to be mixed in the reaction vessel;

[0226] The measuring unit is used to measure the reaction solution to be tested;

[0227] The magnetic separation unit is used for magnetic separation and cleaning of the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel;

[0228] A gripping and transferring mechanism is used to grip reaction cups and to move reaction cups between at least the reaction cup loading mechanism, the reaction tray, the mixing mechanism, and the magnetic separation unit.

[0229] The waste liquid suction unit is used to suction the reaction liquid from the reaction cup after the test is completed.

[0230] The controller is used to control the sample analyzer to perform the maintenance process on the component to be maintained and the sample test process on the sample to be tested.

[0231] Unlike the sample analyzer in the above embodiments, the sample analyzer in this application does not distinguish between the first maintenance mode and the second maintenance mode, and the controller in this application is used to execute the following control flow:

[0232] While the control sample analyzer performs maintenance procedures on the components to be maintained, it also performs sample testing procedures on the samples to be tested.

[0233] Specifically, the description of the control flow in this embodiment is similar to the description of the second maintenance mode control flow in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0234] The sample analyzer in the embodiments of this application has been described above. The maintenance method of the sample analyzer in the embodiments of this application will be described below. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 One embodiment of the sample analyzer maintenance method in this application includes:

[0235] 301. Control the sample analyzer to execute the first maintenance procedure to maintain the components to be maintained;

[0236] Specifically, the first maintenance process in the first maintenance mode of this application embodiment refers to the daily maintenance process. The daily maintenance process in this application embodiment includes the cleaning process of the magnetic separation disk, or the daily soaking and cleaning process of the sample needle, reagent needle or magnetic separation liquid aspiration needle.

[0237] The cleaning process for the magnetic separation disk, or the routine soaking and cleaning process for the sample needle, reagent needle, and magnetic separation aspiration needle, is similar to that described in the sample analyzer section above, and will not be repeated here.

[0238] 302. Obtain sample test instructions;

[0239] When the sample analyzer executes the first maintenance procedure and receives a sample test instruction, it will proceed to step 303.

[0240] 303. Control the sample analyzer to stop executing the first maintenance procedure and perform a mechanical reset;

[0241] When the sample analyzer detects a sample test command while executing the first maintenance procedure, it controls the sample analyzer to stop executing the first maintenance procedure and perform a mechanical reset, so that the sample analyzer can execute the second maintenance procedure and the sample test procedure.

[0242] Specifically, when the sample analyzer performs a mechanical reset, it can control all execution components related to the second maintenance process and the sample testing process to perform a mechanical reset, so as to ensure the normal operation of the second maintenance process and the sample testing process.

[0243] The components that perform mechanical reset include at least a reaction cup loading mechanism, a sample unit, a sample dispensing mechanism, a reagent unit, a reagent dispensing mechanism, the reaction plate, a mixing mechanism, a measuring unit, the magnetic separation unit, a waste liquid suction unit, and a gripping and transferring mechanism.

[0244] 304. Control the sample analyzer to simultaneously execute the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure, so that the sample analyzer performs sample testing on the sample while maintaining the component to be maintained.

[0245] The sample analyzer is controlled to simultaneously execute the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure, so that the sample analyzer can perform sample testing on the sample while maintaining the component to be maintained.

[0246] Specifically, the description of the sample analyzer simultaneously executing the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure is similar to the description of the second maintenance mode in the sample analyzer, and will not be repeated here.

[0247] In this embodiment, the sample analyzer is controlled to execute a first maintenance process to maintain the component to be maintained; a sample test instruction is obtained; the sample analyzer is controlled to stop executing the first maintenance process and perform a mechanical reset; the sample analyzer is controlled to simultaneously execute a second maintenance process and a sample test process, so that the sample analyzer performs sample testing on the sample while maintaining the component to be maintained.

[0248] When the sample analyzer receives a sample testing command, if it detects that the sample analyzer is executing the first maintenance procedure, it controls the sample analyzer to stop the first maintenance procedure and perform a mechanical reset. Then, it controls the sample analyzer to execute the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure simultaneously, thereby meeting the requirement of testing samples as soon as they arrive, while also ensuring the normal execution of the maintenance procedure.

[0249] based on Figure 3 The following describes the maintenance methods for the sample analyzer in the described embodiment. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 Another embodiment of the maintenance method for the sample analyzer in this application includes:

[0250] The sample analyzer is controlled to execute a first maintenance procedure to maintain the components to be maintained. This first maintenance procedure includes:

[0251] Step 1: Control the reaction cup loading mechanism, reaction disk, magnetic separation unit and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer to perform mechanical reset;

[0252] Step 2: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to grip the reaction cup and place it in the preset hole of the reaction plate;

[0253] Step 3: Control the reaction disk to position the preset hole to the rear operation position so that the gripping and transferring mechanism can place the reaction cup into the magnetic separation disk of the magnetic separation unit;

[0254] Step 4: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to transport the reaction cup to below the first injection needle of the magnetic separation disk, and control the first injection needle to inject a preset amount of cleaning solution into the reaction cup;

[0255] Step 5: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to transport the injected reaction cup to below the first aspiration needle, and start magnetic separation aspiration to complete the cleaning of the first aspiration needle;

[0256] Step 6: Transport the reaction cup sequentially to the area below the remaining injection needles and aspiration needles in the magnetic separation plate to complete the cleaning of the remaining aspiration needles;

[0257] Step 7: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to position the reaction cup to the rear operation position, so that the gripping and transferring mechanism discards the reaction cup;

[0258] If the sample analyzer detects a sample testing command after executing the action command in step 5 of the first maintenance process, it controls the reaction cup loading mechanism, sample unit, sample dispensing mechanism, reagent unit, reagent dispensing mechanism, reaction disk, mixing mechanism, measuring unit, magnetic separation unit, waste liquid aspiration unit, and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer to perform mechanical reset. After the mechanical reset is completed, the sample analyzer is controlled to execute the second maintenance process. During the mechanical reset of the magnetic separation disk, because there is a reaction cup on the magnetic separation disk, the controller controls the magnetic separation disk to move to position the reaction cup to the rear operation position, so that the gripping and transferring mechanism discards the reaction cup.

[0259] The second maintenance process includes:

[0260] Step 1: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to grip a reaction cup from the reaction cup loading mechanism and place it at the sample dispensing position of the reaction tray;

[0261] Step 2: After the sample dispensing mechanism draws a sample from the sample unit, it discharges the drawn sample into the reaction cup at the sample application position;

[0262] It should be noted that, since the sub-actions in the second maintenance process are the same as those in the sample testing process, and no sample needs to be added in the second maintenance process, the sample dispensing mechanism in this embodiment of the application draws an empty sample from the sample unit, and therefore the reaction cup discharged to the sample dispensing position is also an empty sample.

[0263] In practice, samples can also be drawn from the sample unit, but the amount of sample discharged into the reaction cup at the sample addition position is set to 0.

[0264] Step 3: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to transport the sampled reaction cup to the reagent dosing position on the reaction tray;

[0265] Step 4: Control the reagent dispensing mechanism to draw reagent from the reagent unit and discharge it into the reaction cup in the reagent addition position;

[0266] Similar to step 2, no reagents are actually needed in the second maintenance process. Therefore, the reagent dispensing mechanism in this embodiment draws empty reagents from the reagent unit, and the reagents discharged into the reaction cup at the reagent dispensing position are also empty reagents.

[0267] In practice, reagents can also be drawn from the reagent unit, but the amount of reagent discharged into the reaction cup at the reagent addition point is set to 0.

[0268] Step 5: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to transport the reaction cup with added reagents to the mixing mechanism for mixing;

[0269] Step 6: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the reaction cup in the mixing mechanism to the rear operating position of the reaction tray for incubation;

[0270] Step 7: After incubation, control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the reaction cup of the post-operation position to the magnetic separation unit for magnetic separation and cleaning;

[0271] Step 8: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the magnetically separated and cleaned reaction cup to the measuring unit for measurement;

[0272] Step 9: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to transport the measured reaction cup to the waste liquid suction position in the reaction tray, so that the waste liquid suction unit can suck up the reaction liquid after the test in the reaction cup;

[0273] Step 10: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the reaction cup at the waste liquid level to the rear operation position, so that the gripping and transferring mechanism discards the reaction cup from the rear operation position.

[0274] The embodiments of this application provide a detailed description of the process of switching from the first maintenance process to the second maintenance process, which improves the feasibility of switching the sample analyzer from the first maintenance process to the second maintenance process.

[0275] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0276] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0277] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0278] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0279] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0280] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample analyzer, characterized in that, At least including: A reaction vessel loading mechanism is used to supply and transport reaction vessels to a predetermined location. Sample unit, used to hold samples; The sample dispensing mechanism is used to draw up samples and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the sample dispensing position; The reagent unit is used to hold the reagents; The reagent dispensing mechanism is used to draw up reagents and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the reagent addition position; The reaction disk is arranged in a disc shape and has multiple placement positions for placing reaction cups. The reaction disk can rotate and drive the reaction cups in the placement positions to rotate, which is used to manage the reaction cups and incubate the reaction liquid in the reaction cups within the reaction disk. The mixing mechanism is used to mix the reaction liquid that needs to be mixed in the reaction vessel; The measuring unit is used to measure the reaction solution to be tested; The magnetic separation unit is used for magnetic separation and cleaning of the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel; A gripping and transferring mechanism is used to grip the reaction cup and to move the reaction cup among at least the reaction cup loading mechanism, the reaction tray, the mixing mechanism and the magnetic separation unit; The waste liquid suction unit is used to suction the reaction liquid from the reaction cup after the test is completed. The controller is used to switch the sample analyzer from the first maintenance mode to the second maintenance mode if a sample test command is detected when the sample analyzer is performing the first maintenance procedure. If the sample analyzer is in the first maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to execute the first maintenance process; If the sample analyzer is in the second maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to perform the second maintenance procedure and simultaneously perform the sample testing procedure.

2. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Compared to the first maintenance process, the second maintenance process includes at least additional control commands for the waste liquid suction unit and the reagent unit.

3. The sample analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The waste liquid suction unit includes at least a waste liquid suction needle and a waste liquid pump, and the reagent unit includes a reagent tray; The control commands for the waste liquid suction unit specifically include: controlling the waste liquid suction needle and the waste liquid pump to suction the reaction liquid after the test is completed from the reaction cup; The control instructions for the reagent unit specifically include: controlling the reagent disk to mix the magnetic bead reagent.

4. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second maintenance process includes multiple maintenance cycles, and the sample testing process includes one testing cycle; When the sample analyzer is in the second maintenance mode, the controller controls the test cycle and at least one maintenance cycle to be performed simultaneously.

5. The sample analyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The maintenance cycle is divided into multiple target time periods, and one or more maintenance sub-actions are executed within each target time period. The test cycle is divided into multiple target time periods, and one or more test sub-actions are executed within each target time period. The controller controls the test cycle and at least one maintenance cycle to occur simultaneously, including: The controller controls the sample analyzer to simultaneously execute a test sub-action and a maintenance sub-action for at least one maintenance cycle within at least one target time period.

6. The sample analyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The maintenance sub-actions within the maintenance cycle are the same as the test sub-actions within the test cycle.

7. The sample analyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the second maintenance mode, one or more blank cycles are set between the plurality of maintenance cycles to insert the sample testing process.

8. The sample analyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that, One or more blank cycles are set between each two maintenance cycles to insert the sample testing process.

9. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second maintenance process includes multiple maintenance sub-actions executed sequentially, and the sample testing process includes multiple test sub-actions executed sequentially. When the sample analyzer is in the second maintenance mode, the controller controls the sample analyzer to simultaneously perform at least one maintenance sub-action and at least one test sub-action.

10. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before executing the second maintenance mode, the controller is also configured to: The system prompts the user to perform pre-test preparations for the test reagents. And / or, It sends a prompt to the user to prepare for maintenance of the equipment.

11. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before executing the second maintenance mode, the controller is also configured to: The system prompts the user to place the device containing the enhanced cleaning solution into the reagent unit.

12. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before executing the second maintenance mode, the controller is also configured to: The actuators in the maintenance process and the sample testing process are controlled to perform mechanical resets.

13. A method for maintaining a sample analyzer, comprising: The control sample analyzer executes the first maintenance procedure to maintain the components to be maintained; Get sample test instructions; The sample analyzer is controlled to stop executing the first maintenance procedure and undergo a mechanical reset. The sample analyzer is controlled to simultaneously execute the second maintenance procedure and the sample testing procedure, so that the sample analyzer performs maintenance on the component to be maintained while simultaneously testing the sample.

14. A method for maintaining a sample analyzer, comprising: The sample analyzer is controlled to execute a first maintenance procedure to maintain the component to be maintained. The first maintenance procedure includes: Step 1: Control the reaction cup loading mechanism, reaction disk, magnetic separation unit and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer to perform mechanical reset; Step 2: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to grip the reaction cup and place it in the preset hole of the reaction plate; Step 3: Control the reaction disk to position the preset hole to the rear operation position so that the gripping and transferring mechanism can place the reaction cup into the magnetic separation disk of the magnetic separation unit; Step 4: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to transport the reaction cup to below the first injection needle of the magnetic separation disk, and control the first injection needle to inject a preset amount of cleaning solution into the reaction cup; Step 5: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to transport the injected reaction cup to below the first aspiration needle, and start magnetic separation aspiration to complete the cleaning of the first aspiration needle; Step 6: Transport the reaction cup sequentially to the area below the remaining injection needles and aspiration needles in the magnetic separation plate to complete the cleaning of the remaining aspiration needles; Step 7: Control the movement of the magnetic separation disk to position the reaction cup to the rear operation position, so that the gripping and transferring mechanism discards the reaction cup; If the sample analyzer detects a sample testing command after executing the action command in step 5 of the first maintenance process, it controls the reaction cup loading mechanism, sample unit, sample dispensing mechanism, reagent unit, reagent dispensing mechanism, reaction disk, mixing mechanism, measuring unit, magnetic separation unit, waste liquid suction unit, and gripping and transferring mechanism in the sample analyzer to perform mechanical reset. After the mechanical reset is completed, the sample analyzer is controlled to execute the second maintenance process. During the mechanical reset of the magnetic separation unit, the magnetic separation disk is controlled to move to position the reaction cup to the rear operation position, so that the gripping and transferring mechanism discards the reaction cup. The second maintenance process includes: Step 1: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to grip a reaction cup from the reaction cup loading mechanism and place it at the sample dispensing position of the reaction tray; Step 2: After the sample dispensing mechanism draws a sample from the sample unit, it discharges the drawn sample into the reaction cup at the sample application position; Step 3: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to transport the sampled reaction cup to the reagent dispensing position on the reaction tray; Step 4: Mix the reagents in the reagent unit, and control the reagent dispensing mechanism to draw the reagents from the reagent unit and discharge them into the reaction cup in the reagent addition position; Step 5: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to transport the reaction cup with added reagents to the mixing mechanism for mixing; Step 6: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the reaction cup in the mixing mechanism to the rear operating position of the reaction tray for incubation; Step 7: After incubation, control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the reaction cup of the post-operation position to the magnetic separation unit for magnetic separation and cleaning; Step 8: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the magnetically separated and cleaned reaction cup to the measuring unit for measurement; Step 9: Control the gripping and conveying mechanism to transport the measured reaction cup to the waste liquid suction position in the reaction tray, so that the waste liquid suction unit can suck up the reaction liquid after the test in the reaction cup; Step 10: Control the gripping and transferring mechanism to transport the reaction cup at the waste liquid level to the rear operation position, so that the gripping and transferring mechanism discards the reaction cup from the rear operation position.

15. A sample analyzer, comprising at least: A reaction vessel loading mechanism is used to supply and transport reaction vessels to a predetermined location. Sample unit, used to hold samples; The sample dispensing mechanism is used to draw up samples and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the sample dispensing position; The reagent unit is used to hold the reagents; The reagent dispensing mechanism is used to draw up reagents and dispense them into the reaction cup located at the reagent addition position; The reaction disk is arranged in a disc shape and has multiple placement positions for placing reaction cups. The reaction disk can rotate and drive the reaction cups in the placement positions to rotate, which is used to manage the reaction cups and incubate the reaction liquid in the reaction cups within the reaction disk. The mixing mechanism is used to mix the reaction liquid that needs to be mixed in the reaction vessel; The measuring unit is used to measure the reaction solution to be tested; The magnetic separation unit is used for magnetic separation and cleaning of the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel; A gripping and transferring mechanism is used to grip reaction cups and to move reaction cups between at least the reaction cup loading mechanism, the reaction tray, the mixing mechanism, and the magnetic separation unit. The waste liquid suction unit is used to suction the reaction liquid from the reaction cup after the test is completed. The controller is used to control the sample analyzer to perform the maintenance process on the component to be maintained and the sample test process on the sample to be tested.

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