Automated analysis device

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated analytical apparatus capable of efficiently stirring through a dispensing action. In the automated analytical apparatus of this invention, after the probe begins to dispense the sample into the container, the probe rises while dispensing the sample or reagent, thereby gradually increasing the distance between the liquid level in the container and the tip of the probe as the liquid level in the container dispensing from the probe rises (see Figure 6A).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Automated analytical devices for analyzing components of a patient's blood, urine, and bone marrow include (a) automated biochemical analytical devices that measure the amount of transmitted or scattered light obtained by irradiating a reaction solution of a sample and reagent with light, and (b) automated immunoassay devices that react a reagent with an attached marker with a sample and measure the amount of light emitted by the marker. In these automated analytical devices, techniques related to preventing liquid scattering when liquid is ejected from the probe into the reaction container are disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6381917 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] According to Patent Document 1, the probe is ejected while immersed in a few millimeters of liquid. However, the liquid flow is poorer above the probe tip and around the probe tip, making it uncertain whether efficient stirring can be achieved through the ejection action.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic analysis device that can efficiently perform stirring through a dispensing action.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] In the automatic analysis apparatus of the present invention, after the probe begins to eject the sample into the container, the probe rises while ejecting the sample or reagent, thereby gradually increasing the distance between the liquid level in the container and the tip of the probe as the liquid level in the container ejected from the probe rises.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, stirring can be carried out efficiently through a sputtering action. Attached Figure Description

[0013] [ Figure 1 [Illustration 1] is a block diagram that roughly represents the overall view of the automatic analysis device 10 of Embodiment 1.

[0014] [ Figure 2 [ ] is a plan view that roughly shows the structure of the analysis section 1.

[0015] [ Figure 3 [ ] is a schematic diagram of the betting organization 11.

[0016] [ Figure 4 [This is a flowchart illustrating the measurement operation of the automatic analysis device 10.]

[0017] [ Figure 5 [ ] is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 1.

[0018] [ Figure 6A [This is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36.]

[0019] [ Figure 6B [ ] is a graph showing the change over time of the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36.

[0020] [ Figure 7 [ ] is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 2.

[0021] [ Figure 8A [This is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36.]

[0022] [ Figure 8B [ ] is a graph showing the change over time of the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36.

[0023] [ Figure 9 [ ] is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 3.

[0024] [ Figure 10A [This is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36.]

[0025] [ Figure 10B [ ] is a graph showing the change over time of the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36.

[0026] [ Figure 11 [ ] is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 4.

[0027] [ Figure 12A[This is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36.]

[0028] [ Figure 12B [ ] is a graph showing the change over time of the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36.

[0029] [ Figure 13 [ ] is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 5.

[0030] [ Figure 14A [This is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36.]

[0031] [ Figure 14B [ ] is a graph showing the change over time of the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36.

[0032] [ Figure 15 [ ] is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 6.

[0033] [ Figure 16A [This is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36.]

[0034] [ Figure 16B [ ] is a graph showing the change over time of the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36.

[0035] [ Figure 17 [ ] is a graph showing the deviation rate (%) for Implementation Method 1 and the comparative example, respectively.

[0036] [ Figure 18 [ ] is a graph showing the rate of change (%) of absorbance over 5 minutes for Embodiment 1 and the comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, common components and identical components are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. In the following embodiments, the components (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential, except where specifically stated or where they are clearly considered necessary in principle.

[0038] <Implementation Method 1>

[0039] Figure 1This is a block diagram that schematically represents the overall view of the automatic analysis device 10 according to Embodiment 1. The automatic analysis device 10 mainly includes an analysis unit 1 for analyzing a mixture of liquid samples and reagents, a computer 3 (control unit) for controlling the analysis unit 1, and an analysis control unit 8.

[0040] The analysis and control unit 8 controls the operation of each mechanism in the analysis unit 1. Details will be described later. The computer 3 is connected to the analysis and control unit 8, the A / D converter 7, etc., via the interface 9. The computer 3 sends commands to the analysis and control unit 8, etc., to control the operation of each mechanism. The A / D converted data (photometric values) obtained from the analysis unit 1 is entered into the computer 3. The computer 3 uses the entered data (photometric values) to perform calculations. That is, the computer 3 can control each mechanism of the analysis unit 1 through the analysis and control unit 8 and can perform data calculations.

[0041] The interface 9 is connected to a printer 4 for printing, a memory 6 as a recording device, a keyboard 2 for inputting operation commands, and a display device 5, such as a CRT monitor or an LCD monitor. The memory 6 is, for example, a hard disk storage device or an external storage device. Information such as analysis parameters, analysis project requests, calibration results, and analysis results are recorded in the memory 6.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a plan view that roughly shows the structure of the analysis unit 1. The analysis unit 1 mainly includes a sample holder 25, a reagent tray 21, and a reaction tray (culture vessel) 15. The sample holder 25 holds the sample container 24. The reagent tray 21 holds the reagent container 22. The reaction tray 15 holds the reaction container 14 on its circumference. The analysis unit 1 also includes a dispensing mechanism 11, a dispensing mechanism cleaning unit 26, a reaction container cleaning unit 27, a light source 12, and a spectrophotometer 13.

[0043] The sample holder 25 is movable in the horizontal direction and holds multiple specimen containers 24 for holding biological samples such as blood (hereinafter referred to as specimens).

[0044] The reagent tray 21 can rotate intermittently clockwise and counterclockwise, and holds multiple reagent containers 22 corresponding to the analytical items of the automatic analysis device 10. Figure 2 The reagent tray 21 is shown partially cut open in the diagram. The reagent tray 21 is circular in plan view. Within the reagent tray 21, two reagent containers 22 are arranged radially (the two symbols 22 at the ends). That is, within the reagent tray 21, two concentric circular columns of reagent containers 22 are arranged around the center of the reagent tray 21. The reagents in the two radially arranged reagent containers 22 can also be of different types.

[0045] The reaction disk 15 can rotate intermittently clockwise and counterclockwise, and multiple reaction containers 14 for reacting the sample with the reagent are placed on the circumference.

[0046] The dispensing mechanism 11 draws a sample from the sample container 24 placed on the sample holder 25, draws reagent from the reagent container 22 in the reagent tray 21, and dispenses the drawn liquid into the reaction container 14 in the reaction tray 15. The dispensing mechanism 11 refers not only to the front end of the container forming the flow path for drawing and dispensing liquid, but also to the container surrounding the entire flow path from the pump (e.g., a syringe) used for drawing and dispensing liquid up to that front end. Figure 2 The image shows the up-and-down rotating mechanism (moving part) of the dispensing mechanism 11. This up-and-down rotating mechanism is used to change the part that draws in or dispenses the liquid.

[0047] A light source 12 is positioned near the outer periphery of the reaction dish 15 to illuminate the reaction container 14. A spectrophotometer 13 is positioned opposite the light source 12, across the reaction container 14, and optically measures the absorbance of the light irradiated by the light source 12 onto the sample, reagent, or mixture of sample and reagent inside the reaction container. The light source 12 irradiates multiple reaction containers 14, which move with the rotation of the reaction dish 15, at the moment the reaction container 14 traverses a predetermined light path. The spectrophotometer 13, through this irradiation, detects the light transmitted through each reaction container 14 at each wavelength according to the wavelength of the test item, onto the sample, reagent, or mixture of sample and reagent contained within each reaction container 14. The analog signal, such as the intensity of the light detected by the spectrophotometer 13, is input to an A / D converter 7 (see reference 7). Figure 1 The A / D converter 7 generates standard data or tested data based on the input digital signal, and the generated data is then input into the computer 3.

[0048] The reaction vessel cleaning unit 27 cleans the interior of each of the multiple reaction vessels 14 after the measurement performed by the spectrophotometer 13 is completed.

[0049] Although not specifically illustrated, the analysis unit 1 may sometimes include a stirring mechanism for stirring the liquid within the reaction vessel. Examples of stirring mechanisms include methods that involve physically stirring the solution by immersing a scraper in the solution within the reaction vessel 14 and rotating the scraper, and methods that generate a swirling flow by irradiating the solution with ultrasound.

[0050] The analysis control unit 8 controls the individual actions of the multiple units constituting the analysis unit 1. The analysis control unit 8 controls the rotational movement of the reagent tray 21 and reaction tray 15 via a drive mechanism such as a tray movement mechanism. The analysis control unit 8 controls the horizontal movement of the sample holder 25 via a drive mechanism such as a pulley mechanism or a ball screw mechanism. The analysis control unit 8 controls the up-and-down movement and rotational movement of the dispensing mechanism 11 via a drive mechanism such as an arm movement mechanism. The analysis control unit 8 controls the up-and-down movement of the reaction vessel cleaning unit 27 via a drive mechanism such as a lifting mechanism. The analysis control unit 8 controls the various pumps connected to the dispensing mechanism 11 (using... Figure 3 The suction and discharge actions (described later) control the pump supplying and stopping the cleaning water to the reaction vessel cleaning section 27.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing mechanism 11. The dispensing mechanism 11 consists of a dispensing probe 30, a dispensing arm 41, and a vertical rotation mechanism 42. The dispensing probe 30 is mounted at one end of the dispensing arm 41, and the dispensing arm 41 is connected to both the dispensing probe 30 and the vertical rotation mechanism 42. The vertical rotation mechanism 42 has a two-axis movement mechanism for vertical (vertical) and rotation. The dispensing mechanism 11 can move vertically and rotate via the vertical rotation mechanism 42. Thus, the dispensing mechanism 11 can draw reagent into a reagent container 22 (see reference 22). Figure 2 The reagent aspiration position moves to attract the sample towards the sample container 24 (see reference). Figure 2 The sample aspiration position moves, and the sample and reagent dispensing position, where the reaction container 14 is located, moves to dispense the aspirated sample and reagent. Additionally, the dispensing mechanism cleaning section 26 (see reference) can be used to clean the tip of the dispensing probe 30 with cleaning water or the like. Figure 2 The position of the vertical rotation unit 42 is moved by the analysis and control unit 8 (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 )control.

[0052] The dispensing flow path 47 is the flow path of the dispensing mechanism 11 that passes through the dispensing arm 41 and the up-and-down rotating actuation unit 42. The dispensing probe 30 is connected to the metering pump 45 via the dispensing flow path 47 located within the dispensing arm 41. The metering pump 45 has a plunger 43 and a drive unit 44, and is connected to the pump 46 via a valve 49. The metering pump 45 is controlled by the analysis control unit 8 (see reference 8). Figure 1 , Figure 2 )control.

[0053] The suction and discharge actions of the dispensing mechanism 11 are performed by the up-and-down movement (reciprocating motion) of the plunger 43 fixed to the metering pump 45. Working fluid (e.g., pure water) is filled from the tip of the dispensing probe 30 to the metering pump 45 and pump 46 via the dispensing flow path 47. The dispensing mechanism 11 includes a liquid level detector 48 for detecting the liquid level of the sample, reagent, or mixture of sample and reagent. The liquid level detector 48 detects the liquid level by means of electrostatic capacitance changes corresponding to the contact between the liquid level and the dispensing probe 30.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the measurement operations of the automatic analysis device 10. (Using...) Figure 4 The series of analysis actions in the automatic analysis device 10 will be explained.

[0055] ( Figure 4 Step S01: Preparatory Action)

[0056] If the analysis unit 1 receives an instruction to start the analysis operation from the computer 3 via the interface 9, the reaction vessel cleaning unit 27 begins cleaning the reaction vessel 14, and the water blank is measured using pure water discharged from the reaction vessel cleaning unit 27. This water blank measurement value becomes the reference for the absorbance measured later in the reaction vessel 14. Through one cycle of the reaction disk 15 (i.e., repeatedly moving it a certain distance and then temporarily stopping it), when the cleaned reaction vessel 14 advances to the dispensing position on the circumference of the dispensing mechanism 11 in the direction of rotation, the sample container 24 moves to the sample dispensing position on the circumference of the dispensing mechanism 11 in the direction of rotation due to the horizontal movement of the sample holder 25. At the same time, the reagent disk 21 rotates so that the reagent container 22 of the corresponding analytical item is in the reagent aspiration position on the circumference of the dispensing mechanism 11 in the direction of rotation.

[0057] ( Figure 4 Step S01)

[0058] The dispensing mechanism 11 draws air into the air, forming an air layer at the tip of the dispensing probe 30. This air layer is provided to prevent the working fluid (e.g., pure water) filling the dispensing flow path 47 from the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from mixing with the reagent subsequently drawn from the reagent container 22 within the dispensing probe 30. Then, when the dispensing mechanism 11 moves to the reagent dispensing position by rotation and vertical movement, it draws reagent from the reagent container 22 into the dispensing probe 30.

[0059] ( Figure 4 Step S02)

[0060] After reagent aspiration, the dispensing mechanism 11 moves vertically to an air position, drawing in air to form an air layer at the tip of the dispensing probe 30. This air layer is designed to prevent the sample subsequently aspirated from the sample container 24 from mixing with the reagent inside the dispensing probe 30. Then, the dispensing mechanism 11 moves to the dispensing mechanism cleaning section 26 via rotation and vertical movement, cleaning the tip of the dispensing probe 30 with cleaning water. After cleaning, the dispensing mechanism 11 moves vertically and vertically to the sample aspiration position, drawing the sample from the sample container 24 into the dispensing probe 30.

[0061] ( Figure 4 Step S03)

[0062] After the sample is aspirated, the dispensing mechanism 11 moves to the dispensing mechanism cleaning section 26 via rotation and vertical movement, and cleans the tip of the dispensing probe 30 with cleaning water. Then, the dispensing mechanism 11 moves to the dispensing position via rotation and vertical movement, and simultaneously dispenses a specified amount of sample and reagent into the reaction container 14. The details of the sample and reagent dispensing are described later.

[0063] ( Figure 4 Step S04)

[0064] After the sample and reagent are dispensed, in order to agitate the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 14, the dispensing mechanism 11 draws a predetermined amount of the mixture and then dispenses it back into the reaction vessel 14. This agitates the mixture. The re-drawing and re-dispensing of the sample and reagent after dispensing is referred to as pipette agitation. Although not specifically illustrated, agitation can also be performed using a stirring mechanism other than pipette agitation. For example, a stirring mechanism capable of immersing a scraper in the reaction solution and agitating by rotating the scraper, or agitating by irradiating with ultrasound and a swirling flow. If sufficient agitation can be achieved solely through the simultaneous dispensing of the sample and reagent by the dispensing mechanism 11, these agitation actions are unnecessary. The dispensing mechanism 11 moves to the dispensing mechanism cleaning section by vertical and rotary motion, cleaning the tip of the dispensing probe 30 with cleaning water in preparation for the next dispensing action.

[0065] ( Figure 4 Step S05)

[0066] After the sample and reagents are dispensed or stirred, the measurement is initiated by the spectrophotometer 13. Photometric measurements are performed as the reaction vessel 14 crosses the beam of light during the rotation of the reaction dish 15. Multiple photometric measurements are performed on the same reaction vessel 14 at time intervals determined for each analyte by the spectrophotometer 13.

[0067] ( Figure 4 Step S06)

[0068] Depending on the analytical item, there are items requiring the addition of a second reagent. In this case, after a certain period of time following the dispensing of the sample and the first reagent, the reagent tray 21 rotates, positioning the reagent container 22 for the corresponding analytical item at the reagent aspiration position on the circumference of the dispensing mechanism 11 in the direction of rotation. The dispensing mechanism 11 moves towards the reagent aspiration position through vertical and rotational movements. The dispensing mechanism 11 draws air into the air, forming an air layer at the tip of the probe. This air layer is provided to prevent the working fluid (e.g., pure water) filling the dispensing flow path 47 from the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from mixing with the second reagent subsequently drawn from the reagent container 22 within the dispensing probe 30. Subsequently, when the dispensing mechanism 11 moves to the reagent dispensing position through rotational and vertical movements, it draws the second reagent from the reagent container 22 into the dispensing probe 30. The dispensing mechanism 11 moves to the dispensing mechanism cleaning section 26 through rotational and vertical movements, cleaning the tip of the dispensing probe 30 with cleaning water. Next, the dispensing mechanism 11 moves to the dispensing position by rotating and moving up and down to dispense a specified amount of the second reagent into the reaction vessel 14.

[0069] ( Figure 4 Step S07)

[0070] Next, the mixture in the reaction vessel 14 is stirred by a stirring mechanism such as a pipette stirrer, a scraper, or an ultrasonic stirrer. If sufficient stirring can be achieved simply by dispensing the second reagent using the dispensing mechanism 11, these stirring actions may not be necessary.

[0071] ( Figure 4 Step S08)

[0072] After the second reagent is dispensed or stirred, the determination based on the spectrophotometer 13 continues.

[0073] ( Figure 4 Step S09)

[0074] After a certain period of time, the reaction vessel 14, having completed the measurement, is cleaned by having the reaction solution discharged from the reaction vessel cleaning section 27, preparing it for the next measurement. Between these actions, including cleaning, other reaction vessels 14 undergo parallel analytical operations (dispensing, photometric measurements, etc.) using other samples and reagents. The computer 3 calculates the concentration and enzyme activity values ​​based on the obtained measurement values ​​(absorbance). The calculated concentration and enzyme activity values ​​are stored in the memory 6 via the interface 9. Furthermore, the results are reported to the user via the display device 5. With these steps completed, the analysis operation of the automatic analysis device 10 is finished.

[0075] Figure 5This diagram schematically illustrates the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 Explain the operation of the dispensing probe 30 in step S03. Figure 5 The lowercase letters in the diagram, in the order (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), represent the time flow of the ejection action, and each diagram schematically illustrates the ejection state at each elapsed time. Similarly, in the other diagrams described later, these lowercase letters represent the time flow of the ejection action.

[0076] First, the analysis and control unit 8 lowers the dispensing mechanism 11 to near the bottom of the reaction vessel 14. Figure 5 (a)). The preferred position of the dispensing probe 30 as it descends into the reaction vessel 14 is approximately a few millimeters from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14. The reason for this will be explained later. In this embodiment 1, the distance from the bottom of the reaction vessel to the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is set to approximately 1 to 2 mm. At this time, the sample 33, reagent 32, and system water 31 (pure water, etc.) are held inside the dispensing probe 30. The liquids inside the dispensing probe 30 are arranged in the order of sample 33, reagent 32, and system water 31 from the tip of the dispensing probe 30 towards the vertical direction. There is a layer of segmented air 37 between the sample 33 and the reagent 32 to prevent the sample 33 and the reagent 32 from mixing inside the dispensing probe 30. Similarly, there is a layer of segmented air 38 between the reagent 32 and the system water 31 to prevent the reagent 32 and the system water 31 from mixing inside the dispensing probe 30. When the simultaneous ejection of the sample 33 and reagent 32 begins in this state, the ejected liquid is ejected from the front end of the dispensing probe 30 into the reaction vessel 14 in the order of sample 33, segmented air 37 (the layer between sample 33 and reagent 32) and reagent 32.

[0077] Next, the analysis control unit 8 initiates the dispensing action. First, the sample 33 is dispensed from the tip of the dispensing probe 30. Then, the analysis control unit 8 initiates the rising action of the dispensing probe 30 at the same time as the dispensing action begins or a few milliseconds later (for example, before the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is immersed in the dispensed sample 33 in the reaction vessel 14). Figure 5 (b) in the middle.

[0078] Next, the analysis control unit 8 controls the rising and ejection of the dispensing probe 30 until a predetermined amount of sample and reagent is ejected. Furthermore, the analysis control unit 8 controls the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30, causing the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36 in the reaction vessel 14 to increase over time. Figure 5 (c), (d), and (e) in the text.

[0079] After the analysis and control unit 8 finishes dispensing the prescribed amount of sample and reagent, it terminates the dispensing and rising actions of the dispensing mechanism 11. Figure 5 (f) in the middle.

[0080] The analysis and control unit 8 records data relating the total amount of sample 33 and reagent 32 dispensed (the height of the reaction liquid 36 dispensed into the reaction vessel 14) to the driving pulse and rising speed of the dispensing probe 30. This data is set based on known dimensions of the reaction vessel 14 and the time variation (dispensing speed) of the dispensing amount. For example, in this embodiment 1, the rising speed and driving pulse of the dispensing probe 30 are provided such that the rate of change α of the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the height of the reaction liquid 36 (where the horizontal axis represents elapsed time and the vertical axis represents the slope at distance Da) is 8.0 m / s. The analysis and control unit 8 controls the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30 based on the total amount dispensed, such that the rate of change α is constant or arbitrary.

[0081] Figure 6A This diagram illustrates the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36. Figure 6B This represents the change in distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction solution 36 over time. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different topic.) Figure 6A , Figure 6B The operation of the injection probe 30 is explained in detail. Figure 6A , Figure 6B In the diagram, P1, P2, and P3 represent points in time that have elapsed. Similarly, P* (* is an Arabic numeral) will be shown thereafter to represent points in time that have elapsed; their explanations will be omitted thereafter. Figure 6A , Figure 6B In the middle, the ejection action begins at point P1, the rising action of the injection probe 30 begins at point P2, and the ejection / rising action ends at point P3.

[0082] At time P1, the analysis control unit 8 begins the ejection action of the dispensing probe 30. Specimen 33 is first ejected from the tip of the dispensing probe 30 into the reaction vessel 14. At time P1, the dispensing probe 30 is stationary at a height of a few millimeters from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14; the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30 has not yet begun. Until time P2, when the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30 begins (i.e., between P1 and P2), the liquid level of the ejected liquid rises, and therefore the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the liquid level decreases over time.

[0083] Next, the analysis control unit 8 begins the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30 after time P2. The expelled fluid (sample 33 or reagent 32) continues to be expelled from the tip of the dispensing probe 30. At time P2, the fluid expelled from the tip of the dispensing probe 30 can be either sample 33 or reagent 32. That is, the analysis control unit 8 can also keep the dispensing probe 30 idle until all sample 33 has been expelled (without initiating the upward movement), and then begin the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30 after the expulsion of reagent 32 begins from the tip of the dispensing probe 30. Alternatively, the analysis control unit 8 can also begin the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30 simultaneously with the start of sample 33 expulsion (after time P1), or during the expulsion of sample 33.

[0084] After time P2, the analysis control unit 8 performs the ejection and ascent actions of the dispensing probe 30 until a predetermined amount is dispensed (up to P3). Furthermore, the analysis control unit 8 controls the ascent speed of the dispensing probe 30, causing the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36 in the reaction vessel 14 to increase over time until the predetermined amount is dispensed (up to P3). That is, the analysis control unit 8 controls the ascent speed of the dispensing probe 30 to achieve the rate of change α (e.g., α = 8.0 m / s) of the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36. The analysis control unit 8 terminates the ejection and ascent actions of the dispensing probe after time P3, which is the elapsed period after dispensing the predetermined amount of sample 33 and reagent 32.

[0085] In this way, by increasing the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the height of the reaction solution 36 over time, the dispensing liquid reaches a height position 35 (refer to) within the reaction solution 36. Figure 5 The reaction solution 36 also gradually changes. As a result, it can impart liquid flow to the entire reaction solution 36, and has the effect of efficiently stirring the ejected sample 33 and reagent 32 through the ejection action.

[0086] In the above description, it was explained that the preferred descent position of the dispensing probe 30 into the reaction container 14 before the dispensing begins is near the bottom of the reaction container 14, that is, a few millimeters from the bottom of the reaction container 14. When the dispensing action begins, it is envisioned that the segmented air 37 between the sample 33 and the reagent 32 breaks as it is expelled from the tip of the probe, causing one or both of the sample 33 or reagent 32 to scatter towards the wall of the reaction container 14. If the scattered liquid adheres to the wall of the reaction container 14, the reaction of the reaction solution cannot proceed sufficiently, which may adversely affect the analytical results. Furthermore, in recent years, with the trend of reducing the burden on patients, techniques for miniaturizing the amount of sample used in the assay have been developed. The sample used in the assay can be envisioned to be a small amount, at most about 40 μL. Therefore, the dispensing probe 30 is positioned near the bottom of the reaction container 14 at the start of dispensing (set to 1 mm to 2 mm from the bottom in this embodiment 1), so that the segmented air 37 between the sample 33 and the reagent 32 is expelled near the bottom of the reaction container 14. Therefore, even if splashing occurs due to the segmented air 37 between the sample 33 and the reagent 32, the splashing liquid adhering to the reaction vessel 14 is buried in the reaction liquid 36 as the liquid level rises, since the reagent continues to be ejected from a higher position. Thus, the analytical control unit 8 controls the dispensing probe 30 to descend to near the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and begin the dispensing action, thereby reducing the impact of splashing and improving analytical performance.

[0087] <Implementation Method 1: Summary>

[0088] The automatic analysis apparatus 10 of this embodiment 1, when simultaneously dispensing the sample 33 and reagent 32, which are different liquids, allows the height of the dispensing liquid in the reaction liquid 36 to gradually change by increasing the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36 over time. This provides a large overall liquid flow within the reaction liquid, enabling efficient stirring of the sample 33 and reagent 32 during dispensing. Efficient stirring during dispensing reduces the time required for subsequent additional stirring actions (such as pipette stirring), improving processing capacity. Furthermore, sufficient stirring during dispensing eliminates the need for additional stirring mechanisms (such as ultrasonic stirring), resulting in space-saving design of the apparatus.

[0089] The automatic analysis apparatus 10 of this embodiment 1, by lowering the dispensing probe 30 to near the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and beginning to dispense, can suppress liquid scattering from the segmented air 38 between the sample 33 and the reagent 32 to the vicinity of the bottom of the reaction vessel 14. Furthermore, by starting the probe's ascent at the same time as or a few milliseconds after the dispensing begins, the reagent 32 is dispensed from a higher position as the dispensing probe 30 rises, thus the liquid scattering onto the reaction vessel 14 is submerged within the reaction liquid 36 due to the rise in the liquid level of the reaction liquid 36. This reduces the impact of scattering on the measurement data and improves analytical performance.

[0090] Furthermore, although the automatic analysis device 10 of Embodiment 1 is not specifically illustrated, its configuration and dispensing process can also be as described below. The dispensing probe 30 draws the sample 33 from the sample container 24 and dispenses the sample 33 into the reaction container 14. Next, after the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is cleaned by the dispensing mechanism cleaning section 26, the dispensing probe 30 draws reagent 32 from the reagent container 22. Then, after the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is cleaned by the dispensing mechanism cleaning section 26, the analysis control section 8 lowers the dispensing probe 30 to approximately the liquid level of the sample 33 in the reaction container 14 (for example, 1 mm above the liquid level). Then, the analysis control section 8 starts the rising motion of the dispensing probe 30 simultaneously with or a few milliseconds after the start of reagent dispensing. Next, the analysis control section 8 controls the rising and dispensing motions of the dispensing probe 30 until a predetermined amount of reagent 32 is dispensed. Furthermore, the analysis and control unit 8 controls the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30, causing the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36 in the reaction container 14 to increase over time. This allows the height of the dispensing liquid in the reaction liquid 36 to gradually change. This provides a large overall liquid flow within the reaction liquid, enabling efficient stirring of the sample 33 and reagent 32 during dispensing.

[0091] Furthermore, although the automatic analysis device 10 of Embodiment 1 is not specifically illustrated, its configuration and dispensing process can also be as listed below. The automatic analysis device 10 includes two dispensing probes 30. That is, a sample probe for dispensing the sample 33 and a reagent probe for dispensing the reagent 32. The sample probe draws the sample 33 from the sample container 24. The reagent probe draws the reagent 32 from the reagent container 22. After cleaning the tips of each of the two probes with the dispensing mechanism cleaning unit 26, the analysis control unit 8 lowers the sample probe and reagent probe to near the bottom of the reaction container 14, and begins dispensing the sample 33 from the sample probe and the reagent 32 from the reagent probe. Simultaneously with or a few milliseconds after the dispensing begins, the analysis control unit 8 begins the rising motion of the dispensing probe 30. Then, the analysis control unit 8 controls the rising and dispensing motions of the dispensing probe 30 until a predetermined amount of reagent 32 is dispensed. Furthermore, the analysis and control unit 8 controls the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30, causing the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36 in the reaction container 14 to increase over time. This allows the height of the dispensing liquid in the reaction liquid 36 to gradually change. This provides a large overall liquid flow within the reaction liquid, enabling efficient stirring of the sample 33 and reagent 32 during dispensing.

[0092] Furthermore, although the automatic analysis device 10 of Embodiment 1 is not specifically illustrated, it can also be configured and dispensed as described below. In step S06, the second reagent is dispensed into the reaction container 14. The analysis control unit 8 lowers the dispensing probe 30 to approximately the height of the reaction liquid (the mixture of sample 33 and reagent 32) in the reaction container 14 (for example, 1 mm above the liquid surface). Then, at the same time as or a few milliseconds after the dispensing of the second reagent begins, the analysis control unit 8 begins the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30. Next, the analysis control unit 8 controls the upward movement and dispensing movement of the dispensing probe 30 until a predetermined amount of the second reagent is dispensed. In addition, the analysis control unit 8 controls the upward speed of the dispensing probe 30 so that the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the liquid surface 36 of the reaction liquid 36 in the reaction container 14 increases over time. As a result, the height of the dispensing liquid in the reaction liquid 36 can be gradually changed. It can impart a large liquid flow to the entire reaction solution and can efficiently stir the reaction solution (the mixture of sample 33 and reagent 32) and the second reagent during dispensing.

[0093] <Implementation Method 2>

[0094] In Embodiment 1, it is described that in step S03, the analysis control unit 8 controls the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30 so that the distance Da between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction liquid 36 in the reaction vessel 14 increases over time until a predetermined amount is dispensed. The step of raising the dispensing probe 30 is not limited to this.

[0095] In Embodiment 2, after the analysis control unit 8 controls the distance Da to increase over a predetermined time, the analysis control unit 8 then controls the distance Da to decrease over time. Even in this case, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. The configuration of the automatic analysis device 10 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the following mainly describes the differences related to the dispensing operation.

[0096] Figure 7 This diagram schematically illustrates the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 2. (Usage) Figure 8A , Figure 8B right Figure 7 The changes over time, such as the position of the tip of the dispensing probe 30, are explained.

[0097] Figure 8A This diagram illustrates the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36. Figure 8B This represents the change in distance Da over time between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction solution 36. (Used...) Figure 8A , Figure 8B The details of Embodiment 2 will now be explained. Regarding the probe rise control of the dispensing probe 30 performed by the analysis control unit 8, the explanation of matters identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0098] The analysis and control unit 8 initiates the dispensing action of the dispensing probe 30 (P4), and then causes the probe of the dispensing probe 30 to rise at a distance Da that increases with the elapsed time (P5 to P6). After a certain period of time, the analysis and control unit 8 stops the rising action of the dispensing probe 30 at time P6 (the point in time before the end of dispensing the predetermined amount). At time P6, the dispensing action continues. The analysis and control unit 8 ends the dispensing action at time P7 after the predetermined amount has been dispensed. That is, the analysis and control unit 8 controls the dispensing action by increasing the distance Da between time P5 and P6, and by decreasing the distance Da with the elapsed time between time P6 and P7.

[0099] <Implementation Method 2: Summary>

[0100] In this embodiment 2, the automatic analysis device 10 moves the dispensing probe 30 by increasing the distance Da, and then moves the dispensing probe 30 by decreasing the distance Da by fixing the vertical position of the dispensing probe 30. In this embodiment 2, the same effect as in embodiment 1 can be achieved.

[0101] <Implementation Method 3>

[0102] In step S03, the analysis control unit 8 can also control the dispensing probe 30 to be immersed in the surface of the reaction solution 36 when the prescribed amount of reagent 32 is dispensed. A specific example of this will be described in Embodiment 3. Even in this case, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. The configuration of the automatic analysis device 10 is the same as in Embodiment 1, therefore, the following mainly describes the differences related to the dispensing operation.

[0103] Figure 9 This diagram schematically illustrates the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 3. (Usage) Figure 10A , Figure 10B right Figure 9 The changes over time, such as the position of the tip of the dispensing probe 30, are explained.

[0104] Figure 10A This diagram illustrates the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36. Figure 10B This represents the change in distance Da over time between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction solution 36. (Used...) Figure 10A , Figure 10B The details of Embodiment 3 will now be explained. Regarding the probe rise control of the dispensing probe 30 performed by the analysis control unit 8, the explanation of matters identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0105] The analysis and control unit 8 initiates the ejection action of the dispensing probe 30 (P8), and then controls the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30, causing the distance Da to increase over time (P9 to P10). After a certain period of time, the analysis and control unit 8 stops the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30 at time P10 (the point before the end of dispensing the predetermined amount). At this time, the analysis and control unit 8 stops the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30 at a position lower than the liquid level of the reaction liquid 36 after dispensing the predetermined amount. Then, the ejection action ends at time P11. That is, at time P11 after the end of dispensing the predetermined amount, the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is immersed in the reaction liquid 36. To reduce the contamination range of the tip of the dispensing probe, the immersion amount of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is preferably about a few millimeters (e.g., 4 mm).

[0106] After time P11, liquid level detection can also be performed by liquid level detector 48. It is foreseeable that the liquid level of reaction liquid 36 will be slightly different from the known data due to the different wettability of reaction liquid 36 (due to the influence of the meniscus). Therefore, liquid level detection can also be performed using liquid level detector 48 after the dispensing action of dispensing probe 30 is completed, to confirm whether the tip of dispensing probe 30 is correctly immersed in reaction liquid 36 after dispensing.

[0107] <Implementation Method 3: Summary>

[0108] The automatic analysis device 10 of this embodiment 3 is controlled so that when the analysis control unit 8 finishes dispensing the reagent, the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is immersed in the reaction solution 36. For example, if the fluid depletion at the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is poor at the end of dispensing, and a droplet forms at the tip of the dispensing probe 30, sometimes the droplet cannot be dispensed into the reaction container 14, and the prescribed amount cannot be dispensed correctly. If the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is immersed in the liquid surface at the end of dispensing, the droplet can be immersed in the reaction solution, and the prescribed amount can be dispensed correctly. As a result, it helps to improve the analytical performance.

[0109] The automatic analysis device 10 of this embodiment 3 can accurately determine whether the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is immersed in the surface of the reaction liquid 36 by detecting the liquid level at the end of dispensing using the liquid level detector 48. If the liquid level detector 48 fails to detect the liquid level, and there is concern that the dispensing performance may deteriorate due to the formation of liquid droplets at the tip of the dispensing probe 30, the analysis control unit 8 can also add a data alarm indicating that the liquid level cannot be detected on the display device 5 via the interface 9. This allows the user to understand the reason for the poor data and to appropriately respond by requesting a re-inspection. Re-inspection can obtain appropriate measurement data, improving the reliability of the measurement results.

[0110] <Implementation Method 4>

[0111] In step S03, the analysis control unit 8 can also control the dispensing probe 30 to stop at a position above the surface of the reaction solution 36 when the prescribed amount of reagent 32 is dispensed (when the dispensing of reagent 32 ends). A specific example of this embodiment will be described in Embodiment 4. Even in this case, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. The configuration of the automatic analysis device 10 is the same as in Embodiment 1, therefore, the following mainly describes the differences related to the dispensing operation.

[0112] Figure 11 This diagram schematically illustrates the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 4. Figure 12A , Figure 12B right Figure 11 The changes over time, such as the position of the tip of the dispensing probe 30, are explained.

[0113] Figure 12A This diagram illustrates the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36. Figure 12B This represents the change in distance Da over time between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction solution 36. (Used...) Figure 12A , Figure 12B The details of Embodiment 4 will now be explained. Regarding the probe rise control of the dispensing probe 30 performed by the analysis control unit 8, the explanation of matters identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0114] The analysis and control unit 8 initiates the ejection action of the dispensing probe 30 (P12), and then controls the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30, causing the distance Da to increase over time (P13 to P14). After a certain period of time, the analysis and control unit 8 stops the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30 at time P14 (the point before the end of dispensing the predetermined amount). At this time, the analysis and control unit 8 stops the upward movement of the dispensing probe 30 at a position higher than the liquid level of the reaction liquid 36 after dispensing the predetermined amount. Then, the ejection action ends at time P15. That is, at time P15 after the end of dispensing the predetermined amount, the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is at a position higher than the liquid level of the reaction liquid 36.

[0115] <Implementation Method 4: Summary>

[0116] In the automatic analysis device 10 of this embodiment 4, the analysis control unit 8 controls the tip of the dispensing probe 30 to be higher than the liquid level of the reaction liquid 36 at the end of dispensing. For example, in Figure 4In step S04, when pipetting is performed (stirring by drawing and drawing out the reaction solution 36 again after dispensing), the dispensing probe 30 is filled with liquid (system water, etc.) before the pipetting begins. To prevent the reaction solution 36 drawn out again in the dispensing probe 30 due to pipetting and mixing with the liquid (system water 31, etc.) at the tip of the dispensing probe 30, air needs to be drawn out before the reaction solution 36 is drawn out again. That is, a segmented air layer needs to be formed between the reaction solution 36 and the system water 31. If the sample and reagent dispensing action of the dispensing probe 30 is ended while the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is immersed in the reaction solution 36, an additional upward action of pulling the tip of the dispensing probe 30 out of the liquid in the reaction solution 36 is required to form this segmented air layer. On the other hand, as in Embodiment 4, if the tip of the dispensing probe 30 stops at a position higher than the liquid level of the reaction liquid 36 at the end of dispensing, the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is in the air, and therefore air can be drawn in without additional upward movement. As a result, the operation time from the start of dispensing from the dispensing probe 30 to the end of stirring (pipette stirring) is reduced, resulting in improved processing capacity of the automatic analysis device 10.

[0117] <Implementation Method 5>

[0118] In step S03, the analysis control unit 8 can also control the dispensing probe 30 to remain immersed in the surface of the dispensed sample 33 or reaction solution 36 for a certain period of time after the start or end of sample dispensing. In Embodiment 5, a specific example will be described. Even in this case, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. The configuration of the automatic analysis device 10 is the same as in Embodiment 1; therefore, the following mainly describes the differences related to the dispensing operation.

[0119] Figure 13 This diagram schematically illustrates the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 5. (Usage) Figure 14A , Figure 14B right Figure 13 The changes over time, such as the position of the tip of the dispensing probe 30, are explained.

[0120] Figure 14A This diagram illustrates the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36. Figure 14B This represents the change in distance Da over time between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction solution 36. (Used...) Figure 14A , Figure 14BThe details of Embodiment 5 will now be explained. Regarding the probe rise control of the dispensing probe 30 performed by the analysis control unit 8, the explanation of matters identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0121] The analysis control unit 8 initiates the ejection of the dispensing probe 30 (P16). The analysis control unit 8 can also control the dispensing probe 30 so that, after ejection of the sample 33, the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is immersed in the ejected sample 33 or the reaction solution 36 (a mixture of sample 33 and reagent 32) for a certain period of time. That is, the analysis control unit 8 controls the descent of the dispensing probe 30 into the reaction container 14 before ejection begins, ensuring that, after ejection of the sample 33, the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is immersed in the ejected sample 33 and the reaction solution 36 (sample 33 and reagent 32) for a certain period of time, and after immersion, the dispensing probe 30 rises while ejecting reagent 32. Alternatively, the analysis control unit 8 can be controlled in the following manner: from the end of the ejection of the sample 33 until the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is immersed in the ejected sample 33 or reaction solution 36 (sample 33 and reagent 32) for a certain period of time, the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is kept at the ejection start position, and then the dispensing probe 30 is raised while the reagent 32 is ejected.

[0122] To reduce the contamination area at the nozzle tip, the immersion amount at the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is preferably around a few millimeters. For example, it is preferable that the analysis and control unit 8 controls the dispensing probe 30 so that the immersion amount at the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is around 4 millimeters or less.

[0123] <Implementation Method 5: Summary>

[0124] In this embodiment 5, the automatic analysis apparatus 10 immerses the tip of the dispensing probe 30 in the liquid surface of the sample 33 or the reaction solution 36 (sample 33 and reagent 32) within the container for a certain period of time after the start or end of sample dispensing. Thus, for example, if the probe tip is immersed in the liquid when all samples are dispensed, the segmented air 37 between the sample 33 and reagent 32, which is then dispensed from the tip of the dispensing probe 30, is dispensed into the sample 33 or the reaction solution 36. Since the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is in the liquid at this time, the liquid scattering caused by the segmented air 37 can be prevented. That is, analytical performance can be improved.

[0125] <Implementation Method 6>

[0126] In step S03, the analysis control unit 8 may lower the probe tip until it reaches approximately the liquid level where the dispensing probe 30 has completely dispensed the sample 33 into the reaction vessel 14, and then begin dispensing the sample 33 and reagent 32. A specific example of this embodiment will be described in Embodiment 6. Even in this case, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. The configuration of the automatic analysis device 10 is the same as in Embodiment 1, therefore, the following mainly describes the differences related to the dispensing operation.

[0127] Figure 15 This diagram schematically illustrates the operation and effect of the dispensing probe 30 when the automatic analysis device 10 simultaneously dispenses the sample and the first reagent in Embodiment 6. Figure 16A , Figure 16B right Figure 15 The changes over time, such as the position of the tip of the dispensing probe 30, are explained.

[0128] Figure 16A This diagram illustrates the relationship between the height of the tip of the dispensing probe 30 from the bottom of the reaction vessel 14 and the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 36. Figure 16B This represents the change in distance Da over time between the tip of the dispensing probe 30 and the surface of the reaction solution 36. (Used...) Figure 15 and Figure 16A , Figure 16B The details of Embodiment 6 will now be explained. Regarding the probe rise control of the dispensing probe 30 performed by the analysis control unit 8, the explanation of matters identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0129] The analysis and control unit 8 causes the dispensing probe 30 to descend into the reaction vessel 14. Figure 15 (a)). At this time, the analysis control unit 8 lowers the tip of the dispensing probe 30 to near the liquid level where a predetermined amount of sample 33 would be completely dispensed (for example, to the same height as the liquid level, or within 1 mm above the liquid level). The analysis control unit 8 initiates the dispensing action of the dispensing probe 30 (after time P20). After time P21, the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is at the same height as or a few millimeters above the liquid level of the dispensed sample 33.

[0130] <Implementation Method 6: Summary>

[0131] The automatic analysis apparatus 10 of this embodiment 6 begins to dispense the sample 33 after lowering the dispensing probe 30 to a height near the liquid level at which a predetermined amount of sample 33 is dispensed into the reaction vessel 14. Therefore, for example, when all the sample has been dispensed, if the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is at the same height as the sample 33 or a few millimeters above it, the segmented air 37 between the sample 33 and the reagent 32 dispensed from the tip of the dispensing probe 30 is then expelled into the air. By expelling the segmented air 37 into the air, air bubbles from the segmented air 37 can be prevented from contaminating the liquid. If air bubbles are mixed into the reaction liquid and adhere to the optical path area of ​​the light source 12 in the reaction vessel 14, they can sometimes affect the measurement data. This embodiment 6 improves analytical performance by preventing the contamination of these air bubbles.

[0132] <Implementation Method 7>

[0133] In step S03, the analysis control unit 8 can also change the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30 based on the liquid characteristics information of the dispensing solution. Here, liquid characteristics refer to viscosity, polarity, contact angle, etc. Depending on the viscosity, polarity, contact angle, etc., of the dispensing liquid, the intermolecular forces between the sample 33 and reagent 32 also differ. Therefore, the height reached by the dispensing liquid and the flow pattern of the liquid in the reaction solution 36 (the mixture of sample 33 and reagent 32) during dispensing also vary depending on the liquid characteristics. In this embodiment 7, a correspondence is established between the liquid characteristics of the solution and the rate of change α of an appropriate distance Da that maximizes the stirring effect during dispensing, and this data is pre-recorded in the memory 6. Alternatively, when commissioning an analysis before the start of the measurement, the user can input the viscosity and contact angle information of the reagent for the analysis item into the analysis control unit 8 via the keyboard 2. Other configurations are the same as in embodiment 1.

[0134] Before the dispensing probe 30 begins dispensing, the analysis and control unit 8 reads the rate of change α of the liquid properties of the solution from the memory 6. Then, the analysis and control unit 8 controls the dispensing probe 30 to provide an appropriate rising speed that maximizes the stirring effect during dispensing. Regarding viscosity information, pressure waveforms can be obtained during the aspiration of the sample 33 and the reagent 32. Based on these pressure waveforms, the computer 3 analyzes the viscosity of the sample 33 and the reagent 32, and inputs the analysis results into the analysis and control unit 8.

[0135] According to the automatic analysis device 10 of this embodiment 7, by changing the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30 according to the liquid characteristics of the solution, it is possible to efficiently stir while simultaneously dispensing the sample 33 and reagent 32, which are different liquids.

[0136] <Experimental Example>

[0137] The following describes the effect of experimental results on improving the stirring efficiency when the sample and reagent are simultaneously ejected in this embodiment. However, the following experimental results are used to illustrate the effect of this embodiment, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following experimental results.

[0138] The experiment was conducted using the automated analysis apparatus 10 described in Embodiment 1. The following two conditions were used. In Embodiment 1, after the dispensing probe 30 began to rise, the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30 was controlled so that the distance Da between the probe tip and the surface of the reaction solution 36 increased over time. In the comparative example, after the dispensing probe 30 began to rise, the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30 was controlled so that the distance Da between the probe tip and the surface of the reaction solution 36 remained constant regardless of time, and the probe tip was maintained immersed at a distance of 2 mm from the surface of the reaction solution 36. After the sample 33 and reagent 32 were simultaneously dispensed, no pipetting, ultrasonic stirring, or other stirring was performed.

[0139] As sample 33, an aqueous solution with added pigment is used; as reagent 32, a colorless, transparent solution with added viscosity is used. Sample 33 and reagent 32 are simultaneously ejected, and the absorbance (the absorbance characteristic of the pigment used as the sample) is measured after a specified time. Based on the obtained absorbance and the absorbance of the sample and pigment in a completely mixed state, the deviation rate (%) relative to the absorbance at complete mixing is calculated. The lower the deviation rate (%), the closer the stirring state achieved through ejection is to complete mixing. In other words, a lower deviation rate (%) indicates more efficient stirring through ejection.

[0140] Furthermore, absorbance was measured at regular intervals immediately after dispensing, and the 5-minute absorbance variation rate (%) was calculated. The 5-minute absorbance variation rate (%) represents the ratio of the range of absorbance data (maximum absorbance - minimum absorbance) obtained multiple times within 5 minutes to the absorbance after 5 minutes of dispensing. If efficient stirring is not possible during dispensing, the absorbance will also change due to the diffusion of the sample (pigment solution) after dispensing, thus increasing the absorbance variation rate (%). In other words, the smaller the 5-minute absorbance variation rate (%), the more efficient the stirring.

[0141] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the deviation rate (%) for Embodiment 1 and the comparative example, respectively. Measurements were performed multiple times under each condition, and the deviation rate (%) was plotted. According to... Figure 17 In Implementation Method 1, the deviation rate (%) from complete mixing is low, and the deviation from multiple measurements is also small.

[0142] Figure 18This is a graph showing the absorbance variation rate (%) over 5 minutes for Embodiment 1 and the comparative example. Multiple measurements were performed under various conditions, and the absorbance variation rate (%) was plotted. According to... Figure 18 The absorbance variation rate (%) of Embodiment 1 is lower, and the deviation between measurements is also smaller. Therefore, it can be seen that Embodiment 1 can perform stirring more efficiently during dispensing. That is, if the rising speed of the dispensing probe 30 is controlled after the dispensing probe 30 begins to rise so that the distance Da between the probe tip and the liquid surface of the reaction solution 36 increases with time, stirring can be performed efficiently when the sample and reagent are dispensed simultaneously.

[0143] <Regarding variations of the present invention>

[0144] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are those that have been explained in detail for the purpose of easily understanding the invention, and are not limited to having all the described configurations. Furthermore, a portion of the configuration of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of a certain embodiment. In addition, for a portion of the configuration of each embodiment, other configurations can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0145] Symbol Explanation

[0146] 1…Analytical unit, 2…Keyboard, 3…Computer, 4…Printer, 5…Display device, 6…Memory, 7…A / D converter, 8…Analytical control unit, 11…Dispensing mechanism, 12…Light source, 13…Spectrophotometer, 14…Reaction vessel, 15…Reaction tray, 21…Reagent tray, 22…Reagent container, 24…Specimen container, 25…Sample rack, 26…Dispensing mechanism cleaning unit, 30…Dispensing probe, 31…System water, 32…Reagent, 33…Specimen, 36…Reaction solution, 41…Dispensing arm, 42…Up and down rotating mechanism, 43…Plunger, 44…Drive unit, 45…Quantitative pump, 46…Pump, 47…Dispensing flow path, 48…Liquid level detector, 49…Valve.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, comprising: A probe, which attracts or ejects a sample or reagent from a container. The moving mechanism moves the probe, and The control unit controls the moving mechanism; The control unit controls the probe to attract the sample when the reagent is inside the probe. After the probe begins to eject the sample into the container, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to make the probe rise while ejecting the sample or reagent. As a result, the distance between the liquid level in the container ejected from the probe and the tip of the probe gradually increases until the ejection action ends.

2. An automatic analysis device, comprising: A probe, which attracts or ejects a sample or reagent from a container. The moving mechanism moves the probe, and The control unit controls the moving mechanism; The control unit controls the probe to attract the sample while the reagent is inside the probe. After the probe begins to eject the sample into the container, the control unit controls the moving mechanism to make the probe rise while ejecting the sample or reagent. As a result, the distance between the liquid level in the container and the tip of the probe gradually increases as the liquid level in the container rises from the probe. During the period from when the probe begins to rise while ejecting the sample or reagent until the probe stops ejecting the reagent, the distance between the liquid level in the container and the tip of the probe gradually increases and then gradually decreases until the ejection action ends.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, wherein, During at least a portion of the period from when the probe begins to eject the sample or reagent until the probe stops ejecting the reagent, the control unit gradually reduces the distance between the liquid surface in the container and the tip of the probe by fixing the position of the probe in the height direction.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit controls the moving mechanism so that when the probe finishes dispensing the reagent, the tip of the probe is immersed in the liquid in the container.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 4, wherein, The automatic analysis device also includes a liquid level detector for detecting the liquid level in the container. When the probe finishes dispensing the reagent, the control unit determines, based on the detection result of the liquid level detector, whether the tip of the probe is immersed in the liquid in the container. If the probe tip is not immersed in the liquid in the container when the probe finishes dispensing the reagent, the control unit outputs an alarm indicating this.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit controls the moving mechanism to keep the tip of the probe stationary at a fixed position above the liquid surface in the container. The probe terminates and ejects the reagent at the fixed position.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The probe attracts the reagent before discharging the sample into the container, and attracts the sample while the reagent is present inside the probe.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 7, wherein, After the probe moves its tip to a position below the inlet of the container, it ejects the sample into the container. The control unit prevents the probe from moving in the vertical direction while the probe is dispensing the sample into the container.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 7, wherein, The control unit controls the moving mechanism such that, for at least a portion of the period from when the probe begins to eject the specimen until when the probe begins to rise, the tip of the probe is immersed in the liquid in the container.

10. The automatic analysis device according to claim 9, wherein, The probe attracts segmented air between the reagent and the sample. The probe ejects the specimen at the end of the period when its tip is immersed in the liquid in the container, thereby expelling the segmented air from the liquid in the container.

11. The automatic analysis device according to claim 7, wherein, Before the probe begins to eject the sample, the control unit lowers the tip of the probe to a height within 1 mm above the liquid level in the container when the probe finishes ejecting all the sample.

12. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The automated analysis device also includes a storage unit that stores data describing the liquid properties of the sample or the liquid properties of the reagent. The control unit controls the probe's ascent speed according to the liquid characteristics described by the data.

13. The automatic analysis device according to claim 12, wherein, The liquid property includes at least one of viscosity or contact angle.

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