Analysis work assisting apparatus and analysis work assisting software

Abstract

An apparatus (4) for assisting in analytical operations that perform a protocol for measuring a specified sample by placing a specified sample in all or part of a plurality of sample placement sections provided in a sample receiving member. The apparatus (4) comprises: a storage unit (41) storing a plurality of protocols; a display unit (6); a protocol selection input receiving unit (42) receiving input for selecting a protocol; a sample position display unit (43) displaying the position of the sample placement section corresponding to the protocol input to the protocol selection input receiving unit and information about the sample; a display item selection unit (653) receiving selection of one or both of the information about the position of the sample placement section and the information about the sample; and a display switching unit (44) switching the display performed by the sample position display unit according to the selection made by the display item selection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and computer software for assisting in analysis tasks. Background Technology

[0002] Alzheimer's disease is known to be a cause of dementia. When someone develops Alzheimer's, symptoms such as memory and cognitive decline gradually worsen. Therefore, early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's before the onset of dementia are effective.

[0003] It is known that Alzheimer's disease patients accumulate a substance called β-amyloid protein in their brains (e.g., Non-Patent Document 1). Previously, positron emission tomography (PET) was used to examine the accumulation of β-amyloid protein in the brain; however, PET examinations are time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a method that uses mass spectrometry to measure the ion intensity of each of two specific peptides contained in the blood of a subject, and examines the accumulation status of β-amyloid protein based on their intensity ratio. This method allows for rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease compared to PET. Furthermore, it enables continuous and efficient diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in multiple subjects.

[0004] The method described in Patent Document 1 uses a MALDI-TOF type mass spectrometer. In this MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, a sample with a matrix added and arranged in wells of a sample plate is irradiated with a laser to generate ions (MALDI), and these ions are introduced into a time-of-flight (TOF) type mass separation section. The various ions introduced into the mass separation section fly within the TOF space at times corresponding to their respective mass-to-charge ratios and are detected.

[0005] As described above, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the intensity of the ions of each of two specific peptides contained in the blood of a subject is measured to examine the accumulation state of β-amyloid protein. Therefore, for accurate examination, it is necessary to accurately determine the position and intensity of the ion mass peaks. That is, it is required to always perform mass spectrometry analysis on the sample with a consistent mass accuracy or sensitivity. In cases where consistent mass accuracy or sensitivity is required, mass spectrometry analysis is performed according to a predetermined standard operating procedure (SOP).

[0006] Here is an example of a standard operating procedure for mass spectrometry analysis of a sample using a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer. The sample plate used in MALDI is divided into several independent square regions. Each independent region has a central well for placing a calibrator, and four surrounding wells for placing the sample. The calibrator is a substance that generates ions with a known mass-to-charge ratio for mass calibration.

[0007] First, a first protocol is implemented to determine the laser intensity optimal for ionization of the sample. In this first protocol, multiple independent regions on a sample plate, the same number as the pre-defined candidate values ​​for laser intensity, are used. A standard sample containing a predetermined amount of the target substance is placed in four wells within each independent region, and a calibrator is placed in one well. In this first protocol, the same standard sample and calibrator are placed in all independent regions. After the standard sample and calibrator are placed, the sample plate is mounted on the mass spectrometer. Then, the calibrator placed in the initial independent region is irradiated with a laser of intensity having one candidate value. The detection result of the generated ions is compared with the actual mass-to-charge ratio of the ions to perform mass calibration of the mass spectrometer. After measuring the calibrator, the samples placed in the four wells within the same independent region are also irradiated with the same laser of intensity having one candidate value, and the generated ions are detected. Then, the detection intensities of the ions obtained from four mass spectrometry analyses are averaged, and the detection sensitivity for the laser intensity is determined based on the detection intensity of ions with a pre-determined mass-to-charge ratio. Mass spectrometry analysis is performed by irradiating standard samples arranged in all independent regions with lasers of different intensities for each candidate laser intensity. The detection sensitivity of each candidate ion for each laser intensity is then determined, and the laser intensity to be irradiated onto the actual sample is decided based on these results. Generally, the candidate laser intensity with the highest detection sensitivity is selected.

[0008] Once the intensity of the laser to be irradiated onto the sample is determined, a second protocol is then implemented to determine the correction value related to the relationship between the content of the target substance and the detection intensity of the ions. In this second protocol, multiple standard samples containing different specified amounts of the target substance are used, along with the same number of independent regions as the multiple samples. Identical standard samples are placed in four wells of each independent region, and a calibrator is placed in one well. A calibrator common to all independent regions is used. After the standard samples and calibrator are placed, the sample plate is mounted on the mass spectrometer. The calibrator placed in the initial independent region is then irradiated with a laser of the intensity determined by the previous protocol to perform mass calibration of the mass spectrometer, in the same manner as when executing the first protocol. After the calibrator is measured, the standard samples placed in the four wells of the same independent region are irradiated with lasers of the intensity determined by the first protocol. The detection intensities of the ions obtained from four mass spectrometry analyses are averaged, and the relationship between the content of the target substance in the standard sample and the detection intensity of the ions is determined based on the detection intensity of ions with a predetermined mass-to-charge ratio. This series of mass spectrometry analyses is performed in all independent regions. Then, a correction value for the detection intensity is determined in a way that makes the detection intensity of the ions of each specified amount of the target substance a predetermined intensity.

[0009] After implementing the two protocols described above, a third protocol for mass spectrometry analysis of the target sample is executed. In this third protocol, a standard sample is placed in the first independent region, and the target sample is placed sequentially from the next independent region. When a predetermined number of target samples are placed, a standard sample is placed again in the next independent region. That is, the standard sample and the target sample are placed in such a way that the standard sample is measured whenever a predetermined number of target samples are to be analyzed by mass spectrometry. The standard sample is used to confirm that the mass spectrometry analysis was performed correctly at each time point. Similar to the two protocols described above, a calibrator for mass calibration is also placed in each independent region in the third protocol. Then, mass spectrometry analysis is performed sequentially from the first independent region, irradiating the target sample placed in each of the four wells in each independent region with a laser of an intensity determined by the first protocol. The detection intensities of the ions obtained from the four mass spectrometry analyses are averaged, and the detection intensities of ions with a predetermined mass-to-charge ratio are corrected using a correction value determined by the second protocol, thereby determining the intensity of the ions originating from the target substance contained in the target sample.

[0010] Existing technical documents

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2015 / 178398

[0013] Non-patent literature

[0014] Non-patent document 1: "High performance plasma amyloid-β biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease", Akinori Nakamura, Naoki Kaneko, Victor L.Villemagne, Takashi Kato, James Doecke, Vincent Dore, Chris Fowler, Qiao-Xin Li, Ralph Martins, Christopher Rowe, Taisuke Tomita, Katsumi Matsuzaki, Kenji Ishii, Kazunari Ishii, Yutaka Arahata, Shinichi Iwamoto, Kengo Ito, Koichi Tanaka, Colin L. Masters, Katsuhiko Yanagisawa, Nature, 2018, 554pp.249-254 Summary of the Invention

[0015] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0016] In the method described in Patent Document 1, since different samples are measured in each protocol, the samples need to be correctly positioned in each well within each independent region when performing each protocol. However, there is a problem: it is difficult for someone unfamiliar with the analysis to position the samples, which vary according to the protocol, in the correct positions of the wells in each independent region, and it is possible to position the wrong sample in the well.

[0017] The above example illustrates the situation of mass spectrometry analysis of samples using a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, but the same problem exists when analyzing samples using other analytical devices.

[0018] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology that assists in the analysis of multiple protocols, enabling the user to correctly configure the samples predetermined for each protocol in the sample configuration section provided in the sample receiving member for measurement.

[0019] Solution for solving the problem

[0020] The present invention, made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is an apparatus for assisting in performing an analytical operation according to a protocol in which a predetermined sample is disposed in all or some of the predetermined sample placement sections of a plurality of sample placement sections provided in a sample receiving member for measurement, the sample receiving member being mounted on an analytical apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

[0021] The storage unit stores multiple protocols and information about the location of the sample configuration unit corresponding to each of the multiple protocols and the sample itself.

[0022] Display section;

[0023] The protocol selection input acceptance unit accepts inputs for selecting any one of the plurality of protocols;

[0024] The sample position display unit reads from the storage unit the position of the sample configuration unit and the sample information corresponding to the protocol input to the protocol selection input receiving unit, and displays the position of the sample configuration unit and the sample information on the display unit.

[0025] The display shows the project selection section, the location of the sample preparation section, and the selection of one or both of the sample information; and

[0026] The display switching unit switches the display performed by the sample position display unit according to the selection made by the display item selection unit.

[0027] In addition, another aspect of the present invention, completed to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a program for assisting in an analytical operation that performs a protocol in which a specified sample is disposed in all or some of the specified sample placement sections of a plurality of sample placement sections provided in a sample receiving member, which is mounted on an analytical apparatus. The program is configured to operate a computer having a display section and a storage section storing information on the plurality of protocols and the positions of the sample placement sections corresponding to each of the plurality of protocols, as a functional unit for the following:

[0028] The protocol selection input acceptance unit accepts inputs for selecting any one of the plurality of protocols;

[0029] The sample position display unit reads from the storage unit the position of the sample configuration unit and the sample information corresponding to the protocol input to the protocol selection input receiving unit, and displays the position of the sample configuration unit and the sample information on the display unit.

[0030] The display shows the project selection section, the location of the sample preparation section, and the selection of one or both of the sample information; and

[0031] The display switching unit switches the display performed by the sample position display unit according to the selection made by the display item selection unit.

[0032] The effects of the invention

[0033] The analytical work assistance device and program of this invention are used to assist in performing analytical work according to a protocol in which a specified sample is placed in all or some of the specified sample placement sections of a sample receiving member installed in an analytical apparatus. Information on multiple protocols is pre-stored in a storage unit, including information on the sample to be measured in each protocol and the location of the sample placement section where the sample should be placed. When the user selects one of these protocols, the sample position display unit reads the location of the sample placement section corresponding to that protocol and the sample information from the storage unit and displays them on the display unit. Regarding the sample information, for example, in the case of a sample plate with multiple sample placement sections arranged in a grid pattern, when the sample plate is displayed in a specified orientation, the sample placement section located at the upper right end of the screen is set as the base point, and the number of samples to be placed in that protocol is displayed. Therefore, when performing each protocol, the user can easily determine which sample is best placed in which position, thereby correctly placing the sample for measurement.

[0034] Furthermore, the display unit can show information the user wants to confirm by selecting one or both of the information on the location of the sample placement section and the sample information. For example, if the sample information is text information, displaying both the information on the location of the sample placement section and the text information of the sample can lead to overlap and difficulty in confirmation. In this invention, by selecting one or both of the information on the location of the sample placement section and the sample information through the display item selection unit, the display unit can be switched, thereby improving the visibility of the items the user wants to confirm. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the main parts of an analysis system, including an analysis task assistance device and an analysis task assistance program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is an example of a display screen of the analysis system in this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a display example of the sample board outline display unit shown when executing the analysis protocol for selecting the laser power in this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4This is another example of a sample board outline display unit displayed when executing the analysis protocol for selecting the laser power in this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 5 This is another example of a sample board outline display unit displayed when executing the analysis protocol for selecting the laser power in this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a display example of the sample plate outline display section when executing the strength ratio calibration analysis protocol of this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 7 This is another example of a sample plate outline display shown when executing the strength ratio calibration analysis protocol of this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a display example of the sample plate outline display section shown when executing the analysis protocol of the sample analysis in this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 9 This is another example of a sample plate outline display unit displayed when executing the analysis protocol of the specimen analysis in this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the main parts of the analysis system for the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates an embodiment of the analytical work assistance device and program of the present invention. The analytical work assistance device and program of this embodiment are used to assist in a series of analytical tasks, including: measuring the ion intensity of each of two specific peptides contained in blood collected from a subject using mass spectrometry, and examining the accumulation status of β-amyloid protein based on their intensity ratio.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the main parts of the analysis system 1, which includes the analysis task assistance device and program of this embodiment. The analysis system 1 is generally composed of an analysis unit 2 and a control processing unit 4, and the analysis task assistance device and program are assembled into the control processing unit 4.

[0047] Analysis Section 2 is a MALDI-TOF type mass spectrometer consisting of a MALDI ion source and a linear time-of-flight mass separator (TOF).

[0048] The analysis unit 2 includes a chamber 20 for vacuum exhaust via a vacuum pump 21. Inside the chamber 20 are a sample stage 22 for holding a sample plate 23, an extraction electrode 24, an acceleration electrode 25, a flight tube 28 forming a flight space inside, and a detector 29. A window 201 is provided on the wall of the chamber 20 to allow light of the wavelength range of the laser described later to pass through. A laser irradiation unit 26, including a laser light source, is arranged outside the chamber 20 through the window 201, and a reflector 27 is arranged inside the chamber 20. The sample stage 22 can be moved in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by a stage drive unit 200 including a motor.

[0049] During sample measurement, the stage drive unit 200 moves the sample stage 22, aligning the sample plate 23, on which the sample is placed, with the laser irradiation position. Then, a laser of predetermined intensity for a predetermined time is emitted from the laser irradiation unit 26. After passing through the window 201, the emitted laser is reflected downwards by the reflector 27, thereby irradiating the sample placed in the hole on the sample plate 23.

[0050] Upon irradiation by a laser, the components in the sample vaporize and are ionized. The generated ions originating from the sample components are drawn out from near the surface of the sample plate 23 along the vertical (Z-axis) direction under the influence of an electric field formed by a DC voltage applied to the extraction electrode 24 by a power source (not shown). Upon reaching the accelerating electrode 25, the ions are given kinetic energy under the influence of an accelerating electric field formed by a DC voltage applied to the accelerating electrode 25 by a power source (not shown). Thus, the ions are accelerated in the vertical (Z-axis) direction and guided into the field-free, magnetic-free flight space inside the flight tube 28. During their flight within this space, the ions are separated in time according to their mass-to-charge ratio m / z and arrive at the detector 29. In the detector 29, the arriving ions are detected sequentially, and a detection signal corresponding to the amount of ions is output from the detector 29 and sequentially stored in the storage unit 41 (described later).

[0051] In addition to the storage unit 41, the control processing unit 4 also includes a protocol selection input receiving unit 42, a sample position display unit 43, a display switching unit 44, a protocol execution information collection unit 45, a judgment unit 46, a batch file creation unit 47, a measurement execution unit 48, and an analysis processing unit 49 as functional blocks. The control processing unit 4 is essentially a regular personal computer, and each of the aforementioned functional blocks is implemented by the processor executing a pre-installed analysis program. Furthermore, the control processing unit 4 is connected to an input unit 5 and a display unit 6. The input unit 5 consists of a keyboard, mouse, or similar device for user input operations, and the display unit 6 consists of a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0052] The storage unit 41 stores information related to four analysis protocols. These four protocols are for performing laser power selection, intensity ratio calibration, standard plasma analysis, and sample analysis. The storage unit 41 also stores information on the execution order of the analysis protocols. In this embodiment, the analysis protocols are specified to be executed in the order of laser power selection, intensity ratio calibration, standard plasma analysis, and sample analysis. However, standard plasma analysis can be omitted (that is, sample analysis can be performed even without performing standard plasma analysis).

[0053] In addition, the storage unit 41 stores information about the samples used in each of the four analytical protocols (sample type, sample name, etc.) and analytical parameters. In the laser power selection, the following information is stored: a standard sample containing a specified amount of the peptide being measured; and analytical parameters including five setting values ​​(-10, -5, 0, +5, +10) related to the laser power value. These five setting values ​​(-10, -5, 0, +5, +10) are values ​​that increase / decrease the reference value of the laser power input by the user when determining the intensity of the laser irradiating the sample in the laser power selection analytical protocol described later.

[0054] In intensity ratio calibration, the following information is stored: four standard samples (IC-1, IC-2, IC-3, IC-4, IC-5) with different contents of the peptides being measured; and analytical parameters including the laser power value obtained from the analysis results based on the previous analytical protocol (selected laser power).

[0055] In standard plasma analysis, the following information is stored: the standard plasma used; and analytical parameters including the laser power value obtained from the resolution results based on a previous analytical protocol (selected laser power). Furthermore, standard plasma refers to plasma prepared by pretreatment of human plasma, and the content of the peptides being measured is known.

[0056] The sample analysis stores the following information: plasma extracted using the aforementioned standard plasma and plasma extracted from blood collected from subjects who have never been examined; and analytical parameters including the value of the laser power obtained from the analysis results based on the previous analysis protocol (selected laser power). In this embodiment, the case of using test subject samples 1-12 collected from 12 subjects is described, but the number of subjects can be appropriately varied within the range that can be mounted on the sample plate 23.

[0057] Next, the analysis process using the analysis system 1 of this embodiment will be described. When the user instructs to start the analysis, the following is displayed on the display unit 6: Figure 2 The image shown. In addition... Figure 2This is a display example of the status of the analysis protocol selected after the analysis protocol for laser power selection and intensity ratio calibration has been executed.

[0058] Figure 2 The screen shown includes an analysis protocol selection unit 61, a dataset name input unit 62, a start well number display unit 63, a sample information display unit 64, and a sample plate display unit 65.

[0059] The analysis protocol selection unit 61 includes the names and selection sections 611 for the four analysis protocols mentioned above, as well as an analysis protocol implementation information display unit 612. When a user selects any of the four selection sections 611, the protocol selection input receiving unit 42 accepts the input of the corresponding analysis protocol. The analysis protocol implementation information display unit 612 displays information related to the implemented analysis protocols.

[0060] The dataset name input section 62 includes a field for inputting the dataset name of data obtained through a series of analysis protocols. The start well number display section 63 displays the well number of the well where the first sample will be placed in the next analysis protocol. The sample information display section 64 includes a sample name display section 641 and a data editing button 642. The sample name display section 641 displays the relationship between the label displayed on the sample plate display section 65 (described later) and the sample name of the sample selected in the analysis protocol selection section 61. The data editing button 642 includes: an "Import" button for reading a file containing sample names and displaying it on the sample name display section 641; a "+" button for adding a display bar to the sample name display section 641; an "×" button for deleting a display bar from the sample name display section 641; and an "Edit" button 642 for editing the sample name displayed on the sample name display section 641.

[0061] The sample plate display unit 65 includes a sample plate outline display unit 651 and a display item selection unit 653. In the sample plate used in this embodiment, as shown in the sample plate outline display unit 651, the independent areas 652 for configuring the sample are arranged in a grid pattern. The same sample is placed in the holes located at the four corners of each independent area 652, and a calibrator is placed in the hole located in the center. A file creation button 66 for creating batch files is displayed below the sample plate display unit 65. These batch files are used to execute various analysis protocols.

[0062] First, when the user selects the analysis protocol (laser power selection) to be executed first from the analysis protocol selection unit 61, the protocol selection input receiving unit 42 accepts the input of the laser power selection protocol. When an analysis protocol is selected, the determination unit 46 reads the execution order information of the analysis protocols stored in the storage unit 41. Since the laser power selection protocol is the first analysis protocol to be executed, the determination unit 46 directly ends the operation. Next, the user inputs the name of the dataset. The display unit 6 displays a screen for inputting a reference value of the laser power used when executing the laser power selection protocol, prompting the user to input it. The reference value can be input within, for example, a range of 15 to 170. The following explanation uses the case where "15" is input as the reference value.

[0063] Next, the sample position display unit 43 reads the sample information and analysis parameters corresponding to the analysis protocol (laser power selection) accepted by the protocol selection input acceptance unit 42 from the storage unit 41. As described above, for the laser power selection protocol, the following information is stored: a standard sample containing a specified amount of the peptide as the analyte; and analysis parameters containing five setting values ​​(-10, -5, 0, +5, +10) related to the laser power value. When the sample position display unit 43 reads this information, it calculates the value obtained by increasing / decreasing the reference value of the laser power input by the user using the five setting values ​​(the actual laser power value irradiating the sample. In this example, these are 5, 10, 15, 20, 25), and displays this information at the position of the hole where the sample should be placed on the sample plate outline display unit 651.

[0064] exist Figure 3 The image shows a display example where the sample plate outline display unit 651 is displayed by the sample position display unit 43. In this embodiment, the sample position display unit 43 extracts five independent regions arranged horizontally by setting the upper right corner of the unused independent regions 652 (where all holes are unused at this time) as the first region. Then, the number (here, A1) of the hole located in the upper right corner of the upper right independent region 652 (the first hole among the four holes in which the sample is placed) is displayed in the start hole number display unit 63.

[0065] Next, the sample position display unit 43 displays the four corner holes of the five holes in each of the five independent regions 652 in yellow, indicating that they are holes for placing standard samples used for selecting laser power, and displays the central hole in purple, indicating that it is a hole for placing calibrators. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are monochrome, therefore... Figure 3 Different shades are used to represent different colors. Figure 4(The same applies thereafter). Furthermore, in each independent area 652, the laser power values ​​(obtained by increasing / decreasing a user-inputted reference laser power value using five preset values: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25) to be irradiated with the standard sample and calibrator placed in the holes within each independent area will be displayed as superimposed labels. In addition, Figure 3 The display example shown illustrates a state where all items in the display item selection section 653 are selected. The labels displayed in overlay within individual areas 652 vary depending on the analytical protocol. When different samples are configured between individual areas 652, labels related to each sample are displayed; when the same sample is configured in each individual area and measured using different analytical parameters, the value of that parameter is displayed as a label. The analytical protocol selected by the laser power corresponds to the latter.

[0066] When displayed as described above, such as Figure 3 As shown, the display of holes in each independent region 652 overlaps with the display of analysis parameter values ​​(in this case, candidate values ​​for laser power), making it difficult to identify the holes used for configuring the calibrator. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user can change the display mode by appropriately selecting an item in the display item selection unit 653. Figure 4 This is an example of displaying the status of the selected hole and calibration material hole in the display item selection section 653. Figure 5 This is an example of a display where only a label is selected in the display item selection unit 653. When the user changes the item selected in the display item selection unit 653, the display mode is changed by the display switching unit 44.

[0067] The user confirms the information displayed on the sample plate outline display unit 651 by the sample position display unit 43, and places the standard sample and calibrator in each hole of the sample plate 23. Then, when the file creation button 66 is pressed, the batch file creation unit 47 creates a batch file for executing the analysis protocol of laser power selection and saves it to the storage unit 41.

[0068] After creating the batch file, the user mounts the sample plate 23 onto the sample stage 22. Then, when the user instructs to start the measurement, the measurement execution unit 48 reads the batch file from the storage unit 41 and begins the measurement. After the measurement begins, the calibrator placed in the initial independent region 652 is irradiated with a laser of the intensity of the initial candidate value (5), and the mass spectrometer is mass-calibrated by comparing the detection result of the generated ions with the actual mass-to-charge ratio of the ions. For example, mass calibration is performed by changing the time-of-flight to mass-to-charge ratio conversion table provided with the mass spectrometer or pre-stored in the storage unit 41. After measuring the calibrator, the standard samples placed in the four wells (A1, A2, B1, B2) in the same independent region 652 are also irradiated with lasers of the same intensity (5) to generate ions, which are then detected by the detector 29 after mass separation. The output signal from the detector 29 is sequentially stored in the storage unit 41. In the remaining four independent regions, the same method is used to irradiate with lasers of the corresponding candidate values ​​to perform mass spectrometry analysis.

[0069] After the measurements of all independent regions 652 are completed, the analysis processing unit 49 averages the detection intensities of the ions obtained from four mass spectrometry analyses for each independent region 652 to calculate the detection intensity of the ions with the specific mass-to-charge ratio of the two peptides being measured. Then, the detection sensitivity of the ions for that intensity of laser is determined. Then, a candidate value of laser power (here, 20 is set as an example) is determined that can detect the ions originating from the two peptides with a sensitivity above a predetermined benchmark and maximizes the sum of the detection sensitivities of the ions originating from the two peptides, and this candidate value is saved to the storage unit 41.

[0070] Additionally, the analysis protocol implementation information display unit 612 of the analysis protocol selection unit 61 displays information related to the implementation of the protocol selected by the laser intensity. In this embodiment, it displays "Analysis was performed on 2020 / ** / **. Regarding intensity ratio calibration, standard plasma analysis, and sample analysis, measurements were performed using laser power 20." The value of laser power 20 is determined based on the results obtained from executing the analysis protocol with the selected laser power.

[0071] Furthermore, the protocol execution information collection unit 45 records the implementation of the laser power selection analysis protocol (for example, by adding a flag indicating that the laser power selection analysis protocol saved to the storage unit 41 has been implemented to update the information).

[0072] When the laser power selection analysis protocol ends, the user removes the sample plate 23 from the analysis unit 2. When the user selects the next analysis protocol (intensity ratio calibration) in the selection unit 611, the protocol selection input receiving unit 42 accepts the input of the intensity ratio calibration analysis protocol. When an analysis protocol is selected, the determination unit 46 reads the information stored in the storage unit 41 regarding the execution order of the analysis protocols. Intensity ratio calibration is an analysis protocol executed after the laser power selection analysis protocol. Therefore, the determination unit 46 confirms whether the analysis protocol (laser power selection) that should be executed first has been executed. As described above, the protocol execution information collection unit 45 records the status of the laser power selection analysis protocol that has been executed. If the determination unit 46 confirms whether the analysis protocol (laser power selection) that should be executed first has been executed, the operation ends. On the other hand, if the analysis protocol (laser power selection) that should be executed first has not been executed, the display unit 6 displays the message that the laser power selection has not been executed to urge the user to confirm.

[0073] Next, the sample position display unit 43 reads from the storage unit 41 the information and analytical parameters of the sample corresponding to the analytical protocol (intensity ratio calibration) accepted by the protocol selection input acceptance unit 42. As described above, for the intensity ratio calibration protocol, the following information is stored: four standard samples (IC-1, IC-2, IC-3, IC-4, IC-5) with different contents of the peptides to be measured; and analytical parameters such as the laser power (20) obtained from the analysis results of the analytical protocol selected based on the laser power. When the sample position display unit 43 reads this information, it displays this information at the position of the hole where the sample should be placed on the sample plate profile display unit 651.

[0074] exist Figure 6 The diagram shows a display example where the sample plate outline display unit 651 is displayed by the sample position display unit 43. At this point in time, the five independent regions 652 provided on the sample plate 23 have been used in the analysis protocol with the laser power selected. In the case where there are used independent regions 652, the sample position display unit 43 treats all the horizontally arranged independent regions 652 as used and displays all the holes inside these independent regions 652 in gray to indicate that they are unusable.

[0075] Next, the sample position display unit 43 sets the upper right corner of the unused independent area 652 as the starting area to extract the five independent areas arranged horizontally. Then, the number of the hole located in the upper right corner of the upper right independent area 652 (here, A3) is displayed in the starting hole number display unit 63.

[0076] Next, the sample position display unit 43 displays the four corner holes of the five holes in each of the five independent regions 652 in green, indicating that they are holes for configuring standard samples for strength ratio calibration, and displays the central hole in purple, indicating that it is a hole for configuring a calibrator. Figure 6 In, also with Figure 3 and Figure 4 Similarly, different shades are used to represent different colors. In addition, in each independent area 652, the names of the standard specimens (IC-1, IC-2, IC-3, IC-4, IC-5) that should be placed in the holes within that independent area 652 are displayed as labels. Figure 6 The example shown illustrates a state where all items in the display item selection section 653 are checked. Figures 3-5 Similarly, users can change the display mode by appropriately selecting items in the display item selection unit 653. Figure 7 The image shows a display example where only the labels in the items of the display item selection section 653 are selected.

[0077] The user confirms the information displayed on the sample plate outline display unit 651 by the sample position display unit 43, and arranges five standard samples and calibrators for strength ratio calibration in each hole of the sample plate 23. Then, when the file creation button 66 is pressed, the batch file creation unit 47 creates a batch file for the analysis protocol to perform strength ratio calibration and saves it to the storage unit 41.

[0078] After creating the batch file, the user mounts the sample plate 23, containing the calibrator and five standard samples in the specified holes, onto the sample stage 22. Then, when the user instructs to start the measurement, the measurement execution unit 48 reads the batch file from the storage unit 41 and begins the measurement. The measurement process is the same as when performing the previous laser power selection, so a description is omitted. However, in the intensity ratio calibration, all samples and calibrators are irradiated with a laser of the same intensity (laser power 20).

[0079] After the measurements of all independent regions 652 are completed, the analytical processing unit 49 averages the detection intensities of the ions obtained from four mass spectrometry analyses for each independent region 652. Based on the detection intensities of the ions with a predetermined mass-to-charge ratio (typically the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions specific to the two peptides), it calculates the relationship between the content of the target substance contained in the standard sample and the detection intensity of the ions. Then, it determines a correction value for the detection intensity in a way that makes the detection intensity of the ions of each specified amount of target substance equal to the predetermined intensity, and saves the correction value to the storage unit 41.

[0080] Additionally, the analysis protocol implementation information display unit 612 of the analysis protocol selection unit 61 displays information related to the implementation of the strength ratio calibration protocol. In this embodiment, it is displayed as "Analysis was performed on 2020 / ** / **."

[0081] Furthermore, the protocol execution information collection unit 45 records the status of analysis protocols that have implemented strength ratio calibration (for example, it updates the information by adding a flag indicating that the strength ratio calibration analysis protocol saved to the storage unit 41 has been implemented).

[0082] When the intensity ratio calibration analysis protocol ends, the user removes the sample plate 23 from the analysis unit 2. When the user selects the next analysis protocol to be executed (either standard plasma analysis or specimen analysis can be performed. Here, standard plasma analysis is omitted and specimen analysis is performed), the protocol selection input receiving unit 42 accepts the input of the specimen analysis protocol. When an analysis protocol is selected, the determination unit 46 reads the execution order information of the analysis protocols stored in the storage unit 41. The specimen analysis is the analysis protocol executed after the laser power selection and intensity ratio calibration analysis protocols. Therefore, the determination unit 46 confirms whether the analysis protocol that should be executed first (laser power selection and intensity ratio calibration) has been executed. As described above, the protocol execution information collection unit 45 records the status of the laser power selection analysis protocol that has been executed. If the determination unit 46 confirms whether the analysis protocol that should be executed first (laser power selection and intensity ratio calibration) has been executed, the operation ends. On the other hand, if the analysis protocol that should be executed first (laser power selection and / or intensity ratio calibration) has not been executed, the unexecuted analysis protocol is displayed on the display unit 6 to urge the user to execute it.

[0083] Next, the sample position display unit 43 reads from the storage unit 41 the information and analysis parameters of the sample corresponding to the analysis protocol (sample analysis) accepted by the protocol selection input acceptance unit 42. As described above, the following information is stored: plasma used and plasma extracted from blood collected from unexamined subjects (in this example, 12 unexamined test subject samples 1-12); and analysis parameters such as laser power (20) obtained from the analysis protocol analysis results selected based on laser power. When the sample position display unit 43 reads this information, it displays this information at the position of the hole where the sample should be placed in the sample plate outline display unit 651. However, the sample name of the test subject sample can contain a lot of information such as the collection date, the subject's name, gender, age, etc. It is difficult to display such a long sample name in a limited independent area 652. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is configured such that the correspondence of the display symbols (S1, S2, ...) used to display the above sample name is displayed in the sample name display unit 641, and the display symbols are superimposed as labels in the sample plate outline display unit 651.

[0084] exist Figure 8 The following is a display example in which the sample plate outline display unit 651 is displayed by the sample position display unit 43. Here, as in the previous example, the sample position display unit 43 treats all the independent regions 652 in the row where the used independent regions 652 are located as used and displays all the holes inside these independent regions 652 in gray to indicate that they are unusable.

[0085] Next, the sample position display unit 43 extracts the upper right corner of the unused independent area 652 as the starting area, and extracts 15 independent areas 652 arranged in a predetermined order from this independent area. There are 12 test samples, but in this embodiment, the tests are performed in the following order: first, standard plasma is measured; then, a predetermined number (in this example, 9) of test samples are measured consecutively; then, standard plasma is measured again; and after the last test sample is measured, standard plasma is measured again. Therefore, the sample position display unit 43 extracts 15 independent areas 652 (independent areas for configuring 1 standard plasma, 9 test samples, 1 standard plasma, 3 test samples, and 1 standard plasma). Furthermore, after measuring the sample in the independent area 652 located at the end of the row, the sample in the independent area 652 adjacent to that independent area 652 below it is measured. That is, when measuring across rows, the independent areas 652 are measured in a sequential back-and-forth manner (the first row from right to left, the next row from left to right). Therefore, the sample position display unit 43 also extracts 15 independent regions 652 in this measurement sequence. Then, the number (here, A5) of the hole located in the upper right of the independent region 652 (the hole in the first of the four holes in which the sample is placed in the independent region 652) is displayed in the start hole number display unit 63.

[0086] Next, the sample position display unit 43 displays the four corner holes of the five holes in the first independent region 652, the eleventh independent region 652, and the fifteenth independent region 652 in blue, indicating holes for standard plasma, and displays the central hole in purple, indicating a hole for calibrator. Additionally, the four corner holes of the five holes in each of the second to tenth independent regions 652 are displayed in red, indicating holes for the test sample (plasma from untested subjects), and the central hole is displayed in purple, indicating a hole for calibrator. Figure 8 In, also with Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6Similarly, different shades are used to represent different colors. In addition, the label indicating that it is standard plasma (“StdPlasma”) is superimposed in the separate area 652 for preparing standard plasma. In the separate area 652 for preparing the test samples (test sample 1-12), the display symbols (S1, S2, S3, ..., S12) corresponding to the test sample names that should be placed in the wells in this separate area 652 are superimposed as labels. Figure 8 The example shown illustrates a state where all items in the display item selection unit 653 are checked. Similarly, as described above, the user can change the display mode by appropriately selecting items in the display item selection unit 653. Figure 9 The image shows a display example where only the labels in the items of the display item selection section 653 are selected.

[0087] The user confirms the information displayed on the sample plate outline display unit 651 by the sample position display unit 43, and places standard plasma, test sample 1-12, and calibrator in each well of the sample plate 23. Then, when the file creation button 66 is pressed, the batch file creation unit 47 creates a batch file for the analysis protocol used to perform the sample analysis and saves it to the storage unit 41.

[0088] After creating the batch file, the user places a sample plate 23 containing standard plasma, test samples 1-12, and calibrators in the designated wells onto the sample stage 22. Then, when the user instructs to start the measurement, the measurement execution unit 48 reads the batch file from the storage unit 41 and begins the measurement. The measurement process for calibrators and standard plasma / test samples placed in the wells within the independent area 652 is the same as the measurement process when performing the previous laser power selection, so the description is omitted. Similar to intensity ratio calibration, all samples and calibrators are irradiated with the same intensity (laser power 20) of laser in the sample analysis.

[0089] In the sample analysis, the detection intensity of ions derived from two peptides obtained from standard plasma is first corrected using a correction value calculated in the intensity ratio calibration analysis protocol. Then, it is confirmed that the corrected ratio of the detection intensities of the two peptide ions is within an acceptable range relative to a predetermined value. If the ion detection intensity ratio is within an acceptable range, the test sample within adjacent independent regions 652 is measured. After measuring test samples 1-9, the standard plasma is measured again in the same manner as described above. If the corrected ratio of the detection intensities of the two peptide ions is outside the acceptable range relative to a predetermined value, an error message (the ion detection intensity ratio is outside the acceptable range relative to a predetermined value) is displayed on the display unit 6 after the measurement is completed.

[0090] After the measurements of all independent regions 652 are completed, the analysis processing unit 49 averages the detection intensities of the ions obtained from four mass spectrometry analyses for each independent region 652 containing the test sample, and extracts the detection intensity of the ions with a predetermined mass-to-charge ratio (the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions specific to the two peptides). Then, the intensity values ​​are corrected using the correction value calculated in the intensity ratio calibration analysis protocol. The intensity values ​​of the ions before and after correction for each test sample are stored in the storage unit 41. Subsequent analysis processing based on these intensity values ​​is the same as in Patent Document 1, and therefore, the description is omitted.

[0091] Thus, in the analysis system 1 of this embodiment, when implementing each analysis protocol, the sample position display unit 43 displays the position of the hole where the sample should be placed and the information of the sample to be placed on the sample plate outline display unit 651. Therefore, when executing each protocol, the user can easily determine which sample is best placed at which position, thereby correctly placing the sample. Furthermore, even in cases such as Figure 3 In cases where the display of the holes in each independent region 652 overlaps with the display of the analysis parameter values ​​(in this case, candidate values ​​of the laser power value), making it difficult to identify the holes used for calibrating the object, the selection of the items in the display item selection unit 653 can be appropriately changed so that the display unit 6 displays the content that the user wants to confirm, thereby improving visibility.

[0092] In the analysis system 1 of this embodiment, when the protocol execution information collection unit 45 records the implementation status of each analysis protocol and the user selects an analysis protocol, the batch file creation unit 47 creates a batch file for executing that analysis protocol after the determination unit 46 confirms whether the analysis protocol that should be executed before the selected one has been completed. In other words, if the user selects another protocol without executing the protocol that should be executed first, no batch file for executing that other protocol is created. Therefore, the user can execute multiple protocols in the correct order.

[0093] Furthermore, in the analysis system 1 of this embodiment, for the row where the used independent area 652 is located, the sample position display unit 43 treats all the independent areas 652 arranged along that row as used and sets the independent area 652 located at the right end of the next row as the starting hole, thus reducing the possibility that the user may mistakenly place the independent area 652 where the sample should be placed first.

[0094] Furthermore, in the analysis system 1 of this embodiment, since the holes in the independent regions 652 are displayed with colors corresponding to the type of sample that should be placed in those holes, the possibility of misplacing the sample can be reduced. Additionally, when the same sample is placed in each independent region 652 and measured using different analytical parameters, as in analysis protocols such as laser power selection, the value of that parameter is displayed as a label; when different samples are placed between independent regions 652, as in analysis protocols such as intensity ratio calibration or sample analysis, labels related to each sample are displayed. Therefore, the user can easily confirm which sample is placed in which independent region 652 and what analytical parameters are used for measurement.

[0095] The above embodiment is an example and can be appropriately modified while adhering to the spirit of the present invention. The above embodiment is set as an analytical system 1 equipped with a MALDI-TOF type mass spectrometer, but appropriate analytical devices may also be used depending on the purpose and content of the analysis.

[0096] In addition, in the above embodiment, the analysis operation assistance device and the analysis operation assistance program are configured to be assembled into a control processing unit 4, but they can also be configured independently.

[0097] exist Figure 10 The main structural components of the modified analysis system 100 are shown. The modified analysis system 100 comprises an analyzer 102, a control processing unit 140, and an analysis operation support device 340, and these components are capable of communicating with each other. The analyzer 102 can be the same mass spectrometer as in the above embodiment, or it can be another type of analyzer.

[0098] The control processing unit 140 is primarily responsible for controlling and analyzing the actions of each part of the analyzer 102. In addition to the storage unit 141, the control processing unit 140 also includes a measurement execution unit 148 and an analysis processing unit 149 as functional blocks. The specific functions of the measurement execution unit 148 and the analysis processing unit 149 are the same as in the above embodiment, and therefore description is omitted. The control processing unit 140 is essentially a regular personal computer, and the aforementioned functional blocks are implemented by the processor executing a pre-installed analysis program. Furthermore, an input unit 15 and a display unit 16 are connected to the control processing unit 140.

[0099] The analysis work assistance device 340 is used to assist users in performing analysis tasks, particularly in assisting with the placement of samples onto the sample plate 23. In addition to a storage unit 341, the analysis work assistance device 340 also includes a protocol selection input receiving unit 342, a sample position display unit 343, a display switching unit 344, a protocol execution information collection unit 345, a judgment unit 346, and a batch file creation unit 347 as functional blocks. The specific functions of these functional blocks are the same as in the above embodiment, and therefore descriptions are omitted. The analysis work assistance device 340 is also a typical personal computer, and the aforementioned functional blocks are implemented by a processor executing a pre-installed analysis program. Furthermore, an input unit 35 and a display unit 36 ​​are also connected to the analysis work assistance device 340.

[0100] The information stored in the storage unit 41 of the analysis system 1 in the above embodiment is stored in either or both of the storage unit 141 of the control processing unit 140 and the storage unit 341 of the analysis operation assistance device 340. If the same information is stored in both storage units, the updates of the information in storage units 141 and 341 can be synchronized.

[0101] [Way]

[0102] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following approaches.

[0103] (First item)

[0104] One approach is an apparatus for assisting in performing an analytical operation that involves configuring a specified sample in all or some of the specified sample configuration sections of a plurality of sample housing sections provided in an analytical apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

[0105] The storage unit stores multiple protocols, as well as the location of the sample configuration unit corresponding to each of the multiple protocols and information about the sample;

[0106] Display section;

[0107] The protocol selection input acceptance unit accepts inputs for selecting any one of the plurality of protocols;

[0108] The sample position display unit reads from the storage unit the position of the sample configuration unit and the sample information corresponding to the protocol input to the protocol selection input receiving unit, and displays the position of the sample configuration unit and the sample information on the display unit.

[0109] The display shows the project selection section, the location of the sample preparation section, and the selection of one or both of the sample information; and

[0110] The display switching unit switches the display performed by the sample position display unit according to the selection made by the display item selection unit.

[0111] (Item 6)

[0112] Another approach is a program for assisting in analytical operations that employ a protocol for determining a specified sample by placing a predetermined sample in all or some of the specified sample placement sections of a plurality of sample placement sections provided in an analytical apparatus. The sample placement section is mounted on an analytical device. The program is configured to operate a computer having a display section and a storage section containing information about the plurality of protocols and the positions of the sample placement sections corresponding to each protocol, as well as the sample information, as a functional unit.

[0113] The protocol selection input acceptance unit accepts inputs for selecting any one of the plurality of protocols;

[0114] The sample position display unit reads from the storage unit the position of the sample configuration unit and the sample information corresponding to the protocol input to the protocol selection input receiving unit, and displays the position of the sample configuration unit and the sample information on the display unit.

[0115] The display shows the project selection section, the location of the sample preparation section, and the selection of one or both of the sample information; and

[0116] The display switching unit switches the display performed by the sample position display unit according to the selection made by the display item selection unit.

[0117] The analytical operation assistance device described in the first item and the analytical operation assistance program described in the sixth item are used to assist in analytical operations that perform the following protocols: a protocol for measuring a specified sample by placing a specified sample in all or some of the specified sample placement sections provided in a sample housing member installed in an analytical apparatus. Multiple protocols containing information about the sample to be measured and the location of the sample placement section where the sample should be placed are pre-stored in a storage unit. When the user selects one of the pre-stored protocols, the sample position display unit reads the location of the sample placement section corresponding to that protocol and the sample information from the storage unit and displays them on the display unit. Regarding the sample information, for example, in the case of a sample plate with multiple sample placement sections arranged in a grid pattern, when the sample plate is displayed in a specified orientation, the sample placement section located at the upper right end of the screen is set as the base point, and the number of samples that should be placed in that protocol is displayed. Therefore, when performing each protocol, the user can easily determine which sample is best placed in which position, thus enabling correct sample placement for measurement.

[0118] Furthermore, the display unit can show information the user wants to confirm by selecting one or both of the information on the location of the sample placement section and the sample information. For example, if the sample information is text information, displaying both the information on the location of the sample placement section and the text information of the sample can lead to overlap and difficulty in confirmation. In the analysis operation assistance device described in the first item and the analysis operation assistance program described in the sixth item, the user selects one or both of the information on the location of the sample placement section and the sample information by displaying the item selection unit, thereby switching the display on the display unit and improving the visibility of the items the user wants to confirm.

[0119] (Second item)

[0120] In the analytical work aid device described in the first item,

[0121] The plurality of sample placement sections are arranged in a grid pattern.

[0122] When any one of the sample configurations arranged in a predetermined direction is used, the sample position display unit treats all sample configurations arranged in that direction as used and displays the used sample configurations and unused sample configurations in a distinguishable manner.

[0123] In the analytical work aid device described in the second item, since all rows or columns arranged in the aforementioned predetermined direction are considered to be in use, the possibility of the user mistaking the base point where the sample should be placed can be reduced.

[0124] (Third item)

[0125] In the analytical work auxiliary device described in the second item,

[0126] The sample position display unit uses a pre-determined corner of the unused sample configuration section as a base point to display information about the sample that should be configured.

[0127] In the analytical work aid device described in the third item, regardless of the agreement, the sample is always placed starting from the sample placement section located at a predetermined corner, thus further reducing the possibility that the user may mistakenly place the sample at the wrong base point.

[0128] (Item 4)

[0129] In any of the analytical work aids described in items one through three,

[0130] The sample position display unit displays the sample placement unit in a distinguishable manner according to the type of sample that should be placed.

[0131] When executing multiple protocols, sometimes not only the actual test specimens are measured, but also standard specimens corresponding to the purpose of each protocol are measured. In the analytical work aid device described in Section 4, the specimen preparation section is displayed in a distinguishable manner according to the type of specimen, thus reducing the possibility of incorrectly preparing the correct specimen.

[0132] (Item 5)

[0133] In any of the analytical work aids described in items one through four,

[0134] When the specimens to be configured include different specimens of the same type, the specimen position display unit displays text information for identifying the different specimens.

[0135] When measuring test samples collected from multiple subjects separately, or standard samples containing different specified amounts of target substances, the types of samples are the same. In the analytical work aid device described in item five, when different samples of the same type are arranged in this way, text information that can distinguish them from each other is displayed, so that these samples can be arranged correctly.

[0136] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0137] 1. 100: Analysis system; 102: Analyzer; 2: Analysis unit; 22: Sample stage; 23: Sample plate; 26: Laser irradiation unit; 27: Reflector; 28: Flight tube; 29: Detector; 4. 140: Control and processing unit; 41. 141. 341: Storage unit; 42. 342: Protocol selection input receiving unit; 43. 343: Sample position display unit; 44. 344: Display switching unit; 45. 345: Protocol execution information collection unit; 46. 346: Judgment unit; 47. 347: Batch file creation unit; 48. 148 : Measurement execution unit; 49, 149: Analysis processing unit; 5, 15, 35: Input unit; 6, 16, 36: Display unit; 61: Analysis protocol selection unit; 611: Selection unit; 612: Analysis protocol implementation information display unit; 62: Data set name input unit; 63: Start well number display unit; 64: Sample information display unit; 641: Sample name display unit; 642: Data editing button; 65: Sample plate display unit; 651: Sample plate outline display unit; 652: Independent area; 653: Display item selection unit; 66: File creation button.

Claims

1. An analytical operation assisting device for assisting an analytical operation that follows a protocol of configuring a specified sample in all or some of the specified sample placement sections of a plurality of sample placement sections provided in a sample receiving member for measurement, the sample receiving member being mounted on an analytical apparatus, the analytical operation assisting device comprising: The storage unit stores information about multiple protocols, the samples used in each of the multiple protocols, and the location of the sample configuration unit where the sample should be configured. Display section; The protocol selection input acceptance unit accepts inputs for selecting any one of the plurality of protocols; The sample position display unit reads from the storage unit information about the sample used in the protocol input to the protocol selection input receiving unit and information about the position of the sample configuration unit where the sample should be configured, and displays the position of the sample configuration unit where the sample should be configured and the information about the sample to be configured on the display unit when the protocol is implemented. The display shows the project selection section, which accepts information about the location of the sample preparation section and the selection of one or both of the sample information; as well as The display switching unit switches the display performed by the sample position display unit according to the selection made by the display item selection unit.

2. The analytical work auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of sample placement sections are arranged in a grid pattern. When any one of the sample configurations arranged in a predetermined direction is used, the sample position display unit treats all sample configurations arranged in that direction as used and displays the used sample configurations and unused sample configurations in a distinguishable manner.

3. The analytical work auxiliary device according to claim 2, wherein, The sample position display unit uses a pre-determined corner of the unused sample configuration section as a base point to display information about the sample that should be configured.

4. The analytical work auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein, The sample position display unit displays the sample placement unit in a distinguishable manner according to the type of sample that should be placed.

5. The analytical work auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein, When the specimens to be configured include different specimens of the same type, the specimen position display unit displays text information for identifying the different specimens.

6. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing an analysis job assistance program, the analysis job assistance program being used to assist an analysis job that performs a protocol for measuring a sample by placing a specified sample in all or some of a plurality of sample placement sections provided in a sample housing member mounted on an analytical apparatus, the analysis job assistance program being used to operate a computer having a display section and a storage section storing information on a plurality of protocols and the sample used in each of the plurality of protocols, as well as information on the location of the sample placement section where the sample should be placed, as a functional unit: The protocol selection input acceptance unit accepts inputs for selecting any one of the plurality of protocols; The sample position display unit reads from the storage unit information about the sample used in the protocol input to the protocol selection input receiving unit and information about the position of the sample configuration unit where the sample should be configured, and displays the position of the sample configuration unit where the sample should be configured and the information about the sample to be configured on the display unit when the protocol is implemented. The display shows the project selection section, which accepts information about the location of the sample preparation section and the selection of one or both of the sample information; as well as The display switching unit switches the display performed by the sample position display unit according to the selection made by the display item selection unit.

Images